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FLINT DDA ANNOUNCES THE CONSTRUCTION OF NEW PARKING STRUCTURE TO BE BUILT IN DOWNTOWN FLINT
Structure to be named after former Mayor James W. Rutherford who lobbied the state for the development of the Downtown Development Authority in downtown Flint
(FLINT, MICHIGAN, August 7, 2008) -- Flint Downtown Development Authority announced today that construction of a new parking structure will begin this month as part of an overall $10-million investment in parking structures in downtown Flint. The funding will also include repairs to the existing parking ramp. The new structure will be constructed at the corner of Kearsley and Beach Streets next to Buckham Alley and is expected to be completed in June 2009. Bonds were issued by the City of Flint in the name of the Flint DDA to fund the project. Read the article from The Flint Journal.
Genesee Regional Chamber of Commerce photos
Tim Herman, CEO of the Genesee Regional Chamber of Commerce, speaks at a press conference August 7, 2008. The press event announced the construction of a new parking structure in downtown Flint that will begin this month. |
Dignitaries, including Mayor Williamson (far right) and representatives from partners involved in the project, gather to turn the first shovel of dirt. |
"With the recent construction of several mixed use developments in downtown Flint, the need for additional parking to accommodate new employees and residents was crucial," states Larry Ford, chief operating officer for the Flint Downtown Development Authority (DDA). The Community Foundation of Greater Flint recently moved into the former Dale’s Health Food store while Wade Trim and WNEM TV5 will be moving into their new offices this month. More than 100 employees of Rowe Incorporated will be relocating to the company’s new corporate headquarters in downtown Flint by the end of this year. "It was evident in the planning stages of these projects that additional parking would be needed to accommodate these new employees."
The new parking structure will be named after James W. Rutherford, mayor of the City of Flint during the 1970s and 1980s. Rutherford joined other cities to lobby the state of Michigan for legislation that would enable Flint and other cities to create downtown development authorities to revitalize cities.
The four-story parking structure will accommodate 388 spaces and feature a glassed staircase, enhanced visibility on all four sides from street level and an electronic surveillance system. Monthly parking will be provided for downtown employees through a parking pass system.
The structure was designed by THA Architects & Engineers. Walker Parking Consultants and Wade Trim provided engineering consultation for the project. Colasanti Construction will serve as the general contractor in cooperation with local sub contractors and vendors.
The DDA has played a variety of constructive roles since its inception in 1997. It has been, and continues to be, a redevelopment agency, a marketing coordinator, and a coordinator and facilitator among various private and governmental entities involved in and with downtown Flint.
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