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February 9, 2026

Best in State - Gold Award: Social, Economic, and Sustainable Development Considerations

Photo courtesy of ACEC
The project updated underground utilities, widened sidewalks, and added curb extension “bulb outs” at crosswalks, a protected bike lane at sidewalk grade, and upgraded lighting and wayfinding.

Welch Comer Engineers
Project Downtown Pullman
City of Pullman

Project Downtown Pullman represents the city of Pullman’s commitment to transform its historic downtown into a safer, accessible and economically vibrant civic heart. Spurred by the 2020 Downtown Master Plan and extensive community engagement, the city enlisted Welch Comer Engineers to reimagine Main Street and adjacent streets as places for people, not just vehicles. The project addressed outdated underground utilities, narrow and heaved sidewalks, limited accessibility and worn streetscapes through wider sidewalks, curb extension “bulb outs” at crosswalks, a protected bike lane at sidewalk grade, and upgraded lighting and wayfinding.

The design balanced the need to calm traffic and reclaim space for pedestrians with the requirement to maintain highway levels of service and freight mobility. Through careful traffic analysis and coordination with WSDOT, one lane was removed for most of the project while maintaining parallel parking and adding ADA-compliant diagonal stalls on Pine and Kamiaken streets. Utilities work replaced aging water, sewer and stormwater lines, improving reliability and reducing maintenance costs.

Construction began in April 2024. To expedite work, Main Street was closed to traffic and reopened on Nov. 13, 2024. Despite delays from supply chain issues and contractor availability, work concluded in May 2025. Throughout construction, the project team maintained pedestrian access, coordinated deliveries and communicated regularly with businesses to mitigate impacts. A communications consultant produced weekly video updates to keep the public informed.

Downtown Pullman now boasts new sidewalks, ADA-compliant ramps at every corner, accessible parking, landscaped curb extensions, a protected bike lane and clearer wayfinding that links trails, the riverfront and cultural venues. The project enhances business visibility, creates space for outdoor dining, and stands as one of the largest public works project in the city’s history, showcasing how thoughtful design, robust community engagement and strategic funding can revitalize a city core.


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