Open House for Imagine Downtown Chelan

Public invited to participate in person or via Zoom on August 22nd

information released, Elijah Larson photo courtesy of HDCA

The Public is invited to an Open House on Tuesday, August 22nd at 9:00 AM in city council chambers at Chelan City Hall at 135 Johnson Ave. or, they can join via Zoom (see full Zoom invitation below). Participants are asked to arrive at the meeting before the 9:00 start time so the meeting can start promptly.

Historic Downtown Chelan (HDCA) and the City of Chelan have undertaken a design project for downtown Chelan to enhance and improve the downtown streetscape. HDCA is committed to preservation-based economic development which means they value and honor the history, legacy, and culture of downtown Chelan and want to preserve historical buildings and streetscapes, retain the small-town charm, and maintain the look and feel of the historic core while supporting a thriving downtown Chelan economy.

Downtown configuration options presented at the Open House will address issues with decaying and dilapidated infrastructure, as well as options to activate public spaces and improve connections to downtown amenities. This means upgrading infrastructure that hasn’t been upgraded since the mid-1980’s. Things like storm water systems, electric systems, and light poles. Examples include concepts on ways to make connections to downtown parking options obvious and nicer to walk. Wayfinding options will make it easier to find public restrooms.

Another example is street parking on Woodin Avenue. Currently parking angles are between 55 and 60 degrees. One option is to change parking stalls to 45 degrees, so that it will be easier and safer when backing out. And finally, options to make public spaces more usable. Blank spaces like the alley leading from Woodin Avenue to the north parking lot behind The Vogue, or the alley from Woodin Avenue to Riverwalk Park next to The Landing.

Downtown palette options will refresh worn out surfaces, landscaping, and furniture. Palette options will include things like making sure there are street trees and landscaping that keep downtown Chelan beautiful and green, while maintaining view corridors to the lake (and roots that don’t crack sidewalks and branches that don’t impede awnings). There will be a recommendation for new, safe surfaces on sidewalks, new seating areas, and more efficient LED pedestrian light poles that closely mimic the historic light fixtures currently downtown.

Funding for construction is not yet available but once there is a final design and Chelan City Council approval, the City of Chelan and Historic Downtown Chelan will seek funding that is ready and available through federal and state grant programs. The Imagine Downtown Chelan project will be in a very strong position to compete for these funds.