The uptown streetscape study has been placed for bids.
The project would evaluate the four block stretch of First Street from Third Avenue South to B Avenue South. The proposal would look at the costs for utility design, stormwater and drainage improvements, a full design plan as well as options for a limited implementation design plan or just a street overlay plan.
The scope of the streetscape bids would consider utilities, crosswalk design and materials, possible bicycle travel in the corridor along First Street, curbing and gutters, parking configuration along First Street, sidewalk design for pedestrian safety, seating benches and trash receptacles and streetlighting.
The proposal also would look at potential needed improvements to the North Alley of First Street.
The proposal will allow the designer to evaluate the needs of the community, and the consultant on the project will be responsible for conducting a number of meetings on the project, including a few sessions with the public and businesses who would be impacted by the streetscape project.
Bids for the streetscape project are to be returned to the city by Oct. 16, with a potential awarding of the project to be made at the Nov. 20 city council meeting and the first phase of the project slated to begin in December.
Council member Craig Engel asked if the streetscape would have bids for a complete reconstruction of First Street and also for the simpler repair to the streets.
Assistant city administrator Lori Boren said that would be the case.
Council member Stephanie West asked how this would impact a previous streetscape design conducted by Ed Sauter years ago. City administrator Chris Nosbisch said that many elements of that streetscape are now dated, but the city would be using the elements for items in Hilltop Park to potentially copy for any proposed street redesign to keep similar aesthetics. That could include any new benches or pavers that are installed.
“The goal would be that whatever work we do compliments the work we’ve previously designed,” Nosbisch said. “The more challenging aspect for designers may be the more than 10 public meetings that will need to be held on this project.”
The study will also explore ways the project could be phased to mitigate impact to businesses in the uptown.
“The goal is the study will take roughly a year to complete the various meetings and come up with a plan,” Nosbisch said. “By that time, we may have more of an idea for the Iowa Department of Transportation’s plans for a Hwy. 1 repaving project.”
Nosbisch said a few firms have already shown an interest in the study.