An important “gateway” to Kingston’s historic downtown needs to be made more attractive to tourists, according to a recommendation that’s going to city council.

Staff want council to approve spending $310,000 to spruce up the area around Princess and Division Streets, a key route for commuters and visitors heading downtown. Some of the improvements will coincide with the completion of the final phase of Big Dig road construction work in the vicinity this summer.

“Staff have recently started to review options to add some gateway features and public art within the last phase of the Princess Street reconstruction,” according to a report by community services commissioner Lanie Hurdle.

The proposed beautification work includes the re-installation of flag poles flanking the intersection, plus a call for public art sculptures “to create better, more inviting and attractive public spaces” as outlined in the city’s downtown and public art master plans.

The spruced up look is to be funded through the provincially-available Main Street revitalization grant ($139,106), the existing Cultural Services capital budget ($56,000) and the municipal capital reserve fund (up to $115,000), according to staff.

The current intersection shows locals and visitors a drab non-heritage appearance in the shadow of Princess Towers, a 1970’s-era high-rise that’s often described as one of the city’s ugliest buildings.

Can a large mural on the side of Princess Towers dress up the area? City staff to explore other ways to spruce up Princess-Division area.

City officials say the final phase of the decade-long Big Dig, reconstructing two blocks of Princess Street between Barrie and Division Streets, is due to be completed July 1. The reconstruction includes a budget for streetscape improvements such as lighting, benches and flowers, but does not include extra beautification for the intersection that’s used by thousands of daily commuters.

In addition to planned aesthetic improvements on public property, officials say future projects could include painting a large mural on the side of Princess Towers depending on talks with private land owners in the area.

“Staff have also identified options for additional improvements which would require the consent of surrounding property owners and therefore could be considered in a second phase,” said Hurdle’s report.

She says staff will continue to explore these options and will report back to council at a later date.