Old Cahawba Master Plan Proposal
Introduction
Relic History Natural History
Analysis
20
Design Proposal
26
Development Phase One
46
Appendix Street & Trail Character
70
References Documents
76
Table of Contents
8
Concept
i
State Analysis Regional Analysis Site Analysis Assets & Opportunities
3
Organizing Concepts Case Studies Concept Diagram
Master Plan Park Entry Historic Town Center Circulation Plan Touring Network
Phase Two Phase Three Phase Four Phase Five
Signage & Wayfinding
Imagery
Executive Summary Hidden beneath the oaks and Spanish moss of Dallas County, lies the ghost town of Old Cahawba, the first capital of Alabama. Now an archaeological park, Old Cahawba is one of the most significant places in Alabama Civil War and Native American history. Abandoned near the turn of the 20th century, Cahawba has aged as its natural landscape has reclaimed much of what had been constructed by man. Thanks to archaeologists, however, artifacts and ruins of Cahawba’s brief life as a town has been preserved and protected from further deterioration of both natural and man-made forces. In partnership with Alabama Innovation Engine, the Auburn Urban Studio prepared a master plan based on the assets and opportunities of Old Cahawba within state and regional contexts while meeting the site-specific needs presented. This project will provide people of Alabama a chance to experience the historic site of Old Cahawba in a variety of different ways while gaining a sense of pride for this special place in the process. While Old Cahawba has maintained a presence of importance in Alabama history, its relavence can be highlighted with a welldesigned, comprehensive look at the potential of the site. This plan will help to encourage visitors which would benefit from the experience of touring the park. This project has initiated the desire for interactive or interpretive activities to engage younger minds as they learn about Cahawba and its historic landscape. In order to facilitate activities of that nature, it is necessary to manage the circulation of people through the site on foot, bicycles, or in vehicles.
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Acknowledgments Special thanks to: The Alabama Historical Commission Mark Driscoll, Historic Sites Director Linda Derry, Old Cahawba Site Director Jonathan Matthews, Assistant Site Director Mae Washington, Architect - Historic Sites Division Richard B. Hudgens, Architect The Nature Conservancy of Alabama Paul Freeman, Aquatic Ecologist Alabama Natural Gas Company, Selma Branch Auburn University Urban Studio Cheryl Morgan, Director Alabama Innovation Engine Matthew Leavell, Project Director
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Introduction Introduction to the Proposal Relic History Natural History
Introduction to the Proposal The master plan proposal for Old Cahawba, was generated out of the need for a new visitor center and the initiation of the Cahaba Blueways project. With the consensus that these projects should coincide with one another, conversation of a comprehensive master plan arose that would help to preserve the park’s archaeological features and develop additional elements to attract new groups of visitors. The plan for Old Cahawba was developed through a process of inventory, analysis, and conceptual design. From the conceptual design, a schematic plan for construction phasing was also developed to provide an understanding of the scale and feasability of the plan. The analysis for this project provided an extensive study of Cahawba’s assets and opportunities not only within the site and regional context, but within the entire state of Alabama as well. The list of those assets and opportunities had to be refined to a set of seven that were well-defined and were possible to build upon. Using those opportunities and molding them with physical site constraints a set of ordering concepts was created to drive the form of design. The ordering concepts generated the ideas for program elements that would be incorporated into the master plan. The inception of these concepts would determine everything about the project, therefore it was imperative that these ideas were clear and achievable. The master plan presented a new plan for circulation and provided new amenities to create more activity on site and draw more visitors. Much of the proposal consists of modifications to existing roads and features and calls for a relatively small amount of actual new development which can be seen in the phasing of construction section of this book. The purpose of this book is to illustrate the process of developing the master plan for Old Cahawba and provide a glimpse into the possiblities for this special place. Cahawba holds great potential for recreation and education. This master plan strives to capture that potential and share it with the people of Alabama and serve as a place of pride and heritage.
Introduction
3
Relic History Cahawba was established as the first capital city for the newly formed state of Alabama in 1820 by Governor William Wyatt Bibb, the first governor of the State. Before the intervention of Government, Cahawba had been a Native American village for centuries. Archaeologists have used artifacts found on site to trace Cahawba’s history of inhabitants back to the 15th century. Most of what is visible today, however, is tied to the town’s place in history since Alabama’s proclamation of statehood.
Land district map of Cahawba, c.1817 1
Original plat drawing of Cahawba, c.1819 1
The Grid Upon the inception of Cahawba, the town was designed in a form that is synonymous with most towns and cities in the United States during that period of time. Cahawba was laid out in an iconic grid pattern which has remained as much a part of its identity as the ruins of crumbling buildings. As word traveled about this newly planned town, Cahawba grew rapidly as wealthy families rushed to build their mansions and commercial buildings near the heart of the town in hopes of capitalizing on the rich fertile land and its potential for the cash crop of cotton. Moving the Capital Almost as quickly as it became the state capital, Cahawba lost its status as the center of Alabama’s government. In 1825 the capital was moved to Tuscaloosa. Although the removal of its title as the state capital was a blow to the town, it did not crush its progress. The 1830s brought a sense of hope and continued prosperity as the newly constructed railroad provided a connection to the rest of the state and the opportunity to for growth. Cahawba’s growth continued as the population swelled upwards to 3,000 people and visitors came from miles around to see the beautiful mansions and taste the crystal clear artesian well water. The taste of prosperity only lasted a short time as the beginning of the Civil War marked the beginning of the end for Cahawba. Death of a Town After the Civil War had ended, Cahawba could not recover economically and began a rapid decline. The final dagger in the town’s heart was the removal of the seat of Dallas County which was granted to the town of Selma. Its population dropped below 500 by 1870 consisting mostly of freed slaves and by the turn of the century, it was completely abandoned. The mansions, churches, stores, and government buildings all remained quiet and desolate, as they crumbled into the rich Black Belt landscape.
Kirkpatrick family mansion, c.1870 2
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Introduction
Natural History Although most of Cahawba’s history is tied to its relic features of building ruins and its distinguishable grid of streets, its natural landscape is perhaps the most important piece to the site’s puzzle of history. One of the most unique of those pieces is the formation of land created by the Cahaba and Alabama Rivers. When the Native Americans first made this land their home, they understood the great advantage of having a village surrounded by rivers on rich prairie land. As history shows us, Alabama settlers also realized this great opportunity. The Rivers and Prairie William Wyatt Bibb had a vision for what Cahawba would become mostly because of its spectacular landscape. Its location within the Black Belt Prairie was seen as prime territory for the production of cotton and the native cane brake made this amazing place even better in the eyes of Governor Bibb. Soon enough, the street grid was laid out, mansions were built, and the town of Cahawba began to feed off of its natural landscape. Flooding and Nature As time progressed and the town grew, it became clear to many of the residents that there may be one large flaw in the masterful plan of Cahawba; flooding. Cahawba’s location at the confluence of two rivers was somewhat of a double-edged sword, providing great trade routes but annoying residents with its occasional rising. Even though the magnitude of the floods Cahawba experienced was slightly exaggerated by outsiders, the simple mutterings of this occurrence were enough to sway a vote to remove Cahawba’s title of State Capital. Even in its early years, nature seemed to have the upper-hand on the up and coming town.
Convergence of Cahaba & Alabama rivers, 2012
Cahawba prairie landscape 3
Natural Landscape Once the havoc created by the Civil War had deflated the town economically and physically, it was only a matter of time before nature once again claimed Cahawba. The abandoned buildings soon became part of the landscape as their ruins have peered out from the lush vegetation that has over-taken their un-natural form. Species such as the Old Cahawba Rosinweed, Chinaberry trees, and oak trees covered with Spanish moss now make up the population of Cahawba. This old town’s ruins will continue to crumble to nothing more than memories, but the natural landscape of this town will continue to grow and evolve keeping the memory of Old Cahawba alive forever. Ruins of the Crocheron family mansion, 2012
Introduction
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Analysis State Analysis Regional Analysis Site Analysis Assets & Opportunities Case Studies
State Analysis
The city of Birmingham, Alabama 4
A. Cities within two-hour radius The site of Old Cahawba is located within a two-hour radius of the three largest cities in the state of Alabama; Birmingham, Mobile, and Montgomery. The close proximity of these cities opens the opportunity to reach out to larger audiences. B. Trail networks Within the state there are several existing recreational trails with historical significance that Cahawba sits in the midst of. Trails such as the Underground Railroad Bicycle Trail may be tied into through the development of other “rails-to-trails” projects that have been planned for the near future. C. River trails River trails such as the Alabama Scenic River Trail and Cahaba River Trail converge at Old Cahawba providing an enormous asset to the site. The convergence of these two very popular river trails opens the opportunity to market the site as a “nexus” of recreational activity.
Cahaba River Watershed 5
Canoers on the Cahaba River 6
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Analysis
D. Alabama hiking trail The proposed Alabama Hiking Trail is proposed to span the entire length of the state, passing through nearby Orrville.
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State Analysis Diagram
Analysis
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Regional Analysis A. Towns within one-hour radius In the site’s regional context, there are great opportunities for connection to surrounding towns with great historical significance such as Selma and Marion which are within a one-hour radius. B. Relationship to Selma Although the city of Selma mainatains a close relationship with Old Cahawba, there remains some difficulty in transportation between the two places. C. River trails This map indicates a number of canoe launches and boat ramps along the Cahaba and AL Scenic river trails. These launches provide a variety of cultural and historical linkages to plan special routes along the rivers. D. Highway 14 Highway 14 is being proposed as a scenic byway for the beautiful landscapes that it passes through that are sprinkled with quaint rustic farms along the road side E. Highway 80 Highway 80 is known for the Civil Rights March from Selma to Montgomery in 1965. It is marked as a historic highway and can be tied to Cahawba’s heritage of free men of color who nicknamed Cahawba the “mecca for radical republicans”.
Waterfall at Talladega National Forest 7
US National Forest Campground Guide 8
10 Analysis
Downtown Selma, Alabama 9
D
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Regional Analysis Diagram
Analysis 11
Site Analysis
View of Clear Creek from over-look, 2012
A. Natural features At the site level, the largest opportunity and constraint is that of the two rivers. Natural features such as stream beds and steep bluffs have developed over time from the two rivers. The flood plain presents a constraint that must be respected through all facets of development.
Old abandoned cabin, 2012
B. Existing roads Some roads from the original grid network of streets still remain and can serve as assets that may be built upon in future plans for development. C. Canoe/Kayak Launches Currently there are three canoe/boat launches on site. The south launch to the Alabama River is no longer accessible from the river as the creek outlet has silted over. The lauch at the mouth of the Cahaba is functional but holds a large amount of silt deposits. D. Native ecosystems Native ecosystems such as the prairies and cane brakes have been invaded by other plant species or cultivated for managed pine forests. It is possible that these managed forests have had an impact on the siltation of the Cahaba River.
View of Vine Street looking South towards Stone Monument, 2012
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D
Site Analysis Diagram
C
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Analysis 13
Assets & Opportunities •
Market Archaeological Exploration to the Public -- Use existing archaeological areas on site to educate the public on the process of digging for artifacts and involving them in the discovery of Cahawba’s historical treasures. -- Utilize connections with nearby schools to encourage outdoor activities. -- Preserve archaeological sites for exploration -- Promote Cahawba’s Civil War and Native American history.
•
Utilize historic street grid pattern -- Embrace Cahawba’s unique street grid pattern as a key to unlocking the past and educating the public on the role of the grid pattern in early American city planning.
Archaeological dig at Old Cahawba 3
Map of original town layout 1
•
Promote the town’s “ghost” heritage -- Advertise Cahawba’s “ghost town” character through night tours and the annual Story-Telling Event. -- Establish over-night tours for visitors to fully experience the ghosts of the old town.
•
Take advantage of existing landscape features -- Cahawba’s native prairies, cane brakes, and bluffs offer unique landscape experiences for nature trails to observe various species of wildlife. -- Use the landscape to educate visitors about particular species of plants such as the Old Cahawba Rosinweed.
Ghost-story Teller at annual Story-telling Event 3
Existing pasture landscape on Old Cahawba site
12 Analysis
•
Tie into surrounding trail networks -- Utilize potential nature trails as a way to connect to existing and proposed bike and hiking trails. -- Use trails to connect to Forever Wild Prairie Tract.
Proposed “Rails to Trails” Bicycle Network 10
•
Strengthen relationship with Alabama and Cahaba Rivers -- Advertise Cahawba as an “eco-tourism destination” to the recreational markets of Alabama.. -- Utilize site’s unique river relationship to build functional and durable canoe/kayak launches.
Aerial Image Higlighting the Alabama & Cahaba Rivers11
•
Create opportunity for public/private partnership -- Establish outfitting service to manage recreational activity around the park. -- Allow service to develop lodging and campgrounds which would benefit the park.
Chattanooga Outdoors facility12
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Case Studies Canoe and Kayak Launches In order to develop successful recreational amenities such as canoe/kayak launches, research must be done to find examples of techniques and methods used to create safe and functional launches that last. The idea for new canoe/kayak launches developed out of the Cahaba Blueway project because of Cahawba’s existing dilapitated launches that have become silted over and almost in-accessible. In developing the new launches, it may be necessary to construct them to float and also provide handicap accessibility. Studies of several launches such as the Annsville Creek launch in Hudson Highland State Park, depict some of desired elements that could be used in the Cahawba designs. Camp For All’s launch which maintains is another example of a possible technique used to provide accessibility to handicapped users.
Outfitter Service The implementation of an outfitter service is an operation that must be carefully studied and developed with an efficient business plan. Because the outfitter operation for Old Cahawba will assist in the park’s revenue generation, it has to maintain public interest, therefore facilities and advertisement must be appealing to the targeted markets.
Annsville Creek Paddlesport Center Hudson River Water Trail Hudson Higland State Park, New York13
Annsville Creek Paddlesport Center Hudson River Water Trail Hudson Higland State Park, New York13
Camp For All - Burton Texas14
Long Dock Park - Canoe/Kayak Storage & Launch Beacon, New York15
Long Dock Park - Outfitter Building Beacon, New York15
One successful operation that has been studied throughout this project, has been Long Dock Park in Beacon, New York. Using a retrofitted barn for its main office and low-cost materials for storage facilities, Long Dock Park has become a popular place for locals and visitors to enjoy.
16 Analysis
Long Dock Park - Canoe/Kayak Storage & Launch Beacon, New York15
Dubach Dogtrot Welcome Center Dubach, Louisiana16
Shotgun House Lodge - Shack-Up Inn Clarksdale, Mississippi17
Lodging The development of lodging should follow a certain style and character. Through studying several models of this idea and the existing site, it was determined that the best option was to implement elements from different places and incorporate them into a rural enclave of buildings like that of a farm. A great model of an enclave of rustic lodging was that of the Shack-Up Inn in Clarksdale, Mississippi, an old plantation with several renovated yet rustic houses. Located in the Blues Capital of the World, this lodging development has been extremely successful since its inception. Although the Shack-Up Inn is a great operational model, the architecture style should be different, therefore styles similar to the the dogtrot and/or cracker house style is best-suited.
Cracker House Style Lodge18
Archaeological Parks Because Old Cahawba is so unique and very different from many American archaeological parks, it is difficult to find a case study in the United States that utilizes some of the practices that this project should implement.
Villa Adriana - “Hadrian’s Villa” Tivoli, Italy
In researching examples for archaeological park practices, Villa Adrianna in Tivoli, Italy, stood out because of its pedestrian circulation around the ruins of the site and the simple materials used for designed elements. Paths and barriers were made of simple local materials in a low-impact method of construction, a practice that can easily be replicated at Old Cahawba.
Analysis 17
Concept Organizing Concepts Concept Diagram
Organizing Concepts Enhance the park’s notoriety as a historic destination while generating appeal to recreational markets. • Strengthen the park’s relationship with the Alabama and Cahaba rivers by improving existing canoe/kayak launches. • Use historical paths such as the 1830 rail bed to connect to future “Rails To Trails” bicycle paths. • Advertise Old Cahawba in larger metropolitan areas as a place where recreation and history meet. Kayakers on the Cahaba River19
Existing Cabin and Ruins of Crocheron Family Mansion
Embrace the relic and natural landscapes through design, preservation, and education. • Preserve archaeological features while using them to educate visitors through interactive dig sites. • Develop system of signage to demonstrate the difference between relic and natural landscapes. • Re-establish the original street grid and restore native ecosystems.
Remains of Perine family well
20 Concept
Ruins of Cahawba Methodist Church
Improve the methods of circulation and how people move through the site. • Develop hierarchical system of circulation with pedestrian movement as the highest priority. • Restrict vehicular access to permitted vehicles only.
Pedestrian Thoroughfare - Berlin, Germany
Provide amenities such as lodging and campgrounds to experience the site in a different way. • Develop an outfitter service outside the park gate to manage lodging, camping, and river use. • Plan outpost buildings and comfort stations near campgrounds and canoe/kayak launches
Primitive campground site, _______ 20
Concept 21
Concept Diagram The concept diagram depicts the core concepts for development as well as others that support those main ideas. This diagram shows that most of the development occurs in proximity to the axis of Capitol Street. Capitol Street serves to connect the present with the past as it ties the visitor venter area to the historic town center. Part of this process involves integrating the original street grid pattern back into the landscape. The grid would serve as a network of pedestrian streets re-creating the feel of Cahaba as the streets were developed during its early years. A. The Grid Emphasised by the dashed lines in red, this graphic represents the re-integration of the iconic grid pattern back into the landscape as a functional sytem of trails and pedestrian streets to improve circulation. B. Civil War Site Marked on the diagram there are a few features significant in relationship with the Civil War. The Castle Morgan prison and the Civil War memorial and cemetery. C. Nodes These marked areas depict points of high interaction between car, vehicle, and bicycle, making for an increased amount of activitiy. D. Archaeological Features Found primarily in the historic town center, identified by the bright red dashed circle, are key to the development of interpretive and interactive archaeological exploration. E. Natural Features Features such as the prairie and cane brake are in need of ecological restoration. F. Rivers The two rivers, the Cahaba and Alabama, should be addressed by the site better, potentially by new canoe/kayak launch designs or boardwalks and trails along the waterways. G. Camp Grounds Shown in the turquoise circles, this new development could attract the targeted recreational user-groups as well as generate resonable revenue.
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Concept Diagram
Concept 23
Design Proposal Master Plan Park Entry Historic Town Center Circulation Plan Touring Network
Master Plan From the ordering set of concepts, presented in the previous chapter, a site master plan was created to depict those concepts graphically. Due to the scale of the site, detailed plans of two of the most significant areas were also developed to gain a better understanding of that scale and the elements proposed. The grid This overall plan begins to illustrate one of the most visual concepts which involves re-introducing the historic grid into the landscape as both a functional network of vehicular and pedestrian streets as well as a natural feature cut into the densely vegetated areas along roads. Emphasizing the grid as a feature is important to the flow of people but more importantly as a relic feature used to educate visitors about the general grid form in the history of city design not only for Cahawba, but thousands of towns and cities across the United States. Walkability The concept of moving through the site begins with creating an experience that visitors will remember and tell others about. In order to create a special experience, the automobile is a factor necessary to the overall equation but has to be subtracted at a certain point. The development of this plan involved significant changes to circulation, essentially limiting vehicular use to the Visitor Center area. The plan does, however, allow permitted vehicles such as physically handicapped visitors, outfitter customers/workers, and maintenance workers to drive through the park. This policy will help reduce human impact on the archaeological features of the park and will in turn provide a better experience for those walking or biking through the site.
26 Design Proposal
Entry sequence As a visitor enters the park, we want them to experience through a sequence of defining spaces and features. Being that most visitors will be driving to the park, this experience will begin as they turn onto Cahaba Road / Beech Street heading towards the park. Driving along this road, oak trees covered in Spanish moss hang above framing their path. Visitors pass through an open area filled with prairie grass surrounding an old tennant house, a sign that they are close. Upon passing the opening, a small enclave of buildings resembling that of a rural setting lies to the left. Continuing down the road, planted street trees lining the road begin a transition into a formal plaza space defined by dense pine trees and colorful flowering trees. This space creates a sense of arrival and allows the visitor to catch a glimpse of the park down the Capitol Street axis as they make their way around to the parking area. From that point visitors will walk through the park to gain a better understanding of its magnitude both physically and historically.
(MP) Overall Master Plan
Design Proposal 27
Park Entry The park entry is the most important part of the site. The entry provides the first defining experience for the average visitor and sets the tone for the entire park. Through the process of design, it was determined that the entry should not be defined by a sign or a gate, but by an experience and sense of arrival. The point of arrival is a space formed by four structures, plant materials, and a central plaza. Those structures include the existing St. Luke’s Church, the Kelly House Administration Building, the proposed Visitor Center, and the Story Telling Pavilion. Tall pine trees and short flowering trees help to eclose this space in a natural yet formal manner. The central plaza is created to emphasize the desired sense of arrival and provide a strong visual connection to the Historic Town Center through the Capitol Street thoroughfare.
MP-1
(MP) Master plan key
Entry road into park
28 Design Proposal
(MP-1) Enlarged master plan - park entry
Design Proposal 29
Park Entry To provide a supporting source of revenue and services, a proposal for a rural-like enclave of lodging, management, and outfitter buildings was created. This enclave, while separate from the park itself, would serve as a partnership to help fund park expenses and entice usergroups that have previously not visited the park. The outfitter service will operate in a barn-like structure with an auxillary storage shed for canoe and kayak storage. This enclave will be separated by a subtle gate which can be closed in the evenings to prevent vehicle access and potential harmful impact on the site. A parking lot outside of the gate will allow for easier control of lodging and river users. A park manager living in this area will also provide security and access control. In order to improve conditions for maintenance equipment, a barn is proposed within this area which is out of the way but helps to create the feeling of a farm-like setting.
View of existing site for proposed Visitor Center
30 Design Proposal
MP-1a
MP-1b
(MP-1) Enlarged master plan key
(MP-1a) Enlarged plan of Visitor Center area
(MP-1b) Enlarged plan of rural enclave
Design Proposal 31
Park Entry The first interaction on foot with the site is the key to making a successful plan for Old Cahawba. The desire to make the park more walkable depends on the experience visitors have when they get out of their vehicles. It is imperative to create something that people will want to walk to for a plan such as this to work. Establishing a strong axial connection between people and the main destination of interest will remain in their memory as an significant experience.
B
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Providing an area for special events such as a pavilion and green-space adds to to the pedestrian experience and serves as mult-purpose facility.
(MP-1) Enlarged master plan key
(A1 - A2) Section of Park Entry on Beech Street looking North
(B1 - B2) Section through Capitol Street looking North at proposed Visitor Center and Story-telling Area and Pavilion
32 Design Proposal
(P1) View of Capitol street thoroughfare and proposed Visitor Center looking East
(P2) View of Story-telling Area and Pavilion on Capitol Street thoroughfare looking East
Design Proposal 33
Historic Town Center The original town center was another area of focus in the development of the master plan. Because of the area’s sensitivity, a higher amount of detail was necessary to ensure that particular sites would be highlighted but not negatively affected by development. Most of the development witin this part of the site consists of pathways to re-create the streets of the olden days providing visitors a unique “ghost town” experience without re-constructing buildings. Spaces such as the Vine Street Plaza will help create a strong transitional experience which opens up to the original core of Cahawba. The plaza’s fragmented form also represents the life of Cahawba from, “Rise, Decline, and Renewal”. To keep maintenance costs down, design elements should be constructed using low-impact materials and practices. Elements such as the boardwalks and dock are designed to float so that flooddamage is less frequent and costly. Paving should also be constructed to withstand the impact of flooding as it is the most destructive force on this site. Preventative measures such as flood walls may also be necessary in the future.
Site of Castle Morgan Civil War prison
34 Design Proposal
MP-2
(MP) Master plan key
(MP-2) Enlarged plan of the historic town center design proposal
Design Proposal 35
Historic Town Center One of Cahawba’s most iconic features is the site of the Crocheron Columns. While there is a desire to make this site more visible, there is a stronger need to preserve and protect it from increasing threats of flooding. In developing a walkway to frame this site, measures should be taken to use the walkway as floodwall to reduce the impact of even slight flooding.
MP-2a
P3
Due to issues with silt build-up, the existing canoe launch at the mouth of the Cahaba needed to be re-designed. Using a different approach, a design for a floating dock with canoe launches was developed to allow flexibility with the changing river levels and remove the issue of silt from the equation.
MP-2b
(MP-2) Enlarged master plan key
Existing Crocheron Columns site
36 Design Proposal
(MP-2a) Enlarged plan of proposed canoe launch, access road, and outfitter outpost
(P3) View of proposal for Crocheron family mansion ruins (Crocheron Columns) looking South
(MP-2b) Enlarged plan of proposed additions to Crocheron site
Design Proposal 37
Historic Town Center The Capitol Street and Vine Street Plaza serves as strong visual connection and representational space. Its purpose is to draw the eye from the beginning of the Capitol Street axis at the Visitor Center and serve as a transition into the most significant area of the site, the original site of the Native American village. As one passes through the plaza a low covering of flowering trees frames their view to the village site. As they reach the other side, the canopy opens up to this strong space. The plaza steps down to the ground level. Its form of a smooth arch transitioning to a fragmented edge of steps represents Cahawba’s rise and decline. The opening into the large powerful space creates a sense of renewal. The plaza area is designed to tell the story of Cahawba from “rise, decline, to renewal” and allow visitors to gather and rest with each other on their journey through this special place.
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MP-2c
(MP-2) Enlarged master plan key
(P4) View of Capitol and Vine Street Plaza looking East
38 Design Proposal
Conceptual design development of Capitol and Vine Street Plaza
(C1-C2) Section through Capitol Street of Vine Street Plaza and Castle Morgan site
(MP-2c) Enlarged plan of the historic town center design proposals
Design Proposal 39
Circulation To demonstrate the proposed plan for circulation, a diagram was created which shows the hierarchial system in which pedestrian movement takes priority over automobiles in order to make the experience of Old Cahawba more memorable and healthier in the process.
Preliminary Option A
A. Walkability The diagram illustrates how most developed or formal pathways, shown in red, are focused around the core axis of Capitol Street. These pathways will allow visitors to walk the streets as they were during the booming days of the old town without the distracting presence of automobiles. B. Vehicular traffic Shown in black, the vehicular circulation is depicted as lower in hierarchy. The plan for vehicular traffic is changed to limit the amount of impact on the more archaeological places on site which are mostly on the eastern side of Oak Street. C. Nature trails In addition to the formal pathways of the town core, nature trails span the site to provide a glimpse of natural landscape features such as the native cane brake and prairie, Clear Creek, the river bluffs, and of course the opportunity to observe some of the site’s native wildlife. Some of these nature trails also intersect with some relic features that have also become part of the aging landscape.
Preliminary Option B
D. Bicycle path Although it is not as highly prioritized as pedestrian paths, the proposed 1830 railroad bicycle path, offers visitors the opportunity to bike from Selma or other communities and view the site from a completely different perspective. This path is proposed to connect with County Road 9 and then tie into the future Rails to Trails network. E. Bus traffic The circulation for buses is concentrated around the Visitor Center to reduce negative impact on archaeological sites as well as reduce the possibility of accidents with pedestrians.
40 Design Proposal
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Circulation Diagram
Design Proposal 41
Touring Network In order to help people move through the site and manage how they interact with specific spaces, a system of walking tours was developed to give an idea of how much time a particular walk may take. Each route, with the exception of the bicycle route, is calculated based on the average amount of time it takes for a person to walk in a linear path. For example, it takes the average person twenty minutes to walk one mile. These routes also factor in estimated stoppage time for pictures and restroom breaks. The system also allows for visitors to take one route viewing the site’s relic features and take a different route viewing natural features for their next visit. The purpose is to provide the opportunity for different experiences for different visitors. The non-walking routes such as the bicyle route and Cahaba River route also offer the opportunity to enjoy the area in a more recreational fashion. While the bicycle route cannot really be timed, the river route is calculated based on the flow of the river which is approximately 3 miles per hour and the route distance of 9 miles. The route takes around 3 hours, however the river flow can vary depeding on the time of year. Generally most users will paddle during the time of year when the river is at or close to a speed of 3 mph. Using the proposed outfitter service, a system of drop-offs or pick-ups can be implemented to appeal to potential users of the river and Old Cahawba.
42 Design Proposal
Touring Network Diagram
Design Proposal 43
Development Phase One Phase Two Phase Three Phase Four Phase Five
Phasing As with many projects, funding is needed to pay for the construction of elements in the master plan. For government funded sites that need to remain open in order to maintain their business, closing down the entire site for construction can cripple their revenue stream. For Old Cahawba, that scenario would certainly apply. Not only would it be difficult for the administration maintain revenue in that case, it would require a higher volume of funding to construct everything at once and without continuous income. Old Cahawba is a massive site of around 900 - 1,000 acres. The amount of equipment needed to complete a project of this scale at one time would possibly be more than the site can handle. With a place as archaeologically sensitive as Cahawba, a massive amount of construction equipment would have a significant negative impact on any historical sites. To avoid any negative setbacks in funding or environmental impact, a development phasing plan should be created outlining a process for constructing parts of the master plan. Each phase builds upon the previous phase. Some phases will require more construction than others, however this is done to account for periods when funding may be lower and less construction can be completed. The diagram shown to the right and throughout this section, illustrates the progression of development from phase to phase. Most phases consist of specific areas and pathways (pedestrian streets, vehicular streets, and trails). Outlined areas shown involve any new construction or improvements within them. As previously stated in the Analysis section of this book, Cahawba still has some of its original streets which present a great asset that can be built upon. While this plan may present some new development, much of what is planned will be constructed using Low-Impact Development strategies
46 Development
Site
Pathway
Phase 1 Phase 2 Phase 3 Phase 4 Phase 5
Development Phasing Diagram
Design Proposal 47
Phase One Site Phase 1
Phasing progression map
48 Development
Pathway
- New Canoe/Kayak Launch
- Visitor Center - Story Telling Area - Outfitter - Park Manager House - New Roads & Parking - Pathways
- Maintenance Barn
- Screen Cemetery with planting
- Develop nature trail - Parking area
Master Plan Key Map
Relic Feature Landscape Feature
Current visitor center building Touring network Phase One
Development 49
The construction of the Visitor Center and the new streets with parking must be developed early because it is the entry and needs to all be developed together in order to generate revenue needed to fund further implementation of elements in the master plan. This phase involves most of the new development in the master plan, which consists of several new structures of which one will be a residence.
A
This phase involves significant changes to the site and will initiate the new plan for circulation as signage is installed to direct drivers and pedestrians where to go. Construction of the Story-Telling Area and Pavilion will allow for better events and bigger crowds early on. People attending events regularly will also be able to witness the development progress. Phase One of development includes construction of the following: • Visitor Center • New street and parking • Story telling area • Capitol Street pedestrian thoroughfare • Outfitter Building • Park Manager House • Maintenance Barn • Canoe/Kayak launches • Oak Street Parking area • Nature Trail • Vegetative screening of cemetery • Signage (Vehicular) Highlighted materials A. High-traffic brick pavers B. Crushed stone and dirt
50 Development
B
Plan for development of park entry in Phase One
View of central plaza at Visitor Center area
Design Proposal 51
Phase Two Site Phase 1 Phase 2
Phasing progression map
52 Development
Pathway
- Crocheron Site Development - Pedestrian Street Development
- Vehicular Accessible Street Development
Master Plan development for Phase Two
Relic Feature Landscape Feature
View of existing Vine Street
Touring Network Phase Two
Development 53
The implementation of Phase 2 will involve a few areas of new development but will primarily focus on making changes to existing roads and adding sidewalks along Capitol and Vine street in the orininal town center. Some of the new development will consist of new vehicular access streets connecting to existing or newly constructed streets in Phase 1. It will also consist of a boardwalk connecting two existing streets across a creek-bed and an extension of Vine Street. The existing Crocheron site will involve construction of new pathways made of either permeable pavement or compacted crushed gravel. It will be necessary to conduct some clearing of invasive plant species in this area as well. Once this phase is complete, some of the planned tours can begin. The relic tour shown on the touring diagram on pg. 53 in red will be the first tour available for visitor use.
Enlarged plan of Crocheron Columns site for Phase Two
Phase Two includes construction of the following: • New vehicular streets (Orange) • New pedestrian paths/streets (Red) • Crocheron site • Improving existing streets according to plan
View of Crocheron Columns site looking South
54 Development
View of existing Capitol Street 3
A
B
C
Street development will involve selecting materials that will be durable and drain well. These materials must also require low-maintenance. Some of these materials include: A. Crushed stone and dirt for side paths B. Gravel mix C. Existing Capitol Street asphalt and aggregate mix
Typical Pedestrian Street Character
Development 55
Phase Three Site Phase 1 Phase 2 Phase 3
Phasing progression map
56 Development
Pathway
- Capitol & Vine Street Plaza
- Boardwalk
- Pedestrian Street & Trail Development
Master Plan development for Phase Three
Relic Feature Landscape Feature
Touring Network Phase Three
View of existing Capitol Street terminus
Development 57
View of proposed plaza looking east
Phase Three begins the development of several features not originally part of the town’s historic character. The Capitol Street and Vine Street Plaza is to be constructed replacing the existing traffic circle and stone monument. This plaza, as mentioned in the Proposal chapter, is designed to represent the “rise, decline, and renewal� of Cahawba. This design is meant to be interpretive yet functional. The fragmented eastern edge of the plaza serves as steps that create spaces for seating in small groups. The plaza will be made up of permeable brick pavers. Flowering trees are to be planted within the plaza, so there must be areas left open in the paving. A gravel sub-base layer should be applied before a setting layer of sand. After pavers are laid, another application of sand is spread over the pavers to fill gaps. The sand will allow rain-water to filter into the soil. The Alabama River bluff boardwalk should be constructed with the consideration of constantly fluctuating river levels. The schematic design for the board walk illustrates a technique which would allow it to float and remain anchored as the river rises and rest on the bank which once served as a road.
Enlarged Plan of Capitol and Vine Street Plaza for Phase Three
Other development in this phase consists primarily of modifying existing roads into pedestrian streets and constructing several of the interior nature trails
58 Development
Plaza seating and step detail sketch
- Steel cap, prevents boardwalk from detaching from anchors and floating away if waters rise above anchor height - Wood decking, sealed 2x4 or 2x6 boards to ensure low-maintenance costs
- Wood joists, sealed 4x4 beams for framing support and are bolted to polyethylene blocks - Molded polyethylene block, bolted to support joists to allow for floatation when the river rises - Steel rings mounted to decking to allow boardwalk to rise along concrete pylons
Alabama River bluff boardwalk
Pylon and ring mount, Mission Bay, CA 21 - Concrete pylons used to anchor the boardwalk and allow for vertical movement
Development 59
Phase Four Site Phase 1 Phase 2 Phase 3 Phase 4
Phasing progression map
60 Development
Pathway
- Boardwalk
- Nature Trail Development
- Bicycle Trail Development
Master Plan development for Phase Four
Development 61
Phase Four outlines the implimentation of the remaining trails and boardwalks on site. This phase will be one that may be carried out with potentially less funding than other phases and may utilize volunteer groups such as Boy Scouts of America to install some of the nature trails in this phase. If the option to use volunteer groups is considered, construction is required to adhere to the design of the master plan. Each trail should be constructed using materials that are very low maintenance and must withstand flooding. Due to the increasing threat of flooding and erosion, it is possible to use different materials in certain areas. Using a medium-size limestone gravel may be a potential option for slow draining and flood-prone areas and leaving the trail bare in higher elevated areas. Connecting the trails across the creeks and streambeds will be bridges, designed similar to the Alabama River bluff boardwalk as anchored floating structures. The floating boardwalks, however, will be limited to areas most susceptable to flooding. Other locations, such as stream-crossings will use basic foot-bridge designs in accordance with site-specific conditions.
Enlarged plan of boardwalks proposed in Phase Four
Schematic section of floating boardwalk proposal
62 Development
Example section of trail relationship to Cahaba River
Recycled hardwood mulch22
#57 Limestone aggregate23
Pine-straw mulch24
Examples of materials potentially used for trail construction
Relic Feature Landscape Feature
Touring Network Phase Four
Example of nature trail - Columbia, MO25
Development 63
Phase Five Site Phase 1 Phase 2 Phase 3 Phase 4 Phase 5
64 Development
Pathway
- Primitive Campground & Comfort Station
- Lodging Development
- Primitive Campground & Comfort Station
- Perine Well & Garden Development
Master Plan Key Map
Development 65
The final phase of construction is completed with the development of the amenities of lodging and camping along with the Perine family well gardens. As discussed in the Proposal chapter, the camping and lodging while separate operations, will be tied by a partnership to provide revenue assistance to the park. The lodging site will likely be a significant provider in that sense. The lodging, although schematically shown to the right, should be constructed to represent a rural enclave (farm-like setting) similar to that people may encounter along the highways of central Alabama. The designs of these buildings should remain rustic, yet inviting. The primitive camp-grounds proposed on site, will build upon the revenue generation for the park. They will likely be an attraction for kayakers/canoers coming off of the river trails for an evening or touring cyclists on the 1830 railroad trail. The camp-grounds provide such a great opportunity for outdoorsmen to enjoy the park for its natural beauty and learn about its relic beauty in the process. The construction of the camp-sites will consist of clearing plots approximately 30ft x 30ft leaving trees of a designated minimum caliper alone. At main access points of the camp-grounds should be signs promoting “leave-no-trace� camping. This would push campers to clean up their camp-sites better and reduce human impact on the land.
Enlarged plan of rural lodging proposed in Phase Five
Schematic sketch of two small lodges
66 Development
Schematic sketch of the large dog-trot style lodge
Development 67
Appendix Street & Trail Character Signage and Wayfinding Cahaba Blueway
Street & Trail Character Although Cahawba is a ghost town which lacks the certain physical traits of an urban environment normally required to develop street character, the site is unique in that its urban form is now the thick masses of trees that grew tall in the place of crumbled buildings. It is important that the streets that are planned to be developed, particularly near the original core of the town, maintain a certain character reminiscent of their state during the early years of Cahawba’s life. Most of the streets throughout the site will be predominantly used by pedestrians, so the need for higher-impact paving materials will be low. The pedestrian streets will consist of materials of low impact such as crushed compacted gravel. The Capitol Street pedestrian thoroughfare will remain paved but should be refurbished to some degree. Street trees will line the main axis of Capitol Street and Vine Street. Some objects, such as benches and signs will be foreign, of course, however they are necessary for a comfortable and informative visitor experience. Nature trails for this site will be simple paths cut into the earth. Some trails may require mulch or gravel to help prevent erosion so that they may endure long periods without maintenance. These trails will also have directional and informative signage as well as rest locations with natural forms of seating such as large logs. It is important to provide these trails for visitors so that they can enjoy the natural landscape of Cahawba and learn about its past at the same time.
70 Appendix
Typical Pedestrian Street Character
Typical Nature Trail Character
Appendix 71
Signage & Wayfinding Through the development of Cahawba’s circulation plan, it was deemed necessary to initiate the design of signage for wayfinding as well as education. Developing signage, particularly for pedestrians, would help people navigate the site easily and learn more about it through interpretive makers. It is important that the signs are legible and unique in character so that people notice them in the landscape, however they should represent the site through their form. The signs’ forms are based on shapes or features already found on site. The arched form that is consistent with most of the signs is derived from Arch Street, a strong definitive feature of Cahawba’s historic street pattern. Concrete posts, which is found in the form of concrete markers located on the site that show where the original streets once existed, will be used to signify areas of relic features. Corten steel is a material that will be introduced to the signage concepts and will be used consistently. Its durability and character make it a good choice of material to replicate throughout the site. Perhaps the most important signs will be those directing drivers to the park from Highway 22 and where to go once in the park. Although it is only a few signs to direct this movement, they are crucial in creating the experience that this master plan strives to achieve. These few signs are the key to creating a pedestrian atmosphere that is needed to provide a strong experience as well as protect the sensitive archaeological features on site.
72 Appendix
Relic Sign Natural Sign Vehicular Sign
Master Plan Key
Signage Illustrations
Appendix 73
References Documentation Imagery
Documentation “Discovering the Landscape”. Jan 2012. “Cahawba in the 1800’s”. January 2012 “Boom Times Ahead”. January 2012 “Cahaba Federal Prison”. February 2012 “The Black Belt Prairies of Old Cahawba”. February 2012 “The Sultana Tragedy”. February 2012 http://www.oldcahawba.com/ National Park Service. US Department of the Interior. “Logical Lasting Launches: Design Guidance for Canoe and Kayak Launches”. Spring 2004. February 2012. Dailey, Jessica. “Hudson River Brownfield Site Transformed into Sustainable Long Dock Park”. Inhabitat. 2011. accessed March 2012. http://www.inhabitat.com
76 References
Imagery 1. Alabama Historical Commission 2. Alabama Department of Archives and History 3. Linda Derry, Alabama Historical Commission 4. 2006 Foxx Trotters Cavern 5. Clean Water Partnership 6. Birmingham Southern College 7. Talladega National Forest 8. US National Forest Campground Guide 9. City of Selma, Alabama 10. Alabama Department of Transportation 11. Microsoft Corporation. 2012. www.bing.com/maps 12. City of Chattanooga, Tennessee 13. Scott Keller 14. Roger Lewis, Lower Colorado River Authority 15. James Ewing. 2011 16. Dubach Restoration and Beautification Organization 17. (Shack Up Inn) 18. (cracker house) 19. Andrew Martin 20. (campground) 21. Cheryl Morgan 22. HH Wood Recyclers 23. Royalton Supply 24. Mulch Merchant 25. City of Columbia, Missouri
References 77