On November 25, 2019, the Gallup MainStreet Arts & Cultural District received an award of $800,000 from New Mexico MainStreet to be used by the City of Gallup in Capital Outlay funding for the revitalizing Coal Avenue Commons project.
Coal Avenue Commons is an infrastructure renewal initiative designed to transform two blocks of Coal Avenue in Gallup into a vibrant plaza street.
The project is designed to begin at First Street and extend to Third Street. It will improve three intersections and also includes the redesign of the walkway located in the project area, bisecting the block between 2nd and 3rd Streets on the south side of Coal Avenue.
Coal Avenue Commons is the result of a partnership of multiple organizations and stakeholders in Gallup including City of Gallup, gallupARTS, Northwest New Mexico Council of Governments, Gallup Business Improvement District, and GMSACD.
Its design was selected through a multi-faceted process engaging the community at large during several creative placemaking activities and presentations to focus groups and the general public in 2017 upon receipt of an NEA Our Town grant, matched by contributions from local government, institutions and organizations.
Gallup MainStreet applied on behalf of the community to help launch Phase 1 of the construction project, and upon review, was selected to receive the full amount requested. The funds are distributed by New Mexico MainStreet, in partnership with the New Mexico Economic Development Department, to qualifying MainStreet communities through a call for proposals.
“We are honored to be partnering on this project and able to contribute to the success of improving quality of life, infrastructure, and positive economic impact in our downtown district,” said Gallup MainStreet Executive Director Kara Q. Smith.
The next step is for the City of Gallup to adopt a resolution of support and identify any remaining funding needed in order to start construction of Phase 1 in early 2020.
Photo courtesy of Gallup Main Street.