The city of Mount Rainier is fixing up the sidewalks and streets around Pennyroyal Station and Era Wine Bar.

In late July, contractors with Usource Construction began a $1.1 million project to demolish existing walkways and landscaping to make way for a refurbished streetscape in the 3300 block of Rhode Island Avenue, next to the roundabout.

The new, modern design will feature special sloped landscaping designed to reduce storm runoff as well as a “nature play area,” new benches, in-ground solar-powered LED lighting and repaved sidewalks.

Large new planters with small ornamental trees will also make the sidewalk feel safer from nearby traffic, which should help improve outdoor seating for customers at Pennyroyal and nearby Era Wine Bar.

The bulk of the money comes from a $1 million grant from the Covid-19 stimulus bill signed by President Joe Biden in 2021. The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development and the Maryland Historical Trust also contributed money.

Last year, the city of Mount Rainier also spent money improving the facades of businesses in the same area, which is essentially the southern gateway to the Maryland portion of the Route 1 corridor.

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