Las Vegas Great Blocks

Sites was commissioned by New Mexico Mainstreet to provide planning and design services for their Great Blocks Program for Mainstreet de Las Vegas. The project consisted of three blocks within Las Vegas’ Historic Railroad District including Lincoln and Railroad Avenues. Railroad Avenue is planned as a two-lane street with parallel parking and wide sidewalks on both sides. The east side of the street is wider than the west and will also include a walk and multi-use path to accommodate both bicycles and pedestrians. This bikeway will eventually be expanded to include a trail connecting with the Galleta River Trail to the south. A small sidewalk plaza and mid-block crossing at the Castaneda Hotel improves pedestrian access and enhances the streetside entry to this historic property. East Lincoln Street is envisioned as both a street and an often used part-time pedestrian plaza, which can be closed off to vehicular traffic during events. This tree-lined corridor utilizes permeable paving and subsurface wicking to sustain the trees. Street grade along Lincoln St. is elevated, with low mountable curbs, to enhance the pedestrian experience. Gateways at the Grand Ave. intersection mark the entrance to the railroad district, while steel railroad rails embedded in the roadway recall the history of the site. Sidewalk extensions and paved crossings throughout the project area make pedestrian crossings safer.