CUMBERLAND — A public workshop has been scheduled for Nov. 10 to allow input from citizens on the future look and design of the space currently making up the downtown pedestrian mall.
City officials have been working on various design concepts that will coincide with plans to replace aging underground utility lines.
The proposed renovations include reinstalling Baltimore Street, which will run one way from Mechanic Street to George Street. The project is estimated to cost between $5 million and $7.4 million, with state and Appalachian Regional Commission grants supplying the majority of the funding.
The event, titled “Reimagine Cumberland,” will be hosted by the Cumberland Economic Development Corp. and the Downtown Development Commission. It will be held on the second floor of 9 N. Centre St. from 1 to 4 p.m.
A press release from the CEDC says, “Reimagine Cumberland offers residents the opportunity to help reshape Cumberland’s most important civic space while building it into a major catalyst for downtown revitalization.”
CEDC and DDC officials have contracted with the Frederick-based design firm Cochran Studio to redesign the streetscape for Baltimore Street and surrounding streets.
“The streetscape design plan will transform Baltimore Street, highlighting the famous architecture and protecting and brightening this important public space through lighter pavers, better lighting, and innovative green infrastructure to improve public safety, health and comfort, and support local businesses and restaurants,” the release said. “Among the elements under consideration are a colonnade of large, high-canopy shade trees and a Public Art Master Plan with sites and recommendations for public art.”
Officials said Cochrane Studio helped to transform several public spaces in the mid-Atlantic region, including Virginia, Pennsylvania, Washington, D.C. and Rochester, New York, as well as the Community Bridge in Frederick.
“The purpose of Reimagine Cumberland is to preview the plans for the downtown and to give residents a voice in how it is designed. Event leaders will engage participants in a series of questions and conversations with fellow residents to develop and refine the feedback the design team needs to complete the final streetscape plan,” the statement said.
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