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For Immediate Release • February 14, 2012
Staff Contact: Chris Huffer, PWNR Senior Civil Engineer,
303-651-8351
View the most recent Press Releases.
FEBRUARY 14, 2012 - Following two years of public input and conceptual designs on the downtown Longmont alley and breezeway reconstruction project, the City of Longmont and the Longmont Downtown Development Authority (LDDA) have awarded a construction contract to J-2 Contracting of Greeley.
The project is intended to breathe new life into the alleys, breezeways and parking lots on the east side of historic Main Street between 3rd Avenue and 6th Avenue.
"J-2 Contracting has a wealth of experience in this kind of revitalization work," said Chris Huffer, City of Longmont project manager. "Their work in Fort Collins and Boulder is exceptional and we're excited to work with this Colorado company.
Construction is anticipated to begin March 5, 2012 most likely in the 400 block but schedule and sequencing are subject to change due to weather or possible unforeseen circumstances related to construction. If all goes according to plan, it is expected that this phase of the project will be completed before October 2012.
The project includes placing the overhead utilities underground in the 400 and 500 blocks, including City electrical, Century Link, and Comcast. Xcel will be upgrading the gas service during the project as well.
During construction, parking lots and alleys will be closed at different times. Deliveries will be directed to be made at the Avenues or on Main Street. While an alley is closed, some of the parallel parking spaces on Main Street will be designated as loading zones only. The LDDA is working with surrounding parking lot owners to find additional off street parking for permit holders during construction.
Construction activities and announcements will be posted on the LDDA website at www.downtownlongmont.com. Any member of the public that want to receive email updates can sign up at the LDDA website. If you attended any of the planning and design meetings for the alley project and provided your email address, it will be added to the LDDA contact list for email updates.
Two public information meetings are planned for business and property owners to meet with the LDDA, the City and J-2 Contracting to discuss the project, construction schedule and sequencing. The first meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, February 21 at 5:30 p.m. at the Chamber of Commerce building located at 528 Main Street. The second meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, February 22 at 8 a.m. in the Public Meeting Room at the Safety and Justice Center, 225 Kimbark Street. Information letters were sent via regular mail to property owners on the east side of Main Street, the week of February 13, 2012.
Before construction begins, six of the twelve artwork pieces known as Los Arcos de Longmont will be moved into storage for the duration of the construction project. At the end of the breezeway/alleyscape project on the east side of Main, the artwork will be placed in a landscaped area within the parking lots on each of the 300, 400 and 500 blocks. The move of the artwork is currently scheduled to happen in late February.
Agreement between the City of Longmont, Art in Public Places, Longmont Downtown Development Authority and the artist, was reached late in 2011 to move the artwork. Funds for moving the artwork will come from the LDDA. A similar process will be undertaken for the six art pieces on the west side of Main Street.
The LDDA and the City continue to work with Loris and Associates on the design of the west alleys. Public information meetings for the west alleys are anticipated some time in summer 2012. Construction of the west alleys is anticipated to begin early 2013.
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