In spring 2007, the Town began preliminary design of the Downtown Cary Streetscape Project - Setting the Stage for a unique and vibrant downtown destination. The project includes more than two miles of streetscape and roadway improvement design on Academy Street, Chatham Street, and North Harrison Avenue. The estimated project cost is $36.6 million, which includes $2.6 million for the replacement and upgrades to underground utilities.

Proposed improvements include:

– Pedestrian-friendly design elements such as on-street parking, plantings, and widened sidewalks
– Integration of public art into elements such as sidewalk furniture, lighting, benches, bus shelters, trash receptacles, and signage
– Drainage system improvements and other utility modifications
– New traffic control measures, such as roundabouts
– Gateway design features

Project History

In 2001, the Town of Cary adopted the Town Center Area Plan (TCAP) to provide a long-range master plan for downtown Cary and its neighborhoods. The TCAP served as a catalyst for additional downtown-oriented plans and studies, including the Downtown Cary Streetscape Master Plan. The Downtown Cary Streetscape Master Plan (adopted in 2006) is a conceptual plan that was developed over the course of one year by town staff, consultants, and the public. The plan is a policy document that established the Town's official vision and identified recommendations for future landscape and construction improvements to streets and sidewalks in the area. The design team is in the process of reviewing, evaluating, and refining concepts in the master plan, in order to develop a streetscape design. The results of the traffic analysis, surveys, planning and design work, additional research, and public input will be reflected in the design. Click here to view the Downtown Cary Streetscape Master Plan.

Design Team

The Town of Cary has enlisted ARCADIS as a partner for design and construction of the streetscape project. The design team includes urban designers, landscape architects, planners, civil engineers, traffic engineers, surveyors, and communication specialists. In addition, the Town has selected Elizabeth Conner as the artist for the public art portion of the project design.

Kyle Hubert, senior engineer with the Town of Cary Engineering Department, is the project manager.

Frequently Asked Questions