A public engagement session was held in Jackson Square in the City of Batavia on Tuesday evening, revealing new design plans for the Square.
The project is part of a $10 Million dollar Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) that was announced on October 6, 2018 by Governor Cuomo. Enhancing Jackson Square is one of the eight projects in the DRI chosen to receive a strategic investment grant of $750,000 to transform public space in a public plaza. According to Peter C. Murad, AIA, AICP, of Architectural Resources, $650,000 of the total amount are construction costs and $100,000 are design costs.
The City of Batavia is also applying for an Urban Corridor Grant with National Grid that will match three quarters of the DRI money, which will be $150,000-$200,000. That will enable for furniture fixtures and equipment elements, and will bring the total cost of the project to almost a million dollars, according to City Manager Rachael Tabelski.
“By the end of summer we will know(in regards to grant approval). National Grid has come through on a lot of projects in the City of Batavia,(Eli Fish, Ellicott Station, City Center)they have been a great partner here in Batavia,” says Tableski.
Jackson Square, a public gathering space bordered by historic buildings in the heart of downtown Batavia, will be transformed with decorative pavement upgrades, a multi-level deck/stage, and seating, lighting, and decorative signage. The upgraded public plaza will be used as common space for community interaction, and provide connections to multiple businesses through its alleyway configuration, according to a press release.
“My sense is this is very well received as it was in the first public meeting,” says Murad.
“The catenary lighting, the atmosphere lighting, the fact that you can change the color of the lighting, and that its going to be a 365 day a week space, that’s something people really appreciate.”
Murad said he expected more comments on the ground plane with the Great Bend and the Seneca Footpath patterning in the flooring along with the interpretive signage.
“I think those are significant components of the history of Jackson Square and to have that be realized right here in the Square, I think its going to be an impressive piece.”
Some questions in regards to the amount of poles and electrical wires in the Square were brought up by by Pastor Marty Macdonald, and if possible, wires could be placed underground when the flooring is replaced. Murad explained that he will look into, but that is not in the scope and cost of the project.
The glass multi-angled canopy over the stage was also of concern for several users of the stage, which will now be 16 inches off the ground as opposed to the current 30 inches. The stage will also include a ramp at the front for accessibility.
Stephen Kowalcyk, who has been running the Batavia Ramble Music Festival for close to 15 years in the Square was concerned about the acoustics of a stage with a glass canopy.
Murad explained that the glass is translucent and transparent, but they will look into whether or not the surface conforms in terms of sound quality.
“My expectation is it will negligible.”
Architectural Resources, the architectural firm selected to design the projects, was on hand to discuss
the design elements and solicit feedback from those in attendance. After a final design concept is approved, the project will move forward with the development of construction documents and plans for bidding. The project will begin construction in October of 2021 and to be ready to host entertainment venues in May of 2022
