Downtown Master Plan Catalyst Project brings safety-related improvements and enhanced gathering spaces; work is planned to minimize impact on Downtown visitation.
The Town of Danville will begin construction activities for the Downtown Master Plan Catalyst Project the first week of April. The project represents a $4.1 million investment, and furthers the Town’s goals to continually invigorate the Downtown area. The project includes pedestrian safety improvements and community gathering spaces, and the construction plan prioritizes continued access and enjoyment of Downtown Danville over the course of the project.
The initial Catalyst Project is part of a nine-component strategy to enhance the historic downtown. This first component includes traffic calming and beautification improvements at five intersections along Hartz Avenue, from School Street to Linda Mesa Avenue, as well as improvements near the Village Theatre. There will also be improvements to Prospect Park Plaza, an outdoor space owned by the Town near Starbucks on Hartz Avenue. The first project will be at the intersection of Church Street and Hartz Avenue, and construction is expected to be complete in late fall.
The Town has taken steps to minimize impacts on Downtown businesses and visitors:
All businesses will remain open and accessible: As we invest in the long-term success of Downtown Danville, we will ensure that the many wonderful shops, restaurants, and services remain open and accessible throughout the project.
Hartz Avenue will remain open: Not only will businesses be accessible, but Hartz Avenue will not need to be closed until the very end of the project, and even then only for overnight paving. There may be some lane narrowing and other traffic flow adjustments, but the road will be open.
When paving happens, it will be overnight: At the very end of the project, Hartz Avenue will be freshly paved to finish off the renovation. Paving work will be scheduled to happen overnight, to avoid major traffic disruptions.
Construction will be in phases, intersection-by-intersection: The project focuses on intersection improvements for pedestrian safety, which means that even the minimal disruption of construction will be isolated at any given time. Within each intersection, work will also be limited to one side of the street at a time, whenever possible.
Most construction activities will happen Monday-Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.: A major part of daily life for so many residents is strolling Downtown Danville, especially evenings and weekends. Visit your favorite businesses and check in on the construction progress without active construction happening.
Downtown community events will go on as planned: While there may be some adjustments to locations, summer events such as the Devil Mountain Run, Hot Summer Sunday Car Show, and the Kiwanis-Danville 4th of July Parade will happen as scheduled. More details on modifications will be available closer to the event dates.
The Catalyst Project represents the culmination of a years-long planning effort to revitalize the downtown experience and adapt to evolving community needs. The initial project responds to the highest priorities highlighted in the Danville 2022 Downtown Master Plan Update: more community gathering space, stronger connections to and through downtown, enhancing pedestrian safety, and opportunities to incorporate arts and culture. The 2022 update was developed after significant public input that included a survey, public meetings, and stakeholder interviews.
The Town Council awarded the project contract in February to Grade Tech, Inc. following a public bid process. Community members can follow the project, provide feedback, and review progress on the Downtown Master Plan project page at www.danvilletowntalks.org. For more information, contact Jenn Starnes, Public Information Officer, at 925-314-3336 or jstarnes@danville.ca.gov.