Copyright, 2010 Hyperform Design Co-op, All Rights Reserved WEST COLFAX AVENUE GREEN PILOT: STREETSCAPE

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Deborah Franklin
5 years ago
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Prepared for West Colfax Business Improvement District Prepared by Hyperform Design Co-op Hyperform Design Co-op 227 Broadway, Suite 205 Denver, CO 80203 t: 888.256.7613 f: 888.704.0293 www.

3 Prepared for West Colfax Business Improvement District Prepared by Hyperform Design Co-op Hyperform Design Co-op 227 Broadway, Suite 205 Denver, CO t: f: West Colfax Business Improvement District 4500 W. Colfax Avenue Denver, CO t: f: c Copyright, 2010 Hyperform Design Co-op, All Rights Reserved 3

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5 TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION...7 GRANT PROPOSALS...8 GOALS...10 ANALYSIS...11 EXISITING CONDITIONS/OPPORTUNITITIES...14 RECOMMENDATIONS...23 MASTERPLAN...25 PUBLIC ART

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7 INTRODUCTION The West Colfax Green Pilot project will direct enhancements to the public Right of Way of West Colfax Avenue. The goal is to provide improvements that have a positive effect on local businesses, improve quality of pedestrian experience and promote sustainability in the corridor. Recommendations are based on implementing elements of the grant awarded to the district in June of 2010 and directing future improvements and applications for funding in the area. The Green Pilot Masterplan provides a brief overview of existing conditions streetscape conditions and considers the impact future planned improvements in the surrounding area will have on the West Colfax Corridor. New projects that directly impact the street are in the works, including the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless site on Zenobia, the future West Denver Library site at Irving and the St. Anthony s site. In addition, the future Light Rail stops to the south at Federal, Knox, Perry and Sheridan will also provide more pedestrian connectivity to the site. Proposed improvements are based on the perceived vitality and culture of the neighborhood, the potential and constraints of existing conditions, the revitalization stemming from new and future developments and the hope of a sustainable and economically viable future for the West Colfax district. To date the Denver Office of Economic Development has awarded two Grants for streetscape improvements to conincide with the Denver Public Works street resurfacing project. The first includes installing solar pedestrian lights and street trees. The second includes landscaping the medians and installing pubic art in the medians at Sheridan and Irving. The West Colfax Business Improvement District is currently seeking funds for a third phase that will involve improvements to several transit stops along the corridor. 7

8 8 GRANT PROPOSAL : 1

9 GRANT PROPOSAL : 2 LEGEND PROPOSED TREE PROPOSED ART PIECE OR ART SERIES PROPOSED LANDSCAPING IMPROVEMENTS WEST GATEWAY PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS ARTIST S CONCEPTUAL ELEVATION EAST GATEWAY PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS Public Facilities Improvements Proposed Additions 06/11/10 9

GOALS The primary objective of the Green Pilot is to add improvements to the streetscape that promote and improve the economic vitality of area businesses, and enhance neighborhood character.

10 GOALS The primary objective of the Green Pilot is to add improvements to the streetscape that promote and improve the economic vitality of area businesses, and enhance neighborhood character. To accomplish this objective, several strategies will be utilized. Improve the pedestrian environment through transit shelters, lighting and signage. Promote sustainability through an enhanced awareness of future multi-modal transit opportunities, sustainable building products and renewable energy strategies. Enhance the neighborhood culture and identity through a consistent overlay of way-finding and district signage, community based public art projects and demonstration projects for a renewable and sustainable future. 10

11 ANALYSIS The existing streetscape experience along the West Colfax corridor is fragmented, visually incongruous and unsettling to the pedestrian. There is little visual harmony while driving or walking down the street. Many existing properties are poorly maintained or nonconforming to city standards. In addition, many of the large billboards and existing signs, while one of the unique elements of the streetscape, do not conform to the current city code and would have to be removed if improvements were made. The current environment is challenging, but making improvements such as adding solar pedestrian lighting and trees along with utilizing public art to create a district identity will be a strong benefit to the neighborhood. These enhancements will not on their own recreate the district into something new. But a few bold steps in the right direction along with the currently proposed projects in the district will hopefully become a catalyst for improvement. Developments on or directly adjacent to West Colfax Avenue: - St. Anthony s Redevelopment Site - Colorado Coalition for the Homeless project at Zenobia - New West Denver Library Site at Irving - Retailers currently under construction The future Gold Line along Clear Creek will add several Light Rail stops, creating opportunities for north/south pedestrian connections at: - Knox St. - Perry St. - Sheridan Blvd. - Federal Blvd. Additional pedestrian bridges over Clear Creek will create connections at: - Wolff St. - Tennyson St. Denver Public Works is currently undertaking the West Colfax Avenue Transportation Improvements project which will incorporate parallel parking in certain locations and slow traffic. Additionally, there are several currently proposed projects that will positively impact West Colfax. 11

significant, positive changes to the area.

12 ANALYSIS Future Developments, highlighted in purple, and Light Rail Stops, Highlighted in Green, will add significant, positive changes to the area. L E G E N D Future Development Future RTD Light Rail Stations Existing Bus Stops Bike Paths 12

13 ANALYSIS Scenes from the Street show narrow pedestrian spaces with few amenities. 13

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EXISTING CONDITIONS / OPPORTUNITIES There are many opportunities to improve the quality of pedestran spaces on the street, including enhancing bus shelters, adding lighting and signage, street trees

15 EXISTING CONDITIONS / OPPORTUNITIES There are many opportunities to improve the quality of pedestran spaces on the street, including enhancing bus shelters, adding lighting and signage, street trees and incorporating public art that will help give identity to the district. The following graphics indicate potential areas for improvement. This analysis assisted in developing the masterplan later in the document. Tree planting along the entire corridor is likely unfeasible at the time, because no system presently exists to irrigate the trees. Instead, concentrating planting at either end of the district allows the West Colfax BID to install a central irrigation system at each location. Potential locations for trees along the corridor indicate locations where space is adequate to incorporate trees, but would require cooperation with local business owners to maintain. Improproving bus shelters with lighting, signage and shade, in addtion to adding solar pedestrian lighting will help create a safer, more pedestrian friendly environment. Focusing improvements around public transit makes sense, pedestrians spend time in these locations and it makes a statement about dedication to sustainability in the district. Incorporating district signage and public art willhelp give identity to the region and also engage the community to participate through community workshops or working with the local schools to incorporate student art. 15

16 EXISTING CONDITIONS / OPPORTUNITIES Sheridan Blvd. to Wolff St N Existing trees Proposed trees Existing Lights Proposed Lights 16

17 EXISTING CONDITIONS / OPPORTUNITIES Winona Ct. to Utica St. L E G E N D N Existing trees Proposed trees Existing Lights Proposed Lights 17

18 EXISTING CONDITIONS / OPPORTUNITIES Utica St. to Stuart St. L E G E N D N Existing trees Proposed trees Existing Lights Proposed Lights 18

19 EXISTING CONDITIONS / OPPORTUNITIES Stuart St. to Quitman St. L E G E N D N Existing trees Proposed trees Existing Lights Proposed Lights 19

20 EXISTING CONDITIONS / OPPORTUNITIES Quitman St. to Osceola St N Existing trees Proposed trees Existing Lights Proposed Lights 20

21 EXISTING CONDITIONS / OPPORTUNITIES Osceola St. to Meade St. L E G E N D N Existing trees Proposed trees Existing Lights Proposed Lights 21

22 EXISTING CONDITIONS / OPPORTUNITIES Meade St. to Knox Ct. L E G E N D N Existing trees Proposed trees Existing Lights Proposed Lights 22

23 EXISTING CONDITIONS / OPPORTUNITIES Knox Ct. to Irving St. L E G E N D N Existing trees Proposed trees Existing Lights Proposed Lights 23

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RECOMMENDATIONS Improvements should enhance the pedestrian experience and character of the streetscape without creating negative impacts for adjacent business owners or creating unnecessary

25 RECOMMENDATIONS Improvements should enhance the pedestrian experience and character of the streetscape without creating negative impacts for adjacent business owners or creating unnecessary maintenance expenses. Considering these factors, the propsed enhancements to the right of way, include: - Landscape/trees in key locations - Wayfinding and District Signage - Solar pedestrian scale lighting - Bus Shelters and bus stop improvements - Seating - Public Art Improvements will be strategically located to make the biggest impact. Priorities are placed on bookending the corridor and areas that have transit and pedestrian connections. Additional locations for future improvements are also indicated and may be implemented as funds become available. Focus immediate budget on improving the bookends of the corridor - Landscape Median at Sheridan, include art piece signifying the district - Landscape Median and sidewalks at Irving, include larger art piece in median - Improve Existing West Colfax welcome sign Install Solar pedestrian Lighting and wayfinding signage as budget allows near bus shelters, then parallel parking prioritizing as follows: - From Irving to Knox - From Osceola to Quitman (Perry) - From Stuart to Utica (Tennyson) - From Xavier to Winona (Wolff) Future Improvements - Improve bus stops by adding solar lighting, shade, seating - Enhance existing bus shelters by adding solar lighting, art - Add wayfinding signage along West Colfax and at Light Rail Stations to direct users to local businesses. - Coordinate improvements with Future developments - Create connection with East Colfax with art component that extends from east to west - Add banners to promote the district 25

MASTERPLAN ADD SOLAR LIGHTING AND PUBLIC ART TO BUS SHELTER PUBLIC ART MARKS GATEWAY ADD SOLAR PEDESTRIAN LIGHT AND DISTRICT SIGNAGE TO BUS STOP ADD SOLAR PEDESTRIAN LIGHT AND DISTRICT SIGNAGE TO BUS

26 MASTERPLAN ADD SOLAR LIGHTING AND PUBLIC ART TO BUS SHELTER PUBLIC ART MARKS GATEWAY ADD SOLAR PEDESTRIAN LIGHT AND DISTRICT SIGNAGE TO BUS STOP ADD SOLAR PEDESTRIAN LIGHT AND DISTRICT SIGNAGE TO BUS STOP Sheridan Blvd. ADD SOLAR PEDESTRIAN LIGHT AND DISTRICT SIGNAGE TO BUS STOP Zenobia St. Yates St. TREES AND SHRUBS IN RAISED MEDIAN PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT AT SHUFFLE INN SITE WILL ADD STREET TREES Xavier St. ADD SOLAR PEDESTRIAN LIGHT AND DISTRICT SIGNAGE AT INTERSECTION Wolff St. PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE CONNECTION Winona Ct. 26

ADD SOLAR PEDESTRIAN LIGHTS NEXT TO PARKING PROPOSED AUTOZONE WILL ADD STREET TREES ADD SOLAR PEDESTRIAN LIGHT AND DISTRICT SIGNAGE TO BUS STOP POTENTIAL ST.

27 ADD SOLAR PEDESTRIAN LIGHTS NEXT TO PARKING PROPOSED AUTOZONE WILL ADD STREET TREES ADD SOLAR PEDESTRIAN LIGHT AND DISTRICT SIGNAGE TO BUS STOP POTENTIAL ST. ANTHONY S REDEVELOMENT WILL ADD STREET TREES PARKING (9) PARKING (5) PARKING (5) Winona Ct. Vrain St. ADD SOLAR PEDESTRIAN LIGHT AND DISTRICT SIGNAGE TO BUS STOP Utica St. Tennyson St. PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE CONNECTION Stuart St. ADD SOLAR PEDESTRIAN LIGHT AND DISTRICT SIGNAGE TO BUS STOP ADD SOLAR PEDESTRIAN LIGHT AND DISTRICT SIGNAGE TO BUS STOP Raleigh St. Master Plan: Sheridan Blvd. to Raleigh St N Existing tree Existing Lights Proposed Public Art Existing bus shelter Proposed tree Potential tree (Private Development) Proposed Solar Pedestrian Lights with banner Proposed Wayfinding/ District Signage Existing bus stop Proposed shrub bed 27

MASTERPLAN ADD SOLAR LIGHT TO BUS SHELTER, ADD PUBLIC ART AND DISTRICT SIGNAGE TO BUS STOP ADD SHELTERS TO BUS STOPS, INCLUDE PUBLIC ART, DISTRICT SIGNAGE AND SOLAR PEDESTRIAN LIGHTING ADD SOLAR

28 MASTERPLAN ADD SOLAR LIGHT TO BUS SHELTER, ADD PUBLIC ART AND DISTRICT SIGNAGE TO BUS STOP ADD SHELTERS TO BUS STOPS, INCLUDE PUBLIC ART, DISTRICT SIGNAGE AND SOLAR PEDESTRIAN LIGHTING ADD SOLAR PEDESTRIAN LIGHT AND DISTRICT SIGNAGE TO BUS STOP PARKING (4) PARKING (2) PARKING (11) PARKING (6) PARKING (3) Raleigh St. Quitman St. Perry St. Osceola St. Newton St. Meade St. ADD SOLAR PEDESTRIAN LIGHT AND DISTRICT SIGNAGE TO BUS STOP ADD DISTRICT SIGNAGE AND SOLAR PEDESTRIAN LIGHTING AT INTERSECTION LIGHT RAIL CONNECTION 28

ADD SOLAR PEDESTRIAN LIGHTING NEAR PARKING ADD SOLAR PEDESTRIAN LIGHT AND DISTRICT SIGNAGE TO BUS STOP TREES AND SHRUBS IN RAISED MEDIAN IMPROVE WELCOME SIGN AND ADD SOLAR ARRAY ADD SOLAR LIGHT TO

29 ADD SOLAR PEDESTRIAN LIGHTING NEAR PARKING ADD SOLAR PEDESTRIAN LIGHT AND DISTRICT SIGNAGE TO BUS STOP TREES AND SHRUBS IN RAISED MEDIAN IMPROVE WELCOME SIGN AND ADD SOLAR ARRAY ADD SOLAR LIGHT TO BUS SHELTER, ADD PUBLIC ART AND DISTRICT SIGNAGE TO BUS STOP PARKING (10) PARKING (8) Lowell Blvd. ADD SOLAR LIGHT TO BUS SHELTER, ADD PUBLIC ART AND DISTRICT SIGNAGE TO BUS STOP King St. ADD DISTRICT SIGNAGE AND SOLAR PEDESTRIAN LIGHTING AT INTERSECTION Knox Ct. PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE CONNECTION Julian St. ADD SOLAR LIGHT TO BUS SHELTER, ADD PUBLIC ART AND DISTRICT SIGNAGE TO BUS STOP PUBLIC ART MARKS GATEWAY Irving St. ADD RAISED PLANT BEDS AT EXPANDED SIDEWALK Master Plan: Raleigh St. to Irving St N Existing tree Existing Lights Proposed Public Art Existing bus shelter Proposed tree Potential tree (Private Development) Proposed Solar Pedestrian Lights with banner Proposed Wayfinding/ District Signage Existing bus stop Proposed shrub bed 29

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33 GATEWAY SKETCH CONCEPT 33

5.0 WAYFINDING STREETSCAPE DESIGN MASTER PLAN 55

5.0 WAYFINDING STREETSCAPE DESIGN MASTER PLAN 55 OVERVIEW 57 SIGN TYPE A: GATEWAY 57 SIGN TYPES B & C: WAYFINDING KIOSKS & BOLLARDS 58 SIGN TYPES D: POLE MOUNTED ELEMENTS 59 SIGN TYPE E: LARGE-SCALE TYPOGRAPHIC INSTALLATION 60 SIGN TYPE F: VERTICAL CHOPSTICKS