Pullman Square inched a little closer to reality this week.
The Transit Authority issued a contract of $1,520,871 to Red Dawson Wednesday for site preparation.
But don't expect to see dirt moving anytime soon. The contract is contingent on several things happening, said Transit Authority General Manager Vickie Shaffer.
They include:
Approval of the new West Virginia Economic Development Grant Committee of a $10.6 million grant.
Finalization of agreements between TTA and Metropolitan Partners to buy the location from the Huntington Urban Renewal Authority.
Certification from the West Virginia Division of Environmental Protection to allow construction on the site.
Dawson will be reimbursed for any costs incurred under the contract, if the $10.6 million grant is not approved. Shaffer said.
The private part of the development is being handled by Metropolitan Partners of Columbus.
Work to remove two underground fuel tanks at the site has been completed, said Shaffer.
One stumbling block for the Superblock has been removed: Prandium Corporation agreed to sell the Chi-Chi's Mexican Restaurant at 3rd Avenue and 10th Street to HURA. The property will be sold to Metropolitan Partners.
When completed, the $54 million Pullman Square complex will bring several restaurants and a theater complex to Downtown Huntington employing hundreds of people.
