City of Morris - Liberty Street Streetscape

The project will provide urban design and community engagement services to prepare a plan to improve the streetscapes and associated public spaces throughout Downtown Morris, to create a more attractive, accessible, sustainable, safe, and economically vibrant downtown. The consultants will collaborate closely with City staff, Public Works, Engineering, and Planner.  Additionally, the consultant will gather input and feedback from Downtown Business Owners and City residents.

This includes understanding parking needs, sidewalk utilization, roadway requirements, and other downtown design elements. A focus will also be placed on ensuring ADA standards are met and access to businesses along the downtown are allowed to remain accessible during construction. 

Project Goals and Benefits

The goal would be to provide a walkable, vibrant, downtown that attracts restaurants and retail shops, improve pedestrian mobility, accessibility, and safety along selected street segments throughout the downtown.

Scope Summary

The scope will include replacing or maintain aging infrastructure, repair the condition of sidewalks and streets, all while maintaining business vitality and access. The streetscape improvements will generally include the replacement of elements from building face to building face. This encompasses utility replacement, complete roadway reconstruction, sidewalk replacement, accessibility improvements in line with PROWAG/ADA standards, as well as streetscape features like decorative bricks, landscaping, lighting, and furniture.

This project will be successful if the following outcomes are achieved:

• Improve utility service life and dependability

• Improve pedestrian accessibility

• Minimize disruption to downtown businesses

Project Scope

What’s changing, what’s improving, and how it affects Downtown Morris.

Project Limits

The streetscape improvements will take place throughout the core of Downtown Morris, affecting key areas near the courthouse square, Main Street, and adjacent connectors. A detailed map will be shared during public engagement.

What’s Being Improved

The project includes the following major improvements:

• Full roadway reconstruction

• Sidewalk removal and replacement

• Utility replacement (storm, sanitary, water where necessary)

• ADA-compliant curb ramps and sidewalk slopes (PROWAG standards)

• New pedestrian lighting

• Decorative brick paving zones

• Landscaping & green infrastructure

• Street furniture (benches, trash receptacles, bike racks)

• Wayfinding signage

Minimizing Disruption

A core goal of the project is to ensure businesses remain accessible throughout construction. The City and its consultants will maintain open walkways and provide regular updates so that residents and visitors can continue supporting downtown businesses.

Expected Outcomes

Objective

Improved Accessibility

Enhanced Utility Reliability

Long-Term Cost Efficiency

Beautification & Cohesion

Economic Boost