Rockledge Community Redevelopment Agency Concludes Successful Adaptive Reuse Project
By Space Coast Daily // June 7, 2016
Enhances safety, improves aesthetic quality of Barton Boulevard
BREVARD COUNTY • ROCKLEDGE, FLORIDA – The City of Rockledge and the Rockledge Community Redevelopment Agency recently completed an innovative adaptive reuse project, which will enhance safety and improve the visual appeal along one of the city’s primary east-west thoroughfares.
In 2014, the defunct Mr. Sparkle Car Wash, 565 Barton Blvd., was listed for sale.
In the hopes of being able to acquire the eyesore and transform it into something of benefit to the community, the Rockledge Community Redevelopment Agency Board of Commissioners authorized staff to begin negotiations.
After witnessing a number of near-misses between cars and buses along the busy roadway, Rockledge Assistant City Manager David Henderson suggested converting the property into a bus pull-off and shelter.
City and agency staff met with representatives of Space Coast Area Transit (SCAT), who were very receptive to the idea, and a successful “public-public” partnership ensued.
Because the proposed project aligned with a number of goals and objectives of the Rockledge Community Redevelopment Plan, including the elimination of slum, blight and unsafe/unsightly structures, the Redevelopment Agency spearheaded the effort, and City Council granted final approval for the purchase.
The transformation started by demolishing three of the four car wash bays, with conversion of the remaining bay into the bus shelter.
The project also:
• provides for a bus pull-off in front of the shelter, where buses can safely exit Barton Boulevard;
• combines three bus stops into one, including two stops that were right up against very busy intersections; and
• contains a landscaped public parking area.
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Atlantic Development of Cocoa, Inc., served as the contractor on portions of the project, and the city’s Public Works Department renovated the shelter and installed the landscaping.
On Friday, June 10, 4 p.m., there will be a grand opening and ribbon cutting to commemorate completion of the new Barton Boulevard bus stop and shelter.
SCAT will begin using the stop for its riders on Monday, June 13.
