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G Street Activation
Businesses that would like to provide feedback or interest regarding outdoor dining are welcome to connect with staff. Please open the tab titled "Contact."
Latest Update 4/10/25:
The City of Davis will install a row of plastic delineators in mid-April at the Third Street end of the
G Street public space for public safety reasons. There is currently a red fire lane stripe at Third and G Streets.
The delineators are an inexpensive, temporary fix to ensure emergency vehicles and fire trucks can access the area quickly and safely. Bicyclists and pedestrians will still be able to walk and bike through the delineators.
Loading can be done in any current, available parking spot, not in the fire lane. Please note that parking for any amount of time in a red zone is a violation of the California Vehicle Code and can result in a ticket.
If you have questions or comments, please contact communications@cityofdavis.org.
Thank you for your continued patience as the G Street public space is developed!
- 3/18/25 G Street Update
- 1/17/25: G Street Update
- 1/6/25: G Street Update
- 12/6/24: G Street Update
- 11/5/24 G Street Update
- 9/27/24: Downtown Outdoor Dining Program webpage - visit for detailed information
- 9/13/24: Submit comments to the Draft Downtown Outdoor Dining Program Checklist and Permit by October 4, 2024
- 9/12/24: Submit comments for the proposed fee schedule for the Downtown Outdoor Dining Program (updated) by October 4, 2024, that were presented to the DDBA
- 9/5/24: G Street/Downtown Outdoor Dining Program meeting video. Downtown Outdoor Dining Program presentation (updated) (a few revised dates)
- 9/19/24: G Street Update and Outdoor Dining Interest Form for Businesses
- 8/15/24: G Street Update
- 8/9/24: G Street Update
If a business on G Street is interested in leasing space on the platforms, please visit the Downtown Outdoor Dining Program webpage by clicking here.
On July 9th the City Council received a staff update on the G Street Activation project, including adjustments to the business plan from renting spaces to adjacent businesses to a shared public open space model, which can be used for community events. What does a shared public open space model mean?
A shared public open space model means that the G Street project will result in a civic space where commerce can also occur. The Downtown Specific Plan, adopted in 2022, states that well-designed civic spaces are essential to achieving the desired built environment in the downtown. Civic spaces, also known as urban public open spaces, can take various forms to produce different environments, such as an intimate pocket park for a neighborhood gathering place or a large plaza for an active center. These downtown public spaces are categorized into “civic space” types and are regulated in downtown through standards customized for each type. The regulating code for civic spaces is in the City’s Municipal Code section 40.14.100. The G Street civic space is a “Passage.” A “Passage” is a non-automobile pathway that extends from the public sidewalk into a civic space and across the block to another public sidewalk. The passage must be at least 15 feet wide between or through buildings. The G Street civic space is 60 feet wide, which is the width of the current distance of the street between the curbs. Typical uses of this kind of civic space include civic activity, commercial activities in support of civic activity, casual seating, and outdoor dining.Why did the City Council change the business plan on July 9th?
The goal of the G Street project is to create a civic space that is a vibrant hub of activity offering attractions, amenities, and benefits to everyone who lives in or visits Davis, including businesses, residents, families, and students. The design is one that everyone can enjoy, including those groups who may wish to rent it for a community event through the City’s event permit process, or businesses that may choose to rent portions of the platforms for commercial activities.The goal for G Street has been discussed at both the Commission and Council level and with the public. In these forums, it has always revolved around how to best create a shared public open space model. On January 12, 2023, the Bicycling, Transportation, and Street Safety Commission voted in support of keeping the road closed to automobile traffic with the desire to explore creating common areas along the street where people can gather outside of the dining areas. On January 17, 2023, staff presented an exhibit to the City Council that provided a general idea of the project area with proposed functional spaces created in what was previously the street. Enhancements included boardwalks, or raised platforms abutting the sidewalks, which will provide the foundation for additional safe and attractive areas for offerings from the adjacent businesses and/or for public use. At the October 4, 2023 Community Meeting, staff presented two design concepts to the community. Both were based on a shared public open space model. Concept A maximized the platform spaces for casual seating and outdoor dining space and minimized the designated public gathering space. Concept B minimized the platform spaces for causal seating and outdoor dining space and maximized the designated public gathering space. On February 6, 2024, the City Council approved “Concept A” and a continuous rectangular layout and directed staff to proceed with the design. On July 9th the City Council directed staff to commence with the construction phase and affirmed a slight shift in direction by adding in the City purchase of furnishings to ensure that the platform spaces are fully activated for community use, while also leaving the option open for adjacent businesses to lease spaces for business outdoor seating use for those who may wish to do so.
If the platforms are for future businesses to rent for outdoor dining and alcohol service, why isn’t the City staff incorporating their feedback on the design or constructing what each business needs or wants in the street in front of their business?
City staff has incorporated the public feedback that it received at the October 4, 2023 community meeting and through the November 2023 community survey. The community overwhelmingly voted in favor of “Concept A” over “Concept B” with “Concept A” receiving 359 of the 506 votes cast (70.95%). The community was more split on the layout options that were presented, with “Layout 2” being slightly more preferred. While the two cross-section concepts (A and B) were presented in the survey to gauge how to best create a shared public open space model, the two layout concepts were to gauge the community's preference for the platform’s areas shape and feel and how they interacted with the public spaces. The City Council approved Concept A and a continuous rectangular layout on February 6, 2024. When the Council approved the conceptual design elements, they also directed staff to proceed with the final design and construction plans.Since the July 9, 2024 meeting, where the City Council authorized staff to commence the construction phase of the G Street project, City staff has received additional feedback and questions from the business on G Street. The questions and feedback range from design elements to concerns about how the business will continue to use the platform areas as expansions of their brick-and-mortar establishments. City staff will work with all of the businesses that wish to continue the use of their outdoor dining spaces. However, City staff have fiduciary responsibility and obligation to the community at large to use City resources for the public’s benefit. Time and resources have been spent on community outreach and the final design of the project. The final design of the platforms, ramps, and lighting is reflective of the community’s feedback, engineering best practices, practical and construction constraints, and the public’s use of G Street as a civic space.
City staff want to support the business and ensure that they continue to thrive in the downtown. City staff will continue to listen to businesses' requests for their specific wants and needs for the streetscape improvements in front of their business and will incorporate what they practically (and legally) can. The City Council is generally prohibited from spending public funds for private benefit. Therefore, staff will not make any recommendations for the use of public funds that appear to conflict with the California Constitution’s Public Financing Sections (Article XVI, Section 6).
What do businesses do with their existing furnishing and will they be able to move their furniture back onto G St. after the project is completed?
Businesses are required to remove all their outdoor platforms, fences, furnishings, lights, chairs, tents, umbrellas, etc. from the street by August 23, 2024, for construction of the G Street project. Businesses may choose to store these items for future use, or they may recycle or repurpose them. City staff is working on outdoor furnishing standards for any businesses that wish to enter into an exclusive use agreement with the City to use a portion of the platform for commerce activities. Only upon execution of the agreement and satisfying all the requirements and provisions therein will the business be permitted to acquire and place their furnishing in the public realm. Having a consistent theme to the quality and safety of the furnishings and materials along the corridor is a key project objective and the City is happy to work with adjacent businesses on incorporating business owned furnishings provided those furnishings meet or exceed the City standards.When will the business see the furnishing standards and/or the rental agreement?
City staff is working on both the furnishing standards and the rental agreement. Staff are also working on updates to the City’s Municipal Code and other City administrative and regulatory documents. All these need to be consistent. Staff will post updates to the website and the FAQs as information becomes available.What is the cost to the business to enter into the rental agreement?
To be determined. City Staff is working on this. Staff will post updates to the website and the FAQs as information becomes available.How much of the platform can I rent?
To be determined. City Staff is working on this. Staff will post updates to the website and the FAQs as information becomes available.How long is the term of the rental agreement?
To be determined. There are various legal and liability issues that City staff and the City Attorney are developing. There are also policy considerations such as those that are discussed in the Downtown Specific Plan. Staff will post updates to the website and the FAQs as information becomes available.What should we say to customers who cannot eat or drink on the street during construction?
Businesses should please ask customers to enjoy the indoor spaces that each business provided to their customers before the pandemic and to pardon the City’s dust and noise in the street during the construction timeframe. Businesses may direct concerned customers to the City’s G Street project website or staff for more information.Will businesses be allowed to use the sidewalks for outdoor dining and alcohol service during construction?
No, the sidewalks must be kept clear during the construction of the G Street project.Will alcohol be allowed on the platforms after construction is done?
Yes, alcohol sales and service will continue to be allowed pursuant to current State ABC rules, the City’s Municipal Code, other applicable regulations and administrative processes and pending individual license agreements between businesses and the City on this block of G Street. An additional avenue may be available should the State legislation (SB 969) be adopted by the State.Will businesses be allowed to use the sidewalks for outdoor dining and alcohol service after construction is done?
Please see above regarding alcohol service. All outdoor seating areas will be available for open outdoor dining for the community in all public access and public seating areas. City staff ordered seating blocks (that can be re-arranged), round café tables (that cannot be connected) and bar-height seating with tabletop space (that can be connected for larger groups). The furniture that was ordered by the City is to help set up the space and have seating ready for the community to use once construction is done. For businesses that wish to utilize an outdoor dining space area for their exclusive use, the City is drafting the parameters for license agreements to allow this on a business-by-business basis. Staff will be having further engagement with G Street businesses to work out these details.
Will there be any meetings about the project after construction is completed?
Yes, City staff will schedule a meeting after the civic space is open in early 2025.How can businesses provide feedback?
Businesses are welcome to provide feedback directly to staff by emailing: GStreetActivation@cityofdavis.org.
On November 20, 2024, the Davis City Council voted to approve the recommendations proposed by the Davis Police Department and the Social Services and Housing Department to: promote the proposed Encampment Response Protocol, make changes to the encampment reporting system for community members, introduce revisions to the camping regulations ordinance that would better protect public and private properties and come back at a future meeting with options and costing for potential expansion of services. These additions will become part of the ecosystem of services that the City and its partners have worked hard to develop, to assist the unsheltered or housing insecure population with compassion and human kindness while maintaining the safety of local businesses, public spaces, downtown and the general community.
The City has received feedback from community members regarding reporting of encampments and concerns for unsheltered individuals. Staff have a reporting process that we hope community members will follow when they see issues or concerns.
- Non-urgent response (My Davis): Community complaints regarding abandoned property, trash, grocery carts, encampments, vehicles and recreational vehicles will be submitted through the My Davis portal. Complaints received will be forwarded to all appropriate departments. At the conclusion of the complaint, a disposition will be sent to the complainant advising them of the outcome.
- Urgent response (Public Safety Dispatch): Urgent responses require immediate action. Complaints may include individuals sleeping in front of the business doors, aggressive behavior or erratic and concerning behavior. Depending on the circumstances, community members will be directed to call either the Police Department’s non-emergency number or 911 for emergency situations. Upon receipt of a complaint, public safety dispatchers will triage the situation and can either dispatch homeless outreach, a mobile clinician, or a police officer. By streamlining the process, it will allow staff to more quickly, efficiently and appropriately respond to issues while providing tracking for all parties involved. This also ensures that the right staff and departments are responding to an issue and able to navigate or call on partners or resources as needed.
To learn about the full ecosystem of homeless services, please click here. There are also additional resources on the City’s Social Services webpage and the Police Department’s webpage on homelessness. Homelessness is a complex and growing issue we start to address by centering the needs of those with the least resources while respecting the overall needs of the community.
Does the City have a plan to secure more funding for additional seating or other amenities?
The City does not have plans at this time to secure more funding. City staff will start working on that in early 2025, including seeking grants or other fund sources that may be utilized to make future enhancements to the space over time.
Will the City maintain the new furniture in the public right of way?
The City will manage and maintain the furniture that the City purchased. The City will also maintain the platform areas that are unleased.
Is the furniture the City ordered ADA compliant?
Yes, the furniture the City ordered is ADA compliant.
What furniture did the City order?
City staff has ordered seating blocks (that can be re-arranged), round café tables (that cannot be connected) and bar-height seating with tabletop space (that can be connected for larger groups). The furniture that was ordered is to initially set up the space and have seating ready for the community to use. Additional furniture and seating can be added by businesses on G Street once a design guideline has been finalized and via rental agreements (see below)..
How did the City determine the color of the seating?
The color palette of these public furnishings was based on input from the community meeting on October 4, 2023, and on recommendations made by the consultant team. In addition to meeting the public’s preference for the function of these amenities, the furnishings must also be durable, appropriate for outdoor use, appropriate for other parks should the furnishings need to be relocated, able to withstand heat, direct sun and graffiti, moveable but not easily carried off, ADA-compliant, and priced within the City’s budget. All these factors contributed to a limited number of compatible color options for various products being recommended to staff. Staff selected the color palette that worked best with the contextual references on G Street and that would also work well in other City parks. Please contact the City if you are a business on G Street that would like to add or include seating on G Street in front of your business.
How will groups larger than four people convene on G Street, such as parents with strollers, sports teams, professors and students, and large families?
The block style seating may accommodate larger groups, but the furniture will be heavy and not conducive to moving around. The bar-height seating can be connected by the City for larger groups.
Will there be any meetings about the project after construction is completed?
Yes, City staff is looking to schedule a meeting after the civic space is open and will hold ongoing dialogues as the project progresses into the future.
Will businesses be notified before construction starts?
Yes, businesses will receive a combination of the following methods about the construction, based on their proximity to the construction:
- Mailed letter
- E-notifications through the DDBA
- Social media
- In person
What is the status of the construction drawings and where can a person get the most recent version of the plans?
The construction plans are final. The bid for the construction advertised on July 22, 2024 and bids were opened on August 9, 2024. Plans and specifications (not including standard specifications and other documents included by reference) and proposal forms, may be obtained by logging in at: www.davisplanroom.com.
Are the ramps and platforms ADA compliant?
Yes, the platforms are ADA compliant. The furniture the City ordered is also ADA compliant.
Is there a plan to reduce the pitch of the street?
No. A project that included reducing the crown (or pitch) of the street would have required reconstructing the entire street and there was not enough funding allocated for that and the construction timeframe was exponentially longer. It would have disrupted business operations for what the City believes would be an unacceptable timeframe. The platforms were chosen for the civic space to manage cost, construction time and to minimize disruption to the businesses along G Street and the community that regularly visits and enjoys the space.
Is there a way to create a walkway in the middle of the street?
The middle of the street needs to be accessible for emergency personnel, including fire trucks.
The drawing of the space in front of the Davis Beer Shoppe is not clear, what happens to the Beer Shoppe after the November 2024 construction project?
City staff met with the owner of the Beer Shoppe and there will be a platform, matching the rest of the platforms, in front of this business.
Will there be any meetings about the project after the construction is completed?
Yes, City staff is looking to schedule a meeting after the civic space is open, and there will be regular check-in meetings moving forward to ensure ongoing lines of communication about the space usage, design, maintenance, business use of space and programming.
Where can I get updates on G Street?
You can get updates about G Street through the following ways:
- Visiting the City’s G Street webpage (here!)
- On social media. The City can be found on Facebook, Instagram or X.
- Sending emails directly to: GStreetActivation@cityofdavis.org
- Sharing your email with the City’s Communication team so they can add you to an email notification list (communications@cityofdavis.org).
Who is leading the project? Who can I contact to share my thoughts or to seek clarifications?
There are multiple staff that are assisting with the project. The easiest way to reach them is by emailing: GStreetActivation@cityofdavis.org.
Does the City need to encumber the American Rescue Fund money for the construction by 2024 and spend by 2026?
The ARP funds have been allocated to this project for construction. Once we award the project to the lowest responsible bid contractor, a purchase order will be created that encumbers the funds. This meets the requirements of the December 31, 2024 deadline. We do have plenty of time to complete the project before the second requirement of spending all funds by 2026.
What is the timeline for the project?
Barring unforeseen delays, the current tentative timeline is:
- Now – Ongoing: Conversations with businesses in downtown, especially those on G Street, about their interest in, and interaction with, the space
- Late August – Mid-November: Construction of platforms
- August: City meeting with businesses regarding the construction of the platforms
- Mid or Late August: Survey to businesses on G Street
- September: City meeting about the use and activation of the space
- Mid-November: Furniture the City ordered will be installed in public accessible spaces
- December: Construction completion
- January 27, 2025: Grand Opening! To celebrate the completion of the platforms. See press release by clicking here.
- Ongoing: Use of space and future additions/adaptations of the space
Where can I find the meeting materials and the dates that the City Council discussed G Street?
At the bottom of this page is the history of G Street, including all the City Council meetings and links to reports.
More Information
New updates in these tabs will be highlighted in red
The G Street Project’s objective is a civic space that is a vibrant hub of activity offering attractions, amenities and benefits to everyone who lives in or visits Davis, including businesses, residents, families and students. The project is a community investment in the vitality of downtown Davis. We hope the updated space on G Street will enhance the community and provide socializing opportunities, cultural enrichment and economic growth.
This project includes two components: 1) the CIP/construction, which includes the design and construction of the platforms, and 2) the activation of the space, which includes how the area will be used and defined, including the structure of the City and business agreements for use of the space and private furnishing guidelines (which will take more time to organize and complete than the construction).
In addition to the platforms that were completed in January 2025, is more to come in the next phase or chapter for G Street. Additional items for consideration and work include more furniture and/or group seating, art and engagement, music/special events, signage and more. Businesses that are interested in the Downtown Outdoor Dining Program can visit the webpage by clicking here.
We appreciate the many hours, input and efforts from staff, businesses and community members to get us to this point. As noted on this website and in our outreach, we are excited to share the progress we’ve made.
The work included in this project is comprehensive and much of it is behind the scenes. Here are some of the tasks associated with this project:
- The bid for the construction will be opened from July 22, 2024 - August 7, 2024. Plans and specifications (not including standard specifications and other documents included by reference) and proposal forms, may be obtained by logging in at: www.davisplanroom.com.
- Review of current permits, ordinances and laws related to street closures for motor vehicles, uses of spaces, definitions of spaces and the work to get these items amended, corrected, approved and reviewed.
- Work related to the technical planning and evaluation of the street’s infrastructure, including ongoing maintenance and use of the street for businesses, public safety, events and the community.
- Funding streams and documentation to help pay for the creation, upkeep and future needs of this project that enhance and ensure the value, use and attraction to this space.
- Ongoing outreach to local businesses on G Street and in downtown Davis about the process and how businesses can be involved in the use of this civic space.
- Staff will be able to purchase and order items to meet the construction timeframe, while still providing businesses with the opportunity to be involved later in the use of the space.
- Residents and organizations will eventually be able to use this civic space similar to other City facilities or parks.
- Pedestrian and bicycling safety will be improved in downtown Davis as this space is not open to cars.
- Community bonding, health and well-being may be enhanced due to having a gathering and set space in downtown.
- Our local economies, property values and social capital may be boosted by this addition.
Please note that making the platform a City-maintained civic space does not preclude the platform/boardwalk from being used by local or adjacent businesses in the future. More can be found in the staff report here.
The City continues to connect with local businesses, those on G Street as well as those in downtown, the public and any others who are interested in the project, including how they would like to be involved and what benefits they would like to enjoy in this community space.
Businesses that would like to provide feedback regarding the use of the space or its activation are welcome to connect with staff.
- July 2024: Staff met with some of the businesses located on G Street to learn about their concerns and questions. Additionally, letters were mailed to G Street businesses about upcoming construction starting.
- August 2024: Staff will host a meeting regarding the platform design and the space’s treatments. See the tab below titled "NEW August 7, 2024 Meeting" for the meeting video and other links.
- September 2024: Staff will host a meeting about the roll out of the future use of the space and design guidelines. A meeting date has been selected for September 4, 2024 from 4-5 pm. For meeting details, open the tab below titled "September 4, 2024 Meeting."
- Ongoing: The City will share regular updates on social media and through other channels to the public and businesses downtown. There will be regular check-in meetings moving forward to ensure ongoing lines of communication about the space usage, design, maintenance, business use of space and programming. The opening of the platforms does not mean the end of the work on G Street. There are additional phases or work that are to come or are already in motion, including outdoor dining.
- July, August and September 2024: Construction and Meetings
Some outdoor dining items were ordered per City Council approval at the July 9 meeting in late-July.
The construction went out to bid on July 22, 2024. Bids will be opened on August 9, 2024. Plans and specifications (not including standard specifications and other documents included by reference) and proposal forms, may be obtained by logging in at: www.davisplanroom.com.
Businesses with outdoor furniture on G Street were notified in late July to remove items by September 6, 2024. During construction, there may be noise, dust and debris. Contractors will work as quickly and efficiently as possible to complete the work on time and minimize impacts to businesses as much as possible. During construction alcohol and food will not be able to be served outside. If businesses are interested in continuing this service after the space has been reopened, please contact Katie Yancey.
To help support businesses along this corridor, the City will post A-frames and/or signs along 2nd and 3rd Streets so that visitors to downtown Davis are informed that businesses are still open in the construction zone. The City may also use social media and other marketing tools to inform the community. Additionally, the sidewalks on both sides of G Street from 2nd to 3rd Streets will be open and accessible for visitors.
Staff held a zoom meeting with local businesses (on G Street and in downtown Davis) to discuss the technical aspects of the construction. Open the tab below titled "August 7, 2024 Meeting" for the meeting video and other items.
A survey to G Street businesses will be opened sometime in September. More information forthcoming.
On September 4, staff will meet by zoom with local businesses (on G Street and in downtown Davis) to share the roll out of the future use of the space and design guidelines. If you are a business in downtown or on G Street, please email GStreetActivation@cityofdavis.org for meeting details. Businesses can continue to provide their input on the use and activation of this community space before, during or after this meeting. This process will take time and will continue past the construction's completion.
- October-January 2024: Construction Started and Amenity Installation
The construction of the platforms/boardwalk should be completed in late November or early December, barring any delays or supply issues. During construction, alcohol and food will not be able to be served outside. Businesses interested in serving alcohol and food once the space is reopen can contact Katie Yancey and fill out this Downtown Outdoor Dining Program Interest Form.
The City-ordered outdoor items will be installed.
- Early 2025 - Construction Completion and Grand Opening
The City has scheduled a Grand Opening for January 27, 2025! See the press release by clicking here.
Ongoing lines of communication will be open between businesses on G Street and the City about the space usage, design, maintenance, business use of space and programming.
Additional outreach/updates will be shared by the City through email, social media or other methods.
Since June 2020, G Street, between 2nd and 3rd Streets, has been closed to motor vehicles and open to businesses setting up outdoor dining spaces, public spaces or shopping and to pedestrians and bicyclists. The decision to activate G Street was a collaboration between the City and businesses impacted by the COVID-19 restrictions. The intent was to encourage people to return downtown to shop, eat and experience a positive community in a safe, socially distanced, outdoor setting.
The City and businesses transformed G Street quickly from a street for cars into a street for businesses to expand into the street where people can walk and bike. Since then, a desire to better organize, decorate and activate this area has risen, along with addressing concerns raised by the business community. To read the City Council and Bicycling, Transportation and Street Safety Commission staff reports, open the corresponding tab below.
In January 2023, the City Council approved activating G Street and keeping it closed to motor- vehicle traffic. As a result of this action, City staff was asked to develop a list of near-term, mid-term and long-term alternatives to help enhance and activate G Street. The City hired PSOMAS to provide planning, landscape architecture and preliminary engineering services. The City is utilizing American Rescue Plan Act funds allocated by the City Council. The project budget is approximately $1 million.
- Katie Yancey, Economic Development Director in the City Manager’s Office
- Outdoor Dining for questions and forms related to outdoor dining
- Jenny Tan, Director of Community Engagement in the City Manager’s Office
- Ryan Chapman, Assistant Director of the Public Works Engineering and Transportation Department
History and Meetings Regarding G Street Project
New tabs will have "New" or "Coming" in the title. New updates in older or existing tabs will be highlighted in red.
On September 12, City staff presented the proposed fee schedule for the Downtown Outdoor Dining Program
- For the presentation slides, that were updated 9/27/24, click here
On September 4, 2024, the City hosted a Zoom meeting with businesses regarding information and updates related to the Downtown Outdoor Dining Program and G Street. Staff also helped answer questions from attendees.
- For the meeting video, click here.
- For the meeting presentation (updated on 9/27/24 with a few date changes), click here.
On August 8, 2024 at 5 pm, the City hosted a zoom meeting with businesses, in downtown and on G Street, regarding the construction of the platforms, their design and the space’s treatments. Staff also helped answer the technical questions from attendees.
- For the meeting video on YouTube, please click here
- For the meeting transcript, please click here
- For the meeting slides, please click here
On July 9, City staff submitted for consent calendar a:
- Staff update on the G Street Activation project, including adjustments to the business plan and a shared public open space model, which could be used for community events; and
- Approve a Resolution, which:
- Authorizes the City Manager to sign the construction contract for G Street Activation Project ET0029 during City Council recess which does not exceed $1,300,000; and
- Authorizes the City Manager to approve a sole source purchase for tables, chairs, lights, benches and umbrellas; and
- Authorizes the City Manager to purchase project materials in advance of the construction contractor being awarded to ensure materials are in Davis in time for construction; and
- Authorizes the City Manager to issue a budget adjustment not to exceed $400,000 from Park Impact Fees to the G Street Activation Project ET0029.
Out of consideration of the desired construction timeframe tied to the expenditure of the ARP funds, staff returned to a shared-space model (community space) that resulted in an alternate business model for the operation and maintenance of the platforms. Businesses along G Street will still have an opportunity to provide input on how or if they would like to use the civic space in front of their business through staff or the Economic Development Director.
Platforms, fencing, planters, seating, decorative lighting and colorful umbrellas are slated to be ordered in July as approved by Council and will be installed after the platform is in place. The items ordered will act as starting furniture to help have something in the space, however businesses interested in use of the space will have opportunity to order and place their own furniture after meeting design guidelines.
The City Council pulled this item from consent for a fuller discussion, after which the City Council voted 5-0 to approve/pass this item.
Click here for the staff report
Click here to watch the video starting at this item
On February 6, City staff presented findings from the community outreach and survey to City Council and City Council moved forward to:
- Receive an updated on the G Street Activation project, including the results of community engagement.
- Provide direction on what design elements to include in final design and direct staff to proceed with design.
- Direct staff to initiate development of a Civic Arts mural to be incorporated along with identification of funding.
- Direct staff to initiate discussions with local community-based organization(s) to facilitate possible entryway elements for G Street.
- Approve staff recommendations for parking plans between 3rd Street and 5th Street (no change) and between 2nd Street and H Street parking lot driveway (restripe to perpendicular).
As a result, staff were directed to move forward with the following:
Design:
- Move forward with concept A (see Concept A in Attachment 1)
- Move forward with platforms that line up with businesses
- Implement the Comfortable and Traditional design style (see Attachment 1 for Comfortable and Traditional design style)
- If there are plants they need to be climate appropriate
- Provide benches and a stage
- Include a midblock access to ramp that connects the platforms in the middle of G Street
Art:
- An interactive/kid friendly mural
- An interactive/kid friendly sculpture
- Art benches
Other:
- Need guide signs for businesses on G Street and possibly the E Street Plaza (might expand to downtown)
- Design Standards
- Lease agreements
Click here for the staff report
Click here for the presentation
In November 2023, the City announced a community survey regarding the G Street project asking participants about theme, layout, seating and public space amenities. The survey was open from November 2 - 17 through Survey Monkey. More than 500 responses were collected.
Click here for the press release
Click here for the results from the survey, taken from the February 6 City Council meeting staff report
On October 4, more than 200 people participated in this event, learning about the various options and concepts for G Street.
Design Concepts
The City shared two concepts at the community meeting. Please note:
- Existing sidewalks will remain the same on both sides of the street.
- The platform widths vary in Concept A and B. New platforms will be constructed on both sides of the street at equal widths. The platforms will extend from the sidewalk into the street. Platforms are needed because in some sections of the roadway the sidewalk height is lower than the middle of the street. In addition, the platforms are needed to maintain drainage pathways and connect to existing stormwater infrastructure. Platforms will make the space flat and accessible to all.
- There is a minimum fire access lane requirement of 20 feet wide. The fire lane must be clear of obstructions.
- The new platforms are 17.75' wide
- 20.5' wide shared-use space
- Advantages: maximizes retail / dining space
- Disadvantages: Shared-use space is 20.5 feet wide, which might limit using space for community events and concerts
- The new platforms are 13.75' wide
- 28.5' wide shared use space
- Advantages: maximizes public space
- Disadvantages: Minimized retail / dining space
Design Layouts
The City considered two layouts. Both layouts can be applied to Concept A or B. The platform angles vary in Layout 1 and Layout 2. The blue circles on the graphics help show the differences in each layout. Select one.
Layout 1 (Click here for the PDF)
- The new platforms are all right angles and create rectangular spaces.
- Advantages: Slightly less complicated to construct. Maximizes public space between the platforms.
- Disadvantages: Could be considered monotonous. Could create a visual platform tunnel. Minimizes platform space.
- The new platform are constructed at angles and create triangular spaces.
- Advantages: Could be considered more visually interesting compared to right angles. Creates niches that could be considered cozier than rectangular spaces. Maximizes platform space.
- Disadvantages: Slightly more complicated to construct. Minimizes public space between the platforms.
Furnishings and Design
The City proposed to provide five elements, depending on total cost, to the project. (Click here for the PDF)
- Platform
- Fencing
- Planters
- Benches
- Lighting
The City asked community members to share their preferred design theme (Click here for the PDF).
At the community meeting the City asked if participants if they preferred tables, chairs, and umbrellas to be a variety or uniform. (Click here for the PDF)
Public Space Amenities
The City asked participants to vote on what public amenities they would like to see, including: information kiosks, comfortable benches, musical engagement, kid-friendly play structures, large table games, modular seating and planters, modular swings, drinking fountains, flexible seating, public information, floor games, stages and small table games. (Not all of these items will be in the final design) (Click here for the PDF)
Participants were also encouraged to share their thoughts about public art and naming G Street. Community members provided their input on the style of artwork and color palette they preferred. (Click here for the PDF)
Parking Concepts
In September, the Davis City Council directed staff to provide community input on proposed parking changes to G Street. Below are proposed changes in two locations, (1) between 2nd and the H Street and (2) between 3rd and 5th Streets.
2nd to H Street Parking Lot
Community members were asked if they prefer (Click here for the PDF):
- Option A (left side of graphic): parking on both sides of the street, which creates two (2) additional spaces.
- Option B (right side of graphic): no parking on the west side of the street. Instead, there is a protected bikeway for people on bikes headed southbound. This option removes 6 parking spaces.
3rd to 5th Street Parking
Below are three (3) map options that show existing conditions, maximum parking and an alternative. Some businesses are shown on this map to provide context and location. The blue circles in the graphics show the changes to parking compared to the existing conditions.
- Option 1: Existing Conditions (Click here for the PDF)
53 parking spaces - Option 2: Maximum Parking (Click here for the PDF)
66 parking spaces. 13 more than the existing conditions
Angled parking on both sides of the street - Option 3: Alternative Option (Click here for the PDF)
59 parking spaces. 6 more spaces than existing conditions
Angled parking only on one side of the street and parallel parking on the other side