PART TWO · WHAT’S BEING BUILT

The full public-space experience of a historic downtown, read through four lenses.

A streetscape project at this scale touches every part of how downtown feels and functions. The scope can be read through four lenses — each one a different angle on the same project.

LENS ONE

Public space experience — cleanliness, safety, hospitality.

The grant is primarily about making downtown more walkable and connecting historic downtown spaces to the waterfront and beyond.

→ Pedestrian hardscape improvements along every in-scope street
→ Accessible ramps, crosswalks, stop bars, stop signs
→ Paving alternatives at Strand intersections
→ Curb and gutter repairs
→ Pedestrian sheltering structures — shade and rain protection
→ Wake-break devices — reduce car-created wakes during floods, double as rest areas
→ Tree preservation, planting, irrigation, site furnishings
People walking a Strand sidewalk
Galveston trolley on tracks downtown
LENS TWO
Mobility and access.
Downtown’s moving parts — walking, biking, transit, driving — all get attention, with emphasis on space for everyone who isn’t in a car.
→ On-street bike lanes using signage and pavement markings only
→ Protected on-street parking on key streets
→ Enhancements to existing bus and trolley stops
→ Three trolley switch repairs at Strand & 20th — one electric, two spring
→ Power for the electric trolley switch

Note: does not include permanent barriers, raised bike lanes, or extensive roadway reconstruction.

LENS THREE
Active downtown — light, power, evenings.
A historic downtown earns its evenings. The lighting and power scope is aimed at that.
→ Study of gas-to-electric lighting conversion
→ Special event lighting and power for events and vendor booths
→ Catenary / festoon lighting on Post Office Street (19th to 23rd)
→ Tree uplights and holiday lighting
→ Parking kiosk power to keep existing kiosks operational
Downtown after dark with catenary lights
Historic downtown facade with mature trees
LENS FOUR
Historic character and water.
The natural and historic systems of downtown get thoughtful treatment — not a full rebuild, but enough to keep intersections working and the canopy growing.
→ Minor drainage improvements at intersections — inlet reconstruction, curb and gutter repair
→ Storm water pollution prevention plans where necessary
→ Bioswales and rain gardens
→ Tree preservation, protection, and removal

Note: does not include new storm sewer or extensive utility work.

WHAT THE GRANT DOES NOT COVER
Knowing what’s out of scope tells us where to direct advocacy energy.

New storm sewer infrastructure. Drainage work is limited to intersection-level improvements.

Larger bikeway infrastructure. No permanent physical barriers, no raised bike lanes.

Extensive roadway or utility reconstruction. Curb/gutter and pavement in scope; deeper roadwork is not.

Traffic, noise, and air quality analysis beyond the Categorical Exclusion level.

Wetland and stream delineation, Army Corps permits, Coast Guard permits.

Implementation of seven supplemental trolley switches (assessment only).

CONTINUE READING
Next: Phases & Your Voice.
Six design phases, each with a City decision gate. Plus the Task 9 stakeholder meetings — and how to make sure the right voices are in them.
Read Part Three