Fairfield Avenue Streetscape

The Fairfield Hill Commercial Historical District had been neglected for many years. JPR was commissioned to help revitalize the neighborhood by creating an aesthetically pleasing streetscape, as well as provide safe access to businesses along the corridor.

This project encompassed a variety of restorations including a reconstructed curb, sidewalk, and drives along the east and west side of Fairfield Avenue – from Walnut Street to Locust Street. Reconstruction also occurred along Williams Street, from Fairfield Avenue to Taylor Street. Several drainage issues were addressed along Fairfield Avenue, collapsing coal vaults were rehabilitated, and new trees, tree grates, bicycle racks, and lighting were installed along the corridor. A comprehensive maintenance of traffic plan was also developed to ensure only minor disruptions to vehicular traffic, local public transportation, and pedestrian access to businesses along the construction route.

The team encountered two main challenges during the project – maintaining access to businesses during construction and designing an ADA accessible sidewalk while being constrained by the existing roadway and building facades. To solve this, JPR held construction meetings with business owners to outline the expectations of construction and a timeline for closures, so they could relay this information to their customers in a timely manner. In addition, a detailed pedestrian detour was established. To solve the latter challenge, a detailed grading plan was developed allowing JPR to describe the slopes of the sidewalk more thoroughly to meet all ADA standards.

Completed in December 2022, this project served as a kick-off project from the Division of Community Development to re-classify the neighborhood as Irish Town.

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