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CRA reviews underpass 'illuminated trees' and bridge-lighting concepts funded in part by local benefactor
Summary
Design teams showed three underpass concepts (illuminated tree‑like elements, gateway arches, mangrove-inspired arches) and bridge underside lighting options; staff said FDOT is receptive and the projects will be coordinated with the Innovation Walk and further board review.
Design consultants presented three distinct concepts for underpasses and an approach for illuminating the underside of a downtown bridge, saying the ideas aim to improve nighttime use and link to the Innovation Walk.
Kristen Alexa, a landscape architect working with Kimberly Horn’s team, described Concept A as "an illuminated urban forest" that would add a larger pedestrian path and lighting elements to give the underpass a daytime and nighttime appeal. She said the design would favor decorative concrete with glass aggregate and include artist-fabricated panels to create visual interest.
The team also outlined Concept B, a gateway option with vertical arches and sculpture locations intended to welcome people into downtown, and Concept C, a "mangrove-esque" arch scheme meant to tie resiliency and local ecology into the waterfront edge. "So it really starts to create that feeling of you maybe are walking through a mangrove forest," Alexa said.
On bridge lighting, the presenters reported a pre-application meeting with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT). A presenter said FDOT was "extremely receptive to us doing this project" and characterized the work as a beautification permit rather than a traffic-control installation; presenters added they will comply with FDOT clear‑zone requirements and limitations on roadway lighting. They also noted that state law currently restricts decorative lights to red, white and blue; the system can be programmed for full color but color use will be constrained by statute and by board direction.
Board members and staff flagged coordination issues that will guide next steps: FDOT permitting and maritime navigation (no changes to boat navigation lights), integration with the Innovation Walk branding, and a funding / phased implementation plan. Staff told the board the permitting process could stretch over multiple years and gave an illustrative long-range target of 2027 for completed bridge lighting if all approvals and funding fall into place.
The concepts will go next to the Board of Commissioners and the Beautification Committee for further refinement and public review. Staff asked board members for feedback on preferred treatments and noted that the benefactor Deb Gillen has supported related downtown beautification projects.
