City of Batesville Downtown Square Enhancement Project, Phases I and II

The City of Batesville, along with cooperation and funding from the Mississippi Department of Transportation Local Public Agency (LPA) funds, developed, planned, and constructed Phase 1 and Phase 2 upgrades and enhancements to the Batesville Downtown Square. The improvements included removing and replacing sidewalks to meet ADA standards, as well as the addition of new curb, lights, and handicap ramps to provide a friendlier and more accessible square for downtown businesses. The Eureka Street entrance to the Square was realigned to increase safety and to improve the accessibility of pedestrian areas. As part of the plan, landscaped islands, planters, and beds were added and/or improved. Additionally, green space was made available for events such as Spring Fest and the Polar Express™ Train Ride.

Phase 1 of the project included over 2,500 feet of new curb, 4,000 square feet of new sidewalk, and 24 new LED lights. Nearly 15,000 square feet of landscaping was provided as part of this project, and working in conjunction with AT&T, many overhead lines were removed from the square. The total project cost was approximately $800,000, with MDOT providing $350,000 through the LPA program. Phase I of this project was honored as a 2016 Municipal Excellence Award winner by the Mississippi Municipal League.

Phase 2 of the project began in August 2016. This phase of the project included the realignment of Eureka Street near the Batesville Downtown Square and the removal and replacement of non‐ ADA‐compliant sidewalks. Realignment of the Eureka Street entrance to the square necessitated the reconfiguration of the adjacent parking areas. This reconfiguration was designed incorporating the addition of landscaped islands, planters, and beds. The total cost of this phase of the project, completed in the beginning of 2017, was approximately $300,000. Phase II of this project was honored with 1st place in the Local Government category of the 24th Annual Keep Mississippi Beautiful Awards.

In 2017, the Batesville Downtown Square Enhancement Project was recognized by the Mississippi Main Street Association for Outstanding Community Transformation.