Work begins on construction projects to revitalize downtown Battle Creek

Work has begun on a $7.5 million project to replace water mains, streets and sidewalks in downtown Battle Creek.

The streetscape work will be done at the same time as water main work.  

City Manager Ken Tsuchiyama says for the water main project the city’s the goal is to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of its system in the downtown.

The replacement of the water main is important at this time because it is cost-effective to replace the main while the road and sidewalks are already being removed. It also provides new infrastructure — one of the mains is over 100-years old — and reduces the prospect of a water main failure in the near future. Further, it replaces a two-main system with one main, which again reduces the chances of system failures in the future.

The water main replacement project also will include new valves and hydrants.

The goal of the streetscape project is to improve the appearance of the downtown by making it more pedestrian friendly and creating a campus-like environment, says Tsuchiyama.  

Pubic opinions gathered at design sessions were incorporated into plans for the new downtown streetscape. Ornamental trees, custom benches, flower pots, landscaping and extensive lighting went into the plans. A small gathering area that features a glass sculpture wall, interactive water feature, and a fire pit also were included in the project.

City officials want the downtown to be a place where people can walk and feel safe.

The infrastructure projects are part of a larger $85 million economic development project envisioned to transform the downtown.

Writer: Kathy Jennings
Source: Ken Tsuchiyama, City of Battle Creek