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City presents Reimagined Palafox upgrade: new stormwater lines, ADA work and streetscape; May 24, 2026 incentive date set
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Summary
City staff told the board the Palafox overhaul includes over 1,700 linear feet of stormwater pipe, ADA improvements, elevated mid-block crossings and new streetscape amenities; construction began in early January and the incentivized completion date for the Palafox section is May 24, 2026.
Adrienne Walker, strategic initiatives project officer in the mayor’s office, briefed the Urban Core Redevelopment Board on the Reimagined Palafox project, an infrastructure-led streetscape and stormwater upgrade intended to improve drainage, accessibility and pedestrian safety along Palafox Street.
Walker said the project includes more than 1,700 linear feet of new stormwater pipe designed to handle roughly one inch of standing rainwater, multiple storm structures, ADA-compliant curb ramps, and four elevated mid-block crossings that both slow vehicle speeds and assist with stormwater shedding. The project also includes widened sidewalks, new benches, bike racks, granite ballast stone planters and interpretive elements for the America’s First Settlement Trail. Walker said the project started Jan. 5 and that construction sequencing is intended so completed blocks can be reopened as crews move through the corridor.
Walker emphasized mitigation and outreach: the city has a dedicated public engagement coordinator, Marcy Lowe, on the corridor to check in with businesses; staff adjusted signage to read “Palafox Street is closed, shops are open” and launched a project website (newpalafox.com) plus partner advertising and rack cards for hotels and visitor channels. Walker said the city included a 10% bonus on the base bid price for completing the Palafox section by May 24, 2026.
Board members praised the messaging and suggested the city do more to communicate why the infrastructure work (stormwater and accessibility) is needed, not just the aesthetic outcomes. One board member recommended adding infographics or visuals that show subsurface stormwater improvements to help the public understand the technical need behind the project.
Walker said work is staged: demolition, water-line replacements (ECUA is installing new water lines), storm infrastructure, then paving/hardscape and amenities. Staff reported they target low-impact service disconnects (around 2 a.m.) to limit business interruptions. Walker said the Palafox section will be followed by work on Ramona, Intendencia, Government and Zaragoza streets as part of a broader multi-phase program.
