NoMa 2012 Public Realm Design Plan FINAL
NoMa 2012 Public Realm Design Plan FINAL
NoMa 2012 Public Realm Design Plan FINAL
APRIL, 2012
Introduction
NoMa is growing quickly. Fueled by transit accessibility, proximity to both Downtown and Capitol Hill and
streamlined entitlements, the neighborhood has seen over $6 billion in private investment since 2005. Approximately half of NoMas 34 million square feet of development potential is built out to date. Office uses developed initially but over time the complexion of NoMa has become increasingly mixed-use. Of the 10,000 planned overall, 3500 residential units are either built or under construction within the boundary of the Business Improvement District (BID) as of February 2012. The growing population of residents and employees is significant but the businesses, amenities and public spaces in NoMa must serve more than those who live and work within the BID boundary. Tens of thousands live within walking distance of the retail destinations on First Street NE. NoMa represents the most convenient shopping opportunity for some adjoining communities as well as the greatest potential for improving access to recreational amenities. Currently, there are few dedicated sites for parks within NoMa. As development continues, the public realm must provide the transportation, environmental, recreation and social amenities needed to ensure a high quality of life. The public realm is the physical and symbolic connection between people and meeting these demands requires optimized use of public property and right of way as well as creative partnerships on privately controlled land. This plan identifies an openspace framework, destinations and design opportunities that enhance private development and establish a distinctive, active, and sustainable public realm.
Transportation
Environment
Public Realm
Social
Recreation
What is NoMas greatest weakness? Sterile or uninviting east/west streets Lack of park space Low visibility from outside the neighborhood
What is the most important element to add within the public realm? Comfortable places to sit Outdoor fitness facilities Lush landscaping Gathering space for events Place to throw out a blanket and picnic/read Places to eat lunch Additional facilities for bicycles Playgrounds Community dog parks Art installations Gateway elements that announce the neighborhood Signature post card moments
Opportunities
The planning process considered multiple factors
when evaluating opportunity sites for signature spaces and streetscape enhancements including the locations of: Existing open spaces such as the Metropolitan Branch Trail and Columbus Circle. Previously planned public spaces such as the plaza north of the Uline arena, the park proposed in phase II of the Loree Grand, Burnham Park at First and K Streets NE, High Point Park south of the NoMA Metro station, Pepco Park and First Street Park. Existing community destinations such as Union Station, Galludet University, H Street and the Harris Teeter Grocery store. Previously proposed destinations such as the to-be-renovated Uline Arena, the Florida Avenue Market redevelopment, the Walmart site. Development sites were identified that held significant potential integrate public space during their eventual redevelopment. The area bounded by First Street, M Street, Third Street and K Street emerged as a center of gravity for proposed amenities that can add value to private development, connect the community and establish a distinctive sense of place.
Public space considerations diagram
Existing and or previously planned public spaces Existing and or previously planned community destinations
L Street Plaza
This signature space utilizes the L Street right of way and
small strips of adjacent private land to create a flexible gathering area for festivals, exhibits and outdoor dining. Part plaza, part park, L Street is scalable to stage events of all sizes. The central space is broad enough to incorporate interactive fountains, shaded seating and a pavilion venue for the farmers market, summer screen, art exhibits and other community events. L Street Plaza creates a new east/west linkage as well as an opportunity to connect to the Metropolitan Branch Trail adjacent to the railroad tracks. This connection can be made via bicycle lanes along the street or a cycle track through the central space. L Street NE
First Street NE
Future Development
Railroad Tracks
Existing Development
Second Street NE
Future Development
L Street Plaza
L Street Plaza is envisioned with narrow, calm, curbless travel lanes for vehicles. The street can be closed to traffic to support larger events.
The L Street railroad bridge can be enhanced with additional pedestrian space and projected art and light effects. Bridges throughout NoMa can employ a similar treatment. 9
NORTH
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The Breezeway
The Breezeway is an under-utilized
asset that can incorporate art, play elements, vending kiosks and or seating opportunities in addition to bicycle storage. The Breezeways shade and weather protection make it a unique community feature.
Existing condition
Location 12
N Street Park
The N Street corridor between 3rd Street and Florida Avenue provides limited parking and circulation. If combined with the modest triangular private parcel to the north, a public space can be created that serves the adjoining neighborhood, improves pedestrian conditions along Florida Avenue and integrates with development south of N Street. Existing condition
View from the N Street and Florida Avenue intersection looking west
Location 13
The Gateway
The intersection of First Street and
New York Avenue acts as a gateway both to NoMA and greater Downtown area. This dual gateway can be made legible by incorporating two sets of sculptural elements; one located on the ATF site and the other installed in the O Street corridor west of First Street.
Existing condition
Location 14
Location 15
within the Loree Grand development will offer public amenities to the eastern edge of the neighborhood.
existing trail supports commuting and recreation and would ideally continue as an elevated trail to Union Station with an additional community connection at L Street.
Limiting vehicular access along Second Street, adjacent to the Uline Arena, would allow for event staging, and a wider bicycle corridor.
This highly visible intersection is a prime location for public art and simplified vehicular circulation.
trict of Columbia offices on this parcel can open its potential to serve neighborhood recreation needs west of First Street.
Originally recommended in the 2010 neighborhood access study, the segment of First Street between Massachusetts Avenue and G Street can better accommodate pedestrian access to the Union Station Metro Station and shuttle service drop-off and loading if vehicular access is limited.
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Bicycle Lanes
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Public Art
Public Art
10 Clear sidewalk
10
10
10
10
35
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Conceptual plan depicting a typical block and recommended streetscape elements and dimensions 19
ibility between the curbs to configure the roadway for on street parking and bicycle lanes or a combination of on-street parking and two-way cycle track. The amenity space behind the curb can be designed to incorporate low impact development storm water management techniques and adequate uncompacted root space for street trees. Whenever feasible, a double row of staggered street trees should be provided.
FLUSH CURB
CAFE
7-6
CLEAR SIDEWALK
35-0
10-0
15-0
2-6
10-0
STEP OUT
PARKING/ TRAVEL
TRAVEL
40-0
10-0
TRAVEL
10-0
PARKING/ TRAVEL
10-0
2-6
STEP OUT
15-0
SIDEWALK
17-6
PARKING
10-0
TRAVEL
40-0
10-0
TRAVEL
10-0
BICYCLE TRACK
10-0
PARKING
8-0
BICYCLE LANE
6-0
TRAVEL
40-0
10-0
TRAVEL
10-0
BICYCLE LANE
6-0
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CAFE ZONE
BUILDING FACADE
the streetscape. The amenity zone can be configured in multiple ways to accommodate additional sidewalk space or cafe zone, public art installations and seating areas that function as outdoor living rooms. The illustrations on this page convey potential configurations.
CLEAR SIDEWALK
10-0
CLEAR SIDEWALK
10-0
ART INSTALLATION
OPTIONAL FACADE INSET BUILDING FACADE
CLEAR SIDEWALK
10-0
CLEAR SIDEWALK
10-0
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14
10
10
14
Location 22
10 8 10 11 11
Location 23
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Existing condition 25
Site Furnishings
Site furnishings shall utilize responsibly harvested wood
or recycled materials and stainless steel or visually similar, powder coated steel components. Benches and chairs shall include arms. A consistent tree fence should be utilized at the edges of all planters to unify the streetscape.
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Street Lighting
Street lighting offers a significant opportunity to differentiate the community. Standard lights and poles can be used in combination with custom elements to create a lighting system unique to NoMa. These tailored features can be incorporated at signature locations and incorporate electrical connections for staging events. The concept shown on this page incorporates street and pedestrian oriented lighting in a manner that reflects the form of near-by railroad structures.
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Products by sddRETAIL, GES Global Network illustrate the recommended kiosk style
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Planting Design
Planting design within the amenity zone shall reflect
the dynamic rhythm of the railroad. Linear bands shall be arranged in straight or curvilinear segments running approximately parallel with the curbline. A palette of contrasting colors and textures are recommended to make the rhythm legible. The images below depict examples of the recommended concept.
London Plane Tree shall be the unifying street tree along First Street NE.
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