WER Architects and Cromwell engineers were hired by the Pine Bluff Urban Renewal Agency to
determine the current condition, state of disrepair, and the possibility /feasibility of rehabilitation
of the buildings in the 300 block of Main Street.
Over three months, WER has taken field measurements of the exterior and main structural walls within the interior of the buildings. The report details the urgent need to renovate and restore these buildings due to rapid deterioration.
The Commission authorized Executive Director Maurice Taggart to sign a contract with WER for
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
the development of construction documents to rehabilitate three structures located at 316, 322,
and 324 Main.
“The 300 block of Main represents a significant challenge for the redevelopment of
downtown Pine Bluff. The Pine Bluff Urban Renewal Agency is taking the initial step in hopes of
fostering development by the private market,” Taggart said. “Upon completion, these structures will be stabilized,
and their unsightly appearance will be remediated. Swift action following the report demonstrates
that we are serious about improving the conditions of downtown Pine Bluff.”
Once rehabilitation documents are complete, work is expected to begin in February of 2020 and
finalized in May 2020. Taggart said “As we near the bid period for this project, we
will work through the Pine Bluff Construction and Trade Alliance to facilitate local subcontractors’
participation.”
Recently, Code Enforcement tagged many of the downtown properties within the 4th to 3rd block of
Main street citing their violation of building codes for the city of Pine Bluff. As a result, property
owners are being asked to present a specific plan and timeline for improving the condition of their
property.
Council member, Joni Alexander, who is chair of the planning and development city
council committee said ‘that property owners must be accountable for these conditions. We
envision their personal reinvestment to create synergy with the efforts of Urban Renewal. Codes
must be enforced to protect current and future investments, whether public or private.”
Go Forward Pine Bluff CEO Ryan Watley said, “The Urban Renewal Agency and Code
Enforcement are taking the necessary steps that will enable the downtown market to flourish.
There has been little to no investment in these properties for quite some time. In tandem with the
streetscape project and other surrounding developments, we are beginning to turn the corner from
campaigning for a better Pine Bluff to visualizing the work necessary to make it a reality. During
the rehabilitation process, Go Forward Pine Bluff will work with the Agency to identify private
investors to build out each space for retail, restaurants or other specified purposes. Two of the
current focus properties are eligible for rehabilitation tax credits in addition to incentives associated
with the Opportunity Zone.”
If anyone is interested in the overall development, contact Ryan Watley at
watleyryan@goforwardpb.org or Maurice Taggart at mtaggart@cityofpinebluff.com.