‘It’s kind of a melting pot’: how one US city transformed a highway into a leafy oasis
Summary
Lancaster, California, converted part of State Route 14 into the BLVD, a tree-lined, walkable downtown district that opened in 2010. The city says the project attracted investment and jobs, while residents and local workers describe the area as a place that supports community life and brings visitors to nearby businesses and the library.Key Facts
- Lancaster spent $11.5 million to redevelop nine blocks of West Lancaster Boulevard.
- The project replaced three center lanes of the former five-lane road with tree-lined public spaces.
- The BLVD includes about 250 public and private enterprises, as well as a library, museums and a performing arts center.
- The city reports that within four years the project generated more than $270 million in economic output and attracted $130 million in investment.
- The city says the redevelopment created hundreds of jobs and led to the construction or renovation of hundreds of housing units.
- Local businesses and property owners formed the BLVD Association in 2013 to promote and maintain the district.
- The association began a visitor-assistance ambassador program in 2016.
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