First, a big thank you to the residents, businesses, workers, and customers around the Downtown Plaza. Everyone has been incredibly patient as construction continues. Our contractor has worked hard to keep as many streets, sidewalks, and parking spaces open as possible. That has sometimes meant dusty streets, construction noise, and longer walks, but progress is becoming increasingly visible.

Washington Street is beginning to look like its future self! Crews have started paving the roadway in front of the Preservation and Conservation Association (PACA) by the Walnut Street intersection. Before winter, access to the Washington/Walnut Street parking lot is expected to be restored and northbound motorists from Fremont Street will once again be able to turn east toward Walnut Street.

Paving has begun on the new pedestrian walkway south of the Orpheum. This connection will link the Walnut Street parking lot with the Downtown Plaza and Fremont Street. Once complete, the walkway will feature overhead string lights, landscaping, and welcoming gateway signage (see picture of current state and rendering of completed work below).

Not all construction progress is as visible or exciting as new pavement and pedestrian spaces. While water main replacement is nearly complete, crews continue installing new storm sewer infrastructure throughout the project area.

Last week, crews installed storm sewer pipe along the east side of the parking lot, in front of the Orpheum. The pipes will soon be covered, and the parking lot pavement will be temporarily restored. Crews will then continue installing storm sewer pipe toward the south end of Phase 2.

This next stretch of work will temporarily close parking spaces in front of businesses south of the new pedestrian walkway (i.e., south of the Orpheum). The sidewalk along the storefronts will remain open, with only a couple of temporary crossing closures needed as work progresses.

In an upcoming update, we'll explain how crews will remove and replace the sidewalks directly in front of the buildings. The City will coordinate closely with businesses to maintain access to their entrances throughout construction. We'll also share more information about the upcoming temporary closure of Fremont Street, including plans to maintain delivery access and access for One Main tenants.

Thank you again for supporting downtown businesses and bearing with us as we build the next phase of the Downtown Plaza. We're looking forward to sharing more progress soon!