by Bradley Parsons
Staff Writer
Months spent negotiating with TriLegacy over how the Shipyards developer spent $36 million in City money have forced the mayor’s office to scuttle plans to build a public park and Riverwalk on the property in time for the Super Bowl.
Although the public improvements were once envisioned as key parts of the City’s Super Bowl presentation, mayor’s office spokesperson Susie Wiles said the priority in the area was to prepare the property for residential development and to serve as a transportation hub during game week.
“It will look utilitarian, but it will be functional,” said Wiles. “We had two worries for the property. We wanted to beautify the area, but more important, we wanted to ensure it was functional for the week.
“Accessibility for pedestrians is the priority. That, and not to interfere with getting the property developed.”
Wiles said part of the property bordering the Sports Complex and Metropolitan Park would be paved to allow public transportation to pick up. The riverside property will also provide access for water taxis. Wiles said the City would also build a temporary riverfront walk. The City will pay for the work, but Wiles said the cost “isn’t expected to be too high.”
The City is nearing completion on a deal that would transfer ownership of the property from TriLegacy to LandMar Group LLC. Landmar would take over development, including $36 million in promised public improvements, including the park and Riverwalk, and agree to pay $40 million in City debt to finance the improvements.
Despite the delay on the public improvements, Wiles said the deal addressed the City’s top priorities for the properties. It would clear the way for development and ready the property for the Feb. 6 Super Bowl she said.
“Everybody’s happy with this outcome, assuming it gets signed,” said Wiles.
The deal will not affect the Super Bowl Host Committee’s plans to build part of its SuperFest fan entertainment area on the property. The SuperFest will wrap along the river from the sports complex over the Main Street Bridge to the Southbank. The SuperFest and transportation hub will occupy about 20 acres on the property.