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Summer 2003
PROJECTS: Sweet Brier Plaza Update
 The
Sweet
Brier Plaza Project is a bold move by the City of Lindsay to
create both infill housing in the downtown area and a complimentary
park, plaza and open-air Mercado for community events and farmers
markets. The mixed-use project, located on an abandoned rail right-of-way,
will carry the theme of a Mediterranean market place to attract
shoppers, pedestrians and residents.
The Sweet Brier Plaza project has proceeded in three phases. The
phase one development of 18 town homes is completed. The town homes
are offered in 3 and 4 bedroom units, ranging in size from 1400
-1700 square/feet. With the City assisting qualified buyers using
various housing programs and CDBG funds, more than half of the homes
have already either closed or are pending close of escrow.
The town homes feature an assortment of amenities that are new
to the Lindsay new-home market, including the latest in energy conserving
devices such as ceiling fans, efficient roofing, low-E dual pane
windows, insulation and skylights. To compliment the energy conservation
features, solar photovoltaic systems are standard on the town homes.
These panels generate clean, renewable energy that will help to
further reduce residents’ energy bills. In an effort to conserve
water, each unit is equipped with a fully automated irrigation system
for landscaped areas.
The second phase of construction, street and utilities, was completed
along with the town homes. The third and final phase of the development,
the construction of Sweet Brier Plaza, broke ground on April 28th,
2003. The Plaza will consist of a 1.3-acre park and open space,
an open sidewalk promenade, and a central community plaza with a
bandstand, fountains and interactive water features. To truly create
the feel of a Mediterranean market place, an arbored “Mercado”
is being constructed to host farmers markets, craft fairs and other
community events. Huge stone columns will form a square of vine-covered
arbors to provide shade these and other public activities.
 The
value of the entire project will approach $6 million, with the bulk
of the funding coming from State and Federal grants. The developer
chipped in more than $2 million, with the City securing the remaining
funds for the Park, Plaza, Mercado and street improvements. Grant
funding came from a variety of sources, including CDBG, Parkland,
CMAQ, TEA, Firstime Home Buyer and EDBG. The project is scheduled
for completion in September 2003.
The infill housing and Plaza area will help revitalize downtown
Lindsay. The City is coordinating streetscape improvements in the
downtown area to compliment the new development. The Chamber of
Commerce and downtown merchants have contracted with the City to
jointly provide events and activities to pull people into the downtown
and boost commercial activity.
For more information on the Sweet
Brier Plaza Project, call Lindsay’s City Manager, Bill
Drennen, at (559) 562-7103.
For information on the town homes please contact:
Raul Jara, Tienken Realty World (559) 562-5936
Rocky Cortez, Diamond Realty (559) 723-1195
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