On Monday, Westfield Mayor Andy Cook joined city leaders and community members in breaking ground on the Grand Junction Plaza. The $35 million project will be the centerpiece of the city’s new downtown.
“This is truly a remarkable day for the city of Westfield,” said Cook. “We have worked long and hard to develop what we know will be a wonderful amenity for our residents now and for generations to come. This was a true community-inspired project from the very beginning more than a decade ago. I am proud of the level of involvement this community put behind the Plaza.”
“Every city needs a heart and this community has risen to the challenge and envisioned one that will set us apart,” said Teresa Skelton, Grand Junction Task Group member. “This will be like no other space and we are excited to see this dream become a reality.”
The unique six-acre park, designed by the renowned firm David Rubin Land Collective, will feature greenspace, trails, an amphitheater and ice-skating rink. The Grand Junction Task Group, a volunteer citizens group, included the Plaza as an integral part of its master plan designed over the last ten years. The organization was instrumental in the concept development and design of the Grand Junction Plaza. In October 2018, the City announced the reconstruction of State Road 32, which was also a fundamental element of the Task Group’s master plan.
The Plaza already has led to economic development in the city’s downtown. Not only have the acclaimed restaurants along Park Street cited the Plaza as a reason for their location and investment, Old Town Properties announced a $25 million investment in a mixed-use project in the heart of the city.
As a result of the funding package approved by the Westfield City Council last spring, there will be no tax increase for residential property taxpayers through the City’s funding plan for the Grand Junction Plaza. The Plaza is set to open in 2021.