- The mayor was candid about the challenges ahead. “There’s going to be an inconvenience. There’s going to be construction.”
- However, he emphasized that the city isn’t taking a “tough, so be it” approach to the disruption.
Supporting Local Businesses
Recognizing that downtown businesses are “the lifeblood of Palafox,” the city has outlined several support measures:
- Proactive marketing investment to drive foot traffic during construction.
- Free parking sections throughout the construction period, including portions of Jefferson Garage and on-street parking on Jefferson Street.
- Guaranteed sidewalk access – all sidewalks will remain open, ensuring customers can reach every business entrance.
- Strategic timing – no construction will begin until Jan. 2, 2026, avoiding the crucial holiday season.
Two Construction Approaches Under Consideration
The city is evaluating two primary construction strategies:
The “Ripping-off the Band-Aid Approach:” Complete the entire five-block stretch from Garden Street to Main Street in one phase, which he estimated would take five months. This would concentrate the disruption into a shorter timeframe, with much of it occurring during the typically slower January-February period.
Block-by-Block Construction: Tackle one block at a time, with each block taking approximately 14 weeks to complete. While less disruptive at any given moment, this approach would extend the construction period by well over a year.
What’s Next
The project isn’t finalized yet. The city must first go through the Request for Proposal (RFP) process, and Mayor Reeves noted that if bids come back at $35 million, “We aren’t doing it.”
- The RFP will likely include both construction approaches, allowing contractors to provide input on the most efficient method.
Some miscommunication occurred during a Wednesday meeting when the mayor wasn’t present, leading to concerns among longtime community investors. Reeves is working to address these issues and ensure all stakeholders are aligned.
- The Reimagine Palafox project represents a significant investment in downtown Pensacola’s future; however, the city is committed to minimizing disruptions to the businesses that make the area vibrant. As plans develop, continued communication between city officials and business owners will be crucial for the project’s success.