By 1812Blockhouse
The front meeting room of Downtown Mansfield, Inc. (DMI) on North Main Street was full on Thursday evening as a diverse group of residents, business owners, city leaders, and project stakeholders gathered for a public update on the city’s ambitious Main Street Corridor enhancement project.
With standing room only, attendees got an in-depth look at the $19.3 million revitalization initiative already underway. The evening’s discussion, led by DMI’s Communication Specialist Brent Rossman, walked participants through the project’s goals, scope, timeline, and funding—while also paying tribute to Mansfield’s deep historical roots.
A Vision Rooted in Purpose and History
Rossman began with a look back—sharing how Mansfield’s downtown has evolved since 1808, and why the time is right to invest in its future. The project, he explained, is more than just infrastructure: it’s about improving access to local businesses, boosting economic development, and creating a safer, more attractive space for residents and visitors alike.
The plan spans Main Street from 6th Street on the north to 1st Street on the south, and Park Avenue from Diamond Street to Main Street. The construction began on February 24 of this year and is expected to wrap up by October 31, 2026, following a 20-month schedule.
Funded by a diverse mix of 14 sources, a remarkable 82% of the $19.3 million budget comes from non-local funding—a testament to the broad support for Mansfield’s downtown revival.
Working the Plan
Rossman emphasized the following aspects of the plan:
- To limit disruption and keep daily life moving, the project will unfold in carefully planned phases. By focusing on one section at a time, the construction team will minimize the impact on traffic and local businesses.
- Main Street will remain open during the process, with at least one traffic lane available whenever possible. Pedestrian access to shops and restaurants will also be preserved, ensuring that downtown remains welcoming and walkable. Drivers should use Mulberry Street for through-traffic while work is underway.
- When closures are necessary, the public will be informed in advance. All closures will be limited to areas where active work is occurring. Importantly, utility services—including power and water—will stay on throughout the duration of the project, helping residents and businesses stay connected and functional during the downtown upgrade.
A video overview was shared which can be viewed here.
The stages include:
STAGE 1
Water Main (5th to 1st) • Duration: 90 Days • Description: Installation of Water Main, hydrants, and service connections. • Traffic Impact: Lane Closures & Intersection/full block closures at night. • Updates: • West lane of Main closed due to water main trench • Limited on-street parking still available. NO time-limit enforcement along Main Street or on 3rd & 4th between Diamond & Walnut.
STAGE 2
6th to 5th • Duration: 30 days • Description: New sidewalks and lighting. • Traffic Impact: Lane closures within active work area
STAGE 3
Duration: 75 days • Description: New sidewalks, lighting, brick crosswalks at Main and 5th and mid-block, brick and concrete intersection at 4th and Main. • Traffic Impact: Lane closures within the active work area, keeping at least one lane open to traffic except during road closures: •Mid-Summer 2025 for 30 days: Road closure for brick crosswalk at 5th St. •Mid-Summer 2025 for 30 days: Road closure for 4th Street intersection. •Mid-late-Summer for 60 days: Road closure for mid-block brick
STAGE 4
Duration: 60 days • Description: New sidewalks, lighting, mid-block brick crosswalk, brick and concrete intersection at Main and 3rd. • Traffic Impact: Lane closures within the active work area, keeping at least one lane open to traffic except during road closures: • Early Fall 2025 for 30 days: Road closure for 3rd Street intersection. • Early-mid-Fall 2025 for 50 days: Road closure for mid-block brick crosswalk at Dickson.
STAGE 5
Duration: 60 days • Description: New sidewalks, lighting, brick crosswalks north of N. Park and on Park Ave. between Main and Diamond. • Traffic Impact: Lane closures within the active work area, keeping at least one lane open to traffic except during road closures: • Spring 2026 for 45 days: Road closure for Park Ave intersection. • Spring 2026 for 60 days: Road closure for midblock brick crosswalk just north of North Park Street. • Spring 2026 for 40 days: Road closure for brick crosswalk on Park Ave between Main and Diamond.
STAGE 6
Duration: 60 days • Description: New sidewalks, lighting, brick crosswalk south of S. Park St., overhead signing. • Traffic Impact: Lane closures within the active work area, keeping at least one lane open to traffic except during road closures: • Summer 2026 for 50 days: Road closure for brick crosswalk just south of South Park Street.
STAGE 7
Duration: 30 days • Description: Widen street, new sidewalks and lighting. • Traffic Impact: Lane closures within active work area
STAGE 8
Duration: 90 days • Description: Construct plaza areas, including: • Fountain rebuild • Northern and Southern arches • Hardscape, walls, furnishings. • Traffic Impact: Lane closures within active work area.
More information on each stage, together with project photos, renderings, and other information, can be found on this special City of Mansfield web page designed for project communication.
Questions Asked and Answered
The Q&A portion of the meeting sparked a lively and wide-ranging conversation, with residents asking about everything from construction logistics to ideas that could enhance the experience during and after the project. Alongside Project Manager Rossman, Mansfield Mayor Jodie Perry and City Engineer Bob Bianchi fielded many of the questions directly.
One creative suggestion: using a small trolley or golf cart to help people navigate downtown during construction—or possibly as a permanent streetscape feature afterward. Mayor Perry noted that earlier studies found a trolley cost-prohibitive, but acknowledged it’s “still an idea that could be helpful.”
Accessibility also came up, with city officials confirming that discussions are ongoing about incorporating handicapped parking spaces along the revamped corridor.
A lighter moment occurred when someone asked whether parking meters would return once the project is complete. Mayor Perry made it clear she’s not in favor of traditional meters but acknowledged that some form of paid parking will likely remain downtown.
Other topics included ideas like installing heated sidewalks for winter weather, strategies for snow removal, and questions about the often-debated Park Avenue Central “cut-through.” While the cut-through will stay, the new design aims to better visually connect the two sides of the park.
One of the more practical concerns centered on how business and property owners will access their buildings during construction—and whether the contractor would coordinate with them on any work specific to their properties. Rossman offered reassurance: open communication will be a priority throughout the project.
He wrapped up the discussion by encouraging everyone to stay informed via the official project website (linked above), to sign up for text and email communications, and to share the site with their neighbors and friends.
Be sure to turn on the sound!
