overvieoverview downtown anchorage is the urban hub of not only anchorage, but the entire state of...

anchorage downtown comprehensive plan 89

urban design

overview

Downtown Anchorage is the urban hub of not only Anchorage, but the entire state of Alaska. Its unique his-tory, natural setting, cultural events, and architectural and streetscape design all combine to create an urban design environment like no other in the world.

Recognizing both the strengths and function of the built environment and the physical impacts of existing zon-ing—and determining what new regu-lations and guidelines are necessary to enhance these characteristics—is criti-cal during this phase in Downtown’s development. By doing so, Downtown Anchorage can celebrate its past, embrace its unique northern climate conditions and become America’s best example of a Winter City— designed to be a great place for its residents, workers and visitors.

This chapter reviews the existing con-ditions of Downtown’s urban design; identifies the goals for maintaining and improving the design of the urban environment; and articulates the guidelines needed to enhance the special qualities of the Downtown experience.

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90 anchorage downtown comprehensive plan

urban design

Planning Considerations

Downtown faces a number of environ-mental and physical constraints that affect how people experience the city center. The most pressing constraints that should be addressed with the de-sign guidelines fall into two categories: Pedestrian Environment and Climate-Sensitive Design.

Pedestrian environment

A significant number of the side-walks in the Downtown Core are of substandard width to support pedestrian needs and comfort. There are limited places to stop, sit, rest and relax along the sidewalk. Part of the public right-of-way should be prioritized to foster pe-destrian use of the public realm and ease of movement.Icy sidewalks prevent pedestrian circulation throughout the winter months.The ground-level of many of Downtown’s office buildings do not open onto the sidewalk and have limited visibility from pedestrians. Large blank walls, mirrored glass, and a lack of entry ways oriented to the sidewalk (rather than parking lots) affect the pedestrian environ-ment.The prevalence of existing parking lots takes away from an interest-ing and safe pedestrian experience.

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Parking lots should be buffered from the sidewalk with landscap-ing. Garages should be under-ground or wrapped with mixed-use space.

Climate-sensitive design

Existing structures have not maxi-mized sun penetration and wind protection in the public realm. Taller building designs have failed to incorporate canopies, step-backs or other architectural elements to create a more comfortable ground-floor environment. This has resulted in many windy, dark entry plazas, sidewalks and open spaces.Many of Downtown’s building designs lack appropriate pedes-trian shelter. Most awnings block sunlight and allow snow/ice to col-lect in the middle of the sidewalk, impeding pedestrian path.The use of heavy equipment and salt to remove snow reduces the lifespan and aesthetics of the streetscape. Streetscape lacks amenities and visual attractions during winter months. Downtown has a significant col-lection of historic buildings which give the city center a distinctive character north of 5th Avenue.

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Ground floor uses that spill onto wide, well-designed sidewalks combine to make the Downtown environment a place where people want to be.


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Urban design goals

Downtown’s livability is largely dependent on the design of its public and private realms. The urban design goals aim to strengthen Downtown’s uniquely urban experience.

design for people

Build attractive, well-designed build-ings that foster a walkable city center and have an urban design aesthetic that makes people want to live, work and play Downtown.

Provide walkable, safe, easily accessed connections through-out Downtown and to adjacent districts. Activate the ground floor envi-ronment by orienting buildings towards the street and requiring facade articulation, building step-backs, and other pedestrian-scale design elements.

design for density

Take advantage of Downtown’s cultural and entertainment venues, its active, walkable streets, and the proximity to accessible amenities by increasing the density Downtown. Smart design can assemble a high concentration of commercial and residential uses, making each develop-ment compatible with its neighbors and allowing a mix of uses to coexist. Density must be achieved through sensitive design.

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Tall buildings should maximize sunlight access and not contribute to adverse microclimate effects. Ensure tower stepbacks, spacing, and profiles contribute to skyline and ground-level aesthetics.

design for the northern climate

Create a great northern city center for all seasons. Make Downtown a comfortable, attractive place to be throughout the year. Extend the warmth, comfort and vibrancy of the peak summer season further into the spring and fall by responding to Alaska’s climate in the design of build-ings, street environment and public spaces.

Utilize building technology and design that is optimal for a north-ern climate. Coordinate winter maintenance needs and winter pedestrian ac-cess in the design of Downtown’s streetscape.

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Design elements such as this outdoor heater in Kiruna, Sweden (above top) or this open air atrium in Downtown Denver, CO (above) create more hospitable public spaces throughout the year.


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As the density of Downtown Anchor-age increases, it is especially important to develop guidelines that foster urban development that is compatible with existing uses; are respectful of the natural environment and views; and support creation of an exciting and vibrant northern climate environment. The guidelines are intended to uphold the vision for Downtown Anchorage and realize its urban design goals.

These guidelines should guide both public and private development, rang-ing from district-wide improvements to individual building design. They supplement the Downtown Land Use Regulations, providing the Municipal-ity departments, architects and devel-opers with detailed recommendations to improve the quality and compatibil-ity of design in the city center. While the regulations are requirements, the guidelines are recommendations and are subject to discretionary review.

The design guidelines for Downtown are divided into two categories:

Enhance the Public RealmImprove the Quality of Building Design

The Land Use Regulations

In conjunction with the Title 21 Update, the Downtown Area Plan includes separate Land Use Regula-tions for the Downtown area. These regulations will be used to implement

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the Downtown Plan and fit within the framework of the proposed Title 21 Update. The new Downtown develop-ment regulations will:

Set form-based contextual rules for building type and form.Be clear and unambiguous.Limit commercial rezoning to focus future commercial growth, vitality and (re)development in existing city centers including Downtown.Ensure zones subject to ground failure are limited to appropriate development restrictions with a Seismic Overlay Zone.Define three sub-districts within the Downtown area. Provide dif-ferent treatments for the different districts in the Downtown. Encourage compatible mixed-uses.Encourage multi-family residential uses.Use graphics as needed to improve understanding.Streamline review processes.

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Design Guidelines


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The views from Delaney Park (top right) and the Downtown Core (right) showcase the Chugach Mountains. Viewshed impacts should be strongly considered for the location and design of new development in Downtown.

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Source Data: Municipality of Anchorage, Community Planning and Development Map prepared by RIM and MIG, Inc. - February 14, 2006

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1. enhance the Public realm

Public View Protection

Preserve visual connections to surrounding natural scenery from street corridors and public spaces. Encourage the creation of new vantage points, such as through public viewing areas at the top of buildings.Protect view corridors by designing buildings, skywalks and awnings to minimize view obstructions.

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Identify specific vantage points and the priority viewsheds for protec-tion. These viewsheds and vantage points include (as shown in the Viewshed and Vantage Point Dia-gram below):

Views of the mountains and the waterfront to the north and the mountains and Inlet to the west from street level, especially from streets ending near the bluffs or the water. Views south and east to the Chugach Range. Views of landmark buildings, art work, or major public spaces or activities.Vantage points overlooking the port and Ship Creek.

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This sidewalk maintains a clear pedestrian clear zone and is extended into the parking lane for additional tree planting beds. The sidewalk width also accommodates outdoor seating.

S i d ewa l k S e c t i o n

Maintaining a minimum six-foot sidewalk clear zone width is especially important in ensuring Anchorage is an universally accessible city that accommodates a range of abilities.

Sidewalk Widths

Maintain a pedestrian clear zone of a minimum of six feet on all sidewalks (left). Increase the width to between eight and 12 feet wher-ever possible, especially on primary pedestrian connections (See Pedes-trian and Bicycle Diagram, p. 80).Include parking lanes (parallel or diagonal) on all streets. If sidewalk width is less than six feet, consider constructing tree planting beds in place of one parking space in the parking lane.An inventory of street rights-of-way should be assessed to determine where sidewalk widening can occur. On streets where excess travel capacity exists, widen side-walks to accommodate at least the minimum clear zone. Wherever street conversions occur, priority should be given to extend sidewalk widths during reconstruc-tion.

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urban design

Public Streetscape Amenities

Provide public seating opportuni-ties clustered with other ameni-ties, such as lighting, shelter, trash receptacles, public art and land-scaping. Every block within the Downtown Core should include at least one seating opportunity.Provide dining areas outside restau-rants and cafes wherever sidewalk width accommodates. Dining areas should extend no less than three feet from building’s exterior and cannot interfere with the clear zone.Provide places for stopping, such as building niches, bollards, short fences, recessed entrances, porches or verandas on primary pedestrian connections. These can be “second-ary seating opportunities” such as steps, pedestals, low walls, edge of monuments or fountains, etc. Provide sun-lit, wind-protected spaces.Encourage small pedestrian ameni-ties that help make the winter walking environment more hospita-ble—by creating comfort, conve-nience and interest. Locate gas stoves that provide light decoration and warmth, self-clean-ing public restrooms, winter light-ing, and heated benches.Design water features that become ice sculptures in winter.Promote street-level spaces for ven-dors to sell hot food or drinks.

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An 18-foot wide sidewalk, pedestrian lighting, annuals planting, and interesting storefronts combine to make a lively streetscape (above). Even with wide sidewalks (below), care should be taken to maintain a direct pedestrian travel way suitable for at least two people walking abreast.


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Tr e e We l l ( S e c t i o n )

Tr e e We l l ( P l a n V i ew )

Landscape and Art Palette

Plant and maintain street trees where sidewalk width is sufficient for a minimum of five-foot plant-ing bed. Use suspended slabs or trench planters to provide more protection to tree roots. Where sidewalk widths do not accommodate street tree planting, construct areas for clustered plant-ing and/or public art. Preserve mature trees wherever possible.Ensure that power outlets for light-ing displays are installed at regular intervals and maintained.Plant annuals throughout the Downtown Core.Encourage integration of public art into public areas, including parks, plazas and sidewalks. Ensure minimum pedestrian clear zone is maintained. Cluster with other streetscape amenities, including seating, lighting, trash receptacles, and shelter.

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Sculptural elements can take on a func-tional nature. This urban fence (above top) separates pedestrians from adjacent sur-face parking. Sculpture that integrates art, cultural and natural references and water or lighting elements can be used for small gathering areas (above) or to make a big statement (upper and lower right).


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Heated Sidewalks

Phase I (shown in red on map below): Municipality has identified priority streets in need of heated sidewalks. MOA should establish a Heated Sidewalk Master Plan.Phase II: Work with property own-ers to determine distribution and responsibility of infrastructure costs and operating costs.

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Require new public investment projects to heat selective adjacent sidewalks. Provide incentives for property owners and developers:

Develop a cost strategy for pub-lic/private partnership.Develop a maintenance strategy for public/private partnership.Offer incentives for existing building owners to upgrade access to their properties; consider focusing tax incentives to heated sidewalk construction.

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StateCourthouse

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Source Data: Municipality of Anchorage, Community Planning and Development Map prepared by MIG, Inc. - DRAFT - August 2006

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Heated Sidewalk

Raised or Specially-Treated Intersections


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Heated sidewalks in Trondheim, Norway make pedestrian access safe and easy.

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Source Data: Municipality of Anchorage, Community Planning and Development Map prepared by MIG, Inc. - DRAFT - August 2006

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S i d ewa l k Imp r o v emen t s D i ag r am


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Pedestrian Crossings

Street crossings are integral to a pedestrian network that provides continuous access throughout Downtown year-round.All intersections with high levels of pedestrian traffic (denoted with red squares on the Sidewalk Improve-ments Diagram, opposite page) should be raised or considered for specially-treated crosswalks, through the use of special materials or signage.Raised crossings are the most desir-able because they:

Give pedestrians a continuous walking surface, free of icy curb cut ramps and accumulated pools of snow melt at street corners.Make pedestrians more visible by approaching drivers.

Ensure that raised crosswalks and intersections slope up gradually, making street maintenance and snow removal easy.Minimize vehicular crossings along sidewalks. Vehicles should access sites through shared driveways or alleys; discourage individual driveways.As Downtown roadway reconstruc-tion occurs mitigate drainage issues. Consider relocating drainage catch basins to mid-block to prevent puddling at crosswalks.

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Raised intersections (middle left and right) or raised crosswalks (bottom left), or special material treatment (top and bottom right) at key pedestrian crossings will help distinguish the pedestrian zone and slow down through-traffic.


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Lighting

Enhance the safety and attractive-ness of Downtown in the evenings and during winter months with high quality lighting.Provide a base-level illumination standard for adequate, uniform lighting levels for sidewalks and streets.Area lighting should:

Use white light.Be directed generally down-ward, with full cut-off features Minimize glare, trespass light and illumination over intensity. Illuminate front doors on resi-dential streets.

Enforce city requirements for park-ing lot lighting standards.

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Adhere to lighting performance measures which maintain white light rated at color rendering index of 70 and above.Encourage decorative lighting throughout the Downtown Core, especially seasonal lights.Lighting styles should allow for variety:

Use a lighting palette that complements existing styles and allows for enhancement of sub-districts’ characters. The new lighting palette should blend in with existing Downtown lighting and reflect the distinct sub-district in which its located.Light fixtures should provide space for banners and hanging flower baskets.

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Downtown Denver’s 16th Street Mall (above) lights up at night and attracts pedestrians with a combination of storefront lighting, street lamps, and decorative tree lighting.

Lighting from building interiors and sculp-tural elements can bring warmth to the street, improve safety and create intimate spaces in the outdoor environment.


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Pedestrian Shelter

Create building arcades along streets with narrow sidewalks. An arcade is indented into the ground-floor building wall and creates semi-public, sheltered walkways outside of the public right-of-way. Arcades are recommended over aw-nings or canopies because they do not cover the sidewalk and provide a better transition between indoor and outdoor space.Awnings or canopies are recom-mended where an arcade is not feasible. They should be dripless and primarily transparent.Buildings along major pedestrian routes, pick-up/drop-off zones and major entrances, should provide pedestrian shelter.Publicly accessible indoor spaces and indoor/outdoor transition spaces with seating and amenities for public use should be included wherever possible. These spaces should be located in areas with high level of public use and be directly connected to Downtown’s streets and open space network. They should be visually interesting, af-fording views and sunlight access.

Public Events Facilitation

Coordinate with E and F Street corridor improvements.Consider installing removable bol-lards to prevent vehicular traffic at key public areas.

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•The awning on the south-facing side of the Egan Center is an example of good northern climate design. Its transparency allows sunlight access, while sheltering pedestrians and preventing the build up of ice and snow.

This private arcade with public-use ease-ment on 4th Avenue (above) provides a small dining area, pedestrian shelter and a much wider sidewalk than would be pro-vided within the public right-of-way.

Ar cade S e c t i o n


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2. improve the Quality of building design

Setbacks

Set back buildings on north/south streets and northern side of east/west streets if they provide addi-tional public sidewalk where the sidewalk width is less than 10 feet.A maximum of 1/3 or 30 feet of a buildings’ linear streetfront at grade can be set back if the setback is determined to offer the following benefits to the public realm:

Adds variety and “relief ” from the uniform street wall and contributes to pedestrian-scale street wall articulation.Allows stopping and relaxing in a sunlit, passive resting area. Increases sunlight access.Allows for specialized micro-climatic “sun pocket” and “sun trap” public spaces on the south facing building edge.Helps reduce wind tunnel ef-fects on north-south streets.

Residential buildings are not re-quired to have a setback. Extend at-grade building arcades to the property line.

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Massing and Stepping

Provide visually interesting human-scale design elements that allow sunlight access to, wind protection for, and facade articulation of the ground level. Step back mid- and high-rise buildings at the 3rd or 4th floor and above to maintain views in between tall buildings. Step back tower portion of buildings from the street wall of buildings, toward the middle of the city block; tower siting and dimensions should strive to preserve views. Design towers that are interesting additions to the Anchorage skyline. Building massing, stepping, modu-lation, tapering and overall façade should include design elements that increase articulation, such as floor plate notches, changes in textures, materials, colors and/or shifts of the façade plane.Design towers to reflect the scale of adjacent buildings and create a distinct human scale in the façade at grade.

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Bu i l d i n g Ma s s i n g a nd S t e pp i ng

This high-rise construction in Vancouver, BC steps back from the street edge above the second floor.

Buildings with upper floors stepped back can incorporate rooftop balconies and provide relief to the streetscape.


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Sunlight Access

New buildings should minimize shadows they may cast on the opposing sidewalk, or public or semipublic open spaces in the spring and fall as much as possible, to extend the warmth, comfort and pedestrian activity level of the sum-mer peak season. Medium to high-rise buildings should feature slender towers with condensed floor plates. Slender towers stepped back from the street cast less shadow and allow more air, light and warm temperatures at the pedestrian level. Minimize mid-day shadows on public open spaces between the Spring and Fall equinoxes. Preserve sunlight access to the fol-lowing sites in Downtown:

Public parks and plazas, such as Town Square Park and Delaney Park Strip North side of primary east-west pedestrian streets (including 3rd Avenue to 8th Avenue)Important civic buildings with large numbers of visitors (e.g.., Old Federal Building)

The Municipality or community may request an analysis to evaluate impact of medium- and high-rise development proposals on sun and shade conditions to determine the appropriate design measures needed to reduce or mitigate any undesir-

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able shadow conditions.Private developments should:

Optimize sunlight access and sky views, particularly in civic buildings, schools, private open spaces and residential districts.Locate open spaces (private and semi-public) to capture as much sun as possible during hours of peak use.

Wind Protection

Medium- to high-rise buildings should reduce or mitigate undesir-able wind impacts on streets, open spaces and other pedestrian activity areas. Buildings which are substan-tially higher than the surround-ing buildings in the area should be designed with regard to wind conditions.The Municipality or community may request an analysis to evaluate impact of medium- and high-rise development proposals on wind conditions to determine the appro-priate design measures needed to reduce or mitigate any undesirable ground floor wind conditions and down drafts. Step back towers 20 feet from the property line on all primary pedes-trian connections and on streets within the residential mixed-use districts.Design awnings/canopies to lessen wind impacts at the ground level.

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•This building in Lulea, Sweden has a narrow east-west profile, a roof that slopes down toward the north, and a stepped façade that allows sunlight to reach neighbors for more of the year. Numerous facade ele-ments break up the downward wind flow, lessening wind impacts at the street level.

This building in San Francisco, CA gradually steps back from the street edge to ensure sunlight access to all units.


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Ground-Level Treatment

Design buildings with individual façade characteristics that dis-tinguish each from neighboring buildings.Use modulation and façade articu-lation to articulate the facade on buildings frontages longer than 50 feet.Design ground-level residential units to face the street. Design resi-dential units in residential mixed-use districts with stoops and street access. Design the ground level of non-residential buildings to be transpar-ent and physically- and visually-ori-ented towards the sidewalk.Design retail storefronts to be com-prised of 60% fenestration. At least 50% of the fenestration should be transparent. Display windows with minimum depth of four feet are recommended. Display windows should maintain current displays of merchandise and be changed on a regular basis.Bays with visual and/or physical access should be created every 25 to 35 feet.If one business/building’s facade occupies over half of a block, the main entrance should be larger, consisting of double doors and adjacent fenestration. Such build-ings, should be comprised of 80% fenestration.Design buildings to contribute to the streetscape and open space network (bottom right).

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The facades of this mixed-use building (above) and residential building (below) are articulated with individual bays, each with its own window treatment or entry way.

The built environment adjacent to the side-walk can be as important as the walkway itself. In spite of a narrow walkway and adjacent travel lane (left), an eclectic mix of storefronts increases pedestrian interest.


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Materials and Texture

Utilize materials that create a warm, transparent building edge at grade. Incorporate reflective materials on upper floors for reflective benefits. Dark and mirrored glass are not recommended at-grade as they limit pedestrian’s ability to see into build-ings and inhibit streetscape activity. Provide shade with awnings/cano-pies or recesses in the façade.

Building Lighting

Design buildings to provide their own lighting for wayfinding (accen-tuating entry ways and exits) and architectural distinction.Utilize lighting to create well-lit building entrances and architec-tural articulation on non-residential buildings.Minimize glare, light trespass and light pollution from building light-ing.Utilize motion-sensor lighting to keep building facades well-lit while pedestrians are passing.

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These images represent the variety of building materials and lighting techniques that can be used to convey warmth and activate the street in winter months. The commercial and mixed-use buildings in Germany (above), Finland (below left), Norway (below middle) and Sweden (below right) use materials and lighting that illuminate the sidewalk and building facades and create usable, inviting spaces during cold, dark months.


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Skywalks

Minimize the use of skywalks. Spe-cial exceptions may be condition-ally allowed where:

Proposals demonstrate signifi-cant special need for a skywalk between related and important uses or functions. The area impacted by shadows and blocked views is not a primary pedestrian corridor or viewshed identified in the Plan.The street level alternatives explored are exhausted.

Consider alternatives to skywalks: street level, climate-controlled and lit arcade; a raised and heated pedestrian crossing; canopy exten-sions to the street corner or across the street; and wind protection at street level.Locate skywalk mid-block so it has less impact on views and sunlight access. Avoid skywalk crossings of north-south streets wherever possible; the north-south street corridors are primary sources of winter sunlight into Downtown. Discourage skywalks across primary pedestrian connections and view corridors, such as 4th and 5th Avenues. Design skywalks with light colored and transparent façade materials to minimize their impacts on sunlight and views.

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Downtown Anchorage contains several sky-walks, some of which do maximize transpar-ency and avoid creating cavernous spaces below (above top). Other cities, such as Min-neapolis, MN (above) have constructed too many skywalks and struggle to get life back on the streets and regain their views.

Limit skywalks to one story.Discourage skywalk designs which accommodate retail uses that can be offered at the street level.

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Parking Treatment

Accommodate Downtown’s parking needs in built structures, preferably underground.Parking structures should be one of the following:

Underground.Wrapped with ground floor commercial use that opens onto the street and conceals parking from the sidewalk.Wrapped with ground and second floor residential or office use that faces the street and con-ceals parking from the sidewalk.Above the second floor of the building, concealed with inter-esting facade treatment.

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Underground parking structures under ground-floor residential uses can extend 36 inches above grade, such that the design, installation, and maintenance of building entrances, streetscape amenities and planting beds are not impacted.Improve surface parking lots to accommodate landscaping, buffers or fencing. Improvements should include:

Planters, shrubs, other landscap-ing or fencing at least three feet in heightBenches for seatingBicycle parkingTrash receptaclesSeat wallsLight fixturesPublic art

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Traditionally, parking garages have been designed to do little else than store cars (above). Such single-use structures de-signed with little regard for the comfort of pedestrians and the ground floor are not allowed in Downtown Anchorage. In recent years, garage design has advanced to allow other uses to take place on the ground level, providing a more engaging streetfront.

This parking structure in Downtown Boulder, CO takes the form of a typical mixed-use com-mercial/office building, with its entrance and exit set back from sidewalk (in the far right of the photo).

This example uses an artistic facade treat-ment and ground floor retail to transform the garage into an interesting addition to Downtown Albuquerque, NM.


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This parking garage in Downtown Pasa-dena, CA (right) follows cues from adjacent historic architecture and maintains the same scale and rhythm of bays and window treatment.

Parking lot buffers can vary according to adjacent uses. This parking lot in Berkeley, CA (these images below) integrates seat-walls, benches, planters, trees, shrubs, and bike parking to create a friendly pedestrian environment. These amenities greatly enhance the popularity and use of adjacent shops.


urban design

Residential Treatment

Design residential development to be varied in building form and in-clude features such as front stoops, bay windows, facade articulation, balconies or sun rooms and upper level step-backs (See Chapter 4: Land Use and Economic Develop-ment, page 48 for more detail). Line residential streets with grass, landscaping and more street trees to soften the urban environment.Provide open spaces, gardens, pe-destrian linkages through blocks or neighborhood parks as residential development occurs.Reduce noise and glare through design and materials that buffer or minimize the disturbance created by noise and trespass light.

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The stepped back, mid-density residential building (above top) and the duplexes and four-plexes facing onto a pedestrian pathway (above) exemplify how residential development can combine varying levels of density and maintain access to open space and sunlight.


urban design

Interior/Semi-interior Public/Semi-public Spaces

Design interior and semi-interior publicly accessible spaces that include high ceilings with a major portion of the roof and/or walls transparent to the sky. They should be temperature controlled and furnished with features and ameni-ties that encourage its use by the public.Locate interior and semi-interior open spaces in buildings to maxi-mize site attributes that enhance the quality and enjoyment of the space for the public. For example, spaces should capture a view, allow sunlight access and be sheltered from wind effects.Integrate open space with pe-destrian connections in order to enhance the overall pedestrian environment.

Open spaces should have high-level of pedestrian activity or public use within or adjacent to the site, or They should abut and directly connect to primary pedestrian connections.

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A well-lit, open atrium, like this one in Vancouver’s Public Library, provides a public gathering space year-round.


urban design

Wayfinding Signage

Install comprehensive signage for multiple users, including:

Signage viewable by drivers and pedestrians.Consistent, attractive signage and wayfinding stations with “You are here” maps to direct Downtown pedestrians and bicyclists.Wayfinding elements along major arterials (including A/C couplet) so links are made with other areas of city.

Confirm locations and phasing for wayfinding signage per the Signage and Wayfinding Program (See Chapter 7: Program Strategies, page 118).

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Signage should incorporate Alaska Native art and history to enhance Downtown Anchorage’s unique identity.At key locations, introduce gate-ways to Downtown in the form of archways, sculptural elements, and/or plantings.Signal the entrance to the Down-town Core at 9th Avenue and E Street.

Seismic Constraints

Limit development intensity within high ground-failure zones. Prohibit development of critical public facilities, such as hospitals, police or fire stations, or other high-intensity commercial or high-occupancy residential uses in seismic hazard zones #4 and #5.Conduct a risk assessment to assist in determining the level of risk that is acceptable to the community for locating various uses and develop-ment intensities within seismic hazard zones #4 and #5.Draft new regulations for Down-town that include a seismic hazard overlay district for seismic hazard zones #4 and #5. These regulations should outline the types and in-tensity of uses that are appropriate or not appropriate for these hazard zones, and the mitigation of risks to the public for developments located in them.Establish development restrictions for each hazard zone.

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The interpretive wayfinding sign (above) is an example of a small, pedestrian-oriented sign that should be updated on a regular basis with upcoming events.

A gateway design element could be used at significant entry points to Downtown to announce the entrance into the unique city center.


urban design

I AL EK

9TH

G C

H

5TH

8TH

6TH

4TH

7TH

3RD

F

2ND

B

M

BARR

OW

CORD

OVA

EAG

LE

FAIR

BAN

KS

DEN

ALI

CHRISTENSEN

2ND

D

CORD

OVA

F

B

M

EAG

LE

DEN

ALI

1ST

10TH

ING

RA

GAM

BELL

HYD

ER

8TH

7TH

N

P

O

D i a g r a m 6 . 1S e i s m i c H a z a r d

Source Data: Municipality of Anchorage, Community Planning and Development Map prepared by MIG, Inc. - June 15, 2006

0 275' 550' 825'

N LegendZone 5: Very High Ground Failure Susceptibility Zone 3: Moderate Ground Failure Susceptibility

Downtown Study Area

Downtown Core Area

Zone 4: High Ground Failure Susceptibility Zone 2: Moderately Low Ground Failure SusceptibilityNote: Areas within Zone 1: Low Ground Failure

Susceptibility are off the map.

I AL EK

9TH

G C

H

5TH

8TH

6TH

4TH

7TH

3RD

F

2ND

B

M

BARR

OW

CORD

OVA

EAG

LE

FAIR

BAN

KS

DEN

ALI

CHRISTENSEN

2ND

D

CORD

OVA

F

B

M

EAG

LE

DEN

ALI

1ST

10TH

ING

RA

GAM

BELL

HYD

ER

8TH

7TH

N

P

O

D i a g r a m 6 . 1S e i s m i c H a z a r d

Source Data: Municipality of Anchorage, Community Planning and Development Map prepared by MIG, Inc. - June 15, 2006

0 275' 550' 825'

N LegendZone 5: Very High Ground Failure Susceptibility Zone 3: Moderate Ground Failure Susceptibility

Downtown Study Area

Downtown Core Area

Zone 4: High Ground Failure Susceptibility Zone 2: Moderately Low Ground Failure SusceptibilityNote: Areas within Zone 1: Low Ground Failure

Susceptibility are off the map.

Se i sm i c Haza r d s D i ag r am

The Seismic Hazards Diagram (below) shows the relative potential for seismi-cally-induced ground failure such as land sliding, land spreading, surface cracking and liquefaction. Seismically-related ground failure susceptibility has been rated on the maps on a scale of one (low susceptibility) to five (very high susceptibility).

These seismic zones are referenced in the local amendments to the Interna-tional Building Code and are the basis for required levels of special geotech-nical and structural engineering for proposed development in these areas.

•Source: Municipality of Anchorage 1980 Anchorage Coastal Resource Atlas, Volume 1: The Anchorage Bowl


urban design

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