Primary Pedestrian Corridor Development Project

• The Downtown Master Plan recommended the development of primary walking corridors between major downtown activity centers, and to promote walking as an attractive means of transportation in the downtown area.



• A Federal Congestion Mitigation/Air Quality Improvement Project was funded through Wisconsin DOT to develop three primary walking corridors in the downtown area. These include an east-west corridor on Wisconsin Avenue, a north-south corridor on Water Street, and the improvement of Kilbourn Avenue defined as a catalytic project.



• Development of the primary pedestrian corridors is to include walkway improvements, enhancements to the walking environment, and definition of pedestrian space. The following streetscape components are currently being introduced:



• textured sidewalk and other walkway elements
• distinctive corner and crosswalk treatments
• trees, planters and other landscape features
• street lighting improvements
• street furnishings and public art
• development of a pedestrian wayfinding system



• The architectural design firm of Skidmore, Owings and Merrill was retained by the City and Wisconsin DOT for design services related to the elements of streetscape design.



• Implementation of streetscape improvements began on Wisconsin Avenue from 2nd to 4th Street, with improvements to this segment anticipated to be completed with the installation of improved street lighting and pedestrian wayfinding signage in early 2005.



• Construction will continue with streetscape improvements on Wisconsin Avenue from the Milwaukee River to Milwaukee Street in Spring, 2005, and construction is anticipated to begin from Milwaukee Street to the Lakefront in Summer of 2005.