The construction work on Ramsey Street that began in May left many residents of West Duluth surprised. What many may not know is that the project had been discussed and finalized since last August. Construction was originally slated to start last fall, but due to weather concerns it was pushed back to begin late spring, 2008.
Hovland, Inc. Construction Company was awarded the job through DEDA (Duluth Economic Development Authority) and has been working diligently since they got the final go-ahead around the end of May. SVCNDA has been holding business committee meetings every Friday morning at 9 a.m. at Mr. D's in the Diner.
Architectural Resources, Inc. (ARI) are the chosen architects on the project and, once completed, Ramsey Street will become the connector of Central and Grand Avenue in the revitalized business district. It will boast the same amenities as the streets it sits between: new lighting, trees, benches, trash bins and beautifully paved sidewalks on both sides of the street, as well as the most important feature -- a new street itself.
The alley behind the Kom-On-In Bar will feature a "green space" island that will block off the alley. This will help with the flow of traffic, which has been a major traffic safety concern for years.
Other amenities will include a sitting wall on the Pioneer Bank drive-through side of the street, as well as safety lighting and extra power for all the wonderful events held in Ramsey Square including the famous "Spirit Valley Days" activities.
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No worries, Duluth; the anticipated finish date for all the work is in plenty of time for those who attend Spirit Valley Days to see and enjoy the new street-scape for all of the festival activities.
Spirit Valley Days runs from Wednesday, July 30 through Sunday, August 3. Watch for upcoming events and articles in the Budgeteer.
A note about shortcuts
Those who regularly use Ramsey Street as a short cut through Grand and Central Avenues are finding other routes, including the Spirit Valley Mall parking lot as a main one. People are advised to drive slowly through that area, (once known as Bristol Street), as it is no longer a street but part of the mall parking lot. (See map above.)
Working together
All of the improvements to the West Duluth business district area serve as a reminder of how far the neighborhood has come. None of it could be done, however, without the input and community activism of some of its neighborhood residents and business owners.
As West Duluth begins to implement its revitalization plan in other phases, residents of West Duluth are encouraged to attend community meetings and forums. Community activism is a core quality to any sustainable neighborhood.
If you would like more information on the construction of Ramsey Street, or would like to know how you can get involved in West Duluth revitalization and plan implementation, please call Kris Ridgewell at the Spirit Valley Citizens Neighborhood Development Association (SVCNDA) at (218) 624-2317.
