City consultants unveil preferred Third Street redesign, cite $28.5M–$31M cost and federal BUILD grant target

Summary

Consultants presented a preferred, curbless redesign for Third Street in downtown McMinnville that shifts pavement to pedestrians, preserves selected street trees, and prioritizes below‑grade utility replacement. Estimated cost is about $28.5 million–$31 million; the city will pursue a Federal BUILD grant and other sources.

Consultants presented the preferred design for Third Street in downtown McMinnville and told the City Council the project is driven primarily by aging underground utilities and accessibility problems, not only aesthetic changes.

The consultant said the majority of the cost will be replacing sewer, stormwater, water and electrical systems that are “over a century old,” and estimated total program costs — including contingency, design and construction management — at roughly $28.5 million to $31 million.

The preferred design would reallocate about two feet from each travel lane to expand sidewalks and the pedestrian realm, introduce a flush (curbless) street that can be repurposed for festivals and outdoor dining, add larger mid‑block curb extensions with planters and benches, and replace pavement with integral scored concrete and decorative crosswalk treatments. Consultants said on‑street parking could remain but be designed so spaces are adaptable for temporary uses such as parklets or outdoor dining.

Why it matters: staff and consultants told the council that much of the project cost is unavoidable because the sub‑grade infrastructure is failing. Presenters framed the streetscape as an opportunity to both renew…

City consultants unveil preferred Third Street redesign, cite $28.5M–$31M cost and federal BUILD grant target

Summary

Subscribe to keep reading