CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Construction to renovate Charleston’s Slack Plaza could begin soon, according to city manager David Molgaard.
The contract for the first phase of the project was approved Monday night by Charleston City Council.
The design includes a redevelopment of more than 16 acres, with work on the Brawley Walkway running from Capitol Street to Court Street, the plaza and the crosswalks to make the downtown area “more pedestrian.” The first phase of construction would be from Court to Laidley Street.
Along the walkway, the city plans to install a screen wall with LED lights, so it illuminates the space. Molgaard said it would energize that part of the city.
“It will be a really nice and inviting pedestrian pathway to bring people from our newly renovated Civic Center in the next couple of years, the great shopping at the Town Center Mall and draw them down toward Capitol Street,” he said.
Also, the KRT Transmit Mall will be moved south and have its ticket office separate from the original Slack Plaza. The Middle East Mart on Laidley Street will also be replaced with a police station for a K-9 unit and bicycle unit.
The plan is being broken down into several phases to make a green island in the center of the downtown area, he said.
“We have $652,000 in grant money to do this piece it. We also are seeking some assistance from CURA (Charleston Urban Renewal Authority) as it relates particularly to the reach from Capitol Street to Summers Street,” Molgaard said.
City officials will be awarding a $1.7 million contract to the contractor as early as Tuesday.