Downtown Revitalization

By Pat Eklund

We have renovated Grant Avenue, created a facade improvement program, working to restore the Novato theater and bringing a bookstore, more restaurants and shopping choices including an anchor store to our Downtown area

In 2004, Novato completed the restoration of Grant Avenue, which eliminated the crown in the street, re-built our sidewalks and corrected drainage problems - resulting in a $10.5 million beautification project and a community investment that is the largest capital improvement project in Novato. Currently, we are investing in a façade improvement program to help our downtown businesses.

There are some catalyst projects that will help continue the downtown revitalization that is in the works: the renovation of Novato's icon - our historic church which will be the future home for community events and the Council Chambers; the rebuilding of the old train depot; construction of the Whole Foods Project; and the renovation of the Novato Theater.

We need to continue to bring high quality, diverse businesses and entertainment venues to our downtown, including a bookstore, restaurants, and other retail businesses. I am fully committed to making our downtown lively, prosperous and truly the heart of the Novato community.