NORTHCENTER TOWN SQUARE

Transcription

1 NORTHCENTER TOWN SQUARE FINAL CONCEPT DESIGN SUMMARY Prepared for: Prepared by: Submitted: August 29th, 2017

2 The design ideas described herein are at the Concept Design phase of the project. They are not intended to be final and conclusive, but rather summarize the public input and concept development to date and set an overall vision and aspiration for Northcenter Town Square. NORTHCENTER TOWN SQUARE FINAL CONCEPT DESIGN SUMMARY Prepared for: Prepared by: Submitted: August 29th, Northcenter Town Square PORT 08 /28 /

3 TABLE OF CONTENTS NORTHCENTER TOWN SQUARE FINAL CONCEPT DESIGN SUMMARY 1. Site Context + Conditions 1.1: Context 1.2: Existing Conditions 1.3: Existing Programs + Events Community Engagement + Feedback 2.1: Community Engagement 2.2: Community Comments + Feedback 2.3: Key Takeaways 3. Concept Design 3.1: Approach 3.2: Tree Removal + Replacement 3.3: Concept Design Acknowledgements 45 4 Northcenter Town Square PORT 08 /28 /

4 1. SITE CONTEXT + CONDITIONS Northcenter Town Square is located in the heart of the Northcenter neighborhood and has long served as both a formal and informal gathering and event space for the community. Despite its location and use, the current physical form and condition of Northcenter Town Square do not adequately reflect the importance of this public space to one of the City of Chicago s most desireable neighborhoods. 6 Northcenter Town Square PORT 08 /28 /

5 1.1 SITE CONTEXT Northcenter Town Square is centrally located in the Northcenter neighborhood, within a 10 minute walk of much of the community. The site consists of a small plaza and a cul-de-sac of Belle Plaine Avenue between Lincoln Avenue and Damen Avenue. A community survey in the summer of 2016 revealed overwhelming support for the closure of the cul-de-sac and creation of additional space for the Town Square. Closure of the cul-de-sac would provide the opportunity to expand the Town Square to over 28,000 square feet and increase the recognition of the Town Square as the heart of the Northcenter neighborhood. SITE LOCATION SITE AREA 40 ft 8 Northcenter Town Square PORT 08 /28 /

6 1.2 EXISTING CONDITIONS Two major areas define the current site: the plaza and the Belle Plaine cul-de-sac. The plaza consists of concrete paving with brick accents, pedestrian lightpoles, mature shade trees in grates, bike racks, a mix of trash receptacles and freestanding concrete planters. All of these elements are showing their age and are in varying states of disrepair. The plaza contains no seating and two signposts remain where a sign once announced the Town Square. The Belle Plaine Ave. roadway is in good repair, but is seldom used, nor is its on-street metered parking. This length of Belle Plaine is bordered on the south by a black-painted steel fence separating the Belle Plaine Ave. sidewalk from a CVS Pharmacy parking lot. The south side of Belle Plaine also contains a Divvy bike station. SITE CHALLENGES EXISTING BELLE PLAINE AVENUE + CUL DE SAC NO GATEWAY, IDENTITY OR SIGNAGE LIMITED LIGHTING IMPACTS SAFETY EXISTING FEATURES IN NEED OF REPAIR EXISTING TOWN SQUARE PLAZA FROM DAMEN AVE. AUTO-CENTRIC CUL DE SAC NO SEATING DISPARATE EXISTING AMENITIES 10 Northcenter Town Square PORT 08 /28 /

7 1.3 EXISTING PROGRAMS + EVENTS Despite its underwhelming physical conditions, the Town Square is a key event space within the Northcenter neighborhood with programs and events happening year round. These events include family-friendly holiday celebrations and events, a weekly farmer s market that runs June-October, a summer concert series and the nationally acclaimed Northcenter Ribfest. A primary goal of the Town Square Concept Design is to provide a flexible space that supports these existing community events, as well as promotes new community activities and uses. SEASONAL HOLIDAY CELEBRATIONS FARMER S MARKET SUMMER CONCERTS RIBFEST 12 Northcenter Town Square PORT 08 /28 /

8 2. COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT + FEEDBACK The Northcenter Town Square concept design was driven by community engagement and feedback. A 2016 online survey provided input on potential site uses prior to undertaking concept design. Additionally, each phase of the design process was accompanied by and responded to community feedback at public meetings and through an online survey. 14 Northcenter Town Square PORT 08 /28 /

9 Northcenter Town Square Concept Design Kick-Off 03 / 29 / 2017 Community Meeting #1 PORT 43 Northcenter Town Square Concept Design Kick-Off 03 / 29 / 2017 Community Meeting #1 PORT 53 Northcenter Town Square Concept Design Kick-Off 03 / 29 / 2017 Community Meeting #1 PORT COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT Three public meetings were held during concept design development. A kickoff meeting summarized community survey findings and allowed for public input on potential ideas or elements that could be incorporated into the Town Square design. A second meeting centered around discussion of three initial design concepts. The final meeting presented a refined designed concept that was well received by the community. (St. Benedict s School Kick-Off Community Meeting #1, below) ST. BENEDICT S SCHOOL - 3/29/17 DESIGN PROCESS KICKOFF, COMMUNITY MEETING #1 OVERHEAD + WALL-WASHING INTEGRATED LIGHTING MOVEABLE PLANTERS STAGE / SHADE CANOPY The Lawn on D, Boston; Sasaki University of Sydney Campus, Sydney; Taylor Cullity Lethlean Over-sized brightly colored tree planters Cor-Ten Tree Planters Säie Pavilion, Aalto University, Finland; Wood Program 2015 Place de la Républic, Paris; TVK COONLEY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL - 5/9/17 CONCEPT DESIGN OPTIONS PRESENTATION, COMMUNITY MEETING #2 ST. BENEDICT S SCHOOL - 6/14/17 FINAL CONCEPT DESIGN PRESENTATION, COMMUNITY MEETING #3 16 Northcenter Town Square PORT 08 /28 /

10 2.2 COMMUNITY COMMENTS + FEEDBACK Two online surveys, open to the general public, collected feedback on Northcenter Town Square. The first survey was conducted in 2016 prior to the start of the planning process. The second collected feedback on the three initial concept design options presented at the second public meeting NORTHCENTER TOWN SQUARE SURVEY FEEDBACK 1,668 RESPONDENTS HOW ARE YOU CONNECTED WITH NORTHCENTER? HOW MANY TIMES A YEAR DO YOU VISIT THE NORTHCENTER TOWN SQUARE? RANK THE ACTIVITIES YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE ON THE NORTHCENTER TOWN SQUARE: RANK THE ACTIVITIES YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE ON THE NORTHCENTER TOWN SQUARE: RANK THE AMENITIES YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE IN THE CUL DE SAC AREA NEXT TO THE CURRENT TOWN SQUARE: WOULD YOU SUPPORT PERMANENTLY CLOSING BELL PLAINE BETWEEN LINCOLN + DAMEN TO VEHICULAR TRAFFIC + PARKING FOR AN EXPANSION OF THE TOWN SQUARE? RESIDENT MUSIC + CULTURAL 80% 0 7% 5.39 ADDITIONAL LIGHTING 6.42 POP -UP RETAIL EVENTS 1.93 YES 87% BUSINESS OWNER/ EMPLOYEE FREQUENT NEIGHBORHOOD VISITOR 18% % 1-2 COMMUNITY/FAMILY EVENTS SEATING 8.03 PLAY SPACE/PLAYLOT NO 6% 23% % 3-5 VENDOR CARTS FOR FOOD 3.63 SMALL GATHERING SPACES 7.17 COMMUNITY GARDEN UNSURE 7% 3% OTHER % FARMER S MARKET 5.69 LANDSCAPING/PLANTERS 7.88 PUBLIC ART/SCULPTURE % TEMPORARY FOOD TRUCKS 4.26 INFORMATION KIOSKS 3.51 SPACE FOR CULTURAL PROGRAMMING 3.38 TEMPORARY RETAIL TRUCKS 2.30 WEATHER PROTECTION 5.20 POP-UP RETAIL SPACE 2.51 NEIGHBORHOOD IDENTITY MARKERS 4.72 ELECTRICAL OUTLETS/ CHARGING STATIONS 3.28 FREE WIFI 4.08 PUBLIC ART/ SCULPTURE Northcenter Town Square PORT 08 /28 /

11 2.2 COMMUNITY COMMENTS + FEEDBACK Two online surveys, open to the general public, collected feedback on Northcenter Town Square. The first survey was conducted in 2016 prior to the start of the planning process. The second collected feedback on the three initial concept design options presented at the second public meeting. DESIGN OPTIONS SURVEY FEEDBACK 228 RESPONDENTS PLEASE RANK THE FOLLOWING ASPECTS OF DESIGN OPTION 1 (1- POOR, 5 - EXCELLENT) PLEASE RANK THE FOLLOWING ASPECTS OF DESIGN OPTION 2 (1- POOR, 5 - EXCELLENT) PLEASE RANK THE FOLLOWING ASPECTS OF DESIGN OPTION 3 (1- POOR, 5 - EXCELLENT) PLEASE RANK THE DESIGN OPTIONS: STAGE PLACEMENT STAGE PLACEMENT STAGE PLACEMENT OPTION 1- THE LINEAR PLAZA 1.78 CANOPY/ SHADING CANOPY/ SHADING CANOPY/ SHADING OPTION 2- THE ROUND LAWN 6% 1.73 PLAY SPACE 3.20 PLAY SPACE 3.45 PLAY SPACE 3.89 OPTION 3- THE LINEAR LAWN 7% 2.49 SEATING 3.33 SEATING 3.23 SEATING 3.90 SIGNAGE 3.34 SIGNAGE 3.30 SIGNAGE Northcenter Town Square PORT 08 /28 /

12 2.3 KEY TAKEAWAYS The final site concept was driven by the key takeaways from the public input process. TREES, SHADE + GREEN ELEMENTS STAGE + SHADE CANOPY NATURAL V.S ARTIFICIAL TURF LIGHT POLLUTION + SAFETY FLEXIBILITY PLAY The design should incorporate shaded seating areas and enhance the existing tree canopy to be remain with additional tree planting and more green elements. The design should incorporate a raised stage with a shade canopy. For ease of maintenance and lighter construction techniques, the canopy should be removeable. The design should incorporate a raised lawn. Artificial turf should be used for the lawn for ease of maintenace and upkeep. The design should increase the light levels of what currently exists on site to increase visibility and perceptoin of safety but should avoid overlighting that may cause excess light pollution. The design should maximize flexibility. Site elements should be moveable and allow for future enchancements and modifications to the space. The design should incorporate elements for play but should not incorporate traditional playground equipment. 22 Northcenter Town Square PORT 08 /28 /

13 3. CONCEPT DESIGN The site design was developed to a conceptual level and represents the desired aesthetic, elements and materials based on budget and community and client consensus. Further refinement and detailed design would be required prior to implementation of the concept. 24 Northcenter Town Square PORT 08 /28 /

14 3.1 DESIGN APPROACH The concept design builds upon the existing tree plaza as an anchor and incorporates the closed Belle Plaine cul-de-sac as a flexible plaza and event space SITE AREA 2 THE SITE IS CURRENTLY ANCHORED BY THE TREE PLAZA TREE PLAZA TREE PLAZA 3 THE EXISTING CUL-DE-SAC LENDS ITSELF TO ACTING AS AN OPEN FLEXIBLE PLAZA 28,000 SQ. FT. FLEXIBLE PLAZA + EVENT SPACE 4 EXTENDING THE TREE PLAZA SOUTH CAN ADD MORE SHADE + SEATING 5 ADDITIONAL SHADE + SEATING WOULD ALSO SUPPORT ORGANIZED EVENTS + PERFORMANCES 6 POTENTIAL PROGRAMS + ACTIVITIES WITHIN THE SITE TREE PLAZA TREE PLAZA PLAY SHADED SEATING FLEXIBLE PLAZA + EVENT SPACE FLEXIBLE PLAZA + EVENT SPACE FLEXIBLE MARKET/RETAIL PERFORMANCE + EVENTS CENTRAL WATER FEATURE VETERAN S MEMORIAL 26 Northcenter Town Square PORT 08 /28 /

15 3.2 TREE REMOVAL + REPLACEMENT The design team inspected the existing on site trees with a City of Chicago Forester. The inspection concluded that 9 of the existing on site trees are either Ash trees infected with Emerald Ash Borer or Poplar Trees in serious decline. The design replaces these infected trees and preserves all existing trees in good health with the goal of providing a long lived and healthy tree canopy. UNHEALTHY EXISTING TREES TO BE REMOVED PROPOSED DESIGN WITH REMAINING EXISTING TREES PROPOSED DESIGN (NEAR TERM): NEW TREES REPLACE REMOVED TREES PROPOSED DESIGN (LONG TERM): MATURE TREE CANOPY 28 Northcenter Town Square PORT 08 /28 /

16 3.3 FINAL CONCEPT DESIGN The design enhances the existing plaza space with new seating, additional planting and a play mound. The backdrop on the north side is enhanced with a new decorative fence/green screen. A pedestal paving system on the existing cul-de-sac creates and extended, continuous plaza surface. This area contains a raised artificial turf lawn and a stage with removeable canopy. Along Lincoln Avenue, the existing roadway is enhanced with a painted paving pattern. A micro retail space and moveable seating and planters enhance the aesthetic and allow flexibility of use in this space DECORATIVE FENCE/GREEN SCREEN PLAY MOUND SHADE TREE PICNIC TABLE + UMBRELLA 6 MICRO RETAIL / FOOD TRUCK LANDING 11 7 CAFE TABLES 12 8 PAINTED PATTERN ON ROADWAY 13 9 PEDESTAL PAVING OVER ROADWAY STAGE + SHADE CANOPY RELOCATED DIVVY STATION RAISED PLANTERS 5 SHADE TREES + CIRCULAR BENCHES 10 RAISED ARTIFICIAL TURF LAWN Northcenter Town Square PORT 08 /28 /

17 State Street Median, Chicago; Solstice Cygnus Umbrella, Landscape Forms EXAMPLE: SHADE INTEGRATED INTO FLEXIBLE SEATING, ESPECIALLY IN ABSENCE OF TREES IN NEAR-TERM TREE PLAZA IN FALL 32 Northcenter Town Square PORT 08 /28 /

18 El Paso, Texas EXAMPLE: RAISED ARTIFICIAL TURF LAWN RAISED ARTIFICIAL TURF LAWN, STAGE + SHADE CANOPY BEYOND 34 Northcenter Town Square PORT 08 /28 /

19 ROUND STAGE FOR FLEXIBLE ORIENTATION STAGE, FABRIC SHADE CANOPY AND RAISED ARTIFICIAL TURF LAWN 36 Northcenter Town Square PORT 08 /28 /

20 Northeastern University, Boston; Stephen Stimson Landscape Architects + LAM Partners Louis Poulsen Kipp Light Post EXAMPLES: AMBIENT LIGHTING STRATEGIES RAISED ARTIFICIAL TURF LAWN AND EVENING CONCERT PERFORMANCE 38 Northcenter Town Square PORT 08 /28 /

21 Playa Vista Park, Los Angeles, Michael Maltzan Potgieterstraat, Amsterdam; Carve Landscape Architecture EXAMPLES: COLORFUL VINE FENCE AND PLAY MOUNDS RUBBER PLAY MOUNDS, YELLOW VINE FENCE AND SHADE PLAZA BEYOND 40 Northcenter Town Square PORT 08 /28 /

22 LINCOLN AVE. ARRIVAL FACING EAST: MICRO-RETAIL + FOOD TRUCK AREA, RELOCATED DIVVY STATION BELLE PLAINE AVE. AND DAMEN AVE. ARRIVAL FACING WEST 42 Northcenter Town Square PORT 08 /28 /

23 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 47th Ward Ameya Pewar, Alderman Jim Poole, Chief of Staff Brad Gregorka, Program Coordinator and Constituent Services Liaison Northcenter Chamber of Commerce Lindsay Eanet, Executive Director Eileen Keleghan, Associate Director Northcenter Town Square Design Committee Northcenter Neighborhood Association PORT, Design Consultant 44 Northcenter Town Square PORT 08 /28 /

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