In partnership with Sacramento Regional Transit District (SacRT), the Midtown Association is excited to announce a spectacular and vibrant LED art installation is now underway at SacRT’s 29th Street light rail station located on R Street between 29th & 30th streets. The lighting enhancement project is designed to attract and encourage ridership while also creating a welcoming connection and pedestrian gateway between Midtown and the nearby Alhambra corridor. The 29th Street light rail station opened in 1987 as part of SacRT’s starter line. Between 2019 and 2020, approximately 900,000 trips were taken to and from the station. Once completed, the light rail station will be brightly lit up each night at dusk.
“We love incorporating art in unexpected places to further energize our thriving Midtown district,” said Emily Baime Michaels, Executive Director of Explore Midtown. “It’s important from a connectivity perspective but it’s also critical to showcase art as an essential public transit amenity to help create a vibrant destination station.”
This latest lighting enhancement project is part of a multi-year effort by the Midtown Association that equates to a combined investment of nearly $60K thus far. Other lighting enhancements led by the Midtown Association include the “disco tree” at 24th & K, cascading tree lights along J Street between 27th & 28th streets, upcoming ambient lighting at Winn Park (to be installed later this year), and other projects to be announced.
“This art/light installation will bring visual interest, beauty and safety to the 29th street light rail station,” said Councilmember Jeff Harris, City of Sacramento, District 3 and SacRT Board Member. “It will serve as a wayfinding welcome to Midtown and destinations eastward, making this a unique stop on the light rail system. Investment in beautifying public space enhances our urban experience. Kudos to the Midtown Association.”
The enhancement project is highlighted by custom-fabricated LED light panels created by talented local artist Chris Biddle from Light23 and installed by Choice Electrical Inc. The colorful panels resemble street pole banners popular throughout Midtown, specifically on
J Street between 20th and 27th streets. The LED panels are programmable and can change colors with the flip of a switch. The custom light panels are affixed to six light poles along R Street at the 29th Street Station, near the Sacramento Natural Foods Co-op.
“We are incredibly excited about the LED art installation at 29th & R,” said Sean Eakins, General Manager, Sacramento Natural Foods Co-op. “It is the primary public transportation stop used by our members and shoppers to visit the Co-op and with increased visibility I think it will provide a safe and welcoming feel. These improvements are so important to the growth of our area and the Sacramento Natural Foods Co-op is thrilled to see the hard work that Sacramento Regional Transit District and the Midtown Association have done come to life!”
In addition to offering numerous public transportation options such as SacRT’s 29th Street light rail station, ample bus service and SmaRT Ride on-demand shuttle service, Midtown Sacramento is walkable and bike/scooter/car-share friendly with plenty of parking available in nearby garages located at 1801 L Street or the East End Garage on 17th Street between L & Capitol, plus various lots throughout Midtown. For additional transportation information, please visit www.easeintomidtown.com. For more information about Midtown Sacramento in general, special activities, and the Midtown Association, please visit www.exploremidtown.org or follow on social media – Facebook at www.facebook.com/exploremidtown/ and @ExploreMidtown on Instagram and Twitter.
