El Camino Real Project marks $12 million milestone in city’s vision for safety, sustainability, and community connection

By Hayley Mattson and Cami Martin 

ATASCADERO — After nearly a year of construction and years of planning, the City of Atascadero celebrated the near completion of its transformative El Camino Real Downtown Safety and Parking Enhancement Project with a festive block party on Friday, June 27. The long-anticipated celebration marked a major milestone in a $12 million infrastructure investment aimed at reshaping the heart of the city to better serve pedestrians, cyclists, businesses, and visitors alike.

The celebration kicked off with a VIP media tour led by City Manager Jim Lewis and Deputy Director of Economic Development Loreli Cappel, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the improvements and the vision guiding them. That was followed by a ribbon-cutting ceremony, live music, a car show, food vendors, and dancing that energized downtown and showcased the newly revitalized corridor.

“This is what we’ve been waiting for,” Lewis said. “Atascadero is a genuine, authentic community that values connection, comfort, and accessibility. This project is a testament to that spirit.”

The 0.6-mile project narrowed El Camino Real to one lane in each direction through downtown, adding over 125 new angled parking spaces, shorter pedestrian crosswalks, widened sidewalks, and “sharrows” — shared bike and vehicle lanes marked by bright green squares. These changes are intended to calm traffic, improve safety, and enhance walkability.

One of the most significant improvements is the newly upgraded crosswalk near Atascadero Middle School, the city’s highest-trafficked crossing point. “This used to be one of our most dangerous crossings,” Cappel explained. “Now it’s signalized, includes a pedestrian refuge, and slows traffic — especially during busy morning and evening school times.”

Commuters may still encounter brief delays or detours in July as final landscaping and electrical work wrap up north of Traffic Way. But the major impacts are complete, and the transformation is already apparent.

The city took the opportunity to incorporate modern environmental practices into the redesign. More than 25 large-canopy trees were planted to provide shade and combat the urban heat island effect. “We’ll be doing temperature tests — before and after — to measure how much cooler downtown will be thanks to these trees,” Cappel said. “It’s not just aesthetic — it’s functional and sustainable.”

Additionally, bioswales and permeable pavers were installed to naturally filter stormwater before it enters the groundwater system. These hidden features help reduce runoff and improve water quality, positioning Atascadero as a model for small-city environmental planning.

Beneath the surface, the city upgraded sewer infrastructure in anticipation of downtown growth. With the updated General Plan allowing for buildings up to four stories, the groundwork is laid for vertical expansion.

The revitalization project was also designed with modern business needs in mind, from ride-share drop-off zones to wide loading lanes that accommodate delivery trucks — even in a one-lane system. While some longtime businesses, such as Sherwin-Williams and Tyndall Tile, have experienced challenges during the transition, the city is actively supporting their relocation efforts and working to attract new tenants that align more closely with the evolving vision for downtown.

One exciting newcomer is Lever’s Pizza, known for its success in Tin City, which is opening a location downtown. A new restaurant and speakeasy distillery is also in the works in a redesigned 10,000-square-foot space, with help from the city’s restaurant loan program.

“We’ve worked hard to build a nightlife here, and you can see that coming to life now,” Lewis said. “The businesses are stepping up with creativity — from scavenger hunts to dance parties on Entrada — and we’re thrilled to support them.”

Beyond the infrastructure, the project is about creating a space for people to gather and celebrate. Decorative elements echo the historic tile patterns of City Hall, and new lighting and electrical systems were installed to accommodate markets, performances, and festivals.

“We built in removable bollards so we can close the street for events safely and quickly,” Cappel said. “Everything — from the layout to the lights — was designed with the community in mind.”

In the coming months, two new metal archways will be installed at key entrances to downtown, inspired by the original El Camino Real arch. Tunnel improvements connecting from the Sunken Gardens to the high school are also planned, featuring new lighting and fresh paint to enhance the sense of arrival and connection.

This transformative project was made possible by a patchwork of local, state, and federal funding sources, including a $3 million state legislative grant from Senator John Laird, $2.5 million in betterment grants from SLOCOG, $1.1 million from the wastewater fund, and additional support from the local transportation fund, bond agreements, and a federal grant championed by Congressman Jimmy Panetta.

“None of this would have been possible on a normal city budget,” Lewis emphasized. “It’s taken years of planning, design iterations, and public engagement. But thanks to teamwork, perseverance, and creative funding, we’ve delivered something that truly elevates our downtown.”

While Friday’s party was a celebration of what’s been accomplished, the future is already taking shape. New tenants, more events, and continued upgrades are on the horizon. And with the city’s focus on accessibility, sustainability, and community identity, the El Camino Real project is more than a facelift — it’s a foundation for the next chapter in Atascadero’s story.

“We’re growing, and we’re growing with intention,” Cappel said. “This isn’t just a road project — it’s a community project. And now, everyone gets to enjoy the benefits.”

Feature Image: A group of city and county leaders cheer and toast as Atascadero Mayor Charles Bourbeau cuts the ribbon for the soon-to-be-completed El Camino Real Downtown Safety and Parking Enhancement Project, during a block party Friday, June 27, on Atascadero’s main road. Photo by Rick Evans/ATN