Cle Elum - Downtown Revitalization Phases 1, 2, and 3

The City of Cle Elum initiated a Downtown Revitalization project to promote economic development and create a safe, walkable, and aesthetically inviting First Street. The project was completed in three phases. Phase 1 completed all stormwater, sidewalk, and roadway improvements at the First Street and Peoh Avenue intersection. Phase 2 completed all stormwater improvements along First Street between Billings and Peoh Avenues, full intersection improvements at the Billings Avenue intersection, and improvements along the north side of First Street between Billings to Oakes Avenues. Construction of Phase 3 was completed in May 2026.  

Improvements include bulbouts to constrict and slow traffic and reduce distance for safer pedestrian crossings. Work also includes patterned sidewalks, curb and gutters, ADA-compliant curb ramps, street and pedestrian illumination, street signage with decorative pole provisions, angled parking, landscaping, storm drain piping and catch basins, and undergrounding of overhead utilities.

Streetscape amenities include planters, trees with GFI receptacles for lighting, shrubs, an integrated irrigation system, hanging baskets, benches, trash receptacles, and bicycle racks. Phase 2 included installation of 55 new catch basins and more than 3,800 feet of storm drain pipe to improve stormwater management. These intersection improvements have since spurred private investment into adjacent buildings. 

HLA developed funding strategies using 25 funding sources; provided planning, community engagement, design engineering, plans, specifications, bidding assistance, construction observation and management, and funding administration services. HLA provided topographic survey and drone imagery, assisted with NEPA environmental compliance, including DAHP permitting for the historic downtown, and coordinated with private utilities for overhead to underground conversion. HLA also assisted in securing approvals from FHWA, WSDOT, TIB, CDBG, USDA, PWB, and Kittitas County. 

Sources of Project Funding:

• 25 Funding Sources

Total Project Cost:  

• Phase 1:  $460,000
• Phase 2:  $2,150,000
• Phase 3:  $11,920,000