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Calera wins $1 million streetscape grant; Cosby Building stabilization under way
Summary
Calera officials said crews have begun a $1 million Main Street streetscape project — including asphalt removal and sidewalk widening on Highway 31 — and that stabilization and controlled demolition are enabling eventual renovation of the historic Cosby Building.
Calera officials said work has begun on a $1 million Main Street streetscape project that will remove asphalt, widen sidewalks on the north side of Highway 31 and add landscaping and pedestrian improvements, with crews projecting construction to finish by December.
"We received a million dollar grant for that. We started this past week of cutting our asphalt," said the mayor, who briefed council at the 6 p.m. work session. He warned of likely traffic disruptions and asked residents to expect temporary detours while crews complete the work.
Main Street representatives showed before-and-after photos and described steps taken to stabilize the Cosby Building, an historic structure the presenters said was formerly an old Way Hotel. "They're taking off a lot of the unsafe portions so that we can begin the process of getting someone in there," the Main Street representative said, noting crews have removed debris and are weatherizing the structure so interior work can begin.
The mayor asked council members to meet with the architect working on the Cosby Building and Main Street stakeholders to discuss interior concepts and historical compliance before any roof or permanent rehabilitation work begins. Main Street also urged residents to continue patronizing downtown businesses during construction, saying rear entrances remain open and pedestrian access will be maintained where possible.
City staff cautioned that traffic-signal replacement is not part of the current streetscape contract and that any traffic-signal work at the 25/31 intersection would be evaluated separately. The council did not take a formal vote on the streetscape at the work session; the presentation served as an update and a request to coordinate design review with an architect and the historical review process.
Next steps: staff will coordinate an architect meeting with Main Street and return to the council with any required design approvals and an updated construction schedule.
