Unraveling the Mystery of the Henderson High-Rise
Construction Halt and the Empty Watermark Building
The mixed-use complex was first announced in 2021, promising to bring new life and foot traffic to the area. However, since December 2023, construction came to a screeching halt. As Jeremy Day recounts, "One day everybody just pulled out. They started moving equipment and a couple days later they came back, loaded up everything and were just gone." The seven-story high-rise was nearly complete but now finds itself nearly $16 million in debt due to liens filed against the property.This legal battle between the project's developer, Strada Development Group, and the contractor, Gillett Construction, has only added to the uncertainty. As Day puts it, "We thought they would get it worked out. Somebody would write some checks, they'd get paid and they'd be back on it."The Impact on the Local Community
The empty building has not only affected business owners like Jeremy Day but also the local community. It stands as a reminder of what could have been and creates a sense of unease. Nearby residents look at the dark structure with concern, wondering when and if it will ever be brought back to life. The lack of progress has a ripple effect on the surrounding area, with hopes of a revitalized downtown now hanging in the balance.Businesses that were looking forward to the new complex now find themselves in limbo. They had plans and dreams tied to the project, and its sudden halt has left them scrambling to figure out their next steps.The City's Hopes for a Resolution
The city of Henderson remains hopeful for a resolution. In a statement on Monday, city officials said, "Any actions regarding the Watermark project are subject to the ongoing U.S. bankruptcy court matter. The city remains hopeful for an agreement between the many stakeholders in the bankruptcy action and remains ready to help the project move forward to completion once allowed by the bankruptcy court."As of now, there is no clear timeline for when construction will start up again. Channel 13 has reached out to Strada Development Group but has not received a comment. The future of this once-promising project remains uncertain, leaving the community waiting with bated breath.Enhancing Connectivity and Emergency Preparedness
Expected to stretch approximately three miles over Old Tampa Bay, this bridge will significantly enhance connectivity between Tampa and the St. Petersburg area. It will serve as a crucial lifeline for residents during emergencies, providing a seamless transportation route. Cemex, with its extensive experience in providing durable and sustainable building solutions, has already contributed about 141,000 cubic yards of concrete and nearly 104,000 tons of aggregates to the project. The new design incorporates a bicycle and pedestrian trail, express lanes, and provisions for a light rail in the future, making it a multi-functional infrastructure asset. 1: The state-of-the-art facilities at Cemex, combined with its unwavering commitment to quality and its ability to meet the project's high demand, have been instrumental in ensuring the structural integrity and longevity of the bridge. The company's expertise in concrete and aggregates has been put to excellent use, contributing to the overall success of the construction. 2: Jeff Bobolts, Cemex US Regional President – East Region, expressed pride in working on the Florida Department of Transportation's critical infrastructure initiatives. He emphasized the company's dedication to supporting projects that have a significant impact on public safety and resilience, delivering top-notch building materials and meeting the needs of their customers.Meeting Project Deadlines and Sustainability Goals
The bridge is scheduled to open to traffic by Spring 2025, and Cemex remains committed to upholding the highest standards of quality, safety, and environmental sustainability throughout the construction process. The company's focus on sustainability is evident in their choice of materials and construction methods, which aim to minimize the environmental impact while maximizing the durability and performance of the bridge. 1: By adhering to strict quality control measures and using advanced technologies, Cemex is ensuring that the bridge meets the highest industry standards. This not only guarantees the safety of users but also contributes to the long-term viability of the infrastructure. 2: The successful completion of this vital bridge project is expected to have a positive impact on the communities it serves. It will improve transportation connectivity and enhance disaster response capabilities, making Tampa and the surrounding areas more resilient in the face of natural disasters.Unveiling La Grande's Riverside Playground Dream
Project Overview
Recently, La Grande Parks and Rec Commission Chairman David Moyal and Parks and Rec Director Stu Spence provided detailed information about the upcoming playground. A spring 2025 groundbreaking is on the horizon, and an impressive $408,184 grant from the Oregon State Parks Department's Local Government Grant Program has been secured. This significant financial boost will help bring the project to life.
Even more recently, Parks and Rec Committee member Sharron Langdon shed light on the project's progress. Construction of the new playground is scheduled to begin around May 2025, with the existing playground being dismantled during this time. The demolition and construction process is estimated to take approximately 3 weeks. To ensure a smooth transition, the committee will start bringing in additional contractors and workers in the first quarter of 2025.
Fundraising for Benches
While the main playground fundraising has been successfully completed, the committee is now focused on raising funds for 5 durable and long-lasting playground-approved benches. These benches are essential for providing seating areas within the playground. As Sharron explained, each bench costs $2,500, and they are manufactured specifically for playground use. The committee aims to secure this last piece of funding at the start of the new year.
For community members with sentimental attachments to the old playground, the committee is still working out the details of handling souvenirs. One notable exception is the fence pickets with names on them. There will likely be an opportunity during construction for community members to retrieve their pickets if they wish. Additionally, the handprint tiles will remain as they are and become a part of the new playground.
Construction Details and Future
As construction approaches, more details about the park structure will be confirmed. The committee is committed to ensuring that the new playground meets the highest standards and provides a safe and enjoyable environment for children and families. Donations can be made by contacting Stu Spence at 541-962-1348 or by visiting the project's website at https://lagrandeplayground.org/?fbclid=IwAR3rhUmFZjYfbniaUkS_Iul9rwC1rzzj5HR4XKZsr03f7WIZqgZgNVhcplU_aem_AcuLBsXOvpMYz35PzBgZ1qmo95ZaDjUtD37ahQy_Ct3-nC0FeWZXw31yLdW2oOFETQHKa1Hj9RP3UP3W7z4ecj5i.
The La Grande community is eagerly awaiting the completion of this new playground, which will become a centerpiece of the city and a place for generations to come. With the hard work and dedication of the committee and various stakeholders, the dream of a vibrant riverside playground is becoming a reality.