Commissioners outline pedestrian-focused 6th Street transformation, North Mall reset
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Summary
City staff described a downtown revitalization plan centered on 6th Street and the North Mall, emphasizing pedestrian improvements, new retail anchors and a council-led role to coordinate redevelopment while several private businesses signal demand for more downtown amenities.
City staff presented details of a planned downtown overhaul that aims to remake 6th Street into a pedestrian-friendly corridor and reset redevelopment in the North Mall area. Staff said council-directed projects either have started or have scheduled start dates and emphasized that a specific completion date is required for the overall downtown cycle.
The presentation described nine project areas across downtown and said the 6th Street transformation will reduce vehicle lanes, add center medians with trees and shrubbery, and install street paving to encourage dining and evening activity. "When it's done, it'll be way better than what it's been like for the last 4 decades," an unidentified presenter said, describing the anticipated change in downtown character.
Presenters named a new supermarket planned at 6th & Main as a key corner anchor and said the long-term vision calls for mixed-use blocks combining parking, residential units, entertainment and retail. Staff also reported plans to consolidate ownership parcels in the North Mall to allow the city and private partners to drive a unified redevelopment that re-creates a traditional Main Street feel.
Commissioners and several speakers pointed to recent private investments — named businesses such as Claros, Circle City Tavern and Wind Down — as evidence of local demand for restaurants and nightlife that the city hopes to build on. Speakers said The Hub at the south mall is expected to include family amenities such as a skating rink and a food-hall concept intended to draw regular foot traffic.
The presentation did not include firm construction timelines for each parcel; staff said some projects have planned initiation windows (for example, a 6th Street beautification construction kickoff is planned in the first half of next year) and that more detailed schedules will be shared as projects move through design and procurement. Staff flagged that the City will act as developer for at least a portion of the North Mall reset to ensure the project matches the community vision.
Commissioners asked about sequencing and community input; staff said more detailed design reviews and public meetings will follow as individual project phases reach 90% design and plan check.