My Clearwater
Winter l Spring 03
south. The construction project is designated to go to
bid in spring 2018, and the construction contract will be
awarded in the summer 2018.
• Cleveland Streetscape Phase 3 is a project aimed at
enhancing Cleveland Street in Downtown Clearwater
into a pedestrian- and bicycle-friendly street. The
roadway will be improved and made safer by adding
landscaping and decorative lighting, improving sidewalks,
enhancing on-street parking and adding bicycle lanes
along the corridor, which stretches along Cleveland
Street from Missouri Avenue to Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard
and Cleveland Street to San Remo Avenue. Construction
is expected to begin in 2018 and be completed in 2019.
• The Mercado/Market District is a
concept to create a market area and
community gathering place
with local vendors, weekend
markets, music shows
and movie nights all in
Clearwater’s Downtown
Gateway. Timeline for
the project hasn’t been
finalized.
Second Century Studios
has served as a great
communicator for the city’s
urban initiatives, Canary
said. There’s information on
the city’s website about the
initiative and the local media has
covered it, but that communication
can’t replace the hands-on, straight forward
communication offered directly at Second Century
Studios, Canary said.
“The space has provided that engagement tool,” Canary
said. “This has given us the hub to have the two-way
communication. I think it has been helpful to have a city
representative in the space, answer questions and point
people in the right direction.”
Before the Nov. 7, 2017, referendum, she recalled meeting
people who visited Second Century Studios and weren’t
familiar with the city’s urban initiatives. Seeing the large and
colorful displays gave them an understanding of the scope of
the projects and how they are connected, Canary said.
“When you have several big plans, it’s important to see how
they come together and relate and show how they have
synergy among them.”
Helping to draw people to Second Century Studios is
the Bazaar Art Zone, which is spearheaded by Bazaar Art
founder Jennie Pearl. It brings together more than a dozen
local artists who fill the space with wonderful artworks,
including landscapes, abstracts and modern paintings.
“We have been received with open arms,” said Jennie Pearl,
“and this is just the beginning. Art and entertainment are
core elements of economic development and community
togetherness. They bring people out of their comfort
zones and help them to see the beauty, creativity and
expressiveness of those around them.”
Since opening in September 2017,
Second Century Studios has
hosted three exhibit openings
where guests get to see fresh,
local art and interact with the
artists. The studio is open
from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Monday through Thursday,
and some evenings when
there’s a downtown event
or a concert at the Capitol
Theatre. The studio also has
on exhibit the banner of each
Clearwater Jazz Holiday poster
that has been designed to promote
each event since the first Clearwater
Jazz Holiday concert in 1980.
As the plans for Imagine Clearwater and the other
urban initiatives progress and new renderings are designed,
the studio space will evolve and display the new concepts,
Canary said.
“As they move along with the urban plan, we can showcase it
here in the Second Century Studios,” Canary said. “This will
continue to be a space where people have an opportunity to
come, learn, discuss, get educated and be more informed.”
Artists interested in submitting their work or joining
the Bazaar Art Co-Op, can contact 944-2974 or email
bazaarartllc@gmail.com.
To learn more about Second Century Studios, call 562-4024
or email laura.canary@myclearwater.com.