TO: Mayor and Members of City Council
THRU: Kelly Strickland, Assistant City Manager
FROM: Christopher Cauley, Director of Economic and Community Development
Derrick McArthur, Economic Development Manager
DATE: January 5, 2026
RE:Title
Blount and Gillespie Redevelopment Efforts UpdateTitle
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COUNCIL DISTRICT(S):
Council District(s)
District 2
b
Relationship To Strategic Plan:
Strategic Plan FY 2026
Goal II: Responsive City Government Supporting a Diverse and Viable Economy
• Objective 2.1 - To ensure a diverse City tax base.
• Objective 2.3 - To invest in community places to ensure revitalization and increase quality of life.
Goal IV: Desirable Place to Live, Work and Recreate
• Objective 4.5 - To ensure a place for people to live in great neighborhoods
Executive Summary:
City Council is asked to receive a report on the plan for redevelopment of the Blount & Gillespie site. HR&A Advisors was contracted by the City to evaluate the site and conduct community engagement and feasibility analysis for a potential public-private partnership.
Background:
From 2008 to 2024, the City acquired a total of 41 individual parcels, using local funding allocated as the City’s leverage for the HOPE VI Redevelopment Project. In 2016, the Red Rock Global Study further highlighted the site as one with catalytic development potential. In 2018, the City explored plans for the site including the Centre City Business Park concept. In 2020 it was determined that Centre City Business concept would not move forward due to inability to attract private developers and shifting market conditions amidst the Covid-19 pandemic.
In 2025, the City contracted HR&A Advisors to conduct a market scan and existing conditions analysis to determine feasible redevelopment options. Community engagement was conducted on June 11, 2025, at J S Spivey recreational center. HR&A Advisors, Inc. has evaluated redevelopment opportunities for the City-owned property at Blount and Gillespie Streets. The purpose of this initiative is to attract private investment, expand the local tax base, and deliver community benefits through strategic public-private partnerships (P3). The presentation to Council recaps the prior work by City staff and HR&A, reviews the concepts developed by market information, and seeks guidance from City council on next steps.
Issues/Analysis:
Analysis indicates demand for mixed-use development, particularly retail and residential. Residents desire cultural preservation, artistic space and housing. Redevelopment may require City participation through land write downs, infrastructure investments, or incentives. The Blount & Gillespie Site is a City owned parcel identified as a key redevelopment opportunity within the downtown area.
Budget Impact:
No direct budget appropriation is needed at this stage. Budgetary impacts will be presented once HR&A completes the next phase of its work and presents City Council with options to move forward.
Options:
1. Receive the report from staff and give feedback on the process.
2. Receive the report from staff and do not give feedback on the process.
3. Do not receive the report.
Recommended Action::Recommended Action
Receive the report from staff and give feedback on the process.
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Attachments:
Blount and Gillespie Council Work Session Presentation