Location
Rhode Island Avenue between Muskogee Street and Niagara Road
About the Project
In 2015, a consultant study was conducted to look at opportunities for public improvements within the Hollywood Commercial District to create a more vibrant area. Working with the community, several recommendations were made for improving pedestrian and bicycle access, creating safer intersections and enhancing landscaping and placemaking. This was followed up with a more in-depth study of proposed improvements (30% design). Desirable project elements included conversion of service roads to parklets, gateway plazas, a wellness circuit, protected bike lanes, widened sidewalks, landscaping and traffic calming. Final project elements were refined during the 100% design phase, which was concluded in the fall of 2020. Construction contract award Spring 2021 and construction permits were issued fall 2021.
Construction occurred on this project from fall 2021 until fall 2023. The City partnered with contractors Wallace Montgomery, Olney Masonry, and Floura Teeter Landscape Architects to deliver an engaging streetscape that will revitalize the Hollywood Commercial District in the years to come. Swings, stages, tables, and new parklets are all provided on the site to encourage community activity and inspire creativity. Most importantly, bicycle and pedestrian safety is enhanced through the creation of new bike lanes, marked crossings, and improved sidewalks. Native plant species have been brought to the site to increase biodiversity and strengthen the local ecosystem.
On December 5, 2023, the City of College Park received a Maryland Sustainable Growth Award, presented to the City Council by Maryland Department of Planning Secretary Rebecca L. Flora. The award recognizes the project’s strategic community design to provide gathering and recreational spaces as well as a safer connection for pedestrians and bicyclists. The Hollywood Streetscape project was one of six winners of the 2023 Maryland Sustainable Growth Award, out of nineteen nominees. The award goes to individuals and organizations that demonstrate their commitment and care for sustainable growth, as well as to the Maryland Department of Planning’s 12 Visions to develop and implement sound growth and development policies.
STATUS
Completed Fall 2023
Funding
Engineering contract cost (100% design): $275,020
Olney Masonry construction cost: $2,802,300
Funding for design and construction is provided from Capital Project reserves in the Capital Improvement Program, State Bond Bills and Program Open Space.