After a 42 year absence from K Street, cars will make their debut back onto the former pedestrian mall between 8th and 12th streets. Kicking off this historic milestone on November 12 at 4 p.m., the City of Sacramento and local business owners have teamed up to provide evening-long entertainment, special deals and free parking at the Capitol Garage at 10th and L streets. Beginning at 12th and K streets, opening remarks will be made by Mayor Kevin Johnson and other officials, followed by the inaugural drive down K Street – the first since 1969.
“It’s exciting to see positive momentum building on K Street. With the recent addition of restaurants, shops, and entertainment options, we are starting to see downtown come back to life. Adding cars back to the mall will only further this effort, spur economic vitality, and provide that additional ingredient needed to continue the renaissance of this key downtown street,” says Mayor Kevin Johnson.
Sacramento isn’t the only city that has converted pedestrian malls into a complete street. Examples of other jurisdictions that have converted pedestrian malls include Chicago, St. Louis and Washington D.C.
“We’ve seen some cities turn around underperforming pedestrian malls into vibrant commercial districts. But vehicle traffic isn’t the magic bullet,” said DSP Executive Director Michael Ault. “Successful urban centers take a multi-pronged approach that must include economic development and retail recruitment. We’ve made some significant progress on K Street in the past few years with the Cathedral Building, Cosmopolitan, and new businesses opening this past year. But, we need to finish the job.”
In the coming months, a development team led by D&S Development and CFY Development is expected to begin work on the $47 million 700 block project. A project expected to transform the west side of K Street, will bring online 130 residential units, rooftop patios, and a mix of local and unique ground-floor restaurant, retail and entertainment uses.
“For local businesses, the return of vehicle traffic to K Street means more than just new traffic lights,” said Sid Garcia-Heberger owner of Crest Theater. “Removing this interruption to the grid, along with activity already on the street, will attract new businesses to the core.”
At the November 12 event, expect to see performances by a local rock band, DJs, ballet dancing. Visitors can also tour K Street businesses and take advantage of special menus, deals, and throw back pricing. For more information about the November 12 festivities, including details of the various promotions, visit http://downtownsac.org/events/cars-on-k/.
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[...] See what the Downtown Sacramento Partnership has to say about Cars on K Street. [...]
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-My wife were there for the occasion. Front row table at
Pizza Rock Sacramento
Pizza Rock Sacramento restaurant pairs delicious gourmet pizzas with specialty cocktails from our full-service bar, and an extensive beer & wine menu. Great happy hour prices nightly.
http://pizzarocksacramento.comLater we cruised K Street in our Mercury! Good to see all the neat cars and personalities out that evening on K!
[...] See what the Downtown Sacramento Partnership has to say about Cars on K Street. [...]