City soliciting proposals for downtown revitalization

The city of Blaine is accepting proposals for its Downtown Revitalization Project. Proposals are due to the city by 5 p.m. Friday, February 25.

The project goal is to strengthen Blaine’s downtown area through five blocks of Peace Portal Drive from the roundabout near I-5 to Clark Street. “The purpose of the project is to create a ‘complete street’ that will facilitate the rejuvenation of downtown and set the stage for future development,” according to the city’s request for proposal.

The project will create more pedestrian amenities and improve sidewalks to align better with Americans with Disabilities Act standards. Two gateway arches will be added to downtown, while street furniture, flower planters, bike racks, waste and recycling bins will be replaced and/or installed. 

The project’s objectives are to build a design based on the Washington State Department of Transportation complete street concept; maximize pedestrian friendliness while still keeping downtown safe for vehicles; the design encourages public art, stamped concrete and brick pavers and Blaine by the Sea themed signs; for the project to have a way to be regulated; and for the construction and engineering plans to be complete.

The city also asks project developers to include site information, help city staff redesign the Martin Street Parklet by Chada Thai to create more park usability, draft concept sketches and preliminary engineering to be presented at a future city council meeting, and obtain proper permits and approvals, according to the proposal. 

Proposals will be evaluated based on experience and quality of past projects, a design that focuses on pedestrian improvements and ability to provide staff and meet project deadlines. 

The contract could be awarded as soon as a March city council meeting.

The request for proposal can be found on the city’s website at bit.ly/3oCcSyy. 

To submit a proposal, email Alex Wenger at awenger@cityofblaine.com. Proposals should be submitted as a PDF. For more information, contact Wenger at awenger@cityofblaine.com and 360/543-9979.