(COLORADO SPRINGS) — The new year will significantly change parts of Colorado Springs' historic Tejon Street in downtown, as a major revitalization project begins. The project aims to enhance public safety, improve accessibility, and spark business activity. The Tejon Street Revitalization Project is a collaboration between the City of Colorado Springs and the Downtown Partnership’s Downtown Development Authority.   "From a public works perspective, from a city perspective, we're here to do the best we can to create spaces that are safe, that are accessible, and that promote economic activity the best we can," said Richard Mulledy, Director of Public Works in Colorado Springs. "Trying to make downtown a better place to be and more fun to hang out." The first phase, Colorado to Kiowa Street, is set to begin in January or February. The City is incorporating input from the small businesses in those two blocks. Project elements include: Providing more sidewalk space for pedestrians and outdoor dining areas. Adding dedicated space for all travel modes. This includes automobiles, bikes, and scooters, as well as the Downtown Shuttle. Improving safety through the removal of the center lane. Deliveries move to side streets. Evaluating different on-street parking options. These include diagonal and parallel parking. Designating short-term parking areas for food delivery and ride-hail vehicles. Planting larger trees and expanding landscape areas. Enhancing opportunities for extra pedestrian lighting, public art, and seating. The city is also evaluating different on-street parking options, which Mulledy said helps fund the project. Second feedback survey available for Downtown, OCC parking plan "I don't think a lot of people realize the Colorado Springs Parking System Enterprise is what mainly funds streetscape improvements," Mulledy explained. "The revenues from the meters and the garages and off-street parking is a significant portion to these improvements." The City of Colorado Springs received a $1.6 million grant from the Colorado Department of Transportation, and the City will provide local funding. The Downtown Development Authority is also providing funding for the redesign and construction of aesthetic enhancements to the “Historic Busy Corner" at the intersection of Tejon Street and Pikes Peak Avenue. "We are excited for the city’s investment in our historic core. This revitalization project will increase safety and accessibility, providing a great walkable environment that supports key retail, entertainment and employment nodes in our growing Downtown neighborhood." Chelsea Gondeck, Director of Planning & Mobility, Downtown Partnership