ADEPT Completes Tourism Impact Study for the City of Key West's Southernmost Point Plaza Streetscape Improvements Project
The Southernmost Point Buoy in Key West is an anchored concrete buoy marking the Southernmost Point of the continental United States that serves as an iconic landmark and major tourist destination. Already a highly visited location, the Southernmost Point Plaza Streetscape Improvement Project is aimed at transforming the area into a more mixed vehicular and pedestrian space that provides a one of a kind experience reflective of the City of Key West’s unique character.
This Independent Professional Tourism Impact Study analyzed how the renovation of the area surrounding the iconic buoy marking the Southernmost Point of the United States will transform the space into a creative, welcoming plaza providing increased shade, hardscape and landscaping, improved drainage, and enhanced bike and pedestrian accessibility.
The study was a requirement under Florida law for grant agreements between the Tourist Development Council and the City.
The Southernmost Point Buoy in Key West is a world-renowned, iconic buoy marking the southernmost point of the continental United States. It was erected in 1983 by the City of Key West to establish from the corner of South and Whitehead Streets is only 90 miles to Cuba. Unfortunately, extensive damage to the site and site aging has brought forth the need for repairs and improvements.
The Southernmost Point Plaza Streetscape Improvements Project will incorporate innovative strategies such as pedestrian‐first “living street” principles with purposeful, safe blending of pedestrians, vehicles and cyclists. Along with providing a memorable experience for all visitors, the plaza will be serviced by Key West’s Conch Train and City Trolleys and local vendors in a convenient venue for those visiting the Southernmost Point.
While the roadway will remain two-way, it will incorporate design features to slow traffic and deter through-traffic while continuing to accommodate the needs of adjacent residential and commercial properties.
As a whole, the tourism industry is a critical component of Monroe County’s economy, generating $1.9 billion dollars annually in visitor-generated revenue and creating jobs for approximately four out of every ten workers in Monroe County. With the Southernmost Point Buoy being the most photographed landmark south of Walt Disney World, the completion of the Southernmost Point Plaza Streetscape Improvements Project will help contribute to increased tourism numbers and to the TDC and City's greater mission.
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