New Dundas Place manager says flex street will be 'icing on the cake'
Savanah Sewell will be responsible for programming the new street
When the final cobble stone is set and Dundas Street becomes Dundas Place, it will be Savanah Sewell's task to help show Londoners why all the work was worth it.
The city has announced Sewell as the new manager of Dundas Place, the $16-million, two-year project to transform the gritty downtown street into a pedestrian-friendly place where people want to gather. The street's unique look will include an elimination of curbs so it can easily be pedestrianized for concerts and special events.
Upgrades in seating and lighting are also part of the flex street concept.
Working with businesses and downtown groups to create programming for Dundas Place will be Sewell's job, one she says she's up for. Her duties will also include maintenance and security of the space.
"There are amazing people working and living in our core and I'm excited to work with the community to make this the most interesting place in the city," she said. "It's too early to get into specifics, but we're hoping to turn it into a space where there's always something going on."
The Dundas Place project got started this year on Dundas west of Richmond Street. Next year, construction moves east to the stretch between Richmond and Wellington.
The big dig was needed to replace a century-old sewer and water lines and to upgrade other utilities.
Who's in the seat
Sewell comes with experience working with various downtown groups. Her CV includes time working at Budweiser Gardens and producing live outdoor concerts during 2016's Country Music Week.
She's worked with Tourism London and the London Music Hall, and for the past four summers has also organized the family area at Home County Music and Art Festival.
The stakes are high on Dundas. Many businesses have grown tired of the construction. And some have left in recent months, including Runners' Choice and the Rexall pharmacy.
Sewell says it's too early for specifics, but promises all the pain will be worth it.
"All this work had to happen, but getting Dundas as a flexible street is the icing on the cake," she said.
In March, London will host musicians and industry types as host of the 48th Juno awards.
Although Dundas between Richmond and Wellington will be dug up, the area around Budweiser Gardens will showcase the street for what it can be once the dust settles.
"It is an incredible opportunity for us to showcase London to folks who have never been here," said Sewell.
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