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Centerville announces concept plans, timeline to revitalize Uptown; Public open house today

Uptown Centerville Uptown Centerville/Courtesy City of Centerville

CENTERVILLE — The City of Centerville announced its concept plans and a timeline for the revitalization of Uptown.

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“Centerville’s commitment to revitalizing Uptown embodies our motto: progress and stability,” City Manager Wayne Davis said. “We will preserve the historic heart of our community while investing in infrastructure, design and usability.”

Uptown includes the Architectural Preservation District at the intersection of Franklin and Main Streets.

The city completed a comprehensive visioning process of Uptown in 2019 with a focus group of stakeholders representing businesses, residents, government partners and community groups, according to a press release from Centerville’s Communications Director Kate Bostdorff.

“City Council approved the Uptown Action Plan in August 2019 as an amendment to the City’s Create the Vision comprehensive plan. Work has started already to transform this area into a more functional unique, upscale destination for shoppers and diners,” Mayor Brooks Compton said.

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The Uptown action plan showcases six focus areas including improving walkability and reducing traffic congestion, improving parking, scheduling and organizing new events, focusing on business development, developing branding and increasing greenspace.

Phase 1 of the redevelopment will take place in the Northeast part of Uptown from 2021-2022.

Phase 1 highlights include:

  • Redesigning existing parking areas to increase connectivity and parking spaces
  • Reducing the number of private access drives for individual businesses in favor of common public parking access
  • Activating outdoor spaces with seating areas, greenspace, patios and additional retail space
  • Creating opportunities for commercial and residential development

Phase 2 will be completed in the Northwest area from 2023 to 2024. Phase 3 will conclude the project in the Southwest area from 2024 to 2025.

The public is welcome to attend an open house for an opportunity to hear more details about the development in Uptown and to ask questions.

The open house will be Wednesday at the Centerville Police Department Training Room from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Attendance will be limited to comply with social distancing guidelines and masks must be worn to attend the open house.

More information about the redevelopment of Uptown can be found here.

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