PITTSFIELD — The Pittsfield City Council voted Tuesday to accept $1.8 million in state grant funding to modernize the downtown block bordered by North, East and School streets.

The block suffers from outdated stormwater drains and deteriorated sidewalks, especially on School Street, which create hurdles for those attempting to navigate the area on foot. It also features three historic buildings whose aging utilities need updating, including underground heating and water systems.

The block includes the historic Berkshire County Savings Bank building, which is being developed through a $15.5 million private investment to create 19 new units to be used for either housing or retail space. It is also adjacent to a vacant location at 34 North St. that is being developed for $2 million to provide four additional housing units.

Pittsfield has been awarded a $1.8 million state grant to fix utilities and for sidewalk improvements around the block encompassed by North, East and School streets.

“There's been some issues over the years with water and stormwater,” said Justine Dodd, the city’s director of community development. “This project is going to be beneficial to all of those neighboring properties in addition to the housing, and then also to create sort of a walkable feel from North Street directly through to School Street.”

The funds are being provided through the MassWorks Infrastructure Program, which supports municipal improvements.

Pittsfield has been awarded a $1.8 million state grant to fix utilities and for sidewalk improvements around the block encompassed by North, East and School streets.

Referring to the aging infrastructure as “problematic and a major deterrent,” the grant application said the project aims to “beautify the overgrown and underused rear alley between East and School Streets, creating a welcoming open space and linking East Street to the renovated and activated retail spaces on School Street.”

Pittsfield has been awarded a $1.8 million state grant to fix utilities and for sidewalk improvements around the block encompassed by North, East and School streets.

Renovations will also create a “pocket park” between the Price Memorial AME Zion Church on East Street and the neighboring Berkshire County Savings Bank building. New lighting will be added there, as well as on the sidewalk, and new planters and benches will be installed.

Dodd said that construction likely would conclude by spring 2028. After design plans are finalized, actual construction is expected to take about a year and a half.

As the city aims to create a more attractive downtown center, attention has turned to updating aging infrastructure for pedestrians who might otherwise be deterred from visiting new housing and business locations once they open.

“I think this is really important when we can get somebody else to pay for this kind of work,” said Councilwoman Alisa Costa. “It really will help develop that corner and make sure we're going to get hopefully some additional housing and other opportunities there.”