The Vision for Revitalization
Old Town Elk Grove is the heart of our community, a unique treasure with many buildings dating back to the 1800s. Early next year, the City will begin construction, devoting 4.3 million dollars in improvements to beautify and upgrade the area. This project is just the first step in the revitalization of Old Town. A Special Planning Area (SPA) was created many years ago in an effort to protect these buildings and their historic integrity. 
The SPA defines the types of land uses that can come to Old Town, and it establishes architectural design guidelines. Now, the SPA needs to be updated to better preserve Old Town and to reflect its changing needs. You can be a part of that process and learn more about the construction project by participating in these upcoming workshops and meetings.
October 5 SPA Visioning Workshop
On October 5, 2004 City officials held a community meeting regarding the Old Town Elk Grove Revitalization Project. The meeting took place at City Hall with over thirty residents and business owners in attendance. The presentation and small group discussions focused on defining the community's vision for Old Town Elk Grove. Participants provided feedback through a survey that asked the following five questions:
- What can we learn from other Old Town Revitalization efforts?
- Should the boundaries of the Special Planning Area be changed?
- Should the borders of the districts within the Special Planning Area be changed?
- Should the permitted land uses in the Special Planning Area be changed?
- What should Elk Grove's Old Town be in the future?
The survey results have been posted.
Many participants also expressed a strong interest in the Conceptual Master Plan (CMP) that was prepared in 1999. This was prepared with the help of hundreds of hours of volunteer participation from numerous Old Town residents and business persons. To ensure that the ideas contained in the CMP will be included in the current update of the Special Planning Area as desired by the community, the CMP is now available online, and copies will be available at future community meetings.
More Improvements Coming To Old Town Elk Grove!
Starting in early 2005, the City will begin work in Old Town Elk Grove on a number of streetscape improvements and beautification measures designed to attract pedestrians and shoppers and enhance pedestrian safety and traffic circulation. The improvements will also boost the economic vitality and attractiveness of Old Town Elk Grove while preserving the area’s unique character and history.
These improvements have evolved out of a thorough community-based planning process led by local elected officials, the Old Town Merchants Association and other community organizations. Numerous workshops have been held to identify and prioritize specific improvements that meet the goals and needs of Old Town Elk Grove merchants, customers and the surrounding community.
October 12 Construction Workshop
A community workshop was held on Tuesday, October 12 at the Old Town Mercantile Building to explain more about the planned streetscape improvements and beautification measures, when they will be constructed, and how they will benefit the community. For a summary of the workshop, click here.
For more background information, read the latest project newsletter.
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Start time for all meetings is 6:30 PM.
For more information on the Elk Grove Old Town Revitalization, please contact Kendall Flint at 916-361-8384.
Construction Details
View Update
Improvements to Old Town Elk Grove began with upgrades to the Union Pacific railroad crossing at Elk Grove Boulevard, which included new railroad signal arms and warning devices. Additional improvements will include:
- Decorative street lighting and signage
- Ttrees and landscaping along sidewalk areas
- Off-street public parking to compensate for the loss of on-street parking
- Decorative pavement to replace existing sidewalks, curbs and gutters
- New water mains and fire hydrants
(funded by the Elk Grove Water Service)
- A new traffic signal at School Street
- Traffic-calming and safety measures, including “bulb-out” pedestrian crossings
- New or upgraded handicap ramps
- New storm drainage system
- Roadway improvements, including new roadway section, resurfacing and restriping to accommodate a center two-way turn lane, where possible.
Construction Timeline
Final design of Old Town improvements— October 2004
Project bidding for construction services— December 2004 - January 2005
Project construction— February to November 2005*
*The City of Elk Grove anticipates completion of construction prior to Thanksgiving 2005.
Why is the Old Town Elk Grove Improvement Project being built?
The Old Town Elk Grove Improvement Project is the first step toward an overall revitalization effort to enhance and preserve one of the oldest western settlements in the greater Sacramento region. The City of Elk Grove, in conjunction with Old Town merchants and residents, is committed to protecting Old Town’s heritage and revitalizing the area to make it a more appealing destination for shoppers, diners and tourists.
How did the project come to be?
The project’s specific improvements have evolved from the broader Elk Grove Boulevard Conceptual Master Plan, which was finalized in 1999 following extensive public participation and input gathered through interactive workshops and outreach efforts led by public officials, the Old Town Merchants Association and other community leaders.
Who can I contact for more information?
Bert Brown (916) 478-2221
Jill Ceresola (916) 491-3161
Kendall Flint (916) 284-7376
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