Challenge
The goal of the City of Sarasota was to transform a high-profile downtown corridor—Lemon Avenue between Ringling Boulevard and Main Street—into a pedestrian-friendly streetscape that could double as a flexible event space. With strict timeframes to minimize disturbance to surrounding businesses and the recently built Mark Hotel, the project required significant stormwater system upgrades to address collection and conveyance needs. The scope included complete road rebuilding, expanded sidewalks, hardscape and landscaping, improved lighting, and the expansion of Paul Thorpe Jr. Park.
Solution
As part of the design-build team, HR Green worked with the City to provide civil engineering design and stormwater improvements. Key technical elements included:
- Stormwater Collection and Conveyance: To evaluate current conditions and capacity issues, our engineers carried out extensive fieldwork and worked closely with City Utility Staff. Ninety percent of the design plans for an enhanced stormwater collecting and conveyance system, including tie-ins to downstream infrastructure, conveyance piping, and inlets, were produced in 45 days. Because of this faster submittal, construction and permitting could start right away.
- Roadway Elevation and Plaza Design: To provide a continuous plaza effect, the highway was raised. This necessitated careful grading to strike a balance between drainage efficiency, ADA accessibility, and pedestrian comfort.
- Utility Coordination: To secure utility dependability and reduce disputes during construction, the team incorporated big water transmission, force mains, and reclaimed water mains into the streetscape design.
- Constructability and Value Engineering: To validate and improve design choices, HR Green’s internal construction manager conducted thorough reviews and value engineering evaluations using a cost database of recent contractor bids.
- Collaborative Design-Build Delivery: The design-build approach allowed real-time coordination between designers and builders, streamlining adjustments, resolving field conditions quickly, and maintaining project momentum.
Benefit
Both residents and tourists benefit from a lively, multipurpose downtown atmosphere created by the Paul Thorpe Jr. Park extension and Lemon Avenue Streetscape. Resilience is increased and nearby houses are shielded from flooding by the upgraded stormwater system. While the plaza-style street design encourages farmers markets, festivals, and community activities, wider sidewalks, greenery, and lighting enhance pedestrian safety and comfort.
