Phase 3B, the section along Smith Street between Spring and Eugene, is now complete. This section features Eco-Gardens, innovative stormwater treatment facilities that transform impervious street surfaces into landscaped green spaces that capture polluted stormwater runoff. The plants and soil filter the polluted runoff as it soaks back into the ground, replenishing the groundwater supply. The storm drains also create attractive streetscapes, urban green spaces, and provide a natural habitat.
With the Greenway at Fisher Park Apartments adjacent to the Greenway and Deep Roots Market opening in March, it is a great time to check out the new developments happening along the northern edge of Downtown Greensboro!
The Downtown Greenway will be constructed along the north side of Smith Street between North Eugene and Spring Streets, directly adjacent to the new Greenway at Fisher Park Apartments. Lane closures can be expected as the curb and utilities on the south side of Smith will be relocated further north to accommodate necessary roadway adjustments.
This section will feature innovative storm water treatment facilities in addition to the usual trail standards. Eventually, this section will continue west to Prescott Street along the south side of Smith, north along Eugene Street, and east along Fisher to Greene Street.
The ribbon cutting for Morehead Park (from Lee Street north to Spring Garden Street along the East side of Freeman Mill Road) of the Downtown Greenway will be held Sunday, May 6 from 2:00–5:00 pm. Numerous features within this ¼-mile section of the Downtown Greenway, known as Morehead Linear Park, will be dedicated and unveiled.
A North Carolina Railroad trestle that has been abandoned since the mid-1970s is now transformed into a gallery of gates by sculptor Jim Gallucci, with interactive lighting effects designed by Scott Richardson of Light Defines Form. Funded in part by a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts through their Mayor’s Institute on City Design’s 25th Anniversary Initiative, we are thrilled that Rocco Landesman, Chairman of the NEA, will be in attendance to help celebrate this unveiling.
The first of four cornerstone sculptures that mark major intersections along the Downtown Greenway will be installed at the intersection of West Lee Street and Freeman Mill Road. The Gateway of the Open Book by artist Brower Hatcher of Providence, RI, represents the theme of Motion and will sit 22’ tall and 32’ wide. The steel matrix set on six columns is embedded with objects created by Greensboro artist Frank Russell and students from the Warnersville neighborhood, including those from neighboring Jones Elementary School and Smith High School. Surrounding the cornerstone is the Pat Sullivan Education Garden, which honors the legacy of UNCG’s former Chancellor and highlights the importance of higher education in the City’s history.
The second of 12 artist benches representing neighborhood themes will also be recognized. This seating arrangement by Ben Kastner and Toby Keeton of Wilmington, NC, consists of a concrete and iron bench and a “Tobacco” chair, both echoing the style of furnishings in the nearby Blandwood mansion, home of Governor John Motley Morehead.
Finally, a trailhead parking area at Spring Garden Street will be embellished with a significant mural project designed and executed by Primary Flight, the nationally recognized artist collaborative based in Miami, FL. The community will have an opportunity to watch the artists at work as they paint during a 3-week residency at elsewhere and will be invited to join the painting process as well.
An exciting afternoon will unfold with walking tours of the entire site, food vendors, entertainment by Laurelyn Dossett and her band, as well as activities for both kids and adults.
Click here to see the full invitation! The event is FREE and open to the public!
Construction on phase 1A running from West Lee Street to Spring Garden street along the east side of Freeman Mill Road began last month. Clearing and grading to make way for the stormwater/sewer and the Greenway is well underway as you can see. Completion of this section is expected this fall (2012). Stay tuned for more details!
The Downtown Greenway and Greensboro Department of Transportation hosted a public meeting on May 19, 2011 to present preliminary design proposals for Phase 2E and 3A. After review of the proposed plans, the public was able to provide feedback via a survey both in person and online. The survey results have been compiled for public review. You can review the summary here.
The Downtown Greenway and Greensboro Department of Transportation hosted a public meeting on May 19, 2011 to present preliminary design proposals for Phase 2E and 3A. If you missed the meeting and still want to give feedback, please review the plans here and take this quick survey! The survey will be available online until June 1.
The Downtown Greenway and Greensboro Department of Transportation will host a public meeting on May 19, 2011 from 12:00–2:00 pm and 5:00–7:00 pm to present preliminary design proposals for Phases 2E and 3A. Join us in the Haywood-Duke Room at Holy Trinity Church, located at 607 N. Greene Street in Greensboro.
Phase 2E runs along Fisher Avenue between Greene Street and Eugene Street. Phase 3A runs along Eugene Street from Fisher Avenue to Smith Street.
For more information on the event, click here.
The next section of the Downtown Greenway is under construction and is full of exciting art elements—from lights to sculpture! Check out these highlighted features in the Sunday, May 1 issue of the Greensboro News & Record. You can read the full article here.
Help us break ground on the next section of the Downtown Greenway! In conjunction with the Great American Clean Up, help us clean the area and enjoy a family friendly lunch and celebration with hot dogs, music, kids' activities, and more!
Saturday, April 2, 2011 from 11:00 am–1:30 pm on the Downtown Greenway, Intersection of Spring Garden & South Edgeworth Streets (no rain date)
The Downtown Greenway will host a public meeting on Tuesday, January 25 from 12:00–2:00 pm and 5:00–7:00 pm to view preliminary design proposals for the railroad underpass public art project.
Join us on Tuesday at the action Greensboro offices (317 South Elm Street, Downtown Greensboro). On-street parking is available as well as in the parking lot across the street. Both Jim Gallucci and Scott Richardson will present and discuss their proposal for The Downtown Greenway Railroad Underpass Public Art Collaboration, a public art project that involves the creative renovation of an abandoned underpass located between Spring Garden and Lee Streets along Freeman Mill Road.
Click here for more information.
