creating experiences
MCADAMS
Exceptional places are crafted through thoughtful, humancentric design, informed by the interplay of ecological and social systems. This is the motivating philosophy that drives our design process. Our consistent communication, both graphical and interpersonal, provides clarity and understanding. Our passion and care yields quality design and an exceptional experience for our clients.
How do we design and create experiences?
PLANNING + DESIGN
Bringing experience to the forefront of everything we do takes special people dedicated to making places that resonate in the hearts of those who inhabit them. Together we are McAdams; individually we are what make McAdams different than any other design, planning or engineering firm you’ll ever work with.
LEADERSHIP TEAM MEMBERS
Planning + Design and Civic Spaces
Brian Purdy RLA, LEED® AP
Director, Planning + Entitlement
B.S., Landscape Architecture, Auburn University
Dan Lambert RLA
Director, Landscape Architecture
B.L.A., Colorado State University
David Malcolm RLA
Vice President, Planning + Design
B.L.A., Virginia Tech
Eddie Moore AICP
Director, Land Planning + Entitlement
B.S., Urban + Regional Planning, East Carolina University
Iona Thomas AICP
Vice President, Strategy + Public Client Development
B.A., Government, South Carolina
Jameson Pinson RLA
Director, Landscape Architecture
B.L.A., Oklahoma State University
Josh Decker RLA
Director, Landscape Architecture
B.L.A., NC State University
Michael Tarrant RLA
Senior Landscape Architect
B.S., West Virginia University
Mitchell Silver FAICP, Hon. ASLA
Principal, Vice President of Urban Planning
B.S., Architecture, Pratt Institute;
M.S. Urban Planning, Hunter College
Rachel Cotter RLA
Director, Civic Spaces
B.S. Biology, James Madison University;
M.L.A., NC State University
Randi Rivera AICP
Director, Planning + Entitlement
B.A. in Political Science;
Master of City + Regional Planning, University of Texas, Arlington
ADDITIONAL MCADAMS TEAM MEMBERS
Alex Brown
Designer I
Allie Bunker
Designer II
Anders Lindquist
Designer III
Ashton Miller CNU-A Planner III
Austin Bowman Planner
Bayleigh Merlau
Designer I
Beth Powell RLA
Landscape Architect
Bobby Mishler RLA
Graphics Specialist, 3D Artist
Brian Kisko RLA
Landscape Architect
Dave Toms RLA, LEED® AP-ND Team Leader
David Bergmark AICP
Senior Planner
Drew Singleton RLA
Land Planner
Doug Powell AICP
Senior Land Planner, Landscape Architect
Garrett Jenkins
Designer III
Grayson Maughan Planner III
Haley Dugger
Landscape Architect
Jack Ritchie RLA
Landscape Architect
Jason Cooper
Graphics + Visualization Lead
Jason Galloway RLA, LEED® AP
Project Manager
Jeffrey Bennett RLA
Technical Manager
Jennifer Beedle Planner III
Jessica Hardesty AICP Planner III
John Hayton Designer III
John Ivy
Designer I
Jordan Boughner Designer II
Julie Young RLA Senior Landscape Architect
Justin Sparks RLA
Landscape Architect
Kate Murdoch Planner I
Kristen Mansfield RLA, LEED® AP
Technical Manager
Kyle Wurtz Designer I
Laura Holloman AICP Team Leader
Maddie Gresh
Designer I
Marisa Brewer Designer I
Marie Reinke
Designer II
Mark Shawl RLA
Technical Manager
Megan Hatcher RLA Team Leader
Michael Vampran RLA
Senior Landscape Architect
Morgan Landers Designer III
Nick Lowe RLA
Senior Landscape Architect
Oliver Robinson Designer II
Paitlyn Anderton
Designer I
Patricia Fant AICP
Designer III
Rich Updegrove
Designer III
Ron Stewart RLA Senior Landscape Architect
Ryan Albracht Graphics + Visualization Lead
Sara Donohoe RLA Team Leader
Sarah Van Every AICP Senior Planner
Sean Vanderslice RLA
Land Planner, Landscape Architect
Shweta Nanekar RLA, LEED® AP BD+C Project Manager
Sicong Ma Designer II
Verity Burk RLA, LI Team Leader
Xochilyn Davis Designer III
PLACEMAKING
creating bonds between people and the spaces they inhabit.
Good design is beautiful and interesting, but beauty and interest alone do not make a place. Exceptional places are vital, social, active, accessible, connected and comfortable. They are crafted to facilitate spontaneous human interaction and imbed themselves in the memory of those who frequent them. McAdams strives to create place by thoughtfully introducing physical elements, landforms, and landscape with a unified, people-centric focus.
FENTON
CARY, NC
WELCOME HOME!
Fenton is a 92-acre regional mixed-use development located on Cary Towne Boulevard at the interchange of Interstate 40 in Cary, North Carolina. The project will provide a vibrant, high-density, pedestrian- and transit-oriented development directly serving Cary and west Raleigh residents. As a part of the overall development, much thought was given to creating unique, but connected open spaces with individual programming. The spaces were thematic branded as parts of a welcoming family home. The three main spaces include the Family Room, the Backyard and the Kitchen all in keeping with an overarching theme of “Home” which promotes a sense of live, work, gather, play and stay. The Family Room is the central space accommodating more robust, planned events and is surrounded by restaurants, a theater, office space and residences overlooking the activities. The Backyard is more casual in feel, accommodates laid back, informal gatherings. The Kitchen allows for a series of connected patios adjacent to restaurants. Outdoor dining possibilities are expanded and concentrated. All these branded spaces are connected by creative Paseos or corridors that also have individualized offerings which furthers the journey and experience as you move throughout the development.
WAVERLY
CHARLOTTE, NC
RE-ESTABLISHING COMMUNITY
Built on the tradition of gathering friends for food, fun and laughter, Waverly in South Charlotte honors that spirit of community by offering word class restaurants, retail, workplaces, medical offices and homes all within walking distance. A master planned, mixed-use lifestyle development, Waverly is thoughtfully designed as a destination shopping and dining experience with urban energy. There is a distinct sense of place when in Waverly. Public plazas, a “Main Street” styled retail core, tree lined streets and gathering spaces make the public realm inviting and authentic. Waverly’s jewel is its central gathering space that features three terraces weaving together a splash pad and festival lawn; architectural fountain; outdoor dining; moveable seating; and custom designed trellis swings.
Special attention was paid to the detailed hardscape elements throughout the project. Material, pattern, texture and color help patrons navigate the community, as differing hardscape treatments announce specific purposes. Oyster White concrete with two finishes create a gridded pattern on the primary walkways guiding pedestrian circulation through the community. Herringbone brick alerts drivers of a pedestrian street crossing. A running bond, plank style paver draws people into the central terraces while a blended, patterned paver field highlights areas where heavy pedestrian traffic is expected. Cast stone pavers and synthetic turf call out gathering and festival spaces and IPE wood deck denotes areas of respite and relaxation.
Thoughtfully curated site furnishings also adorn the public spaces, utilizing a modern design aesthetic that compliments the architecture and integrating pops of color to energize the pedestrian spaces. Oversize planters use scale as a barrier between pedestrian and vehicular spaces. The landscape also plays a pivotal role in the spatial organization of the project, especially the street trees. Diverse street tree species emphasize the street hierarchy, with tree species planted according to street classification; Major Throughfare, Minor Throughfare, Collector, Local and Private.
McAdams provided full-service consulting to bring this high-profile development to life. Working directly with the development partners, McAdams provided civil engineering and landscape architecture services while closely collaborating with the project architects. McAdams acquired all necessary site permits and coordinated with multiple agencies working hard to satisfy officials while preserving the design integrity and vision for the development.
BLOC [83]
RALEIGH, NC
EXPANDING + DIFFERENTIATING
Bloc[83], a premier mixed use office development in downtown Raleigh, is a tribute to the collection of parcels that were originally designated by the same name in the 1800s. Heritage properties is pushing the boundaries of semi-public placemaking and establishing a linear park system on just two city blocks. Our placemaking strategy dissolves boundaries and prioritizes individuality. Open to all, this pair of linear of plazas bridges barriers created by existing city streets and softens the distinction between building and landscape. Complex detailing and architectural coordination physically and visually bind interior and exterior. McAdams is working with Landscape Forms and Studio 431 to develop custom seating systems to provide distinctive identity and Instagramable moments.
S
GLENWOOD AVE
W MORGAN STREET
CORE PARKING
CONFIDENTIAL LIFE SCIENCES BUILDING
CONFIDENTIAL LOCATION
INSPIRE, CONNECT + CELEBRATE
The client has embarked on design and development of a 75 acre technology campus in central North Carolina. In this competitive real estate market, distinctive placemaking is their top priority. Our placemaking strategy aims to inspire people to generate new ideas, connect with their natural environment and celebrate with others. The strategy will be implemented across the site through the creation of intentional spatial hierarchy and strategic connections. The network of spaces will provide diverse experiences and inspire awareness of and connection to the natural environment. Pedestrian-focused circulation routes, separated from vehicle traffic, open opportunities for mindfulness and socialization. The hierarchy of social spaces communicates a strong campus identity through creative and vibrant design interventions.
THE CREAMERY
RALEIGH, NC
HONORING LEGACY, REDEFINING THE FUTURE
Turnbridge Equities acquired the historic Creamery building in March 2020. Located in the thriving Glenwood South neighborhood of Downtown Raleigh, the Creamery building is located on an assemblage of property that occupies a full city block. The property was rezoned to permit up to 40 stories of mixed-use development, while preserving the historic Creamery building that was originally constructed in the 1920s.
In addition to the preservation of the Creamery building, Turnbridge plans to construct two additional multi-story buildings upon the remaining property with associated structured parking. The additional development will include office, residential and retail uses. Other key elements of the project include streetscape improvements and an enhanced user experience through the implementation of outdoor programmed gathering spaces. This project will provide an experience not yet seen within the City of Raleigh, providing a shared street or Woonerf concept which flows through a pedestrian dominated galleria and urban plaza. High sensitivity has been given to pedestrian safety through quality detailing associated with hardscape materials, landscape features and lighting to create a shared environment while providing subtle but understandable separation between main vehicular and pedestrian zones.
NCINO SOCCER COMPLEX
WILMINGTON, NC
PLAYING BALL
The City of Wilmington retained McAdams to provide preliminary planning, due diligence and design services for a 60-acre soccer complex / brownfield redevelopment project. The site was owned by the Wilmington Hammerheads who donated the property to the City in exchange for financing to construct seven new tournament-quality soccer fields, restroom, concession buildings and expanded parking.
The project site was located on top of an uncapped landfill and listed with the NC Brownfields Program and Pre-regulatory Landfill Unit. The landfill has been capped. The team coordinated closely with geotechnical and structural engineers as well as environmental scientists to ensure the site is stabilized for play and differential settling is minimized. McAdams was also the stormwater permitting lead for the project and developed a master stormwater plan for the project to streamline permitting and all future development on the park site.
MULTISPORT COMPLEX
LEE COUNTY, NC
LAYING DOWN THE BASE
McAdams is developing a feasibility study for a series of parcels Lee County is considering purchase for a multi-sport complex. The feasibility study will support the due diligence process the County is undergoing and validate any decisions around land purchase. As part of the study, the McAdams team is completing a site survey, stream and wetland delineation, endangered species review, historic and cultural review, Phase I Environmental Assessment and regulatory due diligence. As part of this process, the project team has coordinated with NC Fish and Wildlife; NCDOT; the State historic Preservation Office; Army Corps of Engineers; NCDEQ; and the local planning department. Based on the opportunities and constraints identified through the site investigation, McAdams created a site suitability map depicting the areas most and least suitable for development. The project team further developed a capacity study to show the actual developable land available for development as the intended use.
ARTFUL IMPLEMENTATION
Exceptional design is enduring, honest, and thoughtful down to the last detail. McAdams finds joy in design implementation, the process of translating artistic vision into tactile construction. We seek every opportunity to create memorable landscapes, drawing inspiration from the natural world, our client’s desires and our own imaginations. We endeavor to find innovative ways to manipulate form and material into beautiful and functional places.
121 FAYETTEVILLE GALLERY
RALEIGH, NC
CITY WALKWAYS
With soaring architecture and stunning views, this 32- story landmark-in-the-making heralds a new age of office design to the Raleigh skyline. Situated between Raleigh’s central axis on Fayetteville Street and the vibrant restaurant life of Wilmington Street, the heritage of its iconic address is poised to create a workplace that offers the best of the Downtown district. In conjunction with Preferred Office Properties and Duda | Paine Architects, our team worked to secure entitlements, provide civil engineering and landscape architecture services to create a signature public amenity. Different concepts were explored to revitalize a pedestrian passageway to enhance the activation, safety and usage of the space. Custom lighting and seating, artful strategies and custom landscape all were investigated to make the space inviting, comfortable and safe so the space functions in both passive and active ways.
HUB AT SOUTH END
CHARLOTTE, NC
STAYING TRUE TO YOU
This project is a vertical, mixed-use development in Charlotte’s highly-coveted South End neighborhood. The project successfully incorporates residential, commercial retail, office, restaurant and resident amenity uses in a relatively small project site. The project is using the industrial historic mill vernacular of the area to create a modern building and site design with a significant, spa-like resident amenity. Steel, concrete, glass, wood and brick all come together to create a warm and inviting, yet rich in feel outdoor environment.
Project branding was approached as if it were a critical program item for the common areas and not in a simple, traditional signage sense. Using our industrial material palette, custom constructions that incorporate the project’s branding was integrated into the design of functional elements of the project. We worked closely with the developer to find the right opportunities to highlight “The HUB at South End” and a graphic sunburst pattern surround that we designed as well. The iconic resultant logo image was integrated with the project, carved into corten steel in a visible vertical partition panel, internally backlit at night, and echoed throughout the design. The branding became a unique, repeated reminder image throughout the amenity site visible from both within and from outside of the space.
BULLHOUSE DURHAM,
NC
EMBRACING THE DESIGN DISTRICT
The Durham BullHouse mixed-use project is one of a cluster of developments that is enhancing the downtown Durham landscape along the Durham Freeway corridor. McAdams provided landscape architecture and engineering services for the 305unit, low-rise apartment community and streetscape along Dillard and Pettigrew Streets in downtown Durham. Amenities include a gym-quality fitness center and yoga room, multiple social gathering spaces, resort-style pool with outdoor kitchen and a roof-top terrace with views overlooking the Durham Bulls Ballpark. The streetscape featured decorative paving, stepped retaining walls to resolve steep grade changes, decorative fencing and columns, an outdoor courtyard, enhanced planting areas and tree pits and with structural soil and root paths to achieve healthy tree growth and reduce maintenance. The design successfully implemented the connectivity and aesthetic goals of Durham’s Downtown Design district and integrates with the historical Veneble center.
UNC CHARLOTTEBELK PLAZA
CHARLOTTE, NC
ELEVATING SCHOOL SPIRIT
As the historic social center of campus, Belk Plaza was a space where students, alumni and community members organized and felt a sense of belonging. It represented the University spirit, and in the renovation, UNC Charlotte wanted to ensure that spirit was preserved and strengthened. As the heart of the academic core, this central open space functions as a campus organizing element, providing necessary linkages between the first campus buildings and space for students and organizations to gather and hold events. With the renovation, the University wished to create a more vibrant campus living room, providing spaces for both large and small events, and strengthening the campus experience.
At the heart of Belk Plaza is a contemporary water feature. The concept was to create a fountain with varying water fall patterns, amplifying the user’s experience while in the space as opposed to creating a spectacle. The fountain is multi-level and can be accessed at both the high elevation from the lawn and from the event plaza below. Accessing it from all sides provides a different experience depending on what side of the fountain the user is on. The sound also changes due to the various water fall patterns. On the lawn side, bubblers gently spill over the edge
so that water trickles down a rustic wall face. On the event plaza side, water is more forcefully directed through three weirs into an upper basin to spill over yet again, cascading over a wall into a lower basin.
Several sustainable elements were integrated into the design and construction. Existing clay pavers in the plaza were carefully pulled up and stockpiled to be reused for the new walkways and specialty pavers that are no longer in production were salvaged from demolition areas so that existing spaces utilizing those pavers would have product available for future repairs. And a proven plant palette that the University grounds team has experience and success maintaining was selected to reduce maintenance needs.
NATURAL CONNECTIONS
promoting health and wellbeing through seamless integration of ecological systems and the built environment.
Humans have an innate affinity for the organic textures and patterns of the natural world. Regular exposure to these patterns yields documented improvement in overall health and wellbeing. At McAdams, our landscape architects, civil engineers, arborists and green infrastructure specialists work collaboratively to integrate ecosystem services; natural forms and materials; and human relationships. Our collaborative design approach yields exceptional places that reduce stress, improve cognitive function and expedite healing.
THE POINT
ROLESVILLE, NC
INVIGORATING COMMUNITIES
The Point is a master planned, residential community by Ashton Woods Homes in Rolesville, NC. The site has a variety of special, natural features that became the driving force behind the open space and amenity master plan. This only came about upon a site visit to investigate how we could create a special place that’s unique when compared to other adjacent neighborhoods. Differing ecosystems, changes in topography, preserved streams and associated buffers and the proposed roadways all work harmoniously to create a pedestrian friendly series of interconnected spaces. The thoughtfulness in planning and open space design has carried through and informed the brand of the community and reinforces families to get outside and explore the beauty of the land and community.
SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE...
WE WANT TO SPECIFY ‘DOG PARK’ AREAS? OR CLASSIFY IT AS SOMETHING BROADER?
EDIT COLORS THESE CENTRAL TO REFLECT FOUR ZONES
<WILL EDIT EXTENT OF WOODLANDS
<WILL EDIT EXTENT OF WOODLANDS
LEGEND
PLAYGROUND, CLUBHOUSE, POOL, OUTDOOR KITCHENS AND GRILLING, SPORTS COURTS,GAZEBOS
OPEN LAWN
ACTIVE PLAY, OUTDOOR YOGA, OUTDOOR MOVIES, KITE FLYING, STAR-GAZING, SHELTERS/PAVILLIONS, PLAYGROUNDS,PICNICS, SUN-BATHING, LAWN GAMES, FIELD SPORTS
MEADOW/GRASS LAND
BUTTERFLY GARDENS,BIRD WATCHING TRAILS,WILDFLOWER COLLECTIONS,STROLLING PATHS,PICNICS,SHELTERS/PAVILLIONS
ROCKY OUTCROP AREAS
WILDFLOWER COLLECTIONS,STROLLING PATHS,NATURAL PLAY, ROCK GARDEN, ZEN GARDEN, ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION, ,NATURAL FIRE PITS, LITTLE LIBRARY
“MULCHSCAPES”
DOG PARKS OUTDOOR EXERCISE EQUIPMENT AREAS PLAYGROUNDS
SHADED PARKLAND
PROGRAM/ACTIVITY,DOG WALKING,RELAXING STROLLS MINI ARBORETUM COLLECTIONS, NATIVE PLANT EDUCATION, EDUCATIONAL WALKWAYS SITE
TRAIL MARKER / BOLLARD
SITE ENTRANCE
SECONDARY SIGNAGE
TRAIL MARKER / BOLLARD
SECONDARY SIGNAGE
THE POINT [OF CONFLUENCE BETWEEN 2 OR MORE ECOTONES] CENTRAL ARBORWAY / “SHOWCASE ROAD”
THE POINT [OF CONFLUENCE BETWEEN 2 OR MORE ECOTONES]
CENTRAL ARBORWAY / “SHOWCASE ROAD”
PUBLIC GREENWAY
MINI ARBORETUM COLLECTIONS, NATIVE PLANT EDUCATION, EDUCATIONAL
WATERSCAPES
EXPERIENTIAL WETLANDS,PONDS WITH AMENITIES,BOARDWALKS PICNICS,OVERLOOKS, STORMWATER EDUCATION, FISHING, RC BOAT ADVENTURES
CREEKSIDE AMENITIES
EXPERIENTIAL WETLANDS,PONDS WITH AMENITIES,BOARDWALKS,PICNICS OVERLOOKS, SHADED PATHWAYS, MATURE VEGETATION
STORMWATER PONDS
ECOLOGICAL FUNCTION ONLY MANAGEMENT OF SITE STORMWATER NOT DIRECTLY ACCESSIBLE BY RESIDENTS
V.E. + LYDIA H. OWENS PARK
LOUISBURG, NC
BUTTERFLY GARDEN
This 167-acre park aims to serve surrounding communities by creatively repurposing an old golf course into a new destination, known as Owen’s Park at Bull Creek. McAdams assisted Franklin County, the community and involved stakeholders in the creation of a plan focused on the county’s vision to create outdoor enjoyment for future park users and experiences that honor the park’s history and transformation from roots in agricultural to an era of golf, and ultimately, a community destination park. The planning process focused on identifying the highest and best use for the park, agency partnerships and revenue generation. The master planning process revealed desired park programming through a robust and transparent public input process to include a series of public input meetings and needs assessment. The resulting master plan features walking trails, a fishing pier, rustic camp sites, amphitheater, splash pad, demonstration gardens, agricultural exhibits for agritourism, environmental education stations, an open event lawn and associated infrastructure. McAdams also prepared a Parks and Recreation Trust Fund (PARTF) / Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) grant application as part of the master planning process. Franklin County was recently awarded the LWCF grant for Phase I of the park improvements and a grant from the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission for construction of a fishing pier.
THE RIVERWALK AT CENTRAL PARK
FLOWER MOUND, TX
FLOWING WITH CONNECTIVITY
The River Walk at Central Park in Flower Mound, Texas is a 150-acre mixed-use development including residential, medical, hotel, commercial, restaurant and public components surrounding a nearly milelong, man-made water feature as a focal point. This project involved over 20 public meetings / presentations in order to navigate through the Town’s complex approval process and to essentially create a new mixed-use zoning classification for the Town. Our team’s civil engineering and landscape architecture services included public infrastructure design of paving, drainage, water and sewer to serve the entire development, as well as the design of the streetscapes, public access ways and linear landscape adjacent to the river.
In addition, our team was selected to provide the civil and landscape designs for several of the individual sites in the River Walk, including the Texas Oncology Building, River Walk Medical Plaza, Marriott Hotel, River Walk Apartments, River Walk Villas and Parkmount Townhomes.
NC MUSEUM OF ART, MEADOW TRAIL + OVERLOOK
RALEIGH, NC
ART OUTDOORS
The NC Museum of Art engaged McAdams in this very collaborative project to design and construct the new Meadow Trail and realign a section of trail damaged by stream erosion. The Museum Park is its own work of art, constantly evolving with new installations, changing seasons and maturation of the landscape. McAdams’ designers and construction administration professionals worked closely with the contractor to field engineer the trail and design stormwater devices that address challenging drainage patterns while complementing the landscape.
YEARGAN PARK
GARNER, NC
INCORPORATING HISTORY
Located on an agrarian tract near historic downtown Garner, Yeargan Park celebrates the Town’s humble past and natural settings while serving as a familyfun destination park. The concept for the park balances the preservation of the farmstead structures, a one-of-a-kind pecan grove and mature forest with active and adventure recreation opportunities for visitors of all ages and ability levels.
The stately, two-story 1919 historic farmhouse, a civil war-time hospital building, barns, small outbuildings and a well-preserved pecan grove provide a magical setting for weddings, family reunions, festivals and other events. The park concept offers a diversity of recreational amenities to provide a variety of experiences for all users, attracting patrons to return again and again. While multiuse fields offer additional space for the Town’s growing soccer and athletics program; tree top trails, zip lines and a pump track invite the thrill seeker; and a large playground, sprayground and open community gathering spaces offer fun for the whole family.
Considering the proximity of the park to downtown Garner, pedestrian connectivity to destinations such as local shops, restaurants and residential development has the potential to generate economic impact for downtown Garner.
PRAIRIE COMMONS
FLOWER MOUND, TX
STRIVING FOR PRAIRIE REVIVAL
Surrounded by typical suburban sprawl, Prairie Commons serves as an example of sustainable, commercial design for the Town of Flower Mound, Texas and demonstrates how land development can achieve a more environmentally restorative and responsible footprint. The landscape architect worked closely with the owner to create a landscape, that is not only aesthetically pleasing, but one that restores a thriving natural habitat for pollinators and migratory butterflies. Low impact design practices, such as rain gardens and rainwater harvesting, were used to integrate responsible water resource management to create an environment where the remnants of the historic Long Prairie can thrive, making Prairie Commons both a functional living landscape and an experiential community destination.
THE FLATSEDGEWATER
INDIAN LAND, SC
FIRST STEPS OF GROWTH
The Flats is located in the fast-growing Indian Land area of Lancaster County. Design for The Flats included 289 garden style apartments, surface parking and clubhouse amenity design. This project was the first site zoned and permitted for mixed-use in Indian Land. Lancaster County had previously gone through an extension of their Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) which included changing some of the zoning on existing parcels. McAdams worked in conjunction with County staff to make their first ever mixed-use project a reality.
THE FLATS
PEARL STREET PARK
CHARLOTTE, NC
ENHANCING A HISTORIC PARK
Located in the Dilworth district just south of uptown Charlotte, Pearl Street Park is known as the first African American public park built in the City. Today, the park finds itself surrounded by redevelopment projects catalyzed by the Little Sugar Creek Greenway. As redevelopment continues to encroach on the park, the McAdams team was commissioned to provide master planning services to re-activate the park and respond to shifting land uses towards mixed-use, office, retail and upscale multi-family residences.
Given the park’s historic significance, the team worked to preserve the park’s stories while accommodating new users and recreation trends. The park’s redesign includes reconfigured multi-purpose fields, sports courts, urban plaza areas, a small comfort station / building, inclusive playground and walking paths. The team’s multidisciplinary approach enabled innovative design solutions that considered numerous site complexities, such as two major powerline easements, utility easements, floodplain, Post Construction Stormwater Ordinance (PCSO) restrictions, new roadway right-of-way and several deed restrictions. One of the most innovative outcomes of the park improvements was the restoration of the existing onsite stream. The design of a nested floodplain will help alleviate channel instability and provide a water quality benefit for the urban runoff entering Little Sugar Creek.
IMAGE INDEX
PLACEMAKING
1. Beechleaf Court Amenity / Raleigh, NC
2. UNC Chapel Hill, Coker Arboretum Pursuit / Chapel Hill, NC
3. Ballantyne Hotel Wedding Garden / Charlotte, NC
4. The River Walk at Central Park / Flower Mound, TX
ARTFUL IMPLEMENTATION
5. Pearl Street Park / Charlotte, NC
6. Liberty Warehouse / Durham, NC
7. Inside Wade / Raleigh, NC
8. HUB at South End / Charlotte, NC
NATURAL CONNECTIONS
9. V.E. Lydia H. Owens Recreation Park at Bull Creek / Louisburg, NC
10. Granada Trail / Westlake, TX
11. The River Walk at Central Park / Flower Mound, TX
12. Collin College, Spring Creek Library / Plano, TX
