BRINGING ACTIVITY TO UNDERUTILIZED BUILDINGS

This underused building is in the heart of downtown along City Hall Avenue. Inappropriate alterations made to this structure over the years do not enhance the building’s features.

Proposed

This rendering shows proposed changes to the building and City Hall Avenue streetscape. The ground floor spaces are shown as artist studios that serve dual purposes as combination studio spaces and storefront galleries. The rendering shows façade improvements and signage for the entrances to these studio spaces. The entrance to Robinson Karate has been updated to increase parking, improve accessibility, and better match the aesthetic of the building. A large mural of a dragon and the business name could become an instant landmark. Street trees are shown in the parking area and near the sidewalk. The rendering shows a widened sidewalk to allow for more foot traffic, and street parking has been moved further down the street and reconfigured as angled spaces. The existing “Smith Bros.” mural is left as-is to pay homage to the building’s past.

Proposed

This rendering shows what this building could look like as a music venue. The roll-up door and ramp make for an inviting and accessible entrance, beckoning anyone walking by to come in and explore. The wooden addition is shown with the walls removed to make a covered deck or patio. A mural painted on the left side of the building announces the venue name. Outdoor lighting and colorful lights help make patrons feel safe visiting at night.

Opportunities For Creativity

EXISTING: This utilitarian corner of the parking deck across from the arts center would usually be overlooked, if not hidden entirely. Instead of an eyesore, this area could be an opportunity for creativity.

Existing

Highlighting The Clock Tower

EXISTING: The clock tower on the corner of this parking deck makes a nice landmark and focal point but fails to make the deck itself much more inviting.

PROPOSED: Bright, cheerful colors bring life and joy to this overlooked corner. Small gestures like this creative touch make people feel like someone cares about the place and their experience in it.

PROPOSED: This rendering shows the same view with additional lighting including string lights in the nearby tree. The clock tower’s usually dark windows have an inviting glow. The clock face also has a warmer, friendlier color, a change easily made by using different bulbs.

I Heart Carrollton Sculpture

EXISTING: Taken from Cliff Street, this image shows the vacant city-owned property along US-27. Local leaders have identified this lot as the site of future mixed-use infill development.

Existing

Event Promotion

EXISTING: The concrete tower above the arts center fades into the background and goes unnoticed by most. However, the blank, light-colored wall creates a perfect canvas for projecting images.

Existing

Proposed

PROPOSED: This concept shows the formerly vacant lot transformed into a vibrant mixed-use development. The plaza in the foreground includes a large “I heart Carrollton” sculpture ideal for taking photos with friends. Movable Adirondack chairs in Carrollton green visually tie these elements to the city’s brand.

Proposed

PROPOSED:This rendering shows a projection advertising the Concerts at the Amp series. A bright, animated projection at night would draw the attention of many visitors and residents and help promote the wide diversity of existing events to more residents and visitors.

Opportunities For Creativity

EXISTING: Each of Adamson Square’s four quads features a similar configuration of benches and trees. Benches are a classic streetscape element but do not allow for larger groups or alternative configurations.

EXISTING: The wall of Sprinkles Donuts along Newnan Street marks the entrance to downtown for many visitors. A large, white wall presents an excellent opportunity for a gateway mural.

PROPOSED: This rendering shows permeable mats around the existing trees, which allow people to use more of the available space. Moveable Adirondack chairs also let people choose whether to sit in the sun or shade and adjust for different group sizes. String lights are more pleasant and inviting than floodlights, but they are still bright enough to create a feeling of security at night. Cheerful murals also activate the space during the day. The tiger illustration by Jillian Tamaki is used for example purposes only.

PROPOSED: This rendering shows a proposed mural design that takes inspiration from the Sprinkles logo. The mural advertises the business while also signaling arrival to downtown Carrollton.

THESE LOW-COST, DIY OUTDOOR GAMES ARE A GREAT WAY TO ACTIVATE PUBLIC SPACE AND ENCOURAGE PEOPLE TO SPEND TIME OUTSIDE.