A website dedicated to the 2023 Downtown Improvement Project is now live. The site will provide project and construction information, weekly updates during construction, and access route maps. Sign up today to receive updates during construction or email with questions. Save the date mailings are going out soon to stakeholders in the Downtown. The mailings will detail planned construction information meetings scheduled for March.
The City has executed a construction contract with Ryan Construction from Elko New Market. Ryan has done similar projects in several metro communities, including Prior Lake. Ryan and the City are working on a schedule and corresponding communications plan to ensure the project is completed safely and with appropriate sensitivity toward impact to property owners, businesses, residents, and special events in the Downtown.
Broadly, construction will begin this Spring with Main Street and Meridian Street substantially completed by year end. Construction will progress on a sequential basis, starting with underground utilities, progressing to pavement and walkways, and ending with landscaping and amenities. Work is also expected to progress from area to area.
Property owners and business operators are encouraged to think strategically about long-term property use. There are definitive cost-savings to installing fire suppression connections, relocating restrooms, improving building electrical services, increasing potential building occupancy load, and installing building/access code improvements during street and utility reconstruction. Thinking ahead by adding capacities and options can increase investment property sales value and remove potential hurdles for redevelopment or resale.
Property owners considering taking advantage of any potential utility enhancements are urged to email the Project Team using the project website by February 27th. Financial support through City/EDA low interest and/or forgivable loans is a possibility for such projects.