On July 18, Gainesville City Commissioner Thomas Hawkins and Alachua County Commissioner Lee Pinkoson celebrated the revitalization of the neighborhood in which they grew up—University Heights.
Both spoke at the ribbon-cutting for two new apartment complexes by Trimark Properties—Solaria and Greystone.
“I always loved this neighborhood, and it’s incredible to see it change, becoming once again one of Gainesville’s nicest neighborhoods,” Hawkins said.
“University Heights is far more vibrant today than it was during its years of decline,” Pinkoson said. “The transformation is massive,” he said.
Solari is an upscale Mediterranean-style, three-story complex at 1024 S.W. Seventh Ave. that is all new construction. The 25-unit project replaces old buildings that had a total of six units.
Greystone includes the renovation of two historic stone building with eight apartments and the building of 25 new apartments at 909 S.W. Sixth Ave.
Trimark managing partner John Fleming noted that the company built Royal Palms apartments, which are across the street from Solaria, 10 years ago. “It was the first new residential construction on University Heights in 30 years,” he said. “It’s amazing what 10 years will do.”
In addition to multiple new buildings and renovations in the area, Innovation Square is emerging, Fleming noted.
He credited the Gainesville Community Redevelopment Agency with spurring the revitalization of the area, including providing a grant that made Royal Palms cost-effective.
“At first, the CRA support was necessary for us to take what was a big risk,” he said. “Now projects in the area can stand on their own.”