Helena Cruse Avenue Visioning Plan

Helena Cruse Avenue Visioning Plan

Redefining Cruse Avenue was identified as a key outcome of the Downtown Master Plan. The City of Helena Community Development Department selected DOWLING and Better City to refine the goals for Cruse Avenue that were outlined in the Master Plan. The team conducted public and stakeholder meetings to help provide direction for the vision. The right of way is wide with streets that were designed to move traffic which never materialized. Underutilized parking lots were identified for re-use, pedestrian movements were studied for better access to downtown, and for safety at large intersections. The solution creates walking and bike lanes, appropriate sized streets, provides for affordable workforce housing, and appropriate commercial development opportunities.