Streetscape improvements to Arizona Avenue through downtown Chandler will be recognized by the International Downtown Association (IDA) at its annual conference in Charlotte, N.C.
The Washington, D.C.-based organization will present Chandler with one of six Merit Awards to be bestowed in the Public Space category, which recognizes capital improvements that have enhanced the urban design, physical function or economic viability of a community's downtown.
The IDA received 63 submissions from communities throughout the world and selected winners in eight categories ranging from downtown leadership and management to business development, planning and marketing.
Chandler's $9.3 million roadway, utility and streetscape project competed against 11 entries in the Public Space category, including projects from Vancouver and Winnipeg, Canada, and Bologna, Italy.
A Merit Award was presented to exemplary projects that met the award criteria. The top award, called the Pinnacle Award, was presented to projects that exceeded the judging criteria.
Stretching between Frye Road and Chandler Boulevard, the South Arizona Avenue improvements provide greater connectivity, narrower traffic lanes, wider sidewalks, new traffic signals, street lights, bike lanes, parking spaces and streetscape and landscape elements.
