Architect Hired for Duluth Main Street Parking, Sidewalk Redesign

The Duluth City Council is proceeding with plans to reconfigure a portion of Main Street from West Lawrenceville to Knox streets.

The council unanimously approved spending $22,500 at its Monday (Aug 12) meeting to hire the architectural firm of Tunnell Spangler Walsh to design the changes. A conceptual sketch by TSW features 13 horizontal parallel parking spaces, wider sidewalks, space for public art installations, and a performing arts area.

The redesign, which eliminates the pointed brick vertical spaces in front of some downtown shops, is part of the city’s revitalization efforts.

The horizontal parking spaces would probably be 22 to 24 feet in length, larger than the normal size.

The redesign will make downtown Duluth “more pedestrian-friendly” and create “a welcoming environment,” Councilwoman Marsha Bomar said. At her suggestion, the Duluth Public Works Department used a chalk marker to outline the proposed changes Monday morning.

The design work would be paid for with 2009 SPLOST money designated for parking improvements.

The cost to construct the Main Street redesign is estimated at $252,000. The project could be completed by May 2014.