Home»All Photos»Gateway Building Groundbreaking Ceremony - February 12, 2013

Local real estate development, investment and management powerhouse, Hunter & Harp Holdings, joined Mayor John Marks, Chairman Nick Maddox and city and county commissioners for a groundbreaking ceremony signaling construction of the new $11 million Gateway building on the corner of Monroe Street and Tennessee Street set to open in spring of 2014.

Hunter & Harp Holdings recognized Conn & Associates, Inc., the architectural firm selected to design the new building and announced that local contractor Mad Dog Construction will soon begin construction on the 50,000-square-foot mixed-use signature building.

The Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), funded by the City of Tallahassee and Leon County, provided the critical gap funding necessary to complete the overall financing of the project.

County Commission Chairman and CRA Chairman Nick Maddox said, “The CRA recognizes that having a pharmacy and other new retail opportunities will be a great addition to downtown Tallahassee and will positively impact those who live and work here. We’re thrilled to lend our support to help make this development a reality.”

“Today’s groundbreaking recognizes the vision and commitment of the developer to bring this retail project to our downtown,” said Tallahassee Mayor John Marks. “It is also the result of a long-term commitment by the CRA to provide bridge financing for a project that will change the face of one of Tallahassee’s most visible corners.”

“We’re grateful for the instrumental contribution of the CRA to help our development plans come to fruition with the construction of Gateway. Spurring economic growth and providing numerous opportunities for employment, we look forward to this statement building occupying a main corner of Tallahassee with its brick urban architecture,” explained Chad Kittrell, Hunter & Harp Holdings.

Located at the prominent intersection of Monroe Street and Tennessee Street, the mixed-use split-level building features four stories with an attached parking garage and additional on-site parking. The Monroe Street lower level includes leasable tenant space in addition to the parking garage. Anchor tenant, Walgreen’s pharmacy, will occupy the first level with drive-through accessibility from Tennessee Street. The second and third levels will house additional leasing space ideal for retail or business offices with a need for downtown proximity.

Michael Conn, President of Conn & Associates, Inc., said, “The building helps create an urban street-scape consistent with the goals of the city’s Multi-Model Transportation District’s Downtown Overlay and Downtown Improvement Authority.”

“This is a complex and challenging project due to the structure's close proximity to busy downtown roads on three of four sides," said Shawn Roberts, Vice President and senior project manager of Mad Dog Construction. “As a result, all details for dealing with this challenge have been thoroughly planned and carefully coordinated."