Somerton to Break Ground on First Phase of Downtown Improvements

SOMERTON, Ariz. (KYMA) - A long-term plan to revitalize downtown Somerton is finally moving forward, with construction set to begin later this month.

City officials say the project has been in the works for about 10 years and was originally designed back in 2016 after funding was secured.

“This is something that's been planned and was put in place, designed in about 2016,” said Louie Galaviz, Somerton's City Manager. “So the funding was able to be obtained and now we're trying to move this forward, making Main Street in Somerton more attractive.”

Phase one of the downtown redevelopment is scheduled to begin the week of June 22. The nearly $3 million project will transform a stretch of Main Street between State Street and Somerton Avenue.

Planned improvements include upgraded sidewalks, an arched entry monument, new landscaping, and added seating areas for public gatherings.

City officials say the goal is to make the area more welcoming and help support local growth.

“We’re just hoping that everybody understands that this will bring an improvement to Main Street… and really bring more traction so that Somerton continues to grow and support our residents and their local businesses,” Galaviz said.

Residents say the changes could improve daily life in the area, especially by creating more shaded and comfortable public spaces.

“You see that a lot of older people gather there at the little park,” said resident Maria Corral. “If they make those improvements… with more space and more shade, it would give us more reason to come out.”

This is only the first phase of a larger redevelopment plan expected to expand across several blocks of downtown Somerton in the future.

Construction is expected to last about four months, and the city is asking residents to be patient with traffic changes during that time.