Consultant selected for Pullman downtown master plan

A consultant has been selected to begin the master plan to improve the economic development, accessibility and the utilization of downtown Pullman.

Pullman Public Works Director Kevin Gardes said during the annual Downtown Pullman Association meeting Monday that the Pullman City Council will be asked to approve the consultant, BDS Planning and Urban Design, June 4.

If approved, BDS will take about eight months to map out ways the city can improve the quality of downtown, which includes Main Street from Grand Avenue to Spring Street; Grand Avenue from Paradise to Olsen Street; and a few surrounding streets.

The hire will cost the city about $120,000, Gardes said. BDS is a company located in Seattle that specializes in downtown revitalization projects.

City officials and business organizations such as the Downtown Pullman Association and Pullman 2040 have discussed developing a master plan to revitalize downtown Pullman since last year.

Gardes said among the city’s goals are to make the downtown district more accessible and safe for vehicles, pedestrians, bicyclists and city transit.

Other goals include bettering the streetscape and look of downtown, improving parking, adding public art, attracting shoppers and making better use of public spaces, such as High Street Mall and Pine Street Plaza.

BDS was selected from eight organizations that submitted bids to the city, Gardes said.

In April, the city council also approved the creation of an economic development manager position who will, among other duties, help recruit businesses to Pullman.

Pullman Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Marie Dymkoski said several Pullman representatives recently offered a tour around Pullman for entrepreneurs interested in bringing their business to the city.

She said the growth of the city and longevity of the many businesses represented in the Pullman Downtown Association makes Pullman an appealing place to set up shop.

“They recognize many of your businesses have been her for a long time,” she told the crowd Monday. “That’s a really good sign.”

The Downtown Pullman Association also heard news about several Pullman businesses Monday.

Dymkoski said SAM’S Apothecary on 330 E. Main St., is planning on expanding into the 250 E Main Street space once occupied by At Home Designs. Dymkoski said the success of SAM’s Apothecary necessitates the expansion.

Dymkoski also said the owner of the former Shopko building stated she is seeking another retail business to take over the space.

A retail business in the form of a cider taphouse is interested in moving into the Evolve on Main mixed-use development on Main Street, though Dymkoski did not reveal the name of the business.

Anthony Kuipers can be reached at (208) 883-4640, or by email to akuipers@dnews.com.