Monday, March 24, 2008

Barr To Get Makeover

BARR STREET BECOMES MORE PEDESTRIAN FRIENDLY WITH STREETSCAPE IMPROVEMENTS
New sidewalks, trees connect places of interest using Downtown Blueprint ideas
Link (City)

"Continuing his commitment to downtown revitalization, Mayor Tom Henry kicked off the start of the Barr Street streetscape improvement project Monday.

This improvement project running from Main to Wayne streets is similar to what was done on Harrison Street. It involves installing new sidewalks with brick pavers, historically styled streetlamps, new trees and curbs, and other features to make the area more pedestrian friendly."

[...]

"Construction activity will begin at the southeast corner of Barr and Berry in front of the History Center. The City anticipates construction to be complete at the end of May or beginning of June.

The intersections are being reconfigured to make them safer and more friendly to pedestrians. The curbs will extend into the parking lanes, which lessens the distance across the street but still allows for two lanes of traffic."

[...]

"In the coming years, other downtown blocks will receive similar enhancements. “Inlaid brickwork, shady trees and ornamental fixtures add character and create a unique sense of place. These features are an invitation for walkers to enjoy the downtown experience. They instill pride, and they help to connect our many attractions and points of interest,” Henry said.

The cost of this phase is $648,000, with $496,000 coming from an Indiana Department of Transportation transportation enhancement grant given to the City in September 2004. This grant is designated for pedestrian-oriented projects. The remaining money comes from local economic development (CEDIT) funds."
New look for Barr
Downtown street to get $650,000 makeover
Link (JG)

2 comments:

Kevin Whaley said...

This is fantastic news!

Unknown said...

Excellent. Right now there is a severe lack of trees downtown.