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Preliminary designs for Regent Street rebuild focus on pedestrian safety and utility replacement
Summary
City design staff previewed plans to reconstruct Regent Street (Randall to Park) because of a failing storm sewer. Presenters said the project aims to improve pedestrian comfort, address utility replacements and consider parking/curb management; construction is tentatively scheduled for 2027 pending coordination with North–South BRT funding.
City staff presented early design thinking for a Regent Street reconstruction project that would replace a failing storm sewer box and reconstruct pavement, utilities and sidewalks between Randall and Park Street.
Chris (design lead) told the commission the storm‑sewer culvert under Regent Street is in poor condition and requires replacement; because of that work, crews expect to rebuild at least half the street. He described the corridor as a busy mixed‑use corridor with narrow terraces, limited sidewalks and high pedestrian and bicycle stress, and said staff will evaluate bicycle and pedestrian accommodations, lighting, curb management and bus stop function. “The storm sewer box is in poor condition and needs to be replaced,” Chris said.
The design team summarized community engagement results (more than 1,100 survey participants) and prioritized pedestrian experience and adaptable curb management for deliveries and business access. Staff noted constraints: narrow right‑of‑way, overhead power and communications lines, and the need to coordinate with utilities (MG&E) and the North–South BRT schedule. Depending on funding and BRT timing, staff aim to design in 2026 and begin construction in 2027.
Members and nearby residents who commented emphasized wider terraces to accommodate walk‑and‑ride bike travel, better bicycle connections from the Southwest Path to retail on Regent Street, and bus stop amenities. Staff said undergrounding utility mains is being discussed with MG&E where feasible but building services will likely remain overhead unless redevelopment occurs.
Staff will return with alternatives built from the engagement feedback and may test demonstration projects if feasible.
