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Tallahassee’s Railroad Square Faces Uncertain Future

The community comes together at Railroad Square to celebrate local culture and support local businesses.

News Summary

Railroad Square in Tallahassee, a vital cultural hub, struggles for survival after tornado damage and confusion about its operational hours. Community support is crucial as local businesses rally amid fears of potential redevelopment. Events like First Fridays and the ArtiGras Festival highlight the area’s charm, but ongoing support is needed to maintain its unique character and operations. Stakeholders are exploring public-private partnerships to secure the square’s future, with a key discussion set for January 16.

Uncertain Future for Railroad Square as Community Pushes for Support Amidst Struggles

The charming city of Tallahassee is witnessing a battle to save one of its beloved locales, Railroad Square, where arts, culture, and history collide! At a recent meeting of the Greater Frenchtown and Southside CRA Citizens Advisory Committee, attendees shared their confusion about the square’s operational hours, mistakenly believing it only opened during the well-known First Fridays event. This confusion has stuck around for years, even before the devastating tornado damage that occurred in May, leaving many to wonder just how much longer this hidden gem can last!

A Treasure Trove of Events

Railroad Square is known for its vibrant atmosphere and fantastic community events. Nothing attracts foot traffic like a good festival, and First Fridays has become a town staple, coinciding with home sports weekends, graduations, and a plethora of festivals. But that’s not all! Other events like the ArtiGras Festival, Family Day, and the Soul of Southside Festival have also drawn in large crowds, showcasing the area’s charm and the unique offerings of local businesses.

Despite the hustle and bustle of these special occasions, it’s important to remember that many businesses in Railroad Square are open all year round and need community support to survive. From chic thrift stores and breathtaking art galleries to a delightful DVD rental store complete with a theater, there’s something for everyone. One of the standout offerings includes an arts nonprofit focused on individuals on the autism spectrum, highlighting inclusivity and creativity in the community. Not to forget, there’s an arcade and various dining options to indulge in!

The Road Ahead: Community Support Needed

As the community rallies to devise a plan to support Railroad Square amid an uncertain future, one thing is crystal clear: community backing is critical. Even though the tornado damage has severely impacted the area and many buildings are uninsured, local business owners are doing their best to keep their doors open. The square serves as an important economic development driver, boasting steady monthly visitor traffic and illustrating its vitality beyond just events.

The Blueprint organization has even established a skate park within Railroad Square, another attraction that continues to draw visitors. However, local business owners are echoing a resounding call for support due to the uncertainty shaped by prior tornado destruction and ongoing city decisions concerning the district.

Property Challenges and Community Concerns

Post-tornado, local owners took the initiative by offering the city the right of first refusal to purchase the 8-acre property back in August. However, this exclusivity is set to expire shortly, raising fears about the potential influx of private buyers. The community redevelopment agency has debated purchasing parts of Railroad Square but has ultimately opted to conduct a feasibility study. This decision leaves community members feeling anxious about maintaining the neighborhood’s unique character and keeping control away from looming developers.

An impressive turnout at CRA meetings showcases the passion residents have for preserving Railroad Square’s cultural and economic significance. The CRA has directed staff to evaluate the property, but doubts remain regarding the feasibility of funding such a purchase by the city.

A Glimmer of Hope

Despite the obstacles, the sentiment among community members stays optimistic, with a focus on developing public-private partnerships and revitalization efforts. The next CRA discussion is slated for January 16, where local organizations like the 621 Gallery and the Mickee Faust Club are eager to team up with the CRA to explore ownership options and possibly prevent the district’s sale to private entities.

Conversations continue about how to subsidize the acquisition and management of the square, showcasing the proactive search for solutions among local stakeholders. As Railroad Square stands at a crossroads, the combined efforts of the community could be pivotal in determining its future. Will this charming enclave continue to thrive amidst challenges? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the heart of Tallahassee is fighting fiercely for its hidden treasure.