Joint Special Council/BFPD
05/5/26 05:30 PM
City Manager Department
Kenneth D Chapa
Other
Doc ID: 6386
AGENDA ITEM
AGENDA MATTER:
ROUTE 66/BARSTOW MAIN STREET INFRASTRUCTURE AND DESIGN APPROVAL EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
STAFF WILL PRESENT MULTIPLE PROJECTS TO IMPROVE THE AESTHETICS OF BARSTOW’S MAIN STREET IN PREPARATION FOR THE ROUTE 66 CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION AND ACCOMPANYING CELEBRATION. STAFF WILL RECOMMEND PHASE 1 PROJECTS THAT CAN BE ACCOMPLISHED BY THE OFFICIAL NOVEMBER 11, 2026, CENTENNIAL DATE, AS WELL AS
ADDITIONAL PROJECTS THE CITY MAY ELECT PURSUE TO PROGRESS THE REVITALIZATION OF DOWNTOWN BARSTOW.
DISCUSSION:
Barstow’s Main Street represents a vital segment of historic Route 66 and serves as a central corridor for economic activity, tourism, and community identity. With the upcoming Route 66 Centennial scheduled for November 11, 2026, the City has a unique opportunity to implement visible and meaningful improvements that enhance the corridor’s appearance, attract visitors, and support local businesses.
In preparation for this milestone, City staff have identified a series of Phase 1 projects that are considered high-impact, quick-delivery improvements capable of being designed and completed prior to the centennial date. These projects are intended to provide immediate aesthetic and functional enhancements while reinforcing Barstow’s historic Route 66 identity.
The proposed Phase 1 projects include:
Main Street resurfacing between 1st Avenue and 7th Street, including the application of Route 66 and Historic Byways logos at strategic locations, estimated at up to $1,000,000. Improvements to the City-owned pocket park located at the northeast corner of 1st Avenue and Main Street, including the addition of shade structures, monuments, seating, and landscaping, estimated at up to $250,000.
Placement of twelve decorative planters with landscaping at key locations along Main Street between Barstow Road and 1st Avenue, estimated at up to $35,000.
The total estimated cost for Phase 1 improvements is $1,285,000.
In addition to these near-term improvements, staff have identified a series of Phase 2 projects intended to further enhance and transform the Main Street corridor over the next three to five years. These projects will require additional design, engineering, and procurement processes and are contingent upon future Council direction and funding availability.
The proposed Phase 2 projects include:
Installation of gateway archway signage at Barstow Road and Main Street, and at 1st Avenue and Main Street, estimated at $500,000.
Joint Special Council/BFPD
05/5/26 05:30 PM
City Manager Department
Kenneth D Chapa
Other
Doc ID: 6386
AGENDA ITEM
Construction of an “Artistic Route 66” themed sidewalk along Main Street between Barstow Road and 1st Avenue, estimated at $600,000.
Enhancements to the existing median along Main Street between Barstow Road and 1st Avenue, including upgraded landscaping and installation of decorative fencing, estimated at $400,000.
The total estimated cost for Phase 2 improvements is $1,500,000.
Collectively, these improvements are intended to support the City’s broader goals related to economic development, tourism promotion, and downtown revitalization, while positioning Barstow as a key destination along the historic Route 66 corridor.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Phase 1 improvements are estimated at a total cost of $1,285,000. Funding for these projects are anticipated to be provided through a combination of a $1,000,000 Federal HUD Transportation Grant and available funds within the Community Benefit Fund. No impact to the City’s General Fund is anticipated.
Phase 2 improvements have been conceptually identified, with a total estimated cost of $1,500,000.
However, funding sources for these projects have not yet been secured. Staff will return to City Council at a future date with proposed funding strategies, refined cost estimates, and implementation timelines for consideration.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
1. That the Mayor and Council Approve Phase 1 Main Street improvement projects in an amount not to exceed $1,285,000;
2. Authorize The City Manager Or Designee To Execute All Necessary Agreements And Documents To Implement Phase 1 Projects; and
3. Direct Staff To Identify Funding Opportunities For Phase 2 Improvements And Return To Council With A Proposed Timeline, Design Concepts, And Funding Strategy.