City of Farmington. Downtown Plan. Amendment to the 1998 Master Plan Adopted October 11, 2004

Size: px

Start display at page:

Download "City of Farmington. Downtown Plan. Amendment to the 1998 Master Plan Adopted October 11, 2004"

Evan Hines
5 years ago
Views:

1 City of Farmington Amendment to the 1998 Master Plan Adopted October 11, 2004

2 Introduction Planning Background 1 Scope and Components of the Plan Amendment 2 Concept Introduction 3 Plan Concepts 3 Conceptual Plan 4 Land Use Plan Introduction 5 Public Spaces 5 Residential and Business Uses 8 Schematic Land Use Plan 10 Parking Plan Introduction 11 Parking Spaces 11 Parking Enhancement 13 Schematic Parking Plan 14 Circulation Plan Introduction 15 Gateways 15 Grand River Avenue 16 Farmington Road 17 Other Streets 18 Pedestrian Circulation 20 Schematic Circulation Plan 24 Contents Design Guidelines Introduction 25 Downtown Buildings 25 Residential Conversions 28 Streetscape and Landscape Plantings 29 Signs and Awnings 31 Implementation Plan Top Priority Implementation Strategies 35 Future Implementation Strategies 38 Appendix Survey Summary Report 39

3 Downtown Farmington is the focal point for the community and is often a destination for many from surrounding communities. Despite this appeal, Downtown Farmington has yet to reach its greatest potential. This Master Plan amendment will set forth a clear vision for the future in terms of land use, parking, circulation and design to achieve its fullest potential. Planning Background In 1998, the completed its Master Plan to create a vision for its future land uses, design, neighborhoods, community facilities, and transportation. The 1998 Master Plan also created a framework for the future of Downtown. To further explore the potential and ideas for Downtown Farmington, in 2002, the City pursued participation in the National Main Street Center Program. The Main Street Programs purpose is to help communities to maximize the economics and preserve the heritage and sense of place for downtowns. In addition to their Main Street Principles, the National Main Street Center developed a four point approach for Farmington that will assist in its revitalization. All of these concepts were considered throughout the process and are found in the adjoining lists. National Main Street Four Point Approach Design physical appearance enhancement Organization consensus building Promotion marketing the districts assets Economic Restructuring strengthen and expand the district s economic base Introduction National Main Street Principles Restore vitality, comfort & security Build on quality & traditional character Strengthen identity & improve image Create architectural identity Responsive to the pedestrian scale Promote mixed use Create development opportunities Traffic calming Timeless design Maintenance Develop core/center of energy 1

4 Scope and Components of the Plan Amendment The project study area is generally defined by the Downtown Development Authority district boundary and includes a few additional properties adjoining the district. This Master Plan Amendment will serve as a supplement to the current Master Plan and replaces pages 22 through the top of page 26. Provided in this amendment are specific details on land use and building placement, new parking, parking redesign, and circulation improvements. In addition, design guidelines are included that will set forth a more physical vision of future development and redevelopment. Finally, a plan for implementation was devised to serve as a guide for City leaders in the coming years to ensure the spirit and intent of this plan is executed to its fullest potential. Together the recommendations and strategies contained in this document will allow Downtown Farmington to evolve into the flourishing business district and community focal point desired by its residents and leaders. Master Plan Amendment Planning Process In accordance with the Municipal Planning Act, as amended, the planning process was as follows: A summary of comments from the public workshops is provided in an appendix to the plan. Creation of a Design Committee Data collection A notice of intent was distributed to neighboring communities and applicable agencies Work Shop #1 with the Planning Commission, Downtown Development Authority, City Council, and staff Work Shop #2 with the public Draft Plan Preparation and Review Workshop #3 with the public Draft Plan Refinement Plan review by Planning Commission and City Council City distribution to outside agencies and surrounding communities, as applicable Public Hearing Plan Refinement Adoption 2

Introduction The remaining sections of this plan provide a detailed description of the strategies and recommendations for Downtown Farmington.

5 Introduction The remaining sections of this plan provide a detailed description of the strategies and recommendations for Downtown Farmington. Before these details can be understood, it is important to describe the concept, or future vision, for the downtown as a whole. Plan Concepts The concept for future development and redevelopment in Downtown Farmington is summarized by the adjoining list of vision statements. Vision Statements Create a center core, or central park area, that serves as the focal point for activity in the downtown and creates important gathering places for visitors, residents, and workers Cultivate a walkable and vibrant downtown with several areas of interest and activity from morning to evening Develop a consistent, solid building line along the streetscape so there is ample space for businesses and residential uses and elements of interest Promote a mixture of land uses that support the walkable environment, provide a source of entertainment, and offers needed services Increase access and views to the Upper Rouge River and Shiawassee Park linked to businesses, but most importantly to the center core of the downtown Improve access and circulation into and through the downtown for cars and vehicles Provide a pedestrian circulation system that promotes an atmosphere of comfort and interest for people Downtown Plan Concept Increase parking space opportunities that are convenient for all activity areas Existing Farmington - Aerial Photo 3

These recommendations not only address the use of existing buildings, but also recommend where in-fill buildings should be constructed and where redevelopment should occur.

6 Introduction The Land Use Plan is where the vision for Downtown Farmington begins to take shape. This plan offers direction on the types of uses appropriate in Downtown and takes it a step further to provide a potential building and parking layout plan for those uses. These recommendations not only address the use of existing buildings, but also recommend where in-fill buildings should be constructed and where redevelopment should occur. Public Spaces Issues: All successful downtowns offer public spaces for gathering and convenient routes to access businesses, parking and adjoining neighborhoods. Although Downtown Farmington offers some of these elements, there isn t a central gathering area or other unique place for visitors to enjoy. In addition, the public is not provided access and visibility to the Shiawassee River, an important asset to Downtown. Goal: Develop public spaces throughout Downtown Farmington that offer comfortable places for visitors to gather and circulate. Strategies: Develop a new central park area at Grove Street and Grand River Avenue for public gathering and events that have interesting and eye catching features. Link the central park with pathways and open space to the river and consider creative ways to address the steep slope at the river bank. Protect and enhance existing civic uses such as the City Hall and the Library. Concentrate pedestrian generating uses together and focus pedestrian facilities nearby. Orient buildings toward each other so there is activity on both sides of the street. Land Use Plan Improve access to parking with convenient locations and through-block and through-building connectors. Public gathering space Example of an Urban Central Park appropriate to downtown 5

Residential and Business Uses Issues: Downtown Farmington currently offers a mixture of businesses including retail shops, services, restaurants, and professional offices.

Businesses also keep restricted hours, so later in the evening and on the weekend there is limited activity at times when residents are most available to visit Downtown.

7 Residential and Business Uses Issues: Downtown Farmington currently offers a mixture of businesses including retail shops, services, restaurants, and professional offices. Despite the variety of businesses, additional uses and services are needed that serve daily needs of residents living in and near Downtown. Businesses also keep restricted hours, so later in the evening and on the weekend there is limited activity at times when residents are most available to visit Downtown. Also, buildings are spread out in Downtown with minimal physical connection, creating several areas of inconsistent building facades. Residential use is lacking in Downtown, which is important to supporting businesses. Goal: Create a vibrant mixed use Downtown that offers appropriately located businesses, services, and residential opportunities. Sculpture as an identifiable feature Inconsistent building facades along Grand River Avenue in Downtown Farmington 8

Strategies: Maximize the use of land through multiple story buildings, mixed-use buildings, high density residential, and multiple level parking.

Inconsistent building facades and gaps between buildings in Downtown Farmington Limit commercial uses to high activity generators such as retail shops, personal service uses, restaurants, bars, and

Promote in-fill construction to create a consistent building line and streetscape along all Downtown streets, especially Grand River Avenue and Farmington Road.

8 Strategies: Maximize the use of land through multiple story buildings, mixed-use buildings, high density residential, and multiple level parking. Focus commercial activity to the core of Downtown at Grand River Avenue and Farmington Road, and Grove Street and at the street level of buildings. Inconsistent building facades and gaps between buildings in Downtown Farmington Limit commercial uses to high activity generators such as retail shops, personal service uses, restaurants, bars, and theaters. Support accessory outdoor dining and sales in appropriate locations to bring activity to the street front. Promote in-fill construction to create a consistent building line and streetscape along all Downtown streets, especially Grand River Avenue and Farmington Road. Example of mixeduse buildings Infuse Downtown Farmington with residential uses to create more day, night, and weekend activity. Locate stand alone residential on the fringe as a transition, and promote townhouse style housing for traditional downtown character. Create a residential/office activity area on the south side of Downtown at Farmington Road and Orchard Street. High density residential appropriate for a downtown location 9

This Parking Plan was careful to consider this goal in its recommendations. Parking Spaces Issues: There are approximately 2,200 parking spaces in downtown.

9 Introduction Parking evolved into a crucial element in ensuring the success of this Downtown Plan. Discussions with businesses and the Economic Restructuring Committee were unanimous in their concerns over offering convenient parking that meets the demands of all businesses. This Parking Plan was careful to consider this goal in its recommendations. Parking Spaces Issues: There are approximately 2,200 parking spaces in downtown. They are primarily found in off-street surface parking lots, with very few on-street parking opportunities. Downtown parking is provided in both private and public lots. Based on a current parking study, overall existing parking capacity is approximately 50% allowing ample space for parking. These parking spaces, however, are not properly dispersed to promote convenience for visitors in relation to the high parking generator uses. Based on a recent parking study conducted for the City, the parking lot north of Grand River Avenue was estimated to be at over 80% occupancy at peak times and the large parking lot south of Grand River Avenue is approximately 65% occupied at peak times, while the remainder of parking areas are underutilized. These studies, however, are based on current land uses, which are anticipated to change in the future. Goal: Efficiently use the limited land area in downtown to offer ample parking opportunities and accessibility to serve businesses and other uses. Strategies: Provide a balanced parking plan that increases the amount of parking in the downtown to meet existing and future parking demands. Based on the proposed land use plan and average parking demands for these uses, the estimated parking demand is approximately 1,800 parking spaces. In order to adjust for above average parking generators, civic events, and the potential for greater floor area than calculated, more parking is accommodated in the Schematic Parking Plan than the estimated demand. Specifically, 2,066 parking spaces are proposed at ground level with the potential to increase parking to 2400 with a second level of parking at designated parking structures, and 2,734 parking spaces if a third level of parking is provided at structure locations. A comparison of the proposed parking plan with the existing parking count reveals a potential to increase parking in the downtown by 24% (from 2,200 to 2,734). Parking Plan Existing parking lot in Farmington Center south of TJ Maxx store Existing parking lot north of Grand River Avenue 11

Maximize use of limited land area through efficient, unified parking lot design where parking is consolidated for several uses.

Study the feasibility of on-street parking on both sides of Farmington Road within the downtown area in place of (2) travel lanes.

Accommodate on-street or angled parking, whichever is most feasible, along newly created streets a and b around the central park area and along Grove Street.

10 Maximize use of limited land area through efficient, unified parking lot design where parking is consolidated for several uses. Accommodate on-street parallel parking on Grand River Avenue, Liberty Street, State Street, Alta Loma Street, New Orchard Street, Thomas Street, and School Street within the boundary of the DDA. Study the feasibility of on-street parking on both sides of Farmington Road within the downtown area in place of (2) travel lanes. Existing rear building entries north of Grand River Avenue Add bump outs to protect parked cars and define travel lanes. Accommodate on-street or angled parking, whichever is most feasible, along newly created streets a and b around the central park area and along Grove Street. Consider opportunities for parking structures in three locations to maximize use of the land: Warner and Thomas Street, at the parking lot south of Grand River Avenue, and north of Grand River Avenue east of School Street. Concentrate the majority of parking spaces in the core of downtown north of Grand River Avenue, west of Warner Street; and south of Grand River Avenue west of Grove Street. Consider these areas the highest priority for parking improvements. Existing connection from Orchard Street north to Farmington Center Market should be developed further to be more inviting Unify existing private lots to promote shared use, more efficient parking lot design, and maximize the amount of spaces provided. Disperse all other parking areas throughout downtown to provide convenient parking in all activity areas. Provide rear entries to businesses from parking lots. Example of on street parking with curb bump out Improve pedestrian connections between parking areas and buildings. 12

Parking Enhancement Issues: Parking lots are commonly the first impression of a downtown. A tour of Downtown Farmington reveals the need to focus on enhancing the views of parking areas.

Parking lots are visible from the streetscape and in some areas dominate more than the buildings.

11 Parking Enhancement Issues: Parking lots are commonly the first impression of a downtown. A tour of Downtown Farmington reveals the need to focus on enhancing the views of parking areas. Several parking lots are in poor condition with worn and broken pavement and lack enhancements such as parking lot islands. Parking lots are visible from the streetscape and in some areas dominate more than the buildings. Goal: Provide well-designed parking areas for visitors of downtown that reflect the welcoming, high quality image of Farmington. Strategies: Require enhanced parking structure design to limit visual impact through building materials, landscaping, and development of liner buildings so that businesses are located at the street level of the structure. Maintain parking areas to the rear of buildings, screened from view along the streetscape while still providing convenient access. Enhance the appearance of parking lots through landscape and green space. Improve pedestrian circulation through the parking lots to the sidewalk system and building entrances. Buffer parking areas from adjoining residential areas. Example of an integrated parking structure with retail stores on the ground level Example of appropriate screening of parking in downtown 13

Introduction It is important that the Downtown Master Plan address efficient and safe movement of people within and to downtown whether it s by vehicle or on foot.

Thus future improvements and enhancements must ensure that people are not only provided convenient access but are offered a comfortable and enticing environment.

Gateways Issues: The gateways to Downtown Farmington are from the south: at Farmington Road and M-5; from the east on Grand River Avenue at Lakeway Street; from the west on Grand River Avenue at

12 Introduction It is important that the Downtown Master Plan address efficient and safe movement of people within and to downtown whether it s by vehicle or on foot. The circulation system links visitors, shoppers, customers, workers, and residents to their destinations. Thus future improvements and enhancements must ensure that people are not only provided convenient access but are offered a comfortable and enticing environment. Recommendations of the Circulation Plan are organized by topic and are based on current issues and conditions described in each section. Gateways Issues: The gateways to Downtown Farmington are from the south: at Farmington Road and M-5; from the east on Grand River Avenue at Lakeway Street; from the west on Grand River Avenue at Shiawassee Road; and from the north at Farmington Road and Shiawassee Road. These gateways currently lack any dramatic elements that would signify to someone traveling along the roadway that they are approaching Downtown Farmington. Goal: Create a consistent design concept for enhancements at each of the four primary gateways into Downtown Farmington to create a sense of arrival and attract attention to this vital area of the community. Note: *indicates location of perceived Gateways to downtown Farmington Circulation Plan Existing East Gateway: Grand River Avenue looking west. Opportunity to replace guardrail with ornamental bridge railing and install boulevard island in center turn lane. Existing West Gateway: Grand River Avenue looking east at Shiawassee intersection. Opportunity to add boulevard island in painted left turn lane. 15

Table of Contents. Elm Avenue Improvement Plan City of Waco, Texas. Introduction 1. Existing Context 1 Figure 1 2.

Table of Contents. Elm Avenue Improvement Plan City of Waco, Texas. Introduction 1. Existing Context 1 Figure 1 2. Table of Contents Introduction 1 Existing Context 1 Figure 1 2 Plan Guidelines 3 Future Urban Form 4 The West-End 4 Main Street 6 The East-End 7 Figure 2 9 Public Improvement Recommendations 7 General