Client Challenge | Gray’s Village center had long functioned as a car-centric pass-through, with wide intersections, fast travel lanes, and fragmented streetscapes that left pedestrians and businesses disconnected. The community needed a fresh vision to reclaim its main roads as safe, walkable outdoor living rooms—places where residents and visitors could gather, shop, and linger, rather than merely drive past.

Team Approach | In partnership with MaineDOT, Principle Group led a 2022 community-driven design effort that brought together residents, business owners, and civic leaders to reimagine Gray’s streets. Through workshops and on-site charrettes, we aligned state and local priorities, then translated that shared vision into street-by-street concepts—from narrowing travel lanes and removing free-flow right-turn slips to adding on-street parking, bike facilities, street trees, and generous pedestrian refuges. Our design seamlessly integrates stormwater upgrades and utility improvements, creating a truly multimodal corridor that honors the village’s character.

Project Impact | By mid-2025, Gray’s Village will begin its transformation into a vibrant destination where safety, commerce, and community converge. Slower vehicle speeds and shorter crossing distances will dramatically improve pedestrian and cyclist safety. New streetscape amenities—inviting seating areas, landscaped planters, and frequent crosswalks—will boost local businesses and nurture daily gatherings. Ultimately, this project lays the groundwork for a revitalized Gray Village that feels welcoming, sustainable, and unmistakably people-centered.

Location
Gray, Maine

Client
Town of Gray

Year
2022 - Present

Team
Principle
MaineDOT

Disciplines
Planning
Zoning & Coding
Urban Design