Wheelock-Grotto Reconstruction Phase 2 work planned for this summer

Phase two of the neighborhood street and pedestrian improvements within the area of East Como Boulevard, Grotto Street, Maryland Avenue, and Arlington Avenue will take place in 2026. The project will improve street pavement, curb and gutter, street lighting, sidewalks, underground utilities including water mains and storm sewers as well as improve pedestrian safety by filling in missing sidewalk gaps.

Phase 2 - Reconstruction

• Lakeview Avenue between Como Boulevard and Victoria Street
• Como Boulevard and Lakeview Avenue and Victoria Street
• Parkview Avenue between Avon Street and St Albans Street
• Cottage Avenue between Avon Street and Grotto Street
• St Albans Street between Arlington Avenue and Cottage Avenue
• St Albans Street between Orange Avenue & Maryland Avenue
• Alameda Street between Wheelock Parkway and Maryland Avenue

Phase 2 - Mill and Overlay

• Grotto Street between Arlington Avenue and Lakeview Avenue
• Orange Avenue between Grotto Street and Dale Street

Construction schedule

• Week of June 1 - construction activities anticipated to begin, including placement of construction signs and temporary water main
• Starting June 15 - removals are expected to start

There are many street segments included in this project. Specific work locations and schedules are dependent on weather and the contractor’s capacity. Work may not always be happening on your block. 

The contractor intends to begin work on East Como Boulevard and Lakeview Avenue early to mid-June, 2026 and then move southeastward. 

Map showing the order of anticipated construction by area

General order of street construction (each block or roadway section will likely be on a different schedule):

• Construction set up, including signage and temporary water mains
• Removal of existing roadway
• Underground utility work
• Construction of concrete curb and gutter
• Construction of roadway
• Installation of new sidewalk and pedestrian ramps
• Final layer of roadway asphalt
• Boulevard restoration 
• Tree plantings (often happen the following year)

Residents in the Wheelock-Grotto Street Reconstruction Phase 2 area have the opportunity to apply for a native landscaping grant from the Capitol Region Watershed District. 

Native Landscape Grant is a one time grant award up to $1,000. The following activities and materials are eligible for the grant award:

• Purchase of native plants or native cultivars
• Purchase of soil, mulch, and edging
• Rental of equipment and tools
• Contracted construction

For more information about Native Landscape Grants: https://www.capitolregionwd.org/grants/native-landscape-grants/

To apply for a Native Landscape Grant, complete the application: https://www.capitolregionwd.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Native-Landscape-Grant-Application-new.pdf