Planning Civic Infrastructure for a Vital Downtown

Downtown RevitalizationStreetscapes & Great Public Spaces

Brent A. Campbell, P.E.

PO Box 16027

Missoula, MT 59808

www.wgmgroup.com

(406)728-4611

Creating a Vibrant City CenterKey Characteristics

• A Diverse Market– Complimentary Uses– Pedestrian Activity– Lively Social

Environment• A High Quality Place

– Visually Appealing– Comfortable– Safe & Secure

“Creates Confidence, Commitment & Encourages

Investment”

Creating a Vibrant City Center

• Economic Development

• Local Markets– Complimentary Uses– Pedestrian Activity– Lively Social

Environment– Fosters Entrepreneurial

Opportunity– Local Ownership

• Cultural Tourism– Historical Value– Cultural Exposure

• Increased Investment & Equity

Revitalization Principles• Promote Diversity of Use• Encourage Compactness• Foster Intensity of

Development• Ensure a balance of activities• Provide for accessibility• Create Functional Linkages• Build a Positive Identity

Market Components• Offices• Retail

– Regional Centers– Specialty Markets– Mixed Use Projects– Outdoor Markets– Neighborhood

Service Retail

• Cultural & Entertainment Facilities

• Hotels• Conference &

Convention

Market ComponentsResidential Housing• Changing Demographic• Market Demand• For Sale Housing

– Condominiums– Townhomes

• For Rent Housing

Place Principles• Create an Organizing

Structure– Street & Block Pattern– Hierarchy of Streets– Open Spaces– Land Use & Density– Spatial Definition

• Foster a Distinctive Identity– Historic Buildings– Geography– Vistas– Landmarks– Streetscape Treatments– Public Art– Public Spaces

• Maximize Convenience– Pedestrian Movement– Parking– Transit– Access

Place Principles• Ensure Visual and Functional

Continuity– Architecture– Streetscape– Signs– Linkages

• Provide for Comfort & Safety– Climate– Traffic– Amenities– Physical Safety

• Emphasize High Quality Place– Authentic Materials– Color & Texture– Well Designed Lighting– Clean & Well Maintained

Public Spaces• Public Gatherings• Festival Space• Outdoor Markets• Outdoor Entertainment• Redevelopment Catalyst• Create Identity

Project VisionCritical Elements

• Central Location• Large Enough for Major Events • Programming & Activity• Design

– Accessible & Visible from the Street

– Comfortable Seating– Flexible Use– Sunny & Shade Spots– Public Art & Fountains– High Quality Materials– KIS – Keep It Simple!

Public Spaces

Pedestrian RealmDesign

Considerations• Safe &

Comfortable• Street Trees• Sidewalk Width• Sidewalk Paving• Sidewalk

Lighting• Plantings• Street Furniture• Bike Parking• Transit Stops

Principles

• Sidewalk width

• Separation from traffic

• Define the edges

• Stimulate the eye

• Transparency

• Comfort

• Visibility & Safety

Universal Design Principles

Safe & Comfortable

Sidewalk Lighting

Plantings

Public Art

Vehicular Circulation• Street Hierarchy &

Function– Arterial Street– Collector Street– Parking Street– Local Access Street– Alleys

• Convenience & Access• Complete Streets• Traffic Calming• Gateways & Edges• One-way Streets• Traffic Control

– Signals– Roundabouts

One-Way Streets

Downtown Circulation Plan

ImplementationFunding Mechanisms• Tax Increment Financing (TIF)• Business Improvement District

(BID)• Special Improvement Districts (SID)• Lighting Improvement Districts

(LID)• Parking Districts• Local Option Taxes• Federal Aid Transportation Funds

Downtown RevitalizationStreetscapes & Great Public Spaces

Brent A. Campbell, P.E.PO Box 16027

Missoula, MT 59808

www.wgmgroup.com

(406)728-4611

www.wgmgroup.com