ADA, Okla., (KTEN)--In April 2021, construction crews started on a substantial renovation project to Main street in Ada.

The renovations are complete, and crews are working on the final touches downtown. 

“This is another quality of life opportunity for everybody,” said public information officer for the City of Ada, Lisa Bratcher.  “Main street has always been a great place to come, and now it is so much more aesthetically pleasing and user-friendly, and we can’t wait for people and visitors to come here, shop, and hang out here.”

The Penny for our City sales tax helped fund the project, which included new sidewalks, curbs and gutters, utility lines, irrigation, signals, light poles, and an update to Juliana park.

“Everything you see here on Main street would not have been possible without them supporting this,” Bratcher explained. “The vote passed, we raised money, and now we have a nearly 8 million dollar project.”

Bricks on Main street were also replaced during renovations.

“It was an Ada Main Street project that started decades ago; you could pay and order however many bricks you wanted and have your name or loved ones engraved on it, and they were set out here on all the blocks,” Bratcher explained. “All of the bricks have been replaced with all new engravings so people can come and find their families and loved ones.”

The original engraved bricks were taken out before renovations started.

“When we knew we were going to do this major construction project, the construction company took up all of the old bricks,’ Bratcher said. “Now they are in a secure area and will be available for people to pick up.” 

Bratcher said the city is working on organizing the old bricks to make it easier for people to come and pick them up. The pick-up date should be announced soon.

The City of Ada and Ada Main street will host a grand opening this Saturday to celebrate the completion of the project.

“We are excited for our merchants and businesses to have this nice Main street. It's one of the nicest I've ever seen,” said Ada Main Street director Jessica Conway. “So hopefully, that impacts our businesses in a positive way and brings people out to shop local.” 

 A ribbon cutting and ceremony will take place at Juliana Park Saturday at 10 am. 

The Grand opening event will run from 10:30 to 3 pm in downtown Ada. There will be free mini carnival rides, carriage rides, food trucks, and more.