While excavators tore apart the old Sears building on West Franklin this week as part of the site preparation for the construction of the FUSE entertainment and athletic facility, City leaders were reviewing the latest plan developments for the project. City Council members met Monday in a special meeting to get an update on the latest plans for the project. At the meeting, FUSE planners presented:
- The latest master plan drawings featuring a multi-use stadium and proposed private development including retail, a hotel, residential and office space
- The current working layout and 3D images of the facility
- An overview of a possible Trenton Mill redevelopment, the benefits of reuse of the building and a drawing of possible reuse of the building for multi-family housing and retail
- Options for additional uses of the facility that would attract commercial leases and a diverse group of users and suggestions from the public solicited at the three information workshops
- The latest financing options
- Other plans during the next phase of the project, including requests for private development proposals, reviewing potential facility management companies, negotiating lease agreements and developing marketing plans
See the FUSE Council presentation.
“With the Sears building coming down, the project is beginning to feel more real,” said Kristy Crisp, the City’s economic development director. “We’re in a transition phase now where the focus will be on the financing piece of the project with emphasis on the private sector fundraising.”
“The public input we received from the three public meetings was really helpful in getting us this far with the planning,” she said, “and we want to keep the public engaged as we move forward.”
