В Гейнсвилле завершают реконструкцию пешеходной зоны на главной улице города

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (WCJB) - The fencing is coming down at the streatery in downtown Gainesville as the city puts the finishing touches on the new pedestrian-only space. With the University of Florida’s first football game of the season Saturday, people and business owners are getting ready to see how the new space changes downtown. The city began construction in April, transforming the portion of Southwest First Avenue into a curbless, pedestrian-oriented corridor. The $4.5 million project includes new brick pavers, decorative lighting, landscaping and seating. For business owners along the street, the construction meant months of noise, dust and changes for customers. Jacob Larson, owner of The Bull downtown, said the streatery is a necessary addition. “Before the streatery people just came downtown a little bit more often than they did after COVID, so it was a little easier, actually, before. So, this seems to be a necessary thing,” Larson said. Amanda Rutherford has lived in Gainesville since 2011. She said this part of downtown holds personal memories for her family. “I’m really excited about the streatery opening. My family and I have made a lot of memories on this street; my husband and I met at the bull. We’ve had all our important life events happen at the bull,” Rutherford said. People can already start getting a feel for the new space ahead of the football weekend.