LaFayette RSVP by Spectrum Studio, Carl Vinson Institute of Government

L AFAY E T TE

Renaissance Strategic Vision and Plan (RSVP)

Master Plan 2021-2023

L AFAY E T TE

Renaissance Strategic Vision and Plan (RSVP)

Master Plan 2021-2023

Table

SPECIAL THANKS: This project was made possible by the generous support of the Lyndhurst Foundation. We extend our deep appreciation and gratitude to the Lyndhurst Foundation for its commitment to improving communities across the metropolitan Chattanooga region. The support of this critical partner proved instrumental in galvanizing the community efforts that have guided the formation of this planning work and ongoing improvements in LaFayette.

CON TENTS 1. Credits

........................................ PAGE 4

LaFayette Master Plan 2021-2023

2. The RSVP Process

.......... PAGE 6

Downtown Strategic Planning and the RSVP Process

3. Introduction 4. Top Issues 5. Street Trees

......................... PAGE 8

RSVP in LaFayette

..............................PAGE 11

LaFayette Top Issues

......................PAGE 170

Tree Recommendations for LaFayette

Renaissance Strategic Vision and Plan (RSVP) – LaFayette, Georgia

4a.

CONNECTIVITY.....................................P 12

4b.

THE LOOK..................................................... P 54

4c.

SOMETHING TO DO.................. P 90

4d.

EAST OF THE SQUARE......... P 134

4e.

IMPLEMENTATION..................... P 154

i. ii. iii. iv.

i. ii. iii.

i. ii.

The LaFayette RSVP Master Plan........................P 15 Main St. and the Square.....................................P 19 Side Streets: Villanow St. and Patton St............ P 30 Chattooga River Greenway and the Ross Abney Complex.................................... P 44

Façades and Downtown Properties.................. P 58 Civic Buildings......................................................P 76 Gateway & Arrival ............................................. P 84

Outdoor Dining and Events.................................P 94 Mars Theater District Designs.......................... P 106

Short-Term Strategies....................................... P 138 Long-Term Strategies........................................ P 146

Policy.................................................................. P 155 Action Items........................................................ P 158

Renaissance Strategic Vision and Plan (RSVP) – LaFayette, Georgia

RSVP Credits

Renaissance Strategic Vision and Planning Process LAFAYETTE RSVP STEERING COMMITTEE Andy Arnold Mayor Ben Bradford Attorney | Former Councilman Julie Carter Vice President | Bank of LaFayette | Chair LaFayette Downtown Development Authority (LDDA) Josh Chapman Owner | Chapman Jewelers Don Coleman Local Citizen | Retired Corporate Manager Chris Davis LaFayette City Councilman | Realtor Theresa Dorsey Local Citizen | Substitute Teacher Kristen Bentley Main Street coordinator Derrick Fielder Minister | LaFayette First Baptist David Hamilton City Manager Brian Hart Walker County Commissioner Stan Porter Walker County Planning Commission Alicia Reagan Marketing Professional | Americans with Disabilities Advocate David Schwind Principal North LaFayette Elementary Jeremy Staton Vice President | Loan Officer Bank of LaFayette | LDDA Member Scott Underwood City of LaFayette Director of IT and Events Lugenia Vasser Assistant Principal LaFayette High School Stephanie Wardlaw Local Investor | Civic Organization Member Elizabeth Wells Director of Economic Development | Office of Economic Development

CITY OF LAFAYETTE MAYOR AND COUNCIL Andy Arnold Mayor Beacher Garmany Council Member Ward 1 Anthony Underwood Council Member Ward 2 Judy Meeks Council Member Ward 3 Chris Davis Council Member Ward 4 Wayne Swanson Council Member At-Large

LYNDHURST FOUNDATION Benic “Bruz” Clark III President and Treasurer Macon C. Toledano Associate Director Kathleen Nolte Program Director

THRIVE REGIONAL PARTNERSHIP Bridgett Massengill Executive Director

THE GEORGIA MUNICIPAL ASSOCIATION AND GEORGIA CITIES FOUNDATION Cindy Eidson Director of Economic and Community Development Chris Higdon Community Development Manager

THE UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA CARL VINSON INSTITUTE OF GOVERNMENT Danny Bivins Senior Public Service Associate, Principal Investigator Kaitlin Messich Senior Designer T. Clark Stancil Landscape and Urban Designer Leigh Elkins Senior Public Service Associate Kelsey Broich Creative Design Specialist Eleonora Machado Creative Design Specialist Nicholas Riker Graduate Assistant Anna Shoji Graduate Assistant Karen DeVivo Editor

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Renaissance Strategic Vision and Plan (RSVP) – LaFayette, Georgia

The RSVP Process Renaissance Strategic Vision and Planning Process

THE RSVP PROCESS COMBINES THE BEST PRACTICES OF COMMUNITY-LED STRATEGIC PLANNING, DESIGN, AND ACTION-ITEM IMPLEMENTATION.

Every RSVP includes three key steps. The initial public input process provides local citizens and stakeholders the opportunity to express their goals, objectives, and values honestly. Through this community dialogue, residents discuss what they would like their downtown to look and feel like moving forward. By hearing one another and discussing their ideal versions of their community, residents are able to arrive at a consensus vision of their future. Facilitating these community conversations ensures that professional planners and designers determine the kind of future a community wants and reflect these priorities in plans, renderings, and other designs. Talking about local priorities and ideal futures only goes so far.

The second step of developing a downtown strategic vision is bringing that community’s ideal vision to life. Trained design professionals listen to the community members detail their unique vision. Designers use renderings, plans, and more to help illustrate the picture local citizens can see in their collective minds’ eye. These designs represent community solutions to transform the built environment. The design interventions can be either short or long term, from a simple can of paint on a prominent building to long-term improvements like streetscaping, park designs, or potential mixed-use infill developments. Whether they encompass small or large projects, the conceptual designs created speak directly to the priorities and vision articulated by community members, their ideas and solutions captured

and brought to life on the page. These designs represent the goals and objectives of the community. Taken together, they illustrate the community-determined, consensus vision of how their downtown will look and feel in the future. These designs are then used to guide strategic planning, prioritize decision making, and inform local officials who will direct the future of the downtown. While a particular design may show a building occupied by one tenant or another, unless requested by property owners or community partners, this plan does not prescribe specific uses for commercial buildings. Rather than advocating for one particular business over another, renderings that show new tenants, signage, and more are used to help residents visualize activity in downtown buildings.

Renaissance Strategic Vision and Plan (RSVP) – LaFayette, Georgia

Study area

Introduction LaFayette, Georgia

LAFAYET TE, GEORGIA OFFERS THE CITY’S 7,237 RESIDENTS A WARM AND WELCOMING COMMUNITY WITHIN EASY COMMUTING DISTANCE OF CHAT TANOOGA.

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Featuring many tree-lined streets with historic homes and a well-regarded local school system, LaFayette is a safe and inviting place to call home. Founded as the seat of Walker County in 1835, LaFayette continues to serve as the central business, institutional, and cultural hub for

the surrounding area. Known for nearby natural resources like Pigeon Mountain and Rock Town, LaFayette’s scenic surroundings offer a variety of attractions for those seeking an active lifestyle. With popular attractions like Joe Stock Park, the LaFayette Golf Course, the beautifully renovated LaFayette– Walker County Library, and a lively recreation center with playgrounds, playing fields, and more, LaFayette offers residents quality-of-life benefits that appeal to every age. With popular events like the Honeybee Festival, LaFayette continues to build on the city’s family-friendly appeal and strong sense of community. While LaFayette has made many recreation and infrastructure improvements over the past few decades, the city’s downtown has not kept pace

with the growing community. Once a central common green and the vibrant heart of the community, the city’s historic downtown square was sacrificed to highway development in the 1960s. Today Main Street (GA-1) cuts directly through the center of the old square, flanked on either side with large parking areas for downtown merchants. With the expansion of local highways and the construction of the US-27 bypass, many businesses have gravitated from the downtown area to sprawling new developments along US-27. The general movement of day-to-day commerce outside of downtown has left some downtown buildings vacant or underutilized. In 1998, LaFayette High School moved from a large campus near downtown to a new complex near the bypass. Relocating this regular community destination left an empty campus and created hole in the fabric of downtown, further shifting activity and life away from the heart of the community. Recent improvements like attractive streetscaping and utility upgrades along Main Street have refreshed the appearance and function of many downtown streets and sidewalks over the past few years. However, downtown has also witnessed several setbacks, including the demolition of several prominent buildings. Where special events like the Honeybee Festival once attracted regular activity to the square, relocating these community events has also siphoned traffic and community life away from downtown. Many of the main corridors

Renaissance Strategic Vision and Plan (RSVP) – LaFayette, Georgia

While LaFayette has made many recreation and infrastructure improvements over the past few decades, the city’s downtown has not kept pace with the growing community.

radiating from downtown are also in need of improvement. Currently housing a mix of underperforming older strip centers, corridors including Villanow Street and Patton Street could be significantly improved to attract the type of growth and development desired by the community. In response to these challenges and the desire to bring new life and activity to the downtown area, representatives of the city reached out to the Lyndhurst Foundation to explore developing a plan for downtown. Following approval from the foundation, LaFayette leaders engaged planning and design professionals at the University of Georgia’s Carl Vinson Institute of Government to help develop a vision for downtown. The LaFayette Renaissance Strategic Vision and Plan (RSVP) emerged from the public input of over 1,200 residents. Local voices informed design solutions that address the most pressing issues in the community. Design concepts produced in this plan show improvements to vacant areas downtown, creating “something to do” by growing the variety of dining and entertainment; addressing connectivity between downtown and the surrounding area, façade improvements, corridor beautification; and developing policy recommendations

RSVP Session Public input participants discuss downtown at an April 2021 focus group.

for downtown. Generously funded by the Lyndhurst Foundation with support from the Georgia Municipal Association and Georgia Cities Foundation, the plan that follows outlines this vision for downtown. With representatives from across the city, county, and community organizations, the diverse LaFayette RSVP Steering Committee spearheaded planning efforts in the community. This dedicated group of local citizens and government officials refined community priorities and helped guide development of the final plan. The LaFayette RSVP Steering Committee reviewed the hundreds of individual public responses from step one of the RSVP process to determine the community’s top concerns. The resulting top priorities guided the strategies and designs found throughout this plan.

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Top Issues 1. CONNECTIVITY

• Streetscape Improvements » Improve Villanow St., Patton St., Main St. Corridors • Town Creek Greenway Trail » Link Downtown and Surrounding Assets with a Multiuse Trail

2. THE LOOK

• Beautification, Planting Trees, Gateway and Arrival Improvements • Façade Improvements » Illustrate Improvements to Downtown Façades for the LaFayette Downtown Development Authority

3. SOMETHING TO DO

• Grow a Variety of Dining and Entertainment Options

4. EAST SIDE OF SQUARE

• Short-Term Programming and Beautification » Create a Downtown Location for Temporary Events and Activities • Long-Term Design Solutions » Downtown Infill Development » Corner Park Planning

5. IMPLEMENTATION • Policy • Action Items

WHERE ARE WE NOW Working with local leaders, Institute of Government staff initiated step one of the LaFayette RSVP in April 2021. This process included one-on-one interviews, in-person focus groups, and a community-wide survey with 1,148 total responses. Focus group, interview, and survey responses show that LaFayette residents cherish the strong sense of place and community found here. Residents indicated many positive aspects of the community, including LaFayette’s strong local identity, history, recreation options, and the unique features and places that make the community special. According to the community survey,

the majority of local residents utilize downtown daily and over 87% like some things about the area. Across all responses, many locals cited a common theme: the community sees the immediate need to address vacant spaces downtown, including the empty lot on the east side of the square. When asked what they did not like about downtown, 77% of survey participants mentioned the empty east side lot, rundown buildings, and vacant storefronts. Further, many see the need for beautification and expanded maintenance of features like streets and sidewalks. Many local

voices cited the need to attract and retain younger people as critical to the long-term health of the community. Elements of this include attracting “something to do” downtown, from increasing the number and scope of children’s events and live music to walking trails and outdoor dining. Over 420 survey participants indicated that they did not like the lack of dining options downtown. Connectivity was a consistent topic among public input participants. Residents frequently mentioned the need to repair and extend sidewalks, develop trails, and connect downtown from the square to the Mars Theater District and beyond.

Renaissance Strategic Vision and Plan (RSVP) – LaFayette, Georgia

4a.

CONNECTIVITY A city’s streets and sidewalks help make the first impression of the community for visitors and residents. i. ii. iii. iv.

The LaFayette RSVP Master Plan.......................P 15 Main Street and the Square...............................P 19 Side Streets: Villanow St. and Patton St........... P 30 Chattooga River Greenway and the Ross Abney Complex................................... P 44

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Many local residents pointed to North Main Street as an example of what an ideal LaFayette could look like. With consistent sidewalks connecting historic residential areas with Joe Stock Park, the square, and beyond, North Main Street is a regular destination for local joggers and pedestrians. With attractive residences and a welcoming canopy of large trees, this corridor sets the local standard of how streets should function in downtown LaFayette. While many of LaFayette’s downtown sidewalks have been improved with attractive streetscaping, the city’s streets and sidewalks were a frequent topic in step one of the RSVP process. While the streets immediately surrounding the downtown square generally include improved sidewalks, marked crosswalks, and other pedestrian amenities, major corridors like Duke Street and Villanow Street lack consistent sidewalks and welldefined crossing areas. Throughout step one of the RSVP, residents from across the community cited the need to better connect the traditional downtown area with the growing Mars Theater District a third of a mile west of the square. To safely connect these two hubs, local leaders must prioritize improvements to the Villanow and Patton Street corridors. On both streets, excessive pavement width and low traffic volumes create optimal conditions for speeding through the area, harming connectivity and creating potentially dangerous conflicts between vehicles and pedestrians. Excessive paving, continuous curb cuts, and other conditions that privilege vehicles over walkers rob locals and visitors of amenities like sidewalks and treelined landscape buffers. To address these issues, many local residents in step one of the RSVP suggested a “road diet” on Patton Street and Villanow Street to reduce unnecessary lane width, slow excessive speeding, construct continuous sidewalks, and create a more visitorfriendly downtown.

Renaissance Strategic Vision and Plan (RSVP) – LaFayette, Georgia

ROAD DIETS Used throughout the country, road diets are simple but innovative roadway reconfigurations that improve safety, boost livability, and advance an area’s economic vitality. Road diets aim to improve safety for all roadway users while increasing livability by creating a pedestrian-friendly environment. Often as simple as restriping roads to remove excessive travel lanes and include elements like on-street parking or bike lanes, road diets are among the most affordable ways to reconfigure a city’s existing streetscape to create the safe, inviting, and accessible environment desired by residents.

Unlike historic residential areas along North Main Street, much of downtown lacks any significant canopy coverage. Along the downtown square, heat-retaining brick sidewalks and a lack of large street trees make walking to downtown businesses or attempting to enjoy a meal outdoors an uncomfortable experience for many months of the year. Along Patton Street, bump - outs created in a 2012 streetscaping project remain unplanted. Failing to plant these features is similar to spending a lot of money on an expensive car and then never bothering to fill up the

gas tank. Planting trees ranks among the most affordable, effective, and enduring improvements that any community can make. Selecting the proper street tree species allows these critical elements of urban life to thrive and contribute to downtown for generations. Expanding landscaped bump-outs and planting large-canopy street trees where possible could help beautify downtown, bring shade and comfort to pedestrians, and slow vehicular traffic, encouraging more locals and visitors to spend time and money downtown.

School campus, and Queen City Lake. Near downtown, much of the land along the Chattooga River is already controlled by the local government and related authorities. While plans for the Chattooga Greenway included in this plan are well under way, many residents see the long-term potential of connecting the trail to an expanded Town Creek Greenway. Developing multiuse trails along these waterways could forever connect community destinations, tying these assets to downtown and growing LaFayette’s reputation as an outdoor destination.

In addition to improvements to the city’s street and sidewalk network, many residents in step one of the RSVP noted the transformational potential of linking key community assets with a greenway trail. Originating just north of town, the Chattooga River could connect a number of key community destinations including the Ross Abney Athletic Complex at the former LaFayette High School. South and east of downtown, Town Creek connects major destinations like the LaFayette Golf Course, the Recreational Complex, the Senior Center, the modern LaFayette High

Many residents do not realize the efforts under way to address these long-standing issues. Already, LaFayette is working with a dedicated project manager and regionallyrecognized landscape architects and planners to improve Villanow Street and Patton Street and expand tree planting downtown. LaFayette is also actively developing the first phase of the Chattooga River Greenway. Moving forward, the city should continue to prioritize safe, accessible, and attractive downtown streets and work to maintain and expand existing streetscaping.

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L A FAY E T T E

RSVP BOUNDARY

LAFAYET TE MASTER PLAN While addressing the top issues raised by community members in step one of the RSVP, the downtown master plan was produced to help guide local leaders and inform future design concepts prepared for the community. While this master plan will be updated as the planning process continues, it currently addresses the core downtown area including LaFayette Square and the corridors radiating from it. During interviews and focus groups, dozens of residents noted how much they admired the historic tree canopy and attractive older homes found along the residential portions of Main Street. This plan helps extend that tree canopy downtown and creates a legacy for future generations. By addressing the appearance and function of key corridors, including Main Street, Villanow Street, Patton Street, Duke Street and the nearby Mars Theater District, this master plan envisions a more vibrant, welcoming, and connected downtown LaFayette for all residents. With scores of proposed street trees, expanded sidewalks, multiuse trail connections, and more, this concept envisions reconnecting neighborhoods with downtown LaFayette. Together, these improvements help ensure that downtown is the heart of this growing community.

Renaissance Strategic Vision and Plan (RSVP) – LaFayette, Georgia

MARS DISTRICT see map on left

PROPOSED: MARS THEATER DISTRICT SEE PAGE 106

PROPOSED: LAFAYET TE MASTER PLAN

4a.ii

CONNECTIVITY: Main Street and the Square

ONCE HOME TO THE HISTORIC DOWNTOWN SQUARE, THE SECTION OF MAIN STREET BETWEEN VILLANOW STREET AND PAT TON STREET REMAINS THE CENTER OF DOWNTOWN LAFAYET TE.

From the 1950s onward, much of the area became dedicated to the expanded highway (formerly US-27) and a large parking area. While US-27 has since been rerouted around the historic downtown, this section of Main Street continues to be the most heavily traveled and highly visible downtown corridor. According to figures from the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT), 8,800–9,500 vehicles pass through this section of Main Street daily. While parking on either side of Main Street remains an essential provision for downtown businesses, the existing parking areas could be more efficiently designed to incorporate larger sidewalks, landscaped buffers, and other features. The plan for this area, shown on the opposite page, significantly reduces the oversized backout area of the one-way parking access and shrinks the existing paved shoulder to incorporate two large central planting strips and 8–10’ sidewalks. As shown in the plan, 40 new large-canopy trees would bring a significant and long-lived shade canopy to the square, making the area more attractive and pleasant to spend time in year-round. While these changes significantly improve the appearance, function, and pedestrian safety within the square, this plan retains the same amount of parking available currently and the same travel and turn lane area that exists today. By connecting Main Street and creating new planted buffers, the plan for this area shows the former square restored and transformed into an accessible, green, and pedestrian-friendly central hub.

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LAFAYET TE SQUARE PLAN

CONNECTIVITY: Main Street and the Square

LEGEND GRAY-RINGED CIRCLES EXISTING TREES

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BLACK RINGS PROPOSED (LARGE-CANOPY) SMALLER CIRCLES (SOUTHWEST) CRAPE MYRTLES

Renaissance Strategic Vision and Plan (RSVP) – LaFayette, Georgia

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MAIN STREET AND THE SQUARE

PROPOSED

CONNECTIVITY: Main Street and the Square

EXISTING

EXISTING: This photo shows existing conditions along Main Street (GA-1). Currently, no buffer exists between the busy highway and the undersized 5’ sidewalks. The lack of a significant tree canopy makes this area uncomfortable to explore much of the year.

PROPOSED: This design concept uses underutilized paved areas to introduce two welcoming tree-lined landscaped buffers and 8–10’ sidewalks connecting Main Street across the former square. While providing shade, the formal plantings of attractive willow oaks help slow speeding traffic and signal arrival to downtown. This concept also shows improved pedestrian crossings at the intersection with Villanow Street.

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CONNECTIVITY: Main Street and the Square

PROPOSED, OPTION II

PROPOSED, OPTION II: This secondary concept shows the willow oaks replaced with Natchez crape myrtles. This concept includes street trees often used along GDOT rights-of-way.

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Renaissance Strategic Vision and Plan (RSVP) – LaFayette, Georgia

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EXISTING

PROPOSED: EAST SQUARE

CONNECTIVITY: Main Street and the Square

EXISTING: This parking access route, East LaFayette Square, includes a 35’ one-way backout area. Standard 60-degree angled parking requires a backup area less than half that size, making most of this paved area wasted space. Large expanses of unbroken asphalt also increase stormwater runoff and harm pedestrian connectivity by making crossing distances longer.

PROPOSED: By reducing this unnecessarily wide backout area, LaFayette could create a significant downtown tree canopy to improve the appearance and function of the downtown area. Replacing the existing ornamental holly shrubs with more significant large-canopy trees would bring much-needed shade downtown. Often used for civic spaces before the 1950s, the blight-resistant American elms specified are a low-maintenance largecanopy street tree that helps connect this space to the past. While still incorporating more than enough room for vehicles to move around parked delivery trucks, this concept could make the area feel more like a traditional downtown square.

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CONNECTIVITY: Main Street and the Square

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Renaissance Strategic Vision and Plan (RSVP) – LaFayette, Georgia

4a.ii

EXISTING

PROPOSED: WEST SQUARE

CONNECTIVITY: Main Street and the Square

EXISTING: West LaFayette Square includes an oversized 30’ one-way backout area. Large expanses of unbroken asphalt harm pedestrian connectivity, increase stormwater runoff, and make this area hot and uncomfortable in the summer. Small ornamental evergreens provide little shade or aesthetic appeal.

PROPOSED: Shrinking the oversized backout area allows for improvements including a continuous planting strip and expanded sidewalks along Main Street. The large-canopy street trees shown enhance the appearance of downtown and provide much-needed shade.

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CONNECTIVITY: Main Street and the Square

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Renaissance Strategic Vision and Plan (RSVP) – LaFayette, Georgia

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PROPOSED: MAIN STREET AND VILLANOW

CONNECTIVITY: Main Street and the Square

PROPOSED: Removing curb cuts and incorporating landscaped bump-outs significantly improves the appearance of this parking area. These updates also enhance pedestrian safety and connectivity. This design shows the existing corner sign replaced with an attractive masthead sign on the Walker County Messenger office. Across Main Street, creating a landscaped buffer in the striped asphalt area could further enhance the look of downtown.

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CONNECTIVITY: Main Street and the Square

EXISTING: Home to the local newspaper, this prominent corner lot in the center of downtown could be enhanced with landscaping and an improved parking area.

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EXISTING

Renaissance Strategic Vision and Plan (RSVP) – LaFayette, Georgia

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LANDSCAPE SELECTION

CONNECTIVITY: Main Street and the Square

Among the most trouble-free and lowmaintenance landscape selections, crape myrtles are tough plants appropriate for many otherwise inhospitable conditions in downtown areas. Where utility lines or other conditions prohibit large-canopy trees, unpruned crape myrtles are an appropriate tree selection that offer abundant blooms, a fine vase-shaped form, and handsome bark. These and other attributes make the adaptable crape myrtle among the most popular landscape trees throughout the South. To get the most benefits from these plantings, the city should select only the tallest cultivars, Natchez or Muscogee (Lagerstroemia ‘Natchez,’ Lagerstroemia ‘Muscogee’). In addition to stunning summer blooms, these trees can reach over 30 feet in height to provide shade to sidewalks and on-street parking areas. While common, improper pruning of crape myrtles can leave trees permanently disfigured. Local leaders should work with the local UGA Extension to educate maintenance crews and department heads to prevent unnecessary topping of crape myrtles and provide instruction in proper pruning techniques. While among the lowest maintenance landscape selections, crape myrtles can be selectively thinned to create single-trunked specimens and can benefit from the judicious removal of root suckers. UGA Extension agents could also consult local landscaping crews on correct cultural practices to ensure these trees grow and contribute to downtown over time. Additional landscape selections, including large-canopy street trees, can be found in chapter 5 of this document.

PROPOSED: MAIN STREET NORTH

EXISTING

EXISTING: Improved continuous sidewalks and many older large-canopy trees make North Main Street a popular destination for local joggers. Many of the available landscape beds along the corridor are unplanted.

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CONNECTIVITY: Main Street and the Square

PROPOSED: Planting street trees in available planting beds could enhance the appearance of this corridor and create a sense of arrival. The Natchez crape myrtles shown are a good choice for tight planting beds with overhead power lines.

Renaissance Strategic Vision and Plan (RSVP) – LaFayette, Georgia

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CONNECTIVITY: Side Streets: Villanow Street and Patton Street

CONNECTING THE HISTORIC SQUARE AREA WITH THE MARS THEATER DISTRICT

While less traveled than Main Street, Villanow Street and Patton Street are important downtown corridors that help connect the historic square area with the Mars Theater District to the west. Throughout step one of the RSVP, local residents often pointed to these corridors as needing improvement. Featuring an assemblage of aging strip centers, few trees, and little landscaping, and dominated by asphalt paving and parking areas, both corridors feel past their prime. Unlike the GDOT-controlled Main Street corridor, these two streets are locally controlled, giving city leaders more freedom to make improvements along these corridors. According to the most recent data from GDOT, in 2020 downtown traffic counts along Villanow Street near the intersection with Cherokee Street averaged 4,450 vehicle trips daily. Nearby Patton Street at the

Brookwood Square shopping center averaged just 1,850 daily vehicles. Both streets saw a fraction of the average daily traffic of Main Street, which features travel lanes as narrow as 10.5’. With 16’–17’ travel lanes, both Patton Street and Villanow Street are dangerously oversized. Significantly oversized travel lanes encourage speeding and harm pedestrian safety and connectivity. Particularly in an area with many continuous curb cuts, oversized travel lanes that encourage speeding also create unnecessarily dangerous conflicts between drivers entering the roadway from adjacent parking areas. Further, despite regular pedestrian traffic, no marked crosswalks exist along Villanow or Patton Streets from the intersection of Main Street to the intersection with Chattanooga Street in the Mars Theater District, roughly a third of a mile to the west.

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Throughout downtown LaFayette, but particularly along the Villanow Street and Patton Street corridors, implementing road diets that shrink oversized roadways could improve safety and accessibility while allowing for expanded amenities like sidewalks, landscaped bump-outs, planting strips, and formalized on-street parking. Plans and renderings created for these corridors illustrate how shrinking unreasonably large travel lanes could create opportunities for a multiuse trail, bike lanes, attractive street trees, landscaped buffers, and more. Combined with narrower travel lanes and less pavement where applicable, these or similar traffic-calming measures could help slow traffic to safe and manageable speeds, making streets safer and more hospitable to all users. Such measures would ensure that LaFayette’s streets are friendly and welcoming to all visitors and residents.

VILLANOW STREET BETWEEN SOUTH CHEROKEE AND OAK STREET

EXISTING

CONNECTIVITY: Side Streets: Villanow Street and Patton Street

EXISTING: This section elevation shows typical conditions along Villanow Street outside of the immediate downtown area. This example from between South Cherokee and Oak Street includes two 16.5’ travel lanes, a 6’ sidewalk, a 4’ unplanted landscape strip on the north side, and 2–5’ of unimproved right-ofway. Travel lanes greater than 12’ are considered oversized. Oversized travel lanes encourage speeding and create hazardous conditions for pedestrians.

PROPOSED

PROPOSED: Pedestrian, landscape, and streetscape improvements using the existing right-of-way could transform this corridor. This section elevation shows travel lanes reduced to 11’, with additional space dedicated to expanded planting strips and a 10’ multiuse sidewalk.

Renaissance Strategic Vision and Plan (RSVP) – LaFayette, Georgia

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EXISTING

PROPOSED: VILLANOW CORRIDOR

CONNECTIVITY: Side Streets: Villanow Street and Patton Street

EXISTING: Shown near the intersection with Oak Street, this image illustrates existing conditions along Villanow Street. The oversized travel lanes encourage speeding in this area. With large asphalt parking lots and unplanted landscape strips, this corridor also lacks canopy cover.

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CONNECTIVITY: Side Streets: Villanow Street and Patton Street

PROPOSED: This proposed design uses the existing rightof-way to incorporate improvements like tree-lined planting strips and a 10’ multiuse path. By shrinking oversized travel lanes, widening sidewalks, and incorporating marked crosswalks, this corridor is made safer for all users.

Renaissance Strategic Vision and Plan (RSVP) – LaFayette, Georgia

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EXISTING

PROPOSED: VILLANOW CORRIDOR

CONNECTIVITY: Side Streets: Villanow Street and Patton Street

EXISTING: Villanow Street and Patton Street are home to large strip centers with surface parking lots that occupy the length of the block. This aging parking area is devoid of landscaping or pedestrian accommodations.

PROPOSED: This proposed design uses a continuous planting bed to define the existing parking area. Bumpouts with willow oaks improve the appearance of this parking lot while indicating entry and exit points. Across Villanow Street, this design shows a 10’ multiuse path linking the downtown square with the Mars Theater District.

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CONNECTIVITY: Side Streets: Villanow Street and Patton Street

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Renaissance Strategic Vision and Plan (RSVP) – LaFayette, Georgia

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CONNECTING CONNECTIVITY: Side Streets: Villanow Street and Patton Street

THE HISTORIC SQUARE AREA WITH THE MARS THEATER DISTRICT

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PAT TON STREET BETWEEN MIZE STREET AND OAK STREET

EXISTING

EXISTING: Patton Street’s 50’ right-of-way includes two 17’ travel lanes, 5–6’ sidewalks, and 2’ planting strips on both sides of the corridor. These significantly oversized vehicular lanes encourage speeding and unsafe driving.

PROPOSED: Simply restriping Patton Street to incorporate 5–6” bike lanes could reduce unsafe travel speeds and improve safety along this corridor. This section elevation also shows street trees planted in the existing landscape strips.

Renaissance Strategic Vision and Plan (RSVP) – LaFayette, Georgia

CONNECTIVITY: Side Streets: Villanow Street and Patton Street

PROPOSED

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EXISTING

PROPOSED: PAT TON STREET

CONNECTIVITY: Side Streets: Villanow Street and Patton Street

EXISTING: This section of Patton Street includes 17’ drive lanes. These significantly oversized lanes could be redesigned to incorporate bike lanes or other features.

PROPOSED: Restriping Patton Street could allow for amenities like 5’ bike lanes connecting the square with the Mars Theater District. Filling the unplanted landscape strips with Natchez crape myrtles could further improve the appearance of this corridor.

38 Renaissance Strategic Vision and Plan (RSVP) – LaFayette, Georgia

CONNECTIVITY: Side Streets: Villanow Street and Patton Street

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Renaissance Strategic Vision and Plan (RSVP) – LaFayette, Georgia

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EXISTING

PROPOSED: PAT TON STREET

CONNECTIVITY: Side Streets: Villanow Street and Patton Street

EXISTING: Shown just past the intersection with Cherokee Street, this image shows Patton Street approaching the heart of downtown LaFayette. Because of the on-street parallel parking shown, travel lanes shrink significantly on this segment of Patton Street.

PROPOSED: Formalizing on-street parking with planted bump-outs reduces excessive paving, shortens crossing distances for pedestrians, and improves the appearance of the street with large-canopy street trees. This concept shows Natchez crape myrtle plantings continuing toward Main Street in a new 3’ planting strip. A pavement sharrow indicates that bikes join regular traffic at this intersection.

40 Renaissance Strategic Vision and Plan (RSVP) – LaFayette, Georgia

CONNECTIVITY: Side Streets: Villanow Street and Patton Street

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Renaissance Strategic Vision and Plan (RSVP) – LaFayette, Georgia

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EXISTING

PROPOSED: PAT TON STREET AT COURTHOUSE

CONNECTIVITY: Side Streets: Villanow Street and Patton Street

EXISTING: Taken from the Walker County Courthouse, this image shows streetscape improvements along East Patton Street between Main Street and Duke Street.

PROPOSED: With the difficult and expensive portion of this streetscaping complete, planting the existing bump-outs with large-canopy trees allows this portion of Patton Street to achieve its full potential. The lack of overhead utility lines makes this street a good candidate for large shade trees like Shumard or willow oaks. This image also shows existing crosswalks repainted and a new bump-out at the intersection.

42 Renaissance Strategic Vision and Plan (RSVP) – LaFayette, Georgia

CONNECTIVITY: Side Streets: Villanow Street and Patton Street

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Renaissance Strategic Vision and Plan (RSVP) – LaFayette, Georgia

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CONNECTIVITY: Chattooga River Greenway and the Ross Abney Complex

A GREENWAY TRAIL FOLLOWING THE CHAT TOOGA RIVER LINKS ASSETS IN THE COMMUNITY In addition to the greenway trail along the Chattooga River, this plan illustrates a number of spurs linking the trail with important destinations like Joe Stock Park, the square, and the civic area along Duke Street. Using existing and proposed sidewalks, trails, and bike lanes to link areas of downtown with the trail could significantly enhance downtown connectivity and help ensure the success of the proposed trail. Credit: Erica Fischer, CC BY 2.0, via flickr.com/photos/walkingsf

Throughout step one of the LaFayette RSVP, residents cited the need to better connect the traditional downtown area with the Mars Theater District and surrounding assets, including the Ross Abney Athletic Complex at the former LaFayette High School. As shown in the plan on the opposite page, a greenway trail following the Chattooga River links assets in the community. The path shown in this plan largely follows publicly owned land and rights-of-way, linking the Ross Abney Complex and the boxcar playground along Villanow Street to the city-owned golf course, senior center, and recreational complex roughly a mile and a half to the south. South of the LaFayette Housing Authority property at the intersection with Main Street, this trail departs from the Chattooga River to follow existing sidewalks and roadways to the recreation center. By using existing sidewalks along Main Street and sleepy side streets like Cherokee Street, Robinson Street, and Park Road, this greenway concept could minimize upfront investment, avoid potential conflicts along high-traffic corridors, and build momentum for long-term dedicated multiuse greenway trails along the Chattooga River and Town Creek. LaFayette leaders could designate on-street portions of the trail with sharrow markings or pavement stencils.

Bicycle sharrow painted on asphalt

44 Renaissance Strategic Vision and Plan (RSVP) – LaFayette, Georgia

CONNECTIVITY: Chattooga River Greenway and the Ross Abney Complex

GREENWAY PLAN

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Renaissance Strategic Vision and Plan (RSVP) – LaFayette, Georgia

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EXISTING

PROPOSED: CHAT TOOGA RIVER GREENWAY

CONNECTIVITY: Chattooga River Greenway and the Ross Abney Complex

EXISTING: Shown just north of Villanow Street, this property along the Chattooga River was acquired by the city for an eventual greenway trail connection.

PROPOSED: Creating a 10’ multiuse path along the river could help connect assets around downtown, while encouraging more locals and visitors to enjoy LaFayette’s scenic surroundings. This design replaces sheds and debris in the former gravel lot with large-canopy trees and a welcoming lawn.

46 Renaissance Strategic Vision and Plan (RSVP) – LaFayette, Georgia

CONNECTIVITY: Chattooga River Greenway and the Ross Abney Complex

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Renaissance Strategic Vision and Plan (RSVP) – LaFayette, Georgia

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EXISTING

PROPOSED: CHAT TOOGA RIVER GREENWAY

CONNECTIVITY: Chattooga River Greenway and the Ross Abney Complex

EXISTING: This power line easement along Culberson Avenue connects to the Ross Abney Complex, visible in the background of this image.

PROPOSED: Using existing utility easements is one way to develop the greenway trail without additional property acquisition. This rendering shows a 10’ path connecting the fields and dog park at the Ross Abney Complex.

48 Renaissance Strategic Vision and Plan (RSVP) – LaFayette, Georgia

CONNECTIVITY: Chattooga River Greenway and the Ross Abney Complex

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Renaissance Strategic Vision and Plan (RSVP) – LaFayette, Georgia

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CONNECTIVITY: Chattooga River Greenway and the Ross Abney Complex

During the public input process, locals frequently cited the largely vacant former LaFayette High School as a major issue facing downtown. Many local leaders and citizens see the site as an opportunity to attract the kind of development desired by residents. If acquired by a private developer or the Downtown Development Authority, the roughly 20-acre former school complex could be used to attract needed elements like senior housing or lodging in addition to commercial and community uses.

AN OPPORTUNITY TO AT TRACT DEVELOPMENT

50 Renaissance Strategic Vision and Plan (RSVP) – LaFayette, Georgia

The redesign of the Ross Abney Complex shown in the plan opposite draws on examples including Ooltewah’s Cambridge Square in Tennessee, Smyrna’s Market Village in the Atlanta area, and more. This design concept centers on a wide boulevard terminating at the existing field overlook. Designed to incorporate existing large-canopy trees, this boulevard is flanked with on-street parking, wide sidewalks, and four main multistory mixed-use developments. Along the periphery of the property, 35 new townhomes help transition the large development to surrounding residential neighborhoods. This concept expands the existing dog park and includes a unique flatiron-shaped fieldhouse perfect for large events on the field below.

CONNECTIVITY: Chattooga River Greenway and the Ross Abney Complex

ROSS ABNEY PLAN

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Renaissance Strategic Vision and Plan (RSVP) – LaFayette, Georgia

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EXISTING

PROPOSED: ROSS ABNEY COMPLEX

CONNECTIVITY: Chattooga River Greenway and the Ross Abney Complex

EXISTING: Once home to LaFayette High School, the complex of buildings in the background of this image has been largely vacant since the late 1990s. While the Ross Abney Athletic Complex has benefited from SPLOST and other park investments, the complex remains underutilized.

PROPOSED: This perspective, taken from the field, shows the Ross Abney Complex and former school transformed into an active mixeduse redevelopment. In the athletic fields, well-manicured turf and new terracing using native Northwest Georgia limestone could create an inviting venue for community events or concerts. The community fieldhouse along the overlook could complement programming and include elements such as hanging swings and other amenities. Brick mixed-use anchor buildings could include senior apartments, retail and office space, or other uses.

52 Renaissance Strategic Vision and Plan (RSVP) – LaFayette, Georgia

CONNECTIVITY: Chattooga River Greenway and the Ross Abney Complex

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Renaissance Strategic Vision and Plan (RSVP) – LaFayette, Georgia

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THE LOOK The following designs help build on the progress that has already taken place, expanding façade improvements to beautify and invest in a more economically vibrant downtown. i. ii. iii.

Building Façades and Downtown Properties................ P 58 Civic Buildings.................................................................. P 76 Gateway & Arrival .......................................................... P 84

54 Renaissance Strategic Vision and Plan (RSVP) – LaFayette, Georgia

In discussions during step one of the LaFayette RSVP, many residents expressed the view that aging buildings, rundown properties, unwelcoming streets, and gateway areas around downtown should be beautified. Many cited vacant lots, particularly the vacant properties on the east side of the square, as in need of immediate improvement. Along Villanow Street, Patton Street, and Main Street, aging strip centers and former service stations were viewed as unwelcome by locals. The haphazard outdoor storage of dumpsters and donated goods between Villanow and Patton Streets were a common complaint about the look of downtown voiced during step one of the RSVP. In contrast to these issues, the well-maintained historic homes and impressive large-canopy trees along North Main Street were cited by many as a positive element of LaFayette and an example that should be continued throughout the community. Similarly, local community and civic destinations like Joe Stock Park and the recently renovated LaFayette–Walker County Public Library were often praised as attractive and well-manicured. To transform LaFayette into the welcoming, vibrant destination desired by the community, both public properties and downtown businesses should be held to the higher standard already visible at these and other properties in LaFayette. The buildings found in downtown LaFayette speak to the history of the community. With buildings dating from the late 1800s onward to the 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, and beyond, the architectural heritage of downtown tells the community’s story. While some architectural styles seen downtown have fallen out of favor over time, all of LaFayette’s downtown buildings help tell the story of the community and the men and women who have contributed to it over the decades. Any reference to historical images of the city will note the number and quality of buildings lost or altered beyond recognition over time. LaFayette leaders owe it to future

Renaissance Strategic Vision and Plan (RSVP) – LaFayette, Georgia

THE BUILDINGS FOUND IN DOWNTOWN LAFAYET TE SPEAK TO THE HISTORY OF THE COMMUNITY.

generations to ensure that important elements of local character are preserved, maintained, and remain active contributors to the local economy. Over the past year, the LaFayette Downtown Development Authority has done an admirable job partnering with property owners to improve the façades of downtown properties. Through the façade grant program established in the summer of 2021, the LaFayette DDA has already worked to improve façades of downtown buildings. In addition to the façade grants, another program spearheaded by the LaFayette DDA offers attractive planters to downtown businesses. Combined with ongoing efforts such as planting trees and improving streetscaping, these projects are actively changing the look of downtown for the better.

56 Renaissance Strategic Vision and Plan (RSVP) – LaFayette, Georgia

Renaissance Strategic Vision and Plan (RSVP) – LaFayette, Georgia

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PROPOSED: CHAPMAN BUILDING

THE LOOK: Building Façades and Downtown Properties

PROPOSED: After input from the property owner and referencing historic images of this property, this concept breaks apart the existing continuous awning to differentiate the two storefronts. A streamlined black metal awning and new black canvas awning with attractive lettering now advertises these two businesses. Painting the center door and removing the awning also makes the upstairs access more visible. This concept also updates the façade of Shear Time, adjacent to the corner building, with new paint, signage, and a more streamlined awning. Replacing the ornamental holly with a large street tree like the blightresistant New Harmony American Elm shown could provide an attractive canopy of shade over time.

EXISTING EXISTING: Josh Chapman, owner of Chapman’s Jewelry and several downtown buildings, approached the LaFayette DDA and Institute of Government design professionals to reimagine the storefront of this prominent corner building at Main Street and Villanow Street. This building houses two ground-floor businesses and an upstairs unit accessed by the center door.

58 Renaissance Strategic Vision and Plan (RSVP) – LaFayette, Georgia

PROPOSED: CHAPMAN BUILDING

THE LOOK: Building Façades and Downtown Properties

PROPOSED: The need to retain ground-floor offices limited options for improving this façade. This concept includes new metal awnings and business signage to help break up the large expanse of brick. This rendering also shows the fussy holly plantings replaced with a large-canopy American elm.

EXISTING EXISTING: In addition to the building at the corner of Villanow and Main Street, Josh Chapman requested options for this downtown building. Adjacent to Shear Time, this historic commercial building was significantly altered in a later conversion to office space.

Renaissance Strategic Vision and Plan (RSVP) – LaFayette, Georgia

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PROPOSED: STRANDZ SALON & BOUTIQUE

THE LOOK: Building Façades and Downtown Properties

PROPOSED: This concept shows the lower brick and stone storefront façade painted to unify and enhance the appearance of the building. Requested by the property owner, the internally illuminated block letter signage lends some retro glamor to this storefront. This design includes a streamlined flat metal awning.

EXISTING EXISTING: Amy Lemons, owner of Strandz Salon & Boutique, approached the LaFayette DDA for assistance reimagining this LaFayette Square storefront. This historic commercial building has been significantly altered over time, stripping it of traditional storefront trim, windows, and other elements. Today this façade features two contrasting styles of brick and a stone veneer applied to the entry.

60 Renaissance Strategic Vision and Plan (RSVP) – LaFayette, Georgia

PROPOSED: GRINNELL BUILDING

THE LOOK: Building Façades and Downtown Properties

PROPOSED: Following input from the property owner, this façade design features a simple off-white and black color scheme and an awning similar in color and materials to new awnings on neighboring buildings. Removing dated awnings and shutters and replacing doors and windows modernizes this façade. Copper accents on the signage and planters repeat a material used prominently in the interior of this office.

EXISTING EXISTING: Local resident Janie Grinnell approached the LaFayette DDA for design assistance reimagining the façade of this downtown business. Home to Grinnell Realty and Summit Risk Insurance, this Patton Street building is under renovation.

Renaissance Strategic Vision and Plan (RSVP) – LaFayette, Georgia

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PROPOSED: MITCHELL’S PLUMBING ON NORTH DUKE STREET

THE LOOK: Building Façades and Downtown Properties

PROPOSED: Institute of Government designers focused on improving the parking area of Mitchell’s Plumbing to illustrate the difference landscaping can make to a property. By shifting the parking, a sidewalk and two landscaped bump-outs could be constructed adjacent to the existing building. This concept shows two willow oak street trees framing the existing building, with vehicular access preserved on either side of the front façade. Two feet longer than standard spaces, these 9’ × 20’ parking spaces should easily accommodate large trucks. This concept keeps façade improvements to a minimum but does include a frame around the hand-painted original sign.

EXISTING EXISTING: The owners of Mitchell’s Plumbing on North Duke Street approached the LaFayette DDA for assistance improving the look of their property. Having recently painted the façade, property owners were open to landscaping and other improvements.

62 Renaissance Strategic Vision and Plan (RSVP) – LaFayette, Georgia

THE LOOK: Building Façades and Downtown Properties

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This site plan shows improvements at Mitchell’s Plumbing, including formalized parking spaces, 6–8’ sidewalks, and landscaped bump-outs.

Renaissance Strategic Vision and Plan (RSVP) – LaFayette, Georgia

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BEAN BAR, 111 NORTH CHEROKEE STREET

THE LOOK: Building Façades and Downtown Properties

FRONT, PROPOSED FRONT: The owners of this property reached out for design assistance to reimagine this space as a coffee shop. This design shows a portion of the front porch removed and replaced with a timber pergola and new drive-through lane. A new 6’ sidewalk connects proposed on-street parking with the front dining patio. This design shows the existing window reconfigured to allow patrons to order and be served while seated at the proposed wall-mounted coffee bar. The existing concrete block planter and a portion of the lower façade are illustrated faced in an attractive brick. The remainder of the façade is shown with Hardie brand or similar board and batten siding painted a warm white. Planting evergreen weeping rosemary in the existing planting bed could create a fragrant and attractive presence year-round. Additional plants shown include Natchez crape myrtles and liriope groundcover in the proposed bump-out.

FRONT

EXISTING FRONT, EXISTING: A front view of this vacant property on North Cherokee Street shows mismatched green paint and a crumbling front parking area. This property features a continuous curb cuts and limited definition between the street, parking, and pedestrian areas.

SIDE

SIDE, EXISTING: Taken from Simmons Street, this side view of the property at 111 North Cherokee Street shows the property dominated by cracked and deteriorating paving.

64 Renaissance Strategic Vision and Plan (RSVP) – LaFayette, Georgia

SIDE: This side view shows many of the improvements visible on the front façade, including the timber pergola, brick planting bed, dining patio, and landscaped bump-out. This side view shows the Bean Bar logo displayed prominently between the door and window. The door and window are shown painted a dark shade of baby blue similar to an example provided by the owner. This design also shows gray and white striped canvas awnings and unique reclaimed wood trim and shutters.

SIDE, PROPOSED: BEAN BAR

THE LOOK: Building Façades and Downtown Properties

The plan for the property at 111 North Cherokee Street includes a number of exterior improvements to transform this vacant building into a vibrant corner coffee shop. This design shows the existing porch replaced with a large pergola as desired by the property owner. This concept includes nine dedicated on-street parking spaces defined with landscaped bump-outs and an extended sidewalk along Cherokee Street. The narrow dimensions of this property and the need for a drivethrough lane limit the amount of parking that can be incorporated on site. Property owners should explore working with the local government to extend striped on-street parking into the existing right-of way. This PLAN, PROPOSED: BEAN BAR design includes a new one-way drive-through lane with access from Cherokee Street. A dedicated service area on the northwest side of the property allows easy access for garbage trucks while keeping these services away from the font dining area. Plantings indicated on the plan include four Natchez crape myrtles and liriope groundcover within the proposed planting beds.

Renaissance Strategic Vision and Plan (RSVP) – LaFayette, Georgia

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PROPOSED: REAL DEAL HOME STORE

THE LOOK: Building Façades and Downtown Properties

The site plan for Real Deal Home Store shows five new landscaped bump-outs to bring color and landscaping to the existing parking area. Planted with low-maintenance Natchez crape myrtles, these bump-outs help formalize the existing parking arrangement and define an area suitable for a 30’ x 60’ tent for outdoor sales and events. The large landscaped bed proposed along Main Street helps extend the tree canopy toward downtown LaFayette.

PROPOSED: Focusing on improving the front lawn and the parking area of this business could help extend the tree canopy of North Main Street toward the historic square area. This concept uses attractive landscaping to help define the outdoor furniture display area. Breaking up the large parking area with a large landscaped bed and planted bump-outs improves the appearance of this property. This concept also shows new paint on window frames and paneling to match the recently painted teal door.

66 Renaissance Strategic Vision and Plan (RSVP) – LaFayette, Georgia

THE LOOK: Building Façades and Downtown Properties

EXISTING: Located on North Main Street, Real Deal Home Store features a large parking area and well-maintained front lawn. The owners of this business approached the LaFayette DDA for assistance refreshing the appearance of this longtime business.

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EXISTING

Renaissance Strategic Vision and Plan (RSVP) – LaFayette, Georgia

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EXISTING

PROPOSED: FOOD CITY

THE LOOK: Building Façades and Downtown Properties

EXISTING: Located just south of Real Deal Home Store on Main Street, the Food City supermarket includes a number of unplanted landscape beds.

PROPOSED: Establishing large-canopy street trees in the existing planting beds could help improve the appearance of this property and create a more welcoming entry into downtown LaFayette. This concept also includes new planted bump-outs on previously unused striped asphalt. Breaking up the parking area with large-canopy trees could beautify this large commercial anchor while assisting with issues like stormwater runoff.

68 Renaissance Strategic Vision and Plan (RSVP) – LaFayette, Georgia

THE LOOK: Building Façades and Downtown Properties

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Renaissance Strategic Vision and Plan (RSVP) – LaFayette, Georgia

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IMPROVING CONTINUOUS

PROPOSED: PURE GAS STATION

THE LOOK: Building Façades and Downtown Properties

CURB CUTS Popular at auto-centric businesses like service stations, continuous curb cuts are found throughout many areas of LaFayette. With unclear entry and exit areas and the ability for vehicles to cross over long expanses of sidewalk, continuous curb cuts create unsafe conflicts for both drivers and pedestrians. Reducing curb cuts could be an effective strategy for improving pedestrian access and safety throughout LaFayette. Installing landscaped buffers where practical along existing rightsof-way could help define vehicular entryways, protect pedestrians, and improve the appearance of key corridors. Because continuous curb cuts often fall within city rights-of-way, such improvements can generally take place without property acquisition.

PROPOSED: Removing excessive curb cuts could allow for expanded landscaping at this and other properties along North Main Street. Planting large-canopy street trees or Natchez crape myrtles along North Main Street could improve the appearance of this street, provide shade to pedestrians, and create a sense of arrival downtown.

70 Renaissance Strategic Vision and Plan (RSVP) – LaFayette, Georgia

THE LOOK: Building Façades and Downtown Properties

EXISTING: One of a number of current and former service stations along North Main Street, this property near Joe Stock Park could be improved with expanded planting beds and street trees.

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EXISTING

Renaissance Strategic Vision and Plan (RSVP) – LaFayette, Georgia

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FRONT PARKING LOT CONVERSION

PROPOSED: 303 NORTH MAIN STREET

THE LOOK: Building Façades and Downtown Properties

Many properties developed after 1950 include large front parking areas and continuous curb cuts. Often these parking areas feature a continuous asphalt surface from the street to the business entry, with little definition of vehicle access, parking areas, and pedestrian paths. Similar properties exist along all of LaFayette’s major corridors. Where practical, relocating parking areas or adding formalized on-street parking could allow for large front parking areas to be converted to outdoor dining or retail space. A former service station in Athens, Georgia shows how front parking lots can become vibrant outdoor dining courtyards. Pictured below, the patio of Big City Bread now adds life and visual interest to a previously underutilized parking area.

Example of outdoor dining in Athens, GA

PROPOSED: Relocating parking to Margaret Street and removing the unnecessary continuous curb cut could help improve the appearance and function of this property. Shown reimagined as a vibrant eatery, this concept includes a lush front patio on the formerly stark concrete parking area. Fresh paint, modern roll-up glass doors, and an overhead canopy of Chinese elms transforms the appearance of this property.

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THE LOOK: Building Façades and Downtown Properties

EXISTING: Located across Main Street from Joe Stock Park, this former service station at 303 North Main Street features a large concrete front parking area and a 108’ continuous curb cut. Particularly on busy roads and at intersections, continuous curb cuts create unnecessarily dangerous conditions for vehicles entering and traveling along Main Street. Poorly defined pedestrian areas also create conflicts between vehicles and pedestrians.

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EXISTING

Renaissance Strategic Vision and Plan (RSVP) – LaFayette, Georgia

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EXISTING

PROPOSED: AUTO SHOP

THE LOOK: Building Façades and Downtown Properties

EXISTING: Similar to the neighboring property, this service station along North Main Street includes a continuous curb cut and an oversized concrete parking area. The old, unused signage post and peeling paint of the neighboring building contrast with the attractive and well-maintained Joe Stock Park across Main Street.

PROPOSED: Removing the unnecessary and potentially hazardous continuous curb cut along Main Street could define pedestrian areas and create the opportunity for an attractive Natchez crape myrtle–lined planting bed. This concept also shows the existing service station improved with fresh paint, glass garage doors, a pressure-washed concrete parking area, and new signage.

74 Renaissance Strategic Vision and Plan (RSVP) – LaFayette, Georgia

THE LOOK: Building Façades and Downtown Properties

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Renaissance Strategic Vision and Plan (RSVP) – LaFayette, Georgia

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THE LOOK: Civic Buildings

PUBLIC BUILDINGS HELP SET A STANDARD FOR SURROUNDING PRIVATE BUSINESSES AND PROPERTIES.

While LaFayette should be commended for the new façade grants and other mechanisms used to improve the appearance of private businesses and properties downtown, city and local government institutions must look inward first and improve the appearance and maintenance of publicly owned property. Local officials must ensure that government offices maintain a high standard of property maintenance. It would be hypocritical to create codes targeting negligent property owners while turning a blind eye to the conditions of deteriorating public buildings and infrastructure. Public buildings help set a standard for surrounding private businesses and properties. While most public buildings, including the county courthouse, LaFayette–Walker County Public Library, Marsh House, and more, are attractive and well maintained, other government offices, parks, and public spaces are in need of significant maintenance. Focusing on public property and addressing necessary maintenance of city- and county-owned parcels, including vacant city-owned lots, the Walker County Judiciary Annex, and public assets like the boxcar park on Patton Street is an essential step in creating a downtown that feels worthy of outside investment.

76 Renaissance Strategic Vision and Plan (RSVP) – LaFayette, Georgia

THE WALKER COUNTY JUDICIARY ANNEX The Walker County Judiciary Annex occupies a prime location at the corner of Villanow Street and Duke Street. Numerous structural issues make this building a good candidate for future infill development. If restoration is possible and desired by the county, creating onstreet parking along Duke Street could allow for improvements including sidewalks and a landscaped corner greenspace. The current arrangement of parking on site features an inefficient parking area, excessive paving, and hazardous curb cuts at the intersection. The large public parking area directly across Villanow Street could supplement dedicated on-street parking.

THE LOOK: Civic Buildings

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Renaissance Strategic Vision and Plan (RSVP) – LaFayette, Georgia

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PROPOSED: WALKER COUNTY JUDICIARY ANNEX BUILDING

THE LOOK: Civic Buildings

EXISTING: Numerous structural issues exist at the Walker County Judiciary Annex building. This 1960s-era building could also benefit from a façade update. With continuous curb cuts at a heavily traveled intersection, the large parking area creates hazardous conditions for both drivers and pedestrians. This large asphalt area is also a poor use of this prominent corner. This parking area could be redesigned to beautify the corner and increase the safety of pedestrians and drivers.

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THE LOOK: Civic Buildings

PROPOSED: Relocating parking to the street integrates this prominent corner into the fabric of downtown. Removing the existing parking area creates the opportunity for a large corner greenspace and expanded sidewalks. Prominent signage and a large flag signify that this is a public civic space. This concept also shows façade improvements including large glass windows and doors, a fresh coat of paint, crisp metal awnings, and attractive planters.

Renaissance Strategic Vision and Plan (RSVP) – LaFayette, Georgia

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EXISTING

PROPOSED: CITY HALL

THE LOOK: Civic Buildings

EXISTING: The midcentury building housing LaFayette City Hall has undergone a number of alterations over the decades. Once a modest but authentic flat-roofed modern building, changes made over the years have added a number of inappropriate elements that detract from the original appearance of this building. A classical pediment, asphalt shingled gable roof, exterior stucco with decorative trim, and other elements intended to make this building evoke a more traditional city hall have made LaFayette City Hall less appealing over the years. The recent application of a German Schmear lime wash coating the brick exterior further altered the appearance of this building.

PLAN: The site plan for LaFayette City Hall simplifies the parking arrangement and removes excessive paving. Converting the undersized existing angled parking to 90-degree parking allows for a more efficient use of this space and creates opportunities for new bump-outs

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THE LOOK: Civic Buildings

PROPOSED: While the lime wash will fade over time, repainting other elements of the exterior could make this façade more complementary in the meantime. With the warm gray, almost brown asphalt roof and the recently applied white German Schmear on the exterior brick, painting the center stucco wall a dark gray and the entrance portico white could help these elements better complement the remainder of the façade. Using a warm gray paint palette could help ensure that the painted stucco will not clash with the warm-toned roof. Adding lantern sconces and dimensional sign letters spelling “CITY HALL” would replicate elements used on the original midcentury exterior. Establishing an attractive landscape with large-canopy willow oaks, flowering Natchez crape myrtles, pollinator-friendly liriope groundcover, and a wellmaintained massing of oakleaf hydrangea, Indian hawthorn foundation shrubs, and pinkflowering muhly grass could further enhance the appearance of this public building.

for attractive street trees. Located on a tight parcel, the building includes two entries and a one-way drive lane for residents paying bills. Currently, cars along Farris Street routinely park on the sidewalk leading to the rear entry. These undersized parking spaces should be removed to create a pedestrian-friendly, ADA-accessible rear entry area. This plan also improves the streetscape along Duke Street by incorporating formalized on-street parking and a 4–5’ landscape strip within the existing right-ofway. Significant plantings of large-canopy street trees and smaller canopy flowering trees could further improve the appearance of this public property.

Renaissance Strategic Vision and Plan (RSVP) – LaFayette, Georgia

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EXISTING

PROPOSED: CITY HALL / DUKE STREET

THE LOOK: Civic Buildings

EXISTING: Duke Street connects major civic buildings and community destinations, including the Walker County Courthouse, LaFayette City Hall, and the LaFayette–Walker County Public Library. Over 35’ wide, this segment of Duke Street includes excessive paved areas, unplanted landscape buffers, and undersized sidewalks.

PROPOSED: Streetscaping improvements, including clearly indicated parallel parking, attractive landscaped bump-outs, new planting strips, and expanded sidewalks, could transform this section of Duke Street. While creating an attractive landscape feature, elements like the rain gardens shown in the lower left of the rendering could help minimize stormwater runoff issues. Planting the existing landscape strips with Natchez crape myrtles and striping on-street parking would be an effective first step in achieving this long-term vision.

82 Renaissance Strategic Vision and Plan (RSVP) – LaFayette, Georgia

THE LOOK: Civic Buildings

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Renaissance Strategic Vision and Plan (RSVP) – LaFayette, Georgia

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THE LOOK: Gateway & Arrival

GATEWAYS CAN REFLECT AND PROMOTE LAFAYET TE’S VALUES AND UNIQUE SENSE OF PLACE.

In addition to the façades of public buildings and downtown businesses, many residents in step one of the LaFayette RSVP noted that vehicular gateways to downtown need improvement. Gateways provide an important first impression of a community. Through signage, regionally appropriate landscaping, public art, or other means, gateways can help communicate a city’s values and unique sense of place. Currently, gateways to downtown LaFayette, including the intersections of South Main Street and US-27, Villanow Street (GA-193) and US-27, and North Main Street and US-27 lack any significant directional signage to downtown and do not reflect or promote LaFayette’s values and unique sense of place. The purpose of gateway signage is to announce the presence of and entry into a community. By defining the main entrances into LaFayette with distinctive signage and a unified planting pattern, passersby would be more likely to recognize and access downtown. Well-styled and landscaped gateways are also public signals that the city cares about how people perceive the downtown.

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GATEWAYS PROVIDE AN IMPORTANT FIRST IMPRESSION OF A COMMUNITY. THROUGH SIGNAGE, REGIONALLY APPROPRIATE LANDSCAPING, PUBLIC ART, OR OTHER MEANS, GATEWAYS CAN HELP COMMUNICATE A CITY’S VALUES AND UNIQUE SENSE OF PLACE.

THE LOOK: Gateway & Arrival

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PROPOSED: GATEWAY AT SOUTH MAIN AND DUKE STREET

THE LOOK: Gateway & Arrival

EXISTING: Shown just past the bridge over Town Creek, South Main Street extends through downtown and terminates at US-27. Main Street serves as a primary downtown corridor, and the existing bridge creates an informal gateway to the area. This image shows excessive paving, limited vegetation, and a lack of clear pedestrian crossings at the intersection with Duke Street. The vacant parking lot in the background could be improved with a landscaped buffer.

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THE LOOK: Gateway & Arrival

PROPOSED: Without impeding traffic flow, landscaped buffers help create a sense of arrival as visitors approach town. The GDOT-approved Natchez crape myrtles shown add seasonal color to the downtown landscape and provide shade to improve pedestrian comfort. Locating a crosswalk at this intersection helps connect visitors to nearby parking while improving ADA accessibility downtown. Duke Street, home to downtown civic and community destinations including the library, city hall, the Walker County Courthouse, and more, could be better defined with directional signage or landscaping.

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PROPOSED: VILLANOW STREET GATEWAY

THE LOOK: Gateway & Arrival

PROPOSED: Using this existing fencing to support a large-format vinyl print could welcome visitors downtown and screen unattractive views. This concept also shows Natchez crape myrtles installed in existing planting strips.

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THE LOOK: Gateway & Arrival

EXISTING: Approaching LaFayette Square from the east, visitors are greeted by unappealing razor-wire fencing at the Walker County Jail.

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SOMETHING TO DO Across the community, public input participants indicated that LaFayette could benefit from active social businesses like outdoor dining, cafés, or other examples that could serve as neighborhood anchors and bring activity to downtown after 5:00. i. ii.

Outdoor Dining and Events............................... P 94 Mars Theater District Designs.........................P 106

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LaFayette residents see the historic square area downtown as the heart of the community. Through streetscaping improvements, addressing downtown buildings and vacancy, and other actions, locals want to make the changes necessary to restore downtown as the thriving hub of local business, civic, and social life. Community members want downtown to be the vibrant, go-to destination for locals seen in historical photos of downtown, with at-capacity parking areas and busy downtown merchants. Many see attracting “something to do” downtown as particularly important to keeping young people in the community. Prior to the relocation of LaFayette High School, students often made their way to local downtown businesses like the Dari Dip after school. The current generation of LaFayette students are far more likely to spend afternoons and evenings in fast food chains and other businesses along the highway or in neighboring communities. To help counter these trends, the city, community organizations, and local citizens are organizing to bring more life and activity downtown. Since 2019, the LaFayette High School Junior Council has worked with the city to expand programming and improve facilities for the city’s youth. In partnership with the local government, recent efforts by the council have expanded the presence of the city’s student body downtown. In May 2021, the LaFayette Junior Council hosted a “Hometown Music Night” event at the square. Envisioned as the first in a series of regular events, this group of engaged young citizens helped bring community members together in the heart of downtown. Attracting regular activity and family-friendly entertainment was often cited as a way to make the area more appealing for young professionals and families, fostering a lifelong love of the community in LaFayette’s next generation. Across the community, public input participants indicated that LaFayette could benefit from active social businesses like outdoor dining, cafés, or other examples that could serve as neighborhood anchors and bring activity to

Renaissance Strategic Vision and Plan (RSVP) – LaFayette, Georgia

downtown after 5:00. In the LaFayette RSVP community survey, outdoor dining was ranked as the single “most missing” element downtown.

To create the kind of active social destination desired by area residents, leaders should consider reviewing existing codes to ensure that outdoor dining and serving is allowed downtown. Attracting regular food trucks could also help bring new variety and entertainment downtown with limited upfront investment. Creating flexible social spaces like parklets or pop-up outdoor dining areas in vacant lots could also spur the kind of activities requested by locals and signal that downtown is open for business after 5:00.

improvements could catalyze further redevelopment of vacant parcels and underutilized strip centers between the square and the Mars Theater District.

underutilized areas like vacant lots, community members want to reestablish downtown as the heart and soul of the community.

Locals want a downtown that offers variety and life, with plenty to see and do throughout the day and into the evening hours. Public input participants indicated that LaFayette could benefit from expanded public spaces and outdoor activities that could attract residents from across the community downtown. Many noted creative ideas that have worked for other communities, including food trucks, music events, sidewalk dining, and regular programming like outdoor movies. Through regular events and activities that bring life to

To support and grow the kind of downtown programming desired by residents, in the summer of 2021, LaFayette hired a full-time Main Street manager. Housed at the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA), Georgia Main Street is part of a national organization dedicated to promoting and growing the economic vitality of downtown areas. This signature community development program has helped rejuvenate dozens of Georgia’s historic downtowns since 1980. LaFayette’s commitment to hiring a dedicated Main Street manager and funding a six-figure budget to support downtown programming, operational expenses, marketing, and more goes a long way toward addressing the need for “something to do” downtown. Moving forward, the city and local partners should continue to support programs that already bring the community downtown and should work to grow events that attract local families and residents.

Plans are already under way to continue revitalization efforts of prominent downtown properties and bring more activity to the downtown area. In the Mars Theater District, local developers are in the process of renovating a block and a half of properties surrounding the historic Mars Theater into an active mix of restaurants, cafés, and retail shops. While bringing the vibrant activity and uses desired by community members, these

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EXISTING

PROPOSED: OUTDOOR SEATING

SOMETHING TO DO: Outdoor Dining and Events

EXISTING: One of only two restaurants along Main Street in the historic square area, the narrow interior of Toki Hibachi & Sushi limits indoor seating.

PROPOSED: Movable café tables could allow for more patrons and visible activity at this downtown restaurant. This concept includes festive Japanese lanterns to cast a welcoming glow in the evening hours. Replacing tightly clipped hollies with large-canopy street trees could create a more comfortable environment for outdoor dining year-round.

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SOMETHING TO DO: Outdoor Dining and Events

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PARKLET CURB EXTENSIONS

PROPOSED: MELINDA’S BAKERY & CAFÉ

SOMETHING TO DO: Outdoor Dining and Events

Public input participants in step one of the LaFayette RSVP indicated the need for more outdoor dining downtown. To help build on existing businesses downtown and encourage more activity, LaFayette could consider partnering with businesses to develop and install “parklets” near existing downtown restaurants. A parklet is a sidewalk extension that provides the additional space needed for amenities such as café seating and landscaping. Typical parklets are installed in parking lanes and use one or two adjacent parking spaces. Parklets extend out from the sidewalk at the sidewalk level to the width of the adjacent parking space. If desired, these parklets could be constructed as low, movable decks that could be strategically employed and relocated to other sites over time. Parklets can be an inexpensive and creative way to provide visitors the experience of wide sidewalks, café seating, and pedestrian activity prior to intensive and timeconsuming streetscaping upgrades.

PROPOSED: Working with the city to create a curb extension or outdoor dining parklet outside Melinda’s could bring outdoor life and new interest to this popular café. Sidewalk tables and chairs add dining capacity and send the message that this is an active and inviting downtown business.

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SOMETHING TO DO: Outdoor Dining and Events

EXISTING: Located just off the downtown square, Melinda’s Bakery & Café on Villanow Street is the go-to breakfast and lunch spot downtown. Out-of-town visitors might not realize that the interior of this space is warm and inviting.

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EXISTING

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EXISTING

PROPOSED: DARI DIP

SOMETHING TO DO: Outdoor Dining and Events

EXISTING: A LaFayette institution and Walker County’s oldest continually operating restaurant, the Dari Dip has been providing burgers, steaks, shakes, ice cream, and more to residents and visitors since 1953. While the distinctive neon signage and other elements send the signal that this is a unique place worth visiting, the excessive paving, continuous curb cuts, and lack of vegetation make this site much less appealing than it could be. The lack of sidewalks to the restaurant also limits safe pedestrian access to and through this site from downtown.

PROPOSED: The proposed design for the Dari Dip property creates a significantly more efficient parking layout. By relocating some of the parking and reorganizing the space, a front dining area could be created along Villanow Street. This design concept illustrates formalized on-street parking and a 10’ multiuse trail along the city right-ofway. These improvements would expand access to the restaurant for both drivers and pedestrians. Street trees, including Chinese elms, willow oaks, and Natchez crape myrtles, bring much-needed shade to the property and help screen unwanted views.

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SOMETHING TO DO: Outdoor Dining and Events

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DARI DIP’S NOSTALGIC 1950S FAÇADE COULD HELP INSPIRE COMMUNITY

SOMETHING TO DO: Outdoor Dining and Events

ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS LIKE CLASSIC CAR SHOWS.

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SOMETHING TO DO: Outdoor Dining and Events

Using this large, centrally located parking area for events could bring new energy and life to Villanow Street while supporting this longtime family-owned business.

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THIS PLAN VIEW SHOWS DARI DIP’S EXISTING PARKING AREA REORGANIZED.

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SOMETHING TO DO: Outdoor Dining and Events

The proposed improved surface parking lot features 36 standard 90-degree parking spaces. Along Oak Street, formalized street parking creates 13 additional parking spaces. A more efficient layout for parking provides space for a large outdoor dining area in the front of the building. Adjacent to the planned 10’ multiuse pathway along the city right-of way, this prominent dining area could help attract new customers to the restaurant. This parking redesign maintains overall capacity while removing excessive paved area. This concept also shows proposed locations for street trees and other amenities.

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EXISTING

PROPOSED: BEER GARDEN

SOMETHING TO DO: Outdoor Dining and Events

EXISTING: Located at the edge of the Mars Theater District along the Chattooga River, this vacant A-frame business could be renovated and repurposed. The boxcar visible in the background anchors a city playground.

The site plan for the proposed restaurant incubator shows the arrangement of the existing building and improved on-street parking.

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SOMETHING TO DO: Outdoor Dining and Events

PROPOSED: Following a request for design assistance from the LaFayette DDA, Institute designers developed concepts to transform this vacant building into an active and inviting restaurant incubator space. With sightlines to the boxcar playground, outdoor dining at this location could prove a popular draw for local families. Façade updates include whimsical hanging signage, planter boxes, and alpine-inspired windows and doors. Playground and landscaping improvements would also be an addition on this site. A secondary outdoor area along the Chattooga River could improve the appearance of this natural resource and connect to the new Chattooga River Greenway trail system that is actively being built. This design includes 11 on-street parking spaces that could be supplemented by parking available in adjacent lots.

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EXISTING

With expanded

SOMETHING TO DO: Mars Theater District Designs

sidewalks, street trees, on-street parking, and other amenities, this plan illustrates a revitalized Mars Theater District. Centered on an improved rear outdoor performance and event space at Mars Theater, this concept was designed to enhance connectivity and promote a safe, accessible, and enjoyable visitor experience. The northernmost building on site is shown as a potential café with sidewalk dining and a drive-through pick-up window. To accommodate the drive-through, the rear parking area was altered slightly and redesigned for a more efficient internal layout. To support the café, existing Station House restaurant, and additional commercial businesses, this concept maintains a similar amount of parking in the rear lot while adding 33 on-street parking spaces to Chattanooga and Henderson streets. Across the street from the Station House, the restored corner building at Villanow and Chattanooga streets is shown as a potential commercial space with upperstory lodging space targeting railroad enthusiasts. The location of this building adjacent to the tourist railroad to Summerville could allow the proposed observation deck to serve as a future train platform. Across the street, a new outdoor stage to the rear of the Mars Theater anchors an improved outdoor event and performance space. The design for this area retains the large pecan and cedar trees on site while proposing additional large-canopy trees and flowering ornamental tree species. Access to the interior of the outdoor area includes a mix of new sidewalks and ADA-accessible ramps linking the rear parking area with Henderson Street.

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SOMETHING TO DO: Mars Theater District Designs

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PROPOSED: MARS THEATER DISTRICT

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EXISTING

PROPOSED: MARS MIX-USE

SOMETHING TO DO: Mars Theater District Designs

EXISTING: While the storefront of this space needs repair, this unique corner building serves as a local landmark and helps define the entry to the Mars Theater District. The owners of this property would like to return commercial activity to this prominent building.

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PROPOSED: This design restores life to the unique corner building, a former hotel. This design concept returns lodging to the upper floor while dedicating the ground floor to a large commercial space like a brewpub or restaurant. Elements like the restored transom windows help return this building to its former glory. Additional features like a storefront façade with roll-up windows, industrial lighting, and a large outdoor dining area accommodate the needs of a modern brewpub or commercial space. Adjacent to the tourist railroad to Summerville, this outdoor deck could double as a working train pavilion or train-viewing area.

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PROPOSED/NIGHT: MARS MIX-USE

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SOMETHING TO DO: Mars Theater District Designs

String lights along the outdoor dining area and lights in the proposed street tree create a memorable experience for visitors.

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EXISTING

PROPOSED: MARS CAFÉ

SOMETHING TO DO: Mars Theater District Designs

EXISTING: One local business owner is interested in transforming this former taxi stand into a small café.

PROPOSED: This design concept for the former taxi stand on the northern edge of the commercial Mars Theater District envisions a vibrant outdoor dining area. With a widened sidewalk, Chinese elm street trees, café tables, and string lights, this inviting space helps anchor the northern end of the commercial district. A new drive-through pick-up window designed to emulate a bay window helps this needed feature blend into the historical building. Additional improvements, including Natchez crape myrtles, an updated parking entry, and a sturdy brick dumpster enclosure, elevate the rear parking area.

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SOMETHING TO DO: Mars Theater District Designs

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EXISTING

PROPOSED: MARS STAGE

SOMETHING TO DO: Mars Theater District Designs

EXISTING: The lawn behind the Mars Theater and adjacent businesses holds tremendous potential as an outdoor venue or performance space.

PROPOSED: This concept envisions the rear lawn of the Mars Theater as a vibrant outdoor venue. New concrete sidewalks link the rear parking area with Henderson Street, providing access to the stage and defining the event lawn. This design integrates an existing pecan tree and proposes additional large-canopy and ornamental trees. Wood privacy fencing could be used as shown to enclose rear service areas and equipment. The plan for this design includes 3’ picket fencing along the north and south of the property to separate the rear stage area from the public realm while maintaining visibility and creating a sense of arrival.

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SOMETHING TO DO: Mars Theater District Designs

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EXISTING

PROPOSED: MARS BBQ

SOMETHING TO DO: Mars Theater District Designs

EXISTING: Located at the corner of Henderson and Chattanooga streets, this existing parking area could be transformed into an attractive outdoor dining patio.

PROPOSED: By shifting the existing parking to the street, this design allows a 10’–18’ patio to be constructed adjacent to the existing building. A new planting bed helps define the patio, screen the parking area, and introduce shade and street trees.

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SOMETHING TO DO: Mars Theater District Designs

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EXISTING

PROPOSED: MARS MURAL

SOMETHING TO DO: Mars Theater District Designs

EXISTING: The blank vinyl façade of the Care Mission does little to promote the impact of this local charity.

PROPOSED: A large-scale mural or vinyl print is a short-term and whimsical way to welcome people to the Mars Theater District. The mural integrates the natural beauty that surrounds LaFayette and depicts a hiker overlooking Pigeon Mountain, but with a red planet theme.

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EXISTING

PROPOSED: MARS STREETSCAPE CHAT TANOOGA STREET

SOMETHING TO DO: Mars Theater District Designs

AND PAT TON STREET

EXISTING: This image shows the corner of Chattanooga Street and Patton Street at the southern edge of the Mars Theater District.

PROPOSED: Planting willow oaks or similar large-canopy trees in the landscaped buffer at the Care Mission could improve the look of this intersection. A large mural or banner promoting the mission improves the appearance of the vinyl siding.

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SOMETHING TO DO: Mars Theater District Designs

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SOMETHING TO DO: Mars Theater District Designs

THE PROPOSED ADDITIONS TO BOXCAR PARK DRAW ON LAFAYET TE’S CONNECTION TO ROCK CLIMBING AND OUTDOOR RECREATION TO PROVIDE NEW AMENITIES FOR THE COMMUNITY.

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A new 6’ concrete walkway winds around the perimeter of the park, leading past the boxcar and allowing better circulation throughout. Along this new path, new willow oaks, sycamores, and dogwoods bring color and shade. Benches sited along the perimeter walkway create opportunities for patrons to rest a while or for parents to watch children playing on the playground. The central playground serves as the focal point of this plan, with a large climbing boulder, a rock wall with slides, and a swing set. In addition, this concept proposes cleaning up and restoring the stream

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SOMETHING TO DO: Mars Theater District Designs

to its full potential, including adding a naturalistic crossing at the site of the former bridge. This could serve as a secondary play area for children as well as a more exciting entry into the park. Finally, this concept formalizes the parking on Patton Street, with seven new on-street parking spaces including one ADA-accessible parking spot. The final plan shows an additional seven on-street parking spaces on the privately-owned lot adjacent to the playground.

4c.ii

EXISTING

PROPOSED: BOXCAR PARK CROSSING

SOMETHING TO DO: Mars Theater District Designs

EXISTING: This creek crossing shows where a former bridge has been washed out. Note the overgrown banks and unsafe crossing.

PROPOSED: Taking advantage of the desire path where a bridge once crossed the Chattooga River, a proposed naturalistic crossing provides a more durable and exciting feature for the community. Granite slabs create steps down a restored bank to a boulder-scramble crossing. Along the streambank, this concept shows invasive species removed and native wetland plants established. This design ensures that the crossing will last through any flooding that may occur while providing a fun and adventurous crossing experience for local children.

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EXISTING

PROPOSED: BOXCAR PARK PLAYGROUND

SOMETHING TO DO: Mars Theater District Designs

EXISTING: The boxcar playground along Patton Street currently consists of old seesaws and a single slide on weedy turf.

PROPOSED: Playing up LaFayette’s connection to rock climbing, this design concept features a large climbing boulder arch and a turf mound with a rock-scramble wall. A new path follows the perimeter of the play area, allowing parents to enjoy the park while their children play.

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SOMETHING TO DO: Mars Theater District Designs

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EXISTING

PROPOSED: MARS ALLEY

SOMETHING TO DO: Mars Theater District Designs

EXISTING: Open-air storage, messy piles of donated goods, unscreened dumpsters, and other issues behind this 1960s strip center were a common complaint during step one of the LaFayette RSVP.

PROPOSED: The back of the strip development offers views of the Chattooga River and Boxcar Park. These green spaces are a community asset that have not been fully realized. Public investments in creating a greenway trail, improving the river bank, and updating the park could encourage private redevelopment. If rear-facing businesses take advantage of the new green amenities, the rear of the strip center has the potential to be the new front, which would be ideal for outdoor entertainment and dining along the river throughout the year. This redesign creates a one-of-a-kind destination that only LaFayette would be able to offer.

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SOMETHING TO DO: Mars Theater District Designs

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PROPOSED: PAT TON STREET STRIP CENTER

SOMETHING TO DO: Mars Theater District Designs

EXISTING: Taken from Patton Street looking toward Chattanooga Street and the Mars Theater District, this image shows the two large strip centers that occupy this area of town.

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SOMETHING TO DO: Mars Theater District Designs

PROPOSED: This concept transforms excess parking into a vibrant outdoor dining area near the proposed Chattooga River Greenway trail. A colorful mural, large-canopy street trees, and attractive lighting could transform this space into an active and highly visible dining destination. This concept includes streetscaping improvements proposed previously, including Natchez crape myrtle street trees and bike lanes on either side of Patton Street.

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GREENING EXISTING PARKING AREAS

PROPOSED: BROOKWOOD SQUARE

SOMETHING TO DO: Mars Theater District Designs

As seen in the plan for this and other strip center parking areas in LaFayette, adding landscaping, sidewalks, patio areas, and more to unused paving can transform the appearance of aging retail centers and create more usable space for tenants. Improvements like landscaped bump-outs, large-canopy street trees, and outdoor dining areas could encourage more tenants to relocate to in-town shopping centers and allow for landholders to charge higher rents. While improving the appearance of parking areas, properly sited large trees can also save property owners money by adding shade and reducing energy consumption during the summer months. Improvements like landscaped buffers can also be designed to mitigate excessive stormwater runoff, creating more beautiful and ecologically friendly parking areas.

PROPOSED: This plan shows the parking area of Brookwood Square redesigned to incorporate landscaped bump-outs, sidewalks, and a large outdoor dining area along Patton Street. By making the existing parking layout more efficient, this design allows for a new 8½’ landscaped buffer along Patton Street. Together, these improvements could transform the appearance of this aging strip mall and help bring new life and energy to this key downtown property.

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4d.

EAST SIDE OF THE SQUARE Across During step one of the LaFayette RSVP, residents referenced the “east side hole” more than any other downtown issue. i. ii.

Short-Term Strategies......................................P 138 Long-Term Strategies.......................................P 146

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Located at the heart of downtown, the prominent corner of Villanow Street and Main Street is downtown’s most heavily trafficked and visible intersection. From roughly 1838 until 2018, this corner hosted LaFayette’s oldest downtown building. Constructed of local, handmade bricks by Stephen Marsh before the Civil War, this building housed many popular and vibrant businesses in subsequent decades, including Loach’s Drug Store, Giles Drug Store, Warthern & Sparks Drug Store, Walker County Telephone Company, and more. Over the years, downtown LaFayette grew around the Marsh Building, with traditional zero-lot-line commercial buildings sharing walls with the historic structure. Together, this unbroken line of buildings growing from the Marsh Building formed the east side of LaFayette Square. These small businesses hosted the day-to-day commercial enterprises that brought economic life and vitality to downtown. Vacant and left to decline over the years, this important piece of local heritage was lost in 2018 when the Marsh Building collapsed. The collapse of the building further compromised the structural integrity of the surrounding businesses. In 2020, the two buildings neighboring the Marsh Building were demolished, leaving a gaping hole in the heart of downtown LaFayette. During step one of the LaFayette RSVP, residents referenced the “east side hole” more than any other downtown issue. Local leaders have already begun responding to this outpouring of community interest. In the summer of 2021, the city acquired the Marsh Building lot and adjacent parcels. The city has improved maintenance of this lot, cleared off demolition debris, and repaired adjacent sidewalks.

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EAST SIDE OF THE SQUARE

Local leaders collaborated with Institute designers during the RSVP process to develop a short- and long-term vision for this site. While community members agree that this prominent site must be improved, opinions sometimes differed on the longterm use of this key property. Although many community members see this site as a fine opportunity for mixed-use infill development, others see the potential for a downtown park and event space. To respond to these community requests and following input from local leaders, Institute design professionals created a number of concepts for the east side of the square. The concepts that follow include both short- and long-term design ideas that return life and activity to this key property. Public spaces designated in both of these visions work to recreate the LaFayette Square lost to highway development in the 1950s. In doing so, these concepts seek to reclaim this area as the vibrant heart of the community.

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DURING STEP ONE OF THE LAFAYET TE RSVP, RESIDENTS REFERENCED THE “EAST SIDE HOLE” MORE THAN ANY OTHER DOWNTOWN ISSUE.

EAST SIDE OF THE SQUARE

THE CONCEPTS THAT FOLLOW SEEK TO RECLAIM THIS AREA AS THE VIBRANT HEART OF THE COMMUNITY.

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EAST SIDE OF THE SQUARE SQUARE: Short-Term Strategies

PROPOSED: EAST SIDE SHORT-TERM PLAN WHILE AT TRACTING COMPATIBLE DOWNTOWN INFILL DEVELOPMENT WILL TAKE TIME AND INVESTMENT, CREATING A VIBRANT PUBLIC GREEN AND INCLUSIVE PLAYGROUND ON THIS SITE COULD BE AN EFFECTIVE SHORT-TERM STRATEGY TO BRING LIFE AND ENERGY DOWNTOWN.

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This design shows much of the corner property dedicated to a flexible event lawn. This space could be used to encourage downtown programming such as outdoor concerts, festivals, and events desired by community members. Siting a temporary stage near the proposed service alley near the Walker County Judiciary Annex could provide easy access and ensure visibility throughout the site. Along highly visible Villanow Street, a landmark downtown playground and 100’ earthen berm play tunnel could create a regional draw for families and children. Designed to evoke LaFayette’s spectacular surroundings and unique Northwest Georgia natural elements, the playground features an in-ground trampoline designed to suggest the “blue hole” springs found in the region.

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EAST SIDE OF THE SQUARE: Short-Term Strategies

A large timber play tower defines the corner of the site, creating an unrivaled play area and potential downtown landmark. Inspired by towers created by Earthscape Play, as envisioned, this feature would serve as both a play element and downtown arrival signage. Along the rear wall of the County Judiciary Annex, a bee-themed climbing wall creates another focal point and connection to both outdoor tourism and LaFayette’s celebration of local pollinators. This theme is furthered by the honeycomb-like hexagonal pavers used throughout the design, unique Corten steel panels with die-cut pollinator designs, and attractive pollinator gardens at potential business entries. Along the southern end of the site, a 15’ outdoor dining area provides access to the existing building. This design shows the building at 109 East LaFayette Square subdivided into three storefronts and a public restroom.

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EXISTING

PROPOSED: EAST SIDE LAFAYET TE SQUARE

EAST SIDE OF THE SQUARE: Short-Term Strategies

EXISTING: Dating from the early 1900s, this building at 109 East LaFayette Square houses a downtown gym. The second story of this building could include downtown lofts.

PROPOSED: Once shared with a neighboring business, the blank northern wall of this building could be renovated to include multiple business entries and upper-story housing. This design shows three contemporary glass and steel storefronts as well as access to a potential public restroom facility. Individual dining patios are shown divided with custom Corten steel panels with die-cut pollinator designs. Neatly edged pollinator gardens could further improve the look of this property. Shown with Juliet balconies, the windows of second-story apartments would feature fine views of the proposed public green.

140 Renaissance Strategic Vision and Plan (RSVP) – LaFayette, Georgia

EAST SIDE OF THE SQUARE: Short-Term Strategies

SHORT-TERM STRATEGY

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PROPOSED/NIGHT: EAST SIDE LAFAYET TE SQUARE SHORT TERM

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EAST SIDE OF THE SQUARE: Short-Term Strategies

This evening view shows the same elements enhanced with intimate café lighting, spotlights, string lights, and twinkling fairy lights in trees.

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EXISTING

PROPOSED: POLLINATOR MURAL

EAST SIDE OF THE SQUARE: Short-Term Strategies

EXISTING: The rear of the Walker County Judiciary Annex faces the vacant corner lot on the east side of the square. Comprising a number of buildings over the years, the current building façade does not open up to this space.

PROPOSED: This concept replaces the rear façade of the annex building with a new building front to take advantage of the proposed park and event area. Improvements include a LaFayettethemed bee mural inspired by Matt Willey’s global art project The Good of the Hive. A hexagonal climbing wall and new commercial space open toward the proposed event lawn, creating an active rear-entry area.

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EAST SIDE OF THE SQUARE: Short-Term Strategies

SHORT-TERM STRATEGY

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EAST SIDE OF THE SQUARE: Long-Term Strategies

WHILE MAINTAINING A PORTION OF THE SITE FOR PUBLIC USE, THIS PLAN RETURNS A NARROW-PROFILE MIXED-USE INFILL BUILDING TO THIS PROMINENT INTERSECTION.

146 Renaissance Strategic Vision and Plan (RSVP) – LaFayette, Georgia

LONG-TERM STRATEGY

EAST SIDE OF THE SQUARE: Long-Term Strategies

PROPOSED: EAST SIDE LONG-TERM PLAN Slightly larger than the original Marsh Building, this corner building could bring downtown dining, retail, and residential uses to this key property. This new building partially encloses the public courtyard to the south. This intimate courtyard square includes a formal brick dining patio and arched entryway. The planned event lawn could host public events and offer a welcoming downtown destination for outdoor dining, concerts, and other activities. East of the square, this concept shows a new infill building occupying the site of the Walker County Judiciary Annex. An improved public parking area across Villanow Street and new on-street parking along Duke Street could provide parking access to these new buildings.

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EXISTING

PROPOSED: LAFAYET TE SQUARE

EAST SIDE OF THE SQUARE: Long-Term Strategies

EXISTING: This image shows the vacant east side corner lot. The brick pallets and debris shown have since been removed, and the city recently repaired the brick sidewalk.

PROPOSED: This design shows the corner lot transformed with an attractive, neotraditional mixed-use building and handsome formal courtyard. With an enveloping canopy of Chinese elms and a grand brick entry, this public green could serve as a center of downtown life. Renamed LaFayette Square, this space connects today’s downtown with the historic square removed in the 1950s.

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EAST SIDE OF THE SQUARE: Long-Term Strategies

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LONG-TERM STRATEGY

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EXISTING

PROPOSED: CORNER INFILL

EAST SIDE OF THE SQUARE: Long-Term Strategies

EXISTING: This image shows the vacant corner lot at Villanow Street and East LaFayette Square.

PROPOSED: Previously shown as a playground, this design shows the same lot prioritized for long-term redevelopment. The large roll-up glass storefronts shown could accommodate marquee downtown businesses like brewpubs or cafés. Two upper floors of residential or lodging space could bring a 24-hour population downtown. A similar infill development at the site of the Walker County Judiciary Annex is visible to the left of the corner building.

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EAST SIDE OF THE SQUARE: Long-Term Strategies

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LONG-TERM STRATEGY

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EXISTING

EAST SIDE OF THE SQUARE: Long-Term Strategies

EXISTING: Adjacent to the Bank of LaFayette Community Center, the underutilized downtown public parking lot could be redesigned and landscaped to improve the look and function of this resource.

PROPOSED: PUBLIC PARKING LOT

PROPOSED: Landscaped bump-outs with large-canopy street trees add much-needed shade and soften the appearance of this large parking area. Simplifying the layout with standard 90-degree parking makes this parking area more accessible and logical for out-of-town visitors.

152 Renaissance Strategic Vision and Plan (RSVP) – LaFayette, Georgia

PROPOSED: PUBLIC PARKING LOT PLAN

PLAN WITH FOOD TRUCKS

The downtown public parking between Villanow Street and the Withers Street lot could be redesigned to improve access and the appearance of this downtown property. This design replaces the numerous one-way access points with standard 24’ travel lanes. Combined with two-way traffic, replacing sometimes undersized angled parking with standard 90-degree parking makes this lot easier to park in and navigate through. Large new bump-outs and a proposed landscaped strip along Withers Street replace dangerous continuous curb cuts and help separate moving vehicles from parked cars. This design includes an impressive canopy of proposed willow oak and Chinese elm street trees.

EAST SIDE OF THE SQUARE: Long-Term Strategies

FOOD TRUCKS: This plan overlays the potential layout of special event food trucks over the parking improvements already outlined. The horseshoe-like arrangement of the proposed bump-outs could create an informal plaza-like layout for food truck events at this downtown resource. Equipping bump-outs with lighting and water hook-ups could facilitate this type of downtown event.

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IMPLEMENTATION In addition to the common themes of connectivity, improving the appearance of downtown, and attracting a variety of things to do, residents throughout the LaFayette RSVP public input process requested a number of changes that local government can address. i. ii.

Policy................................................................. P 155 Action Items....................................................... P 158

154 Renaissance Strategic Vision and Plan (RSVP) – LaFayette, Georgia

Policy Recommendations and Implementation Steps LaFayette citizens asked for several policy recommendations to help solve issues in the downtown area: from specifically allowing outdoor dining, reviewing alcohol ordinances for food to beverage ratios, to enhanced code enforcement, and creating clearly defined outdoor storage/donation requirements. LaFayette’s Code of Ordinances and vision must be aligned to realize the vibrant future desired by community members. To help achieve this vision, faculty and staff from the University of Georgia’s Carl Vinson Institute of Government requested that local leaders conduct a general review of regulations and practices across downtown, prioritizing changing regulations that might hamper the type of development and activity the community desires. Local leaders should carefully examine any regulations regarding outdoor dining and outdoor storage. Local leaders should also note the current alcohol and food sales ratios and related requirements to ensure they allow for the desired type of businesses and venues. In reviewing existing ordinances, city officials could also consider creating a downtown overlay district. Local leaders could relax regulations governing beverage sales, outdoor dining, and other entertainment within the overlay district boundaries to encourage the type of vibrant, active downtown desired

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POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS

by local residents. Local leaders should also examine plans already created for the city, including the 2017 West LaFayette Transformation Plan. This document includes several proposed changes to the city's zoning ordinances to create a template for more walkable, economically viable, and well-connected development in the area. Responding to these and other issues, local leaders are in the process of conducting a full review of the city’s code of ordinances. This review aims to highlight and adapt the city’s code of ordinances to accommodate outdoor dining, create standards for outdoor storage, and incorporate other community priorities highlighted in step one of the RSVP process. The final step of the RSVP process results in short- and long-term implementation items aimed at helping local leaders to execute solutions for the community’s top issues. Even before the delivery of the final plan, LaFayette’s invested community leaders embraced

the community vision outlined in step one to begin implementing community projects and change downtown for the better. Since the spring of 2021, LaFayette leaders have made tremendous progress addressing the issues raised by community members during step one of the RSVP. Almost immediately after receiving public results from step one of the RSVP, local leaders acquired the key downtown property anchoring the east side of the square, improved maintenance of this highly visible lot, and worked with a private owner to repair damaged sidewalks. Elsewhere, the city and DDA acquired property to expand the planned Chattooga River Greenway and remove blighted property. To further address the appearance of downtown, the city hired a project manager to oversee planting and streetscape improvements along Villanow and Patton Street. Additionally, the LaFayette DDA created the city’s first-ever façade grant program to assist downtown

156 Renaissance Strategic Vision and Plan (RSVP) – LaFayette, Georgia

for the better. The actions already undertaken by this diverse group of community members highlight the strong small-town sense of place and community alive and well in LaFayette. Over time, LaFayette should continue to support long-term efforts like downtown mixed-use infill development and streetscaping improvements connecting the downtown square to the Mars Theater District and beyond. Returning activity to the square, LaFayette’s heart and the crossroads of the community, could help the city grow in a way that celebrates the community’s past, enhances the quality of life, and preserves the unique features that make LaFayette a great place to call home.

POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS

property owners with updating storefronts and improving properties. To encourage a greater variety of downtown activities and events, the city hired and funded a full-time Main Street coordinator. Already, this city staff support has helped grow downtown programming and bring more community members and youth to the area through programming like the “Hometown Music Night” event at the square held in partnership with the LaFayette Junior Council, and in future planning for the 2022 Honeybee Festival. Building on the public input process results and initial designs created as part of the RSVP, in the summer of 2021, LaFayette leaders applied for designation as a Rural Zone. Administered by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, this unique program offers robust tax credits and incentives over a five-year period to entice new businesses and rehabilitate downtown buildings. In November 2021, LaFayette received an official Rural Zone designation by the DCA. Through these and other actions, LaFayette’s engaged citizens and the city’s dedicated local leaders are helping to build their unique vision for a revitalized downtown. In addition to LaFayette’s dedicated local government leadership and staff, key partners like the LaFayette DDA, the new Main Street office, and the LaFayette Junior Council will continue to be involved in moving downtown LaFayette forward. Collaborating with strong civic organizations and partners will help realize the community vision for downtown and create a shared sense of investment in improving downtown

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2021

POLICY: ACTION ITEMS

2022

SHORT-TERM 2021

• Hire a Main Street coordinator.

Jul-21

• Apply for Main Street start-up program.

Jul-21

• Purchase key downtown properties with the Downtown Development Authority.

Jul-21

• Apply for Rural Zone Tax Credit Incentive.

Aug-21

SHORT-TERM 2022

• Hire a landscape architecture + engineering firm for the UGA RSVP plan.

Mar-22

• City Hall exterior updates.

May-22

• Improve or remove recycling area downtown.

May-22

• Improve thrift store drop-off (Zoning ordinance update), allow outdoor dining within DDA boundary (Zoning ordinance update), allow for more mixed-use development (Zoning update), update auto-centric zoning boundary (Zoning update).

May-22

• Create and implement a façade grant program.

May-22

• Develop a downtown events 12-month calendar.

Jul-22

• Rail park upgrade/improvements.

Oct-22

• City parking lot improvements: signage, banners, landscaping.

Oct-22

• Develop an Entrepreneurship program to foster youth and downtown retail engagement.

Oct-22

• Dynamic animation of downtown square: lighting, furniture upgrades, public right-of-way improvements, landscaping, sidewalk pressure washing, planter upgrades.

Oct-22

• Improve gateway and wayfinding signage into downtown.

Oct-22

• Build downtown brand.

Dec-22

• Build downtown website.

Dec-22

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2021

LONG-TERM 2021

LONG

• Demolish downtown apartment complex that is blighted or in severe code violation.

Oct-21

LONG-TERM 2022

2022

• Build a collaborative plan with the county-owned and school boardowned buildings for larger strategic upgrade to publicly-owned assets.

May-22

• Open new downtown office for economic development/Main Street/ project development/LDDA office/urban design studio.

May-22

• Consider targeted redevelopment incentives: residential and downtown retail.

Jul-22

• Transform the East Lawn in LaFayette Square.

Jul-22

• Build brownfield redevelopment plan on sites throughout downtown, by developing public/private partnerships, into green spaces, residential, and small-scale light manufacturing sites.

Jul-22

• Plant large-diameter, shade-canopy trees throughout the downtown square.

Oct-22

• Develop a tree-planting plan.

Oct-22

LONG-TERM 2023

2023

Jan-23

• Build public art and culture program and partnerships.

Jan-23

• Research and develop a plan for tactical urbanism in the DDA footprint.

Jan-23

• Streetscape and pedestrian improvements: Villanow Corridor, Patton Street, and Duke Street.

Mar-23

• Plan + construct multimodal trail system through downtown to connected recreation assets: Chattooga Greenway Phase 1, connect to lake, main rec.

Mar-23

• Program new recreation assets along downtown phase of trail.

Mar-23

• Chattooga River cleanup conservation project/ flood mitigation plan.

Mar-23

• Create a Downtown Retail Incubator program.

Mar-23

• Develop long-term plan for Ross Abney Complex.

Apr-23

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POLICY: ACTION ITEMS

• Construct pedestrian walkway from downtown to high school and lake.

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DOWNTOWN LAFAYETTE ACTION ITEMS

POLICY: ACTION ITEMS

ACTION ITEMS

DUE

FUNDING

LEAD

PARTNERS

1. Hire a Main Street coordinator.

Jul-21

General Fund

Office of Economic Development

City Administrators, Office of Downtown Development, GA Main Street Program

2. Apply for Main Street start-up

Jul-21

General Fund

Office of Economic Development

City Manager

3. Purchase key downtown properties

Jul-21

SPLOST

City Manager

LDDA + Office of Economic Development

4. Apply for Rural Zone Tax Credit

Aug-21

General Fund

Office of Economic Development

LDDA

5. Hire a landscape architecture +

Mar-22

SPLOST

City Manager

Project Manager + Office of Economic Development

6. City Hall exterior updates.

May-22

General Fund

Project Manager

City Manager

7. Improve or remove recycling area

May-22

General Fund

City Manager

Josh O’Bryant

8. Improve thrift store drop-off (Zoning

May-22

Hotel/Motel

City Manager

Office of Economic Development + Contracted Planner + LDDA + Planning Commission

program.

with the Downtown Development Authority.

Incentive.

engineering firm for the UGA RSVP plan.

downtown.

ordinance update), allow outdoor dining within DDA boundary (Zoning ordinance update), allow for more mixed-use development (Zoning update), update auto-centric zoning boundary (Zoning update).

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STEPS

1. Reach out to Office of Downtown Development and discuss scope of role. 2. Develop job description. 3. Advertise job opening and select candidates. 4. Hire position. 1. Have strategic conversations with mayor + council + city manager + LaFayette Downtown Development Authority (LDDA) about what role Main Street will have in our overall city strategic plan. 2. Discuss opportunity with Office of Downtown Development. 3. Submit application. 4. Upon selection, participate in the start-up program and get acclimated with both the GA Main Street program and the national Main Street program. 1. Research underperforming or blighted properties. 2. Build a short-term to long-term strategy for Public/Private partnerships with properties. 3. Purchase properties with the LDDA. 4. Let the LDDA manage properties to partner with the private market to develop these sites into mixed use and recreation assets. 1. Research Rural Zone Tax Credit program with local elected and city administration. 2. Gather application materials, market feasibility study from ECG, and select most dynamic properties for rehabilitation. 3. Submit application. 4. Upon selection, build marketing strategy and execute. 1. Research other cities’ master plan projects, and inquire about engineering and landscape architecture teams. 2. Set up virtual interviews with at least five firms, and select three to come up for an in-person interview. 3. Select a firm, build a project scope, and build a budget with city manager. 4. Build Implementation plan, build capital plan to correlate, plan phased timeline, gather all relevant department heads, and execute capital improvements on phased timeline. 1. Discuss exterior improvements with local administrative stakeholders and Maintenance Department. 2. Engage UGA to do a rendering of an idea for improved façade. 3. Direct Project Manager to fix exterior paint and plant new landscaping with Public Works. 4. Paint mural on drive-through side. 1. Research other recycling programs in comparably sized cities. 2. Appoint city staff to manage the program. 3. Move the recycling bins to the Utility building outparcel. 4. Market the new site and procedures for the Recycling center. POLICY: ACTION ITEMS

1. Take Community Focus Group feedback and build into new Zoning policy. 2. Contract with a professional planner to build the Zoning ordinance. 3. Once the policy is updated, take it to both the elected body, Planning Commission, and public hearings to fine-tune the ordinance. 4. Pass and implement the Zoning ordinance updates.

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SHORT-TERM DOWNTOWN LAFAYETTE ACTION ITEMS ACTION ITEMS

DUE

FUNDING

LEAD

PARTNERS

May-22

General Fund

DDA

DDA, Main Street coordinator, Local Businessowners

10. Develop a downtown events 12-month

Jul-22

General Fund

Main Street coordinator

Junior City Council Event Coordinator, Economic Development Director, Main Street Promotion/ Events Committee, DDA, City Manager

11. Rail park upgrade/improvements.

Oct-22

TSPLOST

Project Manager

Public Works

12. City parking lot improvements:

Oct-22

TSPLOST

Project Manager

Public Works + LDDA + Office of Economic Development + City Manager + Main Street coordinator

13. Develop an Entrepreneurship program

Oct-22

General Fund

Office of Economic Development

Main Street coordinator

14. Dynamic animation of downtown

Oct-22

General Fund

Project Manager

Main Street coordinator + LDDA + City Manager

9. Create and implement a façade grant POLICY: ACTION ITEMS

program.

calendar.

signage, banners, landscaping.

to foster youth and downtown retail engagement.

square: lighting, furniture upgrades, public right-of-way improvements, landscaping, sidewalk pressure washing, planter upgrades.

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STEPS

1. DDA: Establish guidelines and regulations for the Façade Grant Program. a. How much money can be budgeted budget for program? How many façades can receive funds from the program? 2. DDA and Main Street coordinator: Recruit an applicant pool from downtown footprint to receive aid. a. Talk to local business owners about advantages in exterior renovations. b. Ask Carl Vinson Institute to create renderings of business owners’ ideas for façade to increase enticement. 3. DDA and Main Street coordinator: Review and analyze applications in a timely manner. a. Did the applicant meet all application requirements? b. Will the proposed changes to the façade promote economic growth in LaFayette’s downtown? 4. Main Street coordinator: Develop a community survey to review exterior changes and community response. a. A public survey or a survey to the business owner, asking for any business/revenue differences since the façade has changed. 1. Main Street coordinator: create a Main Street Promotion and Events committee. a. Promotion and Events committee aims to promote downtown businesses and economic vitality through engaging downtown programming (examples from other cities: Holiday festivals, First Fridays, Farmers Markets, Shop Hops, etc…) b. Committee must include representation from the City of LaFayette, downtown business sector, local civic organizations, and religious organizations. 2. Main Street coordinator: Committee will meet in February with City Events coordinator- preliminary meeting will discuss recurring events for the city and will open discussion for new events/ promotions to implement for the remainder of 2022. 3. Main Street coordinator: The Committee will meet once a month to discuss the facilitation and follow-up of responsibilities for each project. 1. Listen to and Identify the concerns of the UGA Focus groups’ feedback on the underutilization of Rail Park. 2. Have UGA do conceptual designs for the space. 3. Build an upgrade plan off of the conceptual plan to incorporate private investment, public investment, and recreation improvements to drive more engagement into the space. 4. Implement the plan. 1. Address parking concerns from the UGA Focus groups. Acknowledging that we actually have plenty of downtown parking today, but need to do a better job marketing it. 2. Have UGA redesign the layout for a multi-purpose lot to be used for parking and events. 3. Work with our City Project Manager and Public Works to reconfigure the parking lot and implement the new design. 4. Enhance parking wayfinding, branded signage, and marketing of the large city-owned lot.

POLICY: ACTION ITEMS

1. Engage LaFayette High School (LHS) Entrepreneurship teacher and Pathway students. 2. Reach out to State, Regional, and National entities that focus on youth Entrepreneurship. 3. Build Strategy with LHS and begin to build an ecosystem of strategic partners for funding, mentorship, and collaboration. 4. Assist LHS to build curriculum that exists within the school to meet standards and can assist with project based or worked based learning opportunities out into the community to strengthen outcomes. 1. Take Community and Stakeholder Feedback and build an implementation strategy for animation. 2. Build Capital Plan for implementation. 3. Purchase materials and assign implementation roles to relevant city departments. 4. Install materials and plan event to celebrate new improvements.

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SHORT-TERM DOWNTOWN LAFAYETTE ACTION ITEMS ACTION ITEMS

POLICY: ACTION ITEMS

DUE

FUNDING

LEAD

PARTNERS

15. Improve gateway and wayfinding

Oct-22

General Fund

Economic Development Office

City Manager, Public Works, + Main Street coordinator

16. Build downtown brand.

Dec-22

General Fund

Office of Economic Development

Main Street Committees, City Manager, Rotary Club, Junior City Council

17. Build downtown website.

Dec-22

General Fund

Main Street coordinator

Main Street Promotion/ Events Committee, Economic Development Director, IT Director

signage into downtown.

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STEPS

1. Main Street coordinator: create a Main Street Design committee a. Design committee aims to create an enchanting and inviting environment/façade for our downtown footprint. b. Collaborates with the Events/ Promotions committee to ensure that downtown programming correlates well with the downtown image we want to cultivate. 2. Main Street coordinator: coordinate meeting with director of Public Works, Zoning coordinator, city manager, and Design committee to discuss needed placement, design of signage (assess needs). 3. Main Street coordinator and Economic Development director: find a “local design firm” with a reputable portfolio. a. Meet with City Manager about price point and make agreement with firm. 4. Public Works Director: Execute wayfinding signage across downtown footprint. 1. Main Street coordinator: Facilitate and host Community Visioning session for LaFayette’s Downtown brand. a. Invite up to 16 stakeholders who symbolize Economic Vitality, Promotion, Design, and Organizational Capacity. b. Use a large downtown space as gathering place for the session and offer incentives for those who participate. c. After First Community Visioning Session, expect at least 2 follow-up meetings before a cohesive brand can be supported and encouraged by a majority of stakeholders. 2. Main Street Promotion/Events committee, Economic Development director: Collaborate with a marketing firm to provide both Short-Term and Long-Term strategy to introduce community to branding and begin making the brand image accessible to LaFayette (commission a logo and begin merchandising it via stickers, T-shirts, etc….) a. Introduce and integrate city branding into every city, Main Street, and DDA event. 1. Main Street committees, Economic Development director, city manager, Rotary Club, Junior City council: Develop the city’s brand and begin marketing strategy. 2. Main Street Promotion/Events committee: Envision ideal website and illustrate the vital aspects of downtown we need to highlight. 3. Economic Development director, Main Street coordinator, and IT director: Have round table discussion about website specs. a. How does the city’s website operate? How much does it cost? (We have discussed this conceptually but we should have the data documented and organized for reference as we go through the website development process.) 4. Economic Development director, Main Street coordinator, and city manager: Interview web development prospects and make hiring decision. 5. Main Street coordinator: Generate and disperse yearly review survey to measure the website’s functionality and level of engagement with community.

POLICY: ACTION ITEMS

4e.ii

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LONG-TERM

DOWNTOWN LAFAYETTE ACTION ITEMS

POLICY: ACTION ITEMS

ACTION ITEMS

DUE

FUNDING

LEAD

PARTNERS

1. Demolish downtown apartment

Oct-21

Privately Funded by Property Owner

Codes Enforcement

City Manager

2. Build a collaborative plan with the

May-22

General Fund

Codes Enforcement

Office of Economic Development + Main Street coordinator

3. Open new downtown office for

May-22

General Fund

Office of Economic Development

Office of Economic Development + Main Street coordinator + City Manager

4. Transform the East Lawn in the

Jul-22

SPLOST

Office of Economic Development

Main Street coordinator + LDDA+ City Manager + Project Manager

5. Build brownfield redevelopment

Jul-22

EPA Brownfield Grant, Private Funding

Project Manager

City Manager + Main Street coordinator+ County Economic Development

6. Consider targeted redevelopment

Jul-22

General Fund

Office of Economic Development

City Manager + Main Street coordinator + LDDA

7. Plant large-diameter, shade-canopy

Oct-22

SPLOST

Project Manager

City Manager + Public Works

8. Develop a tree-planting plan.

Oct-22

SPLOST

Project Manager

City Manager + Office of Economic Development+Contract Landscape Arch Firm

9. Construct pedestrian walkway from

Jan-23

TSPLOST

Project Manager

City Manager + Public Works

complex that is blighted or in severe code violation.

county-owned and school boardowned buildings for larger strategic upgrade to publicly-owned assets.

economic development/ Main Street/ project development/ LDDA office/urban design studio.

LaFayette Square.

plan on sites throughout downtown, by developing public/private partnerships, into green spaces, residential, and small-scale light manufacturing sites. incentives: residential and downtown retail.

trees throughout the downtown square.

downtown to high school and lake.

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STEPS

1. Codes identified life-threatening violations. 2. Codes and city judge issued a condemnation. 3. Remaining tenants were moved out and rapidly rehoused. 4. Site was demolished, cleared, and is now a greenfield ripe for redevelopment. 1. Meet with county chairman, county commissioner, and WC school board. 2. Share downtown master plan and fiscal impact data regarding building upgrades. 3. Develop a joint city/county/school board public asset capital plan for assets in downtown LaFayette. 4. Continue to work together to build an implementation plan at scale so that all assets work together to drive vitality in downtown LaFayette. 1. Complete historic preservation renovation plans for federal building. 2. Secure approval from the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) and the National Park Service. and Department of National Parks. 3. Rehab the interior per approved SHPO plan. 4. Move in and begin programming. 1. Build Short-Term, community driven animation plan. 2. Contract with landscape architecture firm, architect firm, and engineering firm for both Short- and Long-Term implementation. 3. Develop downtown square master streetscape plan, pavers, outdoor dining, parking, seating, etc. 4. Build a budget and phased rehabilitation plan. 1. Apply for EPA Brownfield Assessment grant. 2. If awarded, build a community investment/redevelopment plan. 3. Apply for cleanup funds. 4. Market and Attract new private investment to those sites.

1. Research other cities' incentive structure then adapt for local market, survey local downtown businesses, discuss with Chamber. 2. Work with city manager on fiscal feasibility of incentives and highest and best land parcels to recruit residential developers. 3. Bring to Council for approval. 4. Brand and market the new incentives.

POLICY: ACTION ITEMS

1. Contract with landscape architecture firm and engineering firm. 2. Develop downtown square master streetscape plan, pavers, outdoor dining, parking, seating, etc. 3. Complete surveying, utility location, necessary utility upgrades, prepare infrastructure. 4. Bid and execute streetscape improvements to include canopy shade trees. 1. Contract with landscape architecture firm and engineering firm. 2. Contract with city arborist. 3. Develop joint tree planting/tree maintenance plan, along with publishing an allowed tree planting list. 4. Adopt plan at Council meeting. 1. Contract with transportation engineers. 2. Meet with engineering firm, and conduct design review. Show plan to local stakeholder group to garner feedback. 3. Look at budget and cost analysis to see feasibility. 4. If design plan is financially feasible, execute sidewalk construction.

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LONG-TERM DOWNTOWN LAFAYETTE ACTION ITEMS ACTION ITEMS

POLICY: ACTION ITEMS

DUE

FUNDING

LEAD

PARTNERS

10. Build public art and culture program

Jan-23

General Fund

Main Street coordinator

Economic Development Director, High School Art Director, Rotary Club, Main Street Design Committee, Main Street Events Committee

11. Research and develop a plan for

Jan-23

General Fund

Office of Economic Development

Main Street coordinator + LDDA

12. Streetscape and pedestrian

Mar-23

TSPLOST

Project Manager

City Manager + Public Works

13. Plan + Construct multimodal

Mar-23

TSPLOST, SPLOST, General Fund

Project Manager

City Manager + Public Works

14. Program new recreation assets along

Mar-23

General Fund

Project Manager

City Manager + Office of Economic Development + Recreation Department

15. Chattooga River cleanup conservation

Mar-23

BRIC Funding, General Fund

Project Manager

City Manager + Public Works + Office of Economic Development

16. Create a Downtown Retail Incubator

Mar-23

General Fund

Office of Economic Development

Main Street coordinator

17. Develop long-term plan for Ross

Apr-23

SPLOST

Main Street coordinator

Main Street coordinator + LDDA + City Manager + Public Works

and partnerships.

tactical urbanism in the DDA footprint.

improvements: Villanow Corridor, Patton Street, and Duke Street.

trail system through downtown to connected recreation assets: Chattooga Greenway Phase 1, connect to lake, main rec.

downtown phase of trail.

project/fFlood mitigation plan.

program.

Abney Complex.

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STEPS

1. Main Street coordinator: Create a Main Street Arts and Culture committee. a. The Arts and Culture committee: comprised of local talents and leadership, aims to enhance the downtown’s unique identity both physically and symbolically throughout the downtown footprint. b. Collaboration and partnerships across various art/culture mediums will be encouraged (i.e. between LaFayette’s schools and the local professional artist community), allowing them to share ideas and resources. 2. Main Street coordinator: Facilitate Meeting with LHS Art Program director, Junior City Council representatives, and Director of Economic Development. a. Analyze art program talent base—what kind of projects do the students enjoy doing the most? b. Develop 1-3 ideas that could be realistically and safely implemented in our downtown footprint. 3. Main Street Promotion/Events committee and Arts and Culture committee: Within 2 weeks of the strategy session with LHS Art director, a meeting should be coordinated to collaborate on event details and execution (using the idea developed in 1b as a platform). 1. Research successful Tactical urbanism strategies and projects from across the Globe, and help educate local stakeholders. 2. Use UGA focus group data to build a short-term TU list and work with the Main Street design committee + LDDA + Junior council to plan these short-term interventions that may or may not coincide with the Main Street Events committee goals. 3. Discuss budget opportunities with city manager. 4. Plan a quarterly project schedule and implement with opportunities to work with the Main Street Events committee. 1. Contract with landscape architecture firm and engineering firm. 2. Conduct surveys, utility location. 3. Develop master streetscape plan. 4. Relocate, replace necessary underground infrastructure. 5. Complete streetscape plan including vegetation. 1. Hire project manager. 2. Contract with landscape architecture firm and engineering firm. 3. Develop plan for trail routes to connect recreational assets. 4. Develop specific construction plans for specific sections of trails. 5. Prioritize trail construction. 6. Begin construction. 1. Project manager and recreation department build a list of desired assets along the trail. 2. Get stakeholder feedback. 3. Build a budget and phased capital plan. 4. Implement recreational assets investment.

POLICY: ACTION ITEMS

1. Meet with the Georgia Environmental Protection Division to discuss possibilities. 2. Contract with engineering firm to complete conceptual plan for flood mitigation. 3. Meet with Army Corps of Engineers to determine plan to request permission. 4. Apply for BRIC Grant to help fund flood mitigation efforts. 1. Research retail Incubator models from across the country; both in urban and rural markets. 2. Coordinate that research with the LHS Entrepreneurship program and build a sustainable operation plan together. Build a budget with outside of the box funding pipeline. 3. Assess store front space: both traditional, virtual and temporary/mobile space. 4. Launch Incubator: build marketing plan, branding kit, design interior, build strategic partnership pipeline, work-based learning framework, and rules and regulations guidelines. Pick Launch Day and build an event around it with the Junior council, Main Street committees, LDDA, and city departments. 1. Contract with community land planner and landscape architects. 2. Get diverse stakeholder feedback on ideas for Ross Abney Complex. 3. Build a short- and long-term capital plan for the site. 4. Execute plan and attract private investment around the site.

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STREET TREES

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RECOMMENDED STREET TREES FOR LAFAYETTE Appropriate street trees offer one of the most cost-effective, lasting improvements to enhance the look of downtown properties and corridors. Trees increase the appeal of an area by providing shade, visual interest, and seasonal change while buffering unappealing views. Street trees also help soften the large expanses of pavement and other hardscape materials that often dominate the downtown streetscape. When it comes to selecting trees for downtown LaFayette, deciduous large-canopy trees are preferable to evergreens and smaller understory trees. Large-canopy street trees create a canopy above signage, awnings, and other elements. Where utility lines or other conditions prohibit large-canopy trees, unpruned crape myrtles are a good option. Of the many varieties of crape myrtles, ‘Natchez’ is the best all-around performer in downtown areas. A secondary variety, ‘Muscogee,’ has many similar strengths and features a lavender-colored flower. The street trees specified below are desirable because of their durability, limited maintenance needs, and higher branching habits. The large-canopy trees listed can be limbed up to eight feet or higher when mature to limit interference with pedestrian passage, building awnings, signage, and more. Irrigation is strongly recommended for all tree species included, particularly during the first year of establishment. Watering

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STREET TREE RECOMMENDATIONS

bags can be a cost-effective way to ensure newly-planted trees are sufficiently irrigated. When located in planting beds, establishing a groundcover like liriope or Asian jasmine around the base of street trees will help to minimize root compaction by discouraging pedestrians from walking in these areas. If using tree grates and tree wells, local leaders should consider options like Silva Cells to expand rooting areas. In downtown streetscapes, tree grates should be a minimum of 48”, with 60” preferred to encourage a healthy rooting zone. Generally, trees are recommended to be located in the landscaped buffer and appropriately spaced so as not to interfere with building entrances.

RECOMMENDED STREET TREE SPECIES ARE LISTED BELOW. This list also includes trees suited to conditions like rain gardens, tree grates, parking lot buffers, and general park and landscaping uses.

LARGER-CANOPY SPECIES WELL SUITED TO LAFAYETTE STREETS AND PARKS: • Laurel oak, Quercus hemispherica, street/park tree, parking lots, landscape beds over 200 sq. ft. • Shumard oak, Quercus shumardii, street/park tree, parking lots, landscape beds over 200 sq. ft. • Willow oak, Quercus phellos, street/park tree, parking lots, landscape beds over 200 sq. ft. • Scarlet oak, Quercus coccinea, street/park tree • Blackgum, Nyssa sylvatica, street/park tree • New Harmony American elm, Ulmus americana ‘New Harmony’, street/park tree, tree grates • London plane tree, Platanus × acerifolia, street/park tree • Ginkgo, Ginkgo biloba, street/park tree, parking lots, landscape beds, tree grates

MEDIUM-CANOPY TREES FOR LAFAYETTE STREETS: • Chinese elm, Ulmus parvifolia, street tree, parking lots, landscape beds, tree grates • Southern sugar maple, Acer floridanum, street/park tree, landscape beds, rain gardens • Red maple, Acer rubrum, street/park tree, landscape beds, rain gardens

SMALL-CANOPY TREES FOR LAFAYETTE PARKS AND STREETS: • Dogwood, Cornus florida, understory park tree • Fringetree, Chionanthus virginicus, understory park tree • Hophornbeam, Ostrya virginiana, street/park tree, landscape beds, utility lines • Redbud, Cercis canadensis, street/park tree, landscape beds, utility lines • Natchez crape myrtle, Lagerstroemia ‘Natchez’, street/park tree, landscape beds, parking lots, tree grates, utility lines

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Willow oak

Scarlet Oak

LARGER-CANOPY

Blackgum

New Harmony American elm

London plane tree

Ginkgo

MEDIUM-CANOPY

Chinese elm

Southern sugar maple

Red maple

Dogwood

Fringetree

Hophornbeam

SMALL-CANOPY

Shumard oak

STREET TREE RECOMMENDATIONS

Laurel oak

Redbud

5 Natchez crape myrtle

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