Local officials have voted against a plan to purchase part of Tallahassee’s Railroad Square. But the vote leaves the door open for a potential future partnership between the Southside Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) and a group of people working to revitalize the local arts district.
Commissioner Curtis Richardson broke from his usual position, siding on this vote with Commissioners Jeremy Matlow and Jack Porter. The group agreed the CRA would not purchase any of the property but would direct staff to work with several long-time arts district tenants to pursue potential funding sources and to formulate a potential funding deal. It’s an idea that goes against the CRA staff recommendation, but that was backed earlier this month by the Greater French Town/Southside CRA Citizens Advisory Committee.
Tallahassee’s Railroad Square was devastated by severe weather and tornadoes that hit the district back in May of 2024. Since then, the artists and small business owners that work in that space have been worried about what will come next.
Property owners, Adam and Lily Kaye have announced publicly that they plan to sell the land—either to a government entity or potentially to developers. The Kayes are asking for upwards of $10 million for nearly seven acres of space.
An independent analysis found the highest and best use for the land is a mixed-use development with a focus on young professionals and college students along with some commercial space. But during Thursday’s meeting Commissioner Jeremy Matlow questioned whether that translates to what’s actually best for the community.
“As a government we have a decision to make about what’s the value to the community and the city as a whole to continue to have an arts district,” Matlow said.
Matlow said the vote won’t keep the Kayes from selling the property to someone else, but it will show that the CRA is “an open and willing partner to come to the table if a deal comes together.”
Mayor John Dailey, who voted against the plan, said he worries it sends a false message that the CRA has a pot of money available to put into a potential joint deal.
“I am concerned that we are asking the arts community to go and seek debt possibly as part of a deal when I think there are legitimate offers that are currently on the table that need serious consideration,” Dailey said.
The vote leaves the option open for the item to come up again in the future before the CRA.
