City of Bothell Main Street Enhancement Project meeting scheduled for Jan. 11

December 21, 2016 1:30 am
City of Bothell - Contributed art
City of Bothell - Contributed art

The City of Bothell will host a public Main Street Enhancement Project meeting at 8:30 a.m. Jan. 11 at Bothell City Hall.

The final design phase of the revitalization project is complete, and city staff and consultants will be on hand at the interactive meeting to talk about planned improvements. They’ll also exchange ideas about how they can help mitigate impacts to Main Street’s businesses during construction.

The Main Street Enhancement Project will refresh the existing Main Street by reconstructing the streetscape, upgrading the roadway infrastructure and bolstering the look and feel of the historic street. This project is a key component of the Downtown Revitalization Plan. It addresses the historic section of downtown, with the goal of keeping it a viable, attractive location to work, live, visit and shop.

On Nov. 18, the Washington State Transportation Improvement Board awarded the city a $4.7 million grant to carry out the first phase of the Main Street Enhancement Project.

The city planned this project quite some time ago, but it took on a greater urgency after the Main Street fire in July. Thanks to the recent grant award, construction will start in March. However, franchise utility relocation will precede the roadway work, and is currently anticipated to occur in January and February.

Phases

The project consists of two phases. The first improvement phase is between Bothell Way NE and 102nd Avenue NE, while the second improvement phase is between 102nd Avenue NE and 104th Avenue NE/Kaysner Way.

The conceptual streetscape design has been completed and addresses the entire corridor between Bothell Way NE and 104th Avenue NE/Kaysner Way.

Main Street Enhancement Phase One improvements, along with the planned extension of Main Street, will integrate the historic district with the planned overall development of public spaces in the downtown area such as the Northshore School District site and the Bothell Way NE multiway boulevard. Main Street’s 100-year legacy makes it the heart and soul of downtown Bothell, and this project would ensure that the street maintains this status while preparing existing Main Street businesses to more successfully compete as new commercial development occurs on revitalized lands.

Reconstruct streetscape

The project will reconstruct the entire streetscape from building front to building front — approximately 60 feet in total width — and would address the following key elements and features:

  • Gathering areas/public spaces;
  • Wide pedestrian-friendly sidewalks;
  • Additional parking;
  • Maintaining the street character;
  • Promoting business visibility;
  • High-visibility crosswalks;
  • Traffic calming measures; and
  • Flexible use zones.

Replacement of downtown amenities and urban elements, such as street lighting, landscaping, benches, trash receptacles, wayfinding signage and bicycle racks, will brighten and bolster the economic health of this unique and historic commerce district.

Construction is slated to begin in January, starting with the relocation of private utilities by the franchise companies (Puget Sound Energy and Frontier). This being the oldest section of downtown, the project will replace public utilities (stormwater conveyance, sanitary sewer and water) due to age and deterioration.

Roadway construction activities will follow in early March. Those interested can sign up for construction updates to receive periodic news about the project at www.bothellwa.gov/list.aspx.

This is taken from information from the City of Bothell.