FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff Beautification, Arts & Sciences program announces the completion of Aspen Niche. The project, a partnership between the City and Qwest Corporation, began in 2021. Located on Aspen Avenue between Century Link and Pay ‘N Take, Aspen Niche features bicycle parking and beautification elements including new fencing, vehicle and pedestrian gates and asphalt replacement—enhancing the pedestrian experience by transforming the banality of chain link and asphalt into a vibrant focal point.
“Aspen Niche is a bright and inviting aesthetic for the downtown experience,” said Jana Weldon, Program Manager for the City’s Beautification, Arts and Sciences program. “With the bike hub, this project adds value that is both artistic and functional, creating a more welcoming atmosphere by encouraging visitors to engage with their surroundings.”
The previous chain link fence, which enclosed the parking lot, was removed and replaced with a set-back incised weathering steel panel fence, accentuated with durable Jatoba wood and aqua colored metal posts. The circular patterns in the cut metal panels are engaging and may evoke water eddies or tree rings. The new fence includes a manual vehicular gate with the same design along with a pedestrian gate for Century Link employees between the building and license area. In the set-back area existing asphalt has been replaced with buff-colored concrete that features a diamond pattern and brush-finished texture. Colorful, high-volume bike racks complete the project.
“The incorporation of weathering steel and color accents connects this beautification and public art project to the “Among Trees” installation at Flagstaff Municipal Court and “Touch home, reach sky” at the entry to the Flagstaff-City Coconino County Public Library,” said Weldon.
In addition to input from Beautification, Arts & Sciences, CenturyLink, Pay ‘N Take and Orpheum Theater, feedback was gathered from the following City of Flagstaff commissions and committees: Historic Preservation Commission, Bicycle Advisory Committee, Pedestrian Advisory Committee and the Expanded Right of Way Committee which includes the Flagstaff Downtown Business Association and key City of Flagstaff Streets and Parks, Recreation, Open Space and Events (PROSE) staff. The design was done by BAS staff in collaboration with Farrah Dang of Morning Dew.