Downtown Master Plan

Investment in Downtown includes safety and gathering improvements

The first phase of the Downtown Master Plan is called the “Catalyst Project” because not only will it be the first of future phases, but the Town seeks to continually invigorate the Downtown area by fostering safe and welcoming spaces for gathering and entertainment.

Slated to start the first of April and conclude in late fall, the project serves as a catalyst for building community in Danville. The construction plan prioritizes continued access and enjoyment of Downtown Danville over the course of the project:

• All businesses will remain open and accessible.
• Hartz Avenue will remain open, with minimal closures for paving.
• When paving happens, it will be overnight.
• Construction will be in phases, intersection-by-intersection.
• Most construction activities will happen Monday-Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Downtown community events will go on as scheduled, with modifications.

As construction progresses, the Town welcomes feedback and questions about the project.

For more information, check out the DMP Catalyst Project Flier and the 03.08.24 Press Release

At the February 20 Town Council Regular Meeting, Town Council awarded the construction contract for the Downtown Master Plan Catalyst Project to Grade Tech, Inc. following a public bid process seeking proposals. The project represents a significant investment in the historic Downtown Danville, and will serve to support pedestrian traffic and community gathering in direct response to community priorities expressed in an expansive survey. The bid amount was just over $4.1 million, in line with engineering estimates provided to the Town prior to bid.

Town staff will work with the contractor to outline an initial project phasing plan, as well as an extensive public outreach campaign. Work is expected to be completed intersection-by-intersection, in phases, to minimize impacts on local businesses and downtown traffic. In addition to providing community updates through the project page at www.danvilletowntalks.org, the Town will also hold meetings with local business owners to discuss project phasing.

Construction was originally slated for late spring but may start earlier. The initial Catalyst Project is part of a nine-component strategy to enhance the historic downtown. This component includes traffic calming and beautification improvements at five intersections along Hartz Avenue, from School Street to Linda Mesa Avenue, as well as improvements near the Village Theatre. Construction is expected to be complete in late fall.

The Catalyst Project represents the culmination of a years-long planning effort to revitalize the downtown experience and adapt to evolving community needs. The initial project responds to the highest priorities highlighted in the Danville 2022 Downtown Master Plan Update: more community gathering space, stronger connections to and through downtown, enhancing pedestrian safety, and opportunities to incorporate arts and culture. The 2022 update was developed after significant public input that included a survey, public meetings, and stakeholder interviews.

The Downtown Master Plan Civil and Landscape design plans are 100% complete, finalizing the Design Phase of the DMP Catalyst Project. The project is now moving into the Construction phase, and the Town has published the construction bid packet on the Town’s website for review.

Newspaper notifications for the bid were published on Friday, December 22 to notify construction companies of the project. The bid opening has been scheduled for February 13. The Award of Contract is scheduled for the Town Council meeting on February 20.

The final engineering design plans and bid package are nearing completion! The Town is expected to be ready to put the project out to bid in January 2024. At a recent Study Session, the Town Council provided direction for the project construction to begin as early as feasible – which is estimated to be late spring 2024. After the holidays, the Town will undertake a comprehensive community outreach effort about the upcoming construction.

Final Design Renderings (11.21.23)

On today's Town Talks with the Mayor, Assistant Town Manager Tai Williams and Transportation Manager Andy Dillard joined Mayor Robert Storer to review the schematic designs for the Downtown master Plan Catalyst Project. A recording of the event is on the Town's Facebook page, and the presentation can be downloaded here.

During the April 11, 2023 Study Session the Danville Town Council reviewed and approved the final schematic designs for the project including the design of the intersections along Hartz Avenue, signage at Prospect Park Plaza, design of bollards at the corners of Linda Mesa/Hartz and Prospect/Hartz and discussed adding additional landscaping and pavers in the design at the Village Theatre Plaza.

The Town Council will consider an update to the Downtown Master Plan on Tuesday, September 6, 2022, at 5:00 p.m. View the Public Hearing Notice.

View the proposed Adoption of the Downtown Master Plan Update.

View the proposed Framework and Standards for the operation of Extended Temporary Outdoor Restaurant Seating.

The Town Council will consider an update to the Downtown Master Plan on Tuesday, August 16, 2022 at 5:00 p.m. View the Public Hearing Notice.