Working Group Meeting #7 June 11, 2014
Community Input The following slides present frequency of input compiled from: Two public workshops Five Working Group meetings Interdepartmental interviews Countywide online survey 2
Community Input Charge Elements Building Location, Use & Design Circulation Open Space Cultural Resources Environment & Energy 3
CIRCULATION: EXISTING ASSESSMENT Major Minor Metro Access Bus Stop Major Entry Pedestrian Path Informal Subgrade Path 4
CIRCULATION- PEDESTRIAN : EXPERIENCE AND CONNECTION OPPORTUNITIES Metro Access Bus Stop Major Entry Pedestrian Path Informal Subgrade Path 5
CIRCULATION- VEHICULAR : EXPERIENCE AND CONNECTION OPPORTUNITIES Major Minor Bus Stop Major Thoroughfare Minor Thoroughfare 6
SITE CONSIDERATIONS: TOPOGRAPHY OPPORTUNITIES 1. As a plateau, it stands prominently above its surroundings and has advantageous see and be seen qualities. 2. The study area has significant topo variation from north to south 3. The site has layers of metro landings directly adjacent to the north and west end of the study area 4. The metro mezzanine connects to underground parking, the amc theatre and is approximately the same level as Verizon plaza 7
Circulation Input 1. Consider dedicating 15 th St. to pedestrians, bicyclists, buses, taxis, additional open space 2. Improve underground Metro access, open Metro to square, daylighting 3. Improve number of available public parking spaces/access 4. Activation of square through development 5. Extend Uhle St. and create a promenade with active frontage 6. Improve wayfinding for public parking 8
Other Circulation Issues Nature of 14th and 15 th streets? Extension of Uhle Street? Garage as cut-through? Access and loading locations? Parking for public safety vehicles? 9
Circulation Images 10
OPEN SPACE ASSESSMENT : Several types of opens spaces and parks within 10 min walking distance Currently no grand civic open space Opportunity for grand civic space that adds value to the county and complements existing amenities 11
SITE CONSIDERATIONS: TOPOGRAPHY CHALLENGES 1.Site elevations drop off dramatically to the south and east of the courthouse square site. This poses challenges to the walkability from Rosslyn and the residential blocks to the south. 2.As a plateau, it stands prominently but distinctly separate from it s surroundings. 12
Open Space Input 1. Flexible space to accommodate different types of events 2. Community town square, civic space, third place, all ages, nexus 3. Farmers market shed / grocery store 4. Better connections, walkable, accessible 5. More trees 6. Water feature, possible ice rink, possible children s play feature, public art 13
Other Open Space Issues Ratio of hardscape to softscape? Ramble and grove concepts? 14
Open Space Images 15
Cultural Resources Images 16
Cultural Resources Input 1. Keep, expand farmers market possible enclosure/shed 2. Cultural, visitor, performance, living heritage center and/or library on square 3. Retain historic trees 4. Keep movie theatre, possibly in another form such as underground 5. Public rooftop access, gardens, performances 6. Constant programming to activate the square events, festivals, not just lawn 17
Other Cultural Resources Issues Preservation of historic buildings on Landmark block? 18
Buildings Images 19
Buildings Input 1. Multiple buildings surrounding the square (typically lower scale) 2. Activation of square through development 3. Public rooftops with restaurants, parks, views 4. Place buildings to maximize open space 5. Verizon as dead space consider adding development 6. Cap off end of AMC theatre 20
Other Buildings Issues Verizon, Court Square West, AMC Theatre, Strayer and Landmark Block as development sites? Ground floor treatment of new development? Building heights and massing? 21
Buildings Images 22