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The Gainesville Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) requests a letter of interest from parties interested in developing a proposed hotel and conference center in Downtown Gainesville, Florida. The CRA is proposing a conference center/hotel for Alachua County’s (the County) “Capital Projects that Promote Tourism” request. The proposed development will contain a publicly-owned, multi-level conference center with highly flexible space, a privately-owned, full service hotel and potentially, street-level retail. If awarded by the County, the project will utilize funding generated from the County’s hotel bed tax, up to $7 Million. For more information please follow this link Downtown Hotel and Conference Facility.
On Thursday, September 10, 2009, the Gainesville Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), in partnership with the City of Gainesville Parks, Recreation & Cultural Affairs Department, held a historic marker dedication ceremony for the home of A. Quinn Jones, Sr.
A. Quinn Jones, Sr. (1893-1997) was a teacher, educational leader and prominent African-American advocate, who lived here from 1925 to 1997. The home (ca. 1920) is a one-story frame bungalow set on brick piers. Jones’ career, which spanned the segregation era, was marked by his determination to provide quality education to all African-American children. Jones served as teacher and principal at two of Alachua County’s most important African-American schools, Union Academy (1921-1923) and Lincoln High School (1923-1957). He taught English, Latin, math and science, and held fundraisers to ensure materials and salaries for his students and staff. In 1924-25, Jones extended Lincoln’s to the 12th grade so that students could earn a full high school diploma. The Florida Department of Education noted Jones’ leadership and, in 1926, Lincoln High School became Florida’s second accredited African-American High School. In 1956, Lincoln High School moved to the southeast area of Gainesville and the original building became an elementary school bearing Jones’ name. The A. Quinn Jones Center stands as a memorial to his extraordinary contributions to the African-American community, the people of Alachua County, and the State of Florida.
For more information about this project, please contact the CRA at 352-334-2205.
The FL Chapter of the American Planning Association (FAPA) has awarded a 2009 APA Florida Project Award to the Gainesville CRA. The CRA wil receive an Award of Merit for outstanding achievement in Neighborhood Planning for initiatives in the Fifth Avenue/Pleasant Street redevelopment area. In 2008 staff worked extensively with the FAPS advisory board, other citizen groups and the CRA Board to update and completely rewrite the FAPS Redevelopment Plan, which is the comprehensive vision for CRA activities in the area. FAPA has recognized both the FAPS Redevelopment Plan and the Gainesville CRA's strategic planning process as exemplary and innovative achievements which contribute to the field of planning and which provide practical transferability to other municipalities. |
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Vision of Depot Park Coming Into Focus
Truly an Honor
Ambitious Cade Museum Plans Gain Support
Inventor's Legacy
A. Quinn Jones
Walmart Praised
East Gainesville meeting
City Oks Study of Expansion Area
NW 5th Ave Streetscape Improvement Started
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