The Magnolia community has raised the $120,000 needed to commence with Phase 1 of the Magnolia Beautification Project aimed at improving our Magnolia Village sidewalks and streetscape.
“We have been overwhelmed by the generosity of our neighbors, community supporters and local businesses,” says Cheryl McQuiston, chair of the Magnolia Chamber of Commerce’s Beautification Committee and spearheading the beautification project and its five phases. “We are immensely grateful to all of our donors – our community is amazing.”
Donations to date have ranged from $25 dollars in cash to donors and businesses who have given $2500, $5000 or $10,000 dollars, and two donors who invested $25,000 in the project. Donors respond to the project’s goals and intended outcomes: A more welcoming commercial district and a socially active Magnolia Village that boasts attractive seating, stylish bistro lighting, sturdy poles with flowering hanging baskets, seasonal banners, and other community-inspired upgrades that will be sustainably maintained year-round.
Phase 1 includes improvements to the sidewalk areas on either side of McGraw Street between 32nd and 33rd Avenues. The next four phases of the beautification project will be reviewed, evaluated, and hopefully, approved by the city of Seattle. All project-related purchases, placement, and activities will be done in compliance with the permits.
“With the support of our donors and the approval by the city, we have now been able to start the Phase 1 improvements along the main Village corridor,” says McQuiston. “We are submitting the plans for Phase 2 and anxiously await consideration by the city and building more community support.”
The fundraising goal for Phase II will be approximately $80,000, depending on permit approval, and will include adding new benches, poles and flowering baskets, porous pavement around existing trees, and the planting of a new Magnolia tree.
“We are focused on fundraising for Phase II, which envisions improving the sidewalks and streetscape on both sides of McGraw Street between 33
rd
Ave and 34
th
Avenues,” says McQuiston. “Improving the streetscape will assist in keeping and attracting businesses while enhancing Magnolia Village’s experiences for neighbors and visitors alike.”
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