Main Street Downtown Revitalization Improvements

In the spring of 2003, having completed their planning efforts, the City of Rowlett hired Freese and Nichols to kick off their downtown revitalization with the Main Street reconstruction and streetscape improvement project. The project encompasses the entire historic downtown area along with the City's municipal complex. With the DART rail and NTTA's George Bush Tollway rapidly approaching Rowlett, the City has strategically planned infrastructure and beautification projects that will kick start economic growth in the downtown area. The vicinity of Lake Ray Hubbard adds another exciting dimension to the City's plan.

FNI will perform the necessary engineering and related technical services for the Design and Construction Phase Services, including right-of-way acquisition, public involvement and construction contract administration for the Main Street Improvements projects. The initial phases of the project have already been completed. The public utilities within the downtown area were replaced in 2004. This work included new and larger water mains, sewer mains, and storm drains. The paving of Dennis Street, Oliver Street, Commerce Street, and the alleys south of Main Street was recently completed this spring.

The next phase of the project includes reconstruction of the existing two-lane asphalt roadway from the intersection of Rowlett Road through the intersection at Skyline Drive. The project also includes the reconstruction of Coyle Street from Commerce to Skyline and the reconstruction of Commerce from Main north across the railroad. The proposed roadways will be concrete with curbs and underground storm drains. The City used a new contracting method called A+B Bidding to provide an incentive to the contractor to complete the project ahead of schedule. The construction contract was awarded to Texas Sterling Construction and the work is scheduled to last from June 2005 through December 2005.

The final phase of the project will be the landscape and streetscape improvements to be made in the Main Street parkway. This design will include the streetscape features identified in the City's STEP grant application, including trees, sidewalks, and street lighting as well as some signature features with a clock tower monument and fountains. FNI will work with TxDOT and the Texas Historical Commission for review and approval as needed to secure the STEP funds.