downtown owatonna streetscape project

Click on the image above to watch the construction livestream camera in Downtown Owatonna

We are extremely excited about the impact this construction project will have on the community of Owatonna. We are truly building our future in order to serve you!

What to Expect

As this construction project continues, we want to let you know that Downtown Owatonna is OPEN FOR BUSINESS. We appreciate your patience as we navigate our way through this construction phase. Keep an eye out for specials and incentives to shop Owatonna! We’ll inform you about what to expect and direct you to the latest information available on the downtown project.

Check back often for new information!

Interactive Parking Map

Parking Map PDF

STREETSCAPE CONSTRUCTION UPDATES

City, Staff, and Council, in collaboration with ISG and JJD determined an extension for the work on the 100 block would be beneficial to the project and community. Therefore the 100 block construction will not begin until Spring 2022. Work this year will be completed into the Vine Street intersection and will be paved, except for necessary locations in the Vine Street intersection where temporary measures will be coordinated to provide pavement through winter.

**Temporary lighting is operational on both the 200 and 300 blocks. These will remain in place until the permanent poles are delivered.

Construction activity is winding down for the year and no more major work is planned. Limestone blocks and pavers will continue to be installed as weather permits and permanent lighting fixtures will be installed upon arrival.

Downtown Snow Removal

Q. When are streets plowed?

A. According to the City of Owatonna’s Snow and Ice Control Policies and Procedures, City crews begin snow and ice control operations when 2 inches of snow accumulates, when drifting snow or ice causes problems for travelling, or when road conditions could deteriorate due to peak traffic volumes. These guidelines are used to remove snow from streets throughout the City and in the downtown area.

Q. When is snow removed from the new raised crosswalks, alleys, and curb bump-outs downtown?

A. The new downtown streetscape includes raised crosswalks, walkable alleys, and curb bump-outs to improve accessibility and pedestrian safety. City crews are responsible for clearing snow and ice from these areas. These areas are snow removal crews’ priority and are done periodically throughout each snowfall event.

Q. What part of sidewalks are business owners responsible for
removing snow from?

A. While the new sidewalk dimensions and surfaces are different, the area that merchants must shovel remains the same – straight out from storefronts to the curb. In areas where planters have been installed, merchants are responsible for removing snow and ice from all sides of the planters adjacent to their storefronts. In the 200 block, while barricades remain, the construction contractor will help with removing snow from sidewalks.

Q. What special care needs to be taken with the fresh
concrete surfaces downtown?

A. Only plastic-edged shovels and salt-free grit should be used on new concrete sidewalks. Metal edges and salt cause deterioration. City crews have designed an innovative snow removal plowing edge to ensure the new street surfaces downtown are preserved.

Q. Where can questions or concerns be directed regarding snow removal?

A. Please email publicworks@ci.owatonna.mn.us or call (507) 444-4350.

Read the December 3 newsletter

ISG has been engaged to assist with this project, considered as Phase One of the master plan, which consists of North Cedar Avenue Streetscape improvements focused on the three blocks between Central Park and Rose Street.

Visit ISG’s project website for all of the construction plans and details and to sign up for project updates.

For questions, contact Civil Engineer Becky Guenther at Becky.Guenther@ISGInc.com or 952-426-0699.

Chamber members

Find #BuildingOwatonna logos and brand guidelines to download here.