DeKalb’s asphalt isn’t the only surface getting a makeover this summer: next Monday will be the groundbreaking of Re:New DeKalb’s first public improvement project.

At 10:30 a.m., June 30, construction will officially begin on the redesign of DeKalb Parking Lot #4, across the street from the Egyptian Theater, 132 N. Second St. The project is the first of several planned for the years ahead by Re:New DeKalb, a task force created by DeKalb Mayor Frank Van Buer.

The redesign will also include a pedestrian pass-through which is being cleaved out of 231 E. Lincoln Highway. The 11-foot wide building which formerly occupied the address, is being removed to accommodate the project feature, which will allow foot-traffic to the downtown area from the lot.

Planned for the fall is a redesign of Lincoln Highway itself between Fourth and 11th streets.

According to the Executive Director of Re:New DeKalb Jennifer Groce, the project will include new lighting, benches, and a monument.

Also being considered is a project proposed to put two hotels, a chain restaurant, retail locations and, possibly, residential development at the corner of Lincoln Highway and Peace Road. The plan was discussed by city council Wednesday night, and is currently being reviewed.

Van Buer began Re:New DeKalb two years ago to “stimulate, improve, and enhance the downtown area, creating positive effects for the entire community,” according the Web site. It replaced the previous organization, Main Street DeKalb.

“It has a longer term view than the city council or the mayor, because you have to go through elections which are every two years,” Van Buer said. This way, the non-for-profit organization can not become “politicized.”

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