PORT ANGELES — The city has taken another step toward implementing the recommendations in the American Institute of Architects report issued in 2009.
On Friday, it issued a request for proposals for three major projects intended to improve both transportation and the aesthetics of Port Angeles.
The selected contractor will do each of the following:
• Design a waterfront promenade and other waterfront improvements.
• Design a citywide way-finding system and “entryway monuments.”
• Create a comprehensive transportation plan.
Each was recommended by — or includes recommendations from — the AIA design team’s report on the city issued last September.
The design team analyzed the strengths and weaknesses of two of Port Angeles’ main commercial areas — downtown and the U.S. Highway 101 entrance to the downtown, referred to as the Gateway Corridor — and provided recommendations on how they can be changed to bring more business to town.
“What is of primary importance to us is we are taking the opportunity to invest in the city ourselves,” said Nathan West, city community and economic development director.
“In return, we anticipate seeing investment in the private sector.”
The waterfront improvements would include a 475-foot-long promenade, creating a dedicated path for the Olympic Discovery Trail through downtown, and a 2-acre waterfront park.
The promenade would include “water features,” such as fountains, landscaping, and vendor and performance space.
Together, the waterfront improvements are estimated to cost $4.5 million to design and build.
The city is seeking federal funds to cover the cost of construction. Without such funding assistance, the project is not expected to get off the ground.
The way-finding system would install signs pointing pedestrians and drivers to specific locations, such as downtown, the Olympic Discovery Trail or City Hall.
That project, along with the creation of new monuments at the east and west entryways to the city, is estimated to cost $200,000.
The way-finding signs are expected to be in place by the end of the year, while the monuments may take two, West said.
The transportation plan would involve planning for future growth, conducting a downtown parking study, designing safe areas for pedestrians to cross First and Front streets along the corridor, and defining main routes for trucks, cars and bicycles.
The plan would cost about $100,000.
West said the city wants one contractor to handle each of the three projects because they are interrelated, and it may reduce cost.
“We want to be as efficient as possible,” he said.
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Reporter Tom Callis can be reached at 360-417-3532 or at tom.callis@peninsuladailynews.com.
