The Dalles

welcomes cruise ships and their passengers to explore The Dalles’ rich offerings. Each attraction brings global visitors, from the Neon Sign Museum to the Fort Dalles Museum and the Discovery Center, bolstering the local economy and community pride. FOSTER I NG URBAN CONNECT I V I TY AND COMMUNITY VITALITY The ambitious urban renewal endeavors of The Dalles are not confined to beautification and historic preservation alone.These efforts extend into strategic infrastructural enhancements and development projects to foster connectivity, community vitality, and a more inclusive urban environment. Matthew Klebes, City Manager, offers a detailed account of the streetscape project, which has transformed Second Street into a pedestrian-friendly thoroughfare. “Widening the sidewalks, putting in brick pavers, historic period lighting, benches, trash cans,” he outlines, pointing to the thoughtful inclusion of amenities that encourage foot traffic and leisurely exploration of the downtown area. Introducing a roundabout and several murals further enriches the streetscape, marrying functionality with aesthetic appeal. The planned enhancements for First Street promise to extend these improvements, boosting visibility from the interstate and serving as a pivotal connector to the marine terminal and the scenic Riverfront Trail. “It’ll be a great improvement visibility-wise, from the interstate for our downtown,” Klebes anticipates, underscoring the project’s dual role in augmenting urban appeal and stimulating private development. A downtown mixed-use apartment complex, with over 100 new units, is a cornerstone of The Dalles’ urban renewal strategy, poised to help meet the community’s long-standing need for housing as well as foster private investment in the downtown. This venture is complemented by a new downtown grocery store as well as new Wasco County offices. The proximity of these residential spaces to the grocery store underscores a holistic approach to urban living, where convenience and quality of life are paramount. CHAMPIONING LOCAL BUSINESSES 4 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 5, ISSUE 03 BUSINESS VIEW AGAZINE VOLUME 11, ISSUE 01