By MARK MCGEE
Shelbyville City Manager Scott Collins has asked permission from the city council to proceed with initiation of the Riverview District Project known as the Riverwalk/River Overlook.
Collins explained to the council at the July study session that Phase I is to acquire two lots with the district and then the parking at The Fly Center.
The new properties would help provide 120 parking spaces, an increase from the 38 spots now in existence.
“This is a City of Shelbyville project, not just a Riverview District project,” Collins said.
The two properties being considered are the Bealy property and the Phillips/Cobb property.
The Phase I proposal will be voted on Thursday night at the regular city council meeting.
According to a packet handed out to council members, if approved and the properties are acquired the City “could coordinate with Public Works and the contracted paving company to extend the Fly Center parking lot.”
In addition to the increased parking area, South Spring Street will have stormwater improvements and new paving crosswalks.
Phase I will also include placement of utilities underground to maintain the improved appearance of the overall Historic Shelbyville Square Development. This is part of a Transportation Alternative Program (TAP) grant. Collins said this is a critical component of the Riverview District development project.
The packet states the Shelbyville Power, Water and Sewer System (SPWSS) “Has been consulted and has been working on the proposed cost to maintain the overall aesthetic appearance.
There are also three parts of Phase II according to the packet.
First is the placement of ornamental lighting in the District to include continuing the decorative street lights on the Square, but also adding special alley string lights to create “atmosphere” as found in other tourism attractions.
The second part of the Phase II agenda is to work with local garden clubs and the Shelbyville Parks & Recreation staff to create a landscape plan for the properties that adhere to the City’s design guidelines. It will be coordinated with the TAP landscaping plans.
The final aspect of Phase III will be to create a staging area for concerts and special events.
For the fiscal year 2024/25 $750,000 has been approved for the project.
According to the packet, extensive renovations continue on the Kyle and Trollinger buildings which will house Grindstone Cowboy with an expected soft opening in January of 2025.
Glass Hollow Table &Tavern, a steakhouse seating 270 which will also include businesses and short term rentals is expected to open before the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration.
“I’m very excited about it,” Collins told the council during his report. “There is a lot of work that is going on and has been going on. It is exciting to see all the great improvements.”
Collins was equally as excited about the response to the Downtown Improvement Grant awarded by the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD). More than 20 businesses on the Square took advantage of the grant which provided new awnings, painting of facades and new windows among other enhancements.
More than $150,000 was invested in the Square through the alliance between the Square businesses, TNECD and the City of Shelbyville.
“Our square is really beautiful,” Collins said. “I am so thrilled.
“I am grateful and proud the merchants took advantage of it. I am looking forward to more and more tourists coming to the square.”
