Meridian Streetscape Project

Summary

In 2021-2022, the City worked to identify new ways to enhance the character, aesthetic, and functionality of streets in Downtown Puyallup and along the Meridian corridor. This includes recommendations for ways to improve street elements such as sidewalks, benches, landscaping and street trees, public art, and street lighting along Meridian Ave. At the end of the project, the City created a prioritized set of recommendations to help the City make strategic investments to Downtown streets. The final recommendations can be found in the Documents section of this webpage.

Background

In 2018, the City adopted a Downtown Neighborhood Plan as part of its Comprehensive Plan. The purpose of the Downtown Plan was to identify long-term goals for continued development of downtown as a Regional Growth Center (RGC). One of the Plan’s goals is to identify and implement streetscape improvements that result in a neighborhood where people live, recreate, and visit.

In 2019, the City adopted a Downtown Economic Development Plan which is part of the City’s ongoing efforts to promote economic development and downtown revitalization. It identifies focus areas, strategies and action steps for the City and key partners to implement our community's vision for the downtown and to strengthen and grow its economy. Strategies related to this project include improving walkability and creating a strong downtown identify and great experiences for residents and visitors.

Common examples of streetscapes include public sidewalks, street trees, plants, vegetation, public art, curb extensions, street benches, and traffic calming devices that promote and enhance community livability. The City and its consultant (MIG, Inc.) are currently in the process of researching and identifying streetscape opportunities that will become part of the Plan.

A portion of the funding for this project came from a Local Economic Development Investment Fund grant through the Port of Tacoma. To learn more about the grant program, please visit the Port of Tacoma's website here.

Project Map

What are streetscapes?

Streetscape is a general term used to describe the appearance and use of a street. Streetscape elements add aesthetic and functional use to a particular street. Common examples of streetscapes include planted trees, streetlamps, public benches, flower boxes, public art, garbage receptacles, and other amenities that make a public street a comfortable, safe, and interesting place for people.

Why is the City doing this?

The City identified streetscape improvements as a Goal in our Downtown Neighborhood Plan, which was drafted in 2018. Elements of streetscape improvements such as signage, public art, sidewalk fixtures and a more walkable downtown were also identified in the Downtown Economic Development Plan in 2019.

Downtown is one of two designated Regional Growth Centers (RGCs) within the City of Puyallup. As an RGC, the City has a vested interest in promoting urban living and economic development within the Downtown area. Identifying streetscape improvements, and implementing those opportunities, helps the City achieve one of the Goals within the Neighborhood Plan, and multiple goals in the Downtown Economic Development Plan.

I am a downtown business owner/resident, how will this impact me?

Once streetscape improvements have been identified, future City projects will implement the proposed improvements. As projects are implemented, residents and business owners will start to see improvements to sidewalks, streets, and the right-of-way over the coming years. Improving the aesthetics to downtown will impact the public in different ways.

For downtown business owners, streetscapes help build curb appeal and attract visitors to downtown. The more attractive downtown's sidewalks and streets look, the more likely that people will park and visit businesses.

For residents, streetscapes help add a sense of community pride, through attractive elements such as public art, benches, flower beds, and planted trees. More shoppers and diners help support local stores, and they add more energy on the street that helps provide a safe and enjoyable experience for residents and visitors alike.

When is the City doing this?

The City Council approved the contract for the consultant, MIG, Inc, in August 2021. Starting in Fall 2021, the Consultant will conduct a thorough review of the City's current planning studies and existing infrastructure and streetscape conditions within Downtown. Beginning in the New Year, the City will implement public outreach tactics to gauge sentiment toward the project. Public input will be integrated into the draft recommendations for streetscape improvements which, as of this writing, is scheduled to be ready in Summer 2022.

Where is the project area?

The project is focused on streets in the downtown core, and Meridian from 5^th Ave NW to SR 512. A map of the project area can be found here below.

How do I get involved in this Project?

As part of the Project, the City will engage in several public outreach opportunities for residents to provide input and get involved. In early 2022, this will include an online survey asking questions about the existing streetscape environment. Check this website for updates to our project calendar for upcoming events. You can also email us and we will contact you as input opportunities are scheduled.

Open House

Open Houses

The City hosted a second Open House Ceremony on Wednesday, June 22, 2022, to update the public on the project's status and to gain feedback. The ceremony was held at the Pioneer Park Pavilion. Two sessions were held on June 22, the first session from 12 pm to 2 pm and the second session from 5 to 7 pm. At the Open House, the City's consultant presented 11 potential projects as mood boards. Participants were able to select which projects they felt should be a priority. Over 76 people provided feedback at the Open House, with over 100 people in total attendance. Documents from the Open House can be reviewed in the Documents section of this webpage.

As part of the project, the City hosted two virtual Open Houses on Wednesday, January 26, 2022, to gain public input on the Meridian Streetscapes Project downtown. Watch the videos for each session below. Notes from the Open House were compiled and are available to review here.

Noon Session

6 pm Session

Survey Results

Documents

Stakeholder Meetings

The City will coordinate and schedule Stakeholder Meetings, whose members have a direct interest in the project. The purpose of these meetings is to gain information on the state of the project area and to obtain considerations moving forward. Members of the Stakeholder Meetings include downtown business owners and employees, development and real estate representatives, downtown residents, senior citizens, and other interested parties.

Stakeholder Meetings are anticipated to begin in Fall 2021. Summary documents from each meeting will be posted here.

Meridian Streetscape Project

Summary

Open Houses

Noon Session

6 pm Session

Scoping Reports

Supporting Documents

Project Memos

Presentations

Contact

Contact Us

Helpful Links