Area-wide CIRCULATION AND PARKING Staff Recommendations Working Group Recommendations Advisory Group Comments / Input Incorporate Sustainability into Streets and Parking. o Narrow street widths to reduce impervious surfaces. o Maximize tree canopy. o Integrate tree pits and bio infiltration along applicable road sections. o Maximize energy efficiency of all street lights and signals. o Maximize use of reclaimed asphalt as fill. Relocate Transit, taxis, bikeshare, and car-sharing locations. o Relocate ART bus stops and lay-by space to 15 th St. N. west of N. Uhle St. o Relocate bikeshare station west of relocated metro station entrance. o Relocate taxi stand to Clarendon Blvd. north of Strayer block. o Relocate car-sharing into G1 level of future parking garage. Conduct an extensive multi-modal circulation study Design Parking Garage in coordination with Open Space Design and Sustainability concerns. Update Master Transportation Plan (MTP) to reflect recommended street types and designs. WG regarding a multi-modal study, the WG asked that the study be expanded to state clearly that one of the study s goals is to make sure extensive traffic counts are taken in the area to get as much data as possible. This data would help test various street options (shared street, car-free street) so that existing traffic would not be diverted onto neighborhood streets if change in the nature of existing streets occurred. The study would need to use assumed existing and proposed building siting and uses in the buildings. WG The multi-modal study should also model the narrowing of Veitch and studying the effects of closing N. 15 th Street to through vehicular traffic (except for transit vehicles). Such a restriction is a goal most Working Group members support. WG - COMMENT ON PAGE 6 of staff PowerPoint top drawing of G1 plan: While the WG does not necessarily disagree with the connection shown from Landmark to the garage, WG believes strongly it should be highlighted for further discussion as it represents a change in County policy about access to buildings/garages under County-owned streets. If it is to happen here, it is then not precluded from being proposed for other sites. WG noted an outcome of studies and recommendations would result in recommending changes to the MTP. Look at materials changes on shared streets. Alternate materials go a long way in signaling the intention of the street. (TC) Likes the shared streets concept, move towards car free primarily 15th Street. (TC) Traffic impacts are important. Phasing is critical. Wilson and Clarendon Boulevards are already backed up in the mornings. No traffic in Lyon Village. (LVCA) There will be more traffic with the hotel and Wendy s site developments, so there will be more back-ups. If there is not a good circulation plan, cars will cut through Lyon Village. (LVCA) Are you retaining street parking? Will people be able to run into the stores? (LVCA) Make carless streets do-able, peds rule. Think about car free at different time. (TC) Likes the shared streets concept, move towards car free primarily 15th Street. (TC) Look at materials changes on shared streets. Alternate materials go a long way in signaling the intention of the street. (TC) Relocate Metro Entrance Relocate Metro Entrance to existing elevator on the square. o Provides direct access from the Square to the pedestrian tunnels. o Includes pedestrian access to a new garage. WG - In general, the Working Group is supportive of this new entrance. However, some are concerned that more emphasis or sooner emphasis should be given on a long-discussed Western Entrance to Courthouse Metro. This entrance is actually outside of the currently defined parameters of the Courthouse Study area but within the neighborhood. It is an entrance long sought and should not be supplanted by a new entrance. 15 th Street N Create a Shared Street o Curbless except transit boarding area west of N. Uhle St. o WG the WG continues to feel the curbless environment should be seen as a precursor to limiting vehicular traffic to transit vehicles only. Such a limitation would be a pilot in many ways for other areas of the County and having it here at the government center would reinforce the County s commitment to non-private automobile modes.
N. Courthouse Rd. From Clarendon Blvd. to 14 th St. N. Reconfigure Street o Enhance pedestrian crossing, especially near Judicial Center. o Maintain as major access point to the area from Arlington Blvd. o Introduce traffic calming measures to increase pedestrian safety. WG would like to see if a cycle track is possible in this stretch and possibly beyond. 14 th St. N. Create a Shared Street o Curbless except for sloped portion between N. Veitch St. and N. Uhle St. o Enhance pedestrian connection with N. Uhle St. Promenade. o WG felt this was a different environment than N. 15 th and is fine with recommendation. Clarendon Blvd. and Wilson Blvd. Reconfigure Street o Improve pedestrian experience and narrow street width a road diet. o Widen Sidewalks and improve pedestrian crossings. o WG The group would like to see if a cycle track is possible in this stretch and possibly beyond. N. Uhle St. between Clarendon Blvd. and 15 th St. N. Create a curbless pedestrian promenade. o Utilize special paving materials. o Limit vehicular activity except for emergency vehicles. o Manage vehicular access for events and servicing retail and restaurants. o Integrate flexible street furniture to enliven retail elements. N. Uhle St. between 15 th St. N. and 14 th St. N. Create a curbless pedestrian promenade. o Utilize special paving materials. o Limit vehicular activity except for emergency vehicles. o Manage vehicular access for events and servicing retail and restaurants. WG strike future as this is all future. DONE. Transit Accommodate transit services on 15 th St. N. and Wilson/Clarendon Blvds. Include potential transit shelter and services into Clarendon plaza kiosk WG page 7, top Taxi stand at Veitch could be in conflict with desired short term parking/standing area to facilitate use of CVS. It could be evaluated if redevelopment occurs and CVS use ceases. WG asked this be changed to Accommodate car sharing in designated areas in proposed central garage under square.
Parking Accommodate primary parking needs under open space. Design the parking garage in close collaboration with the open space design. WG Some members expressed concern recommendations are being made before the Comprehensive Parking Study is done. They believe such a study should be the basis for recommendations. Although it is clear there will be a parking study, it should be done to inform the Sector Plan Addendum and not after the addendum. WG One member noted building height and use would need to inform the study so that an adequate amount of parking can be planned for the entire study area since it has been noted some building sites may not be able to park themselves due to constraints such as Metro tunnels, etc. The study would be comprehensive and recommend parking not only in a garage to be constructed under the proposed plaza but also on the street. It was acknowledged that if the issue the parking study would illuminate is how many levels of garage would be needed, then it could follow the adoption of a Sector Plan Addendum that would set the parameters of buildings height, placement and uses. WG page 5 of staff PowerPoint bottom illustration showing proposed Garage entrances. The WG recommends an entrance at N. 14 th and Courthouse Road. Such an entrance would not be dependent upon private development for construction as the proposed entrances on Landmark block would be, for example. Having an entrance near traffic coming from Arl BLvd would reduce traffic adjacent to the square. WG Special storm water management engineering would need to be considered to accompany such an entrance as this is the lowest point of the square. WG questioned placement of service entrance on Strayer block. Parking is accessible and adequate but don't overbuild. Don't want parking to be a negative experience feel comfortable. (EDC) Parking critical to the success of the market. (PRC) The 2100 Clarendon parking garage feels too spooky and unsafe at night. (LVCA) Pedestrian WG OTHER PEDESTRIAN COMMENTS page 7, bottom the drawing should be amended to show the much discussed escalator connection between N. 14 th and the square (necessitated by the steep grade.) Put an accessible elevator near any escalators. (HC) Make carless streets do-able, peds rule. Think about car free at different time. (TC) WG The desire lines for pedestrian access should be kept in mind when designing the square. Pedestrian movements from FMHN diagonally to the Metro and other transit opportunities should be enabled as well as access across N. Courthouse for the detention center and court. Bicycle WG suggested changing to bike share provider instead of specific provider Pay special attention to the design of intersection of Veitch / Wilson / Clarendon. It can be dangerous to bicyclists. (BAC) Be careful about the interface of bikes and taxis, if a taxi stand location is proposed for Clarendon Blvd. (BAC) Potential conflict on cab stand and bike lanes on north side of Strayer if located there. (TC)
Sustainability
Area-wide OPEN SPACE Staff Recommendations Additional Stakeholder Recommendations Advisory Group Comments / Input Integrate plantings and enhance the tree canopy throughout the area o Plant new shade trees to increase canopy cover and provide additional shade for pavements and pedestrians while helping to reduce heat islands, air, and noise pollution. o Preserve the existing urban forest and canopy. o Provide biodiversity of trees, shrubs, and groundcovers while utilizing a predominantly (minimum 80%) native plant palette. Integrate bio-infiltration and improved soils, particularly on the North, East, and South sides of the square. Encourage the use of local and regional materials, thus reducing environmental impacts resulting from transportation. Site lighting that optimizes safety, light pollution reduction, and energy efficiency. Provide context, programming, features, and design elements that activate the Square. o Provide supportive surrounding development and programming of the open space. o Create a flexible space to accommodate different types of events, gatherings, and concerts. o Add seating, cafes, and kiosks throughout the open spaces. o Consider a water feature, ice rink, kid play area, or a sculptural fountain. Activate the Square o Activate the square through development and programming of open space. o Create a flexible space to accommodate different types of events, gatherings, and concerts. o Add seating, cafes, and kiosks throughout the square. o Consider a water feature, ice rink, kid play area, or a sculptural fountain. WG many of the recommendations here are very specific. These and most certainly the comments from all 3 Public Workshops should be gathered and used to set the parameters for and inform the Design Phase of the Square. Develop scope and issue RFQ for Open Space Design. During all three public meetings it was clear the focus of most was on the large public open area that is to be created from this process. There is not unanimity either on the Working Group nor in the public about exactly what form the space should take. Some see it as being predominately green and open while others see various rooms with provision of some hard or semi-hard scape to support programming ranging from the continuation of the important farmers market to a variety of types of outdoor performances to allowing/encouraging large public gatherings for lectures or rallies. WORKING GROUP noted that a child play area could be combined with a fountain/water features. Focal points are needed at strategic locations. Members asked that adequate soil depth be considered above the underground parking to allow for mature trees. (E2C2) Members expressed concern over the open space becoming paved at later points in the process. They desired more green than hardscape. (E2C2) Members expressed concern over designing the open space to avoid uses that would render it into hardscape. For example, if it encountered heavy usage and was turned into hardscape later due to maintenance issues. (E2C2) Recommendation for a highly managed and maintained facility. Active space managed NOT by county but by a non-profit. (EDC) Flexible, dancing, multi-use facility with a stage (temporary or permanent) would be a good idea. (PRC) Consider lighting, trees. (PRC) Good examples of open space are where buildings, not cars, border squares. (PRC) Programming is key in Courthouse Square. BIDs are good, but there are some inherent problems (Yards Park bike ban example) (UFC) Recommend a tree lining the promenade. (UFC) Primary Open Space (North Square) Composed mostly of lawn and trees, with less emphasis on hardscape surfaces. Primarily utilizes native trees and plants. Protect and enhance the Memorial trees by planting a Memorial Grove. Interfaces and connects with a variety of activating spaces and uses, including: o Relocated Metro entrance o Retail o Shared Streets o Existing and New County Administrative Offices o Private development o Courthouse Plaza Promenade WG as noted above, it is too soon to know the emphasis or balance between hard and soft scapes. It is not appropriate at this point to presuppose. Can an amphitheater use be incorporated in the Courthouse Square open space? (HC)
South Square Activity Zone Different design considerations than North Square o More active, flexible, and closer to government services. o Lower topographically. o Further from primary retail concentration. Good market location. Frames the open space. Visually buffers the Verizon building. Integrate stormwater management feature. WG noted this should say site as it is unclear what may happen to existing building or existing plaza Likes an open air flexible space. (PRC) Open air and flexible use, but covered. (PRC) N. Uhle St. Promenade Acts as an extension of the open space by incorporating trees and plantings. Closed to vehicles a majority of the time. o Provides managed loading access for farmer s market and other events, provides emergency access. Utilizes street furniture evocative of pedestrian dominated open space rather than car-oriented streets. See circulation comments or paste here as well Metro Plaza Creates direct visual and physical connection to Courthouse Square, N. Uhle St. Promenade, and other transportation options. Adds natural light to access tunnels and entryways.
Clarendon Boulevard Plaza Café, kiosk, or public art opportunity. Opportunity for terminating vista.
Area-wide BUILDINGS AND USE Staff Recommendations Additional Stakeholder Recommendations Advisory Group Comments / Input Evaluate Net Zero Energy certification and Living Building certification on Countyowned facilities. ID central plant location for District Energy in parking garage or building mechanical roof. Integrate green roofs, rain water harvesting, and/or stormwater planters into new County facilities and a central stormwater management feature in the open space WG NOTE: Working group had much discussion about heights of buildings in general for the study area. It is cognizant of comments from the 3 public meetings that indicated most participants did not think there should be very tall buildings on this site. It should be noted the current Courthouse apartment building is 210 feet and the court building is of similar height. In general, there is no support of buildings higher than this in general. The WG feels 180 210 is appropriate for buildings in this area. 300 was once discussed but felt too tall and also made the site too prominent from the Mall. It also didn t comport with the public sentiment for not tall buildings. For site plan, applications could range from 180 210. Any proposed structure would need to demonstrate how it comports with the goals of the sector plan to get any form of site plan allowable height/density. These could include connections to and financial assistance to planned parking structure under the Square, improvements to the Metro connections (does this include Western Entrance?) and affordable housing goals. In addition, the WG expressed an interest in considering an absolute limit of 230 ft (including penthouse) for extraordinary community benefits to be articulated in Sector Plan Addendum as has been done in some other recent plans. Among these benefits would be a building not designed with a flat roof. Also this would NOT be recommended for a site to the south or west because of shadows. Maximize the number of accessible affordable units. (HC) Food vendors. (PRC) No heights over 210 because the National Mall views are important. (LVCA) Court Square West Develop as a (A) standalone County building OR (B) as a private mixed-use building o (A) County Building 12-14 Stories (180 ) Approximately 308,000 SF o (B) Private mixed-use building Maximum height of 180. o Either option can accommodate a cultural facility/resource.
AMC Theater Site Phase (1) o Add 30-40 deep liner retail to the east and north facades. Phase (2) o Redevelop at 3-7 stories (65 105 ), mixed use/entertainment and/or County use. o Rooftop terrace on east side with presence on the square. o Massing and height increase to the west. o Potentially accommodates a cultural resource. Develop as a (A) standalone County building OR (B) as a private mixed-use building o (A) County Building 12-14 Stories (180 ) Approximately 308,000 SF o (B) Private mixed-use building Maximum height of 180. o Either option can accommodate a cultural facility/resource. WG The working group in its discussion supports a sort of hybrid of this proposal. It recommends the Court Square West building be combined with the Theatre site so that the front of the County used building would front more on the Square. IF this site, for whatever reasons, would not need to be used for County offices, it could be a residential use (perhaps affordable housing with a private partner) or a hotel. (See caveat about residential use above.) WG supported 180 for this site with step backs as proposed and illustrated in staff drawings. The step backs would occur on the AMC portion. Preferred Option for Combined AMC Theater/CSW site. Consider combining sites as a phased joint development opportunity. Pros o Better County front door. o More efficient floorplate. o Better definition and enclosure on the west side of the Square. o Better defined cross-axis between government buildings. o Easier to accommodate 300-400k SF with less height. o Greater potential for ground floor cultural resource or facility. o Rooftop views to the National Mall within County facility and from rooftop. o Can be phased to allow the County to build sufficient office space initially on unencumbered County land and consider additional needs in a joint partnership with the developer of the theater site. Cons o Complex partnership. o Additional building demolition. o Timing not in County hands. Landmark Block Develop as a private mixed-use building o 16-22 stories (180 210 height maximum) o Mixed-use with ground floor retail. o Parking and service access primarily off of N. Courthouse Rd. o See Cultural Resources for preservation recommendations. WG would prefer this to be an office use and would say this is the site for 230 with extraordinary benefits.
Strayer Block Develop as a private mixed-use building o 16-19 stories (180 190 height maximum) o Mixed-use with ground floor retail. o Parking accommodated within Courthouse Square parking garage. o Minimize impact of service access on the Square. o See Cultural Resources for preservation recommendations. Verizon Plaza Develop as a private mixed-use building o 4-10 stories (60 120 height maximum) o Mixed-use with ground floor retail. o Potential to include a cultural facility/resource on the ground floor. WG preferred the plaza site to be a small building of 3-4 stories to house some County uses that include citizens (e.g. the Board room for hearings, meeting rooms) and a cultural resource that could be a history center, visitor center, special library, etc. and/or retail. At this point this site has no more density on it. There is no building potential unless the existing Verizon building is torn down. The plaza itself has a public access easement on it. Sustainability o Green Building Policy and the Community Energy Plan evaluate Net Zero Energy certification and Living Building certification on County-owned facilities o IEMP and District Energy ID central plant location in parking garage or building mechanical room o Green roofs, rain water harvesting, and/or stormwater planters integration of new County facilities with central stormwater management feature in open space WG noted all buildings need to be capable of participating in a District Energy plan that encompasses the whole area not just the delineated study area.
CULTURAL RESOURCES Staff Recommendations Additional Stakeholder Recommendations Advisory Group Comments / Input Area-wide Integrate art, environmental education, and sustainability particularly with planned stormwater management strategies. Incorporate Public Art o Incorporate public art at key locations in the Square and in the broader study area. o Establish rotating art installations. o Incorporate interactive sculpture/art that becomes lighting or way finding and is engaging for all ages. o Integrate sustainable strategies with art and environmental education. Archaeological excavations should be conducted with the redevelopment of the square. Memorial Trees Preserve the Mother (notable) and Soldier trees and markers by incorporating them into a memorial grove and limiting soil disturbance above and below grade. Need to get beyond Artisphere, inhibiting ACA's abilities to speak to community at large about cultural needs that doesn't begin & end with Artisphere; possible collaboration with heritage museum. (ARTS) Request new Cultural Affairs Director leader to complete a needs analysis - inventory of existing cultural facilities, needs/wants for future; articulate key next steps - how much, where, how big here at CHS; CPHD can come back to further discuss this. (ARTS) Activate the Square - Start to take the asphalt back now - temporary public art activities - take back the square - another way that ACA can help, help to advocate County leadership to find the money now for. (ARTS) Incorporate a heritage center in the Courthouse Square area. (HALRB) A performance space for the Cultural / Civic / Market (CCM) area may be closed off a lot of the time, less egalitarian, take a lot of space. (PRC) Music is important, allow concerts in the CCM zone something with culture. (PRC) Use for school events. (PRC) Preserve Memorials and Trees. (HALRB) Preserve the Memorial Trees; do not disturb the soil around them and make sure that any parking structure beneath them does not have a negative impact; surround them with a larger memorial grove. (UFC) Canopy should be 30-35% here. (UFC) A soil depth of 3-4 feet is necessary to have healthy, mature trees. (UFC) Farmer s Market Enhance the current pop-up farmer s market. Given demand, construct a more permanent market structure along the southern end of the Square.
o Design the building for flexible use and open area surrounding for even driven activities. Landmark Block Building Preservation Relocate and repurpose Simmonds building (currently Jerry s Subs) last remaining example of Lawyer s Row. Preserve and restore investment façade as part of development efforts (County owned) HRI Important. Preserve and restore Commonwealth façade (Colonial Revival) Preserve and restore First Federal Savings and Loan façade and interior floor/wall clock (Currently Cosi) HRI Important. Perform archaeological excavations on the square, particularly in the areas that have been least disturbed over time. (HALRB) Preserve Cosi, Commonwealth and homeless shelter facades. (HALRB) Preserve Cosi interior wall clock and floor. (HALRB) Preserve full Simmonds building on site. (HALRB) Cultural Facility Establish a cultural or civic facility (1) within Courthouse Square either in new buildings at Verizon Plaza, Court Square West, or AMC theater site or (2) as an iconic building on the south square. Possible uses include: o Visitor Center. o Performing Arts. o Living Heritage Center. o Library.
SUSTAINABILITY AND DISTRICT ENERGY Staff Recommendations Additional Stakeholder Recommendations Advisory Group Comments / Input See specific recommendations for Sustainability in Open Space, Circulation, Buildings, and cultural Resources. Courthouse Integrated Energy Master Plan (IEMP) recommendations in progress. Targets for energy efficiency, district energy, and renewable energy. Identify potential location in G-1 parking garage or in a new building mechanical room for central district energy plant. Asked if the Courthouse IEMP component would go to the Community Energy Plan Implementation Review Committee. (E2C2) Stormwater management recommendations in progress. Increase vegetated areas to reduce impervious area. Central stormwater management feature in square. Integrate tree pits and bio-infiltration.