downtown

greening

Greening is an extremely beneficial amenity for any downtown, greatly increasing the enjoyment of visitors.

before

5 years phase one: street trees Street trees help to shade and cool areas intended for high pedestrian use, in addition to better defining the space. While greening has begun along 2nd Street (the main thoroughfare) this concept should be expanded throughout the downtown area. Tree canopies help screen the buildings and in turn can create curiousity that will draw people in. Eventually, larger canopies will provide a sense of security to those passing beneath them, and a great level of shade will be achieved to promote a steady flow of pedestrian traffic downtown.

30 years

TIME LAPSE OF WEST 2ND STREET. Current conditions leave pedestrians largely in the heat and glare of the sun (top). In five years, tree canopies will help shade storefronts as well as provide a barrier between street and sidewalk (above). In 30 years, larger canopies will cool the downtown and provide a beautiful shaded canopy (right).

greening

before

CURRENT CONDITIONS (above). East 2nd Street.

PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS (below). A day scene of East 2nd Street that illustrates how an increased number of street trees would affect the aesthetic of 2nd Street in five years.

5 years top 5 reasons to green downtown Trees provide shade and help cool the air. “Heat islands” resulting from the storage of thermal energy in concrete, steel, and asphalt, are three to ten degrees warmer than green space. Greening provides natural beauty, building character, and shape, form, and texture. It can be used as a screen for necessary utility areas. Greening adds economic viability. A scientific study showed that 75% of customers prefer to shop in places that are well landscaped. Greening has a positive impact on commercial value, with landscaped areas enjoying higher occupancy and rental/lease rates. Trees help reduce energy costs by providing a cooling effect in the summer and a windbreak in the winter, resulting in burning less fossil fuels to generate cooling and heating. www.selectsustainabletreetrust.org

CHERRY STREET MEDIAN (above). A median that allows for a crosswalk and handicap access.

CHERRY STREET (right). Current conditions on Cherry Street. after

greening

phase two: a median In addition to the planting of street trees along sidewalks, increasing the amount of greenspace downtown with a median on Cherry Street would provide both a visually welcoming entry to visitors driving on US 84, as well as a comfortable gathering spot for downtown workers and customers to rest. The proposed median would take the place of the single row of parking currently occupying the center of the street. However, the available parking will not decrease as there will be new parking lots on both Cherry Street and Wiley Avenue in the near future.

before

greening

a venue Wiley

MASTER PLAN. The end-goal for the greening of downtown Donalsonville. 2nd Street

Woolfork Avenue

Us 84

greening

phase three: alley greenway The downtown area of Donalsonville has a number of alley areas that are currently dusty spaces for holding trash bins. These alleys, especially with the convenience with which they align, could easily be turned into a “greenway” for pedestrians. Planting grass, providing stepping stones to follow, and erecting fencing to screen trash bins would be of minimal cost. Crosswalks added to connect the alleyways across roads could be painted green in keeping with the theme of the greenway, and inexpensive lighting could be added, allowing for safe use of the space at night as well. Adding murals and benches would create an outdoor art gallery with seating.

greening

after

VIEW OF GREENWAY (opposite top). An overview of the alley greenway concept including the median on Cherry Street, and green crosswalks to guide pedestrians through a public art throughway.

ALLEY VIEW (opposite bottom).

GREENWAY AT NIGHT (left). The section depicted is that between Cherry Street and Woolfork Avenue. Blank expanses of brick would be ideal for murals, while the currently boarded windows can display other works.

CURRENT ALLEY VIEW (below).

before

after

greening

“GREEN TRIANGLES.” Throughout downtown, are triangles that are “no parking areas,” so that cars turning from perpendicular streets will not hit parked cars. These triangles could easily be converted to small green spaces that will give downtown a more green feel without affecting the number of parking spaces available.

before

facade improvements

In many cases the improvement of downtown properties may be achieved through paint and proper branding.

Many downtown facades may be greatly improved through the application of fresh paint and interesting graphics that should reflect the logo or branding of the business occupying the space.

BEFORE & AFTER. Not only does the application of new paint and lettering, and the addition of the business’ logo make the space itself more appealing, but it increases the visual interest for the surrounding area as well. after

before

displays

Displays create general visual interest in the downtown area.

COURThOUse LOBBY (left). The Courthouse would be an ideal location for a display that would serve as the departure point for a historic showcase.

OsCeOla hOTel (opposite). Windows in the upper stories may be used for playful paintings or sihlouetted figures.

displays

Displays may serve as information centers for residents or tell the history of the place for visitors.

as the starting point should have a display of photographs and local artifacts. Vacant buildings throughout downtown may become part of the tour by agreeing to house items in their display windows. The vacant portions of the old Osceola Hotel building would be ideal as there are many empty windows in succession.

historic displays: It is proposed that the Courthouse and Chamber of Commerce be used as a starting point for a “History of Donalsonville and Seminole County” showcase. The location that serves

displays

Window displays can change the face of a town overnight by providing both visual interest and self promotion.

2ND STREET WINDOW DISPLAYS (above). An example of displays that will be informative for residents, including upcoming events, student artwork, and athletic teams. local displays: Visually engaging window displays will pull individuals through the downtown corridor even when vacancy rates are high. When the space is not currently being used for commercial purposes, the presence of a display shows a connection to the town character and the interests of its residents.

displays

successful display tips designate a volunteer coordinator change frequently (at least once a month) create clean and simple designs use bright lighting use light, bright colors repeat shapes, colors, pattern and texture cluster items in groupings of 3 or 5 vary height and depth of items to carry the eye through are visually pleasing and informative

farmers market / flea market

Consistent programming in the downtown area will bring visitors and resdients to local businesses.

This design was inspired by Donalsonville’s agricultural roots and utilizes a stylized watermelon as the roof of the market area. The market structure is simple, with a curved metal roof and wooden central structure on a cement platform. Vendors are able to bring tables and chairs to set up their items under the shade of the roof, which also protects them from rain. If the market is successful additional structures may be built, or vendors may set up tents or umbrellas with tables in the surrounding lot. Donalsonville currently has a makeshift flea market area located behind Hardee’s that needs a more permanent and aesthetically appealing structure. The goal is for the area to be simple and inexpensive while serving as a physical indicator of the market and provide shelter for vendors. The structure can also be used for a farmers market on specified days, and would serve as an asset to pull individuals from the surrounding area to Donalsonville’s downtown to purchase fresh produce and crafts. Begin hosting a farmers market one Saturday per month and expand from there based upon success.

MARKET OPTION 1 (above left).

MARKET OPTION 1 SIDE VIEW (left).

farmers market / flea market

MARKET OPTION 2 (above). This design uses simple and inexpensive materials: a wood and chicken wire structure with a tin roof. The roof slopes toward the back so waterflow is directed away from the structure. Climbing vines may be planted at base of the chicken wire sides, so the structure will green itself. Stall separation allows for individual vendors to set up tables and chairs while keeping track of their items.

This idea also allows for the easy addition of more stalls at little cost.

MARKET OPTION 2 SIDE VIEW (right).

youth activity center

A Youth Activity Center would provide the young people of Donalsonville with their own place to gather, and would bring people, traffic, and events to downtown.

Turn an empty space downtown into a Youth Activity Center. Two suggested buildings are the former dentist’s office on Woolfork Avenue, and the large, empty structure on the corner of Cherry and Third Streets. The facility does not have to be open every day; begin with 2-3 days per week. For example: Tuesday, 3-6 p.m., providing an afterschool program with homework help, and Friday, 3-9 p.m., with a pizza and movie night. Some couches, tables and chairs, a TV, and perhaps a video game system and/or a DVD player would be

WOOLFORK LOCATION (left). This image demonstrates the feasibility of turning a former dentist’s office on Woolfork Avenue into a downtown youth center.

youth activity center

a great start. Ideally, all of these items may be obtained second hand from community members. See if local businesses would be willing to sponsor meals or an activity. While adult oversight in the form of volunteer parents and/or church leaders is necessary, create a board of directors of local youth leaders to choose activities and come up with creative new events.

CHERRY LOCATION (above). This image demonstrates the feasibility of using a vacant building on Cherry Street as a downtown youth center. Donalsonville’s youth would benefit from having a Youth Activity Center that could offer tutoring, mentoring, and youth activities for after school hours and during the summer. These drawings show how each proposed location could easily be converted to an afterschool center.

youth programming

Currently, the youth of Donalsonville are underserved. Below are some ideas for youth activities.

youth activities Chalk Walk Festival – A theme such as multiculturalism, peace, patriotism, or heroes is chosen for the event. The “canvas” consists of one parking space per team, and must be created entirely in multicolor chalk. The drawings then remain as public art until the next rainstorm. Dive-In Movie Night at Lake Seminole – Movie screenings at the Lake. Karaoke Night – Video games such as SingStar may be used Video Game Tournament Powder Puff Football Book Club

CHALKWALK EXAMPLE (above). Chalkwalks are a great way to foster creativity and teamwork as well as friendly competition amongst young people. An additional benefit is the interest and beauty it can temporarily provide to the downtown area. Fort Wayne Museum of Art Chalk Walk ‘09.

youth resources Seminole County Recreation Dept. Bainbridge YMCA Boys and Girls Club of Dothan Seminole County School System

calendar of events

Currently offered events are shown in blue, while future suggestions are shown in red.

march – Planting Festival or Farm Day: This event would be held in the spring as a counterpart to the fall Harvest Festival, celebrating the beginning of a new growing season. Parade and display antique tractors and other farm equipment; tractor pulls; food, arts and crafts vendors; music; children’s games; cook-off; out of town hunting tours

april – Shellcracker Tournament & Festival

may – Historic Festival: Turn the historic downtown area into a living history experience with period dress and reenactments. Display photos of what buildings previously looked like for “then and now” comparisons. Events may include equipment (i.e. old cotton gin) demonstrations.

june – Fly-in: Make use of the airport between downtown and the lake. A candy drop, spot landing contest, and plane rides would be highlights of this event. Also make use of local vendors and craftspeople. july – Fourth of July Celebration august – Chalk Walk Festival: Teams of students decorate the sidwalk, street, or parking lot with artwork depicting a predetermined theme such as “multiculturalism” or “heroes.” The pieces become public art until the next rainstorm.

september – Touch a Truck Day: This event will give young children the chance to have hands-on contact with construction and farm equipment in addition to rescue and service vehicles. The event will serve as a fun, educational opportunity for children, and a marketing opportunity for participating groups.

october – Harvest Festival & Downtown Trick or Treat

november – Spirit of Christmas december – Christmas Tour of Homes

PRODUCE TRUCK (right). Yet another option for beginning a farmers market is to have vendors display their good in the beds of their trucks along a designated street on the chosen day. This would be the most inexpensive option and would serve as a test-run to see if a larger-scale, more permanent farmers market would be profitable both for vendors and the city.

CLASSIC CAR SHOW (opposite). A classic car show is another low-cost event that may be sponsored by the chamber, city or county. It can draw auto enthusiasts from the surrounding area as well as local residents. Cherry Street would be an ideal location as it is a single block that would accomodate a large number of vehicles and may be shut down for the day without hindering the flow of traffic around Donalsonville. It will also be visible to passers by on Us 84.

events

farmers market concept

events

classic car show concept

FARMING MURAL (above). Mural of a farmer and child on a horse, in an agricultural field located on the north wall of the building at the intersection of 2nd Street and Tennille avenue.

THE EXISTING MURALS SHOWN ARE WORKS BY EARLE BURKE.

“murals are a contract between people about what is important and how they want to identify their place.”

– Jeremy Nowak, urban development leader

murals

Murals give a town character as well as visual interest.

The collection of murals depicting historic landmarks already in Donalsonville’s downtown area can be expanded upon readily, at little cost. Additionally, a walking tour of these artworks may be established. There are two main reasons for a town to continue creating murals: tourism and community beautification. A number of cities around the world have established a primary trade in tourism based upon their murals, while even more have used the murals as a way to encourage community involvement and enhance community pride while beautifying their cities. If Donalsonville residents decide to continue expanding the mural collection, a volunteer mural board may be established. This board should be representative of all stakeholders, and would be in charge of collecting ideas and choosing painters for each new mural. Ideally members should rotate off of the board after a certain period of time so that a mix of fresh ideas and experience is always present.

murals

THEATRE MURAL (above). Mural of an old timey theatre scene located on the south wall of the Olive Theatre on Woolfork

avenue.

NEW MURAL POSSIBILITY (right). The structure on the corner of US 84 and Wiley Avenue is an ideal place for a new mural, having two blank walls facing main roadways through Donalsonville.

first street trail

The 1st Street area is currently being under utilized and is seen as an eyesore rather than a potential resource.

OPTION 1. Proposed improvements to the 1st Street area. option 1: Create walking areas using a porous pathway material such as mulch or pea gravel to allow water to infiltrate the ground. A constructed, slightly raised boardwalk through areas that regularly experience standing water issues would allow visitors to enjoy this space at all times. Native tree plantings, especially those capable of flourishing in occasionally damp soils, would provide shade, while low maintenance, drought tolerant native shrubs and perennials provide visual interest. To attract both children and adults to the area, a simple wooden platform with railings can be built on the existing concrete ramp for those eager to watch the trains pass.

The addition of seating to the viewing platform will attract more visitors to the space. This may be accomplished by adding built-in benches to the railing or stand-alone park benches.

CURRENT CONDITIONS (left). Green space on 1st Street, June 2010.

first street trail

option 2: Constructing a series of rain gardens would address water runoff issues in a more effective manner. These gardens are constructed depressions that retain water and allow infiltration, preventing runoff. Rain gardens can minimize pollution by nearly 30%, while also greatly decreasing standing water that has resulted from previous rain events. Plants native to Southwest Georgia commonly found at wetland edges, such as rushes, ferns, sedges, and small trees should be utilized. A covered platform in the style of an old train station, including railings and seating would attract use for informal and formal events. It may be used as a picnic area, for parties and festivals, and as a venue for live music, creating a more park-like atmosphere.

OPTION 2 (above). Proposed long-term improvements that will create a park-like atmosphere and encourage the use of the space for recreation and events.

OPTION 2 (left). An illustrative cross section of a typical rain garden.

phased maps

As the gateway to downtown, US 84 must announce arrival into the City of Donalsonville, encouraging visitors to stop.

84 39

91

91

39

CORRIDOR MAP (above). US 84 focusing specifically on the downtown corridor.

TARGET AREA (right). In order to preserve Donalsonville’s small town, historic nature, guidance is necessary to prevent the emergence and expansion of continuous strips of incompatible development in this corridor.

84 US 84 must act as a benefit to the downtown district of Donalsonville. If properly addressed, US 84 has the potential to create a unique introduction to the downtown district of Donalsonville. Loosely planned roadside commercial developments, when set into a traditional, historic community such as Donalsonville, can produce a damaging effect on a town’s character and quality of life. Inadequately planned and regulated strip development also spawns traffic congestion, competing signage and incompatible architecture. In order to combat such issues, Donalsonville must promote the greening and character of the US 84 downtown corridor district.

Knox Avenue a venue Wiley 2nd Street

Us 84 Woolfork Ave. Tennille a venue