The city will celebrate the official start of construction on the long-awaited Main Street Promenade—the centerpiece of a redevelopment project designed to revitalize the downtown core—with a groundbreaking ceremony Thursday by the Lemon Grove Depot.
The $5.1 million project was paid for with grants from the state infill infrastructure program, smart growth initiative funds awarded by SANDAG, and the city's redevelopment agency monies.
When complete, the Main Street Promenade will place a linear park and transit plaza in the heart of the city, creating a pedestrian center that the city hopes will transform the area into a fun and friendly destination.
Design plans call for a park that brings together the city's past, present and future with sustainable features such as energy-efficient lighting, electrical generation and water conservation systems.
The space will feature public art that gives a nod to the city’s history. The city also aims to attract seasonal events such as a farmers market to the walkable space.
The city began the first phase of the project in September, demolishing buildings on Main Street to make way for the park and street realignment. Work was expected to begin on the promenade in January, but a series of setbacks delayed the start of construction. The project is now expected to be complete by early 2013.
The public is invited to join local, regional and state officials in celebrating the groundbreaking. Ceremonies are set to begin at 3 p.m. today on the 3500 block of Main Street, just north of Broadway.
