Transactions Newsletter

July/August 1999: TLC

Downtown Streetscape Improvements, Napa

Illustrated Project Descriptions

Downtown Napa will receive a major facelift with the redesign of a portion of First Street from Soscol Avenue to the planned American Center for Wine, Food and the Arts a few blocks to the east. With the goal of providing a strong pedestrian link between the historic downtown and the center, which is expected to attract 250,000 visitors a year, the Pedestrian Improvement Project has received $328,000 in TLC capital funds, matched by $82,000 from the Napa Community Redevelopment Agency. The street redesign theme reflects Napa's goal of preserving its heritage through the use of Victorian-style street lights, classic-style street furniture and appropriate landscape materials. After utilities are undergrounded, a high-power transmission pole will be relocated. New sidewalks, compliant with the Americans With Disabilities Act, will make it easier and safer to cross the railroad tracks, bicycle lanes will link to the Napa River Trail, and bus turnouts and shelters will provide better access to public transit. The First Street Pedestrian Improvement Project, scheduled for completion in 2000, will lead the way for future public improvements to be made in conjunction with Napa's Flood Protection Project.

The First Street conceptual redesign (above) will create an attractive walkway in historic downtown Napa and set the standard for future streetscape improvements in the city. (Click image to enlarge)

Existing First Street (right) is marred by a large high-power transmission pole that will be relocated as part of the improvement project. (Click image to enlarge)

"The TLC grant enables us to further capitalize on the investment we've already made in restoring our historic downtown," said Jennifer Louks, city of Napa redevelopment analyst.

-- Marjorie Blackwell

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