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Council discusses activating CHROME marketplace, hotels and entertainment options downtown
Summary
Council members debated strategies May 13 to activate the CHROME marketplace and downtown corridor, including sectional leasing, infrastructure upgrades for restaurant tenants and continued negotiations with Flanagan's on a land agreement; no formal procurement decisions were taken.
Council members used the Committee of the Whole meeting on May 13 to discuss strategies to activate the CHROME marketplace and downtown corridor, including tenanting, marketing, infrastructure improvements and ongoing negotiations with developer Flanagan—s.
Concerns and options: Council members said the marketplace building has been vacant despite nearly $5 million in city investment. Councilor Rolfe and others proposed breaking the space into smaller leaseable units rather than seeking a single tenant. Suggestions included the city investing in visibility and storefront improvements, providing public infrastructure or targeted assistance for grease traps and other tenant-specific build-outs, and marketing the site differently to attract food and entertainment uses. Members cited interest in entertainment destinations (Topgolf, Dave & Buster's, miniature golf) and asked staff to pursue flexible leasing options.
Flanagan's update: Staff reported the city attorney drafted an initial agreement with Flanagan's and that the attorneys were exchanging comments on planning and general terms; additional coordination on land-use conditions remains.
Next steps and direction: Staff will continue economic analysis, reach out to hotel developers and schedule additional workshops and reports from the CRA director. No procurement contract or demolition decision was authorized; staff recommended leaving demolition and major capital work to a prospective developer to avoid exposing public funds and liability.
Why it matters: Activating the marketplace and downtown commercial corridor is a council priority aimed at creating entertainment and dining options that keep local spending within Homestead and support broader downtown revitalization.
