South Commercial Avenue has minimal bicycle and pedestrian accommodations. Along the corridor there have been 10 pedestrian and bicycle collisions in the last three years. There is also public sentiment to improve the aesthetics and economic vitality of the area. 

In late 2015, The city received a grant from WSDOT to develop a concept design that improves roadway facilities for non-motorized uses between 11th and 34th streets.

In January 2016, Alta Planning + Design began the design of the South Commercial Avenue Corridor Plan with a public open house to get feedback from the community. Later that month, the design team presented three alternatives to city staff.

In February 2016, the City Council approved the Parkway Alternative, which included wide sidewalks, protected bike lanes and plantings.

In summer 2019, the city received grants from WSDOT and the Washington State Transportation Improvements Board for design and construction of improvements in the two-block area from 11th to 13th streets.

In November 2019, the city began the conceptual design phase of the Commercial Avenue Complete Street project.

In December 2019, Alta Planning + Design introduced the project to the public through an open house and a City Council presentation.