Now in its second mont
h of construction, the West Jackson Streetscape Project is continuing, and project leaders say that everything is moving forward as scheduled. Construction began in late April and remains on target for a November completion.
“The construction of the West Jackson Street area is moving forward, right on schedule. We are pleased with the progress of the project,” said Wayne Newsome, City of Thomasville Engineer. “Crews are working in multiple locations throughout the streetscape area to keep the project moving forward with the least impact on the West Jackson Street businesses and citizens who live and work in the area.”
To date, the tabletop intersection at West Jackson Street and Stevens Street is complete, and underground utilities and infrastructure are complete on the north side of the 200 block of West Jackson Street. The commemorative and decorative walls are also complete, and the first tree root saver system for the new trees has been installed. “Additionally, work has also begun for the retaining wall for the sidewalk on the north side of the 200 block and for the base of the sidewalk on the north side of the 300 block,” said Newsome.
During the streetscape construction, all businesses on West Jackson Street remain open for business. “We have worked with the construction team to maintain open sidewalks and front door access to all our West Jackson Street businesses,” said Sherri Nix, Public Outreach Manager. “We want to encourage people to continue to shop and dine at our local businesses in The Bottom District during construction. Customers will find that there is available on-street parking on West Jackson Street and access to plenty of other parking options a short walk away.”
April Norton, Main Street and Business Development Director, said that a new summer shopping promotion has also kicked off that will reward those who shop in the West Jackson Street area from now through August. “Our Shop To It promotion offers two exciting ways to win Downtown Dollars that can then be spent anywhere in the downtown area where Downtown Dollars are accepted. Participating in the promotion is easy, and there are two ways to enter the contest.”
To enter the Shop To It promotion, just shop at any West Jackson Street business from now until August 31st, fill out an entry ticket and drop it in the box located inside each business,” said Norton. Customers can also upload a photo to Instagram or Facebook showing them shopping or dining inside a West Jackson Street business. The photo should be posted online using the hashtag ‘#shoptoitwestjack’ along with the name of the business. Two winners are drawn at random each week, one from the entry tickets and one from the social media entries. “Both winners receive $20 Downtown Dollars gift certificates that can be used at any downtown business. At the September First Friday Sip and Stroll, a $250 Downtown Dollar Grand Prize winner will be drawn from all of the entries gathered during the contest.”
Details about the Shop To It promotion are available online at downtownthomasville.com.
For more information on the West Jackson Streetscape Project, call Sherri Nix at 229-227-4154 or Dominic Ford at 229-227-4015 or visit Thomasville.org.
