By 1812Blockhouse
While streetscape work continues in downtown Shelby as a part of that city’s three-part downtown makeover, another major portion of that effort came closer to reality this week.
On Wednesday, construction bids were opened for the new Black Fork Commons Plaza (conceptual images above). Three qualified bids were received, the lowest submitted by Simonson Construction of Ashland.
The Black Fork Commons Plaza will include a fountain/splash feature for kids, a plaza, and a pergola/outdoor fireplace. The price tag is $1.2 million, which has been fully raised. Engineering is underway. The Plaza’s cost is $1.6 million, and it too has been fully funded with 12 local donors. The fundraising was kicked off by the Shelby Foundation’s gift of $250,000.
The other component parts of the downtown project include the streetscape and work along the Black Fork itself.
The Main Street streetscape will feature pedestrian improvements, an arch, enhancements on the Black Fork bridge, and the installation of trees and other decorative elements. The goal is to entice people locally and those passing through with obvious signs of vitality, thereby encouraging them to stop and patronize businesses.
Lane reductions along Main Street and the closing of intersections will be taking place with detours provided.
The bike trail and stream restoration work will take place in 2023, and will include restoring the banks to their natural, vegetated state.
An ongoing update on work in downtown Shelby can be found on the City’s website, and can be viewed here.
