The heart of downtown Mansfield is set to transform as the city’s streetscape project inches closer to its construction phase. With a contract expected to be awarded in December, excitement is mounting for a project years in the making. A collaboration between the City of Mansfield and K.E. McCartney and Associates (KEM), the streetscape project aims to enhance walkability, improve safety and foster an inviting downtown atmosphere for both residents and visitors.
“The first discussions about this project date back to around 2018,” Mayor Jodie Perry said. “Over the years, it evolved significantly, shaped by feedback from the community and stakeholders. We wanted to make sure it was a project the community could rally behind, even if that took extra time.”
With its upgraded pedestrian paths, new plaza spaces and landscaping elements, the project is designed to revitalize Mansfield’s downtown corridor. Engineering experts from KEM, city officials and local utilities are working in unison to ensure the project is both meticulously planned and minimally disruptive for Mansfield’s residents and business owners.
Project timeline and coordination
To maintain efficiency and minimize disruption, the project will proceed in planned phases. Construction bids were reviewed, and the contract is scheduled to be awarded to the apparent low bidder, Kokosing Construction Company, Inc.
“Once the contractor is selected, we’ll schedule a preconstruction meeting to establish the start date and construction specifics,” city engineer Bob Bianchi said. “This project has a lot of moving parts, so we need everyone on the same page.”
The initial phase includes a critical step: utility relocations. Currently, there is an entire corridor of utilities that needs to be moved to make way for the new sidewalks and plaza areas. This may cause lane closures and/or detours in the near future.
To help ease traffic during construction and to start becoming familiar with the new, faster route through town, the city encourages motorists to use Mulberry Street.
Improving safety and pedestrian flow
The streetscape project will bring substantial improvements to the downtown’s pedestrian infrastructure, an area that has faced wear and tear over the years.
“Walkways have cracked, tree grates and light poles have broken up the walking paths,” KEM Director of Transportation Engineering Jason Burgholder said. “This project is a major upgrade; it’s about making downtown accessible and inviting.”
Once complete, Mansfield’s sidewalks will provide continuous walking paths, free from obstacles.
The plaza areas, in particular, are set to become vibrant gathering places for the community. These are meant to be destinations where people feel safe and relaxed.
“There will be wider walkways, landscaping buffers and curb walls that create a sense of separation from the traffic, inviting people to sit, eat or just take in the surroundings,” KEM transportation project manager Jeremy Lay said.
Supporting local businesses during construction
The city recognizes construction will temporarily affect downtown businesses, and steps are being taken to mitigate any disruptions. Perry said the city is committed to working closely with business owners.
“We want to ensure businesses feel supported throughout the process,” she said. “We are partnering with Downtown Mansfield Inc. (DMI) to host a Communications Specialist who will be in direct communication with the merchants and tenants, organize timelines and offer resources to help keep customers coming through their doors.”
Currently, DMI is accepting applications for the public outreach coordinator position. To apply or learn more click here.
For delivery trucks, specific loading zones will be designated to maintain access to businesses, even during busier construction phases.
“We’ll keep one side of the sidewalk open at all times so people can still navigate the area, and delivery zones will be set up for trucks to ensure smooth operation for businesses,” Lay said.
Bringing the vision to life
The streetscape project’s total budget has been carefully allocated, thanks to funding and grants secured through state and local partnerships.
“Downtown Mansfield has waited a long time for improvements like these. It’s not just about aesthetics — it’s about creating a space where residents feel proud to be, and where visitors feel welcome,” Perry said.
The final stretch
As the construction start date nears, city officials, community leaders and KEM engineers are eager to see years of planning finally take shape.
“The downtown streetscape project has been part of the Mansfield Rising Plan since 2019, and to see it come to fruition is both exciting and rewarding,” KEM President Brian McCartney said. “As stated in the plan Main Street serves as an urban artery and is an instrumental corridor to the downtown street network. New businesses located on Main Street have increased the pedestrian traffic. As Main Street increasingly becomes a place for pedestrians, the streetscape needs to accommodate them as a mode of traffic. The existing streetscape was installed 43 years ago and has outlived its design life. Sidewalks and streetscape bricks have heaved and settled; they are unsightly trip hazards.”
“The street lighting is outdated, and the curbs have deteriorated. The streetscape in its current state does not represent the Mansfield community. Design features will incorporate the history and heritage of Mansfield coupled with modern amenities. We feel this project has met these objectives and I’m proud of our staff for all the hard work they’ve put into it. I’m also very thankful to Mansfield for the opportunity to partner with them on such an important infrastructure improvement and as a downtown business owner couldn’t be more optimistic about the future of our City.”
The Mansfield streetscape project is scheduled to begin construction in early 2025, with phases rolling out over the year. The new downtown will emerge over time, revealing a rejuvenated Main Street, designed for both beauty and functionality.
“When people see the before and after, they’ll understand why this investment is necessary,” Burgholder said. “Downtown is the heart of our community, and it should reflect our pride and commitment to Mansfield’s future.”To learn more about K.E. McCartney and Associates, visit its website. For more updates on the streetscape project, follow this four-part quarterly series to stay informed.
