Changes to downtown Aiken's The Alley are one step closer to being finalized.
George Grinton, the City's Engineering and Utilities director, said the department expected to receive final designs Friday, as well as the specifications for the bidding process and the estimated cost of the entire project.
The next step, he said, would be to analyze those costs and the design, then bring them to Aiken City Council for permission to bid out a contract.
Earlier this year, Council awarded a contract to Augusta-based company Johnson, Lascober & Associations for about $45,500 in renovations.
The project was introduced to Council last summer, after staff began investigating ways to place The Alley's wiring underground.
They also wanted to find a way to reduce and absorb stormwater from the area, rather than let the water drain into businesses and Hitchcock Woods.
Conceptual and utility improvements to The Alley, which include large entry arches at either end of the road, additional lights, trees and the elimination of the curb and gutter, come to an estimated $1.25 million.
That estimate includes SCE&G franchise funds, landscaping and stormwater funds from Capital Project Sales Tax Round Two, as well as utility funds from Capital Project Sales Tax Round Three.
Grinton addressed the improvements needed in The Alley, and how that will bring about the new look.
"The water flow was just a piece of that. This project really stems from the underground of wires from Capital Project Sales Tax Round Two," Grinton said. "When you start looking at what you're going to do to the road, putting all of these utilities underground - telephone, cable, SCE&G power lines - which requires tearing up The Alley to put these things underground, and then you look at the sidewalks that need to be refurbished, it turns out you're going to be so disruptive to the whole Alley to put these things underground that we started thinking about what we could do to make it better and not let it be just a patch job."
Grinton said all discussions about The Alley have been met with cooperation from affected businesses and the Aiken Downtown Development Association.
The City also involved Tim Coakley, the director of the City's Public Services Department, and City Horticulturist Tom Rapp in the proposed plan.
Grinton said the department does recognize the importance of the holiday season for residents and visitors, meaning the City won't do construction during that period.
"I always look at engineering like I'm decorating your living room," Grinton said. "I want to satisfy you and make sure you're OK with the changes and let you pick out the items. ... I must say everybody has been very cooperative and helpful."
Maayan Schechter is the local government reporter with Aiken Standard. Follow her on Twitter @MaayanSchechter.
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