Downtown Coachella Gets New Look

Construction began early this morning in Coachella for the Pueblo Viejo Revitalization Plan to improve the look of downtown Coachella along Sixth Street.

Mario Zamora is the project engineer and said, “All the above-ground lighting and poles that you see right now are going away. Everything is going to be underground so what you’ll have is trees, date palms and also baller lighting to promote the pedestrian usage and give a better quality of life for our local residents.”

The project consists of two phases; the first one which is under way now will focus on narrowing the streets, bringing in lighting and new landscaping and widening the sidewalks. Local businesses are excited to see the change. Rabobank has been in the valley for many years and is located on Sixth Street.

Keith Goff is the regional president of Rabobank, and he says his business hasn’t been affected by the construction.

“It brings a new look to the city. It gives you that extra energy, so we see it as a very positive thing,” said Goff.

The city of Coachella has been around almost 65 years and not much has changed. Mayor Eduardo Garcia says the almost $2 million project will help the community in different ways.

“What we’re trying to attract here is a walkable community where there’s connectivity between businesses, residential development and city services,” said Garcia.

A new farmers market will open this fall to help the new downtown stay healthy. Paul Palodichuck works with the certified farmer’s markets and said: “We’re going to have exercise programs and you’ll see things rotate in and out that are health conscious for the community and the eastern end of the valley.”

Phase one, from Grapefruit Boulevard to Orchard Avenue, should be completed by early October. Phase two will begin shortly after and will focus on the buildings and outside look of each business.