Published 10/12/2007

Arlington celebrates a grand reopening

by Beckye Randall

Olympic Avenue in downtown Arlington was bustling with activity Saturday, October 6 for the city’s grand reopening of the recently-completed $4.1 million street construction project.

Residents braved the clouds and drizzle to enjoy street musicians, clowns, activities for kids, special sales at downtown merchants, a parade and the first-ever Bite of Arlington.

The Bite of Arlington featured offerings from 19 restaurants on Olympic, West and Division streets. Goodies ran the gamut from burgers and ‘brats to pasta and crab cakes. Dessert specials including pastries, ice cream and bread pudding were also available from participating restaurants.

The day even featured a unique Poker Walk. Players were invited to visit any of the 12 locations participating and draw cards to create two 5-card poker hands. Dealers from Angel of the Winds Casino helped judge the hands and record the winner, who received a $250 cash prize.

The town’s new gazebo at Legion Park was the site of official ceremonies and a ribbon-cutting display. Arlington mayor Margaret Larson commented, “It’s beautiful beyond my expectations.” She acknowledged the contributions of countless residents, elected officials, merchants and city employees.

To complement the new sidewalks, street lighting, benches and crosswalk details, many of the retail shops and restaurants downtown sported new facades. The city arranged for the University of Washington’s Northwest Center for Livable Communities (NCLC) and Community Capital Development (CCD) to help merchants plan for the changes and secure low-interest financing for the upgrades.

Including the removal of seven underground tanks in the early stages, the installation of new utility lines and road surface, the Olympic Avenue project took a total of two years and $4.4 million to complete.

 

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