Sanford Waterfront Partners to reveal preliminary master plan for downtown catalyst site

The City of Sanford and Sanford Waterfront Partners will hold another informational session this Monday to update the public on the master plan for the downtown catalyst site.
The city entered into an agreement with Torre Construction & Development in February to come up with a plan for the site which is bordered by 1st Street, Seminole Boulevard, Sanford and Palmetto avenues. Since then the development team, now called Sanford Waterfront Partners, has solicited input from the public and city staff to come up with a master plan for the site. The group also conducted design and feasibility studies on the site.
On Monday the group will reveal the preliminary master plan to the commission and public.
The master plan proposes a connected sequence of urban spaces progressing from 1st Street to the waterfront consisting of a proportional mixed-use hub of commercial and residential buildings, waterfront amenities and pedestrian activity for a unique and vibrant downtown environment.
“We believe that we have not only captured the essence of the Sanford style in our proposed designs but have also incorporated the interconnectivity and walkability features that will transform the catalyst site to a gem for the City”, says Richard Heisenbottle, the Architect and one of the principal partners of the project.
Venny Torre, the prime developer and other principal partner of the project, went on to say that “This is an exciting time in Sanford’s revitalization of the historic downtown area and we have been working diligently to bring our vision and experience to develop an inviting downtown that is community-focused and where people will want to live, play and work.”
The general public and media are encouraged to attend the next City of Sanford City Commission Regular Meeting where Sanford Waterfront Partners will make a work-in-progress presentation of the preliminary Master Plan for the Downtown / Waterfront Catalyst Site.
This presentation is scheduled during the Regular Commission Meeting on Monday, June 13, which starts at 7 p.m. and held in the City Commission Chambers located at 300 N. Park Avenue on the first floor of City Hall.

- Rachel Delinski, Herald Publisher/Editor, RDelinski@MySanfordHerald.com