Is St. Augustine’s West King district about to get the royal treatment?
The City of St. Augustine has approved a $49 million, 30-year plan to revitalize the area — an ambitious initiative that could completely remake the rapidly morphing pocket of the Old City.
This long-term initiative aims to upgrade infrastructure, promote local businesses and enhance public spaces, according to a summary from Inspire Placemaking Collective, a consulting firm tapped to develop the project alongside a local steering committee.
Spanning 600 acres and hosting roughly 3,000 residents, West City has long been a secondary municipal concern compared to downtown and other parts of St. Augustine.
But the redevelopment plan aims to elevate the area – which has already seen an infusion of small local businesses — through long haul funding via Tax Increment Financing, which draws from increases in property tax revenues driven by the area’s rising property values.
Phase 1 (2025–2035): $8.5 Million
The first phase centers on design, planning, and initial capital improvements. It sets the stage for more extensive work in later years.
- King Street Streetscape and Infrastructure Improvements: Approximately $2 million is allocated for initial infrastructure work on King Street, including upgrades to sidewalks, lighting, street furnishings, and general overall aesthetics.
- Housing Stabilization: $1.5 million will support housing rehabilitation programs aimed at helping residents repair and maintain their homes. These efforts include partnerships with legal aid organizations and residential repair initiatives designed to stabilize neighborhoods and prevent displacement.
- Local Business Development Assistance: Another $1.5 million is earmarked to help local businesses grow through incentives, facade improvements and parking solutions.
- Public Space Enhancements: Parks like Oyster Creek and Rollins will draw from $1.5 million devoted to design and beautification upgrades.
- Branding and Wayfinding: A $500,000 investment will fund the design and initial implementation of city-approved signage and branding.
Phase 2 (2036–2045): $14 Million
The second phase will focus on construction and expanding the scope of improvements.
- King Street Streetscape and Infrastructure Construction: With a $7.5 million budget, this phase will fund streetscape and utility upgrades along King Street, including road work, stormwater management, landscaping, sidewalks and lighting.
- Greenspace and Marsh Access Improvements: Approximately $3 million will go toward enhancing parks and other public spaces, with $2.5 million dedicated to Oyster Creek, Rollins, and other greenspaces, and $500,000 for creating marsh access on the eastern boundary of West City.
- Transit and Mobility Enhancements: $500,000 will be used to improve transit stops, signage, and bus service, boosting the area’s connection to downtown.
- Community Stabilization and Business Assistance: Continued investments of $1.5 million each will support housing stabilization programs and local business development efforts.
Phase 3 (2046–2054): $26.5 Million
The final phase aims to complete the redevelopment vision.
- King Street Streetscape and Infrastructure Completion: Another $7.5 million will finish remaining streetscape and infrastructure projects along King Street.
- Greenspace Beautification and Amenities: $5 million will finish parks and public space improvements.
- Marsh Access Implementation: $2.5 million will go to open public access to the marsh areas bordering the area.
- Transit Connectivity: $2.5 million will fund improved public transit.
- Community Stabilization and Business Development: Ongoing support totaling $7.5 million will go to more housing assistance and local business support.
- Public Parking: An additional $2.5 million will increase parking availability.
City officials have stressed that the vision can be adjusted and modified as it progresses.
