Orange Street Alley Enhancements Begin

A groundbreaking ceremony was held Thursday, March 5, to kick off work on the Orange Street Alley Pedestrian Enhancement Project, converting a downtown alley into a public park. The Pedestrian Enhancement Project will repurpose the existing alleyway between Citrus Avenue and State Street, and Orange Street and Fifth Street, into a public park and construct new pedestrian elements. Improvements will include the installation of pavers, raised planters, decorative light standards, arched trellises and gates. The project will construct new physical enhancements to the downtown core, create a destination for tourists and residents, and provide an opportunity for economic retention and growth for local businesses. The Orange Street Alley Pedestrian Enhancement Project is part of the city’s efforts to beautify and improve Historic Downtown Redlands, city leaders stated. Recent enhancements include beautification of the underpasses at the city’s gateways from the I-10 freeway, including Orange, Eureka and Sixth streets, such as new paint and lighting as well as large murals depicting historic Redlands buildings and orange crate labels. Other improvements include new planter features and stylistic bicycle racks on State Street and other downtown locations. Future improvements will include new landscaping and gateway signs at the I-10 exits to downtown. The efforts are designed to enhance the city’s Historic Downtown area, attract visitors, retain existing businesses and attract new ones, city officials shared. Three Peaks Corp., of Calimesa was awarded a $529,000 project contract, with a majority of project costs funded by the city's Park and Open Space Development fund, a release issued by the city states. The remaining amount will be funded by the city’s Storm Drain Construction, Water Projects and Park Maintenance funds. Completion of the project is expected in early July. The Orange Street Alley Pedestrian Enhancement Project will be managed by the City of Redlands Municipal Utilities and Engineering Department. "The city will make a concerted effort to minimize disruptions for residents and businesses in the project area," a release states. “No access” signs will be posted at the entrance of the alley along Orange and Fifth streets, indicating the dates construction will occur. No parking, delivery services, or access to businesses through the alley will be allowed during construction for safety purposes, but temporary designated delivery locations will be made available during construction activities. Trash collection in the area will occur on normal trash collection day in temporary locations.