The Stuart Brightline station is still on track to become a significant development for the City of Stuart and the broader Treasure Coast. The city’s recent approval of a land lease with Brightline has brought this project closer to reality, reinforcing the city’s commitment to what it hopes will bring economic growth while not hindering the area’s small-town charm.
We delve into the details surrounding the land lease agreement, the station’s expected timeline, and the broader implications for Stuart and Martin County.
Brightline Making Progress with Stuart Station
The Brightline station in Stuart has garnered widespread attention within the community. The City of Stuart’s decision to approve a land lease with Brightline represents a crucial milestone in the journey to bringing modern and efficient passenger rail service to the city. This lease, however, is still contingent upon approval from the Martin County Commission, with discussions expected later this month.
Brightline’s statement following the city’s approval highlighted the significance of this agreement, calling it “one of the final steps necessary to deliver a station to Martin County.” According to current estimates, construction on the Stuart Brightline Station is expected to commence in the spring of 2025, with the station projected to open in early 2027.
Where Will the Stuart Brightline Station Be Located?
The Stuart Brightline Station will be at 500 S.E. Flagler Avenue, in the middle of Downtown Stuart. The site, situated opposite the Martin County Courthouse and bordered by local businesses, is planned to be positioned to serve both residents and visitors. The station’s proximity to various destinations within Stuart will ideally make it a convenient option for those traveling to and from the city.
Details of the Lease Agreement
Under the land lease agreement, Stuart will lease the land to Brightline for a nominal fee of $1 per year over a 40-year term, with an option to extend the lease for an additional 40 years. This long-term lease underscores the city’s commitment to the project and its belief in the long-term benefits the station will bring.
The city’s financial involvement in the project is substantial. Stuart and Martin County are expected to contribute up to $45 million toward the construction of the Brightline station. However, this figure could be reduced if the project avoids the need for a parking garage, a possibility that is still under consideration.
Station Design and Construction
The design of the Stuart Brightline Station is still in development, with several key details yet to be finalized. Initially, the station was envisioned as an 8,000 to 10,000-square-foot building on the 2.3-acre site, featuring 200 parking spaces.
Parking is among many hot topics with locals who have varying opinions on how much of a presence the station should be. Some feel that a parking garage would allow the city to retain nearby trees, where the existing parking lot could be used with improved logistics in place.
City Manager Michael Mortell has indicated that the final construction costs may be significantly lower than initially projected, particularly if a surface parking lot suffices in place of a multi-story garage.
Brightline’s Senior Vice President of Development and Construction, Brian Kronberg, has indicated that there is roughly a 50-50 chance of the parking garage being built.
If constructed, the garage would likely be a two-story structure, with the first-floor offering covered parking and the second floor exposed to the elements. However, should the garage not be constructed, the city and county could save millions, preserving a number of mature oak trees on the property in the process.
Impact on Stuart and the Treasure Coast
The arrival of the Stuart Brightline Station is expected to have a transformative impact on the surrounding region. Most expect the station to enhance connectivity between Stuart and major cities like Miami and Orlando, offering residents and visitors an alternative to highway travel. The station is also anticipated to catalyze economic growth, attracting businesses, tourists, and new residents to the area. Locals disagree on if that’s a good thing and how much growth is truly necessary.
Brightline’s decision to establish a station in Stuart was influenced by the city’s strategic location. Stuart and Martin County’s joint proposal stood out among other submissions reviewed by Brightline, reflecting the community’s determination to secure this critical infrastructure.
Local leaders have praised the project’s potential to stimulate economic development and provide new opportunities for the region. Congressman Brian Mast, who represents the area, highlighted the economic benefits the station will bring to local businesses and the broader community. Similarly, Stuart Mayor Becky Brunner expressed enthusiasm about the station’s role in returning passenger rail service to the city.
Looking Ahead
This all seems like great news, and it very well could be. Still, the impending arrival of Brightline understandably has some underlying anxiety.
Stuart is a beautiful and special place, and a majority of people living within its borders would like it to stay that way. While tourism and economic growth can be a positive, how much of it can be absorbed before our charming seaside town turns into another metropolis of South Florida? It seems that the answer is still to be determined.
Construction is anticipated to begin in early 2025, with the station expected to open by mid-2027.
Since launching operations in 2018, Brightline has rapidly grown its presence across the state, connecting Miami, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, and Orlando. With the addition of stations in Boca Raton and Aventura in 2022, and the recent extension to Orlando in 2023, Brightline is well on its way to becoming a cornerstone of Florida’s transportation infrastructure.
The Stuart Brightline station represents a major leap forward for the city and the entire Treasure Coast region. The land lease agreement approved by the City of Stuart is a huge milestone that brings the station closer to reality.
