Public Space Plan
Charlotte, NC
September 2015
Table of Contents
Pages
INTRODUCTION
Plan Purpose
Goals & Objectives
How to Use this Plan
Road Map: Project Timeline
1-7 3 4-5 6 7
APPROACH, METHODOLOGY & KEY FINDINGS
9-39
Site Analysis & Research: Opportunities & Challenges Assessment
11-15
Favorite Places Workshops
17-32
Key Findings
24-32
Charlotte Quality Criteria
33
Public Space, Public Life Survey
35-39
Survey Methods
ANALYSIS, FINDINGS & RECOMMENDATIONS: NEIGHBORHOOD CASE STUDIES
38-39
41-141
Uptown
Plaza Midwood
71-93
West End
95-117
South End
119-141
WAY FORWARD & NEXT STEPS ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
45-69
143-149 151 Gehl Studio
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INTRODUCTION
Plan Purpose Goals & Objectives How to Use this Plan Road Map: Project Timeline Gehl Studio — Introduction
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Plan Purpose 3
The purpose of this plan is to understand what makes Charlotte great and what its residents aspire to, and to develop actionable steps and recommendations to make Charlotte better. Additionally, this plan creates opportunities to leverage current planning efforts and identifies where new public space ideas can be tested in Charlotte. This document establishes a framework for what to look for and how to evaluate future design briefs and plans. It aims to ensure streets and open spaces are holistically integrated into citywide planning and design efforts.
Gehl Studio — Introduction
Goals 4
01 Make Charlotte’s vision for a more walkable, livable Center City more action-oriented.
02 Inspire action to create livelier streets and well-connected neighborhoods with international best practice experience.
03 Engender greater civic and public support for future investment in the public realm.
Gehl Studio — Introduction
Objectives 01 Observe How People Move & Use Charlotte’s Spaces
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Identify the main challenges and opportunities to create livelier streets and better connected neighborhoods. Create baseline Public Space, Public Life Survey data to use for ongoing evaluation of how Charlotte’s streets accommodate walking, biking, or spending time in public space.
02 Measure, Test, Refine Outline guiding principles to consider when evaluating future design proposals. Create a strategic framework and iterative process for how this vision can be incrementally tested, measured, and implemented at key pilot project locations.
03 Engage & Support Civic Participation Create opportunities for the public to experience and participate in the iterative design process involved with re-purposing streets and spaces.
Gehl Studio — Introduction
How to Use this Plan 6
The Charlotte Public Space Plan captures what Gehl Studio heard from Charlotteans and what was observed in Center City’s public spaces. Based on this, the plan recommends strategies to improve public space and public life. This plan includes a discussion of existing conditions, opportunities and challenges in Center City, and an outline of the qualities stakeholders think make public spaces inviting. Case studies were developed for four core neighborhoods: Uptown, Plaza Midwood, West End, and South End. Each provides data and analysis to illustrate how public life and space are functioning, where the challenge and opportunity areas are, and how pilot designs can be evaluated. Each neighborhood case study includes strategies and recommendations that can be used to foster discussion, engage stakeholders, and highlight spaces and programs that could be piloted in a next phase.
Gehl Studio — Introduction
Road Map: Project Timeline The plan outlines a broader process where city staff can begin to take a more peoplefirst approach in designing Charlotte’s public spaces.
This plan highlights a series of potential project opportunities the city and stakeholders can implement. It is hoped that city staff will measure the success and impact of pilot projects to inform future design as well as long-range planning efforts.
Public Space, Public Life Survey Favorite Places Workshops
CONSULTANT LEAD
Fall ‘14
Present findings Public space plan
Winter ‘15
Identify acitvitation opportunities
Spring ‘15
Summer ‘15
Implement pilot projects
Fall ‘15
CITY LEAD Measure activities
Tie to long range planning City procedures
Public hearing / workshop Refine pilot projects Gehl Studio — Introduction
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APPROACH, METHODOLOGY & KEY FINDINGS Site Analysis & Research Favorite Places Workshops Charlotte Quality Criteria Public Space, Public Life Survey Gehl Studio — Approach, Methodology & Key Findings
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Site Analysis & Research
Opportunities & Challenges Assessment
Site Analysis & Research 12
The use of public space was initially measured on a typical fall day. This analysis and research was done to get a sense of how streets and spaces perform for Charlotteans. During this research period, Gehl strove to answer: What are the existing street and public space conditions in Charlotte? To understand this, Gehl Studio: • Observed people out and about and met with key stakeholders • Walked, biked, drove, and took public transit to experience Charlotte’s streets • Identified opportunities to enhance public life and challenges to overcome in order to realize the potential of the city
All images from on-site workshop and site visits to understand the city.
Gehl Studio spoke to stakeholder groups and held formal and informal workshops with residents to understand connections between places and neighborhoods.
Clockwise from upper left: the Favorite Places Workshop, a surveyor, public life in Charlotte, the Public Space Public Life Survey training, and Gehl Studio riding bike share and the light rail. Gehl Studio — Approach, Methodology & Key Findings
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Opportunities Assessment 14
01 Walkable Urban DNA Uptown’s street grid was designed before the automobile became the primary mode of transportation. Human scale features are present throughout the area, evident by trees, wide sidewalks, ground level activity at certain store fronts, and pedestrian oriented signage. Many of Charlotte’s neighborhoods are within three miles of each other, and with the right changes to the urban environment, people can be invited to move between places on foot, bike, or transit.
02 Concentrations of Culture & Activity The wealth of Uptown destinations creates opportunities to leverage existing visitors to these places and thereby activate the streets. Currently though, most cultural offerings and activities remain indoors. A lot of energy and love has been put into a few places, mostly along Tryon Street, and there is an opportunity to expand this energy to more places.
03 Active & Engaged Community Stewards People in Charlotte have pride for their city, and there is a range of civic leaders working to improve connectivity, preserve historic areas, and enhance the public realm in many neighborhoods.
Gehl Studio — Approach, Methodology & Key FIndings
Challenges Assessment 15
01 Poor Connections Walkability and bikeability between neighborhoods is hindered by vehicle traffic, low quality lighting and paving conditions, and lack of active streetscapes. A poor micro-climate and a lack of activity along the ground level can make places feel further away than they are. For example, the McColl Center for Art & Innovation on North Tryon is only three blocks from Trade and Tryon, the heart of the city, but the un-inviting streetscape that leads one there contributes to a perception of distance.
02 Underused Spaces Places that are only one block from Tryon Street are ignored or considered ‘work-horse’ streets intended to move traffic in and out of the city center. Surface parking lots and multi-story garages dominate the streetscape, especially along North Tryon and on parallel streets, such as Church and College.
03 New Development Does Little to Activate the Public Realm New development turns its back to the street, evident by a lack of ground floor programming or entrances that do not front the street. These new developments are examples of how the street isn’t considered a place to spend time.
Gehl Studio — Approach, Methodology & Key Findings
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Favorite Places Workshops Understanding What Quality Public Space Means to Charlotteans
A Tool to Understand What People Love Starting with Quality
This section describes how Gehl Studio identified what ‘quality’ means to people in Charlotte. The standard Gehl Quality Criteria is used to spark conversation. It is organized into three broad core categories: protection, comfort, and delight. Favorite Places Workshops then help identify locally important qualities. Gehl Studio — Approach, Methodology & Key FIndings
Protection
The Gehl Quality Criteria Location: + = YES # = IN-BETWEEN - = NO
Protection Against Vehicular Traffic
Protection Against Crime & Violence
Protection Against Unpleasant Sensory Experiences
Invitations for Walking
Invitations for Standing & Staying
Invitations for Sitting
Invitations for Seeing
Invitations for Hearing & Talking
Invitations for Play & Recreation
Dimensioned at a Human Scale
Positive Aspects of Climate
Aesthetic Quality
Comfort
Gehl Studio focuses on creating mutually beneficial relationships between people’s quality of life and their built environment. Gehl studies how people’s senses, movements, interests, and behaviors are influenced by the scale and quality of place. The Gehl approach starts with this to ensure design is guided by qualities that make a place welcoming and comfortable from the user’s experience.
Delight
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Public Space Quality Criteria
Gehl Architects
#favoriteplaceCTL We know your chicken, A sample of images used tofavorite provoke conversations about favorite places and the qualities that
make public space inviting.
but what’s your favorite place in Charlotte?
Gehl Studio — Approach, Methodology & Key Findings
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Favorite Places Workshops 20
When one is asked to think of great public spaces, a few archetypal spaces come to mind: Central Park, Las Ramblas, Piazza Navona. These are dramatic, great places, but they are relevant to their contexts: large, old, and dense cities. What do these spaces look like in smaller and medium size cities, which cover larger land area and have street patterns from the 20th century? Where do people currently feel invited or enjoy spending time? What qualities are missing from these places? From a busy street corner to the parking lot of a fast food joint, cities of all sizes have public spaces loved or well-used by residents. Favorite Places Workshops are designed to understand the qualities that make these lesser-known places thrive and to understand why other public spaces in Charlotte might not be performing to their greatest potential. By asking people to share what places they love and what leads them to have a great experience there, we collected feedback that could be applied to developing design principles and guidelines. Favorite Places Workshops were held at Byron’s South End in October 2014 and February 2015 during two evening workshops in addition to four informal workshops at Common Market, 7th Street Public Market, the Charlotte Transportation Center, and NoDa Brewing Company.
Gehl Studio — Approach, Methodology & Key FIndings
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Workshops at various locations created an opportunity for ‘formal’ and ‘informal’ conversations with Charlotte stakeholders. Participants at the evening workshops (formal) represented city agencies and civic organizations. Participants at the on-site workshops (informal) were Noda Brewing Charlotteans going about their daily routines, and not Company typically engaged in urban planning and design issues. St
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More than 200 opinions were collected at the workshops, with about 80 generated from the formal workshops and 120 from people Gehl staff spoke to at various sites.
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Byron’s South End Gehl Studio — Approach, Methodology & Key Findings
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Workshop Activities 22
1 Favorite Images & Places 1a. What inspirational images do people love? At four workshops across the city and during one evening workshop Gehl presented people with 30 inspirational images from around the world and asked them to identify their favorite - based on gut reaction.
1b. What are people’s favorite places in Charlotte and why? To create a public space plan that reflects Charlotte’s identity and characteristics, Gehl wanted to understand where people love to go and spend time, and why. At the same workshops, Charlotteans were asked to map their favorite places. This provided a way to understand Charlotte’s assets and activity hubs, and guide future thinking.
Gehl Studio — Approach, Methodology & Key FIndings
2 Qualities of Favorite Places
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What is it about places that make Charlotteans feel invited to spend time there? To design from a people-first perspective, one has to understand what people care about and how they want to experience a place. Following activities in 1a and 1b, workshop participants were asked to elaborate on the qualities within the images and their favorite places that they respond to, and why they chose those.
Gehl Studio — Approach, Methodology & Key Findings
Key Findings 24
Favorite Attributes The themes below help identify the qualities that exist in people’s favorite places. There was no dominant attribute that rose above the others in the Favorite Place discussion, but rather a series of inter-related themes emerged. The findings here are a composite from all workshops.
Fun, playful, unique, cool Good food & drinks, varied
Most frequently mentioned attributes: • Fun, Playful, Unique, Cool (14%) • Good Food & Drinks (14%) • • • • • • • •
Meeting Places, Social, Active (11%) Walkable, Connected, Accessible (11%) Open Space, Large, Intimate (9%) History, Nostalgia, Charm (8%) Great Views (6.5%) Family & Kid Friendly (6.5%) Relaxing Places, Quiet, Low Key (6.5%) Greenery & Water (6.5%)
• People Watching (6.5%) • Clean, Safe, Affordable / Free (3%) Gehl Studio — Approach, Methodology & Key FIndings
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14%
8 11% 6
9% 8%
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6.5%
3%
Many of the attributes mentioned in relation to the Favorite Places were also mentioned in relation to the Favorite Images, though a few differences emerged.
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Meeting, gathering, hang-out places, social, active
During the ‘Favorite Image’ activity, participants prioritized greenery, sun, and gathering places more than fun, playful, or entertainment places.
Most frequently mentioned attributes: • Green, Water, Sun, Shade, Scents (18%) • Gathering Space, Hang Out, Communal Feel (18%) • • • • • • • •
Activation of Underused Space, Existing Edges (14%) Activity, Active Recreation, Play (10%) Family & Kid Friendly (8%) Relaxing, Peaceful, Quiet, Resting (7.5%) Outdoor Eatery, Open Market, Walkable Retail (7%) Unexpected, Fun, Playful, Creative (6.5%) Walkable, Bike Friendly, Low Car Volume, Parking (6.5%) Art and Culture, Public, Engaging (5%)
• Ample Seating, Hang Out, Talk, Watch (4%) • People Watching (3.5%)
50 18%
40 14% 30
10% 9% 8%
20
7.5% 7%
6.5% 5% 4%
3.5%
10
0 Gehl Studio — Approach, Methodology & Key Findings
Favorite Places 26
Respondents’ Favorite Places were largely concentrated in Uptown, particularly in the south part of the area, but places outside the I-277 loop are also represented.
10% Cultural & Entertainment Institutions
10%
48% 48% Parks & Green Spaces 44% Food & Drink Places
44%
hornets nest park
university boardwalk
whitewater centre
NODA jcsu
growlers pour house
vbgb beer hall
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amelie’s birdsong brewery
elmwood cemetery
UPTOWN
frazier park
discovery place bb&t ballpark
bryant park
romare bearden park levine center for the arts
7th st market
6st. pocket park hooligans latta arcade
mcgill rose garden
imagionon
dean and deluca amelie’s the green on tryon
great aunt stella center dairy queen
marshall park vivace
WILMORE
soul gastrolounge
independence park
little sugar creek greenway
the common market
metropolitan (target) latta park
lake wylie daniel stowe botanical garden
atherton mill
triple c brewing company good bottle co.
This map sums up the outcome of the Favorite Places Workshops. Responses were organized into the categories indicated below. The size of the dot indicates the number of times the location was mentioned. The map illustrates clustering and opportunities to improve connections between places and build on what people already love. Park Culture and Entertainment
freedom park
Shopping, Dining and Nightlife Street, Shops, Dining - walkable Street + Rail Trail - green Rail Trail extension wing haven greenway
Neighborhood
park rd. shopping mall rockhill
ballantyne corporate park montford drive
Gehl Studio — Approach, Methodology & Key Findings
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The following pages display the most frequently mentioned Favorite Places and the attributes described in relation to each.
Intimate Human-scale Green space Water feature
Historical buildings
People watching Family-friendly Great Uptown views
Romare Bearden Park Gehl Studio — Approach, Methodology & Key FIndings
Latta Arcade / Brevard Court
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Spacious Space for relaxing
Connected Walkable
Places for picnics
Activities all year
Freedom Park
Family-friendly Good for kids
Rail Trail Gehl Studio — Approach, Methodology & Key Findings
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History Nostalgia Variety
Unique feel
Playful Public art Places to relax
Good food Meeting people Safe Comfortable Walkable
Plaza Midwood Gehl Studio — Approach, Methodology & Key FIndings
The Green
Lively Cool lighting Great beer & coffee Food Truck Friday
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Connects parks & Uptown
Accessible Clean
Light rail proximity Walkable Not as congested as Uptown
Camden Road, Common Market
Little Sugar Creek Greenway Gehl Studio — Approach, Methodology & Key Findings
The Qualities Charlotteans Want 32
Based on the citizen assessment, Gehl grouped by category the most frequently mentioned qualities that Charlotteans are looking for in their public spaces.
Intimate open space
Active meeting places, social
Greenery & water
Great views!
Green, Water, Sun, Shade, Scents Unexpected, fun, playful, creative!
Walkable, bikefriendly, low car volume, parking
Gehl Studio — Approach, Methodology & Key FIndings
Nostalgia, charm, history
Peoplewatching
Good food & drinks
Fun, unique, cool, playful!
Walkable, connected, accessible
Affordable
Arts & culture! Public & engaging
Active recreation play!
Activate underused space & edges Outdoor eatery, open market, walkable retail
Family & kidfriendly
Relaxing places, quiet, low key
Gathering space, hang out, communal feel
Spontaneous Relaxing, peaceful, quiet, resting
Ample Seating
Charlotte Quality Criteria From the synthesis of all workshop findings, a locally generated Charlotte Quality Criteria emerged. The criteria can be used to assess existing and new places. It provides a standard for which new projects, plans, and policies can be evaluated, thereby serving
as an accountability tool residents can use to measure civic investment quality. The Charlotte Quality Criteria is based on a combination of the most frequently mentioned attributes during the Favorite Places Workshops.
Social Space
Mixed Use
Connected
Micro-Climate
Space for meetings, recreation & being with others
Places to shop, eat, attend events, or be outside
Accessible, walkable, bikeable, few cars & parking
Greenery, water, sun, shade & scents
Peaceful
Local Identity
Active Edges
Family-Friendly
Restful, quiet, low-key & relaxing
Presence of history, nostalgia & charm
Activity, use of open space & sense of intimacy
Kid-friendly, safe, clean & affordable
Comfort
Cultural Offering
Spontaneous
Opportunities to sit, talk, hang out & look
Art & culture available to the public
Playful, unique, cool, fun & unexpected
People-Watching Ability to observe & be seen
Gehl Studio — Approach, Methodology & Key Findings
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Public Space, Public Life Survey
Survey Methods
Public Space, Public Life Survey (PSPL) 36
The first week in November 2014, Gehl Studio and Charlotte Center City Partners led Charlotte’s first PSPL at six locations across Center City. The PSPL is a tool used to collect people-oriented data. The goal is to document existing human behavior and use this information to inform the planning and design process, creating strategies to make places more livable, walkable, and inviting for all. The PSPL helps answer questions that arise at the beginning of the planning process, such as: • How do people use the streets in their city or neighborhood? • What types of activities do people engage in?
This data can be used to inform the design and planning process by observing and documenting how streets and spaces are used, by whom, and when. The survey provides a way to collect quantifiable data that can show how balanced or unbalanced sidewalks, streets, or plazas are in terms of the range of activity, users, and distribution of space. We can use it to guide our examination of specific spaces in order to answer questions such as: • Is the amount of sidewalk space for pedestrians proportionate to the volume of pedestrians using that sidewalk? • How does this compare to vehicle space and volume?
• What is the demographic mix?
• Why are there more men than women socializing, but more women walking?
• What barriers might be inhibiting walking or socializing on the street?
• Why are there no children or seniors spending time in a large open space? Or cycling?
• How are certain modes of transportation prioritized over others in terms of how space is distributed?
Gehl Studio — Approach, Methodology & Key FIndings
Following a training session at the 7th Street Public Market, 30 volunteers helped collect ethnographic data about how people use Charlotte’s streets and spaces over two days.
The survey was structured to involve residents in the planning process and to create people-first data that city leaders can use to benchmark against in the future.
Survey locations were chosen based on previous site analysis and research, stakeholder feedback, the opportunity to leverage with other Charlotte planning efforts, such as the Rail Trail, and ability to provide comparison data across neighborhoods.
Gehl Studio — Approach, Methodology & Key Findings
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Survey Methods 38
The people-first data and on-site analysis conducted are categorized into Public Life and Public Space.
Public Life The Public Life section focused on answering the ‘Where, What, and Who’ of people’s use of public places. Where: Surveys were conducted on South Tryon, Trade and Tryon, North Tryon, Plaza Midwood, West End, and South End. Each of the six survey locations had two to three sub-locations. What: Surveyors worked in four-hour shifts to count people walking, biking, and doing stationary activities (such as sitting or standing). Who: Surveyors documented the approximate age and gender of people moving at certain locations.
Gehl Studio — Approach, Methodology & Key FIndings
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Public Space Using the Gehl 12 Quality Criteria simultaneous to the Public Life survey, Gehl Studio evaluated the physical quality of the survey locations. This was achieved by measuring the activity level of ground floor spaces, the presence of parking and unused space, and street furniture that contributes to human scale conditions, such as trees and lighting.
Specifically, public space surveys assessed: Scale: How do streets and buildings work together to create a human scale atmosphere? Ground Floors: How engaging are the ground floors? Do they help to make a walk interesting? Unused Space: Where is there underused space, and how might this space be activated to make the public realm more appealing? Trees: Where are trees and how do they help protect against the elements, such as sun and wind?
Gehl Studio — Approach, Methodology & Key Findings
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ANALYSIS, FINDINGS & RECOMMENDATIONS: NEIGHBORHOOD CASE STUDIES
Uptown Plaza Midwood West End South End Gehl Studio - Analysis, FIndings & Recommendations
Survey Locations 42
Four neighborhoods in Charlotte were chosen as case study areas for the Public Space Public Life survey. The areas vary by typology, local qualities, and amount of life in their public spaces. The variety represented was chosen in order to get a broad perspective of public space and public life in Charlotte.
1 Uptown
3 West End
Uptown refers to the area inside the I-277 highway loop and consists of four distinct neighborhoods. The area has many different types of areas, such as the cultural hub along South Tryon Street, the central business district centered around the intersection of Trade and Tryon Streets, and the less activated but developing North Tryon area. The historic heart of the city, Uptown serves as a walkable square-mile urban core for Charlotte.
Located one mile west of Uptown, West End is a largely residential neighborhood that is home to Johnson C. Smith University, a private, historically African-American university. Its streets and intersections are wide and dominated by automobile traffic. Despite its proximity to Uptown, walking or biking from the West End does not currently seem like a viable option.
2 Plaza Midwood
4 South End
Two miles east of Uptown is Plaza Midwood, a historic streetcar suburb with independent retail, entertainment venues, streetscapes that have recently been improved with new street trees, traffic calming measures, and benches. Relatively quiet during the week, Plaza Midwood is busiest on weekends when many people come for entertainment and dining options.
Continue down South Tryon Street from Uptown or take the light rail a few stops from the 7th Street Public Market, and you arrive in South End. A former industrial area south of Uptown, South End has become a transit-oriented neighborhood due to the arrival of the Blue Line in 2007. Many design-based businesses and firms call this area home, and the presence of galleries and informal events like Food Truck Friday contribute to its artsy reputation.
Gehl Studio — Analysis, FIndings & Recommendations
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West End
Uptown
Plaza Midwood
South End
Gehl Studio - Analysis, FIndings & Recommendations
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Uptown
Key Findings Goals & Success Criteria Strategies & Recommendations
Overview of Uptown Public Life Key words mentioned at the workshops for the Uptown Area were: ‘People watching,’ ‘Bustling,’ and ‘Cultural Center.’
Pedestrian volumes are high, but they’re concentrated into a few peak times: during rush hour and lunchtime.
Uptown has by far the highest pedestrian volumes surveyed. Tryon and 5th Streets had the highest rate of pedestrian activity on the weekday: 10,788.
Evening and weekend peaks suggest people choose to stay in Uptown after work and show potential for greater use of the area.
On the weekend, Trade and Tryon was the busiest, with 13,002 pedestrians. The lunchtime peak traffic accounts for approximately 15% of the total daily activity. The second peak is at 6pm, accounting for approximately 13% of activity. Evening pedestrian activity is much higher than in the morning and after lunch time.
Pedestrian Movement Throughout the Day Trade & Tryon Street 2000
weekday weekend
1600
1200
800
400 number of people
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Gehl Studio — Analysis, FIndings & Recommendations — Uptown
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Uptown pedestrian volumes were the highest surveyed and are similar to business districts in other mediumsized US cities.
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Pedestrian Movement Average / Hour Comparison to Downtown Denver, CO
st
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1005
1000
weekday
899
weekend 800
Tryon at 6th 600
Denver, CO Downtown
400
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254 number of people
200 114
CENTRAL AVE PLAZA MIDWOOD
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Survey Sites
51 TRYON AT 6th BEATTIES FORD 16th BETWEEN UPTOWN WEST END CHAMPA & STOUT
place Gehl Studio — Analysis, FIndings & Recommendations — Uptown
Evaluating Uptown 48
The resident-led and Charlotte-specific quality criteria provides a standard for which new projects, plans, and policies can be evaluated. It provides an accountability tool for citizens to ensure that quality is provided through civic investments.
Gehl Studio used the Charlotte Quality Criteria to evaluate Uptown and rated the neighborhood in general as ‘Ok’ with a few ‘Good’ scores and only a single score in the ‘Poor’ category. This assessment of Uptown was displayed at a public workshop to get citizen feedback on the Gehl evaluation. The assessment was approved by the community group.
The quality criteria contains 12 categories and is rated using 3 values:
Good
Ok
Social Space
Mixed Use
Connected
Micro-Climate
Peaceful
Local Identity
Active Edges
Family Friendly
People Watching
Comfort
Cultural Offering
Spontaneous
Poor
Gehl Studio — Analysis, FIndings & Recommendations — Uptown
Key Findings: Uptown The key takeaways for Uptown - based on on-site observations, the PSPL Survey, Favorite Places Workshops, and stakeholder discussions - are as follows:
1 The Whole is Less Than the Sum of Its Parts
Uptown is compact, walkable, leafy, and home to endless cultural, sports, and business opportunities, yet these features alone don’t quite create a great city. The sum of these parts should be greater than the whole, but it’s not. All the love (investment) is along Tryon between Stonewall and 6th and along Trade from Church to Brevard - but the quality of side streets, and therefore the network - is lacking.
2 Expensive Does Not Equal Quality
People are in Uptown and investment has been made to sidewalk quality, but the programming of space is under-developed. High quality materials alone don’t make people want to stay. Spaces aren’t ‘sticky.’
3 A Typical Business District with a Twist
Monday through Friday, especially from 8am to 5pm, the area is male dominated. Yet children, families, and a more even distribution of users spend time in many of the same areas on the weekend.
4 A Tale of Two Uptowns: Tryon Street
Central Tryon Street is the busiest, with activity levels decreasing to the north and south.
5 Great Museums, but Where is the Culture?
There is an incredible density of cultural institutions, but they are mostly insular and inward looking. Grand lobbies and cultural functions inside don’t invite people to spend time or linger Uptown. Gehl Studio — Analysis, FIndings & Recommendations — Uptown
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1 The Whole is Less Than the Sum of Its Parts 50
Concentrated Activities Tryon Street exhibits visible signs of investment and care along the street, with fine paving, expensive materials, and healthy trees. While Tryon is just one of Uptown’s streets, it’s where most of the activity occurs, especially between 6th and Stonewall streets. Other areas of Uptown would benefit from similar investment and programming.
Gehl Studio — Analysis, FIndings & Recommendations — Uptown
Pedestrian activity on Tryon Street is up to
4 times higher than on the surrounding streets
Under-performing Fine Grain
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“There is more to walking than walking.” - Jan Gehl Ground floor frontages, sensory experiences, and overlapping activities contribute to a welcoming pedestrian environment. While Tryon Street displays many of these qualities, other centrally located Uptown streets do not - and it shows. A weekday hourly average of 750 pedestrians indicates a higher quality pedestrian environment on Tryon Street compared to other Charlotte streets, where pedestrian numbers were closer to 100.
In comparison, Church Street - which runs parallel to Tryon Street - had only 308 pedestrians / hour.
Church Street, parallel and one block east of Tryon Street, has less than half the pedestrian movement compared to South Tryon by the Levine Center for the Arts. The streetscape is dominated by closed-off frontages and parking, lack of curbside parking, little protection for pedestrians from moving traffic, and few street trees compared to central Tryon Street. It does not invite people to walk or spend time there. Gehl Studio — Analysis, FIndings & Recommendations — Uptown
2 Expensive Does Not Equal Quality 52
Public Places aren’t Sticky A lot of people move through Uptown, but they don’t spend time there. There is a lot of space, but little activity beyond people walking.
Why aren’t places with great materials sticky? Why are few people stopping? This signifies untapped potential to activate and invite people to stay in Uptown longer.
Ratio of People Spending Time vs Passing By Weekday Comparison
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to
Spending Time
56 Passing By
Tryon by Levine Center for the Arts Peak at 11am = 30 people spending time vs. 672 passing by (pedestrian peak hour at 12pm = 1,782)
In comparison:
1 Spending Time
to
2 Passing By
Fishermans’ Wharf San Francisco Peak = 1,600 people spending time vs. 3,300 passing by
* ‘spending time vs passing by’ calculations are based on comparisons of peak hour stationary activity (people spending time) and pedestrian activity counts for the same hour. Gehl Studio — Analysis, FIndings & Recommendations — Uptown
Romare Bearden Park - The Exception The majority of the Favorite Places identified in Uptown were in the southern part and centered around Romare Bearden Park, Latta Arcade, and the cultural institutions. Romare Bearden Park was described at the workshops as: ‘Family friendly’ ‘Having great Uptown views’ ‘Great green space’ ‘New water feature’
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Very sticky!
For every 7 people passing by 1 person is spending time
A lot of space
Ratio of People Spending Time vs Passing By Weekday, Romare Bearden Park
1 Spending Time
to
7 Passing By
Romare Bearden Park at Church Street Peak at 3pm = 21 people spending time vs. 156 passing by on Church St (pedestrian peak hour at 1pm = 378)
3,735 ft2/person
Weekday peak hour = 65 people spending time Gehl Studio — Analysis, FIndings & Recommendations — Uptown
3 A Typical Business District With a Twist 54
Business During the Week Weekday During the weekday in Uptown almost half (48%) of the people in the area were men between the ages of 30 - 64. Weekend In contrast, weekend age and gender counts are more mixed, with a 50:50 balance in gender. Children under the age of 14 account for 12% of people.
Weekday:
48%
Weekday:
men ages 30 - 64
Twice
as many men as women between ages 15-64
*According to United States Census Bureau: 7.1% of the Charlotte population in 2013 was children under age 5 25% under age 18 8.5% over age 65 51.7% women
48%
26%
This suggests monofunctional business activities during the week 9%
7%
8%
0.5% 0.7% 0-6
7-14
15-30
Age & Gender Distribution Weekday total Gehl Studio — Analysis, FIndings & Recommendations — Uptown
30-64
+65
More Balanced on the Weekend Weekend: Balance in age & gender
50% men 50% women
55
This suggests that Uptown has qualities and attractions that support other user groups. 28% 25%
Weekend: 14%
7.5%
16%
under age 6
7.5% 5%
4.5%
0-6
7-14
15-30
30-64
+65
Age & Gender Distribution Weekend total Gehl Studio — Analysis, FIndings & Recommendations — Uptown
4 A Tale of Two Uptowns: Tryon Street The well-defined streetscape on central Tryon gets more and more diffused the further north or south one travels. On Tryon between 4th and 7th Streets, greenery and trees create a human scale and pleasant sensory experience. This is harder to find as one travels north.
North Tryon near 9th Street
Walking rates along North Tryon are 50-75% less than 1423 along central and South Tryon. Tryon near Trade
weekday 800
1013
1005
1000
1000
899
weekend 692
600 463
491
400
South Tryon near the Levine Center for the Arts
314
230 200 number of people
56
S. TRYON ST AT LEVINE
TRYON ST AT TRADE ST
TRYON ST AT 6th
TRYON ST AT 9th
Gehl Studio — Analysis, FIndings & Recommendations — Uptown
place WALNUT ST. BY RITTENHOUSE SQ.
57
Pedestrian activity on central Tryon Street is up to
3 times higher than on North & South Tryon Street
Gehl Studio — Analysis, FIndings & Recommendations — Uptown
5 Great Museums, but Where is the Culture? 58
Uptown was frequently described as a ‘Cultural Center’. Its many cultural institutions and venues for music and performance attract 2.7 million visitors annually. But this high number of visitors is not visible in the public spaces outside the buildings’ doors. Many of the institutions have public artwork outside, but people are not active in the public spaces. Sparse entrances also contribute to a lack of everyday street life and activity.
Annually
2.7 million
people visit arts and cultural institutions in Charlotte’s Uptown area
Public space around cultural centers is not inviting
What would invite these culture seekers to spend time in Uptown’s spaces?
Gehl Studio — Analysis, FIndings & Recommendations — Uptown
59
Discovery Place is very popular with more than
The Bechtler Museum of Modern Art alone has
700,000
visitors in 2014
50,000
visitors annually
Exception to the rule: activities outside in the public realm Gehl Studio — Analysis, FIndings & Recommendations — Uptown
Goals & Success Criteria 60
Based on the analysis, the following opportunities exist to activate and improve Uptown’s public space network. These can be thought of as goals and complementary success criteria, which can help build political will toward a shared vision and can be measured with both qualitative and quantitative metrics.
Goals
Success Criteria
Leverage existing Uptown destinations by adding programs to invite a broader public to already popular destinations.
More people of all ages, genders, and demographics spending time Uptown and more activity in the public realm
Create better connections between destinations by enhancing the fine grain. Make streets more pedestrian friendly, with shade, places to sit and rest, and more active edges (such as with small shops). ‘Spread the wealth’ beyond Trade and Tryon streets.
More people walking, decreased perceptions of distance between Uptown places, more active uses at the ground level, and greater investments for the quality of the street network beyond Trade and Tryon
Create high quality wayfinding, signs, trees, and opportunities for active storefronts that build on Uptown’s identity and character and contribute to a more human scale Uptown.
More walking and biking between destinations, improved ease in getting around - for locals and visitors - and more people at existing destinations
Activate under-programmed and under-utilized spaces, by creating active edges at large parking lots or offering cultural programming with museums and art centers.
Opportunities to be playful, activities in public spaces, and more people of different ages participating in the activities, especially along North Tryon Street
Gehl Studio — Analysis, FIndings & Recommendations — Uptown
‘More for all’ - a more active and vibrant Uptown with a high quality pedestrian environment connecting popular destinations - existing and new An Uptown with small and large public spaces containing a mix of activities and programs that invite all Charlotteans to spend time in their downtown throughout the day, week, and year to enjoy arts and culture in public spaces
Gehl Studio — Analysis, FIndings & Recommendations — Uptown
61
Strategies & Recommendations 62
The following pages highlight four strategies to build upon opportunities in Uptown. These strategies are illustrated as an outreach tool to discuss with stakeholders and constituents in hopes of aligning interests and efforts with other complementary projects and evoking discussion about public life in Charlotte.
Gehl Studio — Analysis, FIndings & Recommendations — Uptown
1 Leverage Existing Destinations
63
2 Connect Destinations
3 Activate Under-programmed & Under-used Space
4 Increase Connectivity & Activity
Strategies Combined
Gehl Studio — Analysis, FIndings & Recommendations — Uptown
1 Leverage Existing Destinations McColl Center for Art and Innovation
64
Charlotte Ballet
future 9th st station
7th st imaginon
ctc knight theater bechtler
time warner cable arena
Uptown is full of individually successful and attractive destinations. What might inspire them to bring their cultural offerings outside to activate the public realm?
station
Destinations - public spaces harvey gantt center
convention center
3rd convention center
Future public spaces Destinations - indoor Building edges
stonewall
Light rail stations 0.5 miles
Gehl Studio — Analysis, FIndings & Recommendations — Uptown
2 Connect Destinations McColl Center for Art and Innovation
nc music factory 0.6miles pinewood/elmwood cemetery west end /five points 1 mile
amtrak station 1 mile noda 2 miles
Charlotte Ballet
By creating a hierarchy of streets and connections, these disparate parts can be integrated to create a more connected, vibrant, and inviting Uptown experience. future 9th st station
7th st imaginon
ctc knight theater bechtler
unc charlotte first ward elementary school plaza midwood 1.2 miles
time warner cable arena
station
Main connection Extending main connection
harvey gantt center
convention center
3rd convention center
charlotte mecklenburg government center
Fine grain connections 2 marshall park sugar creek greenway
south end camden rd 0.6 miles
stonewall
Fine grain connections 1
Fine grain connections 3 Direct connections between destinations 0.5 miles Gehl Studio — Analysis, FIndings & Recommendations — Uptown
65
3 Activate Under-programmed & Under-used Space 66
Creating space alone won’t ensure a high-quality Uptown. Integrating programs - from daily attractions to weekly events or seasonal festivals - can unlock the potential of Uptown’s cultural and recreational destinations, making them more accessible to a diverse cross-section of Charlotteans.
McColl Center for Art and Innovation Charlotte Ballet
future 9th st station
7th st imaginon
ctc knight theater bechtler
harvey gantt center
convention center
station
3rd convention center
time warner cable arena
Activate existing public space Activate under-utilized space Add program to existing destinations Add program - new destinations
stonewall
New active edges 0.5 miles
Gehl Studio — Analysis, FIndings & Recommendations — Uptown
4 Increase Connectivity & Activity nc music factory 0.6miles pinewood/elmwood cemetery west end /five points 1 mile
McColl Center for Art and Innovation
amtrak station 1 mile noda 2 miles
Charlotte Ballet
future 9th st station
7th st imaginon
ctc knight theater bechtler
harvey gantt center
convention center
time warner cable arena
station
3rd convention center
stonewall
By combining these strategies, a public space and public life framework plan for Uptown emerges. The red circles represent opportunity areas:
charlotte mecklenburg government center
marshall park sugar creek greenway south end camden rd 0.6 miles
unc charlotte first ward elementary school plaza midwood 1.2 miles
1. Places that already attract people, and could become even more inviting with additional programming. 2. Areas of interest for new activity nodes in relation to other destinations or along active streets that connect to new transportation nodes. 0.5 miles
Gehl Studio — Analysis, FIndings & Recommendations — Uptown
67
Strategies Combined nc music factory 0.6miles
68
McColl Center for Art and Innovation
pinewood/elmwood cemetery west end /five points 1 mile
3
Charlotte Ballet
amtrak station 1 mile noda 2 miles
3 2
3 3
1
3 1
3 3
1
2
2
3
2
3
3
3
3
2
imaginon
ctc knight theater
3
bechtler
2
3
2
harvey gantt center
3 time warner cable arena
2
2 convention center
3rd convention center
charlotte mecklenburg government center 2
marshall park sugar creek greenway south end camden rd 0.6 miles
unc charlotte first ward elementary school plaza midwood 1.2 miles
station
1
2
7th st
2
2
1
3
3
3
3
future 9th st station
3
The potential of this public space and public life network can be tested through a series of temporary or semi-permanent test projects initiated either by the city, organizations like Charlotte city Center Partners, or by individual residents.
stonewall
Gehl Studio — Analysis, FIndings & Recommendations — Uptown
0.5 miles
First Steps Toward ‘More For All’ 1 Leverage Existing Destinations How might existing destinations become even more active? by adding programs and activities to invite a broader user group or installing artistic and playful elements that relate to history, cultural institutions, and other functions in Uptown; by adding play elements in The Green, more seating at Settlers Cemetery, and by activating existing kiosk and ‘pop up’ food stalls in Romare Bearden Park.
3 Activate Under-programmed and Un-used Space How might under-utilized and under-programmed spaces, small and large, be activated, and which should be prioritized? Layer activities and incorporate active cultural elements... by activating existing small and large under-utilized and mono-functional public spaces, such as corporate lunch spot plazas or library squares through adding playful elements, seating, or ‘pop up’ functions; by activating edges along parking lots with temporary exhibition space, information, and other programming.
2 Connect Destinations How might connections between destinations be improved? How might they relate and interact with each other as places to walk or bike between? Upgrade existing streets and fine grain connections... by improving the pedestrian environment with quality paving, lighting, street trees, wayfinding, and active ground floor functions relating to the street; by activating edges, blank walls, and parking garage walls with art, greenery, or small functions on corners, such as a kiosk or flower shop;
4 Increase Connectivity and Activity How might the cultural offerings in Uptown become more visible and active in public space? Leverage existing indoor programs and functions to create more activity in public spaces and enhance the area’s identity as a cultural center... by using cultural programming as an activating, connecting layer; by activating spaces near cultural institutions with playful, interactive and artistic elements that invite active use every day and during events.
by adding small scale experiences along the way. Gehl Studio — Analysis, FIndings & Recommendations — Uptown
69
70
71
Plaza Midwood
Key Findings Goals & Success Criteria Strategies & Recommendations
Overview of Plaza Midwood Public Life Higher rates of pedestrian activity than in all other surveyed areas - except Uptown - indicate that Plaza Midwood has a high quality pedestrian environment. Despite this, walking rates are low. Peak pedestrian hours account for between 15 – 20% of total daily movement. Unlike in other areas surveyed, the movement is dispersed over the entire day.
Stationary Activity Throughout the Day Gordon Street & Central Avenue; Commonwealth Avenue between The Plaza & Pecan Avenue
Weekend pedestrian activity is almost
double the weekday counts
Invitations exist to spend time after work and midday on weekends.
Pedestrian Movement Throughout the Day Central Avenue 400
40 weekday
Peak 3pm
weekday
Peak 2pm
weekend
30
Peak 7pm
weekend
300
200
20
Peak 5pm
09
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
Gehl Studio — Analysis, FIndings & Recommendations — Plaza Midwood
19
20
hour
number of people
100
10
number of people
72
08
09
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
hour
73
central ave
4.5 times lower
Pedestrian Movement Average / Hour Comparison to Downtown San José, CA
than at Tryon & Trade streets
1005
1000 weekday
899
weekend
800
commonwealth ave
ave
600
pec an
480 369
400
San José, CA
254 200 number of people
thomas ave
Average weekday pedestrian activity is
114
CENTRAL AVE PLAZA MIDWOOD
75
137
123
CAMDEN RD SOUTH END
51 TRYON AT 6th UPTOWN
BEATTIES FORD WEST END
PASEO DE SAN ANTONIO
place
Survey Sites Gehl Studio — Analysis, FIndings & Recommendations — Plaza Midwood
Evaluating Plaza Midwood 74
The resident-led and Charlotte-specific quality criteria provides a standard for which new projects, plans, and policies can be evaluated. It provides an accountability tool for citizens to ensure that quality is provided through civic investments.
Gehl Studio used the Charlotte Quality Criteria to evaluate Plaza Midwood and rated the neighborhood in general as ‘Ok’ with a few categories scoring ‘Good.’ None of the categories scored a ‘Poor’, indicating that this neighborhood is perceived as one with a lot of local qualities. This assessment of Plaza Midwood was displayed at a public workshop to get citizen feedback on the Gehl evaluation. The assessment was approved by the community group.
The quality criteria contains 12 categories and is rated using 3 values:
Good
Ok
Social Space
Mixed Use
Connected
Micro-Climate
Peaceful
Local Identity
Active Edges
Family Friendly
People Watching
Comfort
Cultural Offering
Spontaneous
Poor
Gehl Studio — Analysis, FIndings & Recommendations — Plaza Midwood
Key Findings: Plaza Midwood The key takeaways for Plaza Midwood - based on on-site observations, the PSPL Survey, Favorite Places workshops, and stakeholder discussions - are as follows:
1 A Charlotte Place Investments in the Plaza Midwood walking environment and local character have helped create a very Charlotte place. Yet the use is not very intense or dense. There is a great base to build upon, and space to invite more people without making the neighborhood feel too crowded. 2 Mono-functional Public Spaces While the neighborhood is attractive, it offers mostly mono-functional, café-oriented invitations for public life. There is an opportunity to connect existing destinations and to layer and weave a varied and diverse program into the existing urban fabric. 3 Attractive to a Certain Demographic The types of destinations in Plaza Midwood seem to appeal mostly to young adults and adults, with few children or elderly people spending time there.
Gehl Studio — Analysis, FIndings & Recommendations — Plaza Midwood
75
1 A Charlotte Place 76
A Sense of Place Plaza Midwood has many distinct features: old-timey signs, custom-designed crosswalks, small scale shops, and locally-run bars and restaurants. One can eat dinner, shop for records, or do yoga, all within a hundred feet of each other.
Workshop participants described Plaza Midwood as a place with:
Good food Meeting people
Unique feel
Gehl Studio — Analysis, FIndings & Recommendations — Plaza Midwood
A Pleasant Walking Experience
77
A person walks with an average speed of 3 mph and needs 1 stimuli / 4 seconds or 8 - 10 entrances / 325 feet to perceive the environment as high quality. Other qualities that contribute are: • Spacious sidewalks • Even paving • Shade / sun • Greenery
Central Avenue buildings provide a good walking experience, with active ground floor functions, human-scale buildings, and wide sidewalks.
11 doors within 240 feet on Central Avenue
Gehl Studio — Analysis, FIndings & Recommendations — Plaza Midwood
2 Mono-functional Public Spaces 78
Public life equals the number of people multiplied by the time spent in a place. Despite the low number of people in total, spaces and destinations in Plaza Midtwood are very ‘sticky’.
Ratio of People Spending Time vs Passing By
1
to
Spending Time
High ‘stickyness’ signifies that a place holds qualities that make people want to spend time and not just pass through.
1
7.5 Passing By
to
Spending Time
3.5 Passing By
Weekday Peak at 7pm = 29 people spending time vs. 222 passing by (pedestrian peak hour at 5pm = ) Weekend Peak at 2pm = 43 people spending time vs. 702 passing by (pedestrian peak hour at 12 = 900)
In comparison
1 Spending Time
to
2 Passing By
Fishermans’ Wharf San Francisco, CA Peak = 1,600 people spending time vs. 3,300 passing by
* ‘spending time vs passing’ by calculations are based on peak hour stationary activity (people spending time) and the pedestrian activity counts for the same hour (pedestrian activity total for the hour for both the count on Gordon Street and on Commonwealth Avenue). Gehl Studio — Analysis, FIndings & Recommendations — Plaza Midwood
Stationary Activity Total % distribution by type
79
3% 3% Commercial Commercial 3% 3% Activity Activity 12% 12% Movable Movable Standing Standing Seating Seating 4% 4% Secondary Secondary Seating Seating
9% 9% Cultural Cultural Activity 4% 4% Activity Commercial Commercial Activity Activity
Weekday Weekday
78% 78% CafeCafe Seating Seating
16% 16% Standing Standing 1% 1% Bench Bench Seating Seating
Weekend Weekend
78%
of people spending time in the area are seated at cafés
69% 69% CafeCafe Seating Seating
1% 1% Secondary Secondary Seating Seating
Few nonprivate seating options exist
Gehl Studio — Analysis, FIndings & Recommendations — Plaza Midwood
3 Attractive to a Certain Demographic 80
50%
between ages 15-30 & 35% between ages 30 - 64
Only
4%
under age 15 & 9% over age 65
Age & Gender Distribution Weekend Total
27%
12
25%
25%
10
8
6
11% 9%
4
2
0
Gehl Studio — Analysis, FIndings & Recommendations — Plaza Midwood
2%
2%
0-6
7-14
15-30
30-64
+65
81
Few children and teens indicate there is a lack of activities serving this demographic.
Gehl Studio — Analysis, FIndings & Recommendations — Plaza Midwood
Goals & Success Criteria 82
The following opportunities exist to activate and improve Plaza Midwood’s public space network. These opportunities can be thought of as goals with corresponding success criteria, which help build political will toward a shared vision that can be measured through both qualitative and quantitative metrics.
Goals
Success Criteria
Invite more walking and staying between neighborhood functions by providing an active, fine grain pedestrian network that connects across areas and activates underused space
More people walking in the area, more activated open spaces, and more activities for a wider range of age groups
Activate new and exisiting connections with small scale activities and places to stop, both along and away from the streets
More people of different ages spending time in Plaza Midwood, and more active edges off the main streets; Less underused space
Activate blank walls and inactive edges to expand on existing fine grain network
More opportunity for spontaneous, playful activities that build on local identity and character
Invite more users by layering activities (programming) of varying timeframes and scales that are decided upon via community outreach and conversations
Improved senses of safety, community, and character; Increased sense of stewardship for the neighorhood by a variety of stakeholders
Gehl Studio — Analysis, FIndings & Recommendations — Plaza Midwood
Build on existing neighborhood qualities: walkable, varied, nostalgic, historic, and unique feel to create ‘more for all.’ Mix with other activities of varying scale, inviting a broader demographic into the area; add places to bring your dog, sit and meet, play ping-pong, or shop at a Plaza Midwood pop-up market An even more lively, connected, and vibrant Plaza Midwood
Gehl Studio — Analysis, FIndings & Recommendations — Plaza Midwood
83
Strategies & Recommendations 84
The following pages highlight three strategies to build upon opportunities in Plaza Midwood. These strategies are illustrated as an outreach tool to discuss with stakeholders and constituents in hopes of aligning interests and efforts with other complementary projects and evoking discussion about public life in Charlotte.
Gehl Studio — Analysis, FIndings & Recommendations — Plaza Midwood
1 Create a Fine Grain Network
85
2 Activate Edges
3 Layer Programs in Time & Space
Strategies Combined
Gehl Studio — Analysis, FIndings & Recommendations — Plaza Midwood
1 Create a Fine Grain Network Invite more walking between neighborhood amenities by providing a fine grain pedestrian network that activates underused space between the buildings, connecting to and from destinations and arrival points.
86
strip mall 2000ft2
• Delineate pedestrian space with safe crossings and clearly marked wayfinding devices • Host activities along the pedestrian links
3800ft2
strip mall
3300ft2
McClintock Rd
• Create places to sit • Respond to the micro-climate, such as adding shade structures to protect from the sun 1000ft2
1500ft2
New pedestrian connections Sidewalk extension across side street Upgraded connections shops etc.
100 ft. Gehl Studio — Analysis, FIndings & Recommendations — Plaza Midwood
200 ft.
300 ft.
Examples of Fine Grain 87
2 Activate Edges Activate blank walls and inactive edges by adding activity nodes and inviting people to walk and stay in the area more.
88
Active edges can be many things: • Green walls 2000ft2
• Art and light • Rows of plantings • Furniture
3800ft2
3300ft2
• New ground floor functions in existing structures or in temporary ones, such as shipping containers
1000ft2 1500ft2
New pedestrian connections and public spaces Active edges
100 ft. Gehl Studio — Analysis, FIndings & Recommendations — Plaza Midwood
200 ft.
300 ft.
Examples of Active Edges 89
3 Layer Programs in Time & Space 90
1 Create a neighborhood park, inviting people to spend time under the existing tree canopy... from space for 6 vehicles to space for people. The full area is equal to half of the Tryon Street Pocket Park.
3
2 Host ‘Pop-Up’ Plaza, events, markets,
urban beach, outdoor venue...start with part of the marked area - potential for growth; the full area is approximately 7,500 sq ft, equal to 1.5 Tryon Street Pocket Park.
2000ft2
3
3 Install public seating and places for resting,
1
meeting, and people watching...activate existing small green areas and utilize shaded spots under existing large tree canopies.
5 3800ft2
4 Create a pocket park at the Penguin Diner
3300ft2
with small scale street sports, seating, and shade... activate the old diner with a new program or bring diners outside; area is approximately 1,000 sq ft, equal to 7 parking spaces.
2 3
5 Invite a ‘Street Art Alley’ - art and music
1000ft2 1500ft2
events that ‘leave something behind’... relate to Snug Harbor and other venues in the area.
4 6
6 Create the Commonwealth Parklet with
3
public seating, small scale activity like foosball, ping pong e.g.... relate to Diamond Restaurant; convert 3 street parking spaces into a seating and activity spot for up to 20 people.
New public spaces focus areas for new programming Gehl Studio — Analysis, FIndings & Recommendations — Plaza Midwood
100 ft.
200 ft.
300 ft.
Examples of Layered Programs 91
Strategies Combined 92
3 1
2000ft2
3
1
2 1 2
2
1
3800ft2
1
2
3300ft2
3 2
1
1500ft2
1
1
2 1 1000ft2
1 2
3
2
3
1
3
Gehl Studio — Analysis, FIndings & Recommendations — Plaza Midwood
100 ft.
200 ft.
300 ft.
First Steps Toward ‘More for All’ – Build on Existing Character 1 Create a Fine Grain Network - How might connections to and from entry and departure points be improved?
3
Upgrade fine grain connections, alleys, and ‘backsides’, and improve access to public transport, parking lots, and to the rest of the neighborhood...
‘Layer’ Programs in Time and Space - How might new programs be added to already functioning spaces, and new public spaces be created? Layer activities to invite a broader user group to spend time in the area...
by upgrading alleys and ‘backside’ connections with clearly defined walkways, experiences along the way, wayfinding, seating, and lighting.
by leveraging existing qualities, such as shade from large trees and social life in private establishments, with new public seating and ‘that little something extra’ which can invite people to spend more time, such as ping pong, foosball, a dog run, play elements, or small pocket parks and parklets;
2 Activate Edges - How might blank walls and inactive edges become active, and how might new edges be created to define walkways and public spaces?
by creating a space for activities and events that require a larger area, but compliment the existing functions in the area, such as a ‘pop up’ marketplace or outdoor venue for art and music.
Activate new fine grain connections and create a higher quality experience walking and spending time in the area... by activating existing walls with art, lighting, and greenery; by activating unused ground floors with new functions;
+
How might we build on the existing qualities that people love in the area? Leverage qualities that makes Plaza Midwood a beloved place: variety, unique feel, sense of history, and nostalgia... by using existing elements that give the area identity, such as old signs and paving patterns used at crosswalks.
by creating new edges with seating, trees, ‘pop-up’ shops, or outdoor eateries. Gehl Studio — Analysis, FIndings & Recommendations — Plaza Midwood
93
94
95
West End
Key Findings Goals & Success Criteria Strategies & Recommendations
Overview of West End Public Life The only favorite place mentioned in the West End was Johnson C Smith University (JCSU), though no attributes were mentioned.
Very little activity
Weekday:
There is a low rate of pedestrian activity compared to other neighborhoods surveyed.* Weekend pedestrian volumes were the lowest surveyed.
58%
after 6pm
of pedestrians in the area are ages 15-30
58% of people moving through the area are between the ages of 15 - 30.
Little activity after 4pm and on weekends indicates the area doesn’t function as a full neighborhood place.
Stationary activity does not reflect student life - does this mean all student life is on campus? 80% of activity in the area is people standing and waiting for public transportation. *Compared to the highest pedestrian activity count at Trade and Tryon. Weekday average = 533. Weekend average = 1084 (event midday).
Pedestrian Movement Throughout the Day Beatties Ford Road 400 weekday weekend
300
200
100 number of people
96
Gehl Studio — Analysis, FIndings & Recommendations — West End
hour
08
09
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
1,300
students;
50%
97
live on campus
Pedestrian Movement Average / Hour Comparison to Philadelphia UCD
tties
ford
rd
A high percentage of young people - a user group that walks, bikes, and uses public transportation - live and study here. But low pedestrian counts indicate that these modes are not well supported.
bea
1429
1005
1000 weekday
t es rad wt
899
weekend
800
600 493 400 254 number of people
200 114
CENTRAL AVE PLAZA MIDWOOD
75
137
123
CAMDEN RD SOUTH END
TRYON AT 6th UPTOWN
Philadelphia, PA University City 51 District
place BEATTIES FORD MARKET ST BY WEST END NORTH 30th ST
Survey Sites
martin st
Evaluating West End 98
The resident-led and Charlotte specific quality criteria provides a standard for which new projects, plans, and policies can be evaluated. It provides an accountability tool for citizens to ensure that quality is provided through civic investments. Gehl Studio used the Charlotte specific Quality Criteria to evaluate the West End and rated the
neighborhood in general as a mix of ‘Ok’ and ‘Poor’. None of the categories scored a ‘Good’ in West End, pointing out a high need for change. This assessment of West End was displayed at a public workshop to get citizen feedback on the Gehl evaluation. The assessment was approved by the community group.
The quality criteria contains 12 categories and is rated using 3 values:
Social Space
Mixed Use
Connected
Micro-Climate
Peaceful
Local Identity
Active Edges
Family Friendly
People Watching
Comfort
Cultural Offering
Spontaneous
Good
Ok
Poor
Gehl Studio — Analysis, FIndings & Recommendations — West End
Key Findings: West End The key takeaways for West End - based on on-site observations, the PSPL Survey, Favorite Places workshops, and stakeholder discussions - are as follows:
1 Low Quality Transit Stops Riding transit should be a high quality experience from door-to-door. But the bus stops in West End are poorly located, disconnected from buildings, and fail to create an informative, enjoyable portion of one’s journey. 2 Challenging Pedestrian Environment Pedestrian desire lines across streets and between destinations are not supported. Streets are not places - they’re large scale roads, fitted for high speed vehicular traffic, and do not accommodate walking. 3 Disconnected & Underutilized Public Spaces Small spaces are pleasant, shady and utilized, but they are disconnected from neighboring buildings and from each other and do not provide seating. 4 Lack of University & Neighborhood Synergy A better relationship between the public realm and Johnson C. Smith University could provide students with a livelier and more integrated experience with their daily routines. The campus could be a better utilized asset for the wider community. Gehl Studio — Analysis, FIndings & Recommendations — West End
99
1 Low Quality Transit Stops The majority of the activity in the area is people standing and waiting for public transportation.
80%
Otherwise, there are few people spending time: weekday average = 24 people/hour.
of the activity in the area was people standing & waiting for public transport
Stationary Activity Throughout the Day Beatties Ford Road
Stationary activity, Weekday total, % distribution by type
Peak 3pm
40 weekday
18% Cafe Seating*
weekend
30
50% Standing
3% Secondary Seating
20
1% Bench Seating
10 number of people
100
09
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
Gehl Studio — Analysis, FIndings & Recommendations — West End
18
19
20
hour
28% Waiting Transport
Weekday
Aside from necessary activites, like riding the bus, people don’t choose to spend time in public space. There are also few invitations to do so, Com with little seating 4% Ac or programming Cafe Seating* available. 17%
Secondary Seating * Café seating was on campus grounds - inside 2% Bench the fence. Seating
Weekday average activity, 13% people spending time Waiting in the area, was 23 people / Transport hour.
101
Poor waiting experience:
bus stops without seats or shelter are common
Gehl Studio — Analysis, FIndings & Recommendations — West End
2 Challenging Pedestrian Environment 102
Beatties Ford Road is a main artery for vehicles. Road surfaces with inactive edges invite vehicles to travel at high speeds and make the road a barrier to pedestrians. There are few places to cross the street safely and the overpass only connects campus grounds. Desire lines demonstrate where people take short cuts - jaywalking and squeezing through the school fence - to reach their destinations more directly.
Gehl Studio — Analysis, FIndings & Recommendations — West End
No midblock crossings
Desire lines between the school and neighborhood are not supported
103
While crosswalks exist, the 5 Points intersection turning radii are designed for high speeds and heavy traffic, signaling motorists to drive fast.
Gehl Studio — Analysis, FIndings & Recommendations — West End
3 Disconnected & Underutilized Public Spaces 104
Pedestrians have been considered at this interesction, and it shows through the new red brick sidewalk pavings and tree plantings near the convenience store. The Campus has invested in a gateway entrance facing the 5 Points intersection as well, with a grand archway and steps. These places could be leveraged to encourage more activity.
Gehl Studio — Analysis, FIndings & Recommendations — West End
Investment has been made to the public realm - what would encourage more activity?
105
How could existing paving be used to connect more people and places in the area?
Street closure for whom? Few pedestrians and unclear connections to the neighborhood
Gehl Studio — Analysis, FIndings & Recommendations — West End
4 Lack of University & Neighborhood Synergy 106
There seems to be a lack of connection between the campus, activities on campus, and the neighborhood. At the 5 Points intersection there are no functions facing the streets, and the University is fenced off and drawn back from the street. Despite ample green space, there are no invitations to spend time in public space or that facilitate interaction between neighborhood and campus activities.
Gehl Studio — Analysis, FIndings & Recommendations — West End
Few active neighborhood functions & meeting places that invite people to spend time
Fencing along the perimenter makes the campus appear closed off & difficult to enter
107
Few open entrances to the university campus
Gehl Studio — Analysis, FIndings & Recommendations — West End
Goals & Success Criteria 108
The following recommendations can help activate and improve West End’s public space network. These can be thought of as goals with corresponding success criteria that help build political will toward a shared vision which can be measured through both qualitative and quantitative metrics.
Goals
Success Criteria
Create a better waiting and last leg of the trip experience for public transit users by adding seating and shade at bus stops, and understanding walking patterns to and from stops
More people using public transport, greater user satisfaction and more street and sidewalk designs that reflect people’s travel patterns
Enhance neighborhood identity with small-scale investments in the public realm, such as swings as seating at bus stops or programming in existing green spaces
A stronger sense of place and a visible neighborhood identity
Narrow arterial roads, making them more pedestrian friendly by adding medians, mid-block crossings, and curb extensions, and supporting desire lines
Less vehicle crashes and dangerous traffic situations. More people walking and biking, therefore encouraging livelier streets. An improved feeling of safety
Create small stay and meeting places with seating, shade, play elements and quality lighting
More people spending time in public space over a longer period of time throughout the day
Create connections between JCSU green spaces and the neighborhood
More people spending time - especially after commuting hours - enjoying existing amenities, and easier access for all
Gehl Studio — Analysis, FIndings & Recommendations — West End
First steps toward more people-oriented West End public spaces with pedestrian friendly streets, a high quality commuter experience and places to sit, meet and spend time in the neighborhood
Gehl Studio — Analysis, FIndings & Recommendations — West End
109
Strategies & Recommendations 110
The following pages highlight four strategies to build upon opportunities in West End. These strategies are illustrated as an outreach tool to discuss with stakeholders and constituents in hopes of aligning interests and efforts with other complementary projects and evoking dialogue and discussion about public life in Charlotte.
Gehl Studio — Analysis, FIndings & Recommendations — West End
1 Upgrade the Transit Waiting Experience
2 Improve Connections to Prioritize Pedestrians
3 Activate Existing Pleasant Locations
4 Support Neighborhood & JCSU Connections
Strategies Combined
Gehl Studio — Analysis, FIndings & Recommendations — West End
111
1 Upgrade the Transit Waiting Experience Bus stops should be designed to JAMES B. DUKE for riders create a quality experience HALL-LIBRARY waiting to board as well as those disembarking. This experience can be improved by upgrading the bus stops with comfortable areas to wait as well as more direct connections to destinations, such as the University.
GO L BO WIR DEN OS ELE T M SS OB ILE
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Upgrade bus stops, seating, and shelter Existing bus stops Proposed relocation of bus stop - activate public space and align with entrances Gehl Studio — Analysis, FIndings & Recommendations — West End
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2 Improve Connections to Prioritize Pedestrians Support pedestrian desire lines by creating connections and crosswalks at the locations that create the most direct and convenient access to getting to and from one’s destination, such as from the bus stop to the campus.
MEC H FARM ANICS & ERS BAN K GO L BO WIR DEN OS ELE T M SS OB ILE
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Gehl Studio — Analysis, FIndings & Recommendations — West End
3 Activate Existing Pleasant Locations There are pockets of greenery and traffic calming around the 5 Points intersection. This should be accentuated and made more inviting for people to spend time. They could also serve as an identifying gateway into the neighborhood.
MEC H FARM ANICS & ERS BAN K
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Activate existing green areas Activate entrance areas
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martin street GAS
TWO -WAY
BOOST MOBILE CHICKEN KING
Gehl Studio — Analysis, FIndings & Recommendations — West End
100 ft.
200 ft.
300 ft.
4 Support Neighborhood & JCSU Connections JCSU is a beloved institution and natural facilitator of public life given the many students who study at the campus regularly. The campus also has ample green space. More opportunities for interaction could enhance public life across the entire intersection. MEC H FARM ANICS & ERS BAN K GO L BO WIR DEN OS ELE T M SS OB ILE
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Open up JCSU park Community activity square, events, farmers market, etc. Extended community activity square, larger events
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200 ft.
300 ft.
Gehl Studio — Analysis, FIndings & Recommendations — West End
Strategies Combined When all of these strategies are combined, the intersection can become a place where people want to spend more time, and also a place that feels connected to major 2 cultural institutions and like a gateway to the neighborhood.
JAMES B. DUKE HAHAL LL L-L - LIB IBRRA ARYRY
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MEC H FARM ANICS & ERS BAN K
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martin street
GAS
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BOOST MOBILE CHICKEN KING
Gehl Studio — Analysis, FIndings & Recommendations — West End
100 ft.
200 ft.
300 ft.
First Steps Toward ‘A People Oriented Neighborhood’ 1 Upgrade the Transit Waiting Experience How might we improve the walk and experience between bus stops and transit riders’ final destinations? by adding: seating, shade, shelter, lighting, or information (neighborhood maps, signs, transit schedules). This could enhance the neighborhood identity and create fun, unexpected experiences, such as with swings as seating or interactive elements like the sound of water (which acts as white noise to drown out traffic noise).
2 Improve Connections to Prioritize Pedestrians Where might we upgrade connections, create new crossings, and use behavior to inform design? by adding a mid-block crossing near bus stops and informal access to JCSU’s campus that supports desire lines; by improving the large intersection with curb extensions and a median. ‘Road diet’ features can be used to add greenery that can direct water runoff or help reduce traffic speeds; by considering bike lanes that re-balance the road.
3 Activate Existing Pleasant Locations How might existing and pleasant locations be more intentionally programmed? Concentrate activities - corners and intersections are natural gateways and meeting places... activate existing small and large green areas and utilize shaded spots under existing tree canopies to create new meeting places by adding seating, small scale activities, and play elements that invite different user groups to spend more time in the area.
4 Support Neighborhood and JCSU Connections How might a better relationship between the university and the surrounding neighborhood be created? Consider opening JCSU park to the public and activating the parking lot by C Store on weekends and with events... open up and add programs to existing entrance areas, such as with seating, shade, or other features. host weekend and afternoon / evening events that add activity and functions that support the entire neighborhood, such as a farmers market.
Gehl Studio — Analysis, FIndings & Recommendations — West End
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South End
Key Findings Goals & Success Criteria Strategies & Recommendations
Overview of South End Public Life There is little difference between weekday and weekend activity levels, but peak hours vary. South Tryon near Camden Road had the lowest pedestrian peak hour count of all sites with 42 on the weekday and 36 on the weekend.
Extreme changes in pedestrian activity indicate that Camden Road is a ‘go-to’ place at very specific times of day - not an ‘everyday’, all day place.
Peak movement is at lunch and dinner time. There’s very little pedestrian traffic outside of these hours. The peak hours have between 20-40% of the total daily movement. The weekday peak hour on Camden Road is at 7pm compared to 12pm on the weekend. On East Boulevard the weekday peak hour is at 6pm compared to 1pm on the weekend. Peak hours are partially due to the area’s destinations: Common Market, Prices’ Chicken Coop, breweries, and galleries.
Pedestrian Movement Throughout the Day Camden Road 400
Peak 12pm
weekday weekend
300
Peak 7pm
200
100 number of people
120
Gehl Studio — Analysis, FIndings & Recommendations — South End
08
09
10
11
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Average weekday pedestrian activity is
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Number of pedestrians suggests few incentives to walk.
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Pedestrian Movement Average / Hour Comparison to Seattle, WA - South Downtown
av e
1005
1000
weekday
899
weekend 800
Seattle, WA South Downtown
400
330 262
254 number of people
200 114
CENTRAL AVE PLAZA MIDWOOD
75
137
123
CAMDEN RD SOUTH END
51 TRYON AT 6th UPTOWN
place BEATTIES FORD 1st AVE BY WEST END SOUTH JACKSON ST
Survey Sites
av e
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st on
bl vd
ng
ut
600
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Evaluating South End 122
The resident-led and Charlotte specific quality criteria provides a standard for which new projects, plans, and policies can be evaluated. It provides an accountability tool for citizens to ensure that quality is provided through civic investments. Gehl Studio used the Charlotte-specific Quality Criteria to evaluate South End and rated the
neighborhood in general as ‘Ok’ with a few categories scoring high, ‘Good’. Only one category scored a ‘Poor’ indicating that South End in general is perceived as a well-functioning neighborhood with some local qualities. This assessment of South End was displayed at a public workshop to get citizen feedback on the Gehl evaluation. The assessment was approved by the community group.
The quality criteria contains 12 categories and is rated using 3 values:
Good
Social Space
Mixed Use
Connected
Micro-Climate
Peaceful
Local Identity
Active Edges
Family Friendly
People Watching
Comfort
Cultural Offering
Spontaneous
Ok
Poor
Gehl Studio — Analysis, FIndings & Recommendations — South End
Key Findings: South End The key takeaways for South End - based on on-site observations, the PSPL Survey, Favorite Places workshops, and stakeholder discussions - are as follows:
1 Disjointed Character Part of this lack of identity stems from the disjointed character of the neighborhood. Light rail connects South End to Uptown to the north and other neighborhoods to the south, but poorly designed intersections inhibit east/west connectivity. 2 Interesting Spaces The opportunity to access space and the ease of access from Uptown make South End a perfect location for parties, special events, and out of the ordinary activities and gatherings. 3 Few Sticky Places Everyday life and activity is concentrated at the Common Market, which is a great destination, but doesn’t fully address the non-commercial public space needs of the neighborhood.
Gehl Studio — Analysis, FIndings & Recommendations — South End
123
1 Disjointed Character 124
Access to and from Blue Line stations and across the tracks at intersections, for both people walking and biking, is a challenge. This change leads the local neighborhood connection to feel far apart, even across an intersection. The area is walkable in terms of size and a few wellfunctioning streets with quality sidewalks and ground floor activities, such as on East Park Ave, between Camden Road and South Boulevard.
Key words mentioned at the workshops:
Not as congested as Uptown
Light rail proximity
Walkable
Gehl Studio — Analysis, FIndings & Recommendations — South End
Access to and from the Rail Trail and light rail stations is low quality and limited
125
Great infrastructure, but intersections are complex and not pedestrian friendly
Getting to and from the Rail Trail is challenging
Crossing the street can be confusing
Gehl Studio — Analysis, FIndings & Recommendations — South End
2 Interesting Spaces 126
Key words mentioned at the workshops:
Food Truck Friday Great beer, coffee Lively Cool lighting
Event calendar - February 2015 Wednesday 4th
6:30pm Common Market Wine Tasting
Thursday 5th
6:30pm Common Market Beer Tasting
Friday 6th
5pm Food Truck Friday
Saturday 7th
6pm Voodoo Grass Light Rail Crawl
Thursday 12th
5:30pm Green Drinks Meet Up at The Liberty
Friday 13th
5pm Food Truck Friday
Friday 20th
5pm Food Truck Friday
Saturday 21st
4pm Brewery Tours @ Triple C Brewing Co
Friday 27th
5pm Food Truck Friday
6pm Gallery Crawl
Source: http://www.historicsouthend.com/events/
Great for events, not everyday use
Gehl Studio — Analysis, FIndings & Recommendations — South End
9 out of 28 days have events Thursday-Saturday, with 1 exception
Outside peak hours, there is very little activity in the area.
Compared to Plaza Midwood, 50% less people spend time in South End
127
People go to South End for very specific purposes. This can be leveraged to create more everyday activity over more hours of the day.
Stationary Activity Throughout the Day 40
Peak 5pm
weekday weekend
30
Peak 2pm
20
number of people
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3 Few Sticky Places 128
The Rail Trail is a great civic amenity and provides new opportunities for biking, jogging, and walking to and from a destination - for people alone and families with small kids. But it lacks small-scale ‘stay spaces’ and inviting places to sit, play with kids, or meet a friend. The open lot on Camden Road provides a great space for Food Truck Friday, but aside from this evening event, it is typically un-used and off limits.
Only 6 stops from Uptown - CTC to East / West Blvd
12 minute walk*; 4 minute bike ride
*Average walking speed = 3mph Distance from Camden Rd by South Tryon to Tryon & Stonewall St. = 0.6 miles (about 20 minutes)
Gehl Studio — Analysis, FIndings & Recommendations — South End
Common Market is the exception to this rule. The little activity observed outside of Common Market was related to outdoor seating at Phat Burrito and to people standing along building edges and waiting for transportation. 8%
1.5%
Physical Commercial Activity 1.5% Activity
Movable Seating
5%
1.5%
67%
Cafe Seating
During peak weekday activity,
82%
16% Waiting for Transportation Standing
Weekday
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of people are using the Common Market courtyard
Secondary Seating
People stick around when there are invitations and place to spend time.
Gehl Studio — Analysis, FIndings & Recommendations — South End
Goals & Success Criteria 130
The following opportunities exist to activate and improve South End’s public space network, and to create a more visible and readable identity for locals and visitors. These can be thought of as goals with corresponding success criteria that help build political will toward a shared vision that can be measured through both qualitative and quantitative metrics.
Goals
Success Criteria
Create better walking and biking connections across the light rail line and minimize the barrier that it creates
More people walking, both to and from the Blue Line and within the neighborhood
Upgrade small scale connections to and from the Blue Line and Rail Trail and define pedestrian priority areas
Improved access, more people of all ages walking and biking to use the Blue Line or Rail Trail, with an increased sense of safety
Create wayfinding elements, such as with pavement markings or lights, that improve connections and decrease perceptions of distance from Uptown, and make South End more visible to people who don’t live there
More people walking and biking within the neighborhood and to and from Uptown, and increased sense of neighborhood identity and character
Activate and create ‘staying’ areas along the Rail Trail
New activities and increased stationary activity along the Rail Trail, that includes a wide range of people
Leverage existing character and qualities by concentrating new activities near where people currently are, such as at Common Market
More people spending time in non-commercial spaces and people engaging in activities for a mix of ages ‘more for all’
Gehl Studio — Analysis, FIndings & Recommendations — South End
A well-connected, more active, and pedestrianfriendly local community with a strong identity rooted in history and in the present A more lively and active neighborhood both every day and during events
Gehl Studio — Analysis, FIndings & Recommendations — South End
131
Strategies & Recommendations 132
The following pages highlight four strategies to build upon opportunities in South End. These strategies are illustrated as an outreach tool to discuss with stakeholders and constituents in hopes of aligning interests and efforts with other complementary projects and evoking dialogue and discussion about public life in Charlotte.
Gehl Studio — Analysis, FIndings & Recommendations — South End
1 Connect Across the Tracks
133
2 Tie Rail Trail to the Neighborhood
3 Concentrate & Build on Existing Qualities
4 Expand out from Activity Hubs
Strategies Combined
Gehl Studio — Analysis, FIndings & Recommendations — South End
1 Connect Across the Tracks Connections between Uptown and South End are clear, but moving east / west is less intuitive. The intersections are there, but the invitations are not. Opportunities exist to build on the great new infrastructure in the area by improving where it meets neighborhood streets, especially at key east / west crossings.
134
Upgrade existing connections New pedestrian (cyclist) connection 500 ft.
Gehl Studio — Analysis, FIndings & Recommendations — South End
2 Tie Rail Trail to the Neighborhood The Rail Trail is a neighborhood asset and a favorite place. Once one is on it, moving feels easy and safe, but wayfinding into the neighborhood is lacking.
Rail Trail Upgrade Rail Trail connection 500 ft.
New / upgrade connections to neighborhood
Gehl Studio — Analysis, FIndings & Recommendations — South End
135
3 Concentrate & Build on Existing Qualities South End embodies a strong neighborhood identity and has great places for socializing. The public life at these locations can be supported by building on the existing public spaces and enhancing their qualities, such as greenery and intimate spaces.
136
CM
New activity nodes in relation to existing activities and functions
500 ft.
Gehl Studio — Analysis, FIndings & Recommendations — South End
4 Expand out from Activity Hubs South End is home to lots of events and social spaces, from Common Market to Food Truck Friday. This level of activity can be extended to more places across the neighborhood during more hours of the day as a way to connect and activate streets beyond special events. CM
Focus area
500 ft.
Fine grain connections to and from new activity nodes and to the surrounding neighborhoods
Gehl Studio — Analysis, FIndings & Recommendations — South End
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Strategies Combined 138
2
1 2
4 4
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Gehl Studio — Analysis, FIndings & Recommendations — South End
First Steps Toward ‘An Everyday & Event-Friendly Neighborhood’ 1 Connect Across the Tracks - What might improve the quality and safety of east-west connections? by improving and simplifying intersections for pedestrians and cyclists, such as with corner extensions that calms turning traffic and clearly marked pedestrian and cyclist priority areas; by avoiding level changes, small steps, shrubbery, and blockades in the path of travel.
2 Tie Rail Trail to the Neighborhood - The Rail Trail is an important public space in South End. How might it better connect into the neighborhood? by upgrading and adding more connections to and from the Rail Trail, and by turning areas perceived as ‘backsides’ into proper connections with clear marking of paths and pedestrian and cyclist areas; by enhancing wayfinding and lighting.
3 Concentrate and Build on Existing Qualities South End has great parties - how might these events help to activate the area’s public spaces every day? by concentrating activities around popular destinations and nodes that can help further connect the Rail Trail and light rail stations to the neighborhood; by adding public seating, greenery, art in the public space, and overall visualizing the neighborhood identity.
4 Expand Out From Activity Hubs - How might the liveliness concentrated around Camden Road and East Park Avenue expand further into the neighborhood? Leverage physical proximity as a way to improve connections... by improving intersections, adding crossings in key places, and enhancing or adding sidewalks; by adding wayfinding, lighting, and other clear markings of walkways that connect existing and new neighborhood assets and residential areas.
Gehl Studio — Analysis, FIndings & Recommendations — South End
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Camden Road: An Example of What’s Possible 140
From Hidden, Mono-functional Activity...
Gehl Studio — Analysis, FIndings & Recommendations — South End
...To an Active Street with Public Seating & Wayfinding
Bike parking
Signs & street furniture mark a node, direct to the Blue Line station & Rail Trail
Common Market entrance is accentuated & extended Public seating with shade, lights & greenery
Paint on asphalt defines public space zone & marks entrance area to Common Market
Gehl Studio — Analysis, FIndings & Recommendations — South End
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142
143
Way Forward & Next Steps Opportunities for Better Public Spaces Pilot Projects as Tools for Change Gehl Studio — Approach, Methodology & Key Findings
Opportunities for Better Public Spaces 144
Charlotte has great neighborhoods with unique, strong identities and no shortage of ‘favorite’ places around the city. Many of these neighborhoods are within three miles of each other, but the lack of walkable and bikeable connections and a lack of active streetscapes between them make them feel much farther apart than they are.
A series of pilot demonstration projects can be developed with civic partners and evaluated by the city using the Charlotte Quality Criteria and other people-first metrics. This would create opportunities for Charlotteans to experience their streets as public spaces and new mobility choices between neighborhoods and favorite places.
Charlotteans want more ways to move around their city and use their public spaces. Additionally, the city is investing in the public realm via the Blue Line expansion and the Rail Trail.
An example of how these pilots could be developed and tested is outlined on the following pages.
Moving forward, there are great opportunities to leverage the work the city and core stakeholders are leading to enhance connectivity between neighborhoods that are favorite places. But what do these opportunities look like? How can the public request and demonstrate support for greater investment in the public realm?
Gehl Studio — Way Forward & Next Steps
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Gehl Studio — Ways Forward & Next Steps
Pilot Projects as Tools for Change 146
Measure, Test, Refine Overview One approach to implementing this plan’s recommendations is to use temporary test projects - pilots - as the means towards longterm change. Pilots vary in scale, time frame, and typology, but in all cases they are a way to test new solutions at a 1:1 scale. At this scale, the public is able to physically test potential projects and engage in the process of changing the city towards their needs and desires. The content, time frame, and level of investment for a pilot varies depending on the project goals and success criteria. To ensure a high level of project success, materials and furnishings should be chosen according to the project’s lifespan and required maintenance throughout the test period. A pilot project with broken furniture and worn off paint can easily have the opposite of the intended effect and attract negative attention.
Gehl Studio — Way Forward & Next Steps
Methods Pilot projects have proven to be strong tools for decision making, as they directly show how changes to the public realm affect city life. Pilots should be deployed in areas where public life has been measured and baseline information has been gathered. After implementing a pilot project, public life data can measured again against the baseline to understand its impact. The findings from this analysis inform how the pilot should be refined for a second iteration, a more permanent installation, or a similar pilot project on another site. In this context, data collection should happen before and after the pilot implementation.
e
tes t
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Pilot Project Process
1 / Measure
1 / Measure
Collect baseline public life information
147
2 / Test
2 / Test
Do before and after tests
3 / Refine
3 / Refine
Re-imagine the design, based on evaluation of tests
International example SĂŁo Paulo Pilot
US example The Porch, Philadelphia
Gehl Studio — Ways Forward & Next Steps
Pilot Project Types: Varying levels of City and Civic Investment 148
The opposing diagram describes five different types of pilot project interventions, from shortto long-term, from ‘City Facilitated and User Generated’ to ‘City Led and Designed’. Each has benefits and challenges, but what they share is a prioritization of people first. All the project types require a level of city and citizen engagement that varies from facilitation to leading design and implementation. Despite the simplicity of some of the pilot types, they all require elaborate pre-implementation planning. City Facilitated / User Generated A big win with user generated pilot projects is direct citizen involvement, which can help ensure a stronger sense of ownership. This model requires an engaged community that can help with implementation and maintenance. For project types such as the Prototyping Festival and Open Streets interventions, the longterm impact is less transparent. Gehl Studio is currently researching and measuring the success of events like these. Gehl Studio — Way Forward & Next Steps
City Led / City Designed Some changes require that the city play a bigger role. For example, changes to infrastructure, traffic patterns, and street closures for events need to be studied, designed and carried out in a proper manner to prevent unsafe situations. The city can also take the lead on implementing new spaces and activities in an area. In both cases, keeping the public informed is important and passive and active civic engagement in the project should be encouraged. No matter the type of project - whether city facilitated or city led - the pilot can serve as a platform for citizen engagement and a more democratic approach to public space design.
Investment / Permanence
Ap pl y
City Facilitated / User Generated
City Led / City Designed
In ve st
En ga ge
In fo rm
R Ba em rr ove ie rs
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Prototyping Festival
Open Streets
Parklet Program
NYC Plaza Program
Our Charlotte
10 - 50 user-created interactive prototype interventions in public space
Street closed to vehicles & open for active leisure & recreation
Parking spaces to people spaces
Re-purpose & redesign road bed as public space
City identifies opportunities to quickly implement test projects
• • •
• •
• •
•
Civic engagement 1:1 Short term & intense Encouraged to think differently about the city’s streets & squares
Requirements • Award money • City permits • Active citizenry Involves • Shop owners • Artist, organizations, public Benefits • Quick wins • Experimental nature • Test new ideas Challenges • Long term impact unknown • Targeted involvement • Usability, audience
Re-imagine Streets 3 - 12 Sundays
Requirements • Police / fire sanctioned • Active citizens Involves • DOT • Transportation advocates • Numerous private stakeholders Benefits • Quick wins • High visibility • Can support citywide initiatives Challenges • Targeted involvement
Requirements • Private funds • Parklet manual • Design approval • Public outreach Involves • Community organizations • Local businesses • DOT Benefits • Open to all • Simple & memorable • Applicable in a variety of contexts • Fosters community involvement, ownership & stewardship • Small scale but scalable Challenges • Usually business-oriented • Space perceived as private • Little diversity in program • Formalized & restricted
City pays Community groups apply
Identify quick wins
Requirements • City funds • Design / furnishing palette • Public outreach
Requirements • Open dialogue & public outreach • Open process • Local stakeholder buy-in • City staff guidance
Involves • Community groups • Local businesses • DOT
Involves • City • Carefully selected partners • All citizens can test
Benefits • Community engagement • Recognizable • Targeted
Benefits • PSP synergy • Leads to permanant change • Showcase City’s priority
Challenges • Requires community capacity to maintain & operate • Daily management • Only organizations can apply • Formalized & restricted
Challenges • Questions of ownership • Needs public engagement • Daily management
Gehl Studio — Ways Forward & Next Steps
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Prepared by Gehl Studio
For Charlotte Center City Partners
Jeff Risom, Project Director Julia D Day, Project Manager Sofie Kvist, Project Designer Karin Brodin, Designer
Cheryl Myers, Project Director Klint Mullis, Project Manager Sherrill Hampton, Consultant Branyn Calegar, Planning Intern Chandler Wrenn, Planning Intern Michelle Ye, Planning Intern
Gehl Studio
Acknowledgements This work would not have been possible without the generous support of Susan Patterson and the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation. We also thank our client, Charlotte Center City Partners, and partners at the Charlotte Departments of Planning and Transportation for their dedication and vision. Thank you for working so closely with us to develop this Public Space Plan for Charlotte. This work is also made possible by the numerous volunteers who helped to collect people-first data on Charlotte’s streets, sidewalks and public spaces. Thank you for your generous time committment. Gehl Studio
Volunteers Ashley Bonawitz Alex Borisenko Scott Curry Peter Dalpe Elizabeth Frere Sandra Gremenski Sherrill Hampton David Harrison Shannon Hughes John Kinley Ben Miller Keihly Moore Tracy Newsome Linda Patterson Susan Patterson Beth Poovey Nicole Storey Catherine Stutts Mandy Vari David Walters Eric Zaverl Ariadne Zitsos Maryann Zitsos
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gehlarchitects.com
charlottecentercity.org