Construction Update - 4/24/25

🎉 Downtown Plaza Update: Now (Mostly) Open! + Canopy Lift & More 🎉

Spring has officially sprung—and so has the Downtown Plaza! Construction on Phase 1 is nearly complete, and most of the site is now open for use. Stop by and explore the new tables, trees, pathways, and more.

This week, a crane lifted the stage canopy frame into place, giving downtown a bold new backdrop (see video of the installation). While the stage area remains fenced off, installation of its final pieces (canopy roof, ramp railing, and screening panels) will continue over the next few weeks as materials arrive. Expect a temporary lane closure on Neil Street when the canopy goes in and keep an eye out for signs.

Next to Neil Street, crews are preparing the bench swings. Trellis frames are expected next week, and swings will be installed as parts are delivered. We’ll use cones and barrels to help guide pedestrian traffic while that work wraps up.

Still to come are more spring plantings (rolling installation as they become available), irrigation and mulch, and light poles and electrical work. The sculpture Pointless will be temporarily removed for repairs and recoating before it returns to its new home in the planter next to Big Grove. Meanwhile, Strider has found a new, more prominent home by Neil Street—stop by and say hello!

Earlier this week, Mayor Deb Feinen and City Manager Joan Walls visited the site for a sneak peek and a friendly chess match at one of the new tables. Both the Mayor and City Manager expressed their excitement for residents, employees, and visitors to experience this space downtown.

Mayor Deb Feinen and Joan Walls smile over chess board in the plaza, listening to Scot McIntosh (nearby restaurant manager) in the background. Also featured is project engineer David Happ. Scott McIntosh, manager of Big Grove, came out to see who was winning this chess game and expressed excitement for programming in the new plaza space. Photo taken April 22, 2025. Members from the Planning department use the bench seating in the plaza while chatting with the City Manager and Mayor Planners Lily Wilcock and Mia Trevino discussed aspects of the plaza such as outlets in planters to charge your phones. City Manager Joan Walls commented that the plaza's unique features were very nice, but that she was most excited for community members to come together and connect in this space. Photo taken April 22, 2025. A view of a planter bed in the plaza with several groundcover plants in pots, soon to be planted. Plantings are being installed as they arrive! More will come in the fall so they have the best chance to grow. Photo taken April 22, 2025. A view of a concrete pedestal with a traffic cone on top where a light pole will be installed. In the background, two traffic barrels denote where the bench swing structure will be installed next to the public art sculpture known as "strider." Light poles will be installed as they arrive on site. In the background, traffic barrels denote the location of a future bench swing. Photo taken April 22, 2025.

Mayor Deb Feinen stands on a tiered bench and poses as Mary Tyler Moore

That's all for this week folks! Come check out the plaza when you have a chance and stay tuned for future updates. For now, enjoy this photo of "Mayor Tyler Moore."