CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – The Clarksville Street Department is set to temporarily remove pieces of “outdoor furniture” throughout downtown as they look to paint over each one, going from light green to satin black, according to city spokesperson Jimmy Settle.

Street Department Director David Smith told Clarksville Now the furniture needs maintenance, and this is only the first phase.

“We are going to pull down furniture including the benches, trash cans and light poles, one side of each downtown block at a time,” Smith said. “Our first focus area will be on Strawberry Alley, on the southern portion of the roadway, between First and Second streets. Then, we’ll jump across the road and continue on, street-by-street, from there,” he said.

Smith added the pieces of furniture will be sent off to Powder Coat Art in Lebanon, Tennessee, as they will be painted over in satin black finish. The color change is meant to update the look for the furniture, while the powder coating in black is expected to last longer and require less maintenance over time.

The project is estimated to cost $1.5 million and is expected to be complete in about six months. The City Council approved the project in fiscal year 2023-24.

Meanwhile, the City of Clarksville has alerted downtown business owners and operators of the changes, Settle said.