Residents will begin to see a brighter side of Congress Avenue, between Cesar Chavez Street and 11th Street, as lights will be installed on trees through the Congress Avenue Lights Project.

The project is funded by the Downtown Austin Alliance and includes lighting 136 trees every day of the year on the 11-block stretch of street. The project stemmed from the 2010 Congress Avenue Report and has been in the works for almost two years. The report focused on six factors the community would like to see improved on Congress Avenue, including outdoor dining; art, culture and theater; shopping; history and architecture; urban rail; and an exceptional pedestrian experience

"It's a really good street, and we want it to be an exceptional street." DAA Associate Director Molly Alexander said. "We want it to be an exceptional experience. It's the most important street in the entire state."

The project uses energy-efficient lights from Blachere Illumination, and installation began in August. By mid-November, DAA officials expect residents will start seeing functioning lights in the trees.

"The lights will help define the area, and lighting the trees extends the life of the street," Alexander said. "Instead of being a street that goes from dawn to dusk, it's now a street that goes from dawn and into the night."

Alexander added the lights also help bridge the gap between the private and public sectors of the street, saying that the lights are "really the foundation for the vision" for the street.

"This project will bring a new vitality to the avenue and create a vibrant pedestrian experience unlike anything Austin has ever seen," DAA board Chairwoman Pamela Power said in a news release. "The Congress Avenue lights will help transform one of Texas' most beloved streets into our Champs Elysees or Michigan Avenue. It will certainly be a sight for all to see."

The project is expected to cost about $400,000.

"We're trying to lay a foundation that allows others to respond (to the changes)," Alexander said. "The people on the street create a great street."

The Downtown Austin Alliance is a public improvement district that works with local government, property owners, residents and business owners to strengthen the business and cultural environment as well as advocating and protecting downtown Austin.

A celebration for the project and installation is scheduled for Dec. 1 at the Holiday Sing-Along and Downtown Stroll.