Plaza construction begins today
By Terry Murry on Monday, October 10th, 2022 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
WALLA WALLA – The city of Walla Walla will begin work on the Walawala Plaza at First Avenue. This project will reconstruct the section of First Avenue between Main Street and the alley south of the Sayers/Beehive Building into a permanent public gathering space. The section of First Avenue between the alley and Alder Street will be converted to one-way southbound with on-street parking on both sides of the street.
Walawala Plaza means “many small streams.” The water features in the plaza’s design represent the numerous waterways within the city. Plans for the plaza also include design and educational elements that refer to the space being a historic gathering location of the Cayuse and Walla Walla people.
The first phase of the work will focus on the plaza and the roadway between Main and Alder, which is expected to be complete by mid-December. This phase will include underground utility work, concrete work and installation of pavers.
The second phase of the project is scheduled to start in mid-February 2023 (weather dependent) and will focus on the intersection at Main and First. Work will include upgraded pedestrian throughways, an improved traffic signal and replacement of pavers in the intersection.
The final phase of the project, projected to take place in April 2023, will include final installation of the signature water features, shade structures, bike racks and landscaping. Additional information about the plaza is available at https://www.gowallawalla.us/.
