FAMU Way: Project Updates
FAMU Way is now open!
FAMU Way, a project more than 10 years in the making, has reached a pinnacle milestone, as the roadway connection to Lake Bradford Road is now complete. City of Tallahassee and community leaders, joined by area residents including long-time Citizen Advisory Committee members for the project, hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony on April 30, to celebrate the milestone and officially open the road to traffic.
During the design and planning stages, it was often said that FAMU Way would be the most beautiful road in Tallahassee. Completed in three phases, this project transformed a roadway with a deep ditch running alongside it into a safe and functional corridor, designed to accommodate multiple modes of transportation. The project extended FAMU Way from Wahnish Way to Lake Bradford Road and created three roundabouts, wide sidewalks, a multi-use trail connecting to the St. Marks Trail, a community gathering place at Lake Anita, a children's playground, landscaping and much more.
Through collaboration with Florida A&M University's History Department, stories about the history of the area were collected from past and current residents. These memories were incorporated into a historical narrative that now serves as a guide for the History and Culture Trail project being coordinated by the Blueprint Intergovernmental Agency, which will recognize the area's history in physical form along the corridor.
While the final phase of the roadway is complete, work in the area will continue with Blueprint projects in the works to enhance stormwater drainage adjacent to the road, construct a new skate park and add other amenities along the roadway. The City is currently in the design phase of a proposed project to extend the corridor upgrades along the existing portion of FAMU Way from South Bronough Street to South Monroe Street.
December 2020 Update
Check out how progress continues on FAMU Way Phase 3:
August 2019 – Final Phase of FAMU Way Begins
A project more than 10 years in the making will soon begin its final phase of construction. This week, crews will begin prep work for Phase 3 of the FAMU Way Extension Project, which includes extending the roadway from Gamble Street to Lake Bradford Road.
Community meetings for this milestone project began in 2008 to address the need for an additional east-west corridor that would enhance traffic flow. As plans progressed and the conversation continued with the community during many meetings and workshops over the years, the project grew to be much more than a road project. Coupled with the creation of Blueprint Intergovernmental Agency’s Capital Cascades Trail, the FAMU Way extension became a vision and path toward revitalizing Southside Tallahassee. During the design and planning stages, it was often predicted that this would be the most beautiful road in Tallahassee.
The first two phases of the project transformed the roadway with a deep and dangerous ditch running alongside it into a safe and reliable corridor, fit for multiple modes of transportation. These phases included extending FAMU Way from Wahnish Way to Gamble Street and created three roundabouts, wide sidewalks, a multi-use trail, a community gathering place at Lake Anita, a playground, landscaping and more. Phase 3 will continue this momentum, following the same design aesthetics and attention to detail.
As work on Phase 3 of the project begins, a fence will be installed around the construction zone for the safety of workers and area residents. In the coming weeks, site preparation will occur including some tree removal. Portions of the wood from select trees will be preserved for future projects that will enhance the public space and commemorate the memories and history of the area.
Phase 3 of the FAMU Way Extension Project is anticipated to be complete in spring 2021. For more information about this and other City-related projects, visit Talgov.com/Projects.
August 2018 – FAMU Way Phase 2 is Open to Traffic
The newest section of FAMU Way between Pinellas Street and Gamble Street is open to traffic. This portion of the road features a continuation of the amenities found in previously completed phases, including wide sidewalks, bike lanes, a multi-purpose trail, enhanced street lighting and lush landscaping.
The completion of the FAMU Way roadway extension to Gamble Street allows traffic to flow between Wahnish Way and Gamble Street without passing through nearby neighborhoods. It also provides motorists traveling between Gamble Street and downtown an alternative to Gaines Street as an east-west connector.
In addition to the roadway extension, this phase of the project includes a new stormwater facility, called Tallahassee Junction. Designed as a neighborhood amenity, Tallahassee Junction offers a ¼-mile walking trail, water fountains, sheltered picnic areas, a bike repair station and a binocular station.
Another exciting feature completed with this phase of the project is Blueprint’s continuation of the Capital Cascades Trail. This section was the final piece needed to fully connect to the St. Marks Trail, which means residents can now walk and bike from Cascades Park to the coast, and anywhere in between, without ever needing to get in a lane with car traffic.
The next phase of FAMU Way will extend the roadway to connect with Lake Bradford Road. Construction is anticipated to begin in early 2019.
June 2016 – Community Celebrates FAMU Way Milestone
Ten months after opening the first portion of FAMU Way and the Capital Cascades Trail, officials from the City of Tallahassee, Leon County Government and Blueprint Intergovernmental Agency came together once again to host a grand opening ceremony to celebrate the latest milestone in this multi-year project.
The newest portion of FAMU Way and Capital Cascades Trail runs adjacent to Railroad Square Art Park between Wahnish Way and Pinellas Street. To celebrate the opening, officials offered remarks and local children played on the area's new playground. Adults and children of all ages were also invited to explore and enjoy a number of additional unique amenities featured in the area, including a market area, bicycle repair station, misting area and more!
June 2016 – Community Invited to Celebrate FAMU Way Milestone
Ten months after opening the first portion of FAMU Way and the Capital Cascades Trail, officials from the City of Tallahassee, Leon County Government and Blueprint Intergovernmental Agency are coming together once again to celebrate the latest milestone in this multi-year project.
This Friday, June 10, at 10 a.m., officials will host a grand opening ceremony on FAMU Way between Wahnish Way and Pinellas Street, adjacent to Railroad Square Art Park, which is located at 602 McDonnell Drive. The grand opening ceremony will mark the official opening of the extended roadway and trail.
During the grand opening event, community members will get the opportunity to experience, explore and enjoy the unique amenities located along the newly completed portion of FAMU Way and the Capital Cascades Trail. Some of those amenities include a playground, market area, bicycle repair station and more. Community members will even be able to cool down with the area’s new misting stations.
April 2016 – Approved stormwater concept and roadway alignment is approved.
Following the community meeting held in January, the proposed stormwater concept for the area between Gamble Street and Lake Bradford Road was presented and approved at the Intergovernmental Agency (IA) meeting on Monday, Feb. 29. The proposed roadway alignment was presented and approved at the City Commission Meeting on April 13, 2016
January 2016 - A community meeting was held to discuss future phases of the project.
On Tuesday, Jan. 26, a community meeting was held at the Smith-Williams Service Center. During the meeting, City and Blueprint staff provided an update on construction for the FAMU Way extension and Capital Cascades Trail projects. The presentation included an overview of the amenities currently under construction between Wahnish Way and Pinellas Street, and the walking trail and porch swing amenities planned for Coal Chute Pond. A concept for Skateable Public Art as a recreation amenity was also proposed for the area near Coal Chute Pond.
Proposed roadway and stormwater concepts for the area between Gamble Street and Lake Bradford Road were also shared with meeting attendees, which included a roadway alignment that follows the existing Gamble Street and another that would make a wider loop and include a stormwater facility.
Attendees provided feedback to staff about the information discussed at the meeting by completing a brief survey (view results).
For additional information or to provide comments on topics discussed at the community meeting, please email FAMUWay@talgov.com.
The proposed stormwater concept for the area between Gamble Street and Lake Bradford Road will be presented for approval at the Intergovernmental Agency (IA) meeting on Monday, Feb. 29. The proposed roadway alignment will be presented for approval at the City Commission meeting on Wednesday, March 23.
October 2015 – The first portion of FAMU Way & Capital Cascades Trail Segment 3 is complete!
On October 15, the City of Tallahassee and Blueprint 2000 celebrated the official opening of the first portion of this milestone project. The new roadway, from the Bronough Street overpass to Wahnish Way is now open to traffic, as well as the associated segment of the Capital Cascades Trail. Residents can now enjoy the many amenities and enhancements along FAMU Way, from the beautifully landscaped pond and terraced seating near the overpasses, to on street parking, wide sidewalks and the uniquely designed roundabouts at Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and Wahnish Way.
Phase One
Click on the image above to see the full Phase One map as a PDF
Construction for phase 1 of the FAMU Way Extension began in April 2014 and consists of reconstruction of the existing roadway beginning at Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and will extend FAMU Way to Pinellas Street, which is expected to be completed by 2016.
FAMU Way & Capital Cascades Trail Community Celebration Grand Opening
Join us to celebrate the partnership with residents and Florida A&M University to create "the most beautiful roadway" and the associated sales tax-funded park. Come see first-hand how that vision has been realized along the first portion of this milestone project.
Detour Information
September 2015 - From Tuesday, Sept. 22 to Thursday, Oct. 15, the portion of Wahnish Way between FAMU Way and Eugenia Street will be closed to allow the new roundabout at the FAMU Way and Wahnish Way intersection to be completed and connected to the existing roadway.
For local traffic on Wahnish Way traveling to and from FAMU campus, a detour route will direct motorists down the newly constructed improvements on FAMU way, allowing traffic to experience a portion of the milestone project designed to be "the most beautiful roadway in Tallahassee."
Motorists who typically use Wahnish Way to travel between Orange Avenue and Gaines Street are advised to use Adams Street during this time.
Construction Update - August 2015
Crew are moving right along to create the new roundabout at the FAMU Way and Wahnish Way intersection, including a unique design of colored concrete and plenty of landscaping.
Aerial View of Construction Activity – Summer 2015
Construction continues westward to extend FAMU Way to Pinellas St as phase one of the project. Crews continue building the new roundabout at Wahnish Way. Once the roundabout is completed, the first segment of the new FAMU Way, from Martin Luther King Jr Blvd to Wahnish Way will be open to traffic, which is anticipated to be in October.
Construction Update - Spring 2015
Near the Bronough Street overpass and Martin Luther King Jr Blvd intersection, work continues to complete enhancements to the existing portion of FAMU Way. In addition, crews are constructing the terraced seating at the 5 acre stormwater pond near Van Buren Street.
Phase 1 Construction Moves Westward - January 2015
Construction crews are working west of Wahnish Way, near the old Shaker Heights Apartments to Pinellas Street to clear the area and to install the stormwater pipes that will replace the large ditch. Next will be sidewalks, a kids play area and more!
Phase 1 Construction activity – September/October 2014
With the underground work complete for this portion of FAMU Way, crews began working above ground to build the curb for what will ultimately be a beautiful new roundabout at the intersection of Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd and FAMU Way.
Florida A&M University sign relocation – August 2014
Lots of special care was taken when this well-known Florida A&M University sign was recently relocated to its new home at the corner of the Gamble and Perry St intersection.
Phase 1 Construction activity – June/July 2014
Check out the next few photos to see how crews are excavating the large stormwater pond near the MLK intersection and also making their way west with the large box culvert that will carry stormwater underground along the new FAMU Way.
FAMU Way Groundbreaking Ceremony - March 31, 2014
This special event was held to kick off construction on the first phase of the FAMU Way Extension Project. City officials and dignitaries were joined by nearly 200 members of the community including area residents, children and FAMU leadership and staff to celebrate the start of this milestone project.
Blueprint 2000's Capital Cascades Trail Project (Segment 3) – February 2014
Blueprint 2000 began construction on the Capital Cascades Trail (Segment 3) project in late February 2013. Work is underway to install the box culvert that will replace the ditch currently running alongside the roadway, in addition to construction on the five acre stormwater pond at Van Buren Street.
Public Meeting - January 16, 2013
The Citizens Advisory Council met on Wednesday, January 16, in City Hall to discuss the progress for FAMU Way. At the meeting, council members heard a presentation from Wood+Partners, Inc., a local firm that specializes in award-winning landscape architecture. Staff from Wood+Partners presented (10MB PDF) the group with the preliminary design themes for the FAMU Way extension. Those design themes, which were brought to the City by students for the Architecture department at Florida A&M University, included:
- elements of water;
- color, vibrancy and playfulness;
- history and heritage; and
- redevelopment and activity.
Oakland Avenue Renaming - September 25, 2012
On September 25, a citizen-championed vision was realized when the one-block section of Oakland Avenue located between South Monroe and South Adams streets officially became FAMU Way. Public Works crews with the City of Tallahassee installed the new signage less than one month after the City Commission voted to approve the street renaming. The decision came after Dr. Charles "C.U." Smith, retired Florida A&M University professor, civil rights activist and author, expressed the need to give FAMU Way a presence on a major city thoroughfare.
With the new street signs in place at South Monroe Street, FAMU Way will extend all the way to Lake Bradford Road when the extension project is complete in 2015. Construction is scheduled to begin next year.
Public Meeting - March 15, 2012
Public Meeting - May 25, 2011
Public Meeting - January 9, 2010
A community meeting was held to discuss with residents the idea of extending FAMU Way to create a new east-west corridor to improve traffic flow.