The City of Tacoma will host two events next month to mark the beginning of the Pacific Avenue Streetscape Project.

The project aims to improve the right-of-way from South 7th Street to South 17th Street and attract and encourage visitors and new business to downtown Tacoma. Earlier this month, Tacoma City Council awarded a contract for the project to Tucci & Sons, Inc. Limited construction is scheduled to begin in November prior to the holiday shutdown from Thanksgiving to Jan. 2. The overall project, which includes complete streets concepts, multimodal transportation, innovative stormwater treatment, and wayfinding, is expected to be completed by November 2013. Two-way traffic, pedestrian, and emergency access to the businesses will be maintained at all times, according to city officials. City officials are also planning “green flash” events and art that will celebrate Pacific Avenue during construction.

On Mon., Nov. 5, city officials will celebrate the start of the first phase of construction — which spans from South 7th Street to South 9th Street and includes in-filling two vaulted walks, installing new sidewalks, landscaping, rain gardens and catenary lighting, as well as a new cobblestone intersection at South 8th Street — with a groundbreaking ceremony at Fireman’s Park, located at 803 A. St., according to the City of Tacoma’s Web site. The event will be followed by a reception with light pastries and refreshments at the Tacoma Art Museum, located at 701 Pacific Ave.

On Weds., Nov. 7,the City of Tacoma will host an open house at 6 p.m. in the Council Chambers on the first floor of the Tacoma Municipal Building, located at 747 Market Street. City and contractor representatives will be available to answer your questions.

More information is online at cityoftacoma.org/pacave.