Midland leaders hear details about downtown ‘Centennial District’

The name pays homage to Centennial Park, easily one of Midland’s iconic landmarks. The changes in the entertainment district don’t stop there.

The area will be smaller than originally planned and include the following boundaries – Big Spring Street to the west, Baird Street to the east, Missouri Street to the south and Illinois Avenue to the north.

City staff are expected to present their final plans to council, possibly next month. Projected land uses include outdoor restaurants, interactive art, pop-up stores and small parks. Other permitted uses without a SUD (specific use designation) include restaurants, microbrewery/brewery, festivals and events, and bars/lounges/nightclubs.

Walkability is key in the entertainment district. Street redesign elements include curbless streets, striped crosswalks, lowered speed limits, widened sidewalks, lighting to illuminate all pedestrian spaces and tree or planter boxes. Key design elements include laneway improvements, additional lighting, signage, “attractive” street furniture, landscaping, bollards and pay parking.

Commission members also saw the concept of redesigning Texas Avenue as either two or one traffic lanes.

Estimated costs to create the Centennial District include $1.158 million in capital expenditures, including $1 million for Texas Avenue reconstruction, $70,000 for permanent Wall Street bollards, $20,000 for signage, $20,000 for trash cans, and $48,000 for vehicle repairs.