DOWNTOWN STREETSCAPE PROJECT SCHEDULED TO BEGIN SOON

In 2023, the City set aside a total of $968,000.00 in ARPA funds to undertake a Streetscape Project in the Central Business District, specifically from 1st to 6th Streets along Grand Avenue. The purpose of the project was threefold; create new corner islands that are all uniformly designed in appearance and provide a public water supply to each island so the burden of watering the plantings in each individual island would no longer fall to Parks and Recreation personnel.

Lastly, the project scope includes “Edison” type lighting attached to the decorative streetlights along and parallel to Grand Avenue from Oak Street eastward to 7th Street. Edison lighting has already been installed in the block between 5th and 6th Street as a pilot project.

The City Commission recently awarded the contract to Hembree and Hodgson, LLC and construction was expected to commence on the north side of Grand Avenue between 1st and 3rd Street on January 6, 2025. Total construction time will be approximately 220 days, weather permitting. The project will be phased so that disruption to downtown owners and merchants will be as minimal as is possible.

While construction is taking place, it will be necessary to block off on-street parking to the individual blocks for approximately 2-4 weeks. As the project progresses eastward, portions of the block will be re-opened for usage. Vehicles will not be permitted within the work area. Construction will take place only on one side of Grand Avenue at a time, so as to minimize traffic congestion. Motorists should expect the outside lane of Grand Avenue to be closed in the blocks where construction is taking place. Signing and barricades will be in place informing motorists of the construction.

Any questions regarding this project may be directed to Hembree and Hodgson, LLC at 580-762-0280 or to the City’s Development Services Department at 580-767-0383.