CITY BEAUTIFICATION BOARD

CITY BEAUTIFICATION BOARD2017 AWARDS Gainesville, Florida | April 26, 2017

OUTSTANDING ENVIRONMENTAL AWARD: Depot Park and Share-the-Road Memorial

OUTSTANDING INSTITUTION AWARD: Joseph Hernandez Hall Chemistry/Chemical Biology Building OUTSTANDING INSTITUTION AWARD: Exactech Arena at Stephen C. O’Connell Center

CITY BEAUTIFICATION BOARD2017 AWARDS

The Thomas Center Spanish Court and Long Gallery

302 Northeast 6th Avenue Gainesville, Florida

April 26, 2017

2 | City Beautification Board 2017 Awards

COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF GAINESVILLELauren Poe, MayorHarvey BuddCraig CarterTodd ChaseCharles GostonAdrian Hayes-SantosHelen Warren

CITY OF GAINESVILLEAnthony Lyons, City Manager Fredrick Murry, Assistant City ManagerPaul Folkers, Assistant City ManagerWendy Thomas, Department of Doing DirectorRalph Hilliard, Planning ManagerEarline Luhrman, Urban Forestry Inspector, City Beautification Board Liaison Jessica Gonzalez, Intern

Assisting with the program: Bedez Massey, PlannerElla Bernhardt Brooks, Staff Assistant Sally Wazny, Program Coordinator Denese Wethy, Staff Assistant Erica Chatman, Facilities Coordinator Lacy Holtzworth, City HorticulturistMark Siburt, City Arborist

City Beautification Board 2017 Awards | 3

CITY BEAUTIFICATION BOARD, 2017Tricia Hood, ChairAdam Boudreaux, Vice ChairKarla Shopoff, SecretaryJessica Gonzalez, InternEarline Luhrman, LiaisonKimberly Buchholz Lissa Campbell

Fletcher Crowe John Paul Fiore Kathryn HorterSelena PattersonJackie Smith Anita Spring

CITY BEAUTIFICATION BOARD PROJECTSEVENTSFlorida Arbor DayBeautification AwardsUrban Forestry Workshop

DESIGN GUIDELINES AND WORKSHOPSComprehensive Civic Design ProgramGateway Corridor StudyRoadway Lighting StandardsMedian Guidelines Study

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTSMusic: Vic Donnell Wine donated by: Gaston’s Tree Service Catering: Publix Plants: Park, Recreation and Cultural AffairsPrinted Program: Renaissance Printers

Presenting of the Awards: Tricia Hood Award Narratives: Fletcher Crowe (editor) Cover Photos: Jackie Smith, Jessica Gonzalez and AwardeesLayout and Design: Tracy BryantFloral Design: The Four Seasons Garden Club


CITY BEAUTIFICATION BOARD PLANTINGSARBOR DAY PARKS & PLANTINGS2017: Evergreen Cemetery and the A. Quinn Jones Museum (66 trees) 2016: Matheson History Museum and Sweetwater Branch Creek (64 trees) Dedication of a 100 year old Date

Palm to Earline Luhrman, Urban Forestry Inspector2015: Gainesville Police Department and Fred Cone Park (62 trees)

2014: 30th Year of Gainesville as Tree City, USA Arbor Day (60 trees planted at Depot Park and South Main Street (63 trees)

2013: City of Gainesville / Alachua County Senior Recreation Center (58 trees)2012: Thomas Center, University Avenue & Evergreen Cemetery (56 trees)2011: Ironwood Golf Course (54 trees)2010: Kirby Smith Center and City Hall (52 trees)

2009: 25th year of Gainesville as Tree City, USA (total: 61 trees: A.N.N.E. Park (13 trees); Gainesville Technology Enterprise Center (25 trees); Girl Scout Park (Kiwanis Park) (10 trees); Matheson Center (1 Liberty American elm); SE 7th Street (10 trees); Thomas Center (2 trees)

2008: Green Tree Park: Kiwanis Challenge Playground (48 trees) 2007: Evergreen Cemetery (46 trees) 2006: Roper Park, Thomas Center, Sweetwater Creek (44 trees)2005: Westside Park (42 trees) 2004: Eastside Recreation Center at Cone Park (40 trees) 2003: Cedar Grove Park (38 trees) 2002: Westside Park (36 trees) 2001: Sun Center Elms (downtown, 8 trees) 2000: Waldo Road Beautification Grant (206 trees) 1999: Northwest 13th Street Streetscape (live oaks in tree wells) 1998: West University “Oaks on the Avenue” (6th-12th Streets) (20 trees) 1997: “Anti-Arbor Day” to remove invasive tallow trees1996: East University “Oaks on the Avenue” (3rd-9th Streets) (20 trees) 1995: East University “Oaks on the Avenue” (9th Street- Waldo Road)(20 trees) 1984 to 1994: Downtown Plaza Ceremonies


THE AWARDSThe annual City Beautification Awards recognize excellence in a variety of design categories. The awards highlight projects of outstanding aesthetic and artistic appeal. Projects are evaluated for originality, innova-tion, and creativity, as well as for their sustainability, maintenance and use of serviceable materials. An award-winning site must exhibit appropriate land uti-lization, effective planning, compatibility with the area and screening of unsightly views. All projects must meet applicable building and landscaping codes. Each

must result in the improvement of the area, property or neighborhood.

Award-winning projects reflect the commitment of many individuals to excellence in design. Owners, managers, architects, landscape architects, engineers, designers and others have contributed to these prize-winning projects. The City Beautification Board salutes those who have made a significant contribu-tion to our community through each outstanding project.

THE PROGRAM Convocation: Earline Luhrman, Urban Forestry Inspector

Welcome: Tricia Hood, City Beautification Board Chair

Presentation of Awards by City Beautification Board Members:Outstanding IndividualOutstanding GroupRestoration & Adaptive ReuseInstitutional FacilitiesApartmentsCommercial & Retail BusinessesEnvironmental EnhancementPublic SpacesGainesville HeritageOutstanding InstitutionalOutstanding Environmental

Closing Remarks: Tricia Hood


OUTSTANDING INDIVIDUAL AWARDS

Anita SpringThis year the City Beautification Board salutes Dr. Anita Spring for her outstanding contribution to the beautification of our city over many decades. Dr. Spring is Professor Emeritus of Anthropology at the University of Florida. She has chaired and co-chaired the City Beautification Board for many years.

After serving as Associate Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at UF and Director of Women in Agriculture, she served as Chief of the Women and Agriculture and Rural Development unit for the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. Based at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy, Anita had worldwide responsibility for policy and projects of that program. Not surprisingly, when she returned to Gainesville, she had the perspective to “Think Globally and Act Locally.” She joined several boards, but quickly became enamored with the City Beautification Board and served as Chair of the CBB for many years.

As chair of the CBB, she modernized the annual awards ceremony, redesigned the logo, brochures, and plaques, and moved the board toward Urban Civic Design. Under her leadership, the board carried out workshops and commissioned studies that were approved by both the City and County Commissions, including the “Comprehensive Civic Design,” “the Gateway Corridor Study,” and “the Median Guidelines Study.” Starting in 2012, she and Earline Luhrman, urban forester and staff liaison to the CBB, configured the now annual Urban Forestry Workshop for landscapers and the general public.

She has chaired or supervised many Arbor Days since 1993, and started the idea of planting twice the number of trees as the number of years Gainesville was a Tree City USA. 2017 was the 33rd year, and 66 trees were planted at Evergreen Cemetery and the A. Quinn Jones Museum, as well as a commemorative tree for CBB member Abigail Dougherty, a UF student killed near campus, planted at the Matheson History Museum. The 25th and 30th years, in particular, generated gala ceremonies at the Thomas Center, Matheson, and Depot Park Building.

Dr. Spring is the current president of the Matheson History Museum, a former president of the Retired Faculty of the University of Florida, and the vice president of the United Nations Association–Gainesville. She is the author of 11 books and 65 articles.


OUTSTANDING GROUP AWARD

Gainesville Camellia Society

The Gainesville Camellia Society (GCS) is a voluntary, not for profit organization of camellia enthusiasts with purposes to promote camellia growing, provide education about camellias, and encourage civic beautification, especially camellia plantings. GCS has membership in the Atlantic Coast, American Camellia, and International Camellia Societies. The GCS has two major projects throughout the year. It sponsors an Annual Camellia Show at, and with the support of Kanapaha Botanical Gardens(KBG) in early January of each year. It works at KBG throughout the year, with the assistance of the Alachua Master Gardener(MG) program and GCS member volunteers to maintain and improve the Camellia/Azalea Garden. The Annual Show in January, 2017 brought nearly 1400 outstanding blooms by 36 exhibitors from Florida and Georgia to the Gainesville area. Even with the cold weather, visitors attended the two day show to admire the

camellia blooms. Flower arrangement displays featuring camellias were provided by the Gainesville Garden Club and attracted much attention. A short introductory course on camellia culture, including a walk through the camellia garden was also popular during the show. In 2012 the GCS, with the help of MG volunteers, began a project to revitalize the Camellia/Azalea Garden. After much work, the KBG Camellia/Azalea garden has become a well admired showcase. A Camellia Species area has been added and a section of the garden includes camellia varieties registered

by members of the GCS. GCS monthly meetings are open to non-members and provide educational programs and other activities focusing on correct planting technique, care of camellias, cloning plants by air-layering, grafting, pest control, pruning and fertilization. Experienced growers willingly share their knowledge with all. GCS also maintains a liaison and provides volunteer help to Wilmot Gardens on the UF Campus to maintain the camellias in the garden. The camellia garden to the East side of the North Florida Regional Hospital was an earlier project of the GCS and is popular locally. During the Spring Garden Festival at KBG the GCS booth provides visitors with information on camellia care and culture. A more recent addition to GCS educational activities is the “Gainesville Camellia Society” Facebook page that displays photos of blooms locally grown and offers tips and advice on caring for camellias.


RESTORATION AND ADAPTIVE REUSE

Comfort Temp Company | 4301 NW 6th Street

Comfort Temp is not just a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning company; it is an example of what a true community based business is all about. Comfort Temp Company began in 1985 as a small growing team of HVAC experts. Within the last 33 years, Comfort Temp has developed into a full-service mechanical/HVAC company specializing in heating and air conditioning services and providing excellent service at a good value to the community’s residential, commercial and industrial customers. Today, Comfort Temp proudly services Alachua, Bradford, Gilchrist, Levy and Marion Counties as well as Lake City and Palatka.

Its location at 4301 NW 6th Street underwent restoration that greatly improved the attractiveness of our urban

environment, and stands as a model for other local businesses to follow. The outside restoration of the property includes an improved façade facing the street, new roof and windows, and native trees lining the landscape between the building and the sidewalk. The result is a building that takes advantage of an existing structure, improves it, and seamlessly compliments the surrounding businesses in the area.

As a company with deep ties the Gainesville community, Comfort Temp understands that its responsibility to our residents goes beyond providing quality services.

The architect for the project is Juris Luzins, and the engineer is Jim Meehan.

Felipe’s Taqueria | 1209 W University Avenue

At the corner of W. University and NW 12th St formerly occupied by End Zone, Mellow Mushroom, and Miami Subs etc. Felipe’s Taqueria owner and architect Rob Stumm used a natural palette of jasmine, rough cut bald cypress and white paint for the exterior styling and completed the interior with horizontal finished bald cypress and handmade artisan tiles, planters, light fixtures, tables, chairs, and glassware from Tlaquepaque, Mexico.

Large roll up garage doors facing University Avenue invite Felipe’s guests into the relaxed dining and bar areas. The restaurant kitchen is an open design with full visibility from the dining room giving guests an inviting look into the action. On the eastern side of the dining area a large, covered multi-use patio extends the dining area to the exterior. The patio space boasts bald cypress privacy fencing, an authentic Mexican street taco cart, warm lighting, and a full outdoor bar, which add to the open and comfortable design elements of the interior. The combination of all elements blends together to create

a relaxing and casual space for having fun with friends and family.

The Felipe’s Taqueria concept is a family-owned and operated fast casual Mexican restaurant and cocktail bar. At Felipe’s their philosophy for food and drink is that ingredients should always be fresh and the recipes authentic. The open kitchen and made-in-Mexico décor elements in the W. University Avenue restaurant mirror this philosophy for fresh ingredients and authentic recipes.

For over 10 years Felipe’s has been bringing fresh and authentic Mexican food to New Orleans, and now recently into Florida as well. With 4 locations in New Orleans, one in Naples, FL, and now in Gainesville, each one of the six locations have been custom built with close attention to each restaurant’s unique surroundings and neighborhood.

The architect for the project was Ralph Long of New Orleans; General Contractor JVM of Naples, Landscaping by Skyfrog Landscape, LLC; and Bald Cypress supplied by Griffis Lumber.

Matheson History Museum Library & Archives | 418 E University Avenue

For more than 80 years a landmark at 418 East University Avenue in Gainesville, the Matheson Library & Archive was originally dedicated as the Gospel Tabernacle in 1933. Built brick-by-brick by the congregants over a period of years, it later served as a church, a job-training center,

the Barrow Family Antique Store and most recently The Melting Pot restaurant.

Prior to the Matheson History Museum’s purchase of the property in 2014, it had sat vacant for several years, sadly becoming an eyesore. Guided by Dr. Mark V. Barrow’s vision, with the assistance of a State of Florida Historic


Preservation Special Category Grant (SC631) and private donors, the Matheson History Museum has restored the building to its original simple, yet striking appearance.

Like the many congregants who originally constructed the building, many in the Gainesville community have worked to restore it and to make its grounds beautiful once again: Architect Jay Reeves and Associates, Inc., Ryland Wagner and T.J. Salmons of Joyner Construction, Inc.

Landscape designer Tricia Hood of Florida Green Keepers LLC and the members of the Gainesville Garden Club’s Jasmine Circle donated their time, and the Frontrunners Chapter of the Florida Nursery, Growers, and Landscapers Association donated plants to landscape the grounds. All have worked together to preserve the Matheson Library & Archive for the use and enjoyment of future generations.

INSTITUTIONAL FACILITIES

Holy Faith Parish Life Center | 747 NW 43rd Street

Holy Faith Catholic Parish of the St. Augustine Diocese was established in 1973 on NW 43 St., which was then the outskirts of Gainesville. It is now in the center of Gainesville and the church has a thriving membership of 2100 families. The two original buildings of the parish — a Parish Hall where Mass was celebrated and a Religious Education Building — were built in 1976.

In 1982, the Founding Pastor Fr. Flannan Walsh, with the parishioners, built a new Church and a Rectory. The late Architect Bill Eppes designed the Church, a modern structure, in some ways reminiscent of prairie style architecture. The building materials used in the church, which are brown brick, a lofty interior ceiling and terracotta tile, would be important for future buildings at Holy Faith.

By 2013 the 1976 buildings, built for a much smaller congregation, were aging and too small for the parish. Consequently, in that year Fr. John Phillips, the current pastor, proposed that the parishioners build a new Parish Life Center to replace the two original buildings with a new

Parish Hall and a Parish Learning Center. The parishioners enthusiastically raised the funds needed for construction.

The new Holy Faith Catholic Church Parish Life Center building is 18,000 square feet and located opposite the church building. A matching plaza was constructed in front of the church, new parking lots built, and an attractive retention pond with a nature walk completed. Though some trees were cut down for the project, the overall campus retains its “park-like” character with an abundance of trees and landscaping. The Florida Green Keepers were the landscape designers. Also, three of the four parish buildings are of the same style and material, which gives the campus a unified feel.

The new building, dedicated in September 2016 by Bishop Felipe J. Estévez, Bishop of Saint Augustine, has already served the parishioners well in faith education activities and the social life of the parish. Architects Billy Brame with Mick Richmond of Brame Heck Architects of Gainesville designed the parish hall. Parrish-McCall Constructors, with its owner Mike Walsh and his team, constructed the building.

Sigma Kappa Sorority House - Beta Tau Chapter | 1108 E Panhellenic Drive, University of Florida

he University of Florida began admitting full-time female students in the fall of 1947, and by 1949 there were eleven sororities on campus. The University of Florida platted lands for Sorority Row and in early 1955 the Beta Tau Chapter of Sigma Kappa moved into a Monterey-style home.

The size of the UF chapter ballooned from an original 10-25 members to about 250-275 women, and by 2014 it was obvious that an entirely new chapter house would be needed. In October 2015, the original Sigma Kappa house was demolished and rebuilding began.

The new Kappa Sigma house for the Beta Tau chapter is a $7 million Greek-revival style red brick house with cast stone accents. The chapter house compliments the traditional UF collegiate gothic style while giving a nod to


the iconic southern plantation-style Greek mansions. The house, which is surrounded by busy streets on three sides, allows members and guests to arrive on each side. The south-facing main entry welcomes members and guests with a two-story porch with a Juliette balcony and a pair of classic porch swings.

The stately building is balanced with femininity through curvy designs in both the hardscape and the landscape. Swooping brick sidewalks lead up the paver path to the front door. Carefully considered plants that are always in bloom tantalize the eye and offer the nose sweet smells from plants like the citrusy Tea Olive.

Creating inviting, functional outdoor space was a top priority for the new Kappa Sigma house. The north

courtyard is capable of holding large parties, yoga classes, sunbathers, and relaxing evenings on rocking chairs with friends. Although parking facilities for bikes, scooters and a few cars, surrounds the courtyard it is carefully landscaped to minimize the visual impact of these necessities. Additionally, several of the main rooms of the house look onto this attractive space.

The project was designed by Hug and Associates Architects of Alpharetta, GA; eda engineers-surveyors-planners; Buford Davis and Associates Landscape Architects; and Sarah Cain Interiors, all of Gainesville, contributed. D.E. Scorpio Corporation was the General Contractor and oversaw many local contractors in the construction of the new chapter house.

The Healing Garden at the Gainesville VA Honor Center | 1604 SE 3rd Avenue

The VA HONOR Center (providing Hope, Opportunities, Networking, Outreach and Recovery) is a state-of-the-art residential facility providing comprehensive programs for veterans who are homeless, disabled, or need a place to recuperate from a health care crisis or serious illness. Up to 45 veterans live at the center for 3-6 months. Among the many recreational opportunities offered at the Center is the Healing Garden, a therapeutic outdoor space that includes an outdoor dining/recreation area, raised beds for organic vegetable gardening, and a sanctuary garden.

The garden is a brilliant example of the art of networking. Envisioned by Alee Karpf, a VA recreational and horticultural therapist who moved from south Florida to Gainesville, the garden was laid out on a portion of a paved parking lot behind the residential building. The center includes an outdoor dining and recreational therapy area with raised beds for organic gardening, and a lushly landscaped sanctuary garden that includes a gazebo and fountain. The residents use the garden for horticulture therapy, and life skills training.

The center includes an outdoor dining and recreational therapy area with raised beds for organic gardening, and a lushly landscaped sanctuary garden that includes a gazebo and fountain. The residents use the garden for horticulture therapy and life skills training. Curved paved walkways make the garden handicap accessible to the veterans.

Beginning, in 2009, with beds and materials provided by FOG (Florida Organic Growers), the garden took form

with a plan drawn up by Leah Diehl, a master gardener and landscape architect. Members of the Master Gardener class of 2010 planned, obtained donations of materials, and built the curving paved walkways that make the garden accessible to the veterans.

Over the ensuing years, the garden has grown and prospered with countless gifts of plants, soil, tools and building materials donated by several Gainesville garden clubs, Home Depot, Soil Enrichment Products, and other partners. Vegetables grown in eight raised beds are used in a “Kitchen Smarts” program and are included in many of the cafeteria’s meals. A vine-covered trellis separates the garden from the employee parking area and provides a sense of tranquility. The lushly landscaped sanctuary garden includes a gazebo and a fountain.

Residents are encouraged to participate in every phase of gardening, from determining when and what to plant, how to assess plant health, and the importance of weeding, pruning and maintaining a garden. Veterans grow plants to brighten up their rooms, sell produce, donate to food bank programs, or give away as gifts.

In 2012 the garden was awarded the “Therapeutic Garden Design Award” presented by the American Horticultural Therapy Association.


UF Health Shands Emergency Center – Kanapaha | 7405 SW Archer Road, Gainesville

UF Health Emergency Center – Kanapaha is the second freestanding emergency center to be opened by UF Health within the past four years. The 10,881-square-foot, single-story building features 10 exam rooms, three fast-track stations, one trauma room, diagnostic imaging, and lab services to treat emergency and trauma patients. Located on Archer Road in southwest Gainesville, the building serves a densely populated area and provides easy access for individuals living in adjacent areas.

The building is located on a Greenfield site and takes advantage of the existing landscape vernacular. While the building is modern and high tech, the steel-frame construction allows for horizontal lines and building extensions to emphasize the relationship with the terrain. The building envelope is comprised of EIFS (an Exterior Insulation and Finish System) and curtain wall glazing,

allowing for exam rooms and patient/family spaces to have considerable access to natural light and views to the outside.

A ribbon clerestory window high above has also been provided to allow light to penetrate down into the building from above, offering a well-lit space for staff. The interior “racetrack design,” with patient care spaces wrapping the exterior of the building and shared support services inside the building’s center core, allows for the easy flow of staff traffic. This configuration also affords patient care spaces to benefit from landscaping views and natural lighting.

The design team and clinical staff worked diligently to create an efficient building for patient care, while also providing modern amenities to provide a positive experience for patients and their families.

APARTMENTS

The Retreat at Gainesville | 1111 SW 16th Avenue, Gainesville

The Retreat at Gainesville is a new student-oriented apartment complex on Southwest 16th featuring individual “cottage-style” units that strives to bring the comforts of home to the college campus. For the Retreat Development, an Arts and Crafts architectural theme shapes each cottage from the welcoming entry porch down to interior woodworking details.

The scale of each “cottage” and the resulting streetscapes are reminiscent of an early twentieth-century neighborhood street. The development features historic planning and design elements that foster a sense of community for residents. In order to pave the way for the development, two old and dilapidated apartment buildings had to be demolished, and the city of Gainesville welcomed The Retreat for its revitalization of the area.

The exteriors of the individual “cottages” utilize Craftsman materials including shake siding, board and batten and lap siding with artisanal color palettes. The choice of materials and color varieties create “cottages” that have their own identity and distinguish themselves from their neighbors. At the same time, the exteriors are designed with regard

to the kind of durability that will ensure freedom from the necessity of frequent repairs.

To foster a sense of community, parking has been moved to striped areas along the street in front of the “houses,” a feature that allows for more interaction among residents as they walk from their cars up the sidewalk to their “house.” It also allows the backs of “houses” to have uninterrupted access to the green space. Courtyard spaces encircle a large area of green space suitable for picnics, sports, and general socializing.

A large clubhouse located at the entrance to the property draws residents to this hub of activity where there are a multitude of indoor and outdoor amenities geared specifically towards college students. Amenities include a pool area with a tanning ledge, a water volleyball net, a hammock garden, private cabanas, and an outdoor kitchen with grilling stations. There is even a pavilion with a drop-down movie screen for “dive-in” movie nights, an expansive green space throughout the community, and a sand volleyball court.


COMMERCIAL & RETAIL BUSINESSES

ABC Fine Wine & Spirits Newberry | 6612 W Newberry Road

Founded in Central Florida in 1936, ABC Fine Wine & Spirits is the state’s oldest and largest independent retailer of wine and spirits. Its 130 stores located throughout Florida welcome guests with a sophisticated and modern design aimed at enhancing guests’ shopping experience. The brand’s newest Gainesville location on West Newberry Road offers a vibrant destination for residents and visitors to find the items they need, and discover new favorites, for all their celebrations.

The store has a rustic, earth-tone exterior that combines a mixture of stone and stucco as well as lush landscaping.

The inviting exterior continues into the interior. Rich, dark wood shelves line the aisles, and warm tiles shaped

like diamonds cover the floor. The newly improved store features an even larger abundance of wine, craft beer, and spirits as well as a walk-in humidor with a variety of cigar selections. Guests are invited to explore and sample wines from eight taps, and browse a wide variety of locally sourced offerings that include Island Grove wines, Swamp Head Beer and First Magnitude Beer.

Senior Architectural Designer Steven Rivera led a design team that included architects of Design Construction International, civil engineer KPM Franklin and Jay Brown Landscape Architecture to open the new store location.

Bass Pro Shop at Celebration Pointe | 2650 Bass Pro Shops Boulevard

The new Bass Pro Shop in Celebration Point is an impressive sporting goods shop that sits as the anchor store for Celebration Pointe with more than 100 acres of permanent conservation area along the western portion of the property. When combined with the nearby 460-acre Lake Kanapaha Conservation area and the 240-acre Split Rock Conservation area, a total of 800 acres of scenic nature preserve surrounds the store.

While clearing the land in preparation for the new store to be built, the Bass Pro Shops imagery crew from Springfield, Missouri explored our region’s conservation areas, preserves, and springs, and tried to keep the store’s design as true to the region’s natural beauty as possible.

Customers arriving at the new Bass Pro Shop drive down rows of palm trees before seeing the store’s beach-style exterior. White-washed walls and a sea foam green roof

with floor-to-ceiling panels of glass bring the outdoors in, with the tallest point of the building being an American flag flying over the entryway. As visitors approach the front door, they see beautiful magnolia trees, palm trees, and large logs of driftwood lining the walkways. Animal tracks are engraved in the walkways. The number 3, in honor of the late Dale Earnhardt, lies at the front doors, and stained glass light fixtures are seen.

In addition there is a beautifully lined pond that is in the process of being stocked, a pond that will be used for future youth events, such as a catch-and-release program. Included in the store’s future plans are benches and picnic tables to encourage local residents to come out and appreciate the surrounding conservation areas. Furthermore, the property is projected to serve as the Trailhead for the upcoming phase of the Archer Braid Trail.

Nimbus Building | 550 SW Second Avenue

Gainesville was literally put on the map thanks to the railways. It was on September 6, 1853 that Gainesville was established along a Florida Railroad Company rail line. In 1895, the Gainesville & Gulf Railroad opened a route to Micanopy along 6th Street.

Support facilities popped up along rail lines, including one at the intersection of SW 6th Street and SW 2nd Avenue. More than a century later, this would become the site of a very unique redevelopment project - Nimbus.

At only 55 feet wide, the site demanded a unique architectural solution. The result was a two-story, 15,000 square foot office building measuring 42 feet across and 190 feet long. The steel, concrete and masonry building is clad in a mix of masonry, metal wall panels, and “smart glass.” The “smart glass” on the building’s south and west elevations is “electrochromic”. When a current is applied to the glass, ions move through layers of a metal oxide ceramic coating, tinting the glass. This dynamic glazing


can be tinted on demand, or it can “learn” from its surroundings and tint automatically in response.

Given the lot’s narrow footprint and the location of underground utilities, there was no room for street trees. Thanks to the collective efforts of the City’s Planning Department, Public Works and GRU, an outside-the-box solution was devised: Custom precast planters were fabricated and placed on the sidewalk, enabling 65-gallon

Natchez’ Crape Myrtles to be planted, allowing the trees and utilities to coexist.

The result is a building that takes advantage of a unique site and compliments the redevelopment activity along this corridor and throughout Innovation Square. The Project Architects were Jeffrey Raasch, AIA, and CHW, Inc. Buford O. Davis served as Landscape Architect.

Darden Restaurants at Butler North | Olive Garden, 2711 Clark Butler Boulevard LongHorn Steakhouse, 2933 Clark Butler Boulevard

Olive Garden and LongHorn Steakhouse are two new restaurants in the Butler North shopping center owned by Darden Restaurants. These buildings provide abundant landscaping that softens their architectural elements and breaks up the vista of the large nearby asphalt parking lot. Their landscaping covers 360 degrees--all around their property, and both front and back are landscaped; they exceeded the landscaping requirements of the City of Gainesville.

Attractive exteriors use materials and design that reflect the themes of the establishments. Exterior gathering areas are attractive, with well-lit seating, and even a bicycle rack at LongHorn Steakhouse that promotes Gainesville’s bicycle-friendly environment.

Olive Garden: The new Olive Garden displays the company’s latest restaurant design, featuring new artwork, fabrics and materials, lighting, seating, countertops and flooring, as well as a display of the new “Olive Garden Italian Kitchen” logo sign.

The building’s Italian-style architecture is complemented by lush landscaping to remind guests of Northern Italy. Rich evergreen plants and a variety of flowering shrubs surround the building, punctuated by decorative rock for neutral contrast. Italian cypress trees frame the restaurant,

and blooming groundcovers accent the front entrance. The exterior décor emulates the look of a Tuscan villa while utilizing vegetation that thrives in the Florida climate.

The architect for Olive Garden was CRHO from California and the landscape architect was CHW of Gainesville. Interior design was provided by Anna Schmidt Interiors of Jupiter, Florida.

LongHorn Steakhouse: The rugged design of the new LongHorn Steakhouse in Butler North celebrates the natural beauty of the American West and is comprised of natural materials like wood and stone. Groundcovers, grasses and shrubs crawl over smooth, brown river rock to create the setting of a comfortable, western ranch house. The restaurant’s warm exterior colors are highlighted by colorful plants and trees that accentuate the building’s architecture.

In addition to western-themed décor, the restaurant features actual historical photographs of Gainesville’s past, emphasizing that LongHorn views itself as a positive force in the community. The restaurant features bike friendly grounds.

The architecture and interior design was provided by FRCH of Cincinnati, Ohio. The landscape architect was CHW of Gainesville.


ENVIRONMENTAL ENHANCEMENTS

Butler North Retention Basin Beautification | 964 Plaza Boulevard

Butler North is the first expansion of Butler Plaza’s 1 million square feet of retail directly facing Archer Road, extending back into a previously unused 140-plus acres of the property. This expansion allows not only over 750,000 additional square feet of dining and shopping establishments, but also the opportunity for appealing and convenient walking and biking trails.

As part of the Butler North development are three Retention Basins, designed to catch water run-off. The basins quickly and effectively recharge the Florida aquifer with naturally filtered rainwater. The basins are not referred to as “ponds” because they are not meant to hold water permanently.

An innovative drainage system allows native plant life habitat to grow on a moist basin floor, providing sanctuary and food to nearby wildlife. Cranes and other birds can often be seen in the basins or on the banks basking in the sun or foraging for a meal. Shoppers, visitors and nearby residents enjoy watching the wildlife outside on one of the many park-style benches that line the footpaths surrounding the basins.

Joggers enjoy three miles of soft gravel trails circling three separate basins; and pet owners enjoy the convenience of pet waste pick-up dispensaries stationed along the route to continue to keep the area clean and beautiful for all.

PUBLIC SPACES

Rails-to-Trails Landscaping | NW 6th Street (University to NW 16th Avenues) and Depot Avenue (South Main to SW 11th Streets)

The recent enhancements to Gainesville’s Rails-to-Trails network consist of beautification landscaping and other aesthetic elements along two multi-use trails: one on NW 6th Street between University Avenue and NW 16th Avenue; and the other at Depot Avenue between South Main Street and SW 11th Street.

Hundreds of trees, shrubs, and groundcover were planted within the public right of way that provide an aesthetic improvement to already heavily-utilized multimodal transportation facilities. These trails provide critical connectivity via an east-west corridor between Downtown and the University of Florida, as well as a north-south corridor between Downtown and several residential areas.

In addition to landscaping, non-functional rails and ties were installed to pay homage to the historical use of the Rails to Trails corridor as a railroad. This continues the thematic element established at the rehabilitated Depot Station at Depot Park.

Two storm water retention ponds were also planted with water-tolerant species such as River Birch, Bald Cypress, and Cordgrass, elevating what would have been standard storm water ponds to outstanding aesthetic and environmental features.

The CBB salutes the Rails-to-Trails program for making Gainesville a truly beautiful and bike-friendly place to live.


GAINESVILLE HERITAGE

Babyland at Evergreen Cemetery | 401 SE 21st Avenue

Founded in 1856, the 53-acre Evergreen Cemetery is recognized for its evolving history and stately tributes to lives now gone. Beneath the grandeur of spreading oaks and among the memorials in Evergreen is an area known as Babyland. Comprising three lots, Babyland is the graves of 211 infants and young children who were buried there between 1939 and 1960. Identifying markers placed by the families note the location of 46 interments, while 165 spaces are marked by simple cylinders of nondescript concrete.

Led by President Burton “Jimi” Brown, the Evergreen Cemetery Association of Gainesville, Inc., is a non-profit support group to the municipally-owned Evergreen Cemetery managed by the city’s Department of Cultural Affairs.

In 2015 the group commenced the Babyland Renewal Initiative to replace the nameless memorials with properly-engraved granite markers. Extensive research of cemetery records resulted in determining the names and dates of the children buried in each space. A kneeling angel monument was added to enhance the area.

The Evergeen Cemetery Association planned to install a kneeling angel monument with appropriate wording to

prominently identify Babyland, and give each individual lot a smaller monument and corner markers. A budget of $16,500 for the Initiative was outlined and a successful private fund-raising effort was launched among Evergreen Cemetery friends and the community; in-kind assistance was received from O.T. Davis Monuments and the local public media.

This Babyland project has sparked additional interest in identifying the unmarked graves of the babies and young children buried elsewhere in Evergreen. When the 211 spaces of Babyland were filled by 1960, a nearby area in the cemetery, known as Babyland II, was set aside in 1961. The family of twins buried in Babyland II in 1970 has graciously donated funds to provide granite stones for the nearly 100 additional remaining unmarked graves in Babyland II and other Evergreen locations.

The Babyland Renewal Initiative was completed in 2016 and there are now plans to install a bench in memory of Gary Smith, the City of Gainesville’s former Evergreen Cemetery Coordinator, to overlook Babyland.

Historic Depot Building Rehabilitation and Adaptive Reuse | 201 SE Depot Avenue In 2009, CRA (the Gainesville Community Redevelopment Agency) began a project to rehabilitate the Historic Depot Building on SE Depot Avenue. The objectives of the rehabilitation project were to preserve the rich and unique cultural heritage of the building, to implement an adaptive reuse plan that fosters social interaction of visitors to the park, and to catalyze economic development in the surrounding neighborhoods.

The rehabilitation and adaptive use plan for the historic station recognizes the significance of the depot building’s spaces, finishes and architectural features. Consisting of a passenger terminal and freight area, the 10,000 square foot wood frame structure was a principal stop along the Cross Florida railroad that once connected the cities of Fernandina Beach and Cedar Key. The building’s significance and a renovation plan that honored the integrity of the original design earned it a listing in the National Register of Historic Places.

During the rehabilitation and remediation process, the building was moved temporarily from its original site to allow environmental site cleanup under and around the building. The historic structure was then returned to within 20 ft of its original location.

In the summer of 2016, the depot building was leased to tenants who have since transformed the edifice into the ‘Pop-A-Top General Store’—a one stop shop that provides fresh-made sandwiches, salads, baked goods, refreshing beverages, and frozen treats, all the essentials for park visitors. The western end of the building holds ‘The Boxcar’, a seating area with live music and beverages. The open air space in the middle of the building hosts events, including monthly local flea markets.

As the namesake for Depot Park, the Depot Building is both a destination itself and a welcoming gateway into the beautiful new park.


OUTSTANDING INSTITUTION AWARD

Exactech Arena at Stephen C. O’Connell Center | 250 Gale Lemerand Drive, University of Florida

A new era arrived this year for the Stephen C. O’Connell Center. The 300,000-square foot building was totally renovated to include the newly named Exactech Arena at the Stephen C O’Connell Center. The arena hosts sports, community and regional events. The O’Connell Center has been the home of Gator athletics, since 1981, and has held a diverse history of performing artists as well as national championships. These years are showcased along walls of the interior concourse by a montage of photos.

The primary goal of the renovation was to construct a permanent bowl structure creating a new two-story front entrance with an inviting entry plaza. Within the arena new padded seating was added on all levels, plus two specialty fan areas, the George Brand Center Court Club and the Court Side Club. New sound, lighting and cable systems were installed, along with a new center-hung court scoreboard, and four vision boards in each of the upper

corners of the arena. The new interior concourse features renovated restrooms, concessions and merchandise areas.

In support of the University’s sustainability initiatives, this project is seeking LEED v4 Gold certification, one of the first multi-purpose athletic venues to do so nationally. LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is a standard for green buildings.

The University Athletic Association at the Stephen C. O’Connell Center, along with the Planning, Design and Construction Division of the University of Florida developed the project. Construction management was provided by Brasfield & Gorrie, along with Davis Architects. The design team also included TLC Engineers, Walter P. Moore, Buford Davis Associates, Jay Brown Professional Group, WJHW sound and video designers, AEI, and the Bigelow Companies.

Joseph Hernandez Hall Chemistry/Chemical Biology Building | Corner of West University Avenue and Buckman Drive, University of Florida

Joseph Hernandez Hall (the new UF Chemistry/Chemical Biology Building) provides approximately 110,000 GSF (gross sq. ft.) for modern undergraduate teaching laboratories, auditorium, teaching support, graduate research laboratories, learning centers and offices. The building provides a centralized home for lower-level undergraduate chemistry instruction. It also provides state-of-the-art research facilities for faculty and graduate students working in the areas of chemical biology and chemical synthesis. This building is the Chemistry Department’s “front door”, through which the Department is seen by students, the University, and the community.

The building is LEED Gold certified and has been designed to harmonize with its Historic District neighbors, while expressing dual functions as the primary facility of the Chemistry Department and a gateway structure to the University campus. The basic concept is the enclosure of four floors of modern teaching and research laboratories within a historically-sensitive Collegiate Gothic envelope.

The north façade of the building respects the established setback from University Avenue of the buildings to the east, and fronts a small, paved pedestrian plaza that transitions into a traditional academic lawn. An arched entry portico

(featuring a custom light fixture symbolic of Chemistry) delineates the “front door.” It acts as a transitional element in scale between the academic buildings to the east and the student housing units on the west, across Buckman Drive. The portico leads to a two-story atrium that encloses stacked, glass-enclosed teaching laboratories within a procession of tall windows set in brick arches along Buckman.

This project was managed from initial conception to final completion by the Planning, Design and Construction Division at the University of Florida in close coordination with the department chair, faculty, and staff members of the Department of Chemistry of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS). Stantec Architecture (Pittsburgh, PA) provided the building design for architecture and landscaping. TLC Engineering for Architecture (Jacksonville) was the engineer of records for the mechanical, controls, electrical, plumbing, fire protection, structural, technology, and security systems. George F. Young, Inc. (Gainesville) was the Civil Engineer. Moses & Associates (Gainesville) was the commissioning agent, and Skanska Building Group was the construction manager for this project. Total project cost was $66.6M.


OUTSTANDING ENVIRONMENTAL AWARD

Depot Park and Share-the-Road Memorial | 200 SE Depot Avenue

Located on South Main St., seven blocks south of East University Avenue — Depot Park is more than just a park. The vision for Depot Park recognized its potential to improve environmental quality, increase access to recreational space, provide greater opportunities for community and social interaction, encourage regional economic development, and to become a premier landmark destination in Gainesville. Depot Park was a team effort, multi decade project of the City of Gainesville and state and federal agencies. This once decrepit brownfield site is now the jewel of all our city parks.

Depot Park derives its name from one of its former lives, when it served as the original Gainesville train depot from 1860 to 1948. Some subtle nods to Gainesville’s history and character are peppered into its landscape, which can make for a fun and educational experience for visitors of all ages. A custom-made replica of the Kelly Power Plant’s smoke stack that stood for decades across the street is now a climbable feature within the children’s 1.3 acre play area. Play sculptures are shaped like trains, native trees, Native American mud hut dwellings, and cement storm culverts. Real fossils are embedded in the Florida caverns-inspired splash pad, and fossil replicas can be found in the children’s sand pit.

The park’s ponds and flow-through marsh system were created to treat storm water runoff from the downtown area before it flows downstream towards Paynes Prairie. Wrapping around the north side of the main pond is a 20’ wide waters-edge promenade — a great place to take

a stroll, bird watch, or enjoy one of the many programs offered in Depot Park, including capoeira (Brazilian martial arts), pilates, yoga, and more. The southern half of the 32-acre park is a conservation area with a series of trails running through the wetland and upland plantings.

The Share the Road Memorial anchors the northeast corner of the new Depot Park facing SE Depot Avenue. It serves as a reminder of the tragic fatal bike accident that took two Gainesville cyclist’s lives in 1996, and also as a call to action to increase education about bike safety in Florida.

Designed by artist, Eric Amundson, 6 rammed-earth structures contain parts of the smashed and ruined bicycles retrieved from the crash scene. The sculpture structures are arranged to represent a bicycle pace line.

Through tragedy, the Gainesville community united to lead a campaign to raise money to promote education about bicycle safety throughout the state of Florida and a monument was designed. Originally the monument was erected along the rails-to-trails line. However, after a recent two-year $16,000 fund-raising effort by Bike Florida, the sculptures were refurbished, moved to Depot Park, formally dedicated and renamed the Share the Road Memorial. Interpretive 3-panel signage was added. One panel tells the story of the tragic crash; another panel explains the sculptures; and the third panel is a “call to action” asking all road users — motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians alike — to take the Share the Road Pledge to use public roadways safely and responsibly.

2017 City Beautification Board Award Winners

Gainesville Camellia Society Comfort Temp Company Felipe’s Taqueria Matheson History Museum Library & Archives

Holy Faith Parish Life Center SIGMA KAPPA Sorority House Beta Tau Chapter The Healing Garden at the Gainesville VA Honor Center UF Health Shands Emergency Center – Kanapaha

The Retreat at Gainesville ABC Fine Wine & Spirits Newberry Bass Pro Shop at Celebration Pointe

Nimbus Building Olive Garden LongHorn Steakhouse Butler North Retention Basin

Rails-to-Trails Landscaping Babyland at Evergreen Cemetery Historic Depot Building Share-the-Road Memorial

Documents

CITY BEAUTIFICATION BOARD