Placemaking Tactics: Private Development

Private Development

Architectural features and public art strategically integrated into new development can support placemaking goals. They can relate to the visual legibility and identity of Downtown Largo. These ideas can build on the design guidelines in the sector plan and be integrated into the land development process. Key opportunities to consider include the following strategies.

Gateway Features

In the future, Downtown Largo may evolve with distinct neighborhoods and areas, such as a retail/ entertainment district, a medical district, a civic district, and a residential district. Developers of properties near thresholds into these areas should be encouraged to include gateway elements.

Architectural Features

Some of the area’s most important visual moments and wayfinding reference points are at the intersections of major arterial streets (such as Lottsford Road, Harry S. Truman Drive and Medical Center Drive). The buildings at the intersections of these streets should incorporate architectural, urban design features and public art that give those intersections a unique identity and memorable quality.

Public Art Landmarks

Each of Downtown Largo’s distinct areas will have an identity of its own. In addition to gateways that mark the threshold into a district, each district should have a landmark design feature, such as public art, that conveys a sense of arrival and underscores the identity of that district. This could be accomplished by strategically creating a landmark that serves as a centering feature for each district located in a public space or along a view corridor.

Pedestrian Streetscapes

Ground-level design features can have an outsized impact on people’s experience of an area. Developers can incorporate artist-designed features such as canopies, railings, seating, and walls to help distinguish their properties and create interesting walking experiences.