A rebuild of Farmington Road is the next big project to make downtown Farmington into an inviting place for businesses and customers alike.
Annette Knowles, executive director of the Farmington Downtown Development Authority, says the new Farmington Road streetscape will spruce up the the city's main thoroughfare, make it easier to travel and reach businesses, whether by car of foot and, ideally, help local businesses grow and attract new clientele.
One goal of the rebuild is to give restaurants more sidewalk space for outdoor seating.
"We've got our work cut out for us," Knowles says, "but next year we hope to be starting construction."
The project is largely funded by federal grants through the state and will require local, state and federal approvals of the construction plan, which is being drawn up by OHM Advisors and Grissim Metz Andriese Associates.
The Farmington Road streetscape comes on the heels of of the rebuild of Groves Street, a major makeover of a tired shopping center there and the redesign of Riley Park, a downtown gathering spot.
"We're not resting on our laurels or closing the book," Knowles says. "There's always something that needs attention. That's kind of challenge for any community.
"We are providing all of these investments into the downtown to keep us positioned to businesses that need to grow or are looking for attractiveness for relocation."
Source: Annette Knowles, executive director, Farmington Downtown Development Authority
Writer: Kim North Shine
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