The Press-Dispatch
Issue link: https://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/61487
The Press-Dispatch Stellar Community Finalist H Wednesday, April 11, 2012 E-9 5 Eighth Street Plaza A drawing of a proposed plaza on Eighth St. that will be located between the Pike County Courthouse and Stellar Technology Center. © Architectural Design Concepts, LLC and Midwestern Engineers. of Petersburg's downtown improve- ments. A downtown green space will be developed by closing Eighth St. between Main and Walnut Sts. The plaza will be a focal point connection the county courthouse and new Stel- lar Technology Center. A pavilion and outdoor perfor- This project will be the centerpiece VISION: mance area in the plaza will match and blend in to the Main Street streetscape improvements. Addi- tional parking will be developed on the Walnut St. side behind the for- mer Integra Bank drive through with two electric car charging stations. The Eighth Street Plaza will be the ideal home for concerts, festivals, farmers' market, car shows and other special events designed to increase downtown foot traffic. "It just evolved as we went through the planning process," said Peters- OVERVIEW: burg Mayor Jon Craig about the idea for the plaza. Originally the city's idea was to build senior housing at the former Petersburg Ready Mix site and con- nect it to the downtown by a series of sidewalks and street crossings. But along the way, Petersburg officials learned when talking to state officials, they preferred to focus all of the de- velopment in a small area downtown for the biggest impact. Consequently they moved the senior housing proj- ect to the downtown area. Craig said when this happened it allowed them to reallocate the money for sidewalks to connect the down- town and old site instead for a plaza. "As we have presented this plan to the community it has been gained tremendous support, hance the Stellar Technology Center. "They work together so well," said Craig. He said it is being designed to en- " said Craig. trol of Highway 57, they will be able to control truck traffic on Main St. Consequently it will allow the city much more flexibility along Main St. The plaza will become the center When and if Petersburg gains con- for activities such as festivals and music performances. completed. The city has made the decision to close Eighth St. perma- nently and the current Main Street Business Association stands ready to bring community events to the new plaza. The preliminary layouts have been READINESS: $1.2 million PROJECT BUDGET: Acquire property, environmental and design SCHEDULE: First year Apply for permits and complete construction Second year STELLAR COMMUNITIES WE ARE PROUD TO BE A PART OF THE STELLAR TEAM! Myszak + Palmer looks forward to being a part of the Petersburg Community with our new Mixed-Use Downtown Development. City of Petersburg Congratulations to the STELLAR COMMUNITIES The Press-Dispatch would like to congratulate Petersburg on earning the title of Stellar Communities Finalist. PO Box 68, Petersburg • 812-354-8500