Vancouver breaks ground on ‘Main Street Promise’ project

VANCOUVER Wash. (KPTV) - The City of Vancouver and its partners broke ground on the “Main Street Promise Project” Friday afternoon downtown.

“We realized we needed to do something really well once, and when the ARPA money came forward, we said let’s make it happen,” said Vancouver Mayor, Anne McEnerny-Ogle. “Sewer, water, utilities, streets, curbs, sidewalks, trees, everything you can possibly imagine.”

The 21-million-dollar upgrade will run from 5th to 15th Street and is set to be completed by the Summer of 2026. For dozens of businesses in the surrounding area, many owners say the improvements to the sidewalks, roadways, and outdoor spaces are essential for one of the fastest-growing cities in the Pacific Northwest.

“Vancouver has boomed in just the 13 years since I’ve been here,” said Ronald Records Co-Owner, Kelsey Jennings. “So many people have come, we even have people coming from Portland to visit on the weekends, so I think this is a needed project for the increase of people here.”

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The January construction start will come with growing pains, especially for storefronts that require foot traffic. The Vancouver Downtown Association has promised those impacted that they will be there every step of the way with additional grants, more localized events to draw in customers, and an emphasis on transparency. The organization has also elected one local professional per block to serve as a liaison as development continues through the next 18 months.

“We’re going in full steam ahead, but I do believe the community will continue to step up and support,” said Eryngium Papeterie owner, Crystal Humble Lary. “In the end, I think what we’re going to get as a package deal will be better for us in the long run and hopefully carry us through for many years to come.”

A promise made in 1993 was set to come to fruition on main street finally.

“At its heart, it’s a placemaking project and will steward our downtown community for the next 100 years and transform our downtown,” said VDA Executive Director, Michael Walker.