One of the more historic and unique streets in Amarillo is receiving a makeover thanks to Amarillo voters.
The Polk Street Streetscape project is underway – a $4.5 million project approved by voters and Amarillo City Council. The project consists of streetscape improvements to eight blocks of Polk Street from 10th Ave. on the south to Second Ave. on the north.
“Polk Street is a major part of Amarillo’s history. Throughout the years, so many businesses and residents have called Polk Street home,” said Amarillo Mayor Cole Stanley. “This streetscape project will help ensure that Polk Street remains an attractive and welcoming part of Amarillo’s future.”
Polk Street will receive improvements bringing block faces to current Downtown Amarillo Urban Design (DAUD) standards and Americans with Disabilities Act standards. In addition, there will be new sidewalks, driveways, storm sewer inlet relocation, trash receptacles, lighting, trees and site furnishings.
Amarillo City Council unanimously approved the construction bid to Plains Builders in April. The project was part of bond approved by voters in 2016.
The streetscape project (with an estimated completion timeline of under two years) has already proved a catatlyst for businesses along Polk Street with privately-funded improvement projects.
“The Polk Street Streetscape project will not only modernize the look of Polk Street but also make the street safer with increased lighting and accessibility for all residents,” said City of Amarillo Director of Capital Projects Development and Engineering Kyle Schniederjan.
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