FAMU Way/Capital Cascades Trail Wins Award of Merit

Project Recognized for In-depth Planning Process, Innovation and Superior Quality

September 06, 2017

Today, the Florida Chapter of the American Planning Association (FAPA) awarded the 2017 Planning Award of Merit to the City of Tallahassee and Leon County Government for the Blueprint Intergovernmental Agency’s FAMU Way/Capital Cascades Trail project. The award recognizes this project for demonstrating significant “on-the-ground” results that are supported by physical or social change.

Vying with projects from across the state, the FAMU Way/Capital Cascades Segment 3 project earned planning’s highest award. This recognition was achieved by applying the Blueprint Intergovernmental Agency’s founding principle of holistic planning, namely, economic, environmental and social values being complimentary and interdependent.

“FAMU Way is one of Tallahassee’s most important thoroughfares, connecting downtown to our southside and college districts,” said Mayor Andrew Gillum. “As a key infrastructure enhancement and one of our most beautiful corridors, it has greatly enhanced the quality of life for all of our citizens.”

The project team focused on the specific character, needs, and potential of the area, and included meaningful public involvement during both the planning and design process. The resulting citizen approved, state-of-the-art facilities include: a key component of the community’s multi-modal transportation system, vastly improved stormwater management, recreational amenities including a community plaza, multi-use trail, and playground. Additionally, the area features a market area, and significant safety, environmental, and aesthetic improvements.

"Funded by our community's local-option penny sales tax, FAMU Way/Capital Cascades Trail is an accomplishment of collaboration and planning," said Leon County Commissioner Mary Ann Lindley, Chair of the Blueprint Intergovernmental Agency. "The award-winning project will be a catalyst for future economic development and transformation. From gathering places, to green spaces, to a nearby market area, this project has a lot to offer the immediate neighborhood and our entire community."

The next phase of FAMU Way/ Capital Cascades Trail is currently under construction and is expected to be complete in 2018.

For more information about FAMU Way and other Blueprint projects, visit BlueprintIA.org, Talgov.com or www.LeonCountyFL.gov/FAMUWay.

Contact Information

Susan Emmanuel, Public Information Officer, Blueprint, 850.219.1060