Revitalization Efforts and Projects

The City is committed to the revitalization of Old Town as a vibrant, welcoming destination that celebrates local history while supporting future growth. Through strategic investment, community partnerships, and targeted economic development efforts, the City is working to reimagine Old Town as a hub for business, culture, and community connection.

Key projects advancing this vision include streetscape and infrastructure improvements designed to enhance walkability and safety, façade enhancement efforts to support local businesses, and public space activation initiatives that bring new energy to the area through events, gatherings, and programming. In addition, the City is actively supporting small business attraction and retention to encourage unique shops, dining, and services that contribute to a thriving district.

Together, these efforts reflect a long-term commitment to transforming Old Town into a dynamic destination where residents and visitors can gather, explore, and experience the heart of the community.

Ongoing Projects

Old Town Streetscape Project

The City of Victorville is launching a transformative streetscape project along Seventh Street in Old Town to create a safer, more vibrant, and pedestrian-friendly downtown experience. Guided by the Old Town Specific Plan and identified as a priority in the City’s Strategic Plan, this project will enhance the Old Town core from Yucca Avenue/Center Street to D Street by transforming Seventh Street from a four-lane roadway into a two-lane, pedestrian-friendly street with on-street parking.

Key features of the project include:

Street redesign: Reducing Seventh Street from four lanes to two, adding on-street parking, and modifying the intersection at Forrest Avenue to create a distinctive entry feature that marks the gateway into the Old Town downtown core.
Lighting upgrades: Installing decorative lighting scaled for both pedestrians and vehicles to improve safety and ambiance.
Landscaping: Incorporating native, low-maintenance plants and cohesive design elements throughout the corridor.
Technology integration: Adding video surveillance and a speaker system to support public safety and community events.
Placemaking elements: Honoring Route 66 heritage with public art, signage, benches, bike racks, and community banners.

Project Milestones	Dates
RFP Released	July 31, 2024
Proposal Deadline	September 16,2024
Contract Award to Dokken Engineering, Inc.	February 4, 2025
Public Workshop - Conceptual Design Review	October 20, 2025
Target Completion of Construction Plans	Spring/Summer 2026

Old Town Commercial Facade Improvement Program

The City continues to invest in Old Town and support local businesses through the Old Town Commercial Façade Improvement Program, funded through Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds. The program provides eligible businesses with financial assistance for property improvements, including exterior paint, ADA upgrades, window enhancements, landscaping, and code corrections.

Six businesses are currently participating, with projects in various stages of design and construction. Two projects are anticipated to be completed in 2026, including one nearing completion. Together, these improvements reflect the City’s continued commitment to supporting local businesses and revitalizing Old Town.

For more information, contact Economic Development at (760) 955-5032.

Route 66 Refresh Program

The City is also investing in Old Town through the Route 66 Refresh Program with grants of up to $10,000 per property to help improve storefronts and address blight and public safety concerns. Work has begun on four properties along 7th Street, with improvements including window replacements, fence repairs, trash and debris removal, exterior paint, solar lighting, and minor repairs. These efforts will help create a cleaner, safer, and more welcoming Old Town for businesses, residents, and visitors.

For more information, contact the City’s Code Compliance Division at (760) 955-5104.