Summer 2021
Acknowledgments Thank you to the following dedicated individuals for their time and leadership in the creation of the Upper Westside Masterplan. This plan also would not be made possible without the community's guidance, support, and enthusiasm in crafting a strong vision for the future of the Upper Westside.
Upper Westside Improvment District 2020 Board of Directors President: Chris Faussemagne – Third & Urban Vice President: Quill Healey II – Healey | Weatherholtz Dustin Hillis – Atlanta City Councilmember McKittrick Simmons – Sweetwater Holdings Co. Nathan Hedges – Allen Morris Company Tim Holdroyd – City Realty Advisors Stuart Meddin – The Meddin Company Lisa Archer – Jamestown Properties Tony Zivalich – Georgia Institute of Technology Malloy Peterson – Selig Enterprises Staff Elizabeth Hollister – Executive Director Adeline Collot – Program Director
Consultant Team MKSK Toole Design Group James Lima Planning + Development TSW
Upper Westside Improvement District Masterplan
City of Atlanta Keisha Lance Bottoms – Mayor
City Council Felicia A. Moore – Council President Carla Smith – District 1 Amir R. Farokhi – District 2 Antonio Brown – District 3 Cleta Winslow – District 4 Natalyn Mosby Archibong – District 5 Jennifer N. Ide – District 6 Howard Shook – District 7 J.P. Matzigkeit – District 8 Dustin R. Hillis – District 9 Andrea L. Boone – District 10 Marci Collier Overstreet – District 11 Joyce Sheperd – District 12 Michael Julian Bond – Post 1 At Large Matt Westmoreland – Post 2 At Large Andre Dickens – Post 3 At Large
Department of City Planning Office of Design Office of Zoning & Development
Department of Parks and Recreation Department of Transportation Strategy and Planning
Department of Watershed Management
Upper Westside Improvement District Masterplan
Upper Westside Improvement District Masterplan
Contents Introduction
6
Background
10
Purpose & Process
14
Community Engagement
16
Recommendations
20
Overview
22
Transportation and Mobility
24
Parks and Greenspace
50
Community and Economic Development
70
Arts and Culture
90
Implementation Matrix
100
Appendix Existing Conditions & Analysis Community Engagement Summary Land Use & Zoning Memorandum Real Estate Market Summary
Upper Westside Improvement District Masterplan
Upper Westside Improvement District Masterplan
6
Section 1: Introduction
section 1
Introduction
Section 1: Introduction
7
Upper Westside Improvement District Masterplan
upper westside masterplan Welcome, We're Delighted You're Here Before we dive in, let us answer a few questions you may be asking.
Q: What is the Upper Westside?
Q: How is the CID Funded?
Upper Westside is a distinctive community identity spanning across several neighborhoods in the northwestern quadrant of Atlanta. The term first appeared in a 2004 plan adopted by the city and has been embraced by the many neighborhoods it encompasses to reference the larger Atlanta submarket.
A: We have amazing commercial and industrial property owners who agreed to pay extra taxes each year to fund our improvements. In return, our staff work hard to leverage their dollars and find additional public and private funding to match each dollar they contribute.
Q: How long has the CID been around? A: Our organization started in 2016. In just four years we have invested over a million dollars into public safety measures, improved traffic infrastructure, and created multiple greenspace and beautification projects.
Q: What’s the Upper Westside Improvement District? A: We’re a Community Improvement District (CID) which is a quasi governmental not-for-profit focused on creating smart urban growth within our boundaries created in 2016. Unparalleled growth in this historically industrial area has brought many new residents and businesses who are asking for better transportation options, more open spaces, and additional safety improvements for the district.
Q: Can you name a couple projects the CID has completed? A: Greenspace projects include the 4.5 acres Waterworks Greenspace at Northside Drive & 17th Street and the public plaza in front of West Egg Cafe. Transportation projects included restriping Howell Mill Road at 14th Street to include dedicated turn lanes and installing two crosswalks complete with flashing beacons to make crossing Howell Mill Road at Brady Avenue and Channing Drive safer. We've also invested in public art by hiring talented artists to paint utility boxes across the district and a mural on the wall at the MARTA facility on Brady Avenue. This masterplan will serve as our roadmap for implementing future projects.
Q: Explain “smart urban growth”? A: We improve multi-modal connectivity so you can safely walk/bike/scooter/take transit/drive to neighborhood destinations. We expand access to greenspace. We work to improve public safety.
Q: What are the CID's boundaries? A: Roughly Collier Rd. to the north, Northside Dr. to the east, Jefferson St. to the south, and Marietta Blvd. to the west. However, our boundaries grow almost every year.
Upper Westside Improvement District Masterplan
8
Section 1: Introduction
ell Mill Rd
Underwood Hills Ch a Hills Park
Northside Dr
How
Road NW r e lli o C
The Upper Westside study area is located in Neighborhood Planning Units C, D, E, J, K, and L and in Atlanta City Council Districts 3, 8, and 9.
Channing Valley
Collier Hills
tta hooc ee Ave NW h
75
tta
rie
Ma N Rd
W dN Blv tta rie Ma
Berkeley Park
Loring Heights
Blandtown Proposed Beltline Alignment
W
Pe rry Blv dN W
Huff Rd NW
17th St NW
Rockdale
West M ariet t
14th St NW aS
W tN
Home Park
Westside Park
Howell Station
10th St NW
Marietta St Artery
Grove Park Study Area Current UWCID Boundary
Section 1: Introduction
Georgia Tech
Donald Lee Hollowell Pkwy NW Bankhead 9
English Avenue Upper Westside Improvement District Masterplan
Background A Look at Where We've Been, to Guide Where We Are Going Industrial Beginnings
Community Growth
Atlanta’s Upper Westside economy was fueled by commerce brought in by the railroad. The primary railway owned by the State of Georgia, the Western & Atlantic Railway Line - which put Atlanta on the map runs through the heart of the district. If you stand on the bridge at White Provisions you can catch a glimpse of a train going by on one of these historic rails through the Howell Interlocking Junction on its way to Five Points downtown.
This railroad-spurred industrial boom led to the creation of neighborhoods to house the growing workforce. During the late 1800s, neighborhoods like Howell Station emerged and became home, albeit geographically segregated, to both black and white railroad workers and their families.
In the 1890s rail spurs came to the area and a mill, factory, stockyard, and other businesses followed soon after. Many of the historic buildings still exist today and are recognized by the National Register of Historic Places such as the Goat Farm Arts Center which used to be E. Van Winkle's Gin & Machine Works. The Marietta Street Artery is home to the Howell Interlocking Junction, a triangular railroad junction built in the late 19th century where four rail lines intersected. Today this area has one of the largest intact concentrations of historic industrial and commercial buildings in Atlanta. They include the Laura Haygood Grade School (now Atlanta Union Mission), White Provisions and Star Provisions building, and Brickworks (formerly Palmer Brick Company and Ragsdale Mule and Horse Company). The Miller Union Stock Yards’ extensive barns (pictured on the right) were long ago demolished, but its name lives on today.
Upper Westside Improvement District Masterplan
10
As industry grew and expanded in the area, adjacent farmland began to transform into residential communities. In the 1920s Berkeley Park and Northside Park (later renamed Underwood Hills) were developed to serve local industry including the Seaboard Coastline Railroad, the White Provisions Company, and Atlantic Steel (now the Atlantic Station development). Public Transportation The area was connected to the region by the first interurban streetcar line "Atlanta-to-Marietta" established in 1905 by the Georgia Railway and Electric Company. The Ashby Street Car Barn that once serviced the line can be found within the present-day King Plow Arts Center. Streetcars ran on Howell Mill Rd, Marietta St, and Northside Dr up until the late 1940s. Legacy residents recall when the streetcar reached the end of the Howell Mill line at Collier Rd and the “motorman” would reverse the seats and steering column. The streetcar had to switch tracks in front of White Provisions and sometimes would wait while cows, pigs, and horses were herded across the street to the stockyards.
Section 1: Introduction
Top Left: Historic photo of the Atlanta streetcar serving local destination Exposition Mills. Top Right: Railroad yards in Atlanta, 1864. Middle Left: News clipping of Northside Drive Soap Box Derby, c 1939/1940. Middle Right: Atlanta Stock Car racer Charlie Scott, 1956. Bottom: Historic photo of the Miller Union Stock Yards.
Section 1: Introduction
11
Upper Westside Improvement District Masterplan
Modern Transformation The industrial heritage of the Upper Westside is a primary driver of the growth and transformation occurring across the district today. Global shifts in manufacturing and logistics, coupled with a strong demand for intown real estate and escalating commercial rents have resulted in an exodus of some industrial users. Some industrial sites which made up the Chattahoochee Industrial District, created in the mid-20th century, are transitioning into vibrant mixeduse redevelopments taking advantage of direct access to Downtown, Midtown, and Buckhead. Other industrial sites are being leased by high-tech start-ups developing innovative new products, drawn to the proximity of Georgia Tech's talent. Light industrial businesses like breweries, showrooms, and ecommerce warehousing operations abound. Some legacy industrial owners who also value the location continue to grow and invest in their local operations, providing critical middle-wage jobs. Non-industrial employers have taken note of the locational benefits of the Upper Westside, and businesses are setting up shop across the district. The Upper Westside is one of the most desirable submarkets in the region, bringing vitality to the community. Structural Challenges The transformation of the Upper Westside has brought to the foreground many of the underlying structural issues that must be addressed to ensure a sustainable and equitable future. The railroads that spurred the industrial development of the Upper Westside divided the district into smaller isolated subareas, with limited roadway connections between one another and the city at large. The limited number of roads in the district, originally designed only for heavy duty vehicles, are now experiencing unprecedented congestion as the number of residents, workers, and visitors of the Upper Westside exponentially grows. Few options for getting around by means other than a personal vehicle exist. The need for safe access to nearby destinations without using a car is paramount to sustain this level of redevelopment. The Upper Westside is at a critical juncture. The area has evolved from an undefined agglomeration of industrial space interspersed with residential neighborhoods into a powerhouse metro destination. There is great need for strategic planning to build on its successes and address its challenges.
Above: Renderings of Recent Development across the Upper Westside. From Top: Star Metals, The Interlock, The Works, 8West
Upper Westside Improvement District Masterplan
12
Section 1: Introduction
CSX-Tilford Yard NS-Inman Yard
Collier Rd Chattahoo
chee Ave
Blvd ietta
Mar
CSX-Howell Yard
BLANDTOWN
UNDERWOOD HILLS BERKELEY PARK
HOWELL STATION Huf
f Rd
t
rie
a WM
Rd Mill l l e How
t ta S
MARIETTA STREET ARTERY
14t
h St
10t
N
h St Legend
de Dr
si
North
Rail Crossings
Railroad Corridor
Rail Crossing
I-75
The Upper Westside is divided into smaller isolated sub areas by the network of legacy rail infrastructure weaving its way through the district. Only three north/south roads bridge over the rail: Northside Drive, Howell Mill Road, and Marietta Boulevard.
Howell Mill Rd Collier Rd
CSX-Tilford Yard
Chattahoochee Ave
NS-Inman Yard
Just four east/west roads bridge over the rail: Collier Road, Chattahoochee Avenue, Huff Road, and West Marietta Street.
CSX-Howell Yard Northside Dr Huff Rd
Study Area
i
dius
1/ 4
1/2
m
W Marietta St ra
m
i radius
Rail Infrastructure
Marietta Blvd Ave
N Marietta St
Section 1: Introduction
13
Upper Westside Improvement District Masterplan
Purpose & process Planning for Livability The Upper Westside's success hinges on creating a livable district where streets, buildings, and public spaces are crafted first and foremost for people. Decades of research has shown that our built environment has tremendous influence on our experiences and life outcomes. Investment in the public realm (streets, sidewalks, trails, parks, and greenspaces) is one of the biggest drivers of economic value and one of the most equitable ways to reinvest in our communities. In the context of intense development pressure, creating vibrant and equitable spaces requires proactive strategic planning. The Upper Westside Masterplan lays out the strategy for where to invest in the public realm to improve quality of life and set a higher standard for private development design. The masterplanning process spanned 15 months, from January 2020 to March 2021 and included four major phases of work: Existing Conditions Analysis, Community Input, Planning & Analysis, and Masterplan Development. The key themes addressed in this masterplan are:
Building on the unique strengths of the Upper Westside to ensure long-term vibrancy. Providing safe connections to surrounding neighborhoods, campuses, and destinations, such as Westside Park, the BeltLine, and the Georgia Tech campus. Strengthening roadway and trail networks to improve multimodal transportation connectivity. Creating lively and welcoming public open spaces accessible to all. Collaborating with public and private entities to create a livable urban environment that is green, walkable, safe, and beautiful. Crafting a replicable model for inclusive growth.
Upper Westside Improvement District Masterplan
14
Section 1: Introduction
Project Schedule Board & Stakeholder Interviews
My Upper Westside Mailers
Interactive Mapping
Existing Conditions
City Staff Briefings
Board Workshops
Planning & Analysis
City & Public Review
Draft Masterplan
Community Engagement
District Tour & Audit
Vision Survey
Section 1: Introduction
Text Message Campaign
Neighborhood Visioning Workshops
Masterplan Workshop
15
Board Workshops
Plan Adoption
Upper Westside Improvement District Masterplan
community engagement Shaping Place, Building Community Central to the Upper Westside CID Masterplan is the notion that those who live or work in the Upper Westside must be engaged in a way that creates civic pride, identity and ownership. The Masterplan process was an opportunity to involve residents and employees who have newly relocated to the district as well as those who do not regularly attend public or neighborhood meetings. Through this process, participants were simultaneously shaping place and building community. To cultivate this sense of stewardship, the planning team embraced an approach to community engagement that was sustained and inclusive. Throughout the planning process the team talked, listened, explored, and collaborated with community members in a variety of ways. The following pages summarize the engagement performed during this process and how the planning team adapted its strategy to prioritize the health and well-being of the Upper Westside community in the face of the COVID-19 outbreak. Detailed summaries of the community engagement results can be found in the Appendices.
The Masterplan was a collaborative process that included:
6
4
Neighborhood Workshops
UWCID Board Workshops
51
360ft
155
279
Wikimap Comments
Online Survey Respondents
Stakeholders Interviewed
312
6k
4.6k
9.7k
SMS Survey Text Messages
Postcards Mailed to Residents
Unique Visitors to the Website
Page Views on the Website
of Multi-colored Yarn
2month 6
150ft ~1k
Asynchronous Workshop
Long Cycle Track
Upper Westside Mailboxes
Upper Westside Improvement District Masterplan
16
Pins, Pom Poms, and Sticky Dots
Section 1: Introduction
My Upper Westside Masterplan: Community Engagement Toolkit District Tour & Audit On January 22nd, the planning team hopped in a passenger van and explored the district with 9 Upper Westsiders to kick things off. Project Website Finding a digital home for the Masterplan was a critical part of ensuring the process was accessible and transparent. The website was updated at key milestones and included project announcements, presentations and digital engagement activities. Since launching on February 17th, 2020 it has been viewed by 9,700 times by 4,600 unique visitors. Email List Masterplan updates and invitations to participate were sent to Upper Westside CID's active newsletter list which includes residents, all commercial property owners who joined the CID, business owners, employees, students, and visitors. During each engagement activity, participants were invited to share their email to stay in the loop as the plan progressed. Stakeholder Interviews On February 26th & 27th, 2020 the planning team sat down with 51 individuals from 42 organizations to explore the dynamics of the Upper Westside and share ideas for its future. Public Meeting #1 - Gone Analog Out of the blue, a pandemic took hold of the world so the planning team pivoted the planned in-person St. Patrick’s Day event into a series of digital and analog exercises that introduced participants to the planning study while providing a space to share ideas. These exercises included a visioning postcard campaign mailed to nearly 6,000 residents complete with custom “Upper Westside Mailboxes” installed in each of the CID’s neighborhoods where postcards could be returned. This analogue activity was accompanied by an online vision survey and a series of printable children’s activities (Bingo, Draw Your Park) available on the My Upper Westside project website. Neighborhood Visioning Workshops During the month of June, we hosted Neighborhood Visioning Workshops for each of the six Upper Westside communities: Berkeley Park, Blandtown, Channing Valley, Howell Station, Marietta Street Artery, and Underwood Hills. Due to the COVID-19 outbreak these gatherings were conducted digitally via Zoom and featured a variety of interactive exercises to explore a collective vision for how each neighborhood wished to grow over the next decade and discuss the transportation, greenspace, and land-use strategies needed to achieve it.
Section 1: Introduction
Online Interactive WikiMap Throughout the months of May, June, & July a digital web-based interactive map allowed participants to share their go-to-spots, desired routes, and big ideas for the Upper Westside. During this period 155 comments were shared. SMS Intercept Survey In June, the planning team placed temporary yard signs at key locations across the Upper Westside asking passersby to share their thoughts about the district by texting a keyword to a dedicated project phone number. The signs asked residents and visitors alike to answer simple questions focused on neighborhood pride, transportation & mobility, and public greenspace. During the comment period 62 unique respondents joined the conversation. Public Meeting #2 Asynchronous Masterplan Workshop A retail space in The Works was transformed into a community space featuring installations on the history of the Upper Westside, an introduction to the Upper Westside Improvement District, and a series of interactive activities designed to solicit input on the future of public space, transportation and mobility, and development character in the district. The space also featured an installation of exclusive Upper Westside photography and a Traffic Garden where children could practice observing stop signs, crosswalks, oneway signs, and railroad crossings. The space was open weekdays 10a-6p and weekends 10a-4p through the months of August and September. UWCID Board Engagement Throughout the planning process the project team engaged with Board Members via interviews (March 16th & 17th) and workshops (May 20th, June 17th, September 16th, & October 21st) to learn from their experience, explore plan ideas, and establish capital project priorities. Agency Partner Engagement At various points during the planning process the team engaged agency partners representing key stakeholder groups across the Upper Westside. This included meetings with Altanta BeltLine Inc. and various offices within the City of Atlanta's Department of City Planning, including the Office of Zoning & Development and the Atlanta City Studio. Draft Masterplan Outreach Throughout the months of March and April 2021 a digital web-based outreach platform, Konveio, allowed participants to review the draft My Upper Westside Masterplan and share their feedback. The draft Masterplan page was viewed almost 1,750 times during this review period.
17
Upper Westside Improvement District Masterplan
"I see a redevelopment and urban resurgence catalyzed by proper planning and strategic zoning on the Westside" - Quote from the Community Vision Survey
Collage of images from the various engagement exercises and touchpoints throughout the Masterplanning process
Upper Westside Improvement District Masterplan
18
Section 1: Introduction
"We can be a model for Atlanta moving forward if we do it right." -Quote from the Community Vision Survey
Collage of images from the various engagement exercises and touchpoints throughout the Masterplanning process
Section 1: Introduction
19
Upper Westside Improvement District Masterplan
Upper Westside Improvement District Masterplan
20
Section 2: Recommendations
section 2
recommendations
Section 2: Recommendations
21
Upper Westside Improvement District Masterplan
masterplan capital projects Roadmap for Shaping the Upper Westside Rooted in the unique qualities and character of the Upper Westside, the Masterplan lays out strategic investments that capture the imagination and endure for the decade and beyond. They focus on projects that fill the critical gap between the market and local government. It is within this space, what markets don’t do efficiently and local governments don’t do quickly, that the Upper Westside Improvement District has the most potential to improve the livability and vibrancy of the district. Eleven "big ideas", or goals, rose to the top as those with the greatest potential to achieve the community’s aspirations. They are described on the following pages and organized into four overarching categories:
1
2
Transportation & Mobility
Parks & Greenspace
Four big ideas to make getting around the Upper Westside easier, safer, and more comfortable!
Three big ideas to make public spaces across the Upper Westside green, livable, friendly, and fun!
3
4
Community & Economic Development
Arts & Culture
Three big ideas to improve the economic competitiveness of the Upper Westside and empower its communities!
One big idea to celebrate the layered history and culture of the Upper Westside!
Upper Westside Improvement District Masterplan
22
Section 2: Recommendations
11 Big Ideas for the Upper Westside 1
Retrofit Roads for All Users
2
Go Off Road
3
Improve the Transit Experience
4
Build Strategic Road Segments
5
Acquire Land for Recreation
6
Reveal Hidden Nature
7
Reclaim Waterworks for the Public
8
Codify Character Through Zoning
9
Influence Future Landmark Developments
10
Support the Georgia Tech Innovation Ecosystem
11
Announce the Upper Westside
Section 2: Recommendations
23
Upper Westside Improvement District Masterplan DRAFT
2.1
transportation & mobility The following pages explore four big ideas to make getting around the Upper Westside easier, safer, and more comfortable.
Upper Westside Improvement District Masterplan
24
Section 2.1: Transportation & Mobility Recommendations
big ideas for the upper westside 1
2
Retrofit Roads for All Users
Go Off-Road
3
4
Improve the Transit Experience
Build Strategic Road Segments
Section 2.1: Transportation & Mobility Recommendations
25
Upper Westside Improvement District Masterplan
1
Retrofit Roads for all users Improve existing streets to create walkable and bikeable routes to safely link residents and employees within the Upper Westside and to Midtown, Buckhead, Georgia Tech and Downtown.
Upper Westside Improvement District Masterplan
26
Section 2.1: Transportation & Mobility Recommendations
Credit: Curbed Atlanta
"My vision for the Upper Westside is...a walkable, bikeable, public transportation-connected urban area" Quote from Community Engagement Process
"Intentional connectedness: Broader walkability and sidewalks. And in the long term, mass transit."
What would make the Upper Westside more livable and welcoming?
Section 2.1: Transportation & Mobility Recommendations
Quote from Community Engagement Process
27
Upper Westside Improvement District Masterplan
Retrofit Roads for All Users "I would love to see more walkability and [new] sidewalks be a focus. The only reason I would move is I do not feel safe pushing a stroller to go anywhere."
The Upper Westside’s topography and railroads have restricted the development of streets connected to the broader metro. This limits the “effective network”, the number of streets connected to other roads. This forces those who want to walk or bike through the district onto just a handful of connected streets with heavy vehicle volumes and freight traffic that feel unsafe.
- Quote from the Community Vision Survey
To improve roadway safety and functionality for all users, especially the most vulnerable, existing roads designed for freight need to be upgraded with safe walking and biking amenities to make traveling in, and through, the Upper Westside easier.
Access to sidewalks across the Upper Westside is lacking in many places.
View of 17th St. at the Hemphill Water Treatment Facility (looking east)
Upper Westside Improvement District Masterplan
28
Section 2.1: Transportation & Mobility Recommendations
40% of the public streets in the Upper Westside are missing sidewalks. 75
Study Area
Underwood Hills
Channing Valley
Berkeley Park
tta
rie
Ma
Blandtown
Rd th
17 St
Pe rry
Blv d
14th St
Marietta Street Artery
Howell Station
10th St
Sidewalks on Both Sides Sidewalks on One Side No Sidewalks - Public No Sidewalks - Private 0
N/A
0.5mile
N
Sidewalk Inventory This CID sidewalk inventory revealed a significant number of sidewalk gaps including along major roads where sidewalks are critical for pedestrian safety. There are about 50.6 miles of missing sidewalks throughout the district. There are more than four miles of major roads which have no sidewalk, including portions of Marietta Blvd., Northside Dr., Collier Rd., and Chattahoochee Ave. and about 5 miles of these roads only have sidewalks on one side of the street.
Section 2.1: Transportation & Mobility Recommendations
29
Upper Westside Improvement District Masterplan
Retrofit Roads for All Users Summary of Capital Projects RR 1
Howell Mill Road
RR 7
Implement the Howell Mill Rd. Bike and Pedestrian Study which called for raised bike lanes, wide sidewalks, and driveways closures to improve safety. Study additional improvements to the intersections at Chattahoochee Ave. and Defoor Ave. to improve vehicular efficiency while improving safety for all users. Improvements will tie into the Renew Atlanta Howell Mill Complete Street Project’s bicycle facilities planned south of Forrest St. RR 2
10th Street
Repair sidewalks, add ADA ramps, and add a signalized mid-block crossing at Watkins St. Develop protected bicycling facilities on the south side of the street. RR 3
14th Street
RR 4
Huff Road
Repair and complete sidewalks, and ADA ramps. Add protected bicycle facilities or a multi-use path, new crosswalks, street trees, furniture, and lighting. The addition of bike and pedestrian improvements will require widening the bridge over the railroad or creating a new parallel bridge. RR 5
Northside Drive
Coordinate with GDOT to improve safety along Northside Dr., especially at high-crash intersections: Marietta St., 10th St., and 14th St. Add signalized crossings for pedestrians at 8th St., 11th St., and Ethel St. Fill sidewalk gaps north of Trabert Ave. Add wayfinding and sharrows between Marietta St. and Northside Dr. to Tech Parkway cycle track. RR 6
Use excess road width to create a north-south streetscape for bikes and pedestrians. Fill sidewalk gaps and add dedicated bicycle facilities, mid-block crosswalks, and landscape enhancements. Realign Elaine Ave. with all-way stop control to improve intersection safety, and repurpose remaining right-of-way into a pocket park. RR 8
17th Street
Complete sidewalks and add bike facilities from Howell Mill Rd. to Northside Dr. The guardrails at the Hemphill Water Treatment Plant will be impacted.
Chattahoochee Avenue
Build wide sidewalks, ADA ramps, and fill sidewalk gaps, add protected bike facilities, add mid-block crossings, and improve the intersection at Howell Mill Rd. The narrow bridge over the railroad may need to be widened or a pedestrian and bicycle bridge may be needed. RR 9
Complete sidewalk gaps and include ADA ramps. Study reallocating a vehicle lane to accommodate protected bicycling facilities.
Ellsworth Industrial Boulevard
Collier Road
Fill sidewalk gaps, add ADA ramps, add mid-block crossings, improve intersections, protect existing bike lanes and extend them to Howell Mill Rd. Add green conflict markings at driveways, and refresh signage. RR 10
Marietta Boulevard
Expand the narrow bridge over the railroad between Huff Rd and W. Marietta St. or add a parallel bike and pedestrian bridge. Extend BeltLine from Huff Rd. to Elaine Ave. Signalize Elaine Ave. intersection. Add pedestrian facilities and fill sidewalk gaps north of Elaine Ave. RR 11
West Marietta Street
Fill sidewalk gaps, add protected bike facilities, upgrade the bridge over the railroads with pedestrian-safe railing, add mid-block crossings, and improve intersection safety along W. Marietta St. and Lois St. A Renew Atlanta project will add ADA ramps and optimize signal timing. RR 12
Defoor Avenue
Fill sidewalk gaps, improve intersection safety at Howell Mill Rd., and protect existing bike lanes. RR 13
Joseph E Lowery Boulevard
Fill sidewalk gaps, add pedestrian-scale lighting, street trees, and furniture, and add bicycle facilities connecting W. Marietta St. to Westside BeltLine Connector.
Upper Westside Improvement District Masterplan
30
Section 2.1: Transportation & Mobility Recommendations
Retrofit Roads for All Users: Summary of Capital Projects
75
Collier Rd
RR 9
Northside Dr
Howell Mill Rd
RR 1
a
ve eA
y Are Stud
e och ah o Chatt
RR 12
RR 8 De
RR 5
fo
or
Av e
RR 10 RR 7 tta
rie
Ma d Blv
tta
rie
Ma Rd
RR 6 RR 4 th
17
Blv d
St
Pe rry
Rd Huff
RR 3
RR 11
14th St
WM arie tt a
St
RR 2
10th St
RR 13 Legend Proposed UWMP Bike Facilities (Capital Project) Planned Bike Facilities Existing Bike Facilities Capital Project
Donald Lee Hollowell Pkwy
Parks 0
Water
Section 2.1: Transportation & Mobility Recommendations
31
0.5mile
N
Upper Westside Improvement District Masterplan
2
GO OFF ROAD Create key connections to regional trail networks that link the Upper Westside to neighboring districts and the greater metro area. For purposes of recreation, leisure, shopping, and commuting, develop the off-street trail facilities that will link the Upper Westside to the BeltLine, Silver Comet Trail, Whetstone Creek Trail, Tanyard Creek Trail, Proctor Creek Greenway, Chattahoochee RiverLands, and other regional trail systems.
"My vision for the Upper Westside is...pedestrian and bike bridges across train tracks to connect communities" Quote from Community Engagement Process
Upper Westside Improvement District Masterplan
32
Section 2.1: Transportation & Mobility Recommendations
"Get the BeltLine done...and everything else that goes with it." Quote from Community Engagement Process
"I can't wait for the park and BeltLine to open so we can walk or bike to our favorite spots" Quote from Community Engagement Process
Section 2.1: Transportation & Mobility Recommendations
33
Upper Westside Improvement District Masterplan
Go Off-Road Off road trails are particularly appealing as a low-stress travel option in this area where every major road is a truck route. Abandoned stretches of former railroads, undevelopable land in floodplains, utility easements, publicly owned land like the Hemphill Water Treatment Plant, right-of-way on abandoned “paper streets,” and wooded buffers between existing developments all present opportunities for off-road trails. Adding trails in these underutilized spaces will help increase network connectivity and create safe and enjoyable routes for pedestrians and cyclists away from vehicular traffic. Several trails reach the edges of the district creating the potential to make connections through the district between larger regional trail networks like the BeltLine and Silver Comet. The Northside BeltLine Trail lies just outside the northeast corner of the CID in the Collier Hills neighborhood, and the Proctor Creek Greenway ends just shy of the district’s southwest corner at the Bankhead MARTA Station. Also to the south of the district, the Westside BeltLine Connector was paved in 2020, and the BeltLine along Marietta Blvd ending at Huff Rd is set to break ground in 2021.
"Trails" were the most requested public space amenity and mobility option during the Masterplan Workshop. - Summary of Findings from the Masterplan Workshop
When complete, the Atlanta BeltLine will transform cycling and walking within the Upper Westside.
View of the Westside BeltLine Connector at Joseph E. Lowery Blvd. (looking west)
Upper Westside Improvement District Masterplan
34
Section 2.1: Transportation & Mobility Recommendations
Few off road trails exist within the Upper Westside today. 75 Collier Rd
Study
Channing Valley
a Ch
Ho we ll M ill
Rd
Area
Underwood Hills
tt ah
Connect the Comet Trail Proposed
oo
ch ee Ave
Berkeley Park
Blandtown d Blv
Northside Dr
tta
rie
Ma
tta
rie
Ma
Atlanta Beltline Study In Progress
Rd
th
17
yB
St
Pe rr
lvd
Rd Huff
Atlanta Beltline Under Construction
14th St WM arie tt a
Proctor Creek Greenway
St
Howell Station
Parks Proposed Connect the Comet Trail
Marietta Street Artery
10th Street Multiuse Path 10th St
BeltLine Study In Progress
Westside Connector
BeltLine In Design BeltLine Under Construction BeltLine Complete Multi-Use Path Proposed Multi-Use Path
Donald Lee Hollowell Pkwy
Bicycle Share
PATH Parkway
Proposed Bike Facilities Planned Bike Facilities Bike Facilities 0
Cycletrack
0.5mile
N
Bicycle Facilities & Trail Network There are a growing number of bicycle facilities within the CID, but few of the continuous connections between popular destinations needed to create a useful, cohesive network for cyclists. Two major planned multi-use paths could transform cycling and walking within the CID: the BeltLine and the Silver Comet Trail.
Section 2.1: Transportation & Mobility Recommendations
35
Upper Westside Improvement District Masterplan
Go Off-Road Summary of Capital Projects OR 1
Wayfinding Signage Toward Existing Trails
Create consistent wayfinding signage to highlight nearby trails and bicycle facilities, like PATH Parkway. OR 2
Woodall Rail Trail to the Whetstone Creek Trail and Chattahoochee River
Create a new trail along Woodall Creek using the wooded areas in its floodplain. Part of the trail will be constructed by private developers on their properties. It would connect to Whetstone Creek Trail and ultimately the Silver Comet Trail and envisioned Chattahoochee RiverLands trail system. OR 3
Trail to the Proctor Creek Greenway and Bankhead MARTA
Work with Atlanta BeltLine and PATH Foundation to build a trail connection from the Westside BeltLine Connector to the Proctor Creek Trail through a power easement for safe and convenient access to Westside Park and the Bankhead MARTA Station. This would include intersection improvements, signalization, a new rail crossing, and trail construction.
OR 6
Neighborhood Connection to the Waterworks Greenspace
Create a trail linking Forrest St., Trabert Ave., and Green St. to connect the neighborhood and possible future BeltLine to the Waterworks Greenspace and connect to Northside Dr. at Deering Rd. OR 7
Goat Farm and White Provisions District Connection to the Future Atlanta BeltLine
Connect the Westside Provisions District, the Goat Farm, and the Howard School to Westside Paper and the King Plow Arts Center via a trail with pedestrian and bicycle bridge over the railroad tying into a BeltLine spur trail. OR 8
Trail Connection to the Future Silver Comet Trail
Work with Atlanta BeltLine and PATH Foundation to build a trail connection on abandoned rail spur adjacent to the MWest townhomes that crosses under Marietta Blvd. OR 9
Trail on Abandoned Rail Spur behind The Works
Convert former railroad tracks between Chattahoochee Ave. and Collier Rd. into a trail. This will require railroad OR 4 Trail to Westside Park negotiation in order to tie The Works, Logan Circle, and Seaboard Industrial Blvd. properties together. Evaluate Work with the Atlanta BeltLine and PATH Foundation to the potential for a pedestrian and bicycle bridge over the create a direct trail entrance to Westside Park from the Marietta Blvd. section of the BeltLine near Howell Station railroad to connect to Defoor Ave. neighborhood. OR 5
Trail Connection from Tanyard Creek Trail to Underwood Hills Park
Create a connection between Underwood Hills Park and Tanyard Creek Park, Northside BeltLine Trail, Collier Hills, and Buckhead. The trail could leverage a Georgia Power easement with road crossings at Howell Mill Rd., Northside Dr., and Walthall Dr.
Native Vegetation
Wayfinding
Sculptural Bridges
Inspirational Imagery of Trail Improvements
Upper Westside Improvement District Masterplan
36
Section 2.1: Transportation & Mobility Recommendations
Go Off-Road: Summary of Capital Projects
75 Collier Rd
Northside Dr
Howell Mill Rd
OR 5
a
ve eA
y Are Stud
e och ah o Chatt
OR 9
De
fo
or
Av e
OR 2 OR 6
OR 8
tta
Rd
rie
Ma
tta
rie
Ma th
17
d Blv
St
Pe rry
Blv d
OR 4
Rd Huff
OR 7 14th St
W Mariet
t a St
10th St
OR 3 Legend Planned or Proposed Bicycle Facility Existing Bicycle Facility Capital Project
Donald Lee Hollowell Pkwy
Parks 0
Water
Section 2.1: Transportation & Mobility Recommendations
37
0.5mile
N
Upper Westside Improvement District Masterplan
3
Improve the Transit Experience Create safe, convenient, equitable, and appealing firstmile/last-mile mobility options. Link residential areas, high-density employment areas, and retail clusters to MARTA bus and rail stations.
What would make the Upper Westside more liveable and welcoming?
"Better connections to MARTA rail line via the BeltLine light rail" Quote from Community Engagement Process
Upper Westside Improvement District Masterplan
38
Section 2.1: Transportation & Mobility Recommendations
"We need better transportation infrastructure for pedestrians, transit, and vehicles." Quote from Community Engagement Process
My big idea is to "connect the future BeltLine corridor to the Arts Center Marta Station with a Gondola that utilizes vertical space over the water reservoir and 17th Street. It could also connect to the Westside Quarry Park in the future." Quote from Community Engagement Process
Section 2.1: Transportation & Mobility Recommendations
39
Upper Westside Improvement District Masterplan
Improve the Transit Experience The Upper Westside would be more welcoming and livable if there was "much better MARTA service options including safe and well thought out bus stops."
Access to the regional transportation network is one of the strongest drivers influencing where new businesses decide to locate and maturing businesses choose to grow. The Upper Westside, with its connection to I-75, has become one of the region’s rapidly expanding office sub-markets. However, unlike other nearby office markets, it does not have direct MARTA rail access. To continue to stay competitive, the Upper Westside must improve the bus riding experience and the quality of first mile/last mile connections to MARTA rail. Direct improvements to transit service are beyond the CID’s purview and will require partnership with MARTA.
- Quote from the Community Vision Survey
The Upper Westside Improvement District is taking steps to improve the experience of transit riders across the district.
View of Incremental Improvement to MARTA Bus Stop along 10th Street between Brady Avenue and Howell Mill Road
Upper Westside Improvement District Masterplan
40
Section 2.1: Transportation & Mobility Recommendations
The areas with the highest concentrations of transit ridership are around Bankhead Station, Howell Mill Road, and Chattahoochee Avenue.
75 Collier Rd
Study
Channing Valley
Area
Underwood Hills
a Ch
Ho we ll M ill
Rd
37 tt ah
oo
ch ee Ave
Proposed BRT Northside Drive
Berkeley Park
14
d Blv
tta
rie
Ma Rd
Northside Dr
tta
rie
Ma
Blandtown 1 12
To Arts Center MARTA Station th
17
St
Pe rry
Blv d
Rd Huff
94 14th St WM arie tt a
Bankhead MARTA Station
26
Howell Station
St
Marietta Street Artery
To Midtown MARTA Station
10th St
26
Proposed Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Station MARTA Rail Stations MARTA Bus Stops Proposed Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Route MARTA Bus Routes MARTA Green Line Transit Trips per Hour (7-9 AM) 1-5 Trips per Hour 5-10 Trips per Hour 10-18 Trips per Hour 18-35 Trips per Hour
50
Donald Lee Hollowell Pkwy
Proposed BRT North Ave - Donald Lee Hollowell Pkwy
0
0.5mile
N
Transit Routes MARTA operates six bus routes within the CID, and two rail stations are located nearby: Bankhead and Midtown Stations. Routes 12, 14, 26, 37, 50, and 94 all pick up passengers at rail stations, travel in mixed traffic, and run about 30 minutes apart from 5am to 12am, generally 7 days each week. The More MARTA program has proposed bus rapid transit lines, which would run in dedicated lanes, along Northside Drive and Donald Lee Hollowell Parkway/North Avenue, with a BRT station recommended at Northside Drive near I-75.
Section 2.1: Transportation & Mobility Recommendations
41
Upper Westside Improvement District Masterplan
Improve the Transit Experience Summary of Capital Projects MM 1
Bus Stop Improvements
MM 4
Provide amenities at MARTA bus stops that improve the bus ridership experience including seating, lighting, shade, greenery, art, cooling stations, charging stations, Wi-Fi, and real time bus information. MM 2
Low-Stress Facilities
Provide accessible sidewalks and low-stress bicycle facilities that connect to transit stops/stations along transit route corridors. MM 3
Bicycle Parking
Provide secure bicycle parking at or near transit stop locations in high transit trip frequency areas.
MM 1
MM 1
Seating
Shelter
MM 1
MM 1
Seating
Ride Share Transfers
Designate reserved curb area for ride share transfers in high transit trip frequency areas. MM 5
Micromobility Stations
Provide dedicated drop zones for shared dockless micromobility vehicles, including bikes and scooters, at popular transit stops to facilitate flexible, multimodal trips. MM 6
Microtransit Services
Contract with MARTA or private microtransit providers to offer flexible, on-demand service within the Upper Westside to connect to MARTA rail stations, Midtown, or Atlantic Station.
MM 2
Accessibility
MM 1
Seating & Shade
Real Time Bus Information
Inspirational Imagery of Transit & Multi-modal Improvements
Upper Westside Improvement District Masterplan
42
Section 2.1: Transportation & Mobility Recommendations
MM 6
Microtransit Services
MM 4
Ride Share Transfers
MM 5
Micromobility Stations
MM 3
Bicycle Parking
MM 1
Bus Stop Improvements Inspirational Imagery of Transit & Multi-modal Improvements
Section 2.1: Transportation & Mobility Recommendations
43
Upper Westside Improvement District Masterplan
4
build StrategiC ROad SEgments Develop missing connections in the local surface street network to relieve congestion, support walking and bicycling, establish transit-supportive development patterns, and unlock economic growth. Take an incremental approach to creating an effective street network that is planned and developed in concert with private investment.
What is the one thing you'd like to see happen in the Upper Westside?
Upper Westside Improvement District Masterplan
44
"Street maintenance - including adding sidewalks, bike lanes, & reconfiguring traffic" Quote from Community Engagement Process
Section 2.1: Transportation & Mobility Recommendations
"We need better connections to nearby neighborhoods." Quote from Community Engagement Process
"Traffic, traffic, traffic..." Quote from Community Engagement Process
Section 2.1: Transportation & Mobility Recommendations
45
What about the Upper Westside needs improvement?
Upper Westside Improvement District Masterplan
Build Strategic Road Segments The Upper Westside's street network must change to accommodate the needs of an increasingly dense and diverse district. Without considerable investment in building new road connections, the livability of the area will decrease as it densifies.
“Transportation and connectivity is the key to unlocking value in the Upper Westside.”
The pattern of streets that developed in the Upper Westside of Atlanta in the late 19th and early 20th century was geared towards truck traffic that served the needs of businesses associated with the rail industry. Over the past two decades the Upper Westside’s industrial lands have transitioned to a signature mixed-use urban destination. The limited street network cannot accommodate the exponential rise in residents, employees, and visitors who demand expanded transportation choices.
- Quote from Community Engagement Process
The Upper Westside must work with the City of Atlanta and developers to help fill the existing gaps in the street network.
Intersection density in the Upper Westside is almost half that of Midtown and nearly one-third that of downtown!
Intersection Density Downtown
Midtown
Upper Westside
135 Intersections/Sq. Mile
97 Intersections/Sq. Mile
52 Intersections/Sq. Mile
The aerial images above compare the Upper Westside to adjacent urban districts: Midtown and Downtown. The low level of intersection density in the Upper Westside impedes walkability and reflects the legacy of large-scale industrial land use footprints and rail infrastructure that served this geography in Atlanta’s formative years.
Upper Westside Improvement District Masterplan
46
Section 2.1: Transportation & Mobility Recommendations
The Effective Street Network highlights through-roads within the Upper Westside. 75 Collier Rd
Study
Channing Valley
Ho we ll M ill
Rd
Area
Underwood Hills
Berkeley Park
d Blv
tta
rie
Ma
Northside Dr
tta
rie
Ma
Blandtown
Rd
Pe rry
Blv d
17th St
Rd Huff
14th St WM arie tt a
St
Marietta Street Artery
Howell Station
10th St
Street Rail Effective Street Network Principal Arterial
Donald Lee Hollowell Pkwy
Minor Arterial Major Collector Local Road
0
0.5mile
N
Effective Street Network One tool for analyzing the connectivity of a local street system is the Effective Street Network. This tool highlights through-roads as opposed to disconnected road segments. The Effective Network in the Upper Westside comes down to just a handful of roads which explains the growing congestion: Howell Mill Rd., Chattahoochee Ave., Marietta Blvd., and Huff Rd. Building key missing segments could expand the local street network and help the Upper Westside accommodate future growth.
Section 2.1: Transportation & Mobility Recommendations
47
Upper Westside Improvement District Masterplan
Build Strategic Road Segments Summary of Capital Projects PUBLIC SECTOR Install key segments that benefit network connectivity RS 1
Huff Road Extension
Extend Huff Rd. between Howell Mill Rd. and Northside Dr. to create a new east-west connection and provide an alternative to 17th St. and 14th St. RS 2
Fairmont Avenue Extension
Extend Fairmont Ave. to connect with Huber St. between Huff Rd. and Chattahoochee Ave. to create a new north-south roadway connection. RS 3
Foster Street Extension
Extend Foster St. to connect with Brady Ave. to create a new north-south connection between Huff Rd. and Brady Ave. and provide an alternative to Howell Mill Rd. RS 4
Ellsworth Industrial Boulevard Extension - South
Extend Ellsworth Industrial Blvd. south to connect with Tilden St. to create a new north-south connection between Huff Rd. and W. Marietta St. and provide an alternative to Marietta Blvd. RS 5
Culpepper Street Extension
Extend Culpepper St. west to Elaine Ave. and east to Trabert Ave. will create a new east-west connection between Marietta Blvd. and Howell Mill Rd. This extension will provide an alternative to Huff Rd. and Chattahoochee Ave. and is broken into two phases: (a) Culpepper Street Extension - West Elaine Ave. to Fairmont Ave. (b) Culpepper Street Extension - East Boyd Ave. to Trabert Ave. RS 6
Trabert Ave Extension
Extend Trabert Ave. across Northside Dr. to connect to Deering Rd. creating a new east-west connection between Howell Mill Rd. and Northside Dr., providing an alternative to 17th St. and Bellemeade Ave.
PRIVATE SECTOR Require new streets to be constructed as properties redevelop RS 7
Huber Street Extension
Create a new east-west connection between Huber St. and Ellsworth Industrial Blvd. to improve network connectivity and provide an alternative to Huff Rd. and Chattahoochee Ave. RS 8
Ellsworth Industrial Boulevard Extension - North
Extend Ellsworth Industrial Blvd. north to connect with Hills Pl. to create a new north-south connection between Chattahoochee Ave. and Collier Rd. and provide an alternative to Chattahoochee Ave. This extension also provides opportunities for improved east-west network connectivity between Logan Cir. and Seaboard Industrial Blvd. RS 9
Jefferson St Extension - East
Extend Jefferson St. east to connect with Hampton Street to create a new east-west connection between Echo St., Marietta St., and Northside Dr. This connection provides an alternative to West Marietta St. and Northside Dr.
Upper Westside Improvement District Masterplan
48
Section 2.1: Transportation & Mobility Recommendations
Build Strategic Road Segments: Summary of Capital Projects
75
Collier Rd
Howell Mill Rd
Northside Dr
a
ve eA
y Are Stud
e och ah o Chatt
RS 8
De
fo
or
Av e
RS 7 RS 6
RS 2
tta
rie
Ma d Blv
tta
rie
Ma
RS 5b
Rd
RS 5a
th
17
Blv d
St
Pe rry
RS 1
Rd Huff
RS 4 14th St W Marie
tt a S
t
RS 3 10th St
RS 9 Legend Planned Private Street Proposed New Street (ABI) Proposed New Street (Private) Proposed New Street (Public)
Donald Lee Hollowell Pkwy
Parks 0
Water
Section 2.1: Transportation & Mobility Recommendations
49
0.5mile
N
Upper Westside Improvement District Masterplan
2.2
Parks & greenspace The following pages explore three big ideas to make public spaces across the Upper Westside green, livable, friendly, and fun!
Upper Westside Improvement District Masterplan
50
Section 2.2: Parks & Greenspace Recommendations
big ideas for the upper westside 5
6
Acquire Land for Recreation
Reveal Hidden Nature
7
Reclaim Waterworks for the Public
Section 2.2: Parks & Greenspace Recommendations
51
Upper Westside Improvement District Masterplan
5
acquire land for recreation Create tailored and unique solutions for public amenities that support community life. From shady seating to funky pocket parks and dog runs, the Upper Westside should be full of welcoming spaces for all Atlantans.
"We need more community parks that cater to the growing family population."
What is one thing you'd like to see happen in the Upper Westside?
Upper Westside Improvement District Masterplan
Quote from Community Engagement Process
52
Section 2.2: Parks & Greenspace Recommendations
My vision for the Upper Westside is "more greenspace with community activity centers of all types" Quote from Community Engagement Process
"My vision for the Upper Westisde is...a dog park (similar to Fetch)" Quote from Community Engagement Process
Section 2.2: Parks & Greenspace Recommendations
53
Upper Westside Improvement District Masterplan
Acquire Land for Recreation While several of the Upper Westside's neighborhoods are home to public parks, half have no parks. Atlanta's mayor has pledged to create public greenspace within a 10-minute walk of every Atlantan's home. Areas where no greenspace is accessible within 10-minutes are "park deserts". The map on the following page reveals in dark gray that Berkeley Park, Blandtown, the Marietta Street Artery, and the western portion of Underwood Hills are all "park deserts". As the district rapidly densifies, there is a growing need for quality parks and public spaces that reflect the unique character and needs of the community.
My vision for the Upper Westside is "more greenspaces to hang out, walk the dog, or go for a jog!" - Quote from the Community Vision Survey
The City of Atlanta's goal is to provide 11 acres of greenspace per 1,000 residents. In 2020, there were just 24 acres of greenspace for 16,000 residents (~1.5 acres/1,000 residents) in the Upper Westside. To meet this standard the Upper Westside needs ~154 more acres of public space. The Park's Department will need to leverage public-privatephilanthropic partnerships to acquire and develop new recreational land on this scale. While redevelopment will be an opportunity to work with developers to create some additional greenspace, city-owned land such as Hemphill presents a greater opportunity to address the park desert.
Parks come in all shapes and sizes, take for example the Brady Pocket Park located at the intersection of Brady Avenue and Howell Mill Road!
View of the Brady Avenue Pocket Park in the Marietta Street Artery
Upper Westside Improvement District Masterplan
54
Section 2.2: Parks & Greenspace Recommendations
"Park Deserts" - areas without access to a park within a 10-minute walk.
Underwood Hills Park 10.7 acres
75 Collier Rd
Study Area
Underwood Hills
3.5 acres
Channing Valley Park
a Ch
Ho we ll M ill
Rd
Mantissa Street Park
Spring Valley Park
Channing Valley
tt ah
2 acres
oo
ch ee Ave
0.58 acres
Berkeley Park
d Blv
Northside Dr
tta
rie
Ma
tta
rie
Ma
Blandtown
Rd
Waterworks Greenspace th
17
St
Pe rry
Blv d
Rd Huff
4.5 acres
14th St WM arie tt a
Knight Park 2.68 acres
St
Howell Station
Marietta Street Artery 10th St
Donald Lee Hollowell Pkwy
Park Desert 0
Parks
0.5mile
N
Access to Parks & Open Spaces Easy access to parks and open spaces within a community is an important contributing factor to the physical and mental health of its residents, as well as their social and economic well-being. The Mayor of Atlanta has pledged to create greenspace within a 10-minute walk of every Atlantan's home. There are just under 24 acres of public open space in the Upper Westside. https://10minutewalk.org/
Section 2.2: Parks & Greenspace Recommendations
55
Upper Westside Improvement District Masterplan
Acquire Land for Recreation Summary of Capital Projects AL 1
Diversify Passive Recreation
AL 4
Build nature-themed playgrounds, dog parks, and skate parks, game tables, and sports courts/ fields, in addition to flexible open lawns. Evaluate opportunities for a much needed regional recreation center with a natatorium.
Identify places for nature trails or canopy walks and areas to picnic, sit and lounge. Seek out locations for scenic overlooks taking advantage of skyline views, nature, and the bustling railroad. AL 2
Connect to Water
AL 5
An overwhelming amount of Upper Westsiders wanted splash pads and a public pool. AL 3
Spaces for Play
Places to Grow
Create community gardens, interactive art installations, and exercise stations.
Support our Ecosystem
Invest in stream restoration projects and green infrastructure, create pollinator gardens, and plant tree groves.
AL 1
Nature Trails
AL 1
Scenic Overlooks
AL 1
AL 1
Canopy Walks
AL 1
Picnic Areas
AL 2
Shaded Seating
Splash Pads
Inspirational Imagery of Potential Programming & Public Open Space Interventions
Upper Westside Improvement District Masterplan
56
Section 2.2: Parks & Greenspace Recommendations
AL 3
Green Infrastructure
AL 3
Pollinator Gardens
Nature Play
AL 4
AL 4
Sports Courts & Fields
AL 4
Game Tables
AL 4
Playscapes
AL 4
Dog Parks
Stream Restoration
AL 4
AL 3
Tree Groves
AL 3
Open Lawns
AL 4
AL 5
Recreation & Aquatic Center
Community Gardens
Inspirational Imagery of Potential Programming & Public Open Space Interventions
Section 2.2: Parks & Greenspace Recommendations
57
Upper Westside Improvement District Masterplan
6
Reveal hidden nature Leverage overlooked and underutilized natural areas to create publicly accessible greenspace. Identify unbuildable and protected areas such as floodplains, stream buffers, utility easements, and steep topography that may be improved for public enjoyment and outdoor recreation.
"It's natural beauty. I'd love to see more green spaces."
What is the most under-appreciated asset of the Upper Westside?
Upper Westside Improvement District Masterplan
Quote from Community Engagement Process
58
Section 2.2: Parks & Greenspace Recommendations
What about the Upper Westside needs improvement?
"Controlling the deforestation and replacing some of the lost tree canopy." Quote from Community Engagement Process
I love "the urban feel mixed with the green tree canopy" Quote from Community Engagement Process
Section 2.2: Parks & Greenspace Recommendations
59
Upper Westside Improvement District Masterplan
Reveal Hidden Nature Parks, trails, and greenspaces are important drivers of economic competitiveness, contribute to health and well-being, and can be leveraged to address equity issues. Given the dearth of public open space in the Upper Westside and its demonstrated benefits, creating new open space is critical to supporting a vibrant district with space for community life.
My vision for the Upper Westside is "a vibrant community with ample greenspace..."
While not overtly green, the Upper Westside has forgotten assets like stream buffers and abandoned railway corridors which can be stitched into a network of public places and spaces. Floodplains, alleys, utility easements, and steep topography all have tremendous potential to be improved and leveraged for passive use. The Upper Westside needs the CID and Atlanta's Department of Parks and Recreation and Watershed Management to collaborate on acquiring new spaces and leveraging existing assets. Without strong partnerships, the Upper Westside will remain a greenspace desert.
- Quote from the Community Vision Survey
Creating a network of greenspace investments in the Upper Westside will support equitable access to greenspace, improve ecosystem services, connect communities, and contribute to a healthier and more vibrant district.
The Woodall Creek and its riparian forest are hidden nature waiting to be rediscovered.
View of the riparian forest along the Woodall Creek in Blandtown
Upper Westside Improvement District Masterplan
60
Section 2.2: Parks & Greenspace Recommendations
On average, parks and open spaces cause property values to rise by ~20%, depending on proximity, the quality and type of the park, and other locational attributes.
75 Collier Rd
Study
The Urban Land Institute. “America in 2015: A ULI Survey of Views on Housing, Transportation, and Community” (2015).
Area
Channing Valley
a Ch
Ho we ll M ill
Rd
Underwood Hills tt ah
oo
ch ee Ave
Woodall Creek
Berkeley Park
d Blv
tta
rie
Ma
Northside Dr
tta
rie
Ma
Blandtown
Rd
Hemphill Water Treatment Plant Reservoirs th
17
St
Pe rry
Blv d
Rd Huff
14th St WM arie tt a
Howell Station
Tree Canopy Water Body
St
Marietta Street Artery 10th St
75ft Stream Buffer Slopes 10 - 20% 20 -30% 30 - 40% 40% and over Donald Lee Hollowell Pkwy
Flood Zones Floodway Base Floodplain Area
Proctor Creek 0
0.5mile
N
Natural Resource Inventory Woodall Creek weaves its way through the largely industrial lands on the western edge of the district. The creek-adjacent tree canopy provides numerous benefits to the broader community, such as reducing the urban heat island effect, improving air quality, and providing critical habitat for wildlife. Leveraging this unbuildable land is an effective way to increase public open space while preserving and growing Atlanta's tree canopy.
Section 2.2: Parks & Greenspace Recommendations
61
Upper Westside Improvement District Masterplan
Reveal Hidden Nature Summary of Capital Projects HN 1
Woodall Creek Greenspace
HN 3
Create a publicly accessible and connected network of parks and public spaces along the Woodall Creek for nature space, environmental stewardship, and natural resource management. (a) "Woodall Fork" in Blandtown. Leverage parcels along the Woodall Creek adjacent to Marietta Blvd., Ellsworth Industrial Blvd., Southland Cir. and Fairmont Ave. for public open space. b) "Woodall Hills" in Underwood Hills. Leverage parcels along Woodall Creek adjacent to Hills Pl. and Bolton Dr. for public open space. HN 2
Tanyard Creek Connector
Partner with Georgia Power to expand public access and create public space within electric utility easements. Leverage the easement extending from Howell Mill Rd. at I-75 to the Tanyard Creek Park and Atlanta BeltLine Northside Trail to improve connectivity and access to existing greenspace.
"Collier Connector" in Underwood Hills
Explore opportunities to leverage abandoned and underused rail right of way for linear public space. Leverage the underused CSX rail corridor north of Collier Rd. for linear public space. HN 4
"Parkway Green" in the Marietta Street Artery
Create access to the wooded greenspace between the north and southbound lanes of Northside Dr., on either side of Tech Pkwy. HN 5
Create Temporary Greenspaces on Development Sites
While the City of Atlanta acquires property, work with local commercial property owners to install temporary greenspaces (via license agreements) to fill the gap in public open space.
View of Woodall Creek at proposed "Woodall Hills" greenspace.
Upper Westside Improvement District Masterplan
62
Section 2.2: Parks & Greenspace Recommendations
Reveal Hidden Nature: Summary of Capital Projects
y err rF Rd
tah ooc he
HN 3
e Ave
o fo De
HN 1b
d
rR
75ft Stream Buffer
Rail Right Of Way
Rail Right Of Way
Underperforming Land
Underperforming Land
"Tanyard Creek" Connector in Blandtown
e lli
Northside Dr
How
Northside Dr
ell
WM
arie
Channing Dr
Dr
HN 4
iet
d lan
St ar
ey
Gr
tta
M
d eR n sto
Georgia Tech
l Rd
Mil
Howell Mill Rd
r Rd
ta
l Co
St Te c
h
Echota Dr
Underperforming Land
N
Floodplain "Woodall Hills" & the "Collier Connector" in Underwood Hills
ie Coll
HN 2
Co
Existing Park/Greenspace
N
Floodplain
Rd
Civic Assets
75ft Stream Buffer
Existing Park/Greenspace
s ill rH
Hills Pl
lvd
Civic Assets
ta B riet Ma
d Blv
HN 1a
Ellsworth Industrial Blvd
ta
t rie
Ma
Cir
Creek
and
ll oda Wo
l uth So
Ch at
fo o De
ek re lC dal Woo
The Works
Carroll Dr
Pk
w
y
I-75 Underperforming Land
Georgia Power Easement
Civic Assets
75ft Stream Buffer Existing Park/Greenspace "Tanyard Creek" Connector in Collier Hills
Section 2.2: Parks & Greenspace Recommendations
N
Existing Park/Greenspace
N
"Parkway Green" in Marietta Street Artery
63
Upper Westside Improvement District Masterplan
7
RECLAIM WATERWORKS FOR THE PUBLIC Improve access to the historic Hemphill property and create places for the arts, education, and cultural amenities. Create a nucleus of unique civic space at the geographic heart of the district.
Upper Westside Improvement District Masterplan
64
Section 2.2: Parks & Greenspace Recommendations
What is the most under-appreciated asset of the Upper Westside? "This is such a cool spot, that I can envision could be like the reservoir in Central Park in NYC, with tons of walkers, runners, bicyclists, and picnic-ers enjoying the area."
"I wish I could say the reservoir park, if only they'd take the fence down."
Quote from Community Engagement Process
Quote from Community Engagement Process
Section 2.2: Parks & Greenspace Recommendations
65
Upper Westside Improvement District Masterplan
Reclaim Waterworks for the Public Cities across the country are reimagining their public facilities to deliver social, economic, and environmental outcomes for their communities. The Hemphill campus presents a unique and significant opportunity to develop a civic space at the heart of the Upper Westside where none exists. The district needs 152 more acres of greenspace to meet the City of Atlanta's target of 11 acres per 1,000 residents. Atlanta's reservoirs were open to the public until the 1990s. The reservoirs' banks welcomed track meets, its gazebo and lodge hosted school proms, and the world class BBQ pit was the centerpiece of festive community events.
Seattle, Washington
Between 2010 and 2020 there has been a 40% increase in population in the District. With new residents moving to the Upper Westside every day, we need more public open space which the 147 acre Hemphill campus can provide. When the City of Atlanta acquired the Westside Park and filled the quarry, the City's reserve water supply increased from just 3 days at the Hemphill Reservoirs to over a month. If we follow in the footsteps of Seattle or Wilmington, we have a unique opportunity to reimagine the Hemphill Reservoirs and deliver a world-class public space for Atlantans.
Boulder, Colorado
Seattle. Buried the reservoir but created a unique water feature in order to provide greenspace in an underserved part of town. The city estimates $200 million in return from this parkland over the life span of the buried reservoirs. Boulder. Developed trails around the reservoirs and allows small boats and deep water swimming. Wilmington. Buried their reservoir and created an open greenspace with two small waterfalls. Wilmington, Delaware
Left: Historic image of the pavilion overlooking the eastern reservoir at Waterworks, Middle: Historic newspaper article of a BBQ at Waterworks, Right: Photo of a track meet in the 1970s around the western reservoir
Upper Westside Improvement District Masterplan
66
Section 2.2: Parks & Greenspace Recommendations
View of the Waterworks Offices
View from 16th St (looking west)
View of the Waterworks Lodge
View from Howell Mill Rd (looking east)
View from Trabert Ave (looking southwest)
View from Howell Mill Rd (looking southeast)
The Hemphill Water Treatment Facility The Hemphill Water Treatment Plant is the City's oldest water treatment facility and is home to several structures listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The campus dates back to the 1890s and possesses some of the oldest structures in the district, including the distinctive Atlanta Water Works Hemphill Avenue Pumping Station with its recognizable “AWW” smokestack. The reservoirs have 1.75 miles of waterfront and the watershed facilities sprawl across 147 acres in the heart of the Upper Westside.
Section 2.2: Parks & Greenspace Recommendations
67
Upper Westside Improvement District Masterplan
Reclaim Waterworks for the Public Summary of Capital Projects Move the Fences
RW 4
Activate the Hemphill Campus with placemaking and arts initiatives. Potential interventions could include the use of light, art, and signage to enliven existing buildings, fences, and fountains.
Move the fence line surrounding the Hemphill reservoirs to capture pockets of greenspace for community access and enjoyment. Trabert Avenue to Reservoir Drive Pedestrian Connection
RW 5
Create a pedestrian connection from Trabert Ave. NW to Green St. NW/Reservoir Dr.
Recapture the eastern reservoir and adjacent land as public greenspace. Focus on improvements that maximize community benefit and ecological performance.
Open the Waterworks Lodge
RW 6
Partner with the Department of Watershed management to open the Waterworks Lodge (corner of Green St. & Reservoir Dr.) as a community space for all.
Cultural Center and Civic Event Space
Rd
Adaptive reuse of the signature historic buildings and surrounding sites as cultural center and civic event space. Notable structures include the Atlanta Water Works Hemphill Avenue Pumping Station and Atlanta Water Works Expansion. g
RW 5
tion reanter c e e R Ce t Av
er Trab
rts Spoields F
en re
Pr og ram mable s turalized Edge
Fountain Boardwal
ke S
t
Gr
ee
n
St
y
Ho
Wat Gree erworks Rese nspa rvoir ce Dr
k
hS
eter Loop
17 t
Pe rim
pert
t
Na
Nature Pla y Overlook
Mill Rd
ay
Howell
Pro
Com m Cent unity er Wate Plaza r
s
G
ed
pe Slo
Passive
Pl a
nt
A
ro nt Pr o er t Tra b
Par kf
Archway
Nature Walk
ve
Pa vilion
ar kfr o nt
P
pe
rt y
rin
RW 3
Waterworks Park
ee
RW 2
Placemaking & Arts Initiatives
D
RW 1
Archw
N Aspirational Vision for Waterworks Park
Upper Westside Improvement District Masterplan
*for illustrative purposes only
68
Section 2.2: Parks & Greenspace Recommendations
RW 4
Fountain Illumination
RW 4
Murals
RW 4
Project Art & Light Displays
RW 5
RW 6
Cultural Center
Temporary Art Installations
RW 5
Green Infrastructure & Access
RW 5
Paths & Playspaces
RW 4
RW 5
Multi-functional Plazas & Splash Pads
RW 5
Slides & Scrambles
Scenic Overlook
RW 6
RW 6
Interpretive Center
Civic Events Space
Inspirational Imagery of Potential Arts, Placemaking, and Public Open Space Initiatives at the Hemphill Water Treatment Plant
Section 2.2: Parks & Greenspace Recommendations
69
Upper Westside Improvement District Masterplan
2.3
community & economic development The following pages explore three big ideas to improve the economic competitiveness of the Upper Westside and empower its communities.
Upper Westside Improvement District Masterplan
70
Section 2.3: Community & Economic Development Recommendations
big ideas for the upper westside 8
9
Codify Character Through Zoning
Influence Future Landmark Developments
10
Support the Georgia Tech Innovation Ecosystem
Section 2.3: Community & Economic Development Recommendations
71
Upper Westside Improvement District Masterplan
8
codify character through zoning Use the beloved qualities of Upper Westside neighborhoods as the foundation for future land use decisions. Support new development that enhances the unique character of the district, builds a base of jobs for existing and new residents, and makes the Upper Westside a more inclusive community.
"Love the eclectic character of the individual neighborhoods, the revitalization & adaptive re-use of the older buildings."
Upper Westside Improvement District Masterplan
72
What do you love about the Upper Westside?
Section 2.3: Community & Economic Development Recommendations
"We need to maintain the character of neighborhoods."
"It's affordable still and the neighborhoods feel like they still have character. "
Section 2.3: Community & Economic Development Recommendations
73
Upper Westside Improvement District Masterplan
Codify Character Through Zoning The Upper Westside is made up of six vibrant neighborhoods: Berkeley Park, Blandtown, Channing Valley, Howell Station, Marietta Street Artery, and Underwood Hills. While the character and cherished qualities of each are their own, one shared experience unites them all: unprecedented growth and development pressure. To ensure the essence of each neighborhood is preserved and enhanced, a proactive planning approach is needed to align community vision with market conditions. Through strategic planning the neighborhoods of the Upper Westside can take ownership of their next chapter and set in place the mechanisms which give them a voice in guiding future land use and development decisions. A visioning session was hosted in each neighborhood to capture the residents desires for the future. Results from these sessions can be found in the Appendix.
My vision for the Upper Westside is "a walkable / bikable neighborhood that doesn't sacrifice community for growth." - Quote from the Community Vision Survey
The character of the Upper Westside neighborhoods was consistently cited as one of its greatest assets during the community engagement process!
Photos of homes throughout the Upper Westside neighborhoods
Upper Westside Improvement District Masterplan
74
Section 2.3: Community & Economic Development Recommendations
Cross Creek
Bolton
The Upper Westside is home to six historic neighborhoods Colonial spread across six Neighborhood Homes Springlake Planning Units (NPUs).
Wildwood 75
Collier Rd
C
Northside Dr
U
NP
Channing Valley
U D
Area
Howell Mill Rd
NP
Study
Underwood Hills
Collier Hills North Collier Hills Ardmore
a Ch
tt ah
oo
Brookwood
ch ee Ave
Hills Park
tta
rie
Ma
Berkeley Park
Loring Heights
d Blv
rie
Ma tta
West Highland
Rd
th
17 St
Pe rry
Blandtown
Blv d
Rd Huff
UD
NPU D Rockdale
NPU K
NP WM arie tt a
St
Marietta Street Artery
14th St
Home Park 10th St
U
NP
K
E
U
NPU L
NPU K
U
NP J
NPU Boundary
NP
Neighborhood Boundary
UE
NP
Howell Station
Grove Park
Atlantic Station
Georgia Tech
2016 CDP Character Areas Intown Corridor Traditional Neighborhood
Donald Lee Hollowell Pkwy
Industrial Industrial Live - Work High-Density Residential Redevelopment Corridor
Bankhead
English Avenue 0
Open Space
0.5mile
N
Community Character & Neighborhoods The Upper Westside is comprised of six neighborhoods spread across six Neighborhood Planning Units. Neighborhood Planning Units, or NPUs for short, are citizen advisory councils which advise the Mayor and Atlanta City Council on zoning, land use, and other planning-related matters. This map shows "Character Areas" as outlined in the City's Comprehensive Development Plan, a policy document guiding Atlanta's future growth.
Section 2.3: Community & Economic Development Recommendations
75
Upper Westside Improvement District Masterplan
Codify Character Through Zoning Summary of Projects
CZ 1
Adopt Upper Westside Masterplan
With neighborhood support, get the Upper Westside Masterplan adopted into the City of Atlanta Comprehensive Development Plan to establish an official policy framework. Use the Upper Westside Masterplan aspirations to guide project rezonings. Please see the Appendix for specific recommended land use policies.
CZ 2
Refine and Implement Zoning Changes
Work with property owners, business owners and other stakeholders in a collaborative process to explore and implement proactive base zoning changes that support key ideas of preserving light industrial uses, while allowing the addition of commercial and residential uses in appropriate areas that are compatible with them. Areas should include: (a) Blandtown Rezoning. Explore rezoning some or all of Blandtown’s I-2 (heavy industrial) sites, except the Marietta Boulevard corridor. I-Mix is recommended, but the process will explore all options, as well. (b) Chattahoochee Avenue Rezoning. Explore rezoning some or all of Chattahoochee Avenue’s I-1 and I-2. I-Mix is recommended, but the process will explore all options, as well. (c) Collier Road Rezoning. Explore rezoning some or all of Collier Road’s I-2 sites. I-Mix is recommended, but the process will explore all options, as well. (d) Collier Road Rezoning. Rezone C-1 sites around the intersection of Collier Road and Defoors Road to MRC-1 (mixed residential commercial). (e) Hemphill Historic District or Site. First, collaborate with the Atlanta Department of Watershed Management and Office of Design Historic Preservation Studio (formerly known as the Urban Design Commission staff) to explore designating all or some of the Hemphill (Atlanta Waterworks) site under the City’s Historic Preservation Ordinance as a means of protecting its iconic buildings, structures, and landscapes. If the site meets the designation criteria, start the official process of creating a local landmark or historic district or site. (f) Howell Station Rezoning. Explore rezoning various sites along West Marietta Street from I-1 to I-Mix, from I-2 to I-Mix, from OI to MRC-2, and from C-2 to MRC-3 to improve the quality of design and encourage neighborhood-serving development along this important corridor. Longer term, if the jail closes, collaborate with Fulton County and other stakeholders to pursue zoning changes that would minimize any potential negative impacts on surrounding areas.
CZ 3
Develop an Upper Westside Overlay District
Work with property owners and other stakeholders to develop an Upper Westside Overlay District to codify new zoning standards that align with the vision of the Upper Westside Masterplan. At a minimum, the new overlay should include the following: • Prohibited Uses, Blocks and Street, Multi-Use Trail and Mid-Block Pedestrian Ways, Streetscapes, Open Space and Public Art Incentives, Access Management, Urban Design, Design Review, Administrative Variations
Upper Westside Improvement District Masterplan
76
Section 2.3: Community & Economic Development Recommendations
Codify Character Through Zoning: Summary of Projects CZ 2d 75
Collier Rd
Howell Mill Rd
CZ 2c
CZ 2b
Lin
a Ch
a
ch ee Ave
Be lt
tt ah oo
ver l
ay
CZ 2b
Channing aV lley
eO
y Are Stud
Underwood Hills
ri Ma
SPI-14
ett lvd
aB
Berkeley a P rk Northside Dr
CZ 2e tta
rie
Ma
CZ 2a
Rd
Blandtown th
17
yB
St
Pe rr
lvd
Rd Huff
Potential Base Zoning Changes CZ 2a
From I-2 to I-Mix
CZ 2b
From I-1 to I-Mix
CZ 2f 14th St
From I-2 to I-Mix CZ 2c
From I-2 to I-Mix
CZ 2d
From C-1 to MRC-1
CZ 2e
Hemphill Facility
CZ 2f
From OI to MRC-2 To MRC-3 if County Use Ceases From C-2 to MRC-3
CZ 2f
CZ 2f St
Marietta Street Artery
CZ 2f
H e o w ll Station
CZ 2f
Marietta Street Overlay
WM arie tt a
10th St
CZ 2f
From I-2 to MRC-3 Legend Zoning District
Donald Lee Hollowell Pkwy
Parcel Overlay District
Section 2.3: Community & Economic Development Recommendations
0
77
0.5mile
N
Upper Westside Improvement District Masterplan
9
influence future Landmark Developments Build coalitions across and within organizations to develop a common vision to transform large single-owner sites into unparalleled community assets. Such sites include the Hemphill Water Treatment Plan, the Fulton County Jail, CSX’s Howell Yard, and the MARTA Brady Avenue Bus Operating Facility.
What is the one thing you'd like to see happen in the Upper Westside?
"Zoning codes that allow for more creative use of old industrial properties."
Upper Westside Improvement District Masterplan
78
Section 2.3: Community & Economic Development Recommendations
What is the most under-appreciated asset of the Upper Westside?
"The potential of the area because it was more industrial, meaning there are less constraints on what can physically fit into our open areas."
Section 2.3: Community & Economic Development Recommendations
79
Upper Westside Improvement District Masterplan
Influence Future Landmark Developments The industrial heritage of the Upper Westside, and the resulting patterns of land ownership and development, present the opportunity for transformative redevelopment unlike anywhere else in Atlanta. The Atlanta Waterworks, Fulton County Jail, MARTA Brady Bus Facility, and CSX-owned Howell Yard all represent assets at the heart of the rapidly evolving Upper Westside community with unparalleled opportunities to better connect neighborhoods, improve access to greenspace, increase affordable housing options, and expand economic opportunity. To ensure the future redevelopment of these assets and provide the largest and most equitably distributed community benefit, a proactive planning approach is needed to craft a shared vision for these sites and put in place the policies to ensure they can be realized.
I love "the potential for planned growth that can take advantage of the former infrastructure like the CSX / Tilford railroad area.” - Quote from the Community Vision Survey
The nearly 300 acre Tilford Yard off of Marietta Blvd was cleared in 2018.
Aerial Photo taken 2019 of CSX's Tilford Yard (credit Curbed Atlanta)
Upper Westside Improvement District Masterplan
80
Section 2.3: Community & Economic Development Recommendations
Adjacency to the future Atlanta BeltLine corridor and Westside Park are among the top development drivers in the Upper Westside!
75 Collier Rd
Study Area
Tilford Yard (CSX)
Channing Valley
a Ch
Ho we ll M ill
Rd
Underwood Hills tt ah
oo
ch ee Ave
Berkeley Park
d Blv
Blandtown
tta
rie
Ma
Northside Dr
tta
rie
Ma
Howell Yard (CSX)
Rd
Atlanta Waterworks th
17
St
Pe rry
Blv d
Rd Huff
Inman Yard (NS) 14th St WM arie tt a
Fulton County Jail Atlanta BeltLine Corridor
Westside Park
St
Marietta Street Artery
Howell Station
MARTA Brady Bus Facility 10th St
Railways City of Atlanta Fulton County Building Authority of Fulton County Owner listed as “Railroad” Norfolk Southern Railroad Southern Railway (Norfolk Southern subsidiary)
Bankhead MARTA
Donald Lee Hollowell Pkwy
CSX Transportation L&N Railroad (CSX subsidiary) Seaboard System Railroad (CSX subsidiary)
0
Atlanta & Charlotte Railroad
0.5mile
N
Large Single-Owner Sites A handful of large single-owner sites across the Upper Westside present an outsized opportunity to transform the district, should they redevelop. The Hemphill Water Treatment Facility, MARTA Brady Bus Facility, and Fulton County Jail are all publicly owned assets experiencing increased redevelopment pressure as the district evolves around them. Several privately held railyards within and adjacent to the district are also experiencing similar pressure as the district transitions to a more mixed, livable, and vibrant community.
Section 2.3: Community & Economic Development Recommendations
81
Upper Westside Improvement District Masterplan
Influence Future Landmark Developments Summary of Projects LD 1
Build Diverse Coalitions
Engage and empower the communities of the Upper Westside to organize for community-aligned redevelopment of the large-single owner sites identified above. Support the formation of task forces, committees, organizations, etc dedicated to the transformation of opportunity sites and serve as a trusted partner. LD 2
Codify the Vision
Support the adoption of the masterplan(s) into City of Atlanta, Atlanta BeltLine, and Upper Westside planning doctrine. LD 3
Provide Redevelopment Technical Assistance
Serve as resource for neighborhoods navigating the redevelopment process by providing technical assistance with site plan review, rezoning, community benefits agreements, etc. LD 4
Proactively Plan for Change
Work with the community to craft masterplans for landmark development sites that aligns their vision with market realities. These plans should define consensus on density, connectivity, mobility options, greenspace provision, mix of uses, affordability, and other fundamental planning elements needed to communicate intent and feasibility. At a minimum, development plans for sites over 15 acres should include: •
20% publicly accessible open space;
•
a connected internal street grid with sidewalks;
•
a mix of uses and residential product types;
•
apartment developments should include 3-bedroom units;
•
public art including but not limited to murals, sculptures, and other installations.
Upper Westside Improvement District Masterplan
82
Section 2.3: Community & Economic Development Recommendations
Tilford Yard (CSX)
HILLS PARK
BLANDTOWN Mar
iett a Bl vd
Mar
iett a Rd
Inman Yard (NS)
Howell Yard (CSX)
ROCKDALE
BERKELEY PARK
UNDERWOOD HILLS
Ave hooche Chatta
W Marietta St
Perry Blvd
WEST HIGHLANDS
Hemphill Water Treatment Facility
Mil
H
uf
f
Rd
Ho we ll
l Rd
MARTA Brady Bus Facility Westside Provisions District
th or lsw
El
BLANDTOWN
d lv lB ria st du In
HOWELL STATION
Westside Park tta
rie
Ma
Fulton County Jail
vd Bl
GROVE PARK Donal
d Lee
Bankhead MARTA Hollow ell Pk w
FUTURE ATLANTA BeltLine
y
Aerial Imagery of Large Single-Owner Sites Across the Upper Westside
Section 2.3: Community & Economic Development Recommendations
83
Upper Westside Improvement District Masterplan
10
support The Georgia Tech Innovation Ecosystem Leverage the proximity and innovation of Georgia Tech to drive the long-term economic competitiveness of the Upper Westside. Facilitate the growth of Georgia Tech startups in a variety of sectors (including advanced manufacturing) and support equitable economic development objectives through partnership-based projects and programs.
What is the most under-appreciated asset of the Upper Westside?
Upper Westside Improvement District Masterplan
84
Section 2.3: Community & Economic Development Recommendations
Credit: Georgia Institute of Technology
Location! We're lucky to be so centrally located and with such a wealth of resources nearby (shops, restaurants, neighborhood parks, Georgia Tech, Westside Park Reservoir, and the interstate to get you anywhere quickly).
Section 2.3: Community & Economic Development Recommendations
85
Upper Westside Improvement District Masterplan
Support the Georgia Tech Innovation Ecosystem I love the "convenience to Midtown, Downtown, and Georgia Tech. It is the most undeveloped area within the city limits."
Georgia Tech is one of Atlanta’s most important economic engines, generating billions in annual economic impact and employing tens of thousands across the metro area. The institution is also the focal point of the city’s rapidly growing innovation ecosystem, churning out startups and commercialized research at one of the highest rates in the country. The Upper Westside’s proximity to Georgia Tech presents the district with an opportunity to contribute to and subsequently benefit from this prolific activity over the coming years. There is a growing set of best practices for how public, private, and nongovernmental actors can amplify and sustain the momentum created by institutions such as Georgia Tech. Moreover, anchor institutions of this sort are well-positioned to help ensure that the Upper Westside’s future growth is inclusive and aligned with citywide objectives related to equitable economic development.
- Quote from the Community Vision Survey
H
Rd
The Georgia Tech main campus borders the Upper Westside along Northside Dr.
M
Westside Park
l aB e tt a ri
Hemphill Water Treatment Plan
UPPER WESTSIDE HOWELL STATION
M a
ie t
r
Bankhead MARTA
I-85
I-75
17th St
Northside Dr
vd
BLANDTOWN
ill ll M e ow
Jefferson St
BERKELEY PARK
Tec h ta S t
Pk
wy
14th St
MIDTOWN
10th St
GEORGIA TECH
I-85
North Avenue
Technology Enterprise Park g n Jr Blv
e Ivan All
Joseph E. Boone Blvg
Map highlighting the adjacency of Georgia Tech and the Upper Westside.
Upper Westside Improvement District Masterplan
86
Section 2.3: Community & Economic Development Recommendations
Rendering of Proposed Technology Enterprise Park
Plan of Proposed Technology Enterprise Park
Credit: Georgia Institute of Technology
Credit: Georgia Institute of Technology
Entrance
Georgia Institute of Technology: Technology Enterprise Park The benefits the institution confers to the Upper Westside will likely be further enhanced by the completion of Georgia Tech’s new Technology Enterprise Park, a 2.41 million square foot mixed-use innovation campus that will formalize the school’s presence west of Marietta St. and generate nearly 6,000 new jobs and $1.4 billion in annual economic activity in the process. One of Georgia Tech’s stated objectives for the new Technology Enterprise Park campus is to “partner with Westside communities in developing and training the workforce.”
Section 2.3: Community & Economic Development Recommendations
87
Upper Westside Improvement District Masterplan
Support the Georgia Tech Innovation Ecosystem Summary of Projects IE 1
Pilot Living Lab Program
Launch a pilot “living lab” program that enables a small cohort of Georgia Tech startups in the smart city or urban technology fields to use public realm assets located in the Upper Westside as testing grounds, in exchange for access to some of their data and findings. This can grant the Upper Westside district access to emerging smart city technologies and data-driven insights that can help resolve key challenges faced by the district and support future planning initiatives. IE 2
Expansion Space for Georgia Tech VentureLabs
Help connect Georgia Tech VentureLab companies that outgrow universityowned facilities with Upper Westside brokers or landowners to find them industrial and/or flex office space in the CID. IE 3
Startup Space Inventory Map
Add a map-based “startup space” resource to the CID website and catalogue the district’s inventory of industrial and flex office space. This can provide commercial property owners with a platform for marketing their properties and spaces to high-growth companies who wish to stay in the greater Georgia Tech area. IE 4
Georgia Tech Startups Growth Tracking
Partner with VentureLab to track the number of Georgia tech startups who land in the Upper Westside as well as their employment growth over time, reporting on this activity on an annual basis. IE 5
Workforce Development Partnership
Support workforce development opportunities in partnership with Westside Works and/or other training program operators to strengthen economic ties between the rapidly growing Upper Westside and other Westside communities. This goal aligns with the City of Atlanta’s “first source” jobs program. IE 6
Open Space Asset Management
Partner with local environmental management organizations to train stewards who can provide the Upper Westside’s new and existing public space assets with high quality maintenance, creating educational and employment opportunities for local young adults of all socio-economic backgrounds.
Upper Westside Improvement District Masterplan
88
Section 2.3: Community & Economic Development Recommendations
IE 1
Smart City Infrastructure
IE 1
Smart City Infrastructure
IE 2
Flex Office Space
IE 1
Smart City Infrastructure
IE 2
Flex Office Space Inspirational Imagery of Innovation Ecosystem Initiatives
Section 2.3: Community & Economic Development Recommendations
89
Upper Westside Improvement District Masterplan
2.4
arts & culture The following pages explore the big idea to celebrate the history and culture of the Upper Westside.
Upper Westside Improvement District Masterplan
90
Section 2.4: Arts & Culture Recommendations
big idea for the upper westside 11
Announce the Upper Westside
Section 2.4: Arts & Culture Recommendations
91
Upper Westside Improvement District Masterplan
11
announce the upper westside Identify locations for signature public realm improvements that highlight the distinctive character and vibe of the district. Highlight the Upper Westside district and its constituent neighborhoods through gateways, art, and wayfinding signage.
What do you love about the Upper Westside?
"It's funky and unique. Awesome design district rooted in industrial context."
Upper Westside Improvement District Masterplan
92
I'd love to see "public art to memorialize the forgotten history of the area."
Section 2.4: Arts & Culture Recommendations
Credit: Elaine Stephenson Sadowski
Section 2.4: Arts & Culture Recommendations
93
Upper Westside Improvement District Masterplan
Announce the Upper Westside Building a well-connected street network complete with space for all users is only one part of getting people to travel around the district without a car. By knitting public art, pocket parks, street furniture, and wayfinding elements into the community, the Upper Westside can foster a culture that prioritizes people over cars. These creative placemaking initiatives can improve connections between not only physical destinations, but also the cultural and social identities that define the Upper Westside. The streets, parks, building facades, and shared spaces across the district can serve as a canvas upon which the stories of the community are told.
My vision for the Upper Westside is walkable, urban, and artful!" - Quote from the Community Vision Survey
The Upper Westside is taking steps to make walking the district easy, fun, and safe!
Photos of placemaking and arts initiatives undertaken by the CID. Top Left: Educational signage of pedestrian improvements along Howell Mill Rd. Top Middle: Sculptural installation promoting traffic calming on Brady Ave. Bottom Left: Upper Westside Mailbox installed at the Brady Pocket Park. Bottom Middle: Caboose birdhouse installed at the Brady Pocket Park. Right: Signage at the Waterworks Greenspace.
Upper Westside Improvement District Masterplan
94
Section 2.4: Arts & Culture Recommendations
When we asked the public where their “Go-to Spots” in the district were, the majority of participants identified destinations near14th St. & Howell Mill Rd.
75 Collier Rd
Channing Valley
Study
Underwood Hills
a Ch
Ho we ll M ill
Rd
Area tt ah
oo
ch ee Ave
Berkeley Park
d Blv
Northside Dr
tta
rie
Ma
tta
rie
Ma
Blandtown
Rd
th
17
yB lvd
St
Pe rr
Rd Huff
14th St WM arie tt a
Howell Station
St
Marietta Street Artery 10th St
"Go-to Spots" Identified during the public engagement process "Go-to Spots" heatmap Major Thoroughfares Atlanta Beltline Corridor Donald Lee Hollowell Pkwy
Neighborhood Park Connection Atlanta BeltLine Intersection Key Decision Points Thresholds
0
Major Gateways
0.5mile
N
Gateways, Decision Points, & Destinations Only a handful of roads traversing the district connect it to adjacent communities. This lack of connectivity to and within the district, means it is important to leverage the few opportunities that exist to celebrate entry into the Upper Westside and guide visitors to its “go-to spots.” The exhibit above identifies the gateways and thresholds into the district at key decision points where major thoroughfares intersect where we can "announce the Upper Westside".
Section 2.4: Arts & Culture Recommendations
95
Upper Westside Improvement District Masterplan
Announce the Upper Westside Summary of Capital Projects AU 1
Couple Public Space with Existing Civic Assets
AU 2
Create Pocket Parks
Create new parks and plazas throughout the Upper Develop new parks, plazas, and public spaces Westside by converting underperforming and publicly associated with existing civic assets (schools, libraries, owned parcels into places for community life. fire stations, police stations, transit infrastructure, (a) "Forrest Street Greenspace" in Berkeley Park. recreation centers, publicly-owned land, etc) in the Leverage underutilized space near the intersection of Upper Westside. Howell Mill Rd. and Forrest St. as new public space. (a) Fire Station No.23 in Berkeley Park. (b) "Huff Pocket Park" in Blandtown. Leverage (b) MARTA Brady Bus Operating Facility in Marietta Street Artery.
underutilized space near the intersection of Huff Rd. and Ellsworth Industrial Blvd. as new public space.
(c) Fire Station No.8 in Hill Park.
(c) "10th St Pocket Park" in the Marietta Street Artery. Leverage underutilized space near the intersection of Marietta St. and Howell Mill Rd. as new public space.
(d) "Marietta Pocket Park" in Howell Station.
Mural commissioned by the CID at the MARTA Brady Facility near the intersection of Brady Ave. & Howell Mill Rd.
Upper Westside Improvement District Masterplan
96
Section 2.4: Arts & Culture Recommendations
Announce the Upper Westside: Summary of Capital Projects
et t a
Howell Mill Rd
M ar i Blvd
AU 1c
Carroll Dr
AU 1b ve yA
d ra
B
Civic Assets
h St
11t
Civic Assets
N
Existing Park/Greenspace
N
Floodplain Fire Station #8 in Hill Park
lvd h Industrial B ort sw E ll
Howell Mill Rd
MARTA Brady Bus Operating Facility in Marietta Street Artery
Rail Right Of Way
Verner St
Antone St
AU 1a Mari
Rd
etta
Berkeley Ave
Huff
Blvd
AU 2a
AU 2b
Forrest St
Civic Assets N
Underperforming Land Fire Station #23 & "Forrest Street Greenspace" in Berkeley Park
N
Underperforming Land "Huff Pocket Park" in Blandtown
ell
How l Rd
Mil
Rice St
ie ar
M
AU 1d
Warfield St
a tt
Foster Pl
Bl vd
We stM ari ett aS t
8th St
AU 2c
ar
M ie
Civic Assets
Section 2.4: Arts & Culture Recommendations
t
"Marietta Pocket Park" in Howell Station
N
aS
tt
Underperforming Land Civic Assets
Existing Park/Greenspace
N
"10th St Pocket Park" in Marietta Street Artery
97
Upper Westside Improvement District Masterplan
Announce the Upper Westside Summary of Capital Projects Continued AU 3
Small-Scale Creative Installations
AU 6
Create mini-grants that allow for small-scale creative installations throughout the district. AU 4
Artists to Provide On-Call Services
AU 5
Establish signage & facade grants for business and property owners. AU 7
Conduct bi-annual pooled call for artists to provide on-call services.
Establish Signage & Facade Grants
Create a Brand Family
Create a brand family of environmental graphics that highlight the district by foot and pedal.
Signature Commissioned Art
AU 8
Explore opportunities for signature commissioned art. Engage the local arts and design community for artist selection and design jury participation for signature commissioned art (MOCA, GA, faculty of Georgia Tech Schools of Architecture and Industrial Design, MODA, etc)
Pair Projects with Brand Family
Pair each capital project with discreet Upper Westside brand family element(s) to promote walking / bicycling / transit use and to raise visibility of the Upper Westside Improvement District. AU 9
Build a Walk Campaign
Build a Walk [Upper Westside] campaign with light, affordable, informational signs linked to web-based wayfinding, storytelling, and data collection.
AU 4
AU 5
Mural
Interactive Art
AU 3
AU 3
Immersive Installations
Temporary Sculpture
Inspirational Imagery of Arts, Placemaking, & Wayfinding Initiatives
Upper Westside Improvement District Masterplan
98
Section 2.4: Arts & Culture Recommendations
AU 9
Storytelling
AU 5
Wayfinding
AU 9
AU 9
Wayfinding
AU 3
Installation Art
Wayfinding
AU 4
Mural
Inspirational Imagery of Arts, Placemaking, & Wayfinding Initiatives
Section 2.4: Arts & Culture Recommendations
99
Upper Westside Improvement District Masterplan
2.5
implementation guide The following pages explore how to achieve the big ideas for the Upper Westside.
Upper Westside Improvement District Masterplan
100
Section 2.5: Implementation Guide
big ideas for the upper westside 1
2
3
Retrofit Roads for All Users
Go Off-Road
Improve the Transit Experience
4
5
6
Build Strategic Road Segments
Acquire Land for Recreation
Reveal Hidden Nature
7
8
9
Reclaim Waterworks for the Public
Codify Character Through Zoning
Influence Future Landmark Developments
Section 2.5: Implementation Guide
10
11
Support the Georgia Tech Innovation Ecosystem
Announce the Upper Westside
101
Upper Westside Improvement District Masterplan
implementation guide Guide to Getting it Done
• Community & Economic Development • Arts & Culture To the right of each recommendation is the expected timeframe and potential partners for each objective. The timeframe is labeled as near-term if it is a recommendation that can be implemented in five years or less. These near-term recommendations may also be necessary to implement early on in order to enable other recommendations. The timeframe is labeled as medium-term if a recommendation will be implemented in 5-10 years. The timeframe is labeled long-term if an action will take longer than 10 years to implement but is a recommendation that has an ending point. Finally, the timeframe is labeled ongoing if it is a policy that is continually implemented and will never be fully completed. A key of acronyms for the potential partners is also included to the right.
TIMELINE
• Parks & Greenspace
EST. COSTS
• Transportation & Mobility
Implementation Matrix Key Ongoing
5-10 years
0-5 years
10+ years
$ Low cost $$ Medium cost $$$ High cost ABI Atlanta Beltline Incorporated ADA Americans with Disabilities Act ARC Atlanta Regional Commission CoA City of Atlanta
ABBREVIATIONS
The summary matrix on the following pages is a catalog of all the goals, strategies, and objectives introduced in the recommendations chapter of this plan. The matrix is divided into the four plan sections:
Georgia Department of Natural
DNR Resources
Georgia Department of
GDOT Transportation
Georgia Regional
GRTA Transportation Authority Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid
MARTA Transit Authority ROW Right-of-way
TAD Tax Allocation District TCC Traffic Control Center Transportation Improvement
TIP Program
Atlanta's Transportation Bond
TSPLOST Program
Upper Westside Community
UWCID Improvement District Westside Community
WCIA Improvement Association
Upper Westside Improvement District Masterplan
102
Section 2.5: Implementation Guide
Recommended Capital Improvement Project
Next Steps
Timeline
Est. cost
Funding Sources
Responsible Entity Lead
Support
CoA
UWCID, GDOT, property owners
UWCID
CoA, GDOT, property owners, Georgia Tech
TRANSPORTATION & MOBILITY RR
Retrofit Roads for All Users
RR1
Howell Mill Road - Implement the Howell Mill Rd Bike and Pedestrian Study which called for raised bike lanes, wide sidewalks, and driveways closures to improve safety. Implement additional improvements to the intersections at Chattahoochee Ave and Defoor Ave to improve vehicular efficiency while improving safety for all users.
Design, acquire ROW, construction
10th Street - Repair sidewalks, add ADA ramps, and add a signalized mid-block crossing at Watkins St. Reallocate a travel lane to develop protected bicycling facilities on the south side of the street.
Traffic analysis, planning, design, construction
RR2
RR3
RR4
RR5
RR6
RR7
14th Street - Complete sidewalk gaps and include ADA ramps. Study reallocating a vehicle lane to accommodate protected bicycling facilities.
Traffic analysis, planning, design, construction
$$$
ARC TIP, TSPLOST, UWCID, Impact Fees
$$
UWCID, WCIA, Georgia Tech Foundation
$$
UWCID, TSPLOST, Atlantic Station TAD
UWCID
CoA, GDOT, property owners, Atlantic Station TAD
$$$
UWCID, BUILD Grant, WCIA, TSPLOST, Grants, Impact Fees
CoA
UWCID, ARC, property owners, ABI, railroad
GDOT
UWCID, CoA, Georgia Tech, Atlantic Station TAD
Huff Road - Repair and complete sidewalks and ADA ramps. Add protected bicycle facilities or a multi-use path, new crosswalks, street trees, furniture, and lighting. The addition of bike and pedestrian improvements will require widening the bridge over the railroad or creating a new parallel bridge.
Scoping study, design, ROW acquisition, construction
Northside Drive - Coordinate with GDOT to improve safety along Northside Dr, especially at high-crash intersections: Marietta St, 10th St, and 14th St. Add signalized crossings for pedestrians at 8th St, 11th St, and Ethel St. Fill sidewalk gaps north of Trabert Ave. Add wayfinding and sharrows between Marietta St and Northside Dr to Tech Parkway cycle track.
Planning, Vision Zero & GDOT coordination, design, construction
$$$
GDOT, UWCID, Atlantic Station TAD, Georgia Tech Foundation, ARC TIP
Planning, coordination with Dept of Watershed Management, design, construction
$$
UWCID
UWCID
CoA, GDOT, Hines (Atlantic Station)
Planning, design, construction
$$$
UWCID, Impact Fees, LCI, 319(h) Grant
UWCID
CoA, ABI, ARC, property owners
17th Street - Complete sidewalks and add bike facilities from Howell Mill Rd to Northside Dr. The guardrails at the Hemphill Water Treatment Plant will be impacted.
Ellsworth Industrial Boulevard - Use excess road width to create a north-south streetscape for bikes and pedestrians. Fill sidewalk gaps and add dedicated bicycle facilities, mid-block crosswalks, and landscape enhancements. Realign Elaine Ave with all-way stop control to improve intersection safety, and repurpose remaining right-of-way into a pocket park with possible green infrastructure improvements.
Section 2.5: Implementation Guide
103
Upper Westside Improvement District Masterplan
Recommended Capital Improvement Project RR8
RR9
RR10
RR11
RR12
RR13
Timeline
Est. cost
Funding Sources
Responsible Entity Lead
Support
$$$
TSPLOST, UWCID, ARC TIP, Impact Fees
UWCID
CoA, ARC, property owners
Planning, design, construction
$$
UWCID, CoA
UWCID
CoA, property owners
Marietta Boulevard - Expand the narrow bridge over the railroad between Huff Rd and W. Marietta St or add a parallel bike and pedestrian bridge. Extend BeltLine from Huff Rd to Elaine Ave. Signalize Elaine Ave intersection. Add pedestrian facilities and fill sidewalk gaps north of Elaine Ave.
Planning, design, construction
$$$
TSPLOST, ABI, UWCID
CoA, ABI
UWCID, property owners, GDOT
West Marietta Street - Fill sidewalk gaps, add protected bike facilities, upgrade the bridge over the railroads with pedestriansafe railing, add mid-block crossings, and improve intersection safety along W. Marietta St and Lois St. A Renew Atlanta project will add ADA ramps and optimize signal timing.
Planning, design, construction
$$$
ABI, UWCID
UWCID
CoA, ABI, property owners
Defoor Avenue - Fill sidewalk gaps, improve intersection safety at Howell Mill Rd, and protect existing bike lanes.
Planning, design, construction
$$
UWCID, CoA
UWCID
CoA, property owners
Joseph E Lowery Boulevard - Fill sidewalk gaps, add pedestrian-scale lighting, street trees, and furniture, and add bicycle facilities connecting W. Marietta St to Westside BeltLine Connector. Address intersection configuration with West Marietta.
Planning, design, construction
$$$
UWCID, Impact Fees, private partners
UWCID
CoA, property owners
Planning, design, fabrication
$
UWCID
UWCID
CoA, Georgia Tech, property owners
$$
UWCID, private partners, grants
UWCID, PATH Foundation, private partners
CoA, property owners
Chattahoochee Avenue - Build wide sidewalks, add ADA ramps, fill sidewalk gaps, add protected bike facilities, add mid-block crossings, and improve the intersection at Howell Mill Rd. The narrow bridge over the railroad may need to be widened or a pedestrian and bicycle bridge may be needed. Study to consider lane reallocation.
Planning, design, construction
Collier Road - Fill sidewalk gaps, add ADA ramps, add mid-block crossings, improve intersections, protect existing bike lanes and extend them to Howell Mill Rd. Add green conflict markings at driveways and refresh signage.
OR
Go Off-Road to Access the Metro
OR1
Wayfinding Signage Toward Existing Trails - Create consistent wayfinding signage to highlight nearby trails and bicycle facilities, like Tech Pkwy.
OR2
Next Steps
Woodall Rail Trail to the Whetstone Creek Trail and Chattahoochee River Create a new trail along Woodall Creek using the wooded areas in its floodplain. Part of the trail will be constructed by private developers on their properties, allowing public access. It would connect to Whetstone Creek Trail and ultimately the Chattahoochee River and Silver Comet Trail.
Upper Westside Improvement District Masterplan
ROW acquisition, planning, design, fundraising, construction
104
Section 2.5: Implementation Guide
Recommended Capital Improvement Project OR3
OR4
OR5
OR 6
OR7
OR8
OR9
Next Steps
Trail Connection to the Proctor Creek Greenway and the Bankhead MARTA Station - Work with Atlanta BeltLine and PATH Foundation to build a trail connection from the Westside BeltLine Connector to the Proctor Creek Trail through a power easement for safe and convenient access to Westside Park and the Bankhead MARTA Station. This would include intersection improvements, signalization, a new rail crossing, and trail construction.
Easement acquisition, planning, design, fundraising, construction
Trail Connection to Westside Park - Work with the Atlanta BeltLine and PATH Foundation to create a direct trail entrance to Westside Park from the Marietta Blvd section of the BeltLine near Howell Station neighborhood.
Easement acquisition, planning, design, fundraising, construction
Trail Connection from Tanyard Creek Trail to Underwood Hills Park - Create a connection between Underwood Hills Park and Tanyard Creek Park, Northside BeltLine Trail, Collier Hills, and Buckhead. The trail could leverage a Georgia Power easement with road crossings at Howell Mill Rd, Northside Dr, and Walthall Dr. Neighborhood Connection to the Waterworks Greenspace - Create a trail linking Forrest St, Trabert Ave, and Green St to connect the neighborhood and possible future BeltLine to the Waterworks Greenspace and connect to Northside Dr at Deering Rd.
Timeline
Est. cost
Funding Sources
Responsible Entity Lead
Support
PATH Foundation, Private Partners
ABI, MARTA, Georgia Power, CoA
$$
PATH Foundation, Private partners, CoA, MARTA
$$
UWCID, CoA, Park Pride Atlanta, PATH Foundation
CoA
UWCID, ABI, PATH Foundation, CoA, Dept of Parks & Recreation
Easement acquisition, GA Power coordination, planning, design, construction
$$
Rails to Trails, GDOT, PATH Foundation, TSPLOST
UWCID, PATH Foundation
ARC, ABI, CoA Dept of Parks & Recreation, GDOT
Easement acquisition, planning, design, fundraising, construction
$$
ABI, UWCID
UWCID
CoA, ABI, property owners
Easement acquisition, planning, design, fundraising, construction
$$$
UWCID, private partners, grants
UWCID
CoA, ABI, property owners, PATH Foundation, CSX
Trail Connection to the Future Silver Comet Trail - Work with Atlanta BeltLine and PATH Foundation to build a trail connection on abandoned rail spur adjacent to the MWest townhomes that crosses under Marietta Blvd.
Easement acquisition, planning, design, fundraising, construction
$$
UWCID, CoA, PATH Foundation
UWCID, PATH Foundation
CoA, ABI
Trail on Abandoned Rail Spur behind The Works - Convert former railroad tracks between Chattahoochee Ave and Collier Rd into a trail. This will require railroad negotiation in order to tie The Works, Logan Circle, and Seaboard Industrial Blvd properties together. Evaluate the potential for a pedestrian and bicycle bridge over the railroad to connect to Defoor Ave.
Parcel acquisition/ easement, planning, design, construction
$$$
UWCID, private partners
UWCID, private partners
CoA, railroad, property owners
Goat Farm and White Provisions District Connection to the Future Atlanta Beltline - Connect the Westside Provisions District, the Goat Farm, and the Howard School to Westside Paper and the King Plow Arts Center via a trail with pedestrian and bicycle bridge over the railroad tying into a BeltLine spur trail.
Section 2.5: Implementation Guide
105
Upper Westside Improvement District Masterplan
Recommended Capital Improvement Project
Next Steps
Timeline
Est. cost
Funding Sources
Responsible Entity Lead
Support
MM Improve the Transit Experience MM1
MM2
MM3
MM4
MM5
MM6
RS
Bus Stop Improvements - Provide amenities at MARTA bus stops that improve the bus ridership experience including seating, lighting, shade, greenery, art, cooling stations, charging stations, Wi-Fi, and real time bus information.
Location identification, acquisition, installation
$
MARTA, UWCID, CoA, LCI
MARTA
UWCID, CoA, ARC
Planning, design, construction
$$
CoA, UWCID
CoA
UWCID, Atlanta Bicycle Coalition
Bicycle Parking - Provide secure bicycle parking at or near transit stop locations in high transit trip frequency areas.
Location identification, acquisition, installation
$
MARTA, UWCID, CoA
CoA
UWCID, MARTA, Atlanta Bicycle Coalition
Ride Share Transfers - Designate reserved curb area for ride share transfers in high transit trip frequency areas.
Location identification, design, construction
$
MARTA, UWCID, CoA
CoA
UWCID, MARTA
Micromobility Stations - Provide dedicated drop zones for shared dockless micromobility vehicles, including bikes and scooters, at popular transit stops to facilitate flexible, multimodal trips.
Location identification, design, construction
$
CoA, UWCID
CoA
UWCID, MARTA, APD
Microtransit Services - Contract with MARTA or private microtransit providers to offer flexible, on-demand service within the Upper Westside to connect to MARTA rail stations, Midtown, or Atlantic Station.
Analysis, partnership development, RFQ, operations
$$
CoA, Private partners, MARTA
MARTA, Private partners
UWCID, GRTA
$$$
CoA, TSPLOST, UWCID, property owners
CoA
UWCID, GDOT, property owners
$$$
CoA, TSPLOST, UWCID, property owners
CoA
UWCID, property owners
CoA
UWCID, property owners, MARTA
UWCID
CoA, property owners, railroad
Low-Stress Facilities - Provide accessible sidewalks and low-stress bicycle facilities that connect to transit stops/stations along transit route corridors.
Build Strategic Road Segments
Install key segments that benefit network connectivity RS1
RS2
RS3
RS4
Huff Road Extension - Extend Huff Rd between Howell Mill Rd and Northside Dr to create a new east-west connection and provide an alternative to 17th St and 14th St.
Planning, ROW acquisition, design, construction
Fairmont Avenue Extension - Extend Fairmont Ave to connect with Huber St between Huff Rd and Chattahoochee Ave to create a new north-south roadway connection.
Planning, ROW acquisition, design, construction
Foster Street Extension - Extend Foster St to connect with Brady Ave to create a new north-south connection between Huff Rd and Brady Ave and provide an alternative to Howell Mill Rd.
Planning, ROW acquisition, design, construction
$$$
CoA, TSPLOST, UWCID, property owners, MARTA
Ellsworth Industrial Boulevard Extension - South - Extend Ellsworth Industrial Blvd south to connect with Tilden St to create a new north-south connection between Huff Rd and W. Marietta St and provide an alternative to Marietta Blvd.
Planning, ROW acquisition, design, construction
$$$
CoA, TSPLOST, UWCID, property owners
Upper Westside Improvement District Masterplan
106
Section 2.5: Implementation Guide
Recommended Capital Improvement Project RS5
RS6
Culpepper Street Extension - Extend Culpepper St west to Elaine Ave and east to Trabert Ave will create a new eastwest connection between Marietta Blvd and Howell Mill Rd. This extension will provide an alternative to Huff Rd and Chattahoochee Ave and is broken into two phases: a.
Culpepper Street Extension - West - Elaine Ave to Fairmont Ave.
b.
Culpepper Street Extension - East Boyd Ave to Trabert Ave.
Trabert Ave Extension - Extend Trabert Ave across Northside Dr to connect to Deering Rd creating a new east-west connection between Howell Mill Rd and Northside Dr, providing an alternative to 17th St and Bellemeade Ave.
Next Steps
Timeline
Est. cost
Funding Sources
Responsible Entity Lead
Support
Planning, ROW acquisition, design, construction
$$$
CoA, TSPLOST, CID, private partners
UWCID
CoA, property owners
Planning, ROW acquisition, design, construction
$$$
CoA, TSPLOST, UWCID, property owners
CoA
UWCID, property owners
Require new streets to be constructed as properties redevelop. RS7
RS8
RS9
Huber Street Extension - Create a new east-west connection between Huber St and Ellsworth Industrial Blvd to improve network connectivity and provide an alternative to Huff Rd and Chattahoochee Ave.
Zoning revisions, coordination with CoA and private developers
$$$
Private developer
Private developer
UWCID, CoA
Ellsworth Industrial Boulevard Extension - North - Extend Ellsworth Industrial Blvd north to connect with Hills Pl to create a new north-south connection between Chattahoochee Ave and Collier Rd and provide an alternative to Chattahoochee Ave. This extension also provides opportunities for improved east-west network connectivity between Logan Cir and Seaboard Industrial Blvd.
Zoning revisions, coordination with CoA and private developers
$$$
Private developer
Private developer
UWCID, CoA
Jefferson St Extension - East - Extend Jefferson St east to connect with Hampton Street to create a new east-west connection between Echo St, Marietta St, and Northside Dr. This connection provides an alternative to West Marietta St and Northside Dr.
Zoning revisions, coordination with CoA and private developers
$$$
Private developer
Private developer
UWCID, CoA
PARKS & GREENSPACE AL
Acquire Land for Recreation
AL 1
Diversify Passive Recreation - Identify places for nature trails or canopy walks and areas to picnic, sit and lounge. Seek out locations for scenic overlooks taking advantage of skyline views, nature, and the bustling railroad.
Analysis, planning, design, stakeholder coordination, fundraising
$$$
CoA, Park Pride Atlanta, Grants, Private Contributions
UWCID, CoA
Park Pride Atlanta
Connect to Water - Upper Westsiders want splash pads and a public pool.
Planning, design, construction
$$$
CoA, Park Pride Atlanta, Grants
CoA Dept of Parks & Recreation
UWCID, Park Pride Atlanta
Support our Ecosystem - Invest in stream restoration projects and green infrastructure, create pollinator gardens, and plant tree groves.
Planning, stakeholder coordination, design, construction
$
CoA, Park Pride Atlanta, grants
UWCID
CoA, Trees Atlanta, UWCID
AL2
AL3
Section 2.5: Implementation Guide
107
Upper Westside Improvement District Masterplan
Recommended Capital Improvement Project AL4
AL5
Spaces for Play - Build nature-themed playgrounds, dog parks, and skate parks, game tables, and sports courts/fields, in addition to flexible open lawns. Evaluate opportunities for a much needed regional recreation center with a natatorium. Places to Grow - Create community gardens, interactive art installations, and exercise stations.
HN
Reveal Hidden Nature
HN1
Woodall Creek Greenspace - Create a publicly accessible and connected network of parks and public spaces along the Woodall Creek. a.
b.
HN2
HN3
HN4
HN5
"Woodall Fork" in Blandtown Leverage parcels along the Woodall Creek adjacent to Marietta Blvd, Ellsworth Industrial Blvd, Southland Cir and Fairmont Ave for nature space. "Woodall Hills" in Underwood Hills - Leverage parcels along Woodall Creek adjacent to Hills Pl and Bolton Dr for nature space.
Next Steps
Planning, design, fundraising, construction
Timeline
Est. cost
Funding Sources
Responsible Entity Lead
Support
CoA Dept of Parks & Recreation
UWCID
$$
CoA, Park Pride Atlanta, Grants
Planning, design, installation
$
CoA, Park Pride Atlanta, ArtPlace
UWCID
CoA Dept of Parks & Recreation, Office of Cultural Affairs
Easement acquisition, planning, design, construction
$$
CoA, Park Pride Atlanta, DNR
CoA Dept of Parks & Recreation
UWCID, property owners
Easement acquisition, planning, design, construction
$$
CoA, Park Pride Atlanta, DNR
CoA Dept of Parks & Recreation
UWCID, property owners
UWCID
Georgia Power, ARC, ABI, CoA Dept of Parks & Recreation
Tanyard Creek Connector - Partner with Georgia Power to expand public access and create public space within electric utility easements. Leverage the easement extending from Howell Mill Rd at I-75 to the Tanyard Creek Park and Atlanta BeltLine Northside Trail to improve connectivity and access to existing greenspace.
Planning, design, construction
$$
Rails to Trails, Georgia Power, PATH Foundation
"Collier Connector" in Underwood Hills - Explore opportunities to leverage abandoned and underused rail right of way for linear public space. Leverage the underused CSX rail corridor north of Collier Rd for linear public space.
Parcel acquisition, planning, design, construction
$$
Rails to Trails, CSX, PATH Foundation
UWCID
ARC, CoA Dept of Parks and Recreation, CSX
"Parkway Green" in the Marietta Street Artery - Create access to the wooded greenspace between the northbound and southbound lanes of Northside Dr on either side of Tech Pkwy.
Planning, design, construction
$$
CoA, Park Pride Atlanta, WCIA, Georgia Tech Foundation
UWCID
Georgia Tech, GDOT
Create Temporary Greenspaces on Development Sites - While the City of Atlanta acquires property, work with local commercial property owners to install temporary greenspaces (via license agreements) to fill the gap in public open space.
Coordination, installation
$
CoA, grants, UWCID, property owners
UWCID
CoA, property owners
RW
Reclaim Waterworks for the Public
RW1
Move the Fences - Move the fence line surrounding the Hemphill reservoirs to capture pockets of greenspace for community access and enjoyment.
Upper Westside Improvement District Masterplan
At the time of printing, the Department of Watershed Management has not endorsed or approved the proposed plans to open the Waterworks and Hemphill reservoir sites for public access shown in the section starting on page 64. The site has historical significance and is currently part of Atlanta's drinking water infrastructure.
Planning, CoA coordination, design, construction
108
$
CoA
CoA, UWCID
Friends of Atlanta Waterworks
Section 2.5: Implementation Guide
Recommended Capital Improvement Project RW2
RW3
RW4
RW5
RW6
Next Steps
Trabert Avenue to Reservoir Drive Pedestrian Connection - Create a pedestrian connection from Trabert Ave NW to Green St NW/Reservoir Dr.
Planning, design, construction
Open the Waterworks Lodge - Partner with the Department of Watershed Management to open the Waterworks Lodge (corner of Green St & Reservoir Dr) as a community space for all.
Planning, CoA coordination, design, construction
Placemaking & Arts Initiatives Activate the Hemphill Campus with placemaking and arts initiatives. Potential interventions could include the use of light, art, and signage to enliven existing buildings, fences, and fountains.
Timeline
Est. cost
Funding Sources
Responsible Entity Lead
Support
$
CoA
UWCID
CoA Dept of Watershed Mgmt
$
CoA, UWCID, grants
CoA Dept of Watershed Mgmt
CoA Dept of Parks and Recreation, UWCID
Artist selection, design, installation
$$
ArtPlace, private partners, grants, CoA
UWCID
CoA Office of Cultural Affairs, Department of Watershed Management
Waterworks Park - Recapture the eastern reservoir and adjacent land as public greenspace. Focus on improvements that maximize community benefit and ecological performance.
Planning, CoA coordination, design, construction
$$$
CoA, grants
CoA (Watershed & Parks Departments)
UWCID, Park Pride Atlanta
Cultural Center and Civic Event Space - Adaptive reuse of the signature historic buildings and surrounding sites as cultural center and civic event space. Notable structures include the Atlanta Water Works Hemphill Avenue Pumping Station and Atlanta Water Works Expansion.
Planning, CoA coordination, design, construction
$$$
Private partners, grants
CoA Dept of Watershed Mgmt
UWCID, nonprofit partners
COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CZ
Codify Character Through Zoning
CZ1
Adopt Upper Westside Masterplan - With neighborhood support, get the Upper Westside Masterplan adopted into the City of Atlanta Comprehensive Development Plan to establish an official policy framework. Use the Upper Westside Masterplan aspirations to guide project rezonings. Please see the Appendix for specific recommended land use policies.
Coordination, adoption
-
-
CoA
UWCID, community stakeholders
Refine and Implement Zoning Changes - Work with property owners, business owners and other stakeholders in a collaborative process to explore and implement proactive base zoning changes that support key ideas of preserving light industrial uses, while allowing the addition of commercial and residential uses in appropriate areas that are compatible with them. Areas should include:
Coordination, adoption
$-$$
UWCID
CoA Dept of City Planning
UWCID, property owners, developers
Coordination, adoption
$
UWCID
CoA Dept of City Planning
UWCID, property owners, developers
CZ2
a.
Blandtown Rezoning - Explore rezoning some or all of Blandtown’s I-2 (heavy industrial) sites, except the Marietta Boulevard corridor. I-Mix is recommended, but the process should explore other options, as well.
Section 2.5: Implementation Guide
109
Upper Westside Improvement District Masterplan
Recommended Capital Improvement Project b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
Responsible Entity Support
UWCID
CoA Dept of City Planning
UWCID, property owners, developers
$
UWCID
CoA Dept of City Planning
UWCID, property owners, developers
$
UWCID
CoA Dept of City Planning
UWCID, property owners, developers
UWCID, property owners, developers
Collier Road Rezoning - Explore rezoning some or all of Collier Road’s I-2 sites. I-Mix is recommended, but the process should explore other options, as well
Coordination, adoption
Collier Road Rezoning - Rezone C-1 sites around the intersection of Collier Road and Defoors Road to MRC-1 (mixed residential commercial).
Coordination, adoption
Hemphill Historic District or Site - Designate appropriate "Atlanta Waterworks" structures or site as historic under the City's Historic Preservation Ordinance
Funding Sources
Lead $
Coordination, adoption
$
UWCID
CoA (Watershed Mgmt & City Planning Departments)
Coordination, adoption
$
UWCID
CoA Dept of City Planning
UWCID, property owners, developers
Coordination, adoption
$
UWCID
CoA Dept of City Planning
UWCID, property owners, developers
-
-
UWCID
CoA, property owners
Howell Station Rezoning - Explore
Develop Upper Westside District Work with property owners and other stakeholders to develop an Upper Westside Overlay District to codify new zoning standards that align with the vision of the Upper Westside Masterplan.
Influence Future Landmark Developments
LD1
Build Diverse Coalitions - Engage and empower the communities of the Upper Westside to organize for communityaligned redevelopment of the large-single owner sites identified above. Support the formation of task forces, committees, organizations, etc dedicated to the transformation of opportunity sites and serve as a trusted partner.
LD3
Est. cost
Coordination, adoption
LD
LD2
Timeline
Chattahoochee Avenue Rezoning - Explore rezoning some or all of Chattahoochee Avenue’s I-1 and I-2. I-Mix is recommended, but the process should explore other options, as well.
rezoning various sites along West Marietta Street from I-1 to I-Mix, from I-2 to I-Mix, from OI to MRC-2, and from C-2 to MRC-3 to improve the quality of design and encourage neighborhood-serving development along this important corridor. Longer term, if the jail closes, collaborate with Fulton County and other stakeholders to pursue zoning changes that would minimize any potential negative impacts on surrounding areas.
CZ3
Next Steps
Codify the Vision - Support the adoption of the masterplan(s) into City of Atlanta, Atlanta BeltLine, and Upper Westside planning doctrine. Provide Redevelopment Technical Assistance - Serve as resource for neighborhoods navigating the redevelopment process by providing technical assistance with site plan review, rezoning, community benefits agreements, etc.
Upper Westside Improvement District Masterplan
Stakeholder engagement
Coordination, adoption
-
-
UWCID
Neighbors, community stakeholders, business owners, property owners
Coordination
$
-
UWCID
CoA, property owners
110
Section 2.5: Implementation Guide
Recommended Capital Improvement Project LD4
Proactively Plan for Change - Work with the community to craft masterplans for landmark development sites that aligns their vision with market realities. These plans should define consensus on density, connectivity, mobility options, greenspace provision, mix of uses, affordability, and other fundamental planning elements needed to communicate intent and feasibility.
Next Steps
Plan and host informational neighborhood meetings
IE
Support the Georgia Tech Innovation Ecosystem
IE1
Pilot Living Lab Program - Launch a pilot “living lab” program that enables a small cohort of Georgia Tech startups in the smart city or urban technology fields to use public realm assets located in the Upper Westside as testing grounds, in exchange for access to some of their data and findings. This can grant the Upper Westside district access to emerging smart city technologies and data-driven insights that can help resolve key challenges faced by the district and support future planning initiatives.
IE2
IE3
IE4
IE5
Timeline
Coordination, program launch
Est. cost
Funding Sources
Responsible Entity Lead
Support
-
-
UWCID
Neighbors, community stakeholders, business owners, property owners
$
Georgia Tech, UWCID
Georgia Tech, UWCID
CoA, Startup companies, Invest Atlanta
Expansion Space for G-Tech VentureLabs - Help connect Georgia Tech VentureLab companies that outgrow university-owned facilities with Upper Westside brokers or landowners to find them industrial and/or flex office space in the UWCID.
Coordination
-
-
UWCID
GeorgiaTech VentureLab, real estate brokers, property owners
Startup Space Inventory Map - Add a map-based “startup space” resource to the CID website and catalogue the district’s inventory of industrial and flex office space. This can provide commercial property owners with a platform for marketing their properties and spaces to high-growth companies who wish to stay in the greater Georgia Tech area.
Coordination, creation of webpage
$
Invest Atlanta
UWCID
Invest Atlanta
G-Tech Startups Growth Tracking Partner with VentureLab to track the number of Georgia tech startups who land in the Upper Westside as well as their employment growth over time, reporting on this activity on an annual basis.
Coordination, data sharing
$
Venture Lab
UWCID
VentureLab, GeorgiaTech
-
Invest Atlanta, Westside Works
Westside Works
UWCID, workforce development program operators, Invest Atlanta
Workforce Development Partnership - Support workforce development opportunities in partnership with Westside Works and/or other training program operators to strengthen economic ties between the rapidly growing Upper Westside and other Westside communities. This goal aligns with the City of Atlanta’s “first source” jobs program.
Section 2.5: Implementation Guide
Coordination
111
Upper Westside Improvement District Masterplan
Recommended Capital Improvement Project IE6
Open Space Asset Management - Partner with local environmental management organizations to train stewards who can provide the Upper Westside’s new and existing public space assets with high quality maintenance, creating educational and employment opportunities for local young adults of all socio-economic backgrounds.
Next Steps
Timeline
Collaboration
Est. cost
Funding Sources
Responsible Entity Lead
Support Local schools, Georgia Tech, Groundwork Atlanta
$$
Grants, UWCID
UWCID, environmental management organizations
-
-
-
-
$
CoA, Park Pride Atlanta, Berkeley Park Neighborhood Association
UWCID
CoA Fire Rescue Department
$$
MARTA, Park Pride Atlanta, Marietta Street Artery Neighborhood Association, WCIA
UWCID
MARTA
$$
CoA, Park Pride Atlanta, Hills Park Neighborhood Association
UWCID
CoA Fire Rescue Department
-
-
-
-
$
CoA, Park Pride Atlanta, Berkeley Park Neighborhood Association, grants
UWCID
Berkeley Park Neighborhood Association
$
Property Owners, Park Pride Atlanta, Blandtown Neighborhood Association, grants
UWCID
Blandtown Neighborhood Association
$$
Park Pride Atlanta, grants
UWCID
Marietta Street Artery Neighborhood Association
ARTS & CULTURE AU
Announce the Upper Westside
AU1
Couple Public Space with Existing Civic Assets - Develop new public spaces along existing civic assets (schools, libraries, fire stations, police stations, transit, publiclyowned land, etc). a.
b.
c.
AU2
Fire Station No.23 in Berkeley Park.
MARTA Brady Bus Operating Facility in Marietta Street Artery.
Fire Station No.8 in Hill Park.
-
-
CoA Coordination, planning, design, construction Engage MARTA, planning, design, construction CoA Coordination, planning, design, construction
Create Pocket Parks - Create new parks and plazas throughout the Upper Westside by converting underperforming and publicly owned parcels into places for community life. a.
b.
c.
"Forrest Street Greenspace" in Berkeley Park - Leverage underutilized space near the intersection of Howell Mill Rd and Forrest St as new public space. "Huff Pocket Park" in Blandtown - Leverage underutilized space near the intersection of Huff Rd and Ellsworth Industrial Blvd as new public space.
"Marietta Pocket Park" in Howell Station - Leverage underutilized space near the intersection of Marietta Blvd and Rice St as new public space.
Upper Westside Improvement District Masterplan
-
License agreement, Planning, design, construction License agreement, Planning, design, construction License agreement, Planning, design, construction
112
Section 2.5: Implementation Guide
Recommended Capital Improvement Project d.
AU3
AU4
AU5
AU6
AU7
AU8
AU9
"10th St Pocket Park" in the Marietta Street Artery - Leverage underutilized space near the intersection of Marietta St and Howell Mill Rd as new public space.
Next Steps
Timeline
License agreement, Planning, design, construction
Est. cost
Funding Sources
Responsible Entity Lead
Support
UWCID
Marietta Street Artery Neighborhood Association
UWCID
CoA Office of Cultural Affairs, Goat Farm Arts Center, Atlanta Contemporary
UWCID
CoA Office of Cultural Affairs, Goat Farm Arts Center, Atlanta Contemporary
$$
Park Pride Atlanta, WCIA, UWCID, grants
$
UWCID, ArtPlace, private partners, CoA
$
ArtPlace, private partners, CoA
Determine budget, guidelines, and location(s)
$-$$
ArtPlace, private partners, CoA
UWCID
CoA Office of Cultural Affairs, Goat Farm Arts Center, Atlanta Contemporary
Planning, coordination
$
CoA, private partners
UWCID
CoA, property owners, business owners
Develop and send out RFP for environmental graphics/ branding
$
-
UWCID
-
Pair Projects With Brand Family - Pair each capital project with discreet Upper Westside brand family element(s) to promote walking / bicycling / transit use and to raise visibility of the Upper Westside Improvement District.
Planning, coordination
$
-
UWCID
-
Build a Walk Campaign - Build a Walk [Upper Westside] campaign with light, affordable, informational signs linked to web-based wayfinding, storytelling, and data collection.
Planning, coordination
$
-
UWCID
-
Small-Scale Creative Installations Create mini-grants that allow for smallscale creative installations throughout the district. Artists To Provide On-Call Services Conduct bi-annual pooled call for artists to provide on-call services.
Signature Commissioned Art - Explore opportunities for signature commissioned art. Engage the local arts and design community for artist selection and design jury participation for signature commissioned art. Establish Signage & Facade Grants Establish signage & facade grants for business and property owners. Create a Brand Family - Create a brand family of environmental graphics that highlight the district by foot and pedal.
Section 2.5: Implementation Guide
Planning, coordination
Create directory of local artists, Artist RFQs
113
Upper Westside Improvement District Masterplan