Plans to increase pedestrian safety along North Monroe have been in development for years. But in 2018, the City of Spokane will finally begin construction on a major streetscape enhancement project along North Monroe roughly from Indiana to Garland. Modeled after a similar redesign of East Sprague, which will begin construction later this year after a successful trial, North Monroe will be reduced from four to three lanes, including a center turn lane.

In addition to ten-foot sidewalks, curb bump-outs and islands to ease crossings, increased parking, and other pedestrian-friendly amenities, the project will include planning and amenities designed for future transit service and enhanced stormwater facilities.

Naturally, these investments open up several exciting possibilities for the corridor.

Most significantly, the added space will enable the creation of a more vibrant urban district along the street. Already several new businesses—like Boulevard Mercantile, Bellwether Brewing, Vessel Coffee, and Brickyard Barbershop, among others—have located there, partly in anticipation of a bright future for the district. The 2018 project is intended to spur further investment and redevelopment, including new housing options and businesses. Gradually, we may see a new urban district start to emerge—one to rival Garland and South Perry.

Naturally, a few skeptical business-owners along the corridor continue to emblazon their front windows with aggressive signs in opposition to the changes. A billboard still confronts drivers as they descend the North Hill into the district. It makes sense for business-owners to worry about construction impacts. But shouldn’t they be clamoring for such reinvestment? According to economists and urban planners, the types of changes envisioned for North Monroe tend to result in shoppers staying longer, spending more money, and returning more often. Reduced vehicular speeds allow drivers to get a better sense of environment and more safely park on the street. And why would a business want their potential customers to drive by more quickly?

The planned changes to North Monroe are estimated to add just 40 seconds to peak-hour commutes, and only when behind a Spokane Transit bus. (At all other times, impacts would be negligible.) They will enhance pedestrian safety to reduce the risk of fatal accidents. The project is funded by state and federal grants, allowing local dollars to stretch further. And critically, business-owners have been in the loop and been invited to participate in planning for more than two years. Access will be maintained over the course of construction.

South Perry became a major success only after major changes to the street. The same can be said of Hillyard and Garland, and a significant transformation is already underway on East Sprague. Let’s add another vibrant, exciting urban district to our city and finally revitalize North Monroe.

Anthony Gill is a Spokane native and recent graduate of Santa Clara University. He is the founder of Spokane Rising, an urbanist blog focused on ways to make our city a better place to live.