Overhaul Coming to Avondale Estates’ Main Street to Create People-friendly Environment
A transformation is imminent for Avondale Estates’ main artery that aims to create a more aesthetically pleasing, efficient, accessible, and safer route for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians. City officials of Avondale Estates have earmarked June 6 for the groundbreaking ceremony of Complete Street revamp of U.S. Highway 278 (North Avondale Road/East College Avenue).
The ceremony, to be held at the Market Pavilion segment of the city’s Town Green, will have Mayor Jonathan Elmore, city staff, and project leaders in attendance. As stated in a city-issued notice, the significant project is aimed at developing a more walkable, bikeable and cohesive downtown area for the residents of this DeKalb County city.
Redesigning the Highway
The project’s details involve recalibrating a five-lane highway and slender sidewalk that stretches past the Town Green and numerous beloved restaurants and shops in Avondale Estates. The plan entails paring down the roadway to three lanes for approximately 1.15 miles.
The Complete Street project will commence at Sams Crossing, close to MARTA’s Avondale station in the west, proceed past the new park and through downtown, and terminate at Ashton Place. The proposed modifications include a 10-foot-wide path for pedestrians and cyclists, modernized traffic signals, a central median, a landscape buffer, pedestrian and bike crossing, along with road repaving and restriping.
Time Frame of Completion
Documents from the city obtained by Urbanize Atlanta last year suggest that the winning construction bidder is expected to complete the project within 18 months.
Developments at The Dale
In related news, the park-adjacent mixed-use project, The Dale, initiated construction in December last year. This venture is located between the forthcoming Complete Street project and Town Green. A partnership between Healey Weatherholtz Properties and Fabric Developers, The Dale is a two-building, 24,000-square-foot development situated where North Avondale Road intersects Lake Street.
The overarching idea is to create a lively restaurant and retail strip that harmonizes with the existing greenspace. The layout also includes a versatile open-air Market Pavilion area at the opposite end. Essentially, the design of The Dale is intended to serve as an extension of downtown.
Effects on the Community
In the bigger picture, these developments aim not only to reshape Avondale’s main traffic artery into a comprehensive street. It also intends to redefine the community by making it more pedestrian-friendly and promoting social interactions, shopping, and dining experiences for residents and visitors alike.
This would catalyze economic growth and improve the quality of life in Avondale Estates. With better accessibility, more amenities, and a conducive environment, it’s a win-win situation for everyone involved.
Stay tuned for the groundbreaking ceremony and the progressive transformation of Avondale Estates’ main street into a haven for pedestrians and cyclists, and a thriving area for businesses.
