- The Streatery in downtown Gainesville has begun brick paver installation with the first phase on SW Second Street set to reopen by end of June.
- The $4.5 million project will create a pedestrian corridor on SW First Avenue featuring lighting, landscaping, and seating by October completion.
Construction of The Streatery in downtown Gainesville has reached a major milestone, with brick paver installation now underway and the project’s first phase on SW Second Street expected to reopen to traffic by the end of June.
Since construction began in April, crews have completed underground stormwater improvements, asphalt paving and the concrete base that will support the corridor’s signature brick pavers along SW Second Street, according to a city of Gainesville press release sent on Thursday. While work will continue, the first phase is scheduled to reopen within the next two weeks.
Construction has also advanced along SW First Avenue between SW Second Street and SW First Street, where crews are pouring concrete in preparation for the next section of brick pavers. City officials said all granite curbing and historic brick removed during construction has been carefully salvaged, with portions to be incorporated into the completed project.
“We’re seeing the improvements take shape,” Gainesville Interim Chief Operating Officer Brian Singleton said in the press release. “Much of the early work was underground. Now with bricks going in, we’re transitioning from hidden infrastructure to the design features that will define The Streatery for decades to come.”
Businesses throughout the construction area remain open, and visitors continue to have access to more than 2,000 parking spaces throughout downtown Gainesville. Downtown parking is free on weekends and city-observed holidays, except in the Southwest Parking Garage at 105 SW Third St. and in designated parking spaces.
“Our local businesses are the heart of downtown,” Gainesville Mayor Harvey L. Ward said in the press release. “I encourage everyone to keep supporting the restaurants, shops and venues that make it such a great destination. The Streatery will be an exceptional addition, and it’s wonderful to see the vision becoming a reality.”
Approved by the Gainesville City Commission in March 2026, the $4.5 million project will transform Southwest First Avenue between South Main Street and Southwest Second Street into a curbless, pedestrian-oriented corridor designed to accommodate outdoor dining, festivals, markets and other community events.
The completed streetscape will feature decorative lighting, landscaping, seating and other pedestrian-friendly amenities. Construction is expected to be completed in October.
The Streatery renovation is funded through the Gainesville Community Reinvestment Area, a 10-year program administered by the city of Gainesville and funded jointly by the city and Alachua County. Additional project funding is provided through the city’s gas tax fund.
