Allegan Downtown Study
Background Based on the success and increased investment occurring as a result of the riverfront redevelopment effort, the City of Allegan requested Abonmarche conduct a preliminary assessment and develop an approach to begin a comprehensive redevelopment of the downtown area that would result in: Revitalized Commercial Opportunities • Improved Traffic Flow • New Streetscapes and Improved Accessibility •
Principles of Great Streets • They are active, vibrant and accessible places that support human contact and social activities • They have character and are authentic, timeless and are a place of pride • They are diverse and have a balanced mix of components and shared uses • They are responsive to climate, seasons and day and night • They celebrate the role of architecture, landscape and civic features • They are safe and well-maintained- a place where people are comfortable to be in • They have a balance among the various types of transportation • They relate and connect well to its bordering uses and fit with the surrounding natural and built environment
Functions of Great Streets • Ceremonial/Symbolic Social Spaces Place of Commerce Outdoor Room • A great street is memorable as a ceremonial or symbolic place in the community and a venue for events (e.g. parades, fairs, etc.). • A great street has social spaces - where people can gather, watch other people and meet friends. • A great street supports economic development because it is a place of commerce - where people go to shop, eat and conduct business. • A great street creates an outdoor room -a place where buildings and vegetation define the limits of the public realm.
Project Tenants • Developing a conceptual plan that would assist in creating increased commercial vitality • Improving traffic flow in the core community area • Create entryways into the community that create a sense of place • Improving accessibility and pedestrian safety in the downtown area • Developing a plan that would not adverse impact overall parking availability in the downtown area. • Creating an environment that creates public space for gathering by residents and visitors
EXISTING CONDITIONS – INVENTORY & ANALYSIS
EXISTING CONDITIONS – INVENTORY & ANALYSIS
EXISTING CONDITIONS – INVENTORY & ANALYSIS Narrow Walkways • Lack of Amenities • Minimal Seating/Gathering Areas • Lack of Designated Venue Spaces • Limited Landscape Areas • Overgrown Trees/Leaf Maintenance Etc. Identity/Character Image • Accessibility • Poor Pedestrian • Connectivity/Walkability Vehicular Circulation • Aesthetics – dumpsters in • prominent locations, etc.
Existing Parking Statistics 60% Full on Busiest Day •
TRAFFIC COUNTS AM PEAK 7:45 - 8:45
TRAFFIC COUNTS PM PEAK 4:30 – 5:30
MEETINGS WITH FOCUS GROUPS • City Staff • Downtown Business Owners • Downtown Development Authority • Open Spaces Committee
INPUT OBTAINED FROM MEETINGS • People wanted space that was more pedestrian friendly and inviting for people to stroll and explore the downtown • Better defining and identifying public parking areas • Get rid of current trees as leaves in the fall are a hassle for store owners • Create better public gathering places/festival streets • Freshen up the look of the downtown but keep it uniquely Allegan • Improve vehicular traffic flow and movement in the downtown area and improved parking along Hubbard (no parallel) • Create an environment that will attract new businesses and investment downtown
INPUT OBTAINED FROM MEETINGS • Look at opportunities for transforming iron bridge to pedestrian/park space for enhanced community enjoyment • Update streetscape amenities to include varied seating options, technology, recycling, drinking fountain with pet bowl, dog waste stations • Improve handicap accessibility • Create spaces and screening for dumpsters • Improve connectivity between riverfront plaza area and downtown • Reduce amount of hard surfaces and incorporate appropriate landscaping materials • Better entrance features with gateway, landscape entrance signage, etc.
Overall Schematic Study Option A
Schematic Study Option A Enlarged Southeast Section Align Hubbard Street • Intersection Create Park and • Entrance Gateway Change Direction • of Trowbridge
Schematic Study Downtown Option A
Schematic Study Option A Enlarged Downtown Festival Area Schematic Study Option B Enlarged Downtown Festival Area Create Festival Streets • Curb level with streets • Two-way Locust Street • Parallel Parking • Bump-out Seating Areas • Gathering spaces • Café Seating • Dumpster screening •
Schematic Study Option A Enlarged Water Street Commercial Area Cafe seating • Gathering • spaces Screened • Parkingand Dumpsters
Schematic Study Bridge Option A Pedestrian Park • Eliminated • vehicular conflict Food • Truck/Vendor options Enhanced Views •
Elevations Locust Street Option A
Elevations Hubbard Street Option A
Perspective View Locust Street
Downtown Parking Counts Existing Parking Number Proposed Parking Number Trowbridge/Cutler Lot = 89 Trowbridge/Cutler Lot = 83 Water Street Lots = 112 Water Street Lots = 110 Hubbard Lot = 87 Hubbard Lot = 84 Hubbard Street = 50 Hubbard Street = 40 Brady Street = 23 Brady Street = 20 Water Street = 30 Water Street = 30 Locust Street = 42 Locust Street = 27 Trowbridge Street = 37 Trowbridge Street = 29 Chestnut Street = 18 Chestnut Street = 17 Total Spaces = 488 Total Spaces = 440
Overall Schematic Study Option B
Schematic Study Downtown Option B
Schematic Study Option B Enlarged Downtown Festival Area Create Festival Streets • Curb level with streets • Two-way Locust Street • Parallel Parking northbound • Perpendicular Parking • Southbound (bollard etc.) Bump-out Seating Areas • Gathering spaces • Café Seating • Dumpster screening •
Schematic Study Bridge/Bailey Option B
Elevations Locust Street Option B
Elevations Hubbard Street Option B
Perspective View Hubbard Street
Downtown Parking Counts Existing Parking Number Proposed Parking Number Trowbridge/Cutler Lot = 89 Trowbridge/Cutler Lot = 83 Water Street Lots = 112 Water Street Lots = 110 Hubbard Lot = 87 Hubbard Lot = 84 Hubbard Street = 50 Hubbard Street = 40 Brady Street = 23 Brady Street = 20 Water Street = 30 Water Street = 30 Locust Street = 42 Locust Street = 35 Trowbridge Street = 37 Trowbridge Street = 29 Chestnut Street = 18 Chestnut Street = 17 Total Spaces = 488 Total Spaces = 448
Recommended Parking Lot Screening (Day View)
Recommended Parking Lot Screening (Night View)
Amenities: Contemporary/Traditional
Amenities: Modern/Industrial
Amenities: Traditional
Questions
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