|  |  |  | | | ARCHIVED FAQS (JACKSON STREET)
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| JACKSON STREET ACCESS DRIVE PROJECT
What is being done to the area formerly known as Jackson Street and/or Horse Park?
An access area is needed from West Michigan Avenue to Jackson Street. The space, which had been utilized as a sitting-smoking area and location for a horse statue, will be converted into a second access point needed for emergencies, as well as a walkway. It also is intended to provide access to local businesses, as well as a connection to the Kellogg Company headquarters and its new building located at Two McCamly Street.
Who is doing the construction project? Who is paying for it?
The City of Battle Creek has accepted a bid recommendation and construction plans to build an access area from West Michigan Avenue to the Jackson Street Parking Lot. Battle Creek’s city commission awarded the Jackson Street Access Project bid to Katerberg & Verhage. The project will be funded by private money raised for the Downtown Battle Creek Transformation.
When is the construction going to start and finish for this area located between Two McCamly Street and Kellogg Company Headquarters?
Construction on the access area begins immediately, and the anticipated completion date is late November 2010.
Will semi-trucks have access to the driveway for deliveries to the businesses?
Semi-trucks will not utilize the new driveway access, but there will be no interference to semi-trucks making deliveries. Semi-trucks will continue to service the businesses and Kellogg Company via Carlyle Street, which is large enough to accommodate these larger vehicles.
Will this construction block traffic on Michigan Avenue or affect parking across the street?
No. The area will provide a second access point needed for emergencies, as well as a walkway, access to local businesses and community garden space.
When will the Kellogg employees start moving into its new building?
The $4 million renovation project at the new Kellogg building is anticipated to be finished in October 2010. October 15th is when 600 Kellogg employees are expected to start moving into the new building.
What is the name of the new area?
It will no longer be called Horse Park, and it will be known as ‘The Jackson Street Access Drive.’
Currently, there are benches, gazebos and a horse statue in the area. What will happen to them?
The gazebos and benches are being donated to Leila Arboretum for reuse in community gardens. The horse statue will be removed, refurbished and stored until a new display location is identified. In December 2011, the horse was rededicated at Leila Arboretum.
What is the history of the lot and the horse statue?
At one time, the there was a building that housed a theater. It became uninhabitable and was demolished through an Urban Development Action Grant for city improvements. It became a park in the 1980s. A company called Federal Home Life Insurance, adjacent to the park, was acquired by another company called HBJ in the late 80s. HBJ’s chief executive officer donated the horse statue to the city and placed it in the park. Eventually, HBJ closed its doors and left the city and the statue behind.
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| | | | | | | Phase I: Projected timeline April - August 2011 – Michigan Avenue from Carlyle Street to McCamly Street (including the intersection of McCamly Street and Michigan Avenue) |
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| | | | | | | Phase II: Projected timeline June/July 2011 - November 2011 – Michigan Avenue from McCamly Street to Capital Avenue |
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| | | | | | | Phase III: Projected timeframe April 2012 - September 2012 – Michigan Avenue from Capital Avenue to Division Street (including the intersection of Capital and Michigan Avenue) |
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| | | | | | ARCHIVED FAQS (MICHIGAN AVENUE)
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| MICHIGAN AVENUE STREETSCAPE PROJECT
What is the progress of the building located at 67 W. Michigan Avenue where Kellogg is relocating employees?
Construction was completed and Kellogg employees moved into the renovated building in December 2010. |
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| | | | | | CURRENT CONSTRUCTION FAQS
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| STREETSCAPE FAQs
When and where will Phase I of downtown Battle Creek's streetscape start? What about other phases?
The project will be divided into phases. Phase I was the first section to undergo construction. Construction began on Monday, April 18 2011 in Phase I and includes Michigan Avenue between Carlyle and McCamly Streets. This phase includes the gathering space and the Michigan Avenue and McCamly Street intersection. Phase II began July 18 and includes Michigan Avenue from the McCamly Street intersection to Capital Avenue. Phase III will begin in April 2012 and includes Michigan Avenue from Capital Avenue intersection to Division Street.
When is streetscape construction starting and who is the contractor?
The city and BCU are moving forward to install the water-history themed streetscape. Construction began April 18, 2011 with Hoffmann Brothers as the contractor.
Who came up with the ideas for the streetscape plans and arrangements?
The final streetscape concept was made possible by many residents who openly shared their thoughts, experiences and hopes for the city. Using input, landscape architects matched ideas with requirements for streetscape longevity, compliance, cost, walkability, safety, sustainability, technology and entertainment.
How long will the streetscape construction take? Is construction going to be divided into different sections?
The construction will be broken down into three phases along Michigan Avenue.
- Phase I Projected timeframe April-August 2011 - Michigan Avenue from Carlyle Street to McCamly Street (including the intersection of McCamly Street and Michigan Avenue).
- Phase II Projected timeframe June/July 2011 - November 2011 - Michigan Avenue from McCamly Street to Capital Avenue.
- Phase III Projected timeframe April 2012 - September 2012 - Michigan Avenue from Capital Avenue to Division Street (including the intersection of Capital and Michigan Avenue)
Where can I obtain up-to-date information on streetscape construction affecting downtown?
Each phase of construction will be posted here, on the Battle Creek Downtown Partnership website. The website will have links to information about construction detours, parking and businesses. Additional information can be found on Facebook and Twitter.
How do I get to a business when a street is closed?
The Battle Creek Downtown Partnership is working in conjunction with downtown businesses and organizations to provide the public with vital information during construction season. Whether you are looking to get to specific businesses, locate construction sales and specials, or parking information, this and more can all be found here, on our website.
Where should I park if construction is being conducted on my street?
Parking information is available here on the Battle Creek Downtown Partnership website. In addition, signs will be posted throughout downtown to help navigate to parking.
Can I still park on my street if there is construction slated in my area?
Parking will not be permitted on certain streets during construction for safety reasons.
Can I put my sales sign or other promotional information outside my business to help people find where to park to come in?
Businesses are free to use signage, as long as it does not interfere with the safety and construction and adheres to sign ordinances currently in existence for downtown. Signs will be posted to indicate what businesses are open for business within a construction area.
Who should I contact to get specific questions about the streetscape and construction information?
Direct your questions or concerns to the Battle Creek Downtown Partnership's Communications & Events Manager, Alyssa Jones. You can contact her by emailing Alyssa@downtownbattlecreek.com or by calling 269.441.1668.
What is the final project going to look like?
The final project of the downtown Battle Creek streetscape will include pathways and sidewalks that connect Battle Creek's urban environment with a seamless network that is comfortable, lively and safe for everyone. The sidewalks will be designed to provide shade, seating, landscape, and art providing pedestrians the ability to walk throughout downtown Battle Creek during all four seasons. The new streetscape will also be extremely mindful of the environment, incorporating recycled materials and sustainable products, such as LED lighting, anchor plantings, and energy efficient lights. Light towers will be installed at intersections as well as bridges east of Michigan Avenue. At the corner of Michigan Avenue and McCamly Street, gathering space is under construction. This gathering space will include a fireplace, interactive water feature, a WiFi zone, and a staging area for performances.
Is construction going to conflict with events that are scheduled downtown Battle Creek?
Any construction that occurs during a special event will be structured in a manner that will provide the least amount of inconvenience for pedestrians and motorists.
Where is the best place to park downtown during construction?
Parking information can be found here on the Battle Creek Downtown Partnership website, as it becomes available. It will indicate any on-street parking issues during a particular phase of construction.
During streetscape construction, will downtown Battle Creek have a "walkable" community?
Sidewalks will be under construction, but there will be access to businesses by foot. |
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