FORT WALTON BEACH — Local developer Ken Wright says he’s confident the proposed Landmark Center can survive the state’s plan to replace Brooks Bridge.
The key is starting construction on the downtown project sooner rather than later, said Wright, who is a principal with Ft. Walton Development Partners.
“We’ve never wanted to wait,” he said. “If we begin construction before the bridge goes in, it’s a different ballgame.”
The Landmark Center is a mixed-use development blending residential and commercial interests proposed for the corner of U.S. Highway 98 and Perry Avenue. Plans call for a hotel, five-story parking garage, loft condos and shops.
“(The state is) acting as if there’s a vacant lot down there,” Wright said. “A hotel going in there would change the dynamics of the decision making.”
The state Department of Transportation in late December announced in its plans to replace the 47-year-old Brooks Bridge. Many local officials and community leaders immediately responded with concerns that a new bridge, likely with a larger overall footprint, would significantly affect downtown.
Wright said Ft. Walton Development Partners contacted Gov. Rick Scott’s office after the DOT’s announcement.
“He has shown support for it,” Wright said. “The thing is ... we’re creating jobs.”
The developers have asked the City Council to approve a new development agreement that would govern the project. The council on Tuesday will hold its first public hearing on the agreement Tuesday and is expected to take a vote Jan. 28.
Under that development agreement, the city will transfer an existing parking lot to the company to use for its parking garage.
City Manager Michael Beedie said his staff will continue to operate as if Landmark Center is still in play. He said it’s too early in the bridge discussion to count the project out.
“We’re going to move forward as if the bridge is not going to happen,” Beedie said.
He said the DOT’s plan to replace Brooks Bridge has the potential to “destroy downtown” and that an alternative route is the only “viable” option.
Contact Daily News Staff Writer Kari C. Barlow at 850-315-4438 or kbarlow@nwfdailynews.com. Follow her on Twitter @KariBnwfdn.