Mill Street Pedestrian Plaza

Atlas Lab led the redevelopment of Mill Street in the heart of Historic Downtown Grass Valley from a vehicular street to a pedestrian plaza. Following the success of the temporary closure of two blocks of Mill Street to create public space in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Atlas was contracted to lead the permanent transformation of Mill Street. The project aimed to support local businesses and community activities while welcoming visitors to experience the Heart of Grass Valley in a unique and historical setting. Tasked to master plan improvements at the Downtown district scale and develop the plaza to 30% Design Drawings, Atlas managed and led the stakeholder and community engagement, and a multi-disciplinary team including transportation planning, civil, and architecture. The City of Grass Valley realized the project through a Design-Build process.

To address current accessibility goals, streetscape improvements include conversion of traditional curb and gutter to flush curb condition along with improvements to adjacent street intersections. Custom planters, site furnishings and seating areas are carefully positioned throughout the street to 1) provide necessary vegetation and shading currently lacking on the street, 2) support businesses activities and 3) provide designated public seating area to create a cohesive identity that compliments the historic character while supporting 21st century needs.

Photography: Kial James Design + Photography

about the project

Atlas Lab led the redevelopment of Mill Street in the heart of Historic Downtown Grass Valley from a vehicular street to a pedestrian plaza. Following the success of the temporary closure of two blocks of Mill Street to create public space in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Atlas was contracted to lead the permanent transformation of Mill Street. The project aimed to support local businesses and community activities while welcoming visitors to experience the Heart of Grass Valley in a unique and historical setting. Tasked to master plan improvements at the Downtown district scale and develop the plaza to 30% Design Drawings, Atlas managed and led the stakeholder and community engagement, and a multi-disciplinary team including transportation planning, civil, and architecture. The City of Grass Valley realized the project through a Design-Build process.