COUNCIL FOR THE BUlL T ENVIRONMENT

Co-Chairs: Dr. Karan L. Watson, Provost and Executive Vice President Dr. Jerry R. Strawser, Vice President for Finance and Administration

March 31, 2016

MEMORANDUM

TO: President Michael K. Young President, Texas A&M University

SUBJECT: CBE Recommendation: Renovation of Lots 16 & 54 and Bicycle & Pedestrian Path Improvements

The Council for the Built Environment (CBE) reviewed a request from Transportation Services for a three-fold plan to realign the drive lane for Lot 54 with Bizzell Street intersection, to make associated bicycle and pedestrian path improvements, and to relabel Lots 16 and 54 into one lot as part of the renovation plan. The request as well as the CBE sub-councils recommendations are attached.

CBE sub-councils ' recommendations are as follows:

The Design Review sub-council (DRsc) members voted for approval of the revised design for the Parking Lot 16 and 54 Renovation project with the following caveats:

• Request consideration for the addition of signage in the entry island to announce arrival at the Jack K. Williams Administration and Langford Architecture buildings. Signage should align with campus standards and the Campus Master Plan Update, and must be reviewed internally by the DRsc Chair.

• Concern that the Zachry renovation and proposed renovation to the green space in front of Wisenbaker will likely create a major pedestrian corridor through the east side of Langford (parking lot side). Request coordination with the Campus Master Plan Update to evaluate the area from a comprehensive perspective for recommendations such as a mid-walk crossing at Ross Street. Project scope needs to incorporate recommendations from Ayers Saint Gross.

• Parking lot layout is designed for 12-wheeler access only. Coordination of any 18-wheeler access will be done through Transportation Services per existing procedures. Signage indicating no access to 18-wheelers should be included in project scope. If 18-wheeler access becomes an issue in the future, then alternate layout (loss of 44 spaces) should be implemented. This involves the restriping of certain areas within the lot to create a designated access route.

Jack K Williams Admm1strat1on Bu1ld1ng. SUite 100 1248 TAMU College Station. TX 77843-1248 USA

Tel. +1 979.845.4016 Fax. +1 979.845.6994 http.//cbe.tamu.edu/

March 3 I, 20 16 CBE Recommendation: Lots 16 & 54 Renovation and Pedestrian Bike Path Improvements Page 2

• Request an arborist to evaluate the existing two trees on the north end of the parking lot closest to Bizzell. Iftheir health is declining, consider removal of these trees to expand the parking lot to create a more balanced entry point.

• Request additional trees to be planted along the street edge of Bizzell. • Request an arborist to evaluate the existing trees along the Langford sidewalk. If their health

is declining, consider removal of these trees to expand the sidewalk width. • Request removal of the small curved sidewalk and extension of the paved sidewalk pattern

from the north entry to the front lawn sidewalk at the Jack K. Williams Administration building.

• Per the request of the Construction Science Department, preserve the historical manhole cover located in Lot 54, which was cast and installed by the Class of 1921. If possible, the manhole cover should remain in its original location once construction is complete. If that is not possible, then the manhole cover should be preserved for display in Francis Hall.

The Technical Review sub-council (TRsc) supports the proposed plan of renovating Lots 16 and 54, realign drive lane and bicycle and pedestrian path improvements and recommends approval, provided the following issues/concerns are addressed and funded:

• The proposed design will improve traffic flow into, out of, and around the area by aligning the Lot 54 drive lane with the three-way stop at Bizzell Street to create a four way stop. A "Dutch Junction" will be installed at the Bizzell Street and Lot 54 intersection to optimize bicycle flow and enhance safety. Lots 16 and 54 will be combined to improve the appearance and functionality that will come with a single lot.

• The time line for the lot renovation/realignment will be May-August 2016. The intersection work may start in the spring of 20 16.

• The design team needs to ensure that the project does not increase the rate of storm runoff into local creeks.

• The project team should coordinate with Grounds Management for landscaping and irrigation concerns.

• UPD has concerns in regards to enforcement of traffic law violations with the proposed new intersection that connects the renovated parking lot with N. Bizzell St. They will meet with the Brazos County Attorney and Justice of the Peace to discuss, but the meeting will likely not take place until early January 2016.

March 3 I, 20 16 CBE Recommendation: Lots 16 & 54 Renovation and Pedestrian Bike Path Improvements Page 3

The CBE voted to recommend, with noted caveats, the President' s approval of the request from Transportation Services to realign the drive lane for Lot 54 with Bizzell Street intersection, to make associated bicycle and pedestrian path improvements, and to relabel Lots 16 and 54 into one lot as part of the renovation plan.

~ran L. Watson 4 - / ~Lb

Date Provost and Executive Vice President Co-Chair, Council for the Built Environment

Approved:

President

Date Vice President for Finance & Administration Co-Chair, Council for the Built Environment

cc: Sub-Council Chairs, Council for the Built Environment Peter Lange, Executive Director, Transportation Services

COUNCIL FOR THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT DESIGN REVIEW SUB-COUNCIL

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MEMORANDUM

TO: Dr. Jerry Strawser Co-Chair, Council for the Built Environment

Dr. Karan Watson Co-Chair, Council for the Built Environment

FROM: Ms. Lilia Gonzales, AIA University Architect and Chair, Design Review Sub-Council

DATE: March 24, 2016

RE: Design Review Sub-Council (DRsc) Report Parking Lot 16 and 54 Renovation

On January 13, 2016 the Design Review sub-council (DRsc) reviewed a request from Transportation Services for the renovation of parking lots 16 and 54. Included in this request is the realignment of the drive lane for lot 54 with the Bizzell Street intersection, associated bicycle and pedestrian path improvements, and relabeling of lots 16 and 54 into one – lot 54. Responses to DRsc concerns and a revised design were presented on February 17, 2016. The final parking lot layout was provided to the DRsc Chair on March 15, 2016.

Lots 16 and 54 are located on the north side of the Jack K. Williams Administration building. This project will upgrade the surface from asphalt to concrete, provide lighting upgrades to conform to the campus standards (including use of historical fixtures to match Lot 55), and will give trees more room for future growth. Vehicular access to the area between Architecture buildings A and C will be closed and blocked off by bollards, and the area will be limited to pedestrian access only. The project will fix non-compliant handicap ramps and non-conforming motorcycle spaces.

It is proposed to remove the eastern exit and realign the parking lot entrance with the Bizzell intersection, which would create a four-way stop at this intersection and improve traffic flow. Parallel parking along the curb closest to the Architecture buildings would be eliminated and the sidewalk moved out further into the parking lot create more space for tree growth. The proposed layout creates a circular drop-off area at the JKW Administration building that is at grade and blocked off by bollards. The paver style of this area will tie in to the existing plaza on the west side of the JKW building. A long, rectangular golf cart parking structure would be located just north of the building with space for up to fifteen carts. The design would be similar to the structure on the south side of the JKW building with use of a single slope anodized bronze roof and limestone columns, however it would have poles to support the roof. It was noted that golf cart parking on the south side of the JKW building is already at full capacity and would eventually be replaced with a larger structure to match the one on the north side. The dumpster would be relocated to enhance access to the JKW building and a concrete pad would be placed near the dumpster to provide space for a generator when the front lawn hosts large events. The project includes the addition of a sidewalk bordering Bizzell which will someday continue around the perimeter.

COUNCIL FOR THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT DESIGN REVIEW SUB-COUNCIL

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The intersection at Bizzell will be converted into a Dutch Junction, which provides optimal protection to cyclists and pedestrians. Free right hand turn lanes will be eliminated. The mid-block pedestrian crossing on Bizzell that is closest to this intersection (across from Wisenbaker) will be removed. Areas of the pavement will be painted green to denote bike lanes. The original parking lot design was reconfigured to allow for large vehicle access (12-wheeler) to the loading dock at JKW and easier turning throughout the lot. Due to this reconfiguration, approximately seven parking spaces were eliminated. The reduction in spaces will be accommodated through normal attrition and permanent permit holders will not be displaced. Arrows painted on the surface will assist with wayfinding throughout the lot. It was confirmed that the parking lot contains loading zone spaces for architecture students dropping off large models. The proposed parking lot layout and re-alignment with Bizzell was reviewed by the University Architect and Ayers Saint Gross to ensure alignment with the Campus Master Plan Update. The planning firm noted that the entry alignment with Bizzell allows for continuation/extension of the Ross Street pedestrian mall and creates a better alignment with JKW Administration building. As Bizzell Street continues to be studied as part of the update process, the Dutch Junction solution can be incorporated into various scenarios such as reduction in width, closure, or limited access. Recommendation DRsc members voted for approval of the revised design for the Parking Lot 16 and 54 Renovation project with the following caveats:

- Request consideration for the addition of signage in the entry island to announce arrival at the Jack K. Williams Administration and Langford Architecture buildings. Signage should align with campus standards and the Campus Master Plan Update, and must be reviewed internally by the DRsc Chair.

- Concern that the Zachry renovation and proposed renovation to the green space in front of Wisenbaker will likely create a major pedestrian corridor through the east side of Langford (parking lot side). Request coordination with the Campus Master Plan Update to evaluate the area from a comprehensive perspective for recommendations such as a mid-walk crossing at Ross Street. Project scope needs to incorporate recommendations from Ayers Saint Gross.

- Parking lot layout is designed for 12-wheeler access only. Coordination of any 18-wheeler access will be done through Transportation Services per existing procedures. Signage indicating no access to 18-wheelers should be included in project scope. If 18-wheeler access becomes an issue in the future, then alternate layout (loss of 44 spaces) should be implemented. This involves the restriping of certain areas within the lot to create a designated access route.

- Request an arborist to evaluate the existing two trees on the north end of the parking lot closest to Bizzell. If their health is declining, consider removal of these trees to expand the parking lot to create a more balanced entry point.

- Request additional trees to be planted along the street edge of Bizzell. - Request an arborist to evaluate the existing trees along the Langford sidewalk. If their health

is declining, consider removal of these trees to expand the sidewalk width. - Request removal of the small curved sidewalk and extension of the paved sidewalk pattern

from the north entry to the front lawn sidewalk at the Jack K. Williams Administration building.

COUNCIL FOR THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT DESIGN REVIEW SUB-COUNCIL

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- Per the request of the Construction Science Department, preserve the historical manhole cover located in Lot 54, which was cast and installed by the Class of 1921. If possible, the manhole cover should remain in its original location once construction is complete. If that is not possible, then the manhole cover should be preserved for display in Francis Hall.

Selected images are attached. Please contact me with any questions.

cc: Peter Lange

DRsc Members Bettyann Zito

transport.tamu.edu

North side of Admin Building

Lot 54 • 3 loading• 201 regular• 38 reserved• 8 disabled• 32 motorcycle

Lot 16 • 18 reserved• 1 disabled

Lots 54 & 16

transport.tamu.edu

• Surface upgrade from asphalt to concrete• Lighting upgrade to Campus Standard, including historical

fixtures (match lot 55)• Give landmark trees more room

Goals

transport.tamu.edu

• Close vehicular access to the interstitial space between Architecture A/B and C buildings

• Convert for pedestrian access• Use bollards at transition space

Goals

transport.tamu.edu

• Fix non-compliant ramps • Fix non-conforming motorcycle parking• Realign lot entrance• Remove eastern exit

Goals

transport.tamu.edu

• 11 existing trees to be removed• 63 proposed trees planted 18 canopy 45 ornamental

Tree Preservation Plan

transport.tamu.edu

Dutch Junction• Creates “protected

paths” through the intersection for bicyclists – shown in green

• Aligns bikes, pedestrians and vehicles for improved sight lines

• Eliminates the free right turn lanes that cause pedestrian and bike conflicts

• “Channelizes” pedestrians to a better path

Parking Lot 16 & 54Layout for 18-Wheeler Access

Parking Lot 16 & 54 - FINALLayout for 12-Wheeler Access

DIVISION OF STUDENT AFFAIRS

Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs

MEMORANDUM

TO:

FROM:

DATE:

SUBJECT:

Dr. Karan Watson

Co-chair, Council on the Built Environment

Dr. Jerry Strawser

January 5, 2016

CBE TRsc Recommendation: Planned Renovation of Lots 16 and 54; Realign Drive Lane;

Make Bicycle and Pedestrian Path Improvements

On December 14,2015, Mr. Peter Lange, Executive Director, Transportation Services presented to the

CBE's Technical Review Sub-council on the proposed planned to renovate Lots 16 and 54, realign

drive lane and make bicycle and pedestrian path improvements.

Recommendation

The Technical Review Sub-council supports the proposed planned of renovating Lots 16 and 54, realign

drive lane and bicycle and pedestrian path improvements and recommends approval, provided the

following issues/concerns are addressed and funded.

The proposed design will improve traffic flow into, out of, and around the area by aligning the Lot 54

drive lane with the three-way stop at Bizzell Street to create a four way stop. A "Dutch Junction" will be

installed at the Bizzell Street and Lot 54 intersection to optimize bicycle flow and enhance safety. Lots

16 and 54 will be combined to improve the appearance and functionality that will come with a single lot.

The timeline for the lot renovation/realignment will be May-August 2016. The intersection work may

start in the spring of 2016.

Facilities Services:

The design team needs to ensure that the project does not increase the rate of storm runoff into local

creeks.

117 Koldus Student Services Building 1256 TAMU College Station, TX 778431256

Tel. 979.845.4728 Fax. 979.845.3320 http://studentaffairs.tamu.edu

The project team should coordinate with Grounds Management for landscaping and irrigation concerns.

University Police: UPD has concerns in regards to enforcement of traffic law violations with the proposed new intersection that connects the renovated parking lot with N. Bizzell St. We are planning to meet with the Brazos County Attorney and our Justice of the Peace to discuss, but the meeting will likely not take place until early January 2016.

Capital Financial Planning. CIS. EHS and SASE. FCOR/GIS. Procurement. Telecommunications. Transportation Services. Utility & Energy Services. Student Affairs: No Concerns.

Xc; CBE Technical Review Sub-council

CBE Support Staff