By: Kirsten Crow
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
CORPUS CHRISTI — A two-block stretch of North Chaparral Street reopened to vehicle traffic Wednesday afternoon, in a move downtown stakeholders hoped would signify a reboot for the businesses that struggled during a year’s worth of construction as part of a revitalization effort.
The $4.8 million construction project, funded through voter-approved 2008 bonds, has been ongoing for the blocks between William and Schatzell streets since last February.
The work included widened sidewalks and sea-scaped brick pavers in blues, yellows, greens and grays at street intersections, as well as landscaping and infrastructure improvements for irrigation and underground utilities.
Tuesday afternoon city workers opened one of two lanes for vehicle traffic, removing stop signs in favor of operating traffic signals.
Some work is slated to continue on curbs, sidewalks and gutters, officials said.
The second lane of North Chaparral Street within those two blocks will remain closed while work continues on the construction of The Cosmopolitan, a $29 million mixed-use development by RealTex Development Corp. that will include apartments and retail space. The street will be converted to accommodate two-way traffic, which is expected to occur before the end of the year, said Dan Biles, executive director of public works.
A stretch of Lawrence Street from Mesquite to Chaparral streets will also remain closed while construction continues, with the developer leasing the closed area of Lawrence Street from the city for $1,629 per month through Jan. 31, 2015, Biles said.
The project is expected to be ready for move-ins in June 2015, said John Boyd, vice president of RealTex Development Corp.
With the demolition of the Lichtenstein building complete, passers-by will soon see workers tackling underground utility work at the site, and within the next few months, columns and concrete for the parking garage will go up, he said.
Pre-leasing signs will likely begin making appearances in the next month or so, Boyd added. He praised the work of the city officials and subcontractors, saying the group feels there “is a lot of interest in the market, and it will be very successful.”