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HomeMy WebLinkAboutITEM III-BMemorandum To: Downtown Redevelopment Committee From: Elizabeth Chamberlain, Principal Planner CC: Cindy Baker, Planning, Building, and Community Director Dennis Dowdy, Public Works Director Dennis Selle, City Engineer Ingrid Gaub, Assistant City Engineer Daryl Faber, Parks, Arts, and Recreation Director Date: November 18, 2009 Re: Staff Analysis of Auburn Junction Alpert Vision Memo dated 9-29-09 and Alpert City Hall Plaza Concept Auburn Junction Alpert Vision Memo Staff has reviewed the Auburn Junction Alpert Vision Memo and prepared a table outlining which vision items are in code or standards and in the agreement and which vision items are not in code. Attached are the Alpert memo and the comparison table prepared by staff. At the November 24, 2009 Committee meeting, the goal is to discuss the Alpert Vision memo and staff’s analysis. Staff would like feedback on whether the Committee would consider any changes to code or the agreement to accommodate the vision items not currently permitted. Questions for the Committee are included in the attached table. Alpert City Hall Plaza Concept Alpert’s team submitted their proposal for the City Hall Plaza. Staff met with our consultant, John Nelson, to review the Alpert design. The City’s consultant created a phased approach to the City Hall Plaza design and worked from the existing infrastructure of the plaza (e.g. terraces) as he was directed to do. The Downtown Redevelopment Committee approved the site plan in March 2009. While there has been discussion that the 3-D rendering captures the concept desired of the plaza, that drawing was only created to give conceptual perspective not exact elements/features/amenities for the plaza. Staff is working with Mr. Nelson to revise that image. Attached you will find the plan submitted by Alpert’s team and the approved conceptual plan prepared by John Nelson. Page 1 of 2 Questions for the Committee 1. Does the Committee want the City Hall Plaza to continue south across West Main Street into the properties? 2. Does the Committee want to keep with the conceptual plan approved in March 2009? 3. Does the Committee want to revise the approved conceptual plan and incorporate any elements from the Alpert team concept? Page 2 of 2 AUBURN JUNCTION ALPERT VISION FROM 30,000 FEET (Big ideas now, details later) Revised 9-29-2009 The following are further clarifications of the earlier adopted Auburn Junction Design Guidelines along with the Alpert Design Team response and recommendations based on the Mayors Institute on City Design presentation. INTERSECTIONS / GATEWAY ELEMENTS Per earlier discussions, 4 “Gateways” or entry portals into Auburn Junction were identified: st 1 East end of 1 Street S.E. – East Plaza 1A South end of Division Street S.W. (Promenade) nd 2 Southeast corner – 2 Street & “A” Street S.E. 3 Northeast corner – Main Street & “A” Street S.E. The following site elements would be incorporated into all “Gateway” locations: Special signage at street corner identifying entrance to Auburn Junction Unique and fun sculptural elements that would incorporate landscape/planters, water features/fountains and Signature Artwork that relates to Auburns past, present and future community. Special design and paving materials differentiating this focal point from the remaining development as well as creating a transition from Historic Auburn to Auburn Junction. ELEMENTS OF THE STREET All of the streets within Auburn Junction are vehicular oriented (Vehicular st Street) with the exception of Division Street S.W. (Promenade) and 1 Street S.E. which we have identified as “Pedestrian Oriented Streets”. Pedestrian Oriented Streets will carry vehicular traffic, but will be dampened or calmed. The following are elements that would be incorporated as street standards within Auburn Junction (see attached graphics depicting street sections and street amenities): VEHICULAR STREETS – Recommend Typical 68’-0” R.O.W. Two way vehicular traffic – concrete or asphalt paving surface Vehicle travel lane. 12’width Bike lanes, 4’ width each side of street On street parking, parallel, 8’ width Standardized curb/gutters and pattern concrete sidewalks Standardized street trees and landscape pockets Standardized street lights, site furnishings and multiple types of bicycle racks PEDESTRIAN ORIENTED STREETS – Recommend 72’-0” to 76’-0” R.O.W. Two way vehicular traffic – pattern concrete at Promenade and brick paving st surface at 1 Street S.E. Vehicle travel lane. 11’width Bike lanes, 4’ width each side of street On street parking, parallel, 8’ width Promenade - Standardized curb/gutters and pattern concrete sidewalks st 1 Street S.E. - No curb/gutters. Pattern concrete sidewalks to be flush with brick parking /travel lanes. Sidewalks to be separated from vehicles by use of lighted bollards and landscape elements. Non-Standardized street trees and landscape pockets – irregular spacing of street tree’s incorporating tree clusters with pedestrian open spaces Standardized street lights, site furnishings and multiple types of bicycle racks Street artwork and sculpture incorporated into landscaping and open spaces st Note: We are recommending 1 Street S.E. be a flex street that can be closed to vehicular traffic during special city functions or festivals. Removable bollards or planters would be used to cordon off street. TRAFFIC CALMING Narrow lane widths 4 way stops at intersections without signals Special pavement Curb bulbs (for trees, bike racks, planters) INTERSECTIONS Signals with pedestrian controls Crosswalks, special paving Special intersection paving SIDEWALKS Durable, adaptable paving material Street furniture from a single design vocabulary Amenity zone at the street edge for trees, lights, signs, planters Pedestrian scale lighting Kiosks of appropriate scale Incorporation of design elements that reflect Auburns historic “Main Street” with a view toward providing a consistent look and feel throughout development without tilting toward “vintage”, but transitioning from old to new. Design elements should embrace Auburns rich history associated with the railroad and agricultural community. Utilize street art and sculpture incorporated with street activities (street performers as an example) to provide people-friendly environment to attract both local and regional consumers to Auburn junction. Coordinate street and sidewalk design features with proposed destination uses (attractors) such as the Specialty Movie/Dinner Theatre, Restaurant’s and Café’s in order to create interactive street activity. PUBLIC OPEN SPACE (Transit Plaza, City Hall Plaza, First Street East Plaza, and Main Street Plaza) Smaller areas may be included in sidewalks Gathering spaces Encourage art The use of water to enhance Kid spaces Planters, raised and at grade Elements for discovery Main Street Plaza A new “Main Street Plaza” would possibly be located on the southwest corner of Main Street and Division Street or on the southeast corner of Main Street and Division Street or a combination of both depending upon final planning analysis. This plaza would be incorporated into the proposed Main Street Market and other planned street level uses.The following items are programming and planning points that need to be finalized prior to establishing a preliminary design for the “Main Street Plaza”: 1. Size. Completely dependent on the size of events planned. Start with 200 people and think of expanding to accommodate 500. The minimum size may be 20,000 SF and the upper end may be 40,000 SF. The programmed size of the plaza could incorporate the City Hall Plaza if Main Street were closed for specific events– Action: Define events and estimated number of people plaza should accommodate. Define how City Hall Plaza could work in conjunction with Main Street Plaza during special events. 2. There needs to be a balance of hardscape and green space. Depending on how the green space is used, a good goal is 10 - 20% green. 3. Main gathering space. There needs to be a large open place that serves as a "stage" and a place to set up chairs, tables etc. A good design will accommodate this function without looking like a dead plaza when there are no events.-Action: Define events within a “main stage” area and number of people to be seated. A combination of hard seating (chairs/benches) and soft seating (grass area’s) could be used. 4. In addition to a main gathering place, the plaza will need places for varying sized smaller groups to gather. Everything from a place for 1-2 people up to 10-12 should be included. 5. Focal point. Typically there is something that remains constant. A water feature, artwork, clock tower, etc. Per previous meetings, it was agreed that the “look” & “feel” of this would be similar to Pearl Street, Boulder, Colorado as well as Jamison Park, in the pearl district, Portland, Oregon. For reference, see attached photo’s of the Jamison Park water feature.- Action: Define types of focal points desired and how they interact with the “old/historic” Auburn as well as the “new” downtown Auburn. 6. Thing to do. Even the best plaza will not be used if there is nothing to do. A retail kiosk to draw people in, an interactive water feature/spray park. These features should entertain both adults and children. – Action: Define features and how they might be used by both shoppers as well as residents. 7. Lots of places to sit. Planter walls, fountain walls, benches, stones, moveable tables and chairs as well as “soft seating” such as grass areas. 8. Lighting. Good lighting to make the space inviting throughout the day and into the evening hours. Provide general purpose lighting as well as special events lighting. 9. Flexibility. The space should function with just a few people in it but be able to accommodate large groups. Plaza should have electrical hook-ups for movable vendor carts and seasonal lighting. 10. Plaza Event Programming. Again, no space is going to thrive if nothing is planned. Concerts, art shows, farmers markets, end point for parades, bike ride stars, foot races – Action: Similar to item no.1, define event program for Plaza. 11. Reasonable cover. Some weather protection could be provided by trees, canopies or structures appropriate to the overall design. 12. Interesting hardscape. Provide a walking surface that is interesting and supports the overall design character of Auburn Junction. Use of varied patterns and materials would be used – Action: Discuss and define types of hardscape finishes desired. 13. People. First and foremost, the plaza would be designed for people. Whether you’re just relaxing during lunch, shopping or taking the kids on an outing, the plaza should be a place your comfortable in and want to return to. 14. Change. Define plaza elements that can change throughout the year and year to year. This means there is something new and different to discover such as banners, planting, art, lighting or seasonal vendors. 15. Economic Study. The City of Auburn, First Western Properties, and Alpert International need to study the economics of incorporating Main Street Plaza into the Auburn Junction Master Plan. The study will define where and how large of a plaza would the overall project support – Action: Complete Economic Study. MASTER PLAN ELEMENTS Ensure adequate on-site parking for residents and visitors/shoppers with a combination of easily accessible on and off-site locations. Emphasize the “residential” elements of the project to reinforce Auburn Junction as a truly “mixed-use” urban project. Encourage “for sale” vs. “for rent” in order to establish permanency and provide different housing types within the development. Provide alternative transportation facilities within Auburn Junction such as bicycles, NEV’s (Neighborhood Electric Vehicles) and flex cars. Emphasize bicycle connectivity throughout development and to surrounding areas. Possibly incorporate a bicycle rental program. Create a truly forward looking sustainable project that will differentiate Auburn Junction while honoring the provisions set forth in the Auburn Junction Design Guidelines. LEED ND pilot program provisions, LEED Silver minimum requirements and Living Building Challenge standards are elements that should be discussed.