Colquitt Design Considerations (Summer 2021)

CO LQUIT T D O W N TO W N D E V E LO P M E N T D E S I G N C O N S I D E R AT I O N S SUMMER 2021

| FRONT COVER IMAGES BY COLQUITT/MILLER ARTS COUNCIL, KATHRYN CROCKETT, INTERIOR IMAGE BY KATHRYN CROCKETT

TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction ................................................................................................................ 9 Building Façade and Infill Opportunities ........................................................... 16

102 West Main Street ................................................................................ 18

103 North Cuthbert Street ...................................................................... 20

112 North First Street ................................................................................ 22

Tarrer Inn ...................................................................................................... 24

201 North Main Street .............................................................................. 26

181 South Cuthbert Street ....................................................................... 28

150 East Main Street ................................................................................. 30

152 East Main Street ................................................................................ 32

103 North First Street ............................................................................... 34

102 and 104 North Cuthbert Street ..................................................... 36

Streetscape and Public Greenspace Opportunities ...................................... 42

Town Square Design ............................................................................

44

Important Factors in Streetscape Design ......................................... 60

OUR PARTNERS

COLQUITT DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY Jayme Smith, Executive Director The City of Colquitt Downtown Development Authority (DDA) was created by an act of the Georgia Legislature in 1981. Its mission is to revitalize, redevelop, and expand the current business areas of Colquitt to develop and promote for the common good and general welfare, trade, commerce, industry, and employment opportunities and to promote general economic welfare of the city, county, and state. The DDA works as an arm of the city but is independently governed by a board of seven directors and privately funded. It is the goal of the DDA to enhance economic activities within the downtown corridor that contribute to the long-term growth of the city and community sustainability.

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THE GEORGIA MUNICIPAL ASSOCIATION Cindy Eidson, Director of Economic and Community Development Chris Higdon, Community Development Manager Stephanie Aylworth, Downtown Development Manager Created in 1933, the Georgia Municipal Association (GMA) is the only state organization that represents municipal governments in Georgia. Based in Atlanta, GMA is a voluntary, nonprofit organization that provides legislative advocacy, educational, employee benefit, and technical consulting services to its members. GMA’s purpose is to anticipate and influence the forces shaping Georgia’s communities and to provide leadership, tools, and services that assist local governments in becoming more innovative, effective, and responsive.

THE GEORGIA CITIES FOUNDATION Founded in 1999, the Georgia Cities Foundation is a nonprofit subsidiary of the Georgia Municipal Association. The foundation’s mission is to assist cities in their efforts to revitalize and enhance downtown areas by serving as a partner and facilitator in funding capital projects through the revolving loan fund. Its services include the Revolving Loan Fund Program, the Peer-to-Peer Mentoring Tour, Downtown Development Authority Basic Training, and the Renaissance Award.

CARL VINSON INSTITUTE OF GOVERNMENT

THE COLLEGE OF ENVIRONMENT + DESIGN

Danny Bivins, Senior Public Service Associate

Anna Shoji, Downtown Renaissance Fellow

Kaitlin Messich, Senior Designer

Andie Culbertson, Downtown Renaissance Fellow

T. Clark Stancil, Creative Design Specialist & Fellowship Coordinator

The University of Georgia’s College of Environment and Design (CED) has been consistently ranked among the top schools in the nation for both undergraduate- and graduate-level landscape architecture. CED also provides nationally accredited, innovative, and demanding programs in historic preservation, urban planning and design, and environmental ethics. Students are challenged to explore their unique, individual interest and creatively problem-solve contemporary issues, working with faculty to solve community issues in design charrettes. They also interact with clients, community organizations, and planning agencies. CED aims to connect its students with a large and accomplished alumni network as much as possible. Visiting professors, professionals, and lecturers provide frequent opportunities for students to network with and learn from renowned designers in a broad range of career options.

Allison Cape, Graphic Designer Karen DeVivo, Editor For more than 90 years, the Carl Vinson Institute of Government at the University of Georgia has worked with public officials throughout Georgia and around the world to improve governance and people’s lives. From Georgia’s early days as a largely agrarian state with a modest population to its modern-day status as a national and international force in business, industry, and politics with a population of over 10 million, the Institute of Government has helped government leaders navigate change and forge strong directions for a better Georgia.

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THE GEORGIA DOWNTOWN RENAISSANCE FELLOWSHIP

A

component of the Georgia Downtown Renaissance Partnership, the Georgia Downtown Renaissance Fellowship pairs

emerging design professionals from the UGA College of Environment and Design with local governments to enhance downtown development in communities across Georgia. Following a competitive selection process, graduate-level student fellows are selected for their design and communication skills as well as their overall commitment to community design. Over the course of the 12-week program, Renaissance Fellows work directly with their partner city, producing renderings and plans collaboratively

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| RENAISSANCE FELLOW ANDIE CULBERTSON

| RENAISSANCE FELLOW ANNA SHOJI

in a studio environment at the Institute of

was selected to take part in the 2021 Georgia

Government. Fellows hone their designs and

Downtown Renaissance Fellowship. Partner

planning expertise under the direction of four

cities are selected based on the criteria of strong

full-time design faculty and staff members. With

local leadership, community commitment, and

backgrounds ranging from historic preservation

fiscal readiness to act on projects.

and landscape architecture to graphic design,

Anna Shoji and Andie Culbertson, gradu-

these experts help guide the creation of profes-

ate students studying landscape architecture

sional-level plans and renderings produced by

at UGA’s College of Environment and Design,

student fellows over the course of the program.

worked directly with Jayme Smith and the

Since 2013, the Georgia Downtown

Colquitt Downtown Development Authority

Renaissance Fellows have assisted 21 commu-

(DDA) to address specific design opportunities in

nities across the state. With the assistance

Colquitt. Shoji and Culbertson incorporated local

of the Georgia Municipal Association and the

priorities to create design solutions and develop

Georgia Cities Foundation, the City of Colquitt

a vision for several key locations downtown.

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| 1906 SANBORN MAP OF COLQUITT

INTRODUCTION

L

ocated within the coastal plain region of Southwest Georgia, the City of Colquitt is the county seat of Miller County. The community has an estimated population of 2,274 people (996

households), with a median income of $29,677 and a median age of 35.0. 1 Since 1990, Colquitt has served as the home of Swamp Gravy, Georgia’s official folk life play. Envisioned as a community-building tool celebrating the culture and heritage of rural Southwest Georgia, Swamp Gravy has attracted international attention to Colquitt. For over 30 years, this ongoing storytelling and performance program has nurtured local pride, brought community members together, and attracted scores of outside visitors to the restored Cotton Hall performance venue. Murals celebrating individual Swamp Gravy plays and stories now bring life and color to buildings across Colquitt, earning the city the title of “Georgia’s First Mural City.” Despite critical assets like Miller County Hospital and Birdsong Peanuts, Colquitt has seen a slow decline in population and economic activity over the years.

With these issues in mind, in the spring of 2021, the City of Colquitt and the Colquitt Downtown Development Authority sought design

1

US Census American Community Survey 2015-2019 5-year estimates

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assistance from the University of Georgia’s

unique challenges and opportunities found in

Carl Vinson Institute of Government. In the

downtown Colquitt, including building façade

spring and summer of 2021, the Colquitt

improvements, streetscape improvements,

Downtown Development Authority worked

and beautification throughout downtown.

with Anna Shoji and Andie Culbertson of

Developed with the assistance and oversight

UGA’s College of Environment and Design to

of Colquitt Economic Director Jayme Smith,

outline a vision to guide the future develop-

the proposed designs included in this docu-

ment of downtown Colquitt. Known as the

ment rethink the relationship of downtown

Georgia Downtown Renaissance Fellowship,

amenities and activity centers to the commu-

this design assistance was made available to

nity. Together, these designs are intended to

Colquitt through a partnership of the Colquitt

spur community development to enhance

DDA, the Georgia Municipal Association, the

downtown Colquitt for its residents.

Georgia Cities Foundation, the UGA College of Environment and Design, and the UGA Carl Vinson Institute of Government.

This document helps visualize and conceptualize options for the future growth of downtown. Included designs respond to

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| IMAGE BY KATHRYN CROCKETT

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GRAC E ST

EXISTING

PINE ST

CONDITIONS

D

owntown Colquitt features local businesses, performance and entertainment venues, Miller County Courthouse, and Miller County Hospital.

Residential neighborhoods surround these downtown anchors just outside the downtown core. Many of the existing buildings are vacant or underutilized and could benefit from façade improvements and infill development. Downtown streets currently emphasize vehicular travel and present opportunities to improve safety by expanding sidewalks, adding safe pedestrian crossings, and making other accessibility improvements to help establish a walkable and attractive downtown.

HW

12

Y2

7

Miller County Hospit al

0’

200’

FIRST ST

CUTH BERT ST

N

Cotton Hall Theate r

SECO ND ST

MAIN ST

Miller County Courth ouse

COLL EGE ST

GRAC E ST

PROPOSED

Miller County Hospit al

PINE ST

DEVELOPMENT

T

his aerial plan view shows proposed future development to spur a revitalized downtown Colquitt. Buildings and areas for proposed

development are highlighted in pink.

Building façade and infill opportunities are concentrated around the Main Street, First Street, and Cuthbert Street corridors between the courthouse square and Miller County Hospital. Streetscape improvements throughout the downtown area are envisioned to provide better connections between major activity centers. A focus around the historic

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courthouse square, positioning it as the go-to community gathering place, could help bring more foot traffic and activity to downtown businesses.

For visitors, a strategically located welcome center would serve as a launching point to begin exploring Colquitt’s unique treasures.

HW

14

Y2

7

N

0’

200’

RENDERING VIEW GUIDE (in order of appearance) 1

102 West Main Street

2

103 North Cuthbert Street

3

112 North First Street

4

Tarrer Inn

5

201 North Main Street

6

181 South Cuthbert Street

7

150 East Main Street

8

152 East Main Street

9

103 North First Street

10 Fudge Warehouses

CUTH BERT ST

11 Town Square at Courthouse 12 Town Square (at Main Street/

FIRST ST

Cuthbert Street)

13 Town Square (at College Street/

Cuthbert Street)

14 Town Square (at First Street/

College Street)

15

15 Cuthbert Streetscape

3

16 Colquitt Story Boxes

10 9 2

7

6

1

8

MAIN ST

12

Miller County Courth ouse

SECO ND ST

5

Cotton Hall Theate r

11

4 14 13

COLL EGE ST

BUILDING FAÇADE AND INFILL OPPORTUNITIES

| IMAGES BY COLQUITT/MILLER ARTS COUNCIL, KACEE HOLT, AND KATHRYN CROCKETT

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< EXISTING

18

102 WEST MAIN STREET

T

his currently vacant building is located at the busy corner of North First Street and Main Street. The building features a covered drive-through/parking

area, a structural addition on the southeast corner, and a roof that is currently in disrepair. Crosswalks that provide pedestrian access to the building are fading and need repainting. To capitalize on its strategic location, several updates to the building could be made.

< PROPOSED Based on its location at the edge of the courthouse square, this site could be redeveloped as a welcome center and public restroom. An interactive wing mural and public restroom sign along the building wall create an eye-catching focal point to attract visitors. Moveable seating below an upgraded metal roof would create a public patio for downtown visitors. Streetscape improvements, including a repainted crosswalk, sidewalk bump-out with street tree planting, and vegetation screening on the property’s northern edge, would further assist in creating an attractive landing point for residents and visitors downtown.

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PROPOSED >

EXISTING >

T

his building is currently owned by the Downtown Development Authority and is home to MJ’s Apparel, a clothing boutique.

It is located just two blocks from the Miller County Hospital campus. Just north of the parcel is a large open lot.

The building could be repurposed as a restaura n t t o s e r v e w o r ke r s a n d v i s i t o r s a t t h e hospital. Façade and streetscape improvements including repainting the building, adding new signage, and extending and adding tree grates to the sidewalk would help tie the building to its surrounding context. The northern lot could also be utilized for outdoor seating, a dog park, and an additional parking area.

103 NORTH CUTHBERT STREET

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112 NORTH FIRST STREET

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Grant opportunities and other incentives through the Department of Community Affairs Region 10 could help redevelop this space into a training center for the hospital. Potential façade and streetscape improvements include new windows and doors, fresh stucco, an ADA access ramp, and wide tree-lined sidewalks. These upgrades would give new life to the vacant building and re-establish this property as a functional part of the local economy.

< EXISTING

two blocks from the Miller County Hospital. Owned by the Hospital Authority of Miller County, this building requires extensive interior and exterior remodeling. The parcel includes a large open area behind the building.

>

T

his currently vacant building is located along North First Street, one block north of the town square and

PROPOSED

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TARRER INN

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EXISTING >

T

he historic Tarrer Inn, originally built in the late 1800s, is located along Cuthbert Street across from the town square. The property sustained

damage during Hurricane Matthew in 2018, leading to ongoing structural issues. Updates to the building could help enhance the visual and structural integrity of the site and reclaim its status as a downtown landmark.

< PROPOSED:

Façade improvements could

include repainting the exterior of the building a fresh and welcoming white, removing old and outdated awnings, updating and repairing the roofs of the buildings, and adding hanging plants along the balcony.

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> PROPOSED:

The site would be desirable for food services, dry cleaners, or other uses because of the drive-through window and large lot behind the building that could be used for parking. The proposed rendering shows the building as home to a bakery with a drive-through window, outdoor seating, repainted exterior, and updated roof, windows, and doors.

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201 NORTH MAIN STREET

T

his former office building has a drive-through window and a large lot in the back. It is located along West Main Street, one block west of the

town square. Interior renovations would be required to redevelop the site, including plumbing and electrical updates. Additionally, exterior façade renovations could help refresh the site for a new use.

EXISTING >

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< EXISTING

28

T

his site has seen a variety of different uses in the past, including a dry goods store, grocery store, and most recently, a public defender’s office.

This property consists of two storefronts connected by a pass-through on the interior. The building exterior has a new roof, while the interior retains many of the original elements of the building, including the old bank vault and vintage floor tiles. The building is located at the corner of Cuthbert Street and Main Street, across from the town square.

< PROPOSED:

The various spaces within

the building could be redeveloped with a mix of uses, including retail, office, restaurant, or multifamily residential. Attention to and preservation of the historical elements inside the building could pay homage to past uses and enhance future use. Updates to the exterior of the building should include replacing torn awnings and streetscape improvements that a l i g n w i t h t h e p ro p o s e d to w n s q u a re p l a n .

Street trees and improved plantings in unused paved areas would create a more attractive space around the building.

181 SOUTH CUTHBERT STREET 29

EXISTING >

T

his site at the corner of Main Street and College Street currently houses a clothing and accessories shop. The current

structure could undergo minor façade and streetscape improvements to create a more attractive storefront.

Upgrades to the building and streetscape c o u l d i n c l u d e re p a i n t i n g t h e b u i l d i n g, adding new signage, activating the windows, and re-striping crosswalk lines.

PROPOSED >

150 EAST MAIN STREET 30

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< EXISTING

PROPOSED

152 EAST MAIN STREET

T

his vacant building at the corner of Main Street and First Street has been home to a game room, furniture store, and other uses. It is less than one block from the courthouse square. The exterior, east side wall houses the mural Neighbors , one of the most recognized murals in town. The mural faces a large open

lot adjacent to Cotton Hall, and information about the mural is provided via signage. The building requires major structural repairs, including the installation of plumbing and mechanical systems. Despite the work required, the strategic location of this property in proximity to the square and Cotton Hall presents an opportunity for a new use.

Structural and façade improvements could bring new life to this building as a restaurant, café, or event space. The rendering shows its proposed use as a tea house and event space. Aesthetic improvements include repainting the building exterior, replacing windows and doors, hanging planters along the windows, and adding new signage. Decorative pavers could be installed at the base of the mural information box in the adjacent lot.

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103 NORTH FIRST STREET

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< EXISTING

T

he former Automat Printers building is currently vacant and located adjacent to the proposed Colquitt visitor’s center.

Reprogramming the building for a new use would require repairs to the roof and interior.

< PROPOSED: Façade improvements could include a new coat of paint to the building and upgraded doors and windows. The building exterior also provides an opportunity for a new mural or green wall.

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102 AND 104 NORTH CUTHBERT STREET

FUDGE WAREHOUSES 102 North Cuthbert Street is the current site of three warehouses in varying conditions. Known as the Fudge Warehouses, this site sits less than one block north of the town square, two blocks south of the hospital campus, and across the street from potential new development at 103 North Cuthbert Street. This site is primed for possible teardown and redevelopment as multifamily residential. Housing on this site could serve as workforce housing for the nearby hospital and provide an attractive choice for those looking to live close to work and with convenient access to a redeveloping downtown. Given that the DDA owns 104 North Cuthbert Street directly north of this site, there is an opportunity to redevelop these two sites simultaneously.

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0’

PINE ST

100’

FIRST ST

CUTHBERT ST

N

104 102

MAIN ST 400 ft

A variety of options are available for residential development at this site, ranging in height and style. Three options for configurations are provided based on precedent sites in Madison, Canton, and Atlanta, Georgia. Each assumes a six-foot sidewalk and street trees along Cuthbert Street and driveway/automobile access in the rear.

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OPTION 1 Single-Story Detached This example from Madison shows single-story detached homes with yards and shared driveways among two units.

The site can accommodate four homes of this style. This development was designed and built for Madison’s DDA to expand the downtown housing stock.

CUTHBERT STREET

STREET TREES SHARED DRIVEWAY WITH REAR ACCESS 6’ WIDE SIDEWALK FOUR HOUSING UNITS 1,100 SF EACH

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STREET TREES

6’ WIDE SIDEWALK

CUTHBERT STREET

DRIVEWAY WITH REAR ACCESS SIX HOUSING UNITS 1,400 SF EACH

Shown is a development along West Marietta Street in Canton. These two-story detached homes feature yards and individual driveways for each unit. The site can accommodate six homes of this style.

OPTION 2 Two-Story Detached

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OPTION 3 Two-Story Attached In this example from Atlanta’s Atlantic Station development, these two-story attached duplexes include individual driveways for each unit. The site can accommodate eight homes of this style.

STREET TREES 6’ WIDE SIDEWALK DRIVEWAY WITH REAR ACCESS EIGHT HOUSING UNITS

CUTHBERT STREET

1,670 SF EACH

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| IMAGES BY COLQUITT/MILLER ARTS COUNCIL, JAYME SMITH, AND KATHRYN CROCKETT

STREETSCAPE AND PUBLIC GREENSPACE OPPORTUNITIES

TOWN SQUARE DESIGN

A

nchored by the Miller County Courthouse, the Colquitt town square is located at the central core of the downtown area. The location of the square along two state routes provides convenient access to those visit-

ing by car, and the square’s proximity to the downtown theater, businesses, and the Miller County Hospital is a major asset.

Notwithstanding its strategic central location, the square does not currently serve as a central gathering point for the community. This is in part due to the major gaps in pedestrian connectivity in and around the square and the car-centric design of the surrounding streets and parking area.

Taken together, the existing conditions around the square create an underleveraged community asset that is not currently much of a destination for residents or visitors. There are, however, significant opportunities when considering improvements to the square. These include creating a more seamless connection between the hospital and square, and working with the Colquitt-Miller County Chamber of Commerce, the Colquitt/Miller Arts Council (CMAC), and other entities to utilize the square for community events.

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CIRCULATION CONSIDERATIONS Despite the number of businesses on the streets surrounding the square, there is no sidewalk present along College Street and no connections from the surrounding businesses to the inner square. Even where sidewalks are present around the square, they are often in need of repair. This presents dangerous conditions for those traveling to the square on foot or visitors who are looking to park and walk to multiple destinations around the square.

*

x

FIRST ST

CUTHBERT ST

x

x

x

* *x

*

MAIN ST

COLLEGE ST

Roadway Intersection

Sidewalk

Intersection with Parking Lot

Roadway Direction

* Parking Lot Direction

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Trees

Shrubs and Ornamental Plantings

FIRST ST

CUTHBERT ST

MAIN ST

COLLEGE ST

LANDSCAPE CONSIDERATIONS An inventory of existing trees and plantings in and around the square reveals that while trees are present in the square, they are reaching maturity and lack diversity in age. There are no street trees along Cuthbert, First, or College Street to provide shade and visual interest for visitors. Furthermore, landscaping along Main Street is limited to smaller hollies and ornamental shrubs.

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On-Street Parking (52 spaces)

Off-Street Parking (125 spaces)

18 MAIN ST

14

30

29

FIRST ST

CUTHBERT ST

34

15

32 COLLEGE ST 5

PARKING CONSIDERATIONS The square is surrounded by a large amount of parking, with nearly 180 spaces directly surrounding the square with on-street or off-street access. While this provides convenient access for those driving to the square, the parking lots rarely reach capacity and interfere with safe pedestrian access. For example, the lack of defined edges between the parking lot and the roadway creates an environment that is dangerous and confusing to navigate.

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TOWN SQUARE MASTER PLAN

1

4

The proposed plan for the town square focuses

8

on two priorities:

1

Improving connectivity in and around the square to facilitate pedestrian flows between downtown busi-

2

nesses, Miller County Hospital, and Cotton Hall.

2

E n s u r i n g c o n t i n u i t y o f t h e t re e

6

canopy and other plantings in the town square and along the streets c a p e t o p ro v i d e m u c h - n e e d e d shade, visual interest, and protection of pedestrians from traffic.

1

This proposed plan for the town square and surrounding areas, as part of the larger downtown development strategy, can serve as a catalyst for revitalizing the downtown area.

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1

Improve intersections around square (crosswalk striping and plantings in islands)

2

Mid-block crossings at Main, First, and Cuthbert St.

3

Sidewalk along College St.

N 0’

1

7 2

4

2

7

5

9

4 1 3

4

Reclaim unused striped asphalt for pedestrians and landscaping

5

Reconstruct sidewalks around edge of square

6

I n c l u d e b u m p - o u t s w i t h t re e s t h ro u g h o u t parking area

7

Shade trees along Main St. and town square

8

Re-integrate hardscaped northwest corner of town square with appropriate landscaping

9

Bioswales for stormwater management

50’

TOWN SQUARE AT COURTHOUSE

B u m p - o u t s w i t h t re e p l a n t i n g s f ra m e t h e mid-block crossing that leads to the Miller County Courthouse entrance. ADA striping and new crosswalks expand access for elderly and disabled residents visiting the courthouse.

PROPOSED

(FACING WEST)

T

he main entrance to the Miller County Courthouse is located along First Street, mid-block between

EXISTING

College Street and Main Street. Despite the major

destinations of the courthouse and the Colquitt State Theater located directly across the street from one another, there is no direct connection for pedestrians.

This area is surrounded by an excessive asphalt parking area with very limited landscaping or shade.

51

< EXISTING

T

aken from in front of the Miller County Courthouse and facing the Colquitt Theater,

this image shows existing conditions at the entrance to the Miller County Courthouse.

PROPOSED:

The proposed modi-

fications include the addition of a mid-block crossing with striped crosswalk and ADA access for the sidewalks. Sidewalk bump-outs with tree plantings break up the parking lot and provide much-needed shade and visual interest. Tree plantings could include larger oak trees in the parking lot area and Natchez crape myrtles along the roadway in front of the Colquitt Theater.

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TOWN SQUARE AT COURTHOUSE

(FACING EAST)

53

>

MAIN STREET AT CUTHBERT STREET

54

PROPOSED

< EXISTING

T

he square and the roadway near the intersection of Main Street and Cuthbert Street contain a large amount of asphalt and concrete, which creates

wider-than-necessary roads. This area also shows the lack of defined edges between the parking lot and the travel lanes. Although the roadway striping and a concrete island are intended to help define the road, more permanent solutions like bump-outs or landscaped areas could help improve safety and establish distinct zones.

< PROPOSED:

Areas at the edges of the

parking lot with unused striped asphalt could be reclaimed for pedestrians and landscaping, including laurel oak or other large-canopy street trees and pink muhly grass. These new elements would help define the edges of spaces and provide shade and visual interest in and around the square. The paved northeast corner of the square could be re-integrated with the surrounding area with appropriate landscaping.

55

EXISTING >

T

he intersection at College Street and Cuthbert Street features a large amount of unused striped asphalt. This includes a striped island

area at the center of the intersection, a concrete strip south of the parking lot, and striping on the south side of College Street. College Street lacks sidewalks, and the intersection lacks any kind of pedestrian crossing.

PROPOSED

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COLLEGE STREET AT CUTHBERT STREET

The excess asphalt areas could be reclaimed for pedestrians and landscaping. This image shows a row of Natchez crape myrtles along the north side of College Street, new sidewalks along the south side of College Street, and a new crosswalk with a pedestrian refuge island connecting College Street with the town square. Planted with pink muhly grass, this island creates a safe and attractive crossing area for pedestrians. All sidewalks should be designed for ADA access as shown.

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PROPOSED >

EXISTING >

T

he southwest corner of the town square contains a deep and hazardous stormwater inlet within a striped section of asphalt. Pedestrian

crossings providing connection to the square are lacking, and plantings in the area are limited.

The existing stormwater feature could be transformed as a bioswale, and trees and shrubs could replace the striped asphalt. Using appropriate plants could allow this feature to treat and mitigate excessive stormwater runoff, providing a functional yet aesthetic solution. Striped

precipitation

pedestrian crossings with ADA access could be provided to the west of the bioswale to connect downtown businesses to the town square. stormwater runoff

evapotranspiration

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DIAGRAM BY KELSEY BROICH

captured runoff infiltration soil mix gravel

FIRST STREET AT COLLEGE STREET

What is a bioswale?

A bioswale is a stormwater management technique that uses vegetated plantings to capture and treat stormwater runoff. This process helps filter out pollution from roadways, beautify the roadside, recharge the groundwater, reduce stormwater runoff, and provide habitat for pollinators and birds.

drain

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IMPORTANT FACTORS IN STREETSCAPE DESIGN Streetscape design plays a significant role in how residents and visitors navigate a community. Some key considerations when designing a streetscape include accessibility, legibility and navigability, comfort and safety, and visual interest.

1

ACCESSIBILITY. S t r e e t s c a p e s must provide access between desired locations for all users (e.g. pedestrians, wheelchair users, cyclists, driv-

An effective streetscape must be easy to read and navigate. For example, it should be clear where a sidewalk or a road

ers). This includes appropriate sidewalks (at

begins and ends. Some streets within

least 6’ in width), curb cuts for ADA access,

Colquitt fail to provide adequate legi-

and crosswalks at major intersections. For

bility where roadways and other areas

Colquitt, major destinations include the

converge, due to lack of formal features

Miller County Courthouse and the Miller

separating uses, as well as lack of main-

County Hospital; therefore, adequate access

tenance (i.e. lawn mowing/edging,

should be provided around and between

sidewalk repairs).

these two areas.

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2

LEGIBILITY/NAVIGABILITY.

3

COMFORT AND SAFETY. Users must feel comfortable and safe while maneuvering the streetscape. This includes appropriate use of landscaping

4

VISUAL INTEREST. Well-designed streets should also include elements to create visual interest for a more enjoyable user experience.

such as street trees to provide shade,

Landscape elements such as planting

proper maintenance of streetscape

strips and bioswales can create inter-

elements including sidewalk repair, and

est while also providing environmental

appropriate lighting at night. Benches

functions. Additionally, elements like

and sitting areas can also improve

wayfinding signage, murals, and place

comfort and safety by allowing users to

markers can help highlight import-

sit and rest, while providing an opportu-

ant aspects of the local community and

nity for more “eyes on the street.”

points of interest.

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CUTHBERT STREETSCAPE 62

EXISTING >

O

vergrown grasses, narrow sidewalks, and lack of visual interest along Cuthbert Street create an uninviting and potentially unsafe

environment for pedestrians. Although this street connects downtown and the Miller County Hospital over two blocks, those who have the option would be unlikely to choose to walk that distance.

< PROPOSED: Streetscape

improvements

can include low-cost and easy-to-implement fixes such as maintaining grass with regular mowing and edging, pressure-washing sidewalks, and planting trees along the edges of roads and sidewalks. These simple fixes could go a long way toward establishing access between the commercial downtown district, hospital, and surrounding residential area.

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C

olquitt is known as the Mural City of Georgia, including the Gospel of the

Rock mural along Main Street. As part

of the Millennium Mural Project, the community has mapped and installed informational “story boxes” at some of the most prominent murals.

These boxes provide context for the mural on display, but often lack visibility or include broken elements.

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< EXISTING

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COLQUITT STORY BOXES

PROPOSED:

Signage and story boxes that are broken should be replaced, and decorative pavers could be installed at the base of these elements. This simple and low-maintenance addition would help establish a sense of arrival at the mural and help tell Colquitt’s story to locals and visitors alike.

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| IMAGE BY KATHRYN CROCKETT

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THANK YOU Thank you to the Colquitt Downtown Development Authority, the Georgia Municipal Association, and the Georgia Cities Foundation for making this report possible. We also thank the Community and Economic Development staff at Georgia Power for providing critical funding for this project.

A special thank you to Jayme Smith for her time and dedication to this effort. We are indebted to her for her continual assistance and guidance during the development of this document.