The following is an article written for the Art Forward series from the Rahr-West Art Museum by Nicholas J. Mueller:
Planning is well under way for a spring start on significant improvements to downtown Manitowoc. Get excited, continued transformation is about to begin.
Streetscape will continue along 8th Street, much the same as it did in 2020. This year, the impacted blocks that will receive street trees, hanging baskets, and in-ground planter beds will be on 8th Street between Washington Street and Jay Street, and across the river between York Street & Chicago Street. Look for 26 new hanging flower baskets on the light poles, 27 new street trees, and nearly 30 in-ground planter boxes.
The street plantings will be the same species as last year. Look for purple fountain grasses, petunias, gold lantana, and red begonias among others. There will be a fall color change to include a variety of colored mums. All of the plants are grown and supplied locally from Hartman’s Towne & Country Greenhouse. Planting installation is weather dependent, but look for the beautiful colors to get underway near the end of May and into early June.
Street tree variety will be some of the same as last year, with some new additions to keep the offering diversified. We avoid species that drop nuts, sap, or berries. We also look for species that are native and adaptive to our environment, and have canopies that offer shade but do not conflict with storefronts. Look for Red Pointe Maples, Sterling Lindens, & Triumph Elm trees. We’ll also have a few Swamp White Oak trees that will be in larger green space locations.
The intersection of 8th & Maritime and the greenspace on the southeast corner are about to go through a major transformation. The high-speed right turn lane will be eliminated and the green space will be expanded. The turn lane does move traffic more quickly through downtown, but we’d rather see a safer pedestrian intersection and we’d prefer people stop and enjoy our beautiful downtown rather than just pass through. The expanded green space will include a new fountain at the center. A walk from the street corner to the fountain is planned and will be covered with a new 22’ arbor and planted with Engelman Ivy. Once having reached the fountain, there will be planted terraced seating in the hillside with views of our riverfront. Look for the seating to have subtle indirect lighting at night. 
Pedestrian access through the park will be enhanced. A new, elongated curved walk will allow easy ADA access to the riverfront and also serve bicycle traffic well. Pedestrian lighting to match the lighting on the south side of the river will be added to ensure a safe and pleasant experience when using the walk at night. The pine trees will be removed, offering clearer views to the riverfront. Trees appropriate to the riverside location will be added. Also look for enhanced seating with tree shade cover.
The new restroom facility near the walk out to the lighthouse will be commissioned in early June. Fittingly, it will be known as the Lighthouse Pavilion. The pavilion will be a year-round facility. It will be heated and closed nightly. The pavilion is nearing the end of construction. Taking design nods from early turn of the century boathouses, the pavilion will have a covered colonnade on all four sides. The roof has been completed and is cedar shake with a fleur-de-lis cresting detail that matches the bus stop downtown. At the very top is a sail boat weather vane. Wall stone of the pavilion has subtle grey and blue tones and was harvested in Door County.
The interior of the restroom was design with safety and comfort in mind. Visible from the road through the glass walls on the east and west elevations, one can see through the pavilion. Plenty of natural light will be allowed in. Interior partition walls are not full height, ensuring passive surveillance for children and general public safety. Four gables in the roof will allow in natural light and have operable awning windows that will remain open during the summer months for natural ventilation. At the center of the pavilion, there will be an ornate drinking fountain with service for both those in need of ADA accessibility and our furry friends, as a pet bowl is also included. Four benches also offer USB charging ports, conveniently located. Lastly, look for a maritime themed mural on the interior public facing walls with the same vintage aesthetic as the building itself.
Outdoor amenities of the pavilion will include a beach rinse shower, bike racks, a bike fix station, benches, and picnic tables under the north and south covered areas. The pavilion will be the first public restroom on our lakeshore in the City of Manitowoc.
With so much going on, this is just the start. Look for the replacement of Quay Street between 8th and 6th streets. 10th & Maritime Drive intersection will be replaced and signalization will be added. River Point development will begin work this spring. More of our iconic downtown historic buildings will be restored and preserved through the façade grant program. The amount of work and effort pouring into our downtown is long overdue and so many folks are devoted to making it a wonderful place to live, work, and play. Please, won’t you come visit? Our downtown businesses are eager to welcome you back, there will be lots to see, and I know we’re all eager to safely get out of the house. See you downtown this spring!
