Central Avenue Corridor Initiative

The Central Avenue corridor connects Dubuque’s downtown and Historic Millwork District to the city’s North End. Central Avenue has historically been the “main street” for the Washington Neighborhood, one of Dubuque's oldest neighborhoods, and is lined with historic buildings offering commercial and retail opportunities on the ground floor and residential spaces on the upper floors. 

Central Avenue Corridor Streetscape Master Plan

The Dubuque City Council made investing in the Central Avenue corridor a high priority and sought to preserve the corridor's history and spur economic revitalization by developing a master plan. The City gathered public input regarding the current state of the area and potential improvements from Central Avenue Corridor stakeholders, including business owners, employees, patrons, residents, landlords, social service agencies, community leaders, and partner agencies. Through neighborhood association meetings, open-house workshops, pop-up events, an online survey, and more, the public shared their vision for an improved Central Avenue corridor. Using the feedback shared, the City worked in conjunction with a consultant to develop the Central Avenue Corridor Streetscape Master Plan to address aesthetics and mobility in the corridor. 

Major Components

Aesthetics

The public expressed their desire for the improved corridor to reflect the neighborhood's history by preserving its architecture and preventing gentrification, while also incorporating new, greener landscaping and other inviting elements to promote economic vitality. The plan addresses the current aesthetics of the Central Avenue corridor and provides guidelines for future enhancements and redevelopment of public infrastructure through recommended options for streetscape furnishings and landscaping.

Mobility

The public also agreed that pedestrian-friendly streets and safety improvements are necessary to enhance the corridor. Respondents discussed creating streets that welcomed bus, bike, and car traffic in a safe and inviting manner. The plan examines the opportunity to transform Central Avenue from its current status as a one-way state highway to a pedestrian-friendly one-way or two-way city street.

Recent Improvements & Planning

In January 2023, the Dubuque City Council adopted the Central Avenue Corridor Streetscape Master Plan. The City budgeted $150,000 for FY23 and $25,000 for FY2024 to make minor aesthetic improvements on Central Avenue from 11th St. to 22nd St. Additionally, the Engineering Department’s FY2023 five-year Capital Improvement Program budget included $400,000 for the design of streetscape and traffic improvements, along with $265,000 for the Central Ave. and White St. Corridor Study. This allocation covered a comprehensive traffic study that assessed signalized intersections in the corridor, identified enhancements or modifications to meet traffic demands, and addressed transit needs as well as bike, pedestrian, and sustainability considerations.

Current Status

In January of 2025, the city council approved the Central Ave. and White St. Corridor Traffic Study Summary Report and adopted the Multi-Modal Alternative. The multi-modal design will serve as a guide for the redevelopment and revitalization of the corridor.

• Explore the Central Ave. & White St. Corridor Study

Get Involved

Residents, business owners, property owners, and developers along Central Ave. meet quarterly to advance the redevelopment of the corridor. To participate in those meetings, please email Assistant Economic Development Director Ian Hatch or call 563-589-4105.