The City of Las Cruces retained Sites Southwest to generate a vision and planning strategy for revitalizing its downtown. The center piece of this urban design effort is the reopening of Main Street to reinstate it as a major north/south arterial, which will bring thousands of cars and people through the heart of the City. The redevelopment strategy included planning for a new civic plaza and government buildings, attracting specialty retailers and service providers, and amplifying the downtown's role as the center for culture and arts. Capital improvements based on the vision are in process. The new Main Street has special paving for the street in areas that can be closed off for special events. Permanent shading elements adjacent to the new plaza and the former mall will make it easily convertible to an exciting pedestrian environment for major public events.