old church, continued

When I said millions of dollars were at stake, I didn't know the details. This morning's newspaper sheds more light, by reporting that the church property will be redeveloped with a 25-story condominium tower for downtown Clearwater. Not to worry, though. Our City is ever vigilant. Quoth the paper: ". . . the first step in a potential $250-million remake of a waterfront block that includes City Hall, was approved without discussion Tuesday by the city's Community Development Board." [Italics added.]

"Construction on the 157-unit building could begin by the end of the year, said the project's developer, Opus South. The Tampa company must first close on the $15-million sale of the church properties, now scheduled for October."

They need to pre-sell a certain number of condo units. The units will "fetch" between $500,000 and $1-million. Meanwhile, developers will start working on the second, larger phase of the residential, retail and office project. "For that phase, developers envision a ring of restaurants and storefronts around what is now the City Hall property, with offices and lofts above. A new City Hall could also be part of the project, as well as $750,000 worth of public art."

I have a suggestion for the public art phase. Leave the church's grand old sanctuary where it is, and build the condos, etc. behind it.

"Opus would need to purchase part of the city property in order to complete the project, and that transaction requires voter approval in a referendum. A vote is now scheduled for March 2006."

I think I know how I'm going to vote.

"City officials, meanwhile, are exploring ways to save the original Calvary chapel as a possible performing arts center. Opus has agreed to donate the building and says it could cost $1.5-million to relocate the 1926 chapel." That's because they will need to disassemble it, brick by brick, and rebuild it elsewhere.