City Recognized for 56th Street Improvements

From the City of Temple Terrace:

Temple Terrace has been honored with a prestigious award from the American Public Works Association for its impressive improvements to 56th Street, the association announced.

The association’s West Coast Branch will present the Project of the Year—Historic Restoration award to Temple Terrace at its 2012 Annual Scholarship and Awards banquet on March 14 in Tampa.

Beginning in April 2010, the city embarked on a road-improvement project along the 56th Street corridor in the downtown redevelopment district. The modifications, from the Hillsborough River to 98th Avenue, included new medians, lighting, landscaping, crosswalks, decorative pavers, underground utilities and other improvements. The $4 million project was funded by federal, state and local grants.

The project, completed in August 2011, made the 56th Street corridor not only more inviting and appealing, officials noted, but also safer for pedestrians. It also complements the city’s $160 million now under construction at the southeast corner of Bullard Parkway and 56th Street.

“We are delighted that Temple Terrace's 56th Street project was selected over many competing nominations for this very prestigious regional award from the American Public Works Association,” said Director Robert Gordon, who will be joined by Assistant City Engineer Michael J. Hall in accepting the award at the Tampa Palms Golf and Country Club.