By Daniel Lapham/Staff Writer

Brick by brick, the plans for a revitalized downtown El Reno continue with the approval of the sidewalk improvement project.

Originally the sidewalk and lighting improvements in the Main Street district were scheduled to be done earlier this year, but the project was delayed because “when we went to the State Historic Preservation Office, they said our plan was not historically accurate,” said Robert Coleman, Community Development director.

The state preservation office contested the plans by disputing El Reno’s claim that the original sidewalks downtown were paved with brick.

“We got our stuff back in early August and they were saying that downtown El Reno was always all cement. The elders in the community didn’t agree and they were right,” Coleman said. “Our friends at the El Reno Historic Preservation Office were able to prove that it was historically accurate. We hope to have the final specifications approved by the state so we can go to bid in November or December.”

The entire project is scheduled to be completed in time for Burger Day 2008, said Codie Finnigan, Main Street director.
The completed project will give a uniform classic look to the entire Main Street corridor that faces the trolley tracks on Rock Island and Bickford avenues.

Part of the project already has been completed, giving an example of what the area should look like next year.