Board Compromises on Plaza Plan, Martin Avenue Will Not Be Closed

Homewood trustees Tuesday met in the middle, and approved a plan for a plaza in downtown Homewood. The revised plan from the Lakota Group dictates that Martin Avenue not be permanently closed as part of the project. 

Instead, the plan calls for bollards to be put in place, for blocking the street during special events, said Trustee Anne Colton. The street will be one-way north of Ridge, with a roundabout to configure for two-way traffic. 

"It was 100 percent compromise," Colton said, of the change. 

The updated $500,000 plan allows for basic features, including pavers, tivoli—or hanging—lights and landscaping. The design incorporated aspects of public feedback offered up during a March 3 public meeting. The board will consider adding additional features such as a fountain, fire pits as it works to finalize the vision, Colton said. 

The board voted 4-1 in favor of the project. Trustee Kataras was absent. Colton was the dissenting vote, with incoming boutique hotel La Banque at the crux of her decision.

"For me, it came down to timing," Colton said. "I just want to see if the hotel will be bringing people in. 

"For me to consider investing that kind of money, I have to see a successful hotel."

Lakota Group representatives and the board are expected to tweak the plan in coming months, and begin seeking bids by the summer.

"The plan we saw was much better, due to people's input," Colton said. 

They expect to break ground in the fall, Colton said. La Banque is expected to open at the end of 2014. 

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