STREETSCAPE AND ALLEYS

Thanks to the efforts of local leaders and groups like the DDA, Baxley has already made some phenomenal strides in improving the streetscape and pedestrian experience of their downtown—but how can it be even better? The concepts that follow build on the work already happening in Baxley and imagine what could take those efforts to the next level. The main recommendation throughout these concepts is trees. A tree-lined street is a pedestrian’s best friend, making shade and creating a barrier between the sidewalks and the busy roads downtown. Baxley already has the infrastructure for a significant number of street trees in the form of bump-out planters. Why not make the most of them?

Two major highways intersect right in the middle of downtown Baxley: US Highway 1 and Golden Isles Parkway. Both are four-lane roads with fast, high-volume traffic all day. Programming the existing alleyways is a good way to improve pedestrian activity, build local character, and prioritize safety downtown.

Streetscape And Alleys Westside Alley

This alley, located on the west side of downtown Baxley, connects Park Avenue and Tippins Street. On Park Avenue, the alley is flanked by an Appling Healthcare building and South Georgia Insurance Associates. While the Park Avenue side is wide enough for three lanes of traffic, the Tippins side narrows to allow one car. This makes the area awkward to use for vehicular traffic despite the presence of a drive-through window on the alley side of the Appling Healthcare building on the left. The alley is currently used for occasional parking and maintenance access, but not much else. The concepts developed for this area take advantage of existing features without cutting off utility access.

PROPOSED: This rendering shows the alley as the site of a pedestrian-focused pocket park. Trees are shown planted in tree wells within the brick-paved surface that matches the surrounding sidewalks. Recommended species include Chinese elm (Ulmus parvifolia), trident maple (Acer buergeranium ‘Streetwise’) and black gum (Nyssa sylvatica), which has stunning autumn color. Both walls are shown with colorful murals. The underutilized hospital building on the left is shown repurposed as a café, which could use the existing drive-through window as a pickup order window. Built-in benches line the left-hand wall, and playful curving benches can be used for many different configurations of seating or playing. The green patch on the right side is shown as a mini playground with some play boulders, a tiny swinging bridge, and musical instruments on the wall. The small grey building is shown as a walk-up coffee counter.

Barnes Drug Store Alley

This location along busy Highway 1 already has bump-outs placed nicely for a potential crosswalk. A midblock crossing in this location could significantly improve pedestrian accessibility downtown and connect alleyways on either side of the highway, creating an important link between both sides of downtown. The unique character and programming opportunity of this alley could help draw visitors across the street and encourage them to explore all downtown Baxley has to offer.

PROPOSED, RIGHT:

This rendering shows a proposed façade renovation of the Barnes Drug building with an ice cream shop inside. The façade of the building has been painted, while the side is left natural brick. A side entrance welcomes foot traffic from the alleyway as well as creating a more secluded spot for patio seating with string lights and movable tables. A crosswalk connects two alleys on either side of the street.

PROPOSED, BELOW: This option shows the same renovation with a brighter color palette, evoking a cheerful “beachy” ambiance. Without the awning, this option showcases the historic masonry and matches the other buildings nearby.