A new parking garage coming to downtown Danville is expected to be another “catalyst” to an already exploding area of the city.
Known as the River District, because of the Dan River nearby, the area that 15 years ago was barren of activity is now bustling with streets mixed with businesses and roughly 2,500 residents calling downtown home.
By revitalizing old buildings — including former tobacco warehouses — developers have transformed places that could have faced a wrecking ball into sought-after spots for living.
Last week, leaders gathered to mark what they called another milestone in the downtown rebirth by celebrating the start of construction for the six-tier Spring Street Parking Garage.
The $16.75 million project by the city will provide more than 430 parking spaces at 403 Spring St., at the corner of Spring and Union streets.
Although technically called a “groundbreaking,” Danville officials marked the occasion by ceremoniously tossing dirt dumped on the asphalt space, which is now a parking lot.
“It’s another great day to be in the River District,” Danville Mayor Alonzo Jones said to start the event, prompting a voice from the crowd to yell, “Say it again.”
He did.
Jones said the parking garage’s design will complement the surrounding streetscapes.
An artist rendering from Durham, North Carolina-based Built Form Architects shows what appears to be a mostly concrete structure, accentuated with brick on the first level. The brick-like accent extends up a glass tower on one side.
“This garage is about more than convenience,” Jones said. “It’s about connections.”
It will make it easier for people who may fear a parking problem to venture downtown.
The Danville Industrial Development Authority purchased the property in July. The quasi-government group then issued bonds to cover the costs. Danville will budget and provide debt service payments for the bonds.
It’s expected to be finished in about 14 months, the city reported.
Rivermont, also based in Durham, is the leading developer on the project.
“We’ve been envisioning a parking deck on this structure for several years,” Michael Lemanski, Rivermont’s chief executive officer, said at the celebration. “We recognize that these buildings that surround us and the ones behind us, the ones across the street and around it require parking in order to be redeveloped.”
Calling it an “exciting milestone,” he said the IDA and Danville will be a “huge catalyst to help encourage additional investment in the River District and the surrounding blocks.”
Alyssa Turner, the interim director of the River District Association, said the added parking spaces will make a better experience for downtown.
The nonprofit was formed in 1999 to coordinate the revitalization efforts of downtown.
“This isn’t just about contrite that’s being poured or the steel that is being placed,” he said. “This structure represents growth.”
She explained this happens through partnerships, Visio, and a shared belief of what a community can become.
”Today is about progress,” she said
”It’s about building the groundwork to support people,” she continued. “It reflects a community that continues to thrive.”
There’s another parking structure sandwiched between Bridge and Craghead Streets called the Acree’s Parking Garage. Opening in 2016, it has 132 spaces for vehicles.
Richmond-based Howard Shockey and Sons is the general contractor for the 0.7-acre project.
“Every project like this helps strengthen the heart of our city and this one is definitely no exception,” Jones said.
Neal Morris, the chair of Danville Industrial Development Board of Directors, cited studies showing the need for more parking as the downtown area expands.
”This additional parking will help alleviate the parking shortage and also provide parking for the influx of people going to Dan River Falls and the new Riverfront Park that will open soon,” he said, noting to two attractions about a block from the new parking garage.
“For anyone who’s ever said we need more parking in Danville, today is your day,” Jones said.
Read the original article here (Charles Wilborn, Danville Register & Bee)