In 1997, the City of Santa Monica developed the Downtown Urban Design Plan that set forth a vision for downtown Santa Monica - the main goal of the plan is to improve downtown transit facilities, traffic, and pedestrian amenities, thereby providing better linkage to adjoining key community destinations known throughout the world - the Third Street Promenade, Palisades Park, and the Santa Monica Pier.

In 1998, a Steering Committee refined and implemented the plan. This cooperative effort of Council and Planning Committee members, with input from Santa Monica residents and merchants resulted in the development of the Downtown Transit Mall project.

The Downtown Transit Mall project brings to life the basic principles set forth in the Urban Design Plan - simply put, the creation of a pedestrian-friendly downtown that co-exists with vehicular traffic. This goal is met by modifying the public right-of-way to balance a variety of different uses:

• Changes in street configurations to provide comfortable, well-defined areas
• The introduction of art to establish a sense of place
• The development of a well-maintained, safe, sustainable and inviting street environment