Exciting Redesign Coming to Port Royal’s Paris Avenue!
Port Royal is buzzing with anticipation as a fresh vision for part of its cherished Paris Avenue has been unveiled. This pivotal project aims to enhance the town’s charming downtown area while ensuring a safer and more welcoming environment for pedestrians and cyclists alike. Town officials recently got a sneak peek at the new conceptual streetscape design during a work session, and the response has been overwhelmingly positive.
A First Glimpse of What’s to Come
The heart of this project lies in its unique feature—a raised brick roadway that stretches 450 feet and runs right past one of the town’s prime attractions, the Cypress Wetlands. This is not just any wetlands; it’s a vibrant rookery that lures in locals and visitors with its diverse wildlife, including alligators and a dazzling array of birds.
Last August, the town announced an impressive plan to invest $16 million into refreshing Paris Avenue from Ribaut Road to 7th Street. This isn’t just a simple facelift; it’s set to transform the main street that navigates through the historic village, characterized by streets named after global capitals, and leads to the lovely waterfront along Battery Creek.
Pedestrians and Nature First
The ambitious goal of this project is to make the main street more pedestrian-friendly, as well as more suitable for bikes and golf carts. Key improvements are on the agenda, including the installation of much-needed streetscape enhancements and the burying of overhead power lines, giving the area a cleaner look.
However, since the project will roll out in phases, the focus for now is the first phase near the Cypress Wetlands. Local landscape architect, Josh Tiller, emphasizes that this section serves as an important gateway into Port Royal. By using the raised brick pavers and narrowing the lanes, traffic will be “calmed” and pedestrians will feel safer crossing the road, giving even more reason for newcomers to explore the beautiful surroundings.
Enhancing the Experience
The raised roadway is designed to act as a natural crosswalk that will accommodate the thousands who flock to the wetlands and nearby businesses each year. Tiller envisions a large medallion embedded within this elevated roadway—a design that will nod to the wetlands and our stunning coastal environment. “Something cool and coastal,” he said excitedly, hinting at the unique artistry to come.
In addition to the raised road, the plans include more trees, better lighting, and wider sidewalks, which will create more opportunities for outdoor seating. A second crosswalk is also proposed close to the popular The Corner Perk coffee shop, adding to the convenience for residents and visitors.
Funding and Future Steps
The cost for this first phase is anticipated to be around $1.3 million, which covers $200,000 dedicated to improvements in drainage. Fortunately, the town has secured a $750,000 federal streetscape grant to contribute to the funding. In addition to federal support, the Town Council is looking at other funding avenues, including grants and a potential penny tax referendum slated for the November 5 general election. This tax could raise up to $950 million across Beaufort County, designating $30 million for municipal infrastructure projects in the region.
As excitement builds, the Town Council is set to vote on the Paris Avenue redesign next Wednesday. Councilmember Darryl Owens shared his enthusiasm, stating, “It looks wonderful. I’m excited.” If the design gets the green light, Tiller can hit the ground running on the detailed design work.
Mayor Kevin Phillips echoed the excitement, describing the redesign as “beautiful.” He highlighted the dual purpose of revitalizing the street and enhancing safety, but stressed the importance of finalizing funding for the entire project. With so much hope and careful planning going into this transformation, Port Royal is on track for a vibrant future!
