Westerville’s efforts to make the city’s entry points more attractive have been years in the planning and months under construction, but have now reached their final phase.
The streetscaping project carries a $2.1m price tag and has been completed in several phases. The final touch, now being finished, is at the south gateway in front of the U.S. Bank building on State Street.
Other improvements include a ‘Welcome to Westerville’ sign, as well as other pointers to direct visitors to the Uptown District and Otterbein University. The project will add thousands of feet of new sidewalks to Westerville, including one that stretches 1,000 feet from Huber Village to I-270. Along with new paving, more than 2,000 shrubs, some 7,000 perennials, and 140 trees will line the walkway.
Jake Preston, the construction manager, said the project has not faced any huge challenges, and is on track to be finished this summer. He notes that, as weather, improves the workers are likely to face spring rains, but does not anticipate greater-than-normal difficulties.
Christa Dickey, a Westerville spokeswoman, said the gateway improvements were part of a larger $9m project that would widen sidewalks, bury utility lines, improve the streetscape, and revitalize the South State Street corridor.
City officials could work with brochure printers to create a mailer for residents, describing the improvements and the positive impact they are likely to have on locals and visitors alike.
