Item B: South Willamette Concept Plan Update

Home Browse Search

South Willamette Concept Plan 4. THE VISION Introduction The vision for the South Willamette district is described through this document, including maps, diagrams, and illustrations that communicate as clearly as possible the desired future condition of the district. In many cases, the illustrations provide a starting point for the next steps of implementation, for example creating a land use code that focuses on form (such as a "form based code ") for the district, or design guidelines to inform future development. In other cases, concepts provide more general direction where specifics are not yet clear, for example opportunities for public plazas or semi - private open space. Illustrations are accompanied by a brief description to reinforce or clarify the intended outcomes, or to provide further direction or criteria for how each concept may be realized. Key Design Concepts The long -term vision for the South Willamette district is built on a foundation of key design concepts. These concepts provide structure and guidance for important design choices within the district as a whole. Re- define Willamette Street as public space Transform Willamette Street into a positive and defining feature of the district through incremental changes and improvements, in particular as properties redevelop over the next several decades. This concept focuses on creating a safe and attractive pedestrian realm at the street edge, or between the curb and the face of buildings, including street trees and furnishings, adequate space and separation from traffic, and attention to detail in building design. Connect both sides of the street through frequent, safe and attractive pedestrian crossings, and define the district clearly through gateways. The street must also accommodate all modes of travel safely, and provide clear, safe access to business and parking areas. Reinforce existing patterns Allow the existing patterns of success, vitality, and mix of uses in the district to carry forward into future patterns, including the general relationship of shopping and residential areas as well as street relationships and hierarchy. A rich mix of allowed uses currently exists within the district, most of which is already developed at significantly lower intensity than allowed. Targeted changes to smooth transitions between development types and some increase in housing opportunities, for example along Willamette Street and 29th Avenue, will meet future needs while remaining within the scale of the district. Existing street layout and connections are also expected to meet the needs of the district over time with the exception of new connections within the Woodfield Station and Willard School site blocks pending future redevelopment. Create a "walkable heart" for the district Establish a pedestrian- oriented "shopping alley" to link the existing business cluster on Oak north of 27th with shops along Willamette Street between 27th and 24th and provide focus for a walkable experience. The "walkable heart" should include active retail uses such as shops, restaurants and night life enhanced by public realm improvements such as wide sidewalks, paving patterns, special lighting, street furniture, priority street crossings (e.g. bump -outs and raised crosswalks), planters and other amenities. Create options within the district for shared parking to allow "one stop" access to a walkable network of multiple businesses and locations, and locate parking to the back or side of shops to maximize store frontages on shopping streets. Create connections with future high - capacity transit stations Extend higher- intensity uses from the core of the district east along 29th and 27th and 24th Avenues to Amazon Parkway and the likely future location of high- capacity transit (EmX) stations. On 29th Avenue, allow higher density residential uses facing the street, continuing the pattern of "row house style" building fronts found further west. Blend these allowed uses with adjacent low- density residential development through strong transitional requirements. 22 ■ City of Eugene