Main Street Promise Project celebrates approved design, prepares for construction
November 1, 2023
Community invited to review plans at Nov. 29 event
The Main Street Promise Project, led by the City of Vancouver, will host its final informational open house event from 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 29 at the Vancouver Community Library (901 C Street) in the Columbia Room.
The event will showcase City Council-approved designs for downtown’s Main Street from 5th Street to 15th Street. Preliminary construction plans, including timeline and potential impacts, will be shared with the public. Community input will help inform final construction plans and efforts to minimize impacts on businesses and visitors along the corridor. Construction of Main Street improvements is anticipated to begin spring 2024.
“This is a significant milestone for Main Street revitalization efforts,” said City of Vancouver Deputy Director of Economic Prosperity and Housing Chris Harder. “As we transition from planning to construction, we want to sincerely thank the community for all the time they have dedicated to this project. Together, we are ensuring Main Street meets the diverse needs of our community for the next century.”
Over the past year, the Main Street design was developed and refined via community input gathered through presentations at more than 20 City and community boards and commissions meetings, five project advisory group meetings, two open house events and two surveys. The project team also received feedback through numerous online and in-person interactions with property owners, businesses and community members who walk, bike, roll, drive and use public transit to visit Main Street.
Supporting Main Street businesses before, during and after construction is a top priority. Michael Lary, owner of the Source Climbing Center at 1118 Main Street, is one of 15 community members who serve on the project’s advisory group.
“When this project is done, Main Street is going to be a place that’s more walkable and inviting,” said Lary. “I know there will be challenges during construction, but I am optimistic it will be worth it in the end.”
Project information will be available in English, Spanish and Russian during the Nov. 29 open house. Community members who need interpretation or assistance to participate in the open house, please email smallbusiness@cityofvancouver.us or call 360-487-7940 by Nov. 20.
For more information about the Main Street Promise Project and opportunities for engagement, visit beheardvancouver.org/mainstreetpromise.
Contact: Chris Harder, Deputy Director of Economic Prosperity and Housing, 360-487-7934
Ryan Lopossa, Streets and Transportation Manager, 360-487-7706