FAQs

The City of University Park is committed to equipping Snider Plaza with a sustainable future and providing a seamless experience for daily shoppers by upgrading critical infrastructure and reviving the look of the Plaza. The goal is to ensure it remains a functional, beautiful and safe place to commune, shop and live for generations to come.

This project includes revitalized and brand-new streets, sidewalks, storm drainage lines, lighting, benches, trash receptacles, bike racks, central fountain and parking spaces. Landscaping will be added when construction is completed.

The majority of Snider Plaza south of Rankin is included. The City Council’s decision to phase Snider Plaza improvements was largely impacted by right-of-way differences between the southern and northern portions of Snider Plaza.  In the southern portion (Daniel to Rankin), the City’s right-of-way extends between storefronts.  However, in the northern portion, the City’s right-of-way narrows. The City began requesting easements from property owners in January 2023, but was not successful in obtaining all easements necessary to complete the project in the northern portion of Snider Plaza. The City will continue to design this area in hopes of completing future phases.

The first phase of the Snider Plaza improvements project currently under construction is scheduled for six total construction phases over 18 months, with completion of the first phase projected for fall 2025.

In partnership with University Park Parks & Recreation, the City is removing all trees and plants in the Plaza because many are not suited for paved environments and sidewalks, and there is a risk they will be damaged during construction. There are plans to plant 70+ new trees of more appropriate species in the Plaza. There will be a mix of both young and mature trees planted. Additionally, new flower beds will be installed with an array of plant life.

The majority of landscaping will occur at the end of the project so plant life is not damaged during construction.

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Detours will change depending on the phase of the project. Stay updated by visiting the City's website regularly, following us on social media, and signing up for regular email communications.

Currently, there are no plans to permanently change the directional usage of any streets or alleyways within or surrounding Snider Plaza.

The City has established the Snider Plaza Parking Task Force, which is made up of stakeholders from the Plaza and the surrounding neighborhood, to solicit community feedback on possible parking solutions.

The goal is to ensure Snider Plaza parking maximizes capacity and efficiency for all visitors, which may or may not include various forms of paid parking and/or parking enforcement. The task force has completed multiple rounds of public discussions, presentations, walk & talk sessions, as well as an open online survey. After presenting the findings to City Council, the Council will consider the issue in late January or February 2025.

The City of University Park granted the construction contract to SYB following a thorough review of proposals. SYB scored the highest of all respondents. They have worked in University Park continuously for the last four years on multiple projects throughout the City limits and are a proven and trusted partner of the City.

Permitted construction hours are M-F 7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., and Sat. 7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. The City will alert the public, tenants and property owners at least 48 hours in advance of any work that may occur outside of these hours.

No work will ever occur between the hours of 10:00 p.m. - 6:00 a.m.

See the coded map below  for a look at each of the six phases of the project.

A phased approach allows for the least disruption to businesses and visitors in the area. It also ensures we follow the natural flow of water, waste and storm drainage, making it easier to ensure all drainage aligns.

All barriers will be code compliant and appropriate for a mixed-retail construction project. Our main priority is always the safety of those in Snider Plaza.

Yes, cranes will be needed during Phases 3 and 4 of this project for operation on the fountain, as well as tree installation at the end of the project. The public, tenants and property owners will be notified in advance of any additional closures prior to any crane’s arrival. City leadership and SYB are making every effort to go above and beyond with safety measures related to crane activity.

In partnership with University Park Parks & Recreation, the City is removing all trees and plants in the Plaza because many are not suited for paved environments and sidewalks, and there is a high risk of damage during construction. They will be replaced with 70+ trees of more appropriate species for the new Plaza design. 

The majority of landscaping will occur at the end of the project so plant life is not damaged.

Since City Council approved the project, removal of the old fountain is required due to its age, structural degradation and unrealistic maintenance requirements. The new fountain design was selected by City Council in a process that vetted several options. When selecting the design, City Council heavily took into consideration feedback it received from the community during virtual neighborhood meetings on the construction project. The new fountain, designed by Space Between Design, is similar in appearance to the old design and features sustainable, modernized equipment and improved water use efficiency.

The safety of all individuals visiting the Plaza is the City of University Park’s top priority during construction. The City and construction contractors are implementing all safety protocols in accordance with all city and state laws.

Business fronts will always be accessible during business hours. Any construction that would limit access to businesses will be coordinated to occur outside of regular business hours.

Construction will happen as quickly and smoothly as possible one phase at a time, allowing for staggered and minimal disruption. Signage will be present to direct visiting foot traffic.

Tenants and property owners in Snider Plaza should ensure they are signed up to receive communications from the City of University Park. 

The City will be offering several solutions, from signage to pop-up events, that will be helpful for your customers and clients. Stay tuned for details.

Deliveries will be available in the alley. We encourage you to communicate with your delivery drivers to use the alleys for deliveries throughout construction.

If for any reason a delivery is not able to be made in the alley, we recommend your delivery driver find parking closest to the alley without impeding Plaza traffic and handcart the delivery into the alley to enter the back of your business.

Not at all! We anticipate everything running smoothly throughout the construction process.