Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutDRB 2018-04-17 #4SAN RAFAEL THE CITY WITH A MISSION Project Contact: Danielle O'Leary. Economic Development Director. REPORT TO DESIGN REVIEW BOARD SUBJECT: Downtown Beautification: Pilot Project Fourth & A Street Intersection SUMMARY The City of San Rafael wants to improve the downtown customer experience through on going beautification efforts. Downtown plays an important role as our city center for workforce, commerce, transit and entertainment options. In early 2017, the Council's Economic Development Subcommittee began discussing possible improvements to the downtown corner intersection seat walls after receiving feedback that the seat walls were in need of some enhancements. The Department of Economic Development began working with local landscape architect Phil Abey to create concepts to improve the aesthetics of the intersection streetscape. Mr. Abey previewed the first round of design concepts with the Economic Development Subcommittee which includes Mayor Phillips, Vice Mayor Gamblin and representatives from the Downtown BID Board and the San Rafael Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Abey incorporated feedback into the pilot design project and returned back to the Economic Development Subcommittee to present the revised concept. From there, Mr. Abey presented the pilot seat wall concept to the City's Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC) for feedback and input. Members expressed their views regarding the removal of the concrete benches and the installation of new planters with trees. Previously, some CAC members participated in a "walk -around" where they identified options for upgrading the large concrete seating to something that is smaller and more aesthetically pleasing. CAC members discussed their concerns related to seat walls, and some members expressed that while seating fulfills a function—particularly for elderly and disabled residents—there is need for a design element that is aesthetically pleasing and creates a welcoming look to Fourth Street. Two committee representatives from the CAC were invited back to the Economic Development Subcommittee to share their feedback with the Mayor and Vice Mayor. Additional comments were collected and incorporated into the revised designs that are before the Board tonight for your input and consideration. Council will review the final concept at a future Council meeting. BACKGROUND Site Description & Setting: Downtown San Rafael serves a diverse population of all ages, cultures, physical abilities and economic levels. It is a strong and growing center for business activity and is the social heart of Downtown. The Fourth Street retail core is centered on Fourth Street and flows into the surrounding cross streets, especially A, B and C Streets, thus making Fourth & A Street an ideal area to explore a pilot streetscape program designed to improve pedestrian experience, cleanliness and safety. With the support of the Board, the Downtown Beautification program would be expanded beyond the Fourth and A Street intersection, the boundaries of which would be determined by Council. PROJECT DESCRIPTION Overall Concept, Existing: • In the 1970's, intersection bulb -outs, seat walls and trees were added to improve the pedestrian experience along downtown Fourth Street. • Over the last 20 years, street trees have been added along Fourth Street, filling in the tree canopy between intersections. Overall Concept, Vision: • Now that there is an established mid -block street tree canopy, the intersections should be opened up to highlight intersections and for better visibility of street lights and directional signage. Design, Existing: • Fourth Street corridor feels neglected. • Intersection planters are full of Liquidambars tree roots that are damaging paving and curbing. • Flowers cannot be added to the planters because of the tree roots. • Seat walls have a 'dingy' finish. • Liquidambars round seed pods are a tripping hazard. Design, Proposed: • Create more natural light at intersections. • Remove Liquidambar trees and roots at all intersections. • Replant ground level planters with flowering annual or low flowering ground cover. • Replace existing tan seat walls with system that provides pedestrian safety as well as design aesthetic. General Plan 2020 Consistency: The Downtown Pilot Corners Concept touches on a few General Plan policy goals • Community Design Policy CD -1 d (City Image; Landscape Improvements) recognizes that landscaping is a critical design component to. Encourage maximum use of available landscape area to create visual interest and foster sense of the natural environment in new and existing developments. Encourage the use of a variety of site appropriate plant materials. • CD -3 (Neighborhoods) seeks to recognize, preserve and enhance the positive qualities that give neighborhoods their unique identities, while also allowing flexibility for innovative design. New development should respect the context and scale of existing neighborhoods. • CD -10 (Nonresidential Design Guidelines) recognizes preserves and enhances the design elements that contribute to the economic vitality of commercial areas. Develop design guidelines to ensure that new nonresidential and mixed-use development fits within and improves the immediate neighborhood and the community as a whole CONCLUSION Staff is supportive of this pilot project for Fourth and A Street intersection as an important Downtown beautification step. With the support of the Board, the Downtown Beautification program would be 2 expanded beyond the Fourth and A Street intersection, the boundaries of which would be determined by Council. We look forward to hearing the Board's feedback. EXHIBITS 1. Downtown Intersection Plan at Fourth and A Street Intersection 2. Downtown Intersection Vision 3. Downtown Intersection Components 4. Downtown Intersection Photo Examples A 5. Downtown Intersection Photo Examples B 3