roswell set to tackle new mainstreet project

In an effort to put to good use a grant it received late last year, the City of Roswell is looking for qualified professional architects to help lay out and design a soon-to-be revitalized part of its downtown.

The $100,000 grant more specifically came from the New Mexico MainStreet Capital Outlay Program for the purpose of bringing back to life a three-block section that is part of the defined Roswell MainStreet area.

To that end, Roswell has issued a Request for Proposals for one or more landscape architects to lay out a new design for that section with the ultimate goal of attracting “specialty retailers and service providers.”

The section in question is made up of three fenced lots, two of which are subject to redevelopment.

The largest of the lots measures around 60,000 square feet and could, according to the RFP, see the future construction of everything from a rock water feature to a courtyard with paved walkways, permanent stage with power, and a variety of designated seating areas.

A second available lot is around 200 feet by 100 feet and could most likely be used as a new parking lot.

The larger focus area runs north from Walnut Street to 3rd Street, between the BNSF Railroad corridor and Virginia Avenue.

Roswell and eleven other MainStreet communities throughout New Mexico were awarded a total of $4 million for a variety of downtown revitalization programs.

The larger New Mexico MainStreet program operates under the auspices of the New Mexico Economic Development Department.
Roswell’s RFP has a submission deadline of August 4.

​By Garry Boulard

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