Washington Plaza is poised for a significant transformation, embarking on a new era with substantial city investment. The planned upgrades include the creation of a new public green space, the installation of modern security cameras, and a complete resurfacing of the aging parking lot, aiming to revitalize the over 50-year-old shopping center.
Key Takeaways
- A $500,000 investment from the City of Washington will fuel the plaza’s redevelopment.
- A quarter-acre green space will be established for community use and events.
- The parking lot will be resurfaced, and security cameras will be installed.
- The plaza may revert to its original name, Sunnyland Plaza.
Plaza Transformation
The City of Washington has approved a development agreement with Washington Plaza Management, spearheaded by owner Sam Tayabali. This agreement earmarks an estimated $500,000 in city funds to revitalize the 12-acre, nearly 100,000-square-foot plaza. A central feature of the redevelopment will be a new quarter-acre green space, designed to serve as a hub for families and community events. This initiative is driven by the city’s Economic Development Commission, aiming to enhance the plaza as a key economic driver and community gathering spot.
Infrastructure and Security Enhancements
Under the agreement, Washington Plaza Management will donate land for the green space, which the city will maintain. The city will also handle the installation of necessary infrastructure, including water, electric, sanitary sewer, and stormwater systems. Furthermore, the city will provide a $50,000 business improvement grant for the parking lot resurfacing and a revolving loan fund of up to $85,000 for additional site improvements. In return, Washington Plaza Management is responsible for improving the parking lot, addressing immediate issues, and installing security cameras. These cameras will provide 24/7 remote access to the Washington Police Department, monitoring the green space and parking lot. Stormwater drainage and detention improvements will also be a shared responsibility.
A Nod to the Past?
There is a possibility that Washington Plaza could return to its original name, Sunnyland Plaza, a name still commonly used by local residents. The shopping center was known as Sunnyland Plaza in 1971, when its first business opened. It was later renamed Washington Plaza around 2014. The decision to rename rests with Tayabali, who purchased the center in 2025. He has expressed openness to considering the name change.
Other City Council Business
In other city news, Mayor Lilija Stevens announced an informal "Let’s Talk Washington" session on June 24 at the Washington District Library’s Sunnyland branch. The City Council also approved a social media policy for city accounts, effective July 1, and addressed a downtown square project, extending a renovation deadline due to unforeseen structural issues. Additionally, a business improvement grant was awarded for exterior door replacement, and new traffic regulations were implemented for Jefferson Street and Herman Essig Drive. A police patrol vehicle was declared a total loss following an incident, and restoration work on the Candlewood Bridge is expected to conclude by mid- to late July. The Planning & Zoning Commission will review a billboard variance request and a rezoning application for a potential church location at its July meeting. Finally, Rachel Plasch has been hired as the city’s new communications coordinator/assistant to the city administrator.
