North Capital Boulevard Park Master Plan Study

PROCESS ORIENTED DESIGN

This plan explores the opportunities and design innovations for the development of an urban park, known as North Capital Boulevard Park. The approximately 20.2 acre site is parallel to Capital Blvd. (US 401) in the City of Raleigh. The boundary of the site is established as the median of Capital Blvd. between Atlantic Ave. and Crabtree Blvd. The overall study area encompasses approximately 295 acres of transitional, non-residential land uses surrounding the future park site. This area is roughly bounded by the existing CSX Rail-line to the west, Hodges Rd. to the north and parcels of non-residential land uses to the east and south.

The purpose of this study is to outline an implementable master plan for the future development of North Capital Boulevard Park. Development of the park would result in the transformation of a collection of underutilized commercial properties into a dynamic new public park space that integrates environmentally sensitive lands with innovative design solutions. Specific goals of this master plan effort include the following:

Master Plan Goals:

1. Build upon the recommendations of area plans, studies, and ordinances to develop a master plan that advances the vision of the City and corridor;

2. Incorporate context-sensitive design solutions;

3. Highlight environmentally sensitive landscapes through the restoration of the Pigeon House Branch Creek;

4. Identify opportunities to enhance the public's knowledge of environmentally sensitive lands and urban watersheds.

5. Outline community-wide benefits associated with urban park spaces; and

6. Identify future implementation actions and responsibilities.

This report is a product of known factors and assumptions at the time analyses were completed. This report does not represent an absolute plan or intent to proceed with the project. Instead, it creates the foundation for future efforts and serves as reference for decision makers. Changes within the project environment including transitions in land ownership, permitting requirements, etc. will result in divergence from the presented recommendations. Additionally, this plan does not represent recommendations or proposals from the City of Raleigh, Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources staff or other. This exercise in creativity did not include public input or feedback on the recommendations contain in the study, which would be an important element to any future planning process managed by the City of Raleigh.