The City of Clermont envisions transformative enhancements to two key areas: the 8th Street Pier & Waterfront Park and the 8th Street Trailhead. The existing 8th Street Pier, showing signs of aging, presents a unique opportunity to not only replace it but to create non-permanent docking facilities for approximately 18-25 vessels.
This initiative seeks to establish a waterfront gateway to downtown Clermont, taking advantage of the Clermont chain of lakes waterways for improved accessibility. The site's significance is heightened by the South Lake Trail, part of the Coast-To-Coast trail system, passing adjacent to the pier, positioning downtown Clermont as the mid-point of this extensive trail.
Initial goals include exploring the redevelopment potential of the pier, determining the appropriate number of slips, designing a waterfront plaza, and creating an iconic destination point for the park and marina.
Simultaneously, the 8th Street Trailhead, situated at the heart of downtown, is poised for transformation into a vibrant entertainment venue. With existing structures like a covered bell tower, restrooms, and a picnic area, this area has become a focal point due to recent commercial developments.
The City aims to explore the creation of a small entertainment structure, possibly a band shell, to host solo musicians and other artists, elevating the downtown experience. The site could also serve as a central location for events such as art festivals and marathons.
Powell Studio Architecture works with the City to seamlessly blend the existing landscape of the area into a destination with green space, seating, restroom facilities, monument, and docking facilities. The City of Clermont anticipates that these enhancements will not only revitalize these spaces but also contribute to the overall vibrancy and appeal of downtown Clermont.
