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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda Packet 10/21/2010City Counci p'c a William Grimes, AICP Studio cascade, 'inc. October 21, 2010 City C flCt WflP Lcate William Grimes, AICP Studio 'Cascade, Inc. October 21, 2010 Discussion To elicit Council comments on the design direction, ensuring it evolves to address community priorities effectively and generating specfic recommendations on design revisions. Priorities The table below is provided to help Councilmembers track their thoughts on the proposed waterfront design framework, communicating the elements we need to consider as we further refine the concept and prepare for the November 18 community open house. Element Ferry operations Hollywood Beach Laurel Street Railroad east Railroad west Oak Street Waterfront park Water's edge Promenade Private investment Parking Arrival Lighting Paving Contributing Actions Downtown fabric Hit Close Miss Notes Transportation p arming A successful Railroad/waterfront design relies o an integrated transportation system, effectively serving the ferries, commercial traffic and downtown land uses. Increased private development downtown is key to bridging the gap between the waterfront and the commercial area. Waterfront Design Discussion To verify with Council the preferred locations for entry monuments Overall Entry Monuments The entry monument needs to be located to present the best opportunity for legibility. This includes a lack of clutter, clean backdrop and available space. Participants at the schematic design workshop reviewed two different entry concepts and generally preferred the one with the vertical poles. Western entry The approach to Port Angeles from the west is pleasant and non-cluttered almost the entire way to downtown. The opportunity to locate a gateway feature within the roundabout (traffic circle) is a unique opportunity to place this welcome monument in a large controlled environment in the center of the viewers experience as the enter your city. While other options may be available for this entry none will create a greater potential impact. Eastern entry As you approach Port Angeles from the east the route is natural and calming. Once you get closer to the actual city limit the viewer is showered with 20 to 30 foot tall retail signs and even larger structures. The visual competition within these areas will make the gateway investment have less impact than in the periphery where suggested.. Waterfront 1 I Discussion Genera y Wayfinding To review wayfinding sign design concepts and receive Council comments and recommendations on preferred approach. The wayfinding system is designed to serve a variety of users. Some will be traveling at relatively high speeds in their vehicles, and others will be traveling on foot. The design of the various wayfinding signs is based on their intended audience, providing information in a manner and scale appropriate to their use. Larger wayfinding signs with shorter messages are intended for drivers, while the smaller signs, with more detailed messaging, are intended for those on foot. Option A This option is based on a nautical theme, proposing a system of mast -like vertical elements, with rigging reference and . blade sign panels. This option received lukewarm support in our design workshop, but participants did like the relative ease with which the message panels could be replsced as conditions change. Option B This option incorporates a more direct tribal reference, proposing a panel design referencing Salish geometry and color. Additionally, this option incorporates space for custom medalions or finials produced by local artists. Sash sign would be personalized to include work from local artists in this way. Of the two options presented at the workhsop, this one met with the most approval. Option C Option C is a modular sign type the enables the city to make easy revisions to the destinations if need be. The signs are a representation of the most prolific attributes that bring people to Port Angeles. Many visitors and residents say that the views, mountains, environment and water bring them here. These signs use a variety of blues representing sky and water, greens representing the diverse landscape and white of the mountain peaks. The modular sign blades are lightly shaped to interpret the water and PA's relationship to the sea.. Option D This approach is a modular sign type the enables the city to make easy revisions to the destinations if need be. This sign design represents the views and history of the community. The dramatic mountain scene and cultural heritage of the native Americans are fused in a vista that is a unique brand that can only be found in PA. '" n all t l i fOnt & Plan • Notes • tor IMO ___ .Welvarlarv NU.