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Downtown Auburn Improvement Projects
With the mild spring weather comes the beginning of construction season, and there are a number of improvements happening that will improve the look and feel of downtown Auburn. Details provided by the City of Auburn’s Planning Department.
The Proposed Improvements on Genesee Street at South Street to Genesee Street to Loop Road include:
- Street trees plantings along Genesee Street planted at an interval of 22 feet and along South Street at an interval of 26 feet; however, existing underground utilities are likely to affect the exact location of street trees. At intersections a mix of shade trees and smaller ornamental trees, as well as shrubs or flowers, may be planted, with the intent of strengthening these focal areas.
- Create a band of concrete “brick” pavers along the curb edge of the sidewalk. This will ideally be an extension of the same materials that were used along State Street, helping to unify Downtown. This treatment will be installed, in varying degrees, along each street in this area. At intersections, a higher percentage of pavers will be used to develop stronger focal points.
- Install new site amenities, which will include planters, benches, and way-finding signage. Again, these materials will match the ones used for the previously completed State Street project. Existing street lighting will remain.
- In the past the Schine Theater marquee has been struck, on multiple occasions, by tractor-trailers traveling north on South Street. This happens when vehicles are not parked along that portion of the street to protect the marquee, which presently extends beyond the curb line of South Street. In an effort to better protect the marquee, the project would include putting in a bumping-out curb in that area to match the profile of the marquee.
The Proposed Improvements for the Exchange Street Pedestrian Mall include:
- The primary program element is the addition of more plantings and green space to reduce the impact that the existing ‘sea of concrete’ has on Downtown. Proposed plantings would include shade trees, ornamental trees, shrubs, and flowers. The intent of the new plantings is to make the area aesthetically pleasing and inviting to pedestrians.
- Pedestrian circulation throughout the mall, which includes the main north-south axis, the link between the parking garage and Genesee Mall (100 Genesee Street), access to 108 Genesee Street on the west, and access to the existing store fronts along Genesee Mall, would be maintained and/or emphasized.
- Install a small plaza or sitting area to provide a comfortable gathering space, including brick pavers, which patrons of Downtown can utilize for passive activities. Those activities may include reading, eating, or conversing.
- With the exception of service vehicles, vehicular traffic would continue to be prohibited.
Timing and schedule of work:
Work is anticipated to begin in May. Construction is expected to begin on Genesee Street close to where the “Farmers Market” locates for the season as to minimize disruption for the Market. Exchange Street Mall would be completed last, and would be the staging area. Target end date for completion is scheduled for October 2007.
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