Downtown Streetscapes

Williams Ave. upgrades
Williams Ave. upgrades downtown streetscapes
New light historic light pole part of the downtown streetscapes project on Williams Ave.
Added trees as part of downtown streetscapes project on Williams Ave.
restriping of Williams Ave.
New planter boxes on Williams Ave.

Project Overview

In 2017, the City of Renton began a project to improve the downtown streets and sidewalks. The public right-of-way improvements (also known as “Streetscapes”) enhanced the appearance and safety of sidewalks and street areas and created a more vibrant pedestrian experience.  

Streetscape improvements were installed at: 2nd, 3rd, Houser and Main, Wells and Williams and the 200 block of Williams Avenue South(PDF, 7MB) (between 2nd and 3rd Street).

The project was completed on July 15th, 2024, except for the street banners which were implemented in August of 2024. The project will undergo continued landscaping maintenance through August of 2025.

The project included the following upgrades:

  • Replacement of all sidewalks and driveway aprons,
  • Removal of twelve (12) existing street trees with replacement trees that add seasonal variety along the block,
  • Replanting of six (6) street trees on nearby streets,
  • Installation of new litter receptacles, tree grates, and landscape strips with decorative fencing,
  • Removal of six (6) tall streetlights which were replaced with twelve (12) pedestrian-scale streetlights outfitted with street banners, flower baskets (with irrigation), and holiday lighting,
  • Repaving and restriping of the street’s driving and parking lanes, and
  • Additional flower baskets and irrigation.

Project management has been provided by Renton’s Development Engineering Division, with assistance from the Economic Development Division.

In August 2023, Renton City Council awarded the construction contract to Active Construction, Inc. Construction started in October 2023. This project was funded by the King County Consortium Community Development Block Grant Program (CAG-22-216).

Separate from the overall project, a special public art project was installed on Williams Avenue South. This unique project, coordinated by the Renton Municipal Arts Commission, incorporated a restored 1960s streetlight (donated by the Cugini Family) and transformed it into a functional art piece by adding color-changing LED lights (with the expert help of Western Neon Seattle). The updates gave this classic piece a modern touch while preserving its timelessness. 

Schedule Milestones

  • July 20/July 24: Bid opened / closed
  •  August 14: Council Finance Committee and City Council approved of winning bidder
  •  October 16, 2023: Construction started
  •  November 13, 2023: Construction suspended for four weeks
  •  December 11, 2023: Construction re-started
  •  April 2024: Substantial construction completion & project closeout
  • July 15, 2024: Project was physically completed & barriers were removed

Project Status

  • In August 2023, Renton City Council awarded the construction contract to Active Construction Inc. (“Active”).
  •  Construction began October 16, 2023, beginning with the west side of the block.
  • The project was completed on July 15, 2024, except for the street banners which were implemented the following month. The project has been slated to conclude it's landscaping efforts in August of 2025. 

Communication

Property and businesses owners adjacent to the project construction zone received weekly e-blasts with project progress updates and expectations.

The City’s project team previewed the project with the businesses within the project zone and shared project information with businesses throughout Downtown Renton leading up to start of construction in October 2023. The project team worked closely with business owners to ensure timely information was shared, access was maintained during construction, and concerns were addressed in a timely manner.

Businesses and the general public were kept updated through numerous social media channels, including those managed by important community partners like the Renton Downtown Partnership.

This project webpage provided up to date information on project progress and impacts. For more questions, visit the FAQs section on the project brochure(PDF, 7MB).

Contact Us

Michael Sippo
Civil Engineer III
Phone: 425-430-7298
Email: msippo@rentonwa.gov

 

Hours and Location

Phone & Email
Monday - Friday
8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

In-Person
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday
9 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
1 p.m. - 4 p.m.

Renton City Hall
1st Floor Customer Service
1055 South Grady Way
Renton, WA 98057

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