Title
Proposed Revisions to Streetscape Design and Technical Standards (NB)
Explanation
The Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) has in the past approved the streetscape design and technical standards prepared by Bellomo-Herbert and Company for the four redevelopment areas. The design and technical standards were created to unify the design approaches to multiple streetscape projects in these areas by specifying paver patterns and street furniture from a common palette of materials. While the paver materials are similar district to district, the patterns vary according to the scale of the roadway on which they will be constructed. The pattern variation gives each roadway classification a unique identity.
The first Primary Corridor streetscape built from the new standards was the University Avenue Lofts project at the southwest corner of West University Avenue and SW 6th Street. Staff has reviewed the streetscape and recommends that the pattern for Primary Corridors be changed for future construction. Staff recommends that the pattern be revised by Bellomo-Herbert to enhance the color and pattern selection. Once the CRA authorizes staff to modify the streetscape standards, staff will review the proposed changes with each of the advisory boards, and then return to the CRA with recommendations.
In addition to the study item above, staff recommends two immediate changes to the design and technical standards. The first is that developers who are required to construct streetscape enhancements have the option of installing a "full-brick" treatment on Primary Corridors in the area between the back of curb and the property line.
The second concerns the lighting selections for one particular segment of the Primary Corridors. Staff recommends that in the Downtown Redevelopment Area, the "Black Round Full Cutoff" luminaire (also known as "Hockey Pucks") and, where appropriate, the "Traditional Cutoff Pedestrian Light" (also known as the "Washington Globe") be designated as the fixtures for South Second Avenue from West 3rd Street east to East 7th Street, through the core of the historic downtown area. This revision will ensure coordination between existing and future light standards in this corridor where many Washington Globes and Hockey Pucks are in place.
Fiscal Note
Bellomo-Herbert has proposed a fee of $1,000 for initial consultation to assist with revising the streetscape design and technical standards as to paver pattern for Primary Corridors. Subsequent work to revise the standards will fall within staff spending limits.
Recommendation
The CRA: 1) Authorize the expenditure of $1,000 for Bellomo-Herbert to assist with initial consultation in revising the streetscape design and technical standards as to brick pattern on the primary corridors and refer the proposed revision to the advisory boards; and 2) approve effective immediately the hockey puck and globe lighting choice for South Second Avenue from West 3rd Street to East 7th Street and the flexibility to allow full brick treatment on primary corridors at appropriate locations.