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December 2, 2011

Phase 4 of streetscape in the works

Will extend down Hwy. 31 in front of courthouse

By Trent Moore THE CULLMAN TIMES

CULLMAN — With so much focus on the downtown blocks damaged by the April 27 tornado, some might think Cullman’s long-term streetscape initiative had been moved to the backburner — but officials hope a new federal grant can kickstart the urban revitalization along U.S. Highway 31.

 The project has been in the works for nearly four years, and includes new pedestrian lighting, sidewalks, brick inserts, flower beds, benches and other aesthetic touches along city thoroughfares.

Past phases have already updated U.S. Highway 31 to Tradition’s Bank, the intersection of U.S. Highway 278 and Highway 31, and one block east and west from the intersection of Highways 278 and 31.

The latest project — dubbed phase 4 — will encompass Fifth Street to Seventh Street on U.S. Highway 31, in front of the Cullman County Courthouse.

City Council President Garlan Gudger, Jr. said the streetscape project has already gone a long way to improve the aesthetics in downtown, and the additional work will only make the area more attractive for shoppers and potential businesses.

“This is so important to help with rebuilding, and to make Cullman a memorable community for tourism, with specialty shopping and restaurants,” he said. “This can make a real impact over the next five year period.”

The city is applying for an approximate $357,000 Transportation, Community and System Preservation grant from the Federal Highway Administration for phase 4. The funds require an 80/20 match, meaning the local cost will total about $154,000.

But, thanks to a partnership between the city and Cullman County Commission, the cost will be split between the two entities.

“They asked if we would care to participate and have it on each corner, and asked if we could help out,” Cullman County Commission Chairman James Graves said. “We looked at our finances and decided we could do it, and it should make the street look really good and tie in with the rest of town. It should run to the end of the block, where the [county] economic development office used to be.”

Graves said the opportunity couldn’t have come at a better time, as the county is currently in the midst of a large-scale renovation of the nearly-50-year-old courthouse, which includes a brick facade to replace the old marble that has started to fall off in recent years.

“With all the work, it’ll tie in with what we’re doing and really make that a great looking area,” Graves said. “Maybe in the future, since we’re having to farm out county government to other buildings because we’re out of space, we might one day look at building an extension out, or buying an existing building nearby and renovating it. The county, and the city, have grown quite a bit in the last 50 years.”

The application process could take more than a year to complete, and officials hope to begin work as soon as possible.



* Trent Moore can be reached by e-mail at trentm@cullmantimes.com, or by telephone at 734-2131, ext. 220.

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