Blog: City Blog

Two West Jackson Avenue Streetscape Projects Completed

Mayor Madeline Rogero, City engineers, design team partners and Old City Association members cut the ribbon on two West Jackson Avenue streetscape projects today.

At a Thursday, May 24, ribbon-cutting, celebrating the completion of two West Jackson Avenue streetscape projects, Old City old-timers reminisced about what the neighborhood looked like and felt like a generation ago.

Funny stories were shared. But no one was nostalgic for the snarled overhead utility lines and narrow, broken sidewalks.

Robin Easter, President of the Old City Association, said the City’s investments in public infrastructure and a big influx of recent private investment to open new or expand existing Old City businesses and residences go hand in hand.

Just a few yards away from where the ribbon was cut, a new restaurant and gym are coming to the 100 block of West Jackson. The Crozier, a mixed-use development with luxury condos, offices and retail space at Central Street and Willow Avenue, and Regas Square, a mixed-use project with more than 100 condominiums just across the railroad tracks on Depot Avenue, are slated to open later this year.

“The streetscape has made the Old City more inviting with the beautiful wide sidewalks and planters,” Easter said. “Moving the utilities underground along Jackson Avenue has allowed us to see the beauty of the architecture. We appreciate the love we have gotten from the City.

“For those of us who have been in the Old City for so many years, it is exciting to see the transformation that is happening. Newcomers are excited to find a quirky little neighborhood with beautiful historic architecture and an interesting variety of retail, restaurants, bars, professional businesses and residences. There is always something fun going on down here.”

The City's two West Jackson Avenue streetscapes projects – stretching from North Broadway to North Central Street – represent almost $2.5 million in upgrades.

The bigger project totaled more than $1.64 million in federal and local funding. It involved sidewalk improvements, KUB electrical relocations, telecommunications enhancements, street lighting and landscaping on the south side of West Jackson Avenue between the western ramp onto Gay Street and North Broadway.

Design & Construction Services Inc. was the project contractor, and Vaughn & Melton Consulting Engineers was the designer.

The second streetscape project was an investment of a little more than $830,000. It involved sidewalk improvements, KUB gas relocations, street lighting and planting of street trees between North Central Street and the eastern ramp connecting Jackson to Gay Street.

Southern Constructors Inc. was the contractor for that project, and CDM-Smith Inc. was the designer.

City Engineer Jim Hagerman attended Thursday's ribbon-cutting. He gazed up at the rich architectural detail of the exteriors of The Daniel, The Jacksonian and other historic buildings facing West Jackson.

"No one ever noticed these details before because of all the wires," he said. "In fact, the owners of one of the buildings being restored couldn't even work on the facade because of the utility lines being so thick and so close. Now, just look at it. The detail really can be seen and appreciated now."

New streetlight, historic architecture in the 100 block of West Jackson Ave.

Landscaping and upgraded south sidewalk on Jackson between North Broadway and Gay Street

Landscaping and upgraded south sidewalk on Jackson between North Broadway and Gay Street

Landscaping, lighting and upgraded south sidewalk on Jackson between North Broadway and Gay Street

Mayor Madeline Rogero and Old City Association President Robin Easter talk about how City investment in infrastructure and private investment in new businesses and residences are infusing new energy and diversity into the Old City.

Concrete curb with exposed aggregate was installed in the 100 block of West Jackson to match the original stone pieces that were too badly broken up to be repaired.

New sidewalk on West Jackson between Gay and Broadway

New sidewalk on West Jackson between Gay and Broadway

Posted by evreeland On 24 May, 2018 at 3:56 PM