Photo credit: City of BarstowBARSTOW – Barstow is inviting the community to provide their opinions, inspirations, and concepts for the downtown area. The city is collecting online surveys in preparation for the Reimagine/Revitalize Barstow ‘s Main Street Route 66 workshop on Thursday, February 16, 2023.
Route 66 in Barstow is also known as Main Street. It is home to the city’s original downtown and is the center of commerce. The city’s Downtown Specific Plan aims to increase tourism in the area – specifically between Otis and 7th Avenues.
The plan says that although downtown includes Route 66 murals and historic motels that draw tourists, much of the historic character of the area has been covered with stucco. In addition, original marquee awnings and signage have been removed.
“Returning remaining elements to their original appearance will require several steps, some could be minimal with a new coat of paint, while others would be more significant, such as replacing awnings and rehabilitating buildings and neon signs,” states the 2016 Downtown Specific Plan.
Design Elements
The plan lists design elements for downtown, as well as the other three sub areas of Main St., that include:
- shade;
- street furniture and lighting;
- sidewalks;
- off-street parking areas;
- signs;
- public art;
- street trees/landscaping.
The city is looking for community input for these elements.
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The 20 question survey also asks for input on the types of events that residents want to attend and which establishments would be supported. Recommendations to attract tourism, recreation, and entertainment to the downtown area is an open ended question on the survey.
To complete the survey click here.
The Reimagine/Revitalize Barstow ‘s Main Street Route 66 workshop is taking place at City Council Chambers, 220 E. Mountain View St, Barstow on Thursday, February 16, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
