New $1.8 million project to begin in Garapan

Maeda Pacific Corp. has been awarded another contract under the $25-million Garapan Revitalization Project.

Chuck Jordan, the governor’s special assistant for capital improvement projects, said the government on Thursday signed a $1.842 contract with Maeda Pacific for the Coral Tree Avenue Improvement Project.

The contractor has also been awarded the $3-million pedestrian mall project, the third phase of the Garapan revitalization plan that is expecting completion this month. The mall project is scheduled to have its grand opening sometime in November, according to an earlier interview with project coordinator Bill Wanket of the Department of Public Works.

Dubbed “Paseo de Marianas,” the pedestrian mall covers 3rd Street or Hotel Street and includes the setting up of a lighting system, drinking fountains, covered shelters, and public toilets.

Jordan said the government is working to provide Maeda the notice to proceed with the Coral Tree Avenue Improvement Project by Oct. 7. The project is expected to be finished in nine months.

The construction includes planting coral trees along the strip. Sidewalks will be widened, power lines will be placed underground, and light posts similar to the posts along the Beach Road pathway will be installed.

Wanket said plans of installing traffic lights at the two main intersections—by Winchell’s Doughnut House and American Memorial Park entrance—are still in the works.

Wanket said several changes in traffic pattern would be in effect soon. One-way traffic will be implemented along Royal Palms Avenue, Coconut Street, and Palm Street.

“The rest of the streets, we’ll leave for the time being,’ he said. “As we improve [all] streets with sidewalks and curbs, then we can better define the traffic pattern, but I think at this time it would be premature.”

Wanket also disclosed that several building owners along the mall area have and will continue to make improvements to their buildings.

Jordan also reported that the Department of Public Works and Maeda Pacific’s field offices have relocated from the mall over to the old KFC outlet in front of Dai-Ichi Hotel.

Both projects are part of the Garapan Revitalization Plan, which aims to transform the downtown Garapan area into an attractive and safe focal point for tourist and resident activities, including strolling, outdoor dining, outdoor musical entertainment, and festivities.

The Strategic Economic Development Council first floated the idea of renovating the Garapan area in the late ’90s as part of its tourist-related beautification program.

The government expects the project to generate at least $200 million in revenue within the four-year period of the revitalization.