Town Awards Contract for Downtown Master Plan Catalyst Project

At the February 20 Town Council Regular Meeting, Town Council awarded the construction contract for the Downtown Master Plan Catalyst Project to Grade Tech, Inc. following a public bid process seeking proposals. The project represents a significant investment in the historic Downtown Danville, and will serve to support pedestrian traffic and community gathering in direct response to community priorities expressed in an expansive survey. The bid amount was just over $4.1 million, in line with engineering estimates provided to the Town prior to bid.

Town staff will work with the contractor to outline an initial project phasing plan, as well as an extensive public outreach campaign. Work is expected to be completed intersection-by-intersection, in phases, to minimize impacts on local businesses and downtown traffic. In addition to providing community updates through the project page at www.danvilletowntalks.org, the Town will also hold meetings with local business owners to discuss project phasing.

Construction was originally slated for late spring but may start earlier. The initial Catalyst Project is part of a nine-component strategy to enhance the historic downtown. This component includes traffic calming and beautification improvements at five intersections along Hartz Avenue, from School Street to Linda Mesa Avenue, as well as improvements near the Village Theatre. Construction is expected to be complete in late fall.

The Catalyst Project represents the culmination of a years-long planning effort to revitalize the downtown experience and adapt to evolving community needs. The initial project responds to the highest priorities highlighted in the Danville 2022 Downtown Master Plan Update: more community gathering space, stronger connections to and through downtown, enhancing pedestrian safety, and opportunities to incorporate arts and culture. The 2022 update was developed after significant public input that included a survey, public meetings, and stakeholder interviews.