ENTERPRISE, Ala. (WDNews) — New LED lights have made downtown Enterprise’s pedestrian paths more than five times brighter, according to an engineering study presented to the City Council.
City Engineer J. Barry Mott presented the findings of the Downtown Lighting Assessment: Lumen Study Report during Tuesday’s meeting. The report compared lighting levels before and after the city replaced 185 decorative light fixtures.
The study found brighter, more even lighting along walking paths, sidewalks and areas where people move between parked vehicles and downtown businesses.
The Downtown Lighting Revitalization Project also earned Main Street Enterprise the Award of Excellence in Public Space Improvements at the 2026 Main Street Alabama Awards of Excellence Banquet on Aug. 20.
Downtown Enterprise Alabama (City of Enterprise)Concerns Led to the Project
Work began in December 2023 after residents, downtown visitors and Main Street stakeholders raised concerns about dim and uneven lighting. The concerns focused on Main Street and the area around the Farmers Market.
The original decorative fixtures, installed around 2010, had become less effective as their parts aged. That left uneven lighting in areas used by pedestrians and vehicles.
City leaders wanted to improve visibility and pedestrian safety while keeping downtown’s established appearance.
Planning involved the mayor, City Council, Main Street Enterprise, downtown businesses and community stakeholders, including the Main Street Design Committee and Friends of Main Street.
The city also coordinated with the Alabama Department of Transportation, whose review and approval helped ensure the improvements met applicable requirements and standards.
The project was formally recommended to the City Council in July 2024.
Keeping the Poles, Replacing the Lights
The city kept the existing 12-foot decorative poles and replaced the outdated lighting heads.
Working with a lighting vendor, the city selected the Evolve LED Post Top Luminaire. Officials considered lighting performance, energy use, color temperature, how the light spreads, compatibility with existing poles and the appearance of downtown’s streetscape.
All 185 decorative lighting heads were replaced with LED fixtures. The new fixtures range from 74 to 96 watts and produce between 7,001 and 14,000 lumens, a measure of light output.
The city paid for the work entirely with city funds through a budgeted capital improvement project. The cost was not to exceed $200,000.
City employees completed installation in October 2025, ahead of schedule and under budget. The City of Enterprise Engineering and Public Works Department led the project.
Study Documents Brighter Walking Areas
Mott used a calibrated light meter to measure lighting at 39 locations in a representative section of downtown.
The study included pedestrian paths, areas near building entrances and angled parking spaces where people move between vehicles and sidewalks.
Initial readings showed inadequate lighting in much of the pedestrian corridor, with significant dark areas and uneven lighting between fixtures.
After the LED fixtures were installed, measurements were taken again at the same locations.
Average lighting along the measured walking path rose from 0.20 to 1.10 foot-candles, more than five times the original level. A foot-candle measures the amount of light reaching a surface.
The assessment also found more consistent coverage, fewer sharp differences between bright and dark areas, and better visibility along walking paths and parking transition areas.
According to the city, the upgraded system also improves reliability and energy efficiency while preserving the decorative poles.
Project Earns State Recognition
The Main Street Alabama award recognized the project’s improvements to downtown’s appearance, function and public spaces.
The city said the project shows how focused improvements can strengthen an established downtown district while preserving its character.
Officials also credited the partnership between the city and Main Street Enterprise with supporting local businesses and creating a welcoming setting for residents and visitors.
City Employees Recognized
Following the presentation, Mayor William E. Cooper recognized employees who helped complete the project.
Buddy Wise, Shane Jackson, Wyatt Donaldson and Nathan Sasser were honored for their work through the Public Works Department.
Each received a Certificate of Recognition and an America250 City of Enterprise commemorative coin featuring the Boll Weevil Monument on the reverse.
Mott was also recognized for his leadership, engineering analysis and project oversight.
“Projects like this are made possible by the people who take pride in their work and in the community they serve,” said Cooper. “This was an important investment in our downtown, and I appreciate the employees who worked to make these improvements a reality. Their efforts have made a noticeable difference in the experience of our downtown for residents, business owners and visitors.”
The city said the project supports its continued investment in public infrastructure and downtown’s long-term vitality. The engineering assessment now documents the results, while the state award provides additional recognition of the work.
