Sep 28 2010
The City of Battle Creek has accepted a bid recommendation and construction plans to build an access area from West Michigan Avenue to the Jackson Street Parking Lot.
The area will provide a second access point needed for emergencies, as well as a walkway, access to local businesses and community garden space. The access point also will provide a connection to the building at 67 W. Michigan Avenue where private expansions are being installed.
Battle Creek's city commission awarded the Jackson Street Access Project bid to Katerberg & Verhage. The project will be funded by private money raised for the Downtown Battle Creek Transformation. Construction on the access area begins immediately, and the anticipated completion date is November.
The Jackson Street Access Drive design will match the water-history themed design conceived by Calhoun County citizens during public workshops earlier in the year.
The area, commonly referred to as Horse Park, had been utilized as a sitting-smoking area and location for a horse statue. The gazebos and benches are being donated to local non-profit organizations for reuse in community gardens.
The horse statue will be removed, refurbished and stored until a new display location is identified. History of the horse statue dates back to the mid-1980s when the chief executive officer of a company called HBJ donated the horse statue to the city and placed it in the park. Eventually, HBK closed its doors, but left the statue for the public.
These construction and infrastructure projects are part of the Downtown Battle Creek Transformation. The strategy consists of four pillars to attract businesses, jobs, educators and more people to the downtown. The pillars concentrate on private investment, an emerging food protection industry, downtown-based education and a strong infrastructure, which includes a new streetscape.
The Battle Creek Downtown Partnership, which is part of Battle Creek Unlimited, is providing citywide construction updates, a poster campaign and information through its website. With an open door policy, everyone is welcome to visit the Partnership at 115 W. Michigan Avenue to obtain more information about the Downtown Transformation Project.
Source: http://www.bcunlimited.org/