Brainerd's 'new' downtown hailed
More than $1.6 million later, the downtown reconstruction street and streetscape project is done.
Laurel Street from South Sixth to South Eighth streets, Front Street from South Sixth to South Eighth streets and South Seventh Street from Maple to Front streets have a new look - new street, curb and gutter; paving block sidewalks; curb bump-outs at intersections; planters along sidewalks; and historic decorative lighting.
The streets are open, including the change of Front Street to two-way traffic; the flowers are planted; and the parking spaces are all stripped. The only thing left to do is plant the trees in numerous grates along the sidewalks.
Brainerd City Council President Kevin Goedker (left) and Mayor James Wallin listened to First Lutheran Church Pastor Andy Smith discuss the history of the downtown Brainerd street and streetscape reconstruction project Tuesday at a ribbon-cutting ceremony at South Sixth and Laurel streets. Brainerd Dispatch/Steve Kohls
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"I think it's awesome," said Becky Flansburg, an employee of the Office Shop who has worked in downtown Brainerd for 27 years. "It's been really, really exciting to see this coming together and it's encouraging to see the interest people are taking in it."
Flansburg was one of about 30 people who attended Tuesday's ribbon cutting for the downtown project, which was finished about two weeks ahead of schedule and came in about $500,000 under original cost estimates of $2.1 million. A tour is planned from 5-6:30 p.m. on Aug. 4.
Brainerd Mayor James Wallin said he was one of the few present who remembered what downtown looked like 60 years ago.
"As of right now, you're looking at the most beautiful this downtown has ever looked," Wallin said.
One of the most important pieces of the project, and one that no one sees, is the replacement of nearly 100-year-old storm water infrastructure, Wallin said.
The last major street project in downtown Brainerd came 30 years ago, said First Lutheran Pastor Andy Smith, the Main Street Advisory Committee chairman.
The current plans, forming for the past year and-a-half through community meetings and committee work, also represent the work of forerunner groups such as Brainerd Restoration, Smith said.
"This process was a great conversation - negotiation (and) bobbing and weaving took place to bring us to what we all agreed on at the end, what we're looking at today," Smith said. "That was a terrific process. People kept their heads. It was great. That's what community should be."
But those present at the ribbon cutting said the work shouldn't stop with the project's completion. Smith, Main Street Coordinator Emily Northey and Brainerd City Council President Kevin Goedker all stressed the need for businesses to continue improving their buildings. Northey noted several buildings had recently been repaired and painted.
"It's surprising what a little paint can do ... (but) we need to remember that the completion of this project doesn't mean the restoration of historic downtown Brainerd is complete," Northey said.
Added Smith: "A passion for a vibrant downtown has to remain alive."
The project started in May. Council member Lucy Nesheim said most of the businesses have been impressively patient. She believes that patience will pay off economically in the long run.
"I think the end result makes this a classy downtown," Nesheim said. "When I talk to business owners, it has already introduced business. This is the beginning of what I consider to be an increase of interest and benefit to whole city."
Nesheim and Goedker were joined at the ribbon cutting by council members Bonnie Cumberland and Kelly Bevans.
"I think it's gorgeous and I think the real key to the success of this project is how customers are treated now when they walk through the door," Cumberland said. "They'll be attracted to downtown by this gorgeous setting. Now it's up the merchants down here to make sure they want to continue to come back and enjoy the appearance as well as what downtown has to offer."
Bevans said the project was a testament to what can be accomplished with people work together. He hoped business and property owners will continue with individual improvements to keep downtown vital with the city helping where and when it can.
"Certainly as a city council our obligation is to continue to serve as ambassadors for our city and this is a highlight," Bevans said. "We have a beautiful downtown and we need to continue to encourage growth. I think this can be our lead in economic recovery."
Looking into the future, Bevans said he hoped in the next 30 years the city broadens its vision of improvements to looking at the Mississippi River front within the city.
"We have a tremendous asset there that nobody uses," Bevans said.
MATT ERICKSON may be reached at matt.erickson@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5857.