🚧Prep for a 3 Month Pause on Construction🚧

The project currently impacts various locations along Mill Avenue as some last minute items are added to the punch list such as storm drains, catch basins, over-the-street banner pole installs, faulty brick replacement, and street leveling etc. See CONSTRUCTION NOTICE. Work should finish up early February and not return until after spring commencement in May 2026. 

Re-milling, asphalt paving, striping, and intersections will take place summer 2026 starting in May. 

The next COT Construction virtual meeting will be held January 13th at 2pm to discuss the latest construction impacts. 

 See the latest Virtual Meeting Recording  

January 13, 2pm:  The last public construction meeting of the season. Find virtual meeting link here.

12/19 - 🚧The Mad Construction Dash🚧

Dec 19: The project currently impacts 5th Street & Mill NE corner, the last corner of the project: see CONSTRUCTION NOTICE. NE 5th & Mill will take place November 18 through beginning of January to finish up hardscape work (sidewalk work). Final plantings and asphalt paving at intersections will take place until Spring 2026 and the project will fully end next summer 2026 with the re-milling, paving, and line striping of Mill Ave. 

The next COT Construction virtual meeting will be held January 13th at 2pm to discuss the latest construction impacts. 

 See the latest Virtual Meeting Recording  

January 13:  The last public construction meeting of the season. Find virtual meeting link here.

11/26 - 🚧🏃Today's Headline: The Traffic Cone Trot to Replace Annual Turkey Trot for Tempe Residents🏃🏽‍♀️🚧

The project currently impacts 5th Street & Mill SE corner until November 18 when it will flip over to the last corner of the project: see CONSTRUCTION NOTICE. NE 5th & Mill which will take place November 18 through (fingers crossed) end of December to finish up hardscape work. Post Office and Jack-In-The-Box driveways will be repaved mid/end of November. Finishing touches will take place until Spring 2026 and the project will fully end next summer 2026 with the re-milling, paving, and line striping. 

The next COT Construction virtual meeting will be held December 9th at 2pm to discuss the latest construction impacts. 

 See October's Virtual Meeting Recording  

10/31 - 🚧Spooky, Scary Traffic Cones 🚧 

Send shivers down your spine! Mill Ave Streetscape Project officially wins scariest first place for Halloween, very impressive because it won first last year as well. The project currently impacts 5th Street & Mill SE corner until mid/late November when it will flip over to the last corner of the project: NE 5th & Mill which will take place late November through possibly mid January. 3rd Street SE will wrap up at the end of this month. Post Office and Jack-In-The-Box driveways will be repaved mid/end of November. Finishing touches will take place until Spring 2026 and the project will fully end next summer 2026 with the re-milling, paving, and line striping. 

The next COT Construction virtual meeting will be held December 9th at 2pm to discuss the latest construction impacts. 

 See October's Virtual Meeting Recording  

10/10 - The FULL Rundown 

• Work on Varsity Tavern SE 5th Street and Mill corner began October 6th and will run through approximately December 8th. SEE NOTICE. Eventually sidewalk work will also be done on 5th Street connecting this corner to the City Hall West Lot.
• Work on the 3rd st SE corner will begin approximately October 6th - 27th. SEE NOTICE.
• 4th Street West BOTH corners began September 22nd and will last approximately until November 4th. 4th Street west of Mill Ave will be closed 24/7 to vehicular traffic for duration of work. Access to parking lot will be maintained from 5th and Maple. Business access during business hours will be maintained. SEE NOTICE.

UPCOMING WORK 🔜

• The last corner of the project, NE corner of 5th and Mill, will most likely begin early to mid December.
• Gateway signage will be installed between University and 7th on Mill and will require a 4 day closure of Mill between 7th and Uni. Possibly directly after Tempe Festival of Arts from December 8 - 11, but there continues to be complications o engineering so don't hold your breath on those exact dates.
• If all goes well, hard scape will be finished by Christmas with only finishing touches such as trees, mulch, sealing around pole bases, cleaning, installing art work etc. left until the end of February.
• Full Mill Ave paving will fully end the project next summer, summer 2026.

View the Streetscape Presentation for more details.

As always, signage on side-streets off Mill on 5th, 6th and 7th and can be used to direct deliveries for short-term restaurant and retail pick-up. 

Zones are marked as Commercial Loading, which includes commercial delivery trucks, a business dropping off deliveries with a sign for which business the vehicle relates to, Uber and other ride services, as well as Door Dash and other food delivery services. As long as the vehicle is marked on the side or dash indicating it’s purpose it will not be ticketed. Please direct deliveries to 7th, 6^th street west, or 5^th street east in front of Mission Palms.

Don't forget: If you have specific questions about your block please reach out and we will respond as soon as possible.

Mill Ave Construction Business September Update

9/25 - Mill Avenue Streetscape Construction

The FULL Rundown

• Midblock work from 4th - 6th streets EAST sidewalk will complete the week of September 24th.
• Work on NE 5th Street and Mill corner began September 1st and will complete approximately October 13th.
• FINISHED! SW 3rd street and Mill corner.
• SW corner of 2nd street began Monday, 9/15 and last approximately 6 weeks, until October 27th. 

UPCOMING WORK 🔜

• *NEW* NE corner of 3rd & Mill will start approx Sept 25 - October 6. 
• *NEW* SW corner of 6th & Mill has water pooling at the new bus pad so needs to be redone. Expect work Sept 18 - end of September. SEE CONSTRUCTION NOTICE.
• *NEW* SE corner of 5th and Mill will begin approximately October 1st - November 14th. Eventually sidewalk work will be done on 5th Street connecting this corner to the City Hall West Lot.
• *NEW* 4th Street West BOTH corners will begin September 22nd and last approximately 6-7 weeks, November 14. 4th Street west of Mill Ave will be closed 24/7 to vehicular traffic for duration of work. Access to parking lot will be maintained from 5th and Maple. Business access during business hours will be maintained. SEE NOTICE.

• 3rd Street SE corner possibly expected in November/December. 
• Gateway signage will be installed between University and 7th on Mill and will require a 4 day closure of Mill there. Possibly directly after Tempe Festival of Arts from December 8 - 11. 
• If all goes well, hard scape will be finished by Christmas with only finishing touches such as trees, mulch, sealing around pole bases, cleaning, installing art work etc. left until the end of February.
• Full Mill Ave paving will fully end the project next summer, summer 2026.

View the Streetscape Presentation for more details.

As always, signage on side-streets off Mill on 5th, 6th and 7th and can be used to direct deliveries for short-term restaurant and retail pick-up. 

Zones are marked as Commercial Loading, which includes commercial delivery trucks, a business dropping off deliveries with a sign for which business the vehicle relates to, Uber and other ride services, as well as Door Dash and other food delivery services. As long as the vehicle is marked on the side or dash indicating it’s purpose it will not be ticketed. Please direct deliveries to 7th, 6^th street west, or 5^th street east in front of Mission Palms.

Don't forget: If you have specific questions about your block please reach out and we will respond as soon as possible.

8/27 - Mill Avenue Streetscape Construction:

The FULL Rundown

• *NEW* Basically FINISHED: mid-block sidewalk on the west side of Mill Avenue between 4th & 5th Streets. Just waiting for the last bricks, and trees and mulch. 
• *NEW* Demo on EAST 4th to 5th Street mid-block starting as soon as west side 4th-5th is done, September 3rd. Work will finish in late September/early October. 
  • SEE CONSTRUCTION NOTICE
• *NEW* Demo on 6th to 5th street EAST mid-block sidewalks in full swing until mid September. 
• *NEW* Demolition work of NE 5th Street and Mill corner beginning September 3.
  • SEE CONSTRUCTION NOTICE
• East corners at 7th st and Mill are expected to open the week after Labor Day. Currently closed 24hrs going east. Westin Hotel Alley will remain open. 
• Night work 10pm - 7am from August 11th - September 12th closes SB Mill Ave from Rio Salado to 5th Street. Street  reopens during the day starting 7am. Weekends will not close. 4th Street intersection closed 10p-7a for night work. Business access maintained during business hours. 
• Currently: Demolition work of South West 3rd street and Mill corner until late September.

UPCOMING WORK 🔜

• *TENTATIVE* Expect 4th Street West corner intersection bump outs to happen with 24hr full vehicle closure on 4th Street mid-September to end of October. 
• *TENTATIVE* Expect 5th Street and Mill eastern corners from October to mid-December, starting with SE corner. Sidewalk work on the SE corner will carry all the way to the City Hall West Lot.
• Intermittent repaving at intersections is TBD but expected at least 1 Mill Ave intersection (3-4 day closure) once a month starting in October-January.  
• 3rd Street NE and SE corners, and the SW corner of 2nd street will be tackled most likely in November/December.
• That is all the expected hard scape work for the entire project. If all goes well, hard scape will be finished by Christmas with only finishing touches such as trees, mulch, minimal intersection paving, sealing around pole bases, cleaning, etc. left until the end of February. Full Mill Ave paving will fully end the project next summer, summer 2026.

As always, signage on side-streets off Mill on 5th, 6th and 7th and can be used to direct deliveries for short-term restaurant and retail pick-up. 

Zones are marked as Commercial Loading, which includes commercial delivery trucks, a business dropping off deliveries with a sign for which business the vehicle relates to, Uber and other ride services, as well as Door Dash and other food delivery services. As long as the vehicle is marked on the side or dash indicating it’s purpose it will not be ticketed. Please direct deliveries to 7th, 6^th street west, or 5^th street east in front of Mission Palms.

Don't forget: If you have specific questions about your block please reach out and we will respond as soon as possible. 

View the August 2025  Streetscape Presentation and watch the video recording of it there. Technical difficulties with the August Presentation recording. 

8-20-25

ATTENTION: Extended Banner Signage Allowances in Impacted  Areas

The Downtown Tempe Authority (DTA), in partnership with the City of Tempe, acknowledges the ongoing challenges that construction presents for businesses in Downtown Tempe, particularly along Mill Avenue. In response, the DTA is coordinating with the City’s Code Enforcement team to provide Extended Days Banner allowances in the impacted areas for construction-related signage beyond the standard limit that Special Event Sign Type K allows of 21 days twice per calendar year. When construction is completed, code enforcement will revert back to the standard sign enforcement of Sign Type K.

During this time businesses affected by construction may display signage free of charge and permit. There is no need to use the normal Citizen Access Portal for banner approval.

Approved construction signage will include banners, not additional A Frames, and can display items such as the business name, logo, and supportive messaging such as “Open During Construction” or similar language aimed at informing and reassuring customers. If you are uncertain whether your proposed signage complies with the Extended Days Enforcement guidelines, please contact ally@downtowntempe.com for clarification and assistance.

8/20 - Mill Avenue Streetscape Construction Project Update

The latest on the Mill Ave Streetscape Project. 

• *NEW* Demo on 6th to 5th street east mid-block sidewalks now until mid September. 
• *NEW* Demolition work of NE 5th Street and Mill corner beginning August 25.
• *NEW* East corners at 7th st and Mill are expected to open the week after Labor Day. Currently closed 24hrs going east. Westin Hotel Alley will remain open. 
• Night work 10pm - 7am from August 11th - September 12th closes SB Mill Ave from Rio Salado to 5th Street. Street  reopens during the day starting 7am. Weekends will not close. 4th Street intersection closed 10p-7a for night work. Business access maintained during business hours. 
• FINISHED: mid-block sidewalk on the west side of Mill Avenue between 5th & 6th Streets. Just waiting for trees and mulch. 
• Work mid-block on sidewalk & against buildings on the west side of Mill Ave between 4th & 5th Streets continues through mid September. Business access maintained during business hours.
• Demolition work of South West 3rd street and Mill corner until late September.

As always, signage on side-streets off Mill on 5th, 6th and 7th and can be used to direct deliveries for short-term restaurant and retail pick-up. 

Zones are marked as Commercial Loading, which includes commercial delivery trucks, a business dropping off deliveries with a sign for which business the vehicle relates to, Uber and other ride services, as well as Door Dash and other food delivery services. As long as the vehicle is marked on the side or dash indicating it’s purpose it will not be ticketed. Please direct deliveries to 7th, 6^th street west, or 5^th street east in front of Mission Palms.

Download the Summer Mill Ave Construction Fact Sheet 

Don't forget: If you have specific questions about your block please reach out and we will respond as soon as possible. 

View the August 2025  Streetscape Presentation and watch the video recording of it there. Technical difficulties with the August Presentation recording.

8/13 - Mill Avenue Streetscape Construction Project Update

The latest on the Mill Ave Streetscape Project. 

• Night work 10pm - 7am from August 11th - September 12th will close SB Mill Ave from Rio Salado to 5th Street. Street will reopen during the day starting 7am. Weekends will not close. 4th Street intersection closed 10p-7a for night work. Business access maintained during business hours. 
• *NEW* Demo mid-block against the buildings on the west side of Mill Avenue between 5th & 6th Streets will wrap up August 15th. 
• *NEW* Demolition work started east 7th street and Mill. Both corners and street are closed 24hrs at 7th and Mill going east. Westin Hotel Alley will remain open.  August 11 - Fall. 
• Demolition work of NE 5th Street and Mill corner beginning August 20.
• *NEW* Work mid-block on sidewalk & against buildings on the west side of Mill Ave between 4th & 5th Streets continues through late September. Business access maintained during business hours.
• *NEW* Demolition work of South West 3rd street and Mill corner beginning August 18 - mid/late September.
• *NEW* At 6th to 5th street east mid-block on sidewalks, expect work to pick up in September. 

As always, signage on side-streets off Mill on 5th, 6th and 7th and can be used to direct deliveries for short-term restaurant and retail pick-up. 

Zones are marked as Commercial Loading, which includes commercial delivery trucks, a business dropping off deliveries with a sign for which business the vehicle relates to, Uber and other ride services, as well as Door Dash and other food delivery services. As long as the vehicle is marked on the side or dash indicating it’s purpose it will not be ticketed. Please direct deliveries to 7th, 6^th street west, or 5^th street east in front of Mission Palms.

Download the Summer Mill Ave Construction Fact Sheet 

Don't forget: If you have specific questions about your block please reach out and we will respond as soon as possible. 

View the July 8, 2025  Streetscape Presentation and watch the video recording of it there.

8/6 - Mill Avenue Streetscape Construction Project Update

The latest on the Mill Ave Streetscape Project. 

• *NEW* Night work 10pm - 7am from August 11th - September 12th will close SB Mill Ave from Rio Salado to 5th Street. Street will reopen during the day starting 7am. Weekends will not close. 4th Street intersection closed during night work. Southbound south of 5th will be reopened August 8. 
• *NEW* Demo mid-block against the buildings on the west side of Mill Avenue between 5th & 6th Streets will wrap up August 12th. 
• *NEW* Demolition work of eastern 7th street and Mill corners will close 7th street at Mill going east. Westin Hotel Alley will remain open.  August 11 - Fall. 
• *NEW* Demolition work of NE 5th Street and Mill corner beginning August 20.
• *NEW* Demo mid-block against the buildings on the west side of Mill Avenue between 4th & 5th Streets starts August 11th - October. Business access maintained.
• *NEW* Demolition work of South West 2nd street and Mill corner beginning August 18.

As always, signage on side-streets off Mill on 5th, 6th and 7th and can be used to direct deliveries for short-term restaurant and retail pick-up. 

Zones are marked as Commercial Loading, which includes commercial delivery trucks, a business dropping off deliveries with a sign for which business the vehicle relates to, Uber and other ride services, as well as Door Dash and other food delivery services. As long as the vehicle is marked on the side or dash indicating it’s purpose it will not be ticketed. Please direct deliveries to 7th, 6^th street west, or 5^th street east in front of Mission Palms.

Download the Summer Mill Ave Construction Fact Sheet 

Don't forget: If you have specific questions about your block please reach out and we will respond as soon as possible. 

View the July 8, 2025  Streetscape Presentation and watch the video recording of it there.

7/23 - The latest on the Mill Ave Streetscape Project

• *NEW* Demolition work against the buildings on the west side of Mill Avenue between 5th & 6th Streets, July 28 - August 25, from 2 am - 11 pm. See details below.

• The eastern parking spaces at the 5th street Post Office Parking Lot can be used for deliveries. Please direct delivery drivers to the green signage marked spaces in the lot. 

Proposed Look Ahead Schedule:

Please keep in mind the proposed schedule is subject to change in order for construction team to move as fluidly as possible and accomplish the most work this summer.

• 3rd Street north to Rio Salado: Installation of trees, plants & mulch through August 6.
• 3rd Street Intersection - corner work scheduled for approximately Fall - end of year. 
• 4th Street Intersection corner work approximately Fall - end of year. 
• 4th to 5th West Sidewalk - Pedestrian traffic continues to flow against buildings as crew work curbside and in the fall on median. Demolition of sidewalk scheduled to start mid-August. 
• 4th to 5th East Sidewalk - Pedestrian traffic continues to flow against buildings until approximately end of October when mid-block sidewalk will be revisited and finished.
• Southbound lane 5th Street to University Ave closed to vehicle traffic June 16-Aug 8.
• 5th Street Intersection southwest corner June 16 - August 8, northwest and eastern corners will follow the completion of west corners August 8 to the end of the year. Periodic lane closures.
• 6th Street east sidewalk between 5th & 6th Streets - Pedestrian traffic continues to flow against buildings until approximately late October when mid-block sidewalk will be finished.
• 6th Street west sidewalk between 5th & 6th Streets - See notice above. Sidewalks closed for night work between 2 am - 11 am for demolition work up against buildings. After 11 am, pedestrian access to businesses maintained by walkways & bridges. July 28 - August 25.
• 6th Street Intersection closed east/westbound to both pedestrians and vehicles, work on all four corners until early August. No pedestrian or vehicular east/west crossing. 
• 7th to 6th Street Median and gateway signage work July-August.
• 7th Street Intersection closures west corners June 16 - mid July, east corners July until Fall. 
• Northbound Mill Avenue will be closed July 21- 27 for work on gateway signage. 

If you have specific questions about your block please reach out and we will respond as soon as possible. 

As always, signage on side-streets off Mill on 5th, 6th and 7th and now the eastern portion of the Post Office lot on 5th can be used to direct deliveries for short-term restaurant and retail pick-up. 

Zones are marked as Commercial Loading, which includes commercial delivery trucks, a business dropping off deliveries with a sign for which business the vehicle relates to, Uber and other ride services, as well as Door Dash and other food delivery services. As long as the vehicle is marked on the side or dash indicating it’s purpose it will not be ticketed. Please direct deliveries to 7th, 6^th street west, or 5^th street east in front of Mission Palms.

Need-to-Knows On Construction

7/16 - Click For Mill Ave's Serenade🚧

If you listen closely you'll realize Gwen's backup singers were actually singing "Streetscape" this whole time.

The latest on the Mill Ave Streetscape Project (all timelines still subject to change).

The true Streetscape Summer started June 16th. Construction will be working around the clock in full summer heat, tackling multiple corners of intersection at a time.  It's going to speed the timeline of finishing up this project. In order to keep businesses accessible and make all this work to happen it will mean closing southbound vehicle traffic to Mill Avenue south of 5th Street to University as well as east/westbound access from Mill onto 7th Street and 6th Street from June 16 to August 8th. The northbound lane of Mill Avenue will also be closed the week of July 21-27 for gateway signage work (see notice above). 

During this time it is important to emphasize that "bump out work" at corners is the most intrusive and foot traffic damaging portion of the work, more traffic impeding than the work on sidewalk between corners and in front of stores. Corner work cuts off intersection crossing between streets, creates dead ends for pedestrians, and deters foot traffic in almost every direction. Tackling corners during the summer is important because it will do the most harm to vehicle and foot traffic--and it's best to do that while slow season is here. Ensuring corner work and utility work in front of storefronts is as complete as possible before students return will make finishing sidewalk faster and as pedestrian friendly of a process as possible.

Summer Closure Exhibit 

SUMMER FACT SHEET

Please keep in mind the proposed schedule is subject to change in order for construction team to move as fluidly as possible and accomplish the most work this summer:

• 3rd Street Intersection - corner work scheduled for approximately Fall - end of year. 
• 4th Street Intersection corner work approximately Fall - end of year. 
• 4th to 5th West Sidewalk - Pedestrian traffic continues to flower against buildings as crew work curbside and in the fall on median. Mid-block sidewalks will be revisited early September.
• 4th to 5th East Sidewalk - Pedestrian traffic continues to flow against buildings until approximately end of October when mid-block sidewalk will be revisited and finished.
• Southbound lane 5th Street to University Ave closed to vehicle traffic June 16-Aug 8.
• 5th Street Intersection southwest corner June 16 - August 8, northwest and eastern corners will follow the completion of west corners August 8 to the end of the year. Periodic lane closures.
• 6th Street east sidewalk - Pedestrian traffic continues to flow against buildings until approximately late October when mid-block sidewalk will be finished.
• 6th Street west sidewalk - Pedestrian traffic continues to flow against buildings as curbside and median work completes. Midblock sidewalk to start August 11 through mid October. 
• 6th Street Intersection closed east/westbound to both pedestrians and vehicles, work on all four corners until early August. No pedestrian or vehicular east/west crossing. 
• 7th to 6th Street Median and gateway signage work July-August.
• 7th Street Intersection closures west corners June 16 - mid July, east corners July until Fall. 
• Northbound Mill Avenue will be closed July 21- 27 for work on gateway signage. 

If you have specific questions about your block please reach out and we will respond as soon as possible. 

As always, green-bagged meters on side-streets off Mill on 5th, 6th and 7th and now the eastern portion of the Post Office lot on 5th can be used to direct deliveries for short-term restaurant and retail pick-up. 

Zones are marked as Commercial Loading, which includes commercial delivery trucks, a business dropping off deliveries with a sign for which business the vehicle relates to, Uber and other ride services, as well as Door Dash and other food delivery services. As long as the vehicle is marked on the side or dash indicating it’s purpose it will not be ticketed. Please direct deliveries to 7th, 6^th street west, or 5^th street east in front of Mission Palms.

Need-to-Knows On Construction

6/18 - Click For Mill Ave's Serenade🚧

If you listen closely you'll realize Gwen's backup singers were actually singing "Streetscape" this whole time.

The latest on the Mill Ave Streetscape Project (all timelines still subject to change).

The true Streetscape Summer started June 16th. Construction will be working around the clock in full summer heat, tackling multiple corners of intersection at a time.  It's going to speed the timeline of finishing up this project. In order to keep businesses accessible and make all this work to happen it will mean closing southbound vehicle traffic to Mill Avenue south of 5th Street to University as well as east/westbound access from Mill onto 7th Street and 6th Street from June 16 to approximately August 8th. 

During this time it is important to emphasize that "bump out work" at corners is the most intrusive and foot traffic damaging portion of the work, more traffic impeding than the work on sidewalk between corners and in front of stores. Corner work cuts off intersection crossing between streets, creates dead ends for pedestrians, and deters foot traffic in almost every direction. Tackling corners during the summer is important because it will do the most harm to vehicle and foot traffic--and it's best to do that while slow season is here. Ensuring corner work and utility work in front of storefronts is as complete as possible before students return will make finishing sidewalk faster and as pedestrian friendly of a process as possible.

Summer Closure Exhibit 

SUMMER FACT SHEET

Please keep in mind the proposed schedule is subject to change in order for construction team to move as fluidly as possible and accomplish the most work this summer:

• 2nd Street Intersection - corner work until August 8th.
• 3rd Street Intersection - corner work scheduled for approximately Fall - end of year. 
• 3rd to Rio sidewalk on track to finish by the end of this month. See more.
• 4th Street Intersection approximately Fall - end of year. Preliminary work across the road was done earlier this week.
• 4th to 5th West Sidewalk - Pedestrian traffic continues to flower against buildings as crew works curbside and on median. Possible sidewalk revisited to finish early September.
• 4th to 5th East Sidewalk - Pedestrian traffic continues to flow against buildings until early Fall when sidewalk will be revisited and finished.
• Southbound lane 5th Street to University Ave closed to vehicle traffic June 16-Aug 8.
• 5th Street Intersection west corners June 16 - August 8, east corners following completion of west corners to the end of the year. Periodic lane closures.
• 6th Street east sidewalk - Pedestrian traffic continues to flow against buildings until Fall when sidewalk will be finished.
• 6th Street west sidewalk - Pedestrian traffic continues to flow against buildings as curbside and median work completes until Fall when sidewalk will be finished.
• 6th Street Intersection closed east/westbound, work on all four corners until early August. No pedestrian or vehicular east/west crossing. 
• 7th to 6th Street Median work July-August.
• 7th Street Intersection closures west corners June 16 - mid July, east corners July until Fall. 

As always, green-bagged meters on side-streets off Mill on 5th, 6th and 7th can be used to direct deliveries for short-term restaurant and retail pick-up. 

Zones are marked as Commercial Loading, which includes commercial delivery trucks, a business dropping off deliveries with a sign for which business the vehicle relates to, Uber and other ride services, as well as Door Dash and other food delivery services. As long as the vehicle is marked on the side or dash indicating it’s purpose it will not be ticketed. Please direct deliveries to 7th, 6^th street west, or 5^th street east in front of Mission Palms.

Need-to-Knows On Construction

Don't forget: While work is against buildings and near storefront entrances, business access will be maintained during business hours.

View the latest juiciest Streetscape Presentation and watch the video recording of it there.

6/11 - Mill Ave's Serenade🚧

If you listen closely you'll realize Gwen's backup singers were actually singing "Streetscape" this whole time.

Remember all that stuff I said last week? Well...

The latest on the Mill Ave Streetscape Project (all timelines still subject to change).

Over the last week enough information was gathered to start scheduling out the rest of summer and into the Fall:

This will be a true Streetscape Summer starting June 16th. Construction will be working around the clock in full summer heat, tackling multiple corners of intersection at a time.  It's going to speed the timeline of finishing up this project. In order to keep businesses accessible and make all this work to happen it will mean closing southbound vehicle traffic to Mill Avenue south of 5th Street to University as well as east/westbound access from Mill onto 7th Street and 6th Street from June 16 to approximately August 8th. 

During this time it is important to emphasize that "bump out work" at corners is the most intrusive and foot traffic damaging portion of the work, more traffic impeding than the work on sidewalk between corners and in front of stores. Corner work cuts off intersection crossing between streets, creates dead ends for pedestrians, and deters foot traffic in almost every direction. Tackling corners during the summer is important because it will do the most harm to vehicle and foot traffic--and it's best to do that while slow season is here. Ensuring corner work and utility work in front of storefronts is as complete as possible before students return will make finishing sidewalk faster and as pedestrian friendly of a process as possible.

Summer Closure Exhibit 

SUMMER FACT SHEET

Please keep in mind the proposed schedule is subject to change in order for construction team to move as fluidly as possible and accomplish the most work this summer:

• 2nd Street Intersection - corner work until August 8th.
• 3rd Street Intersection - corner work scheduled for approximately Fall - end of year. 
• 4rd to Rio sidewalk on track to finish by the end of this month. See more.
• 4th Street Intersection approximately Fall - end of year. 
• 4th to 5th West Sidewalk - Pedestrian traffic continues to flower against buildings as crew works curbside and on median. Possible sidewalk revisited to finish early September.
• 4th to 5th East Sidewalk - Pedestrian traffic continues to flow against buildings until early Fall when sidewalk will be revisited and finished.
• Southbound lane 5th Street to University Ave closed to vehicle traffic June 16-Aug 8.
• 5th Street Intersection west corners June 16 - August 8, east corners following west corners to the end of the year. Periodic lane closures.
• 6th Street east sidewalk - Pedestrian traffic continues to flow against buildings until Fall when sidewalk will be finished.
• 6th Street west sidewalk - Pedestrian traffic continues to flow against buildings as curbside and median work completes until Fall when sidewalk will be finished.
• 6th Street Intersection closed east/westbound, work on all four corners until early August. 
• 7th to 6th Street Median work July-August.
• 7th Street Intersection closures west corners June 16 - mid July, east corners July until Fall. 

As always, green-bagged meters on side-streets off Mill on 5th, 6th and 7th can be used to direct deliveries for short-term restaurant and retail pick-up. 

Zones are marked as Commercial Loading, which includes commercial delivery trucks, a business dropping off deliveries with a sign for which business the vehicle relates to, Uber and other ride services, as well as Door Dash and other food delivery services. As long as the vehicle is marked on the side or dash indicating it’s purpose it will not be ticketed. Please direct deliveries to 7th, 6^th street west, or 5^th street east in front of Mission Palms.

Need-to-Knows On Construction

Don't forget: While work is against buildings and near storefront entrances, business access will be maintained during business hours.

View the latest juiciest Streetscape Presentation and watch the video recording of it there.

6/4 - It's a Streetscape Summer🚧

The latest on the Mill Ave Streetscape Project (all timelines subject to change):

NOTE: Crew ran in to structural issues while uncovering the curb at 7th and Mill. They are putting a pause on the corner work schedule for now while they make a new plan.

UPDATE: Sounds like they have enough information to start scheduling out the rest of summer and hopefully get as much corner work done as possible before Fall. TBD on schedule release but you'll know as soon as I do. 

• Work continues at the North end of Downtown until end of June. See here for Third to Second Street Information.
• 5th to 4th East blocks has finished utility work and tree grating in the outer sidewalk. Pedestrian traffic continues to flow against buildings. For the inner sidewalk portion of this block there is a chance it could maybe possibly (but don't quote me) return to finally "finish" this block early to mid July.
• April 21 - June 21 work continues on the west side sidewalks from 3rd to 4th but will keep corners open for businesses (Shoe Mill and Daily Jam). See more.
• At 7th: Vehicles access reintroduced entering/exiting West to Centerpoint but corners still inaccessible. TBD on returning to continue work.  
• May 27th the West side of Mill from 4th to 5th was trenched on the curbside of the sidewalk for utility work. See information. DO NOT QUOTE ME, but I heard a possible whisper they might do the inner sidewalk and "finish" this section from mid to end of July, fingers crossed.
• June 2nd the West side of Mill from 5th to 6th was trenched on the curbside of the sidewalk for utility work. See information. AGAIN, DO NOT QUOTE ME, but it's possible they might  "finish" this section and do the inner sidewalk end of July to early August.
• On approximately June 9th  the East side of Mill from 5th to 6th will be trenched on the curbside of the sidewalk for utility work. See information. If all goes well and and the whispers above become fact, this could be "finished" (inner and outer sidewalk) at the end of August. I'm begging you, do NOT quote me on any inner sidewalk timelines. 

As always, green-bagged meters on side-streets off Mill on 5th, 6th and 7th can be used to direct deliveries for short-term restaurant and retail pick-up. 

Zones are marked as Commercial Loading, which includes commercial delivery trucks, a business dropping off deliveries with a sign for which business the vehicle relates to, Uber and other ride services, as well as Door Dash and other food delivery services. As long as the vehicle is marked on the side or dash indicating it’s purpose it will not be ticketed. Please direct deliveries to 6^th street west or 5^th street east in front of Mission Palms.

Need-to-Knows On Construction

Don't forget: While work is against buildings and near storefront entrances, business access will be maintained during business hours.

View the April Streetscape Presentation and watch the video recording of it there.

5/21 - It's a Streetscape Summer🚧

The latest on the Mill Ave Streetscape Project (all timelines subject to change):

NOTE: Crew ran in to a few issues while uncovering the curb at 7th and Mill. They are putting a pause on the corner work schedule for now while they make a new plan. New plan is expected in the next 2 weeks. 

• Work continues at the North end of Downtown. See here for Third to Second Street Information.
• On approximately May 27th the West side of Mill from 4th to 5th will be trenched on the curbside of the sidewalk for utility work. See information.
• On approximately June 2nd  the West side of Mill from 5th to 6th will be trenched on the curbside of the sidewalk for utility work. See information.
• On approximately June 9th  the East side of Mill from 5th to 6th will be trenched on the curbside of the sidewalk for utility work. See information.
• April 21 - June 21 work will be seen on the west side sidewalks from 3rd to 4th but will keep corners open for businesses (Shoe Mill and Daily Jam). See more.
• 5th to 4th East blocks has finished utility work and tree grating. Pedestrian traffic will flow against buildings. Timeline is not known for the inner sidewalk portion of this block.
• At 6th: Vehicles access restricted entering/exiting East to the roundabout overnight until May 22nd.
• At 7th: Vehicles access reintroduced entering/exiting West to Centerpoint
  • Road will close again once Bump Out construction finds solutions to  newfound issues. 

Don't forget: 4 green-bagged meters on side-streets off Mill on 5th, 6th and 7th can be used to direct deliveries for short-term restaurant and retail pick-up. 

Zones are marked as Commercial Loading, which includes commercial delivery trucks, a business dropping off deliveries with a sign for which business the vehicle relates to, Uber and other ride services, as well as Door Dash and other food delivery services. As long as the vehicle is marked on the side or dash indicating it’s purpose it will not be ticketed. Please direct deliveries to 6^th street west or 5^th street east in front of City Hall.

Need-to-Knows On Construction

Don't forget: While work is against buildings and near storefront entrances, business access will be maintained during business hours.

View the April Streetscape Presentation and watch the video recording of it there.

5/7 - Streetscape Kicking It Into Maximum Overdrive🚧

The latest on the Mill Ave Streetscape Project (all timelines subject to change):

Next virtual Construction meeting is May 13 at 2pm. JOIN HERE. 

NOTE: Crew ran in to a few issues while uncovering the curb at 7th and Mill. They are putting a pause on the corner work schedule for now while they make a new plan. 

See here for Third to Second Street Update

See here for Sixth Street Closure's & Update

• April 21 - June 21 work will flip to the west side sidewalks from 3rd to 4th but will keep corners open for businesses (Shoe Mill and Daily Jam). See more.
• 5th to 4th East blocks has started utility work. Pedestrian traffic will flow against buildings, construction work on curbside half of sidewalk. 
• Construction has paused for now on the West and their plan is to tackle sidewalk on the east side between 5th and 4th.
• At 6th: Vehicles access restricted entering/exiting East to the roundabout. Road will open back up for graduation week the 12th, and then commence night work the following week to finish up. 
• At 7th: Vehicles access reintroduced entering/exiting West to Centerpoint
  • Road will close again once Bump Out construction finds solutions to  newfound issues. 

Don't forget: 4 green-bagged meters on side-streets off Mill on 6th and 7th can be used to direct deliveries for short-term restaurant and retail pick-up. 

Don't forget: While work is against buildings and near storefront entrances, business access will be maintained during business hours.

Next virtual Construction meeting is May 13 at 2pm. 

View the March Streetscape Update Presentation and watch the video recording of it there. 

 Need-to-Knows On Construction

4/16 - Streetscape Kicking It Into Maximum Overdrive🚧

The latest on the Mill Ave Streetscape Project (all timelines subject to change):

ALL UPDATES HERE

NOTE: Crew ran in to a few issues while uncovering the curb at 7th and Mill. They are putting a pause on the corner work schedule for now while they make a new plan. 

• April 21 - June 21 work will flip to the west side sidewalks from 3rd to 4th but will keep corners open for businesses (Shoe Mill and Daily Jam). See more.
• 5th to 4th east blocks has started utility work. Pedestrian traffic will flow against buildings, construction work on curbside half of sidewalk. 
• Construction has paused for now on their plan to tackle sidewalk on the west side between 5th and 4th.
• At 7th: Pedestrians & vehicles restricted from entering/exiting west to Centerpoint
  • Bump Out construction approximately March 24th - May 16th and may be extended due to new issues. 
• 5th Street intersections may also be changing timeline due to the new unforeseen issues.

Don't forget: 4 green-bagged meters on side-streets off Mill on 6th and 7th can be used to direct deliveries for short-term restaurant and retail pick-up. 

Don't forget: While work is against buildings and near storefront entrances, business access will be maintained during business hours.

Next virtual Construction meeting is May 13 at 2pm. 

View the March Streetscape Update Presentation and watch the video recording of it there. 

 Need-to-Knows On Construction

4/3 - Streetscape Kicking It Into Maximum Overdrive🚧

The latest on the Mill Ave Streetscape Project (all timelines subject to change):

ALL UPDATES HERE

NOTE: Click photo for schematics of entire project. The document visual is a DRAFT and subject to change, but reveals an idea of work to be expected. 

• A Summary: Things Are CraZy Out Here. 
• Between 6th and University trees will be planted and mulch down possibly before April 18th. Some hold ups in product have caused delays here. Small areas will still have fencing around it until Bump Out corner work is done near the area. 
• Construction south of 3rd on the east side sidewalk stretching work between Rio and 4th street (from Rio to just north of the clock tower). Pedestrians are directed to the west. The full sidewalk on the east will be closed between Rio and 4th for not too much longer before popping over to the other side for work. 
• Mid April they are projected to flip to the west side sidewalks from Rio to 4th after the east side is finished from April to end of June. Business access will be maintained.
• 5th to 4th east blocks has started utility work. Pedestrian traffic will flow against buildings, construction work on curbside half of sidewalk. 
• From Mid April (Possibly the week of the 14th) to May, construction will move to the west side between 5th and 4th.
• 6th Street intersections tentatively begin electrical tie-in April 14th - May 12th.  
• At 7th: Pedestrians & vehicles restricted from entering/exiting west to Centerpoint
  • Bump Out construction 7-8 week total. Approximately March 24th - May 16th. 
• At 7th: Pedestrians & vehicles restricted from entering/exiting east on 7th
  • Bump Out construction 7-8 week total. Approximately May 19th - July 11th. 
• At 7th & Mill: Pedestrians & vehicles restricted
  • Roadway Demo & paving will close the 7th & Mill intersection for approximately 4 days in either late June or early July. 
• And 5th Street intersections. Intersections will be worked on now simultaneously with 2 corners being worked on at a time. First two corners estimate completion in June before flipping. 

Don't forget: 4 green-bagged meters on side-streets off Mill on 6th and 7th can be used to direct deliveries for short-term restaurant and retail pick-up. 

Don't forget: While work is against buildings and near storefront entrances, business access will be maintained during business hours.

Next virtual Construction meeting is April 8 at 2pm. 

View the March Streetscape Update Presentation and watch the video recording of it there. 

 Need-to-Knows On Construction

Also, if you're wondering what is happening on University east of Downtown...they are doing APS work now through August. Click here for details. 

3/26 - Streetscape Kicking It Into Maximum Overdrive🚧

The latest on the Mill Ave Streetscape Project (all timelines subject to change):

ALL UPDATES HERE

NOTE: Click photo for schematics of entire project. The document visual is a DRAFT and subject to change, but reveals an idea of work to be expected. 

• Between 6th and University trees will be planted after TFA, gravel and electrical finishes will come as well. Small areas will still have fencing around it until Bump Out corner work is done near the area. 
• Construction south of 3rd on the east side sidewalk stretching work between Rio and 4th street (from Rio to just north of the clock tower). Pedestrians are directed to the west. The full sidewalk on the east will be closed between Rio and 4th until at end of March.
• For April they are projected to flip to the west side sidewalks from Rio to 4th after the east side is finished from April to end of June. Business access will be maintained.
• 5th to 4th blocks will start utility work on the east side on March 17th to early April. Pedestrian traffic will flow against buildings, construction work on curbside half of sidewalk. 
• From early April - May construction will move to the west side on this block.
• 6th Street intersections will begin electrical tie-in April 14th - May 12th.  
• At 7th: Pedestrians & vehicles restricted from entering/exiting west to Centerpoint
  • Bump Out construction 7-8 week total. Approximately March 24th - May 16th. 
• At 7th: Pedestrians & vehicles restricted from entering/exiting east on 7th
  • Bump Out construction 7-8 week total. Approximately May 19th - July 11th. 
• At 7th & Mill: Pedestrians & vehicles restricted
  • Roadway Demo & paving will close the 7th & Mill intersection for approximately 4 days in either late June or early July. 
• And 5th Street intersections. Intersections will be worked on now simultaneously with 2 corners being worked on at a time. First two corners estimate completion in June before flipping. 

Don't forget: 4 green-bagged meters on side-streets off Mill on 6th and 7th can be used to direct deliveries for short-term restaurant and retail pick-up. 

Don't forget: While work is against buildings and near storefront entrances, business access will be maintained during business hours.

Next virtual Construction meeting is April 8 at 2pm. 

View the March Streetscape Update Presentation and watch the video recording of it there. 

 Need-to-Knows On Construction

Also, if you're wondering what is happening on University east of Downtown...they are doing APS work now through August. Click here for details. 

3/12 - Cone-ville is the new Mill Ave🚧

The latest on the Mill Ave Streetscape Project (all timelines subject to change):

March Fact Sheet on Mill Ave between 4th and 5th  

• Between 6th and University trees will be planted after TFA, gravel and electrical finishes will come as well. Small areas will still have fencing around it until Bump Out corner work is done near the area. 
• Construction south of 3rd on the east side sidewalk stretching work between Rio and 4th street (from Rio to just north of the clock tower). Pedestrians are directed to the west. The full sidewalk on the east will be closed between Rio and 4th until at end of March.
• For April they are projected to flip to the west side sidewalks from Rio to 4th after the east side is finished from April to end of June. Business access will be maintained.
• 5th to 4th blocks will start utility work on the east side March 17th - April 7th. Pedestrian traffic will flow against buildings, construction work on curbside half of sidewalk. From April 7-April 28th constrution will move to the west on this block.  In Fall 2025 they will move onto sidewalk work agianst buildings that will carry through until early 2026. This means this block could be under construction during back to school and holiday season.
• At 7th (March 17) and 5th (March 23rd) intersections. Intersections will be worked on simultaneously with 2 corners per intersection being done at a time, taking 2 months per "group", so possibly a 4 month process for these 2 intersections. Starting at 7th Street with the two west corners and then 5th on the SW corner.  
• 6th Street intersections will begin electrical tie-in April 14th - May 12th. 

Don't forget: 4 green-bagged meters on side-streets off Mill on 6th and 7th can be used to direct deliveries for short-term restaurant and retail pick-up. 

Don't forget: While work is against buildings and near storefront entrances, business access will be maintained during business hours.

Next virtual Construction meeting is April 8 at 2pm. 

View the February Streetscape Update Presentation and watch the video recording of it there. 

 Need-to-Knows On Construction

Also, if you're wondering what is happening on University east of Downtown...they are doing APS work now through August. Click here for details. 

2/25 - Cone-ville is the new Mill Ave🚧

The latest on the Mill Ave Streetscape Project (all timelines subject to change):

February Fact Sheet on Mill Ave Construction 

• Between 6th and University tree beds still need gravel and electrical still needs to be pulled into the conduit but we are almost able to walk on our first and second completed blocks.
• Preliminary corner work for electric and irrigation just finished up on 4th Street corners but said electric needs to get tied in to the utility box west of Mill, so parking spaces will be used between 7am and 4pm for that work. See more for details. 
• Construction moved south of 3rd on the east side sidewalk stretching work between Rio and 4th street (from Rio to just north of the clock tower). Pedestrians will be directed to the west. The full sidewalk on the east will be closed between Rio and 4th until at least April.
• By April they are projected to flip to the west side sidewalks from Rio to 4th--possibly 5th street, after the east side is finished.Business access will be maintained.
• No word on dates for mid-block work between 5th - 6th streets but the big bump out work will start Spring/Summer at 7th and 5th intersections. (Don't quote me but last I heard: Intersections will be worked on simultaneously with 2 corners per intersection being done at a time, taking 2 months per "group", so possibly a 4 month process for these 2 intersections.) 

Don't forget: 4 green-bagged meters on side-streets off Mill on 6th and 7th can be used to direct deliveries for short-term restaurant and retail pick-up. 

Don't forget: While work is against buildings and near storefront entrances, business access will be maintained during business hours.

Next virtual Construction meeting is March 11 at 2pm. 

View the February Streetscape Update Presentation and watch the video recording of it there. 

 Need-to-Knows On Construction

Also, if you're wondering what is happening on University east of Downtown...they are doing APS work now through August. Click here for details. 

2/12 - Fun New Graphic, Un-Fun Amount of Cones🚧

The latest on the Mill Ave Streetscape Project (all timelines subject to change):

• Between 7th and University tree beds still need gravel and electrical still needs to be pulled into the conduit but we are able to walk on our first completed block.
• Construction remains mid-block between 6th and 7th streets. West side will be (fingers-crossed) walkable by Spring TFA (March 6-9). East side will finish up by end of March. Pedestrian access remains in the street until bricks are laid. 
• This week construction will begin moving south of 3rd on the east side sidewalk stretching work between Rio and 4th street (from Rio to just north of the clock tower). Pedestrians will be directed to the west. The full sidewalk on the east will be closed between Rio and 4th until at least April.
• By April they are projected to flip to the west side sidewalks from Rio to 3rd, after the east side is finished. From 2nd to 3rd sidewalk and west-side business access will be maintained.
• No word on dates for mid-block work between 4th - 6th streets but the big bump out work will start Spring/Summer at 7th and 5th intersections. (Don't quote me but last I heard: Intersections will be worked on simultaneously with 2 corners per intersection being done at a time, taking 2 months per "group", so possibly a 4 month process for these 2 intersections.) 

Don't forget: 4 green-bagged meters on side-streets off Mill on 6th and 7th can be used to direct deliveries for short-term restaurant and retail pick-up. 

Don't forget: While work is against buildings and near storefront entrances, business access will be maintained during business hours.

Next virtual Construction meeting is March 11 at 2pm. 

View the January Streetscape Update Presentation and watch the video recording of it there. 

 Need-to-Knows On Construction

Also, if you're wondering what is happening on University east of Downtown...they are doing APS work now through August. Click here for details. 

1/29 - Mill Ave Is Shipping Bricks🚧🚧

Extended Timeline Info Below ⬇️⬇️⬇️

The latest on the Mill Ave Streetscape Project (all timelines subject to change):

CLICK HERE FOR HELPFUL VISUALS OF THE BELOW TIMELINE.

• Almost finished with brick laying between 7th and University. They should be complete by this Monday, Feb 3. Tree beds still need gravel and electrical still needs to be pulled into the conduit but we should be able to walk on our first completed block!
• Construction will be on the inner sidewalk between 6th and 7th streets until aprx March 24th. Pedestrian access remains in the street. 
• On February 10, construction will move to the outer sidewalk space between 5th and 6th streets.  Pedestrian access will be maintained on inner sidewalk.
• Corner work at the intersection of 6th and Mill for electrical and traffic signals only (not bump out work) will disrupt pedestrian traffic for another 2 weeks. They started with SW corner (complete), NW corner (this week) uncovered a rude amount of cement to rip through but will still be complete by this weekend. Next corner will be the NE corner at Urban Outfitters. Front door access will be tighter for a week, but maintained. Next corner will be the SE corner at CASA for one week.
• During this NE work the 6th Street East roundabout road will be closed 7am-4pm from Feb 3-7.
• Aprx March 24th the first intersection bump outs on Mill will begin at the 6th and Mill intersection. This will have a larger impact on traffic and last 2 months doing 2 corners at a time and will NOT be opened back up on weekends. Bump outs will eventually be constructed at every intersection on Mill. 
• This week of January 27th work started on the east side of the road between Rio and 3rd, directing all ped traffic to the west that no one listened to. By end of March they will flip to the west side sidewalks from Rio to 3rd. From 2nd to 3rd sidewalk access will be maintained. 
• By April, construction projects to be on the outer sidewalks between 3rd and 4th streets and inner sidewalks of 5th-6th streets. 

Don't forget: 4 green-bagged meters on side-streets off Mill on 6th and 7th can be used to direct deliveries for short-term restaurant and retail pick-up. 

Don't forget: While work is against buildings and near storefront entrances, business access will be maintained during business hours.

View the January Streetscape Update Presentation and watch the video recording of it there. 

A WORD FROM THE WISE, aka my beloved construction crew. If you'd like to view my take on a summary of their message, click here. 

 Need-to-Knows On Construction

1/16 - 🚧Mill Ave Is Shipping Bricks🚧

Extended Timeline Info Below ⬇️⬇️⬇️

The latest on the Mill Ave Streetscape Project (all timelines subject to change):

• Almost finished with brick laying between 7th and University. They are just waiting on the next shipment of bricks.
• Construction moves to the inner sidewalk between 6th and 7th streets until late March.
• In February, construction is projected to move to the next block north onto the outer sidewalk space between 5th and 6th streets. 
• While work is against buildings and near storefront entrances, business access will be maintained during business hours.
• Corner work at the intersection of 6th and Mill for electrical and traffic signals will disrupt pedestrian traffic for the next 2-3 weeks. 
• In March it is projected that the first intersection bump outs on Mill will begin at the 6th and Mill intersection. This will have a larger impact on traffic. Bump outs will eventually be constructed at every intersection on Mill. 
• Don't forget: 4 green-bagged meters on side-streets off Mill on 6th and 7th can be used to direct deliveries for short-term restaurant and retail pick-up. 
• The week of January 27th sidewalk bricks will be removed on the east side of the road between Rio and 3rd, directing all ped and bike traffic to the west. By end of March they will flip to the west side sidewalks. 
• By April, construction projects to be on the outer sidewalks between 3rd and 4th streets. 
• View the December Streetscape Update Presentation and watch the video recording of it here. January's will be available soon in the Need-to-knows link below.
• A WORD FROM THE WISE, aka my beloved construction crew. If you'd like to view my take on a summary of their message, click here. 

 Need-to-Knows On Construction

12/18 - 🚧Mill Ave Facelift Progress🚧

The latest on the Mill Ave Streetscape Project:

• Storefront-side removal of bricks outside of TMobile will run through early to mid-January.
• Storefront-side removal of brick on the west side of the road will start December 30th and will be night work, 2am-10am. Pedestrians will have a walking area in the roadway to keep business access. 
• SW curb of 7th and Mill, Mellow Mushroom, will be closed to pedestrians for electrical work. Detour on the east side of the street. On January 6th they will be moving over to the NW Zipps corner and doing the same prep work there.
• While work is against buildings and near storefront entrances, business access will be maintained during business hours.
• There are 4 green-bagged meters short term delivery meters on side-streets off Mill on 6th and 7th. Please direct deliveries here for short-term restaurant and retail pick-up while construction takes up all street parking. 
• View the Streetscape Update Presentation you missed and watch the video recording of it here.
• A WORD FROM THE WISE, aka my beloved construction crew. If you'd like to view my take on a summary of their message, click here. 

 Need-to-Knows On Construction

12/11 - 🚧Mill Ave Facelift Progress🚧

The latest on the Mill Ave Streetscape Project:

Storefront-side removal of bricks on 12/9 outside of Tmobile details have changed. 

Turns out there was a lot of concrete underneath the bricks up next to the Tmobile building making it much slower and more difficult to pull brick up and lay out an even base for the new brick. This will slow down progress and cause work on the west side of the road to be delayed. 

NE curb of 7th and Mill will be closed to pedestrians for electrical work. Detour through brickyard. 12/9 - 12/13 before hoping over to the Mellow Mushroom corner and doing the same prep work.

• East side of 7th Street to University on Mill Ave starts work redoing the brick on inner sidewalk, up next to the storefront, started December 9th. The west side is most likely delayed until the new year. Work still hopes to finish up on this block in late January. DETAILS HERE are outdated but give you an idea.
• Inner sidewalk work east and west on 6th Street to 7th Street on Mill Ave may start in early January if all goes well. 
• While work is against buildings and near storefront entrances, business access will be maintained during business hours.
• Curb work at the NE corner of 7th and Mill for electrical and traffic signals will disrupt pedestrian traffic on that corner until the end of this week, but you'll still be able to get your tacos! See diagram for another route. 
• There are 4 green-bagged meters short term delivery meters on side-streets off Mill on 6th and 7th. Please direct deliveries here for short-term restaurant and retail pick-up while construction takes up all street parking. 
• View the Streetscape Update Presentation you missed and watch the video recording of it here.
• A WORD FROM THE WISE, aka my beloved construction crew. If you'd like to view my take on a summary of their message, click here. 

 Need-to-Knows On Construction

11/27 - 🚧🍗 Turkey Day Construction Special 🦃🚧

This year Mill Ave brings a side of bricks as their contribution to the Big Turkey Dinner.

The latest on the Mill Ave Streetscape Project:

• Because of the delivery spaces taken away due to the construction, Downtown Tempe has reserved meters on side-streets off Mill on 6th and 7th. You'll notice 4 green-bagged meters that can be used to direct deliveries for short-term restaurant and retail pick-up. 
• View the Streetscape Update Presentation you missed and watch the video recording of it here.
• Work removing and relaying brick on inner sidewalk expected to start the week of December 9th from 7th Street to University on Mill Ave. Work hopes to finish up on this block in late January. 
• Expect east & west sidewalk work from 6th Street to 7th Street on Mill Ave until approximately February/Spring 2025.
• A little curb work happening at the SE corner of 7th and Mill for electrical and traffic signals, jumping over to the SW corner after Arts Festival.
• A WORD FROM THE WISE, aka my beloved construction crew. If you'd like to view my take on a summary of their message, click here. 

 Need-to-Knows On Construction

11/14 - 🚧 How Do Ya Like Them Bricks?🚧

Mill Ave Streetscape Project current impacts:

• East & west sidewalks from 7th Street to University on Mill Ave until approximately late January. New bricks are looking great! Work removing and relaying brick on inner sidewalk expected to start late November. 
• East & west sidewalks from 6th Street to 7th Street on Mill Ave until approximately Spring 2025.
• Storm drain manhole at 5th and Mill should be wrapping up soon so say bye-bye to those reflective barriers at 5th and Mill while you still can. See night work and timeline. 
• A WORD FROM THE WISE, aka my beloved construction crew. If you'd like a video summary of their message, click here. 

5th and Mill Night work:

10/31 - 🚧Spooky Ookey 🚧

Back-up alarms, saw cutting, jack hammering, and excavation OH MY! The Mill Ave Streetscape Project officially won honorary first place at our Halloween Stroll Costume Contest over the weekend, very impressive. The project currently impacts 6th Street to University on Mill Ave. New pavers are expected to be laid starting November 7th on the University to 7th block (yay!!). Night Work starts up next week starting the 4th of November through the 14th (excluding weekends). Crews will be working around the clock on the block for storm drain manhole installation. Efforts will be made to mitigate the noise but overnight there will be spooky sounds of back-up alarms, saw cutting, jack hammering, and excavation day and night. See more details. 

The next COT Construction virtual meeting will be held November 12th at 2pm to discuss the latest construction impacts. 

 Need-to-Knows On Construction

10/10 - 🐮🔔We Need More Cowbell Fence! 🚧🚧

Much like More Cowbell, we needed more fence right?

The Mill Ave Streetscape project has stretched to now include areas from 6th Street to University. Right now brick blasting and fences impact Mill Ave starting at 6th street on the West side of Mill avenue and both sides of 7th to University. Starting October 21st it will impact both West and East sides from 6th to University until approximately February. 1v1 business meetings continue in order to meet the needs of businesses case by case. 

Help us tell the masses you're open during construction! Post your most recent dish or special and tag us @downtowntempe so we can share on both Facebook and Instagram. 

The next virtual meeting will be held November 12th at 2pm to discuss the latest  construction impacts. 

 Need-to-Knows On Construction

If you're wondering about any of the MANY other construction projects in Tempe that are happening at the same time as Mill Streetscape, look no further than this link.

If you just still can't get enough, here is another!

Attend the VIRTUAL AT NOON, or in-person meeting (6pm Don Cassano Room, 200 E. Fifth St.) to give public input on the 4 design concepts proposed to help address people vs automotive conflicts and reduce transit congestion at College and Univeristy Drive. These designs include the possibility of a pedestrian bridge, or three different underpass alternatives. 

If you're unable to join, view the recording of the meeting and project materials and provide online input Oct 22-Nov 5. 

9/12 - 🚧 Bricks and Snails and Puppydog Tails 🚧

We still have some potholing near intersections all along Mill Ave. The re-laying of sidewalk bricks and infrastructure updates between 7th and University are in full swing. 

University to 7th work will impact sidewalks, bike lanes, and parking spaces but leave roadways open. Pedestrian access will be maintained.

 Need-to-Knows On Construction 

8/29 - 🚧 More Holes Than Stanley Yelnats 🚧

We got potholing at 3rd, 5th, 6th, 7th--actually we have a whole trench happening at 7th and something similar to a chasm at 6th. Mill Avenue Streetscape Project continues now with repairs to the waterlines near 6th and 7th Streets and the start of a smoother cleaner better stronger sidewalk between University and 7th. 

University to 7th work will impact sidewalks, bike lanes, and parking spaces but leave roadways open. Pedestrian access will be maintained.

Holding your questions and concerns until an opportune time? Consider the next online Biz Update Meeting on Tuesday, September 10th at 2pm. 

 Need-to-Knows On Construction 

8/7 - 🚧 Houston, We Have A New Intersection 🚧

Whew, now that THAT'S over. We still have more to go. Mill Avenue Streetscape Project continues now with repairs to the waterlines near 6th and 7th Streets approximately August 12th. If your water will be impacted you should receive a notice at least 48 hours in advance  This might include overnight work, possible road closure, and will definitely include highlighter vests. 

Please stop this video before I start talking.  

An online business meeting will be held on Tuesday, August 13 at 2pm. There will be city officials and representatives from the construction team present to give updates on construction and answer any questions asked. 

 Need-to-Knows On Construction