HomeMy WebLinkAboutDowntown and Pedestrian Mall Streetscape PlanIOWA CITY DOWNTOWN AND PEDESTRIAN MALL
STREETSCAPE PLAN UPDATE
MASTER PLAN REPORT FEBRUARY 2014
REVIEW COPY
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FEBRUARY 2014
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS 2
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 4
introduction
master plan study area
master plan goals + objectives
EXISTING CONDITIONS 9
site assessment
utility analysis
STAKEHOLDER INPUT 21
introduction
steering committee
stakeholder meetings
public meetings
mindmixer
event monitoring
sustainability workshop
STREETSCAPE COMPONENTS 33
wayfinding + identity
lighting + electrical
sustainability
transportation enhancements
landscape + plant material
materials + kit of parts
public art
STREETSCAPE PLANNING 65
street hierarchy diagram
street vision plans
PEDESTRIAN MALL PLANNING 105
introduction
ped mall goals + objectives
blackhawk mini-park
secondary destinations
planning framework
POLICY 139
introduction
sidewalk café policy
signage policy
purple meters
maintenance
IMPLEMENTATION 147
introduction
quick start projects
project area cost summary
phasing strategy
project improvement framework
prioritization
funding sources
APPENDICES
[ under separate cover ]
site assessment report
utility analyses
event monitoring
public input summaries
policy research
cost opinions
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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
STEERING COMMITTEE
Geoff Fruin City of Iowa City, Assistant to the City Manager
Wendy Ford City of Iowa City, Economic Development Coordinator
Rick Fosse City of Iowa City, Director of Public Works
Mike Moran City of Iowa City, Director of Parks and Recreation
Jim Throgmorton City of Iowa City, City Councilman
Nancy Bird Iowa City Downtown District, Executive Director
Bill Nusser Iowa City Downtown District, Business Owner
Jim Mondanaro Iowa City Downtown District, Business Owner
Shane Schemmel Summer of the Arts, Associate Executive Director
Bob Brooks University of Iowa, Assoc. Director of Landscape Services
TECHNICAL COMMITTEE . CITY OF IOWA CITY
Kris Ackerson Assistant Transportation Planner
Chris O’Brien Director of Transportation Services
Ron Knoche City Engineer
Guy Irvin Electronics Technician / Traffic Engineer
Sheri Thomas Senior Maintenance Worker - Central Business District
Terry Robinson Superintendent of Parks and Forestry
Mark Rummel Assoc. Director of Transportation Services
David Schwindt Police Officer
Jorey Bailey Police Officer
PLANNING TEAM
Genus Landscape Architects
studioINSITE
Conservation Design Forum
MMS Consultants
KCL Engineering
ArtHOUSE Design
MindMixer
Contact
For more information on this plan update, contact :
Geoff Fruin
Assistant to the City Manager |City of Iowa City
319.356.5013
Geoff-Fruin@iowa-city.org
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SECTION 1
Executive Summary
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INTRODUCTION
Much has been written about the eclecticism and vibran-
cy of downtown Iowa City, a dynamic destination for the
community and the region with a rich mix of retail, unique
dining, nationally recognized special events and festivals,
a distinctive public art program, and inspired entertain-
ment venues. At its heart, the iconic Pedestrian Mall has
long been recognized and celebrated as a place where
people of all ages and demographics come together.
The Study Area for this plan extends from Bloomington
Street on the north to Burlington Street on the south, and
from Gilbert Street on the east to Clinton Street on the
west. The streetscapes and public spaces throughout the
study area developed at different times and under inde-
pendent plans. As a result, the condition and character
of the streetscapes vary considerably. And, as a simple
byproduct of time, some of the public spaces and street-
scape amenities are showing visible signs of deterioration.
The intent of the current study is to prepare an updated
master plan that will focus on the components necessary
for a successful, contemporary streetscape that reflects
the evolving social, cultural, and commercial needs of the
community. The resultant master plan report, The Iowa City
Downtown and Pedestrian Mall Streetscape Plan Update,
builds on existing strengths and provides key recommen-
dations that will refresh and unify the downtown core and
the Pedestrian Mall.
The Plan seeks to balance the needs of varied user groups
and reflects the understanding that streets play a multifac-
eted role. ‘Good streets’ have meaning for people, are
accessible to all, are well maintained, and are engaging;
they are an important part of everyday life in the public
realm. If fully and thoughtfully realized, this Plan will bring a
number of benefits to downtown Iowa City.
BENEFITS TO DOWNTOWN IOWA CITYDistinctive and unified streetscape design: A consistent
palette of unique & quality streetscape components [ light
fixtures, seating, litter receptacles, bike racks, planters ] will
create a cohesive downtown identity.
An updated and inspired wayfinding and identity frame-work: New gateways and wayfinding kiosks will improve
legibility of the City and provide a means of orientation for
visitors and guests.
Improved pedestrian safety, comfort, and accessibility:
Enhanced crosswalks, bump-outs, and pedestrian refuge
islands along select streets will improve downtown’s walk-
ability. New paving, seating, and pedestrian scale lighting
will improve the sense of safety and facilitate use.
New and improved public gathering spaces: The Plan cre-
ates a series of secondary destinations across the study
area that will appeal to the range of user groups.
Enhanced bicycle accommodations: Sheltered bicycle
parking and designated bicycle lanes will support and fur-
ther Iowa City as a bicycle-friendly community.
A contemporary and sustainable lighting framework: A
multi-layered lighting framework consisting of pedestri-
an and roadway lights, architectural lighting, enhanced
storefront lighting, identity lighting, and illuminated wayfin-
ding elements will create a unique downtown identity and
encourage night time use.
Replacement of aging infrastructure: The existing sanitary
sewer, potable water, gas, fiber, and storm sewer systems
were analyzed to guide future infrastructure improve-
ments.
Green infrastructure strategies: An energy efficient LED
lighting system, recycling stations, solar panels at bicycle
shelters, enhanced transportation choices, sustainable
education and outreach opportunities, and permeable
pavement systems and bioretention planting areas at se-
lect areas will demonstrate the City’s commitment to sus-
tainability.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY| INTRODUCTION
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THE ORGANIZATION OF THE PLAN The Iowa City Downtown and Pedestrian Mall Streetscape Plan Update consists of the following sections. An expla-nation of each section and its contents are noted below to assist users in finding content.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
EXISTING CONDITIONS
STAKEHOLDER INPUT
STREETSCAPE COMPONENTS
STREETSCAPE PLANNING
PEDESTRIAN MALL PLANNING
POLICY
IMPLEMENTATION
APPENDICES
The Study Area for the Iowa City Downtown and Pedestrian Mall Streetscape Plan Update comprises sixteen blocks, or approximately 65 acres.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY| INTRODUCTION
1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Section 1 gives a brief introduction to the project, high-lights the organization of the plan, and concludes with master plan goals and objectives,
2 EXISTING CONDITIONSSection 2 of the plan summarizes the site assessment process which included a combination of field analysis, stakeholder engagement, and review of information and mapping provided by the City of Iowa City. As part of this process, the existing wayfinding and identity elements, sidewalk cafes, context, accessibility, architectural pat-terns and streetscape components were reviewed. In an effort to better understand the existing infrastructure, a utility analysis examined the sanitary sewer, storm sew-er, and water supply within the Study Area and consid-ered projected demand for these utilities into the future. The utility analyses included consultations with local utility companies and interviews with key representatives from the City. The information gathered during the site assess-ment phase informed key recommendations for each of the streets and the pedestrian mall.
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3 STAKEHOLDER INPUT
Within Section 3, the Iowa City Downtown and Pedestrian
Mall Streetscape Plan Update reflects the dedicated par-
ticipation and input of the project steering and technical
committee and an invested public. The steering and tech-
nical committee was composed of City of Iowa City lead-
ers, local business leaders, and representatives from the
Iowa City Downtown District, Summer of the Arts (SOTA),
and the University of Iowa. To ensure the resulting plan
reflects the needs of the larger community, the Plan was
developed with significant public input. Three public in-
put meetings took place over the course of a nine- month
planning process [ full project duration ] and over four
hundred persons participated in the meetings. Addition-
ally, throughout the entire master plan process, the public
was able to submit ideas online via the project website,
inspiredowntownic.com, resulting in an additional 435 par-
ticipants along the way.
4 STREETSCAPE COMPONENTS
This section promotes a strong ensemble of high-quality
materials, amenities and furnishings that reinforce a unique
and positive downtown image. The proposed palette of
materials will give downtown a consistent character and
quality. While certain components, such as benches or
trash receptacles, will be applied consistently throughout
the study area, others, such as limestone light pole bas-
es or banners, may be recommended only along select
streets to better distinguish a specific street role or function.
Taken as a whole, the components ensure a consistent vo-
cabulary for the downtown and Pedestrian Mall. The sec-
tion addresses the following components.
wayfinding + identity
lighting + electrical
sustainability
transportation enhancements
landscape + plant material
materials + kit of parts
public art
5 STREETSCAPE PLANNING
Providing an overview of each street and the key im-
provement recommendations that were identified for it,
this section offers design narrative, street vision plans, ren-
derings, and sections within the plan to outline how and
where these recommendations should be implemented.
Key planning recommendations for each street were cat-
egorized per the following.
Transportation Enhancements address how and
where to improve vehicular, bicyclist, and pedestrian
movement.
Lighting opportunities identify and locate the type of
light(s) proposed for each street.
Sustainable Enhancements identify opportunities for
green infrastructure strategies such as bioretention
planting areas, infill trees, recycling stations, and per-
meable pavement systems.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY| INTRODUCTION
Wayfinding and Identity elements create gateways
and inform use along select streets.
Utility recommendations address aging infrastructure
and the undergrounding of any existing overhead util-
ity lines.
Other improvements such as vegetation, seating, and
paving improvements are identified.
6 PEDESTRIAN MALL PLANNING
The Pedestrian Mall is a truly unique asset that sets Iowa
City apart from other cities. Its long-term success can be
attributed to the mix of uses including successful restau-
rants, new residential properties, entertainment venues,
and its adjacency to the University of Iowa. Across the US,
there is renewed interested in pedestrian-only spaces.
With nearly forty years having passed since the opening
of the Pedestrian Mall and the most recent improvements
taking place in 1999, the Pedestrian Mall needs a ‘selec-
tive editing’ of components to continue to attract and
support unique businesses, to fulfill the evolving needs
of diverse user groups, and to address years of deferred
maintenance.
Material presented in this section illustrates an analysis
framework for existing conditions, recommendations for
a new layer of secondary destination spaces across the
Pedestrian Mall and overall planning suggestions to re-in-
vigorate and update the Pedestrian Mall.
7 POLICY
With a focus of re-aligning City policy with streetscape
and pedestrian mall planning goals, Section 7 describes
the City’s current sidewalk café and signage policy, the
purple meter program, and maintenance-related issues
and requirements.
8 IMPLEMENTATION
In order to move the planning from vision to reality, the
master plan report concludes with the identification and
prioritization of recommended projects, as well as a cost
summary for improvements associated with each street
and the pedestrian mall. The prioritization of projects in-
cludes phasing recommendations for quick start [ sudden
impact or critical maintenance / safety projects ], short
term [ 1-3 year ] and long term projects [ 5-15 year ] to
assist the City of Iowa City in fiscal planning and deci-
sion-making for the next 10-15 years.
+ APPENDICES
Copies of the full site assessment report, utility analysis, the
Iowa Arts Festival summary, a record of the public input
from the three public meetings, sidewalk café policy re-
search from similar cities, and cost opinions are provided
under separate cover.
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY | MASTER PLAN GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
• Celebrate the history and culture of Iowa City.
• Create a memorable public space at Black Hawk Mini
Park.
• Improve the children’s play area and the ‘Weather
Dance’ fountain stage space.
• Create a focal point and Ped Mall gateway at
Dubuque and Washington.
• Improve festival and public event opportunities.
• Improve bicycle connectivity and bicycle parking ac-
commodations.
• Improve the pedestrian experience, especially along
Burlington and Gilbert.
• Improve connectivity between the Northside Market-
place, the core of Downtown, the Iowa River, and the
Riverfront Crossings.
• Reinforce the public artwork program.
• Enhance the tree planting program.
• Identify good elements of the existing streetscape.
• Enhance the walkability of Downtown.
• Enhance the opportunities for families including the
play area at the Library.
• Evaluate the adequacy & condition of existing utilities.
• Assess current and future needs per the 2012 Master
Plan Yield Analysis.
• Make recommendations on utility improvements.
• Improve the special event infrastructure.
• Explore & incorporate green infrastructure strategies.
• Promote the use of sustainable and low maintenance
materials.
• Improve recycling opportunities.
• Incorporate art and technology into the streetscape
that celebrates the University’s many resources.
• Create a subtle yet unified streetscape expression that
promotes the physical and visual engagement of the
University with the Downtown.
• Develop a Gateway element as an entry feature to
the University and to the City.
• Create a lighting framework that informs use and en-
hances wayfinding.
• Incorporate creative architectural lighting at historic
buildings, public art projects and other notable loca-
tions.
• Create opportunities for year-round and seasonal
lighting.
• Create a sense of arrival at key points throughout the
study area.
• Create a gateway into the Ped Mall at Washington
and Dubuque.
• Improve transportation/parking-related signage to as-
sist visitors.
ENHANCE THE PUBLIC REALM
BUILD ON EXISTING STRENGTHS
ADDRESS AGING INFRASTRUCTURE
ENHANCE OUR ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP & BECOME A ‘GREEN’ DOWNTOWN
STRENGTHEN ‘TOWN AND GOWN’ IMAGE
DEVELOP A MULTI-LAYERED, FLEXIBLE LIGHTING FRAMEWORK
ENHANCE THE WAYFINDING NETWORK
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SECTION 2
Existing Conditions
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SITE ASSESSMENT
Downtown Iowa City has many strengths including a
vibrant pedestrian realm, an eclectic mix of retail and
restaurants, a memorable public art program, mature
trees, and nationally recognized special events. Landmark
destinations such as the Ped Mall, the Englert Theater and
the Iowa City Public Library are used and enjoyed by lo-
cals and visitors alike. Its rich history has resulted in approx-
imately sixty national registry eligible structures within or
directly adjacent to the study area. In short, the site assess-
ment reveals a strong starting point for the project.
As a simple by-product of time, some aspects and com-
ponents of the downtown streetscape are in a state of
decline. As an example, significant improvements have
not been made at the Ped Mall since the 1998 Iowa City
Downtown Streetscape Plan. Additionally, as the City has
grown and evolved, the downtown boundaries have shift-
ed and expanded.
The full site assessment report is included within the Appen-
dix. A summary of key observations follows.
• Enhancements are needed at the public realm to bet-
ter accommodate existing and future uses. For exam-
ple, at the completion of Park@201, the north end of
the Ped Mall and the adjacent Black Hawk Mini Park
can be re-designed to realize their full potential as
vibrant public spaces that welcome users to down-
town. Other public spaces in need of updates include
the children’s play area and the permanent stage.
• The existing downtown lighting identity is limited and
includes a wide range of inconsistent design styles.
The ‘globe’ lights at the Ped Mall and the adjacent
streets are inefficient and are nearing the end of their
serviceable life. Safety is compromised at times due
to inadequate illumination. A significant opportuni-
ty exists for a consistent, multi-layered lighting design
framework that will be more characteristic of a sus-
tainable and contemporary destination.
• Some infrastructure is aging and is not meeting current
demands. Additional electrical capacity and access
points are needed throughout downtown to support
special events and holiday lighting. In its existing state,
storm sewer capacity and inlet capacity is not suffi-
cient in multiple areas. Existing water supply lines do
not meet future build-out demands in multiple loca-
tions.
• There are inconsistencies in the basic streetscape ‘kit
of parts’. Since 1998, six different planning documents
have guided various parts of the study area. As a re-
sult, basic streetscape components including sidewalk
paving, lighting, planting design vary across the study
area. Encouraging continuity across the basic street-
scape components will improve downtown’s identity
and ease maintenance demands on city staff.
• Green infrastructure strategies are currently lacking
across downtown. There is tremendous potential to im-Many of the existing limestone planters are sepa-
rating and are in need of repair.
EXISTING CONDITIONS | SITE ASSESSMENT
plement sustainable strategies across downtown and reflect the ideals of a sustainable community.
• Improving the pedestrian and bicycle experience throughout the district is a high priority. In particular, emphasis needs to be directed at Burlington, Gilbert, Market, and Clinton Streets.
• A strong wayfinding framework is generally lacking. The existing oversized kiosks and posting pillars are no longer meeting their intended purpose and many are in a state of disrepair. A new wayfinding and identity program will allow the user to find information more quickly and easily with simple unified graphics.
The existing alleys are under-utilized, poorly illumi-
nated, and dominated by waste storage.
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EXISTING CONDITIONS | SITE ASSESSMENT
INCONSISTENT LIGHTING
EXISTING BRICK SURFACING
NORTH PEDESTRIAN MALL ENTRY
The current lighting system across Downtown is a compo-nent that warrants significant investment. Many of the fix-tures are ‘tired’, exhibiting peeling paint and surface rust that is typical for fixtures that have been in-place for de-cades. While lamp conversions to LED have been start-ed, much work remains to improve light levels, ambiance, branding and energy efficiency.
Sections of the brick paving across the Ped Mall are heav-ing and uneven. Vehicular tracking is visible across the easterly section near the Bread Garden and the Iowa City Public Library.
To minimize maintenance challenges that go along with uneven pavement (snow removal, ponding water) and safety concerns (tripping and universal accessibility) se-lect areas of the Pedestrian Mall need to have the pavers and subbase reinstalled to create a safe and attractive walking surface.
During public input meeting #1, the north Ped Mall entry was identified as the least favorite public space in Down-town Iowa City. It was described as ‘the most dangerous and intimidating space’ in Downtown Iowa City. The pub-lic complained about the ongoing loitering and about the groups that ‘hang out’ on the benches for extended pe-riods of time.
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EXISTING PLAY SURFACING
EXISTING POSTING PILLARS
INCONSISTENT COMPONENTS
EXISTING STREETSCAPE
The existing kiosks and posting pillars are showing signs of deterioration. As depicted in the image, many of the existing bases are corroding. They are also over-sized and appear out of scale with the context. Many of their original uses such as pay telephones and newspaper vending are no longer relevant.
A lack of consistency of basic streetscape components makes the public realm seem confusing and cluttered.
The existing play surface is in need of replacement. The surface is uneven and cracking and is separating from the edge restraint. This creates tripping hazards and an un-safe play surface for children.
Basic streetscape amenities are lacking along many of the streets. As examples, gateway elements are missing, there are gaps in the tree planting program, seating is currently unavailable along certain street sections, and street-lev-el blank facades reduce the visual interest of the streets-cape.
EXISTING CONDITIONS | SITE ASSESSMENT
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UTILITY ANALYSIS INTRODUCTIONThe planning team identified the utilities within the project limits, reviewed relevant information from the City, and worked with utility providers to determine the adequacy and condition of each utility system as it relates to the Yield Analysis section contained within the 2012 downtown and riverfront crossings master plan. Observations and recom-mendations for sanitary sewer, water service, storm sewer, fiber optic, natural gas, and electrical are provided in the following sections. The full utility analysis is included under separate cover.
FIBER OPTIC / IT / COMMUNICATIONSContact was made with the City of Iowa City IT and Traffic departments to gain an understanding of possible future needs for conduit in the study area. The information re-ceived indicated that the existing conduit was reaching the end of its service life. The requested infrastructure con-sists of a conduit bank of (3) 2-inch SDR11 HDPE conduit throughout the study area with associated hand holes. Additional conduit may need to be considered for private utilities as fiber optic is limited in the area.
Water main break along Washington in August 2013
NATURAL GASContact was made with MidAmerican Energy, the natural gas utility for the study area. Their current system is an ag-ing low pressure system that is, at times, unable to provide the volume of gas needed for application within the area. The utility recently installed a new line in the alley near Park@201 to serve the new 14 story structure. Represen-tatives indicated that they would replace all old gas lines within the study area in association with projects contem-plated by this study. Of note, they also indicated that their current meters are in the buildings in much of the area, and would be interested in looking at creative solutions that could move some of the meters to exterior locations where feasible.
ELECTRICALMidAmerican Energy’s electrical infrastructure is general-ly buried underground in the Downtown District while the Northside Marketplace has overhead distribution. In both areas the majority of electrical infrastructure is located in alleys. A one block section along S. Gilbert Street between Washington and College will eventually be converted un-derground due to new development, but the time frame is currently not known. MidAmerican reports no other plans for major infrastructure improvements in the next ten years unless they receive additional customer requests. There is currently adequate capacity for current customers and expected future growth. However, additional electrical capacity is needed throughout downtown and specifi-cally along Iowa Avenue and Clinton and in the Ped Mall for special events and vendors. An electric utility map has been provided by MidAmerican Energy for the study area.
EXISTING CONDITIONS | UTILITY ANALYSIS
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EXISTING CONDITIONS | UTILITY ANALYSIS | SANITARY SERVICE
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SANITARY SEWER
The sanitary sewer analysis was based on information pro-
vided by the City of Iowa City and consisted of sanitary
sewer plan and profile records. In addition, LIDAR contour
mapping was used to estimate areas contributing to the
sanitary sewer outside the study area. The City of Iowa City
Wastewater Division of the Department of Public Works
performed video inspections of the subject sewer lines.
The system was analyzed by determining the service areas
for each reach of sanitary sewer and comparing the cal-
culated flows from each service area to the calculated
capacity in each pipe. Flows from each service area were
estimated by the type of use. A peaking factor of 4.0 and
a factor of safety for Inflow and Infiltration and other peak
demands of 2.0 were applied. In general the available ca-
pacity greatly exceeds the current demand.
SPECIFIC ITEMS OF INTEREST
Most sewers are installed at more than minimum grade.
The only exception found is a length of 8-inch sewer
along Linn Street between Washington Street and Iowa
Avenue. Records indicate it is at a slope of 0.35% (0.40%
minimum). Estimations show suitable capacity, howev-
er the lower velocity may cause maintenance issues.
A 12 inch sewer runs in the east-west alleyway adjacent
to the Hamburg Inn 2, 214 N. Linn Street. Video inspec-
tion indicates that the service located 57.7 feet from
the upstream manhole is broken with visible voids (and
grease).
The aging brick construction sanitary manhole at the
intersection of College and Linn is in need of rehabilita-
tion or replacement.
A communications cable has penetrated the 8-inch
clay sewer approximately 61 feet north of the intersec-
tion of Burlington and Gilbert.
A sanitary sewer connection is likely from 321 E. Mar-
ket to the Beer Creek storm sewer. If the connection
is active, route to an existing 8-inch sewer connection
in the alley south of the building. This work should be
considered as an immediate action, and not be tied to
possible future streetscape improvements.
FUTURE FLOW ESTIMATES
Future flows were estimated for potential buildings identi-
fied in the 2012 Downtown and Riverfront Crossings Plan.
The yield analysis identifies fourteen potential structures
ranging from four to twelve stories. The structures identified
in the South downtown yield analysis could add an ad-
ditional 0.556 MGD. This is below the calculated 1.1MGD
capacity of the existing Burlington Street sewer. Proposed
structures at Linn and Washington should utilize the avail-
able capacity in the 15-inch Washington Street sewer in-
stead of connecting to the 8-inch sewer along Linn Street.
Other proposed structures are on sewer lines with signifi-
cant excess capacity.
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OTHER RECOMMENDATIONS
As work is done in the study area, the City wishes to re-
place the existing sanitary castings with the City of Iowa
City logo castings to help differentiate it from the storm
sewer system.
EXISTING CONDITIONS | UTILITY ANALYSIS | SANITARY SERVICE
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EXISTING CONDITIONS | UTILITY ANALYSIS | WATER SERVICE
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Replace the 6” line along Dubuque, north of Burlington
due to age and condition.
Replace the 6” line along Washington between Linn
and Van Buren with 8” line for increased capacity.
FUTURE DEVELOPMENT
Static pressure in the system is between 80 to 89 psi in the
north market place area and 90 to 99 psi in the downtown
district. This should allow for acceptable pressure for three,
four, or possibly five story buildings to have adequate do-
mestic pressure on the upper floors. Any significant build-
ings being contemplated may require booster pump sys-
tems to be designed specifically for the structure by the
project mechanical engineer to meet domestic and fire
flow requirements.
WATER SERVICE
The water service analysis was based on information pro-
vided by the City of Iowa City and consisted of water
mapping, reports and diagrams identifying system pres-
sures, and discussions with and memoranda from water
department staff. In assessing the adequacy of a system
pressure, flow and reliability are considered. Pressure un-
der static conditions is primarily influenced by elevation
and the pressure head supplied by either elevation or
pumping. Flow is influenced by system pressure, pipe di-
ameter, pipe length, and the extent to which the system is
networked. Reliability is influenced by redundancy, loop-
ing, valving, pipe age and condition, replacement of pipe
known for breakages, and, if too high, system pressure. In
reviewing the potable water system, water mains were
identified for replacement based on these factors. Con-
sideration should be given to replacing the water main on
any street for which significant pavement replacement is
contemplated.
OBSERVATIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Replace the 16-inch main line running along Gilbert to
Washington and then turning west to Linn Street due to
age and condition. The City has experienced breaks
along the line. Replacement is recommended due to
age and condition.
Replace the 12-inch cast iron main along Washington
Street from Clinton Street to Linn Street and continuing
along Linn Street to Burlington Street due to age and
condition.
Replace the existing 6-inch lines along Gilbert Street
and College with a 12-inch main to accommodate
proposed development, and to improve system hy-
draulics, help create a “perimeter loop” around the
downtown district, and create redundancy for critical
structures.
Replace approximately 250 feet of existing 6-inch main
along Burlington Street to 8-inch main due to capacity.
The 12-inch lines proposed for College and Linn Streets
provide a perimeter loop allowing for reduced con-
struction on Burlington Street (Hwy 1).
Replace the 8-inch main along Burlington Street from
Capitol Street to Linn Street with a 12-inch main due
to condition and capacity. The existing line has expe-
rienced several breaks. Replacement would form part
of the downtown district perimeter loop and improved
hydraulics.
Replace the 8-inch line along Clinton Street from Burl-
ington to College due to condition.
Upsize the 4-inch main to 8-inch along Bloomington
Street from Linn to Gilbert due to capacity.
Upsize the 6-inch main to 8-inch along Linn from Bloom-
ington to Davenport due to capacity.
Replace the 6-inch main (same size) along Jefferson
Street from Dubuque to Gilbert due to condition.
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EXISTING CONDITIONS | UTILITY ANALYSIS | WATER SERVICE
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EXISTING CONDITIONS | UTILITY ANALYSIS | STORM SEWER SERVICE
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Storm sewer segment along Dubuque Street from Iowa Avenue south has been identified as having two sepa-rate breaks. Spot repair is recommended.
Along Dubuque, just south of Intake 3452, video inspec-tion identified a water service bored though the sewer. Spot repair is recommended.
The 24-inch diameter sewer line running Along Wash-ington Street west of Gilbert has experienced multiple issues and should be replaced and relocated under the roadway.
The flooding reported at the intake in the lowest level of the parking ramp at the SW corner of Gilbert and Iowa may be due to the elevation of the intake in relation to the HGL of the 12inch sewer along Gilbert. Confirming the elevation of the intake and the adjacent sewers would provide additional insight to the issue. The area is access controlled, so appropriate contacts for admis-sion to this parking area would be required.
The existing 24-inch sewer along Linn Street in the Northside Market Place area seems be somewhat un-dersized. If significant surface improvements are pro-posed in this area, upsizing the 24-inch sewer and the 27-inch sewer to should be considered. Again, field ver-ification by a survey crew to establish the actual condi-tions is recommended.
The drainage infrastructure within the pedestrian mall is not well documented. Given the other drainage issues in this area (flooding of the building entrance at the former Cappanna/Wedge, 136 S. Dubuque Street, and the ventilation grate at the Bread Garden, 225 S. Linn Street) additional study including field data collection for this area is recommended.
OTHER STORM SEWER RECOMMENDATIONSLIDAR 2-foot contour maps and the 1978 Ralston Creek Storm Sewer maps were utilized to identify depressions or sumps in the ground surface that might be unserved by storm sewer causing localized ponding. A series of three sumps in the north market area were noted located on Market Street, the mid-block alley, and Jefferson Street between Linn and Gilbert. All three are on the route of the 42-inch by 42-inch box culvert and are shown as served by intakes. A topographical survey of the area is recom-mended.
As work is done in any area of the study, the City wishes to replace the existing storm sewer castings with City of Iowa City logo castings to help differentiate it from the sanitary sewer system.
STORM SEWER
The storm sewer analysis was based on information pro-
vided by the City of Iowa City and consisted of storm wa-
ter mapping, Excel database files, and 1978 maps of the
Ralston Creek storm sewers. The information provided is
incomplete, and does not in many significant ways allow
for a detailed analysis. Much effort was made to reconcile
conflicting information or to make assumptions necessary
to estimate the capacity of the existing system. In addition
to the materials provided by the City, LIDAR contour maps
were utilized to estimate the contributing drainage areas
influencing the study area. No field survey was authorized
for the study. Because the mapping available is schemat-
ic, separation distances from sanitary sewer and water
mains were not able to be calculated.
The system was analyzed using a 5 year return period.
Where pipe slopes were not available estimates were
made using surface slopes from LIDAR contours. Except
for the far north area draining in to the north side market
place, a runoff coefficient of .98 was used. Therefore, ad-
ditional build-out will not increase the impervious area. In
general the system is effective.
STORM SEWER AREAS OF CONCERN
There may be a capacity issue with the 15” diameter
storm sewer running north-south along Dubuque Street
north of Burlington. Additional study to ascertain the
actual size/slope and contributing area should be con-
sidered before surface amenities are constructed in this
area.
If significant work is to be done along Gilbert and Burl-
ington, consider re-routing the 24-inch diameter storm
sewer pipe that currently runs under the Robert Lee
Recreation Center.
At the Clinton Street intersection with the Ped Mall, City
staff indicates that a storm manhole is buried under a
planter. Access to the storm sewer should be included
in future improvements to this area.
The alley in the block north of Washington and west of
Dubuque is either without storm sewer or privately sew-
ered. If improvements to this area are contemplated,
the potential for improved drainage should be part of
the scope. The City dye tested these lines in Novem-
ber 2013 and found they were connected to the storm
sewer on Iowa Avenue.
The mid-block alley between Linn and Dubuque in the
block south of Iowa Avenue was identified as having
a drainage issue related to the Yacht Club, 13 S. Linn
Street. The 12-inch sewer drains a relatively small area.
If sump pumps from adjacent buildings are present, ca-
pacity may be impacted. The surface drainage does
not appear to effectively channel runoff to the sewer,
which may be causing some of the drainage problems.
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EXISTING CONDITIONS | UTILITY ANALYSIS | STORM SEWER SERVICE
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Stakeholder Input
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INTRODUCTION
Stakeholder input guided the project throughout the plan-
ning process. Key stakeholder groups include the steering
and technical committees, the Iowa City Downtown Dis-
trict (ICDD), Summer of the Arts (SOTA), and the Universi-
ty of Iowa. The general public offered input during three
public meetings and via the project website, inspiredown-
townic.com. Summaries of the process and what the plan-
ning team learned follow.
STEERING COMMITTEE
The project benefited from the keen interest and active
participation of a steering and technical committee. The
Committee was composed of City of Iowa City leaders,
local business leaders, and representatives from the Iowa
City Downtown District, Summer of the Arts (SOTA), and the
University of Iowa. This group met approximately twelve
times during the process to provide leadership and guide
key decision making. The steering committee helped
with the identification of goals and objectives, provided
valuable insight on the existing infrastructure concerns,
and reviewed and commented on proposed planning
improvements for each of the streetscapes as well as the
pedestrian mall.
STAKEHOLDER MEETINGS
The planning process began with a two day kick-off work-
shop and included meetings with the key stakeholder
groups: steering and technical committee, University of
Iowa representatives, downtown business leaders, and
Summer of the Arts leaders. These meetings were vital to
the information gathering phase. The ICDD, SOTA and Uni-
versity of Iowa meeting highlights are summarized in the
following sections.
IOWA CITY DOWNTOWN DISTRICT (ICDD)
During the project kick-off workshop, local business leaders
provided insight into a number of issues and opportunities
of importance. Their ‘wish list’ follows.
• Expanded event programming across Ped Mall and
during the winter months.
• Additional electrical capacity needed throughout
downtown.
• Additional water sources needed, especially through-
out the Northside Marketplace.
• Explore creative lighting opportunities across down-
town and specifically at the alleys.
• Enhanced bicycle accommodations are desired.
• Businesses expressed a strong interest in learning
about the feasibility of heated sidewalks.
• Updated wayfinding kiosks are desired.
• Business leaders suggested a memorable connection
be created along Linn Street to link the Northside
Marketplace and the Ped Mall.
• Explore policy changes particularly with signage and
outdoor cafes.
STAKEHOLDER INPUT
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The planning team met with the business stakeholders three additional times. Prior to each of the public input meetings, business stakeholders were given a preview of the material to be presented to the public. Feedback from these sessions was generally positive and the majority of the stakeholders in attendance were in support of the sug-gested planning improvements.
UNIVERSITY OF IOWA The University of Iowa has a significant physical presence throughout the Study Area. The Iowa Avenue Campus is situated between Downtown and the Northside Mar-ketplace. The University Capitol Centre, an enclosed of-fice and commercial building, is located at Clinton and Washington. Per the University of Iowa admissions repre-sentatives, ‘downtown is the selling point, it’s what makes University of Iowa different’. University of Iowa representa-tives met with the planning team to address the University / community interface. Their suggestions for the planning team follow.
• Consider ways to celebrate the advancements of Uni-versity of Iowa research through public artwork.
• Create a sense of arrival including a memorable gate-way at the Dubuque / Washington Ped Mall entry.
• Enhance the ‘Clinton Corridor,’ a student gateway and link between downtown and University housing.
• Activate blank windows and facades.
• Enhanced lighting throughout the Northside Market-place is desired.
• Consider alternative storm water management prac-tices.
• A new wayfinding program is needed.
• Enhance the Linn Street connection between Ped Mall and Northside Marketplace.
SUMMER OF THE ARTS [ SOTA ]The Mission of Summer of the Arts (SOTA) is “to bring peo-ple together in the Iowa City Area to experience and en-joy the arts”. SOTA works “to encourage and facilitate the collaborative efforts to create arts and cultural entertain-ment in the Iowa City Area”. Notable events and festivals include the Arts Festival and the Jazz Festival, which at-tract nearly 40,000 visitors per event annually. The planning team met with SOTA representatives to learn more about their needs. The summary follows.
• Additional electrical capacity is needed throughout downtown and specifically along Iowa Avenue and in the Pedestrian Mall.
• Additional water sources are needed along Iowa Av-enue and Clinton.
• More informal seating is needed at the Pedestrian Mall performance stage.
• An overhead structure to shade and define the per-formance stage at the Pedestrian Mall is desired.
STAKEHOLDER INPUT
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PUBLIC MEETINGS
To ensure the resulting plan reflects the needs of the larger
community, the Iowa City Downtown and Pedestrian Mall
Streetscape Plan Update was developed with significant
public input. Three public input meetings were held in 2013
and were well attended with a combined attendance
approximating over four hundred participants.
Meetings were open house format with various stations
for input. Each station was led by a member of the plan-
ning team or a City representative. Attendees were able
to offer comments and suggestions in a number of ways:
via written surveys, general comment cards, hand-writ-
ten comments on the presentation boards, and by direct
communication with a planning team member. The key
discussion topics and findings for each of the three public
input meetings follow. Full summaries of each of the public
input meetings are included in the Appendix.
STAKEHOLDER INPUT | PUBLIC MEETINGS
Public input meeting #3 promotional flyer
FEBRUARY 2014
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• Getting Around. Suggestions included wider sidewalks,
improved pedestrian safety and walkability, more des-
ignated bicycle lanes and sheltered bicycle parking,
better signage, and pedestrian enhancements along
Burlington. Enhanced bicycle accommodations
ranked as the most important transportation related
option to be addressed by the planning team. Many
attendees would like to see an improved connection
between the NSMP and the downtown core.• Sustainability. Attendees suggested recycling stations,
permeable paving, solar panels, a conversion to LED
lighting, and increased support for bicyclists, walkers
and transit riders.• Programming and Special Events. Suggestions includ-
ed trash and recycling stations, event programming
during the winter months, and more readily available
information about circulation and traffic modifica-
tions. There was repeated interest in including Linn
Street in the event and festival layout.
PUBLIC INPUT MEETING #1 . MAY 2013
Public input meeting #1 was held at the Iowa City Public
Library. Approximately 75 persons attended.
Key discussion topics
• Big Idea. If you could re-imagine the streets of down-
town Iowa City, what changes would be made? If
just one improvement/change could be made, what
would it be? What other downtowns are considered
‘memorable’ and why?
• Public Safety. Identify areas and intersections that are
‘pedestrian unfriendly’.
• Public Spaces / Pedestrian Mall. Identify favorite /
least favorite public spaces. Rank importance of pub-
lic space components.
• Streetscape Components. What components need
the most attention?
• Getting Around. How can we make downtown Iowa
City and the pedestrian mall more accessible? What
transportation options need to be addressed?
• Sustainability. How can Downtown Iowa City become
a leader in ‘sustainability’?
• Programming and Special Events. How can event ex-
periences be improved? Suggestions for other special
events.
What we learned
• Big Idea. Public input indicated strong interest in more
bicycle lanes, improved lighting and signage, im-
provements along Burlington Street including activat-
ing the blank facades and parking ramps, an inviting
and welcoming entry to the Ped Mall at Washington,
and improved surfacing of the Ped Mall.
• Public Safety. Safety-related comments and sugges-
tions addressed inadequate lighting levels at Northside
Market Place (NSMP) and at the alleys. Specific streets
and intersections described as unsafe include NSMP,
Linn Street at Iowa, Gilbert, north Ped Mall entry, Burl-
ington and the intersection with Gilbert, College.
• Public Spaces / Pedestrian Mall. Favorite public spac-
es include the Weather Dance fountain and ICPL. The
intersection of Dubuque and Washington and Black
Hawk Mini Park were the least favorite public spaces.
Family friendly opportunities, festive/seasonal lighting,
plant material, and public artwork were ranked as the
most important public space components. Benches
are desired along Linn Street between the Sr. Center
and ICPL.
• Streetscape Components. Attendees feel lighting
needs the most attention. Lighting is followed, in order,
by wayfinding and signage, plant material, site furnish-
ings, sidewalk paving, and finally, public artwork.
Approximately 75 persons attended public input
meeting #1
Voting for favorite / least favorite public spaces
in study area
STAKEHOLDER INPUT | PUBLIC MEETINGS
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PUBLIC INPUT MEETING #2 . SEPTEMBER 2013
Public input meeting #2 was held at the Sheraton Hotel,
Amos Dean Ballroom. Approximately124 persons signed in
with overall attendance estimated at 200 participants.
Key discussion topics
• Wayfinding and Identity. Public input on alternate
wayfinding concepts. Identification of priorities.
• Streetscape Planning Concepts. Which streetscape
components are considered the most important?
What are the main safety issues associated with streets
in downtown Iowa City? What improvements would
you like to see at the alleys?
• Pedestrian Mall. Planning alternatives at Black Hawk
Mini Park, Weather Dance Fountain / Performance
space, entry options, and children’s play zone.
What we learned
• Wayfinding and Identity. Gateway features are con-
sidered the highest priority wayfinding element. Infor-
mational kiosks and banners were considered lesser
priority elements.
• Streetscape Planning Concepts. Public input indicat-
ed lighting is the most important component to ad-
dress followed by safety, identity for Iowa City, and
pedestrian comfort. The lack of bicycle lanes is consid-
ered the main safety issue associated with Iowa City
streets. Attendees would like to see improved lighting
at the alleys.
• Pedestrian Mall. Generally, the public was split over the
two Black Hawk Mini Park options. The public would
like to see the planning concepts for Black Hawk Mini
Park become more welcoming, with intimate seating
areas, a shaded performance space, and a design
that recalls and celebrates the history of the park
as a place for all people. Comments pertaining to
the Weather Dance Fountain / Performance space
ranged from requests for more flexible open space to
more organization with more fixed seating. The shad-
ed permanent stage was well received. The height of
the story walls was questioned and many expressed
concern with their height. The public feels the exist-
ing Weather Dance fountain is enough and a second
spray feature at the north entry is unnecessary. There
were many comments pertaining to the ‘unsafe brick
surfacing’ and need for a layered lighting framework.
Approximately 200 persons attended Public Input Meeting #2
STAKEHOLDER INPUT | PUBLIC MEETINGS
FEBRUARY 2014
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PUBLIC INPUT MEETING #3 . NOVEMBER 2013
The third public input meeting was held at the Sheraton
Hotel, Amos Dean Ballroom. Approximately 60 persons
signed in with overall attendance estimated at 150.
Key discussion topics
• Streetscape Planning Concepts. Review final planning
concepts at each street. Concepts address transpor-
tation enhancements, wayfinding and lighting, sus-
tainability opportunities and other proposed improve-
ments.
• Enhanced Bicycle Accommodations. Proposed loca-
tions for designated bicycle lanes and sheltered bicy-
cle parking are mapped for input.
• Wayfinding and Signage Opportunities.
• Pedestrian Mall Planning Concepts. Planning con-
cepts for Black Hawk Mini Park and North Ped Mall En-
try, secondary destinations, feature public art piece,
and expanded play opportunities.
What we learned
• Streetscape Planning Concepts. Feedback was gen-
erally positive and the majority of the persons in atten-
dance were in support of the suggested streetscape
planning improvements. Additional improvements
and enhancements were requested for South Linn
Street.
• Enhanced Bicycle Accommodations. Attendees re-
sponded favorably to the proposed bicycle accom-
modations and would like to see how they fit within the
larger bicycle network. Brightly-painted, solid-color bi-
cycle lanes were suggested. The proposed sheltered
bike parking locations seemed appropriate. There
were requests for on-street bicycle accommodations
along Iowa Avenue and Linn Street and for bicycle
parking along North Linn. Per the public, the existing
bicycle racks are heavily used along Iowa, North Linn,
Dubuque and Washington and need to considered in
the final planning concepts.
• Wayfinding and Signage Opportunities. Wayfinding
kiosk requested at Linn and Washington. There was
mixed reaction to the banner program. Some liked
the banner program and associated flexibility, others
described the banner program as ‘small town’.
• Pedestrian Mall Planning Concepts. The EcoLAB and
smaller play space at Black Hawk Mini Park received
positive feedback. There was mixed reaction to the
proposed Video and Sound Gardens. Comments
ranged from ‘video wall may invite vandalism’ to
‘video wall will be a big draw’. The idea of a feature
public art piece at Black Hawk Mini Park was positively
received. Voting indicated a preference for an inter-
active public art piece versus a water feature or struc-
ture (obelisk or column).
Public voting on feature public art piece at Black Hawk Mini park.
STAKEHOLDER INPUT | PUBLIC MEETINGS
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MINDMIXER
Throughout the entire planning process, the public was
able to submit ideas and provide ongoing feedback on-
line via the project website, inspiredowntownic.com. The
online forum paralleled the offline planning effort and par-
ticipants were able to vote on preferred planning com-
ments, post images, and submit suggestions to the team
during each phase of the project.
The site was launched during the information gathering
phase so the planning team could learn more about ex-
isting conditions and public sentiment regarding what’s
working and what’s not, and what components of down-
town Iowa City and the Ped Mall need the most atten-
tion. As the team prepared planning concepts, feature
topics requested public input on the varied alternatives,
transportation enhancements, bicycle accommodations,
wayfinding elements, and Black Hawk Mini Park. Public in-
put was valuable and generally, the feedback garnered
via the website complemented the offline feedback.
Total traffic reports 5,554 visits to the site. Approximately
435 persons actively participated on the website by con-
tributing ideas and comments. 51% of the participants
were female, 49% were male. Average age was 43 years.
List of sample feature topics and public response
• What kinds of play would you like to see incorporated in the downtown? Majority of respondents would like
to see a play area with options for climbing such as
earth mounds, and vegetation.
• What components of Downtown Iowa City streets-capes and public spaces need the most attention?
Sidewalks, green infrastructure, plantings.
• How can the alleys become an asset to downtown Iowa City? Add creative lighting, artwork and murals,
consider them as flexible event spaces, consolidate
dumpsters and improve paving.
• How can we make Downtown Iowa City and the Pe-destrian Mall more accessible? Participants requested
enhanced bicycle accommodations and improved
signage.
• Which two improvements do you think are MOST im-portant for Market Street? Designated bicycle lanes,
inviting arches and lighting, accent plantings and
benches.
• What are your overall thoughts and opinions about the Dubuque Street concept? Extend the Ped Mall
character from Washington to Iowa Avenue and add
wayfinding signage to announce the Northside Mar-
ketplace.
STAKEHOLDER INPUT | MINDMIXER
391 TOTAL ACTIVE PARTICIPANTS
GENDER
AVERAGE AGE
AGE RANGE
POST CODE
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STAKEHOLDER INPUT | MINDMIXER
IOWA CITY DOWNTOWN AND PEDESTRIAN MALL STREETSCAPE PLAN UPDATE . DRAFT
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Running power cords during events is problematic
Temporary generators along Iowa Avenue
Typical crowd during Friday Night Concert
STAKEHOLDER INPUT | EVENT MONITORING
EVENT MONITORING
In an effort to better understand how the downtown and
pedestrian mall is currently functioning during festivals and
events, the planning team attended three events during
the information gathering phase: the June 7-8 Arts Festival,
a Friday Night Concert on July 26, and a University of Iowa
home football game on August 31. A summary of observa-
tions and findings follow.
Arts festival summary
• During the arts festival, power is an ongoing problem
for the food vendors including a lack of consistent
power and power shortages. The running power cords
are problematic and they are heavy for volunteers.
Many of the power receptacles located in trees are
damaged.
• Exhaust and noise from the temporary generators are
unpleasant.
• The north ped mall entry is challenging, congested,
and loitering is a concern.
• The vendor tents create a tunnel-like effect along
public sidewalk. Some of the businesses owners com-
mented they “do not like the back of house along the
public sidewalk and facing the storefronts.”
• Vendors suggested phased access / set-up, specifi-
cally along Washington Street.
Friday night concert summary
The concert was well attended by users of all ages, includ-
ing children and especially families.
Pedestrian use of the alleys was noteworthy, as many used
the alleys as connections to move across Downtown.
Seating was near capacity throughout the evening, with
many attendees bringing camping chairs for placement
atop the Weather Dance Fountain Plaza. A number of
people were standing due to the lack of seating and
views to stage area.
The biggest challenge observed was created by lack of
space between the stage and the crowd. Located at the
‘crossroads’ in the Pedestrian Mall, east/west pedestrian
circulation proved challenging and awkward. Creation of
a space that minimizes circulation between the stage and
viewing area is encouraged.
The playground area is extremely popular, as well as the
benches immediately adjacent to the playground.
An absence of supporting activities and/or programming
was noted leading up to the concert. The overall pedestri-
an activity level across Downtown was quite high. Restau-
rants appeared to be busy prior to the concert.
Mobile vendors were located across the Pedestrian Mall.
Minimal activity at vendor carts was noted early in the
evening, although activity appeared to pick up as the
younger crowd started to move in around 9 pm.
Home football game summary
• The area around the vendor carts sees very high pe-
destrian volumes at 10 pm and at bar close as users
leave the bars and gather or order food from one of
the mobile vendor carts. Most depart to the east or
through the pedestrian alley adjacent to the Sheraton.
• Light levels are inadequate at the vendor cart area.
This, in part, is due to the dense tree canopies ob-
structing the light sources.
• To improve the Ped Mall image, trash and mainte-
nance service is needed during times of high pedes-
trian use.
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SUSTAINABILITY WORKSHOP
A sustainability workshop took place on July 31, 2013 at
the Iowa City Public Library. Attendees included members
from the steering and technical committee and repre-
sentatives from University of Iowa Environmental Services,
Project GREEN, Bright Green Strategy, Iowa City Climate
Advocates, and the Iowa Department of Agriculture and
Land Stewardship. Major topics included permeable pav-
ing systems, bioretention planting areas, stormwater har-
vesting, and energy-efficient lighting systems. A workshop
summary follows.
• The varied types of permeable paving systems were
discussed. As an example, the gaps between pavers
are typically smaller at pedestrian areas versus vehic-
ular areas. Permeable paving systems are considered
bicycle-friendly.
• Permeable paving system maintenance requirements
include sweeping of the aggregate back into the
gaps between pavers. A ‘no sand’ mandate occurs
during the winter months.
• Trash and debris will need to be removed from any
bioretention planting areas on a regular basis.
• Conversion to LED lighting systems across Iowa City is
considered a high priority.
• Photovoltaics could be considered at proposed shel-
tered bicycle accommodations and at transit shelters.
• A ‘green alley’ program was identified as an opportu-
nity to better integrate the alleys with the downtown
fabric and to demonstrate the City’s commitment to
sustainability.
STAKEHOLDER INPUT | SUSTAINABILITY WORKSHOP
Downtown
13 blocks
Building footprint: 983,300 ft2
Sidewalk: 768,700 ft2
Street: 426,600 ft2
Total Study Area: 2,245,900 ft2 [ 51.6 acres ]
Impervious Total: 2,178,600 ft2
Pervious Total: 67,300 ft2
Northside Marketplace3.5 blocksBuilding footprint: 167,200 ft2Sidewalk: 177,500 ft2Street: 148,500 ft2Total Study Area: 579,100 ft2 [ 13.3 acres ] Impervious Total: 493,200 ft2Pervious Total: 85,900 ft2
3% PERVIOUS
15% PERVIOUS
97% IMPERVIOUS
85% IMPERVIOUS
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SECTION 4
Streetscape Components
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The City’s existing banner program includes the streets
of Clinton, Washington, Dubuque, and Linn. Banners
announce the farmer’s market and other special events.
The City’s standard banner size is 30” Wide by 84” Long.
ROLE IN URBAN AREAS
A clear wayfinding system is an essential component of
cities and college towns and helps users understand the
complexities of a new and changing environment. A suc-
cessful wayfinding and identity framework makes the en-
vironment ‘legible’ and enhances the users’ experiences.
It builds their confidence and comfort level while encour-
aging them to discover the adjacent context and destina-
tions. The legibility offered through a consistent and highly
functioning framework heightens the enjoyment and ap-
peal of a place.
The existing kiosks and posting pillars date from the 1998 Downtown Streetscape Phase I Improvements and many are showing their age. Bases are deteriorating, they are filled with newspaper machines and pay phones, and no longer meet their intended purposes. Additionally, they feel over-sized and crowd the streetscape.
DESIGN PROCESS
The site assessment revealed an existing wayfinding frame-
work in need of an update. The intent was to give the user
a more simplified experience while providing the streets-
capes with a fresh, new look. As part of the planning pro-
cess, three options were prepared and reviewed with the
public and stakeholder groups: “I see”, the metal fabric
option and the spine of a book. The metal fabric option
was preferred and includes a family of signage elements
that echo the solid architecture and organization in the
City. Using large type, solid, substantial forms and patterns,
the program reminds the viewer where they are and what
is around them at key opportunities. The concept ensures
consistency and recognizability and can be adapted and
altered as required for specific locations and messages.
COMPONENTS | WAYFINDING + IDENTITY
EXISTING KIOSKS AND POSTING PILLARS
EXISTING BANNERS
FEBRUARY 2014
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The preferred option, metal fabric, uses large type and patterning to inform use. The names of the streets and intersections make up the formal structure of the metal screens that support the information. The use of large type and patterning affords opportunities to incorporate multi-ple languages into the wayfinding elements.
The spine of a book acts as an introduction to the informa-tion contained inside. Well read and hitching a ride on the notion of a book, this family of wayfinding elements stands waiting to have its pages of information turned.
The icon says Iowa City is woven into everything in the public realm. A fabric of Iowa City wraps signage banners and furniture in its typographic identity. Internally illuminat-ed, the wayfinding elements become beacons of light and information during the nighttime hours.
The icon reads as “information” at first glance. Then the
viewer sees the “c” in the dot over the i. The resulting
graphic says information and when said aloud - “I see”.
It’s fun and casual in its different colors and accessible to
everyone.
OPTION C
THE PREFERRED OPTION
OPTION B
OPTION A
WAYFINDING CONCEPTS
COMPONENTS | WAYFINDING + IDENTITY
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Gateway element
Banners support the designs of the rest of the signage package. Color, patterns and slight motion add to the pageantry of the street. A primary banner program is proposed along Iowa Avenue and Clinton.
Banners create a feeling that things are happening and changing every time a new design goes up. A second-ary banner program is proposed along Burlington and Gilbert and are sized to accommodate the City stan-dard banner size.
The Gateway Elements serve as monumental thresholds
in concert with the street scape elements that let the vis-
itor know something is different, improved and special.
They are walking in a new place with new colors, materi-
als and illuminated information.
The Wayfinding Kiosks are beacons of light, type and in-
formation constructed from substantial materials at a pe-
destrian scale. Information is here, and easy to access.
Kiosks are spaced in the downtown so that a visitor will
leave one and see the next one soon - creating a “trail
of bread crumbs” to the next destination.
Primary banner program Secondary banner program
Wayfinding kiosk
COMPONENTS | WAYFINDING + IDENTITY
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WAYFINDING KIOSK
SECONDARY BANNER PROGRAM
PRIMARY BANNER PROGRAM
GATEWAY ELEMENT
WAYFINDING + IDENTITYA family of signage elements has been designed to in-clude gateway elements, wayfinding kiosks, and banners. The elements are strategically located to improve legibility and to ease navigation between destinations. Note: Refer to page 34 for identification of wayfinding and identity el-ements.
COMPONENTS | WAYFINDING + IDENTITY
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The bell-shaped lights have become the City standard across downtown. They have been installed along Bur-lington Street, Iowa Avenue, Linn Street and along Mar-ket and North Linn at the Northside Marketplace. Many have been converted to LED. Additionally, the University of Iowa has been installing the bell-shaped lights along the Iowa River Corridor Trail.
Many of the limestone light pole bases along Iowa Avenue are starting to deteriorate. Other light pole assem-blies along the streetscapes are in a state of decline and are nearing the end of their serviceable life, or need signif-icant maintenance and conversion to LED.
A mix of lighting exists across the study area. The majority of street lighting consists of cobra head style fixtures or shoe box fixtures of varying colors: Black, green, red, blue grey.
ROLE IN URBAN AREA
Quality lighting is essential to the success and comfort of
urban areas. It is a key organizing element that defines the
nighttime visual environment and helps create a down-
town identity. Visitors and residents should recognize they
are within downtown Iowa City by the character of the
streetscape lighting. The lighting contributes to a safe, at-
tractive environment and encourages and supports night-
time use.
DESIGN PROCESS
The site assessment revealed an aging lighting system and
a mix of lighting styles. There are significant opportunities for
a multi-layered, flexible lighting framework that will reflect
a cohesive, sustainable and contemporary destination.
The proposed lighting design calls for a family of pole and
monumental lights to be placed appropriately within the
city’s hierarchy of streets. The design concept takes con-
textual design cues from Iowa City itself. The bracket arms
of the standard street lights are informed by the dome and
cornice of the Old State Capitol. The bell-shaped skirt has
been incorporated to ensure consistency across the study
area and to afford re-use of the City standard.
STREETSCAPE COMPONENTS | LIGHTING + ELECTRICAL
BELL-SHAPED LIGHTS
EXISTING LIGHTS
EXISTING CONDITIONS
FEBRUARY 2014
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A consistent family of lights that builds off of the existing Bell-shaped light is proposed across Downtown.
The bracket arms mimic the dome and
cornice of the old state capitol
A FAMILY OF LIGHTSThe family can be separated into two types: ‘standard’ metal pedestrian and roadway lights as well as ‘monu-mental’ limestone base and lights. Within the study area, the ‘standard’ lights are recommended for the streets of Burlington, Washington, College, Bloomington, Gilbert, Market, Linn and North Linn. The ‘monumental’ light bas-es are made of Iowa limestone, the familiar material seen throughout the city and state and are recommended for the streets of Dubuque, Clinton, and Iowa. On Dubuque Street overhead arms with Tivoli lights and medallions are added to the monumental lights to help create a canopy or perceived ceiling.
Banners can easily be integrated to the standard poles to fit the recommendations of the signage and wayfinding plan. Large celebratory banners are incorporated into the design of the monumental lights along Clinton Street and Iowa Avenue, while decorative metal screens fitting in with the recommended wayfinding elements are integrated with the monumental lights at Washington and Dubuque.
STREETSCAPE COMPONENTS | LIGHTING + ELECTRICAL
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STREETSCAPE COMPONENTS | LIGHTING + ELECTRICAL
The lighting framework proposes layers of lighting to add
dimension and interest. Consistent, ample illumination is
provided along the sidewalk and enhanced storefront
lighting adds depth to the public realm. Full cutoff fixtures
focus the light directly downward to reduce light pollution.
Grapevine sphere lights previously hung in the trees throughout the Ped Mall have been re-located by ICDD to illuminate the passageway adjacent to the Sheraton Hotel. The unique and memorable lighting enhances the sense of safety at a previously dark and under-lit passage-way. Expanded use of the spheres across the alleys inter-secting with the Ped Mall is recommended.
ALLEY LIGHTING
CHARACTER OF LIGHTING FRAMEWORK
LAYERS OF LIGHTING
Lighting is not limited to the functional lighting of streets
and sidewalks. Layers of architectural lighting, light art, fes-
tive street lighting and improved illumination of the alleys
is proposed to add drama and energy across the study
area.
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ENHANCED STOREFRONT LIGHTING
ARCHITECTURAL LIGHTING
ILLUMINATED WAYFINDING KIOSK AND GATEWAY ELEMENT
IDENTITY LIGHTING ALONG MARKET STREET
Light art and unique architectural lighting can be used to activate the blank facades along Burlington and the Linn Street walkway to the Northside Marketplace
At night the screens would be illuminated and serve as a glowing marker to people in search of information.
Property owners along Clinton, Iowa Avenue, Linn Street, Dubuque, and Washington are encouraged to enhance their storefront lighting through various methods like up or down lighting and lit signage
Identity lighting is proposed along Market Street to distin-guish the Northside Marketplace. Visible from Dubuque, the festive lighting creates a sense of arrival to the desti-nation
STREETSCAPE COMPONENTS | LIGHTING + ELECTRICAL
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Electrical distribution
Option 1. New electrical distribution bollards are proposed along Iowa Avenue and Clinton to provide permanent power connections for vendors. Two (2) locations would be identified on each side of the street to match distribu-tion locations used for temporary generators. Any new electrical distribution will require new underground con-duit. Horizontal directional boring may be an option, but conflicts with existing underground utilities may make this impractical. The new distribution bollards can be connect-ed to the existing electrical panel located adjacent to the west utility transformer on the south side of Iowa Ave. Rec-ommendations are based on visual assessments only. A site survey for verification is required as part of subsequent design phases.
The electrical bollards offer up to 8 circuits/box and are customizable. At the proposed two per each side of the street, the capacity would be comparable to or could ex-ceed the power offered by the two temporary generators used during the June 2013 Iowa Arts Festival.
Option 2. Electrical capacity can be included at the new monumental limestone base as proposed along Iowa Av-enue and Clinton. Four electrical outlets are proposed per monument light base.
OTHER OBSERVATIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONSIt appears that circuits for the tree well receptacles and light poles are installed in the same conduits. This is not ideal for adding more capacity at existing locations. It may be possible to add circuits, but existing conduits can-not handle enough extra power to accommodate all fes-tival vendors. Consideration should be given to relocating portable generators away from vendors to minimize noise and fume issues.
LIGHTING TECHNOLOGY
Over the past few years, the City has been converting
their existing system to light-emitting diode (LED) lighting.
Because of the enhanced lighting efficacies LED offers, a
move toward full conversion across the study area is rec-
ommended. Full cut-off LED lighting and programmable
controls offer vast improvements in light pollution, energy
efficiency, and operational cost.
Pedestrian light
Architectural Area Light’s ‘Universe’
Medium, with ‘Skirted Bell Hood’
Catalog number: SLBBL22H3-PR55R18-250 00A-1117
Customized pole with bracket arms
Finish: polyester powder coat chromate primer
Color: Black grey RAL#7021
Lamp type: LED
FCO, Full Cut off Shield
Roadway light
Architectural Area Light’s ‘Flex Fixture’ or similar.
With long straight arm
Lamp type: LED
ENHANCED ELECTRICAL CAPACITY
In an effort to improve the festival and event experience
for the vendors, enhanced electrical capacity is needed
along Iowa Avenue and Clinton. Options for increased
power distribution have been identified.
Illumination recommendations
Roadway and intersection lighting recommendations are charted. All study area streets are classified as ‘collector’ roads.
STREETSCAPE COMPONENTS | LIGHTING + ELECTRICAL
FEBRUARY 2014
43
LIGHT ART AT ALLEYS
ENHANCED ELECTRICAL CAPACITY
ARCHITECTURAL LIGHTING / LIGHT OPPORTUNITY
LED PEDESTRIAN / ROADWAY LIGHTS THROUGHOUT STUDY AREA
IDENTITY LIGHTING AT MARKET STREET
MONUMENT PEDESTRIAN ROADWAY LIGHT
BANNER PROGRAM, PEDESTRIAN LIGHTING
ENHANCED STOREFRONT LIGHTING
ACCENT LIGHTING AT SELECT PED
MALL TREES
STREETSCAPE COMPONENTS | LIGHTING + ELECTRICAL
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LIGHTING STREET-BY-STREET
The following shows which lighting components are rec-
ommended on each street.
MARKET STREET
NORTHSIDE MARKETPLACE
NORTH LINN STREET
BLOOMINGTON STREET
STREETSCAPE COMPONENTS | LIGHTING + ELECTRICAL
Existing
Existing
FEBRUARY 2014
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BURLINGTON STREETMonumental limestone base at inter-sections only.
CLINTON STREET
COLLEGE STREET
STREETSCAPE COMPONENTS | LIGHTING + ELECTRICAL
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GILBERT STREET
IOWA AVENUE
STREETSCAPE COMPONENTS | LIGHTING + ELECTRICAL
WASHINGTON STREET
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LINN STREET
STREETSCAPE COMPONENTS | LIGHTING + ELECTRICAL
DUBUQUE STREET
NORTHSIDE MARKETPLACE
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STREETSCAPE COMPONENTS |GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE | PERMEABLE PAVEMENT
PERMEABLE PAVEMENT
A permeable paving system is identified as a design alter-
native to be evaluated in subsequent design phases for
Washington Street, Black Hawk Mini Park, and within alleys
to collect, cleanse, slow and filter storm water. In terms of
overall runoff reduction volumes, it can conservatively be
assumed that a porous pavement street will absorb 0.5” of
rainfall even if no infiltration occurs under the permeable
paving. If we assume that 33% of the annual rainfall events
generate less than 0.5 inches of precipitation over a 24
hour period, and that annual average rainfall is 36”, then
permeable paving can directly absorb 12” per year of di-
rect rainfall with no runoff whatsoever. This would translate
into 7.5 gallons absorbed per square foot of pavement per
year for pavement that receives direct rainfall.
For many streets where permeable paving is installed, a
conventional storm sewer will not be needed provided
that only the ROW of the project area drains to the per-
meable paving. Where additional areas such as upstream
streets and/or adjacent properties drain onto the project
area, storm sewer or additional gravel storage may be
needed to accommodate the additional runoff, depend-
ing on the amount of additional area relative to the proj-
ect area. Typically, the street will only need to incorporate
a 4” drain tile, depending on the size of the project. The tile
should tie into existing storm sewers or other suitable outlet.
Typically, permeable paving will reduce the peak flow by
over 90% for the ROW and therefore potentially eliminate
the need to replace downstream undersized storm sew-
ers, depending on how undersized and how much of the
drainage area is addressed. If the drainage area includes
much more than just the ROW, the peak flow reduction
will be less, depending on the ratio of drainage area to
permeable paving area.
Permeable pavements are typically less subject to freeze
thaw than standard pavements due to the nature of the
open graded stone of the pavement base and due to
the level of drainage of the base. Even in standard imper-
meable pavements, water can enter the pavement base
due to cracks in the pavement surface. Due to the fines
in standard pavement base, some water is retained in the
voids and that water is subject to freezing. Further, drain-
age is rarely provided in the base of standard pavements,
which can result in extended periods of ponding in the
base, which is also subject to freezing. The frozen water
in the base of the standard pavement can lead to frost
heave of the pavement surface and formation of cracks
and potholes, which in turn leads to greater volumes of
water entry into a pavement base not designed to man-
age water.
While all pavements are subject to snow accumulation
and resulting slick conditions, the permeable nature of the
surface of permeable paving results in greatly reduced re-
freezing of melt water and formation of black ice. A study
at the University of New Hampshire Stormwater Center
evaluated the use of porous asphalt as a source control
measure for chlorides. They found that “the lack of stand-
ing water on the pervious pavement surface greatly re-
duces the frequency and mass of salt applications need-
ed during winter precipitation or freeze-thaw periods.” The
study reports that annual snow and ice cover was three
times greater on the conventional pavement than the
pervious pavement. This resulted in an over 75% reduction
in annual salt usage for the permeable paving.
Modular permeable paving systems (permeable pavers)
can be removed and replaced, creating much less con-
spicuous patches when pavement is removed to repair
utilities or the pavement itself.
Summary of Permeable Paving Benefits
• Reduces the rate and quantity of stormwater runoff,
reducing the load on downstream storm systems
• Virtually eliminates nuisance ponding on the pavement
surface due to potholes or flat areas of pavement
• Can reduce winter salt usage, saving money as well
as reducing chloride impacts to downstream water
resources
• Filters and retains typical urban pollutants associated
with streets, including sediment, heavy metals, and or-
ganic hydrocarbons.
• Extended service life of the pavement (permeable
pavers).
Maintenance Considerations
• Depending on choice of pavers, some litter and de-
bris may collect in the openings. A variation in main-
tenence practices may be necessary.
• Pavements subject to high levels of sediment loading
due to construction or adjacent poorly maintained
landscape areas may experience localized clogging
of the pavement surface that will necessitate clean-
ing to restore permeability.
• To prevent scratching and minor chipping of pav-
er surfaces, nylon rather than steel edging is recom-
mended for snow plows and/or use of blade shoes to
hold the blade slightly above the pavements surface.
• The initial cost of permeable pavement may be higher
than conventional paving depending on the scope of
the project. Implementation of a permeable paving
system will always be higher than a mill and overlay
project. However for a full depth removal project that
may also involve upsizing of storm sewer under a con-
ventional paving project, the permeable paving sys-
tem may be less expensive due to the avoided cost of
storm sewer replacement.
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49
BIORETENTION PLANTING AREAS
Bioretention planting areas are proposed along select
streets to enhance rain water infiltration, minimize runoff,
slow peak flows and remove pollutants. As depicted in
the adjacent images, runoff is directed into the bioreten-
tion area, which utilizes both soils and plant material to
remove pollutants from the storm water runoff. The bio-
retention area is graded to the center and water slowly
infiltrates and/or filters and discharges the treated water.
Underdrains may be included depending on soils and size
of drainage area. Further analyses is required in subse-
quent design phases to understand underlying soils, exist-
ing slopes along the streetscape, location of utilities, and
health of existing trees located near proposed bioreten-
tion planting areas.
Bioretention provides storm water treatment that enhanc-
es the quality of downstream water bodies. The Environ-
mental Protection Agency estimates that bioretention
planting areas can remove 90-percent of metals, between
68 and 80-percent of TKN and between 70 and 83-percent
of total phosphorus. When designed and built appropri-
ately, bioretention areas can potentially achieve greater
than 90-percent removal rates for total suspended solids,
organics and bacteria.
STREETSCAPE COMPONENTS |GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE | BIORETENTION PLANTING AREAS
Bioretention planting areas are proposed along Market, Washington, College, and Dubuque.
The bioretention planting areas will collect,
cleanse, slow, and infiltrate storm water.
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STREETSCAPE COMPONENTS |GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE | GREEN ALLEYS
GREEN ALLEY PROGRAM
The existing alleys are underutilized, under illuminated, and
most of the alley paving is uneven and in a state of dis-
repair. Considering the visual impacts of the alleys to the
larger context, there are tremendous opportunities to bet-
ter integrate the alleys with the downtown and to demon-
strate the City’s commitment to sustainable infrastructure
by installing permeable pavement systems at the alleys.
Other measures recommended as part of the ‘green alley’ program.
• Consider policy changes to consolidate the dumpsters.
• Add LED lighting for an improved sense of safety.
• Celebrate the work of local artists with revolving ‘al-
ley art’ shows. Feature local muralists, light artists and
graphic designers.
• Utilize the alleys as flexible programming space.
Permeable paving in alleys
Permeable paving at the center section of an
alley in Chicago
Example of temporary art installation
Temporary art installations activate the alleys and
feature the work of local artists
Alleys as flexible space
Utilize the alleys for performances and as flexible
space
OTHER GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE STRATEGIESReduction in energy usage• Convert the existing street and Ped Mall lighting system to LED. Possible total estimated energy reduction in the Ped Mall alone approximates 55%. Refer to lighting and electrical, in this section.
• Equip the proposed sheltered bicycle parking canopies with solar panels for improved safety and illumination.
Waste reduction• Enhanced recycling opportunities: four new recycling stations are proposed throughout the Ped Mall. Refer to “sustainability” in the pedestrian mall planning | plan-ning framework section.
Education and outreach• An EcoLAB is proposed in the Ped Mall and is organized around themes of renewable energy, the cycle of wa-ter, recycling, urban gardening, and local food. Refer to “Play” in the pedestrian mall planning |planning frame-work section.
Transportation choices• Enhanced crosswalk paving improves walkability and the sense of pedestrian safety.
• Enhanced bicycle accommodations are proposed along Market, Clinton and Gilbert. Six new locations for covered bicycle parking areas have been identified. Refer to transportation enhancements, this section.
FEBRUARY 2014
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STREETSCAPE COMPONENTS | GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE
BIORETENTION PLANTING AREA OPTION ENHANCED CROSSWALK PAVING PRO-MOTES WALKABILITY
SHELTERED BIKE PARKING EQUIPPED WITH SOLAR PANELS CONVERT EXISTING LIGHTING TO LED
PERMEABLE PAVEMENT OPTION ENHANCED BICYCLE ACCOMMODATIONS(DESIGNATED AND SHARED BICYCLE LANES)
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AUTO
Transportation enhancements are proposed along Clin-
ton, Gilbert, Market, and Burlington. The enhancements
are varied and include a reduction in the number of travel
lanes, conversion to two-way traffic, or enhanced cen-
ter turn lane paving. A reduction in the number of travel
lanes, or a ‘road diet,’ is proposed along Gilbert and Clin-
ton Street. The number of travel lanes is reduced to afford
space for on-street designated bicycle lanes. (The feasibil-
ity of potential road diets and bicycle lanes must be con-
firmed following a traffic study based on traffic patterns
and site conditions.)
The proposed Clinton Street section includes two north-
bound travel lanes, one southbound travel lane with par-
allel parking on both sides of the street. As another option,
one northbound travel lane and two southbound travel
lanes could be considered. A traffic study is needed to de-
termine the feasibility of the reduction in travel lanes. Bus
queuing is relocated to Washington. The reduction in trav-
el lanes also affords an additional 6’ to be re-allocated to
the easterly sidewalk, which is currently a very congested
pedestrian environment.
A conversion to two-way traffic is proposed along Market
Street. The street section is also re-striped to accommo-
date on-street bicycle lanes. Parallel parking along the
north side of the street is maintained.
Enhanced center turn lane paving is proposed along Bur-lington Street.
The proposed Gilbert Street section includes one travel
lane in each direction with a center turn lane. On-street
designated bicycle lanes are proposed.
CLINTON STREET
MARKET STREET
BURLINGTON STREET
GILBERT STREET
STREETSCAPE COMPONENTS | TRANSPORTATION ENHANCEMENTS | AUTO
FEBRUARY 2014
53
BUS
There was minimal stakeholder discussion or public input
surrounding bus transit within the study area. Therefore, the
current plan does not recommend any changes to the ex-
isting bus routes or the ten bus stops. The following recom-
mendations address bus queuing and pedestrian-related
enhancements at the bus stops.
• The proposed planning concept for Clinton Street pro-
poses a relocation of the bus queuing from Clinton
Street to Washington Street.
• As feasible, consider solar panel-covered bus stop can-
opies for illumination.
WALKABILITY
Per the ICDD, the City of Iowa City has the highest walk-
ability ranking in the state of Iowa. Downtown Iowa City
has earned a “Walker’s Paradise: Daily Errands Do Not Re-
quire a Car” 95/100 score on the popular walkability Walk
Score website. The measurement considers how many
businesses, parks, theaters, schools and other common
destinations are within walking distance of any given start-
ing point. Walkable communities provide countless ben-
efits to people’s health, the environment, the economy
with reduced commuting costs as an example, and to the
larger sense of community.
Existing crosswalks will be enhanced in order to create
the walkable, pedestrian-oriented environment that is
envisioned for downtown. Enhanced crosswalks, either
unit pavers or painted designations, are recommended
throughout the study area. ADA-compliant curb ramps
with tactile warning strips are currently limited and need
to be upgraded as part of all future improvement projects.
STREETSCAPE COMPONENTS | TRANSPORTATION ENHANCEMENTS | WALKABILITY AND BUS
Painted crosswalk designations are proposed at Blooming-
ton /North Linn.
Unit pavers at the crosswalks are proposed along Market Street, and at select intersections along Burlington, at Gil-bert / College, Dubuque / Washington.
In nearly all instances, curb ramps need to be updated to conform to the most recent standards published in accor-dance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Cast Iron textured curb ramp panels are recommended.
IMPROVED CROSSWALKS
ENHANCED CROSSWALK PAVING
ADA-COMPLIANT CURB RAMPS
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BICYCLE ENHANCEMENTSEnhanced bicycle accommodations have been integrat-ed into the streetscape planning concepts in order to pro-mote a variety of mobility options across the study area. Enhancements include on-street designated bicycle lanes and six new locations for sheltered bicycle parking. Plan-ning recommendations follow.
• Designated bicycle lanes are proposed along Clinton, Gilbert and Market Street. (The feasibility of potential bi-cycle lanes must be confirmed following a traffic study based on traffic patterns and site conditions.)
• Equip new bicycle parking shelters with solar panels for improved safety and illumination.
• Replace the existing corroding bicycle racks along the sidewalk with new racks. Specific locations and quanti-ties will be identified during subsequent design phases. The recommended replacement rack: ‘Bola’ by Land-scape Forms, black powder coat, standard inverted ‘u’ rack.
On-street bicycle lanes
Paint on-street bicycle lanes with a bright, solid
color. This delivers a strong message that bicyclist
safety is a priority
Proposed bicycle accommodations
STREETSCAPE COMPONENTS | TRANSPORTATION ENHANCEMENTS | BICYCLE
FEBRUARY 2014
55
TRANSPORTATION AND PEDESTRIAN SAFETY ENHANCEMENTS
STREETSCAPE COMPONENTS | TRANSPORTATION ENHANCEMENTS
NEW PAINTED CROSSWALKS
PEDESTRIAN REFUGE
EXISTING UNIT PAVER CROSSWALKS
CONVERSION TO TWO-WAY TRAVEL
TRAVEL LANE REDUCTION
ENHANCED CENTER TURN LANE
EXISTING UNIT PAVER CROSSWALKSNEW UNIT PAVER CROSSWALKS
ENHANCED ADA RAMPS THROUGHOUTBICYCLE ACCOMMODATIONS ON P 54
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SUCCESSIVE PLANTINGS
Upon completion of the arborists review of the existing tree
palette, the following recommendations apply to any suc-
cessive plantings. • Infill plantings and tree selections by street. Following
review of the existing tree palette by a certified ar-
borist, the planning team recommends that an ‘ap-
proved tree species list’ be created for each street.
As existing trees die or are removed, they should be
replaced by the chosen tree(s) for the street. The tree
selection process will consider local performance, dis-
ease resistance, canopy size, overall shape and form,
leaf shape and color, ability to grow within confined
areas (overhead utilities, facades, and limited root
zones), snow removal, microclimate, lighting, parking,
underground sewers and vaults, and typical root char-
acter.
• Tree diversity. There are aesthetic advantages to
planting a single tree species or cultivars along a
streetscape and great impact can be achieved. But
lessons learned with monoculture planting, the Amer-
ican elms as an example, are reminders that tree di-
versity is “a community’s best hedge against potential
disaster”. Per Iowa State University Extension, for max-
imum protection against insects, disease, or environ-
mental stress, the urban tree population should reflect:
No more than 10% of any single tree species.
No more than 20% of species in any tree genus.
No more than 30% of species in any tree family.• Thinning and pruning of high value trees. Street trees
should offer a rich canopy that covers the majority of
the sidewalk and extends into the street. Shade should
be offered, but it should not be so thick as to prevent
filtered sunshine or to allow the sun to pass through to
the street during the winter months. Thinning and prun-
ing of those trees ranked ‘high value’ by the arborist is
recommended.
• Linear planting trench. Where the existing conditions
prohibit the minimum planting pit, alternative planting
solutions may be considered such as linear tree plant-
ing trenches with removable pavers. As an example,
to maximize the hardscape areas of Washington,
Dubuque, and Linn while providing the best possible
environment for street trees, a paver grate system and
continuous planter trough is recommended for tree
plantings. The system, similar to the system manufac-
tured by Ironsmith, uses a hidden metal grate to sus-
pend pavers over the tree’s planting zone, reducing
soil compaction and opening up wide areas for pe-
destrian movement in tight areas.
• Continuous planting trench. On streets with more
space for pedestrian movement such as Clinton, Gil-
bert, and College, open, continuous tree trench with
understory perennial planting or lawn is recommend-
ed. The continuous tree trench may be broken peri-
odically with pavers to allow access to parking and
amenity zone items like benches, bike racks, etc.
EVALUATIONThe existing tree canopy plays a key role in contributing to the overall character of Downtown. Found on most every street, the trees are valued for their shade, scale and char-acter. They announce the changing seasons, create com-fortable shade, and they greatly improve the walkability of the environs. As an example, the consistent planting of Ash and Honey Locust trees along Iowa Avenue creates a memorable and unique identity unique to that streets-cape. There was minimal public or stakeholder input on the ex-isting tree plantings. A general analysis of the existing tree palette found many of the trees are of questionable health, most likely due to the basic fact that urban areas are not tree friendly. Many of the trees planted in an urban environment struggle due to a variety of factors including soil compaction, low soil fertility, inadequate moisture, air pollution, pet urine, and detrimental de-icing salts. Addi-tionally, in tree pits such as those found across the study area, trees have a limited lifespan. At the onset of the next design phase, the planning team recommends the City hire a certified arborist to do an inventory and analysis of the existing trees. Factors to consider when evaluating the existing trees include a tree’s age, health, size, species, overall form, and planting location as it relates to future development.
Existing Columnar maples along Burlington
STREETSCAPE COMPONENTS | LANDSCAPE & PLANT MATERIAL
Existing Honey Locust and Ash along Iowa Avenue
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• Proposed Street Tree Size. Infill trees to be canopy
trees that will provide shade, but are limbed high
enough to prevent obstruction of views of passing
motorists and allow for safe pedestrian passage
along sidewalks. To minimize conflicts of lower tree
limbs with vehicular and pedestrian zones, bottom
tree branches shall be at least 8’ above adjacent
sidewalk grade at the time of tree planting. All new
street trees shall be a minimum 2” caliper size (the
diameter of the trunk measured one foot above
grade) at the time of tree installation.
• Infill tree standards. All future street trees must meet
the requirements of the American Standard for Nurs-
ery Stock (latest edition), as published by the Ameri-
can Association of Nurserymen.
• Proposed Street Tree Placement. Where there are
significant gaps in the existing tree planting pro-
gram, along Gilbert, Burlington, and Bloomington as
examples, or when full streetscape and sidewalk im-
provements are implemented, new tree spacing will
respond to street light locations which, in turn, relate
to locations of on-street parking spaces.
• Ash Tree Blight. All varieties of ash trees are at risk
of the disease spread by a beetle called the em-
erald ash borer. Experts from the U.S. and Iowa
departments of agriculture, Iowa Department of
Natural Resources, and Iowa State University have
confirmed there are ash trees infested with the em-
erald ash borers in eastern Iowa counties and ‘the
problem is spreading faster than originally thought’.
Implementation of a strategy to combat the spread
is recommended and should begin with a detailed
inventory of ash trees within the study area. Any
ash trees that are already in a state of decline may
need to be removed sooner rather than later. As an
example, there are a number of mature ash trees
along Washington. The possibility of their removal will
have a significant impact on the streetscape char-
acter and the further development of the streets-
cape plans for Washington.
Freeman Maple
Ginkgo
Honey LocustPrinceton Elm
STREETSCAPE COMPONENTS | LANDSCAPE & PLANT MATERIAL
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UNDERSTORY PLANTINGS
At-grade landscaping in planters is a key component
of greening and softening the streetscapes. Plantings
along the sidewalk buffer pedestrians from traffic and
parked cars and provide a memorable visual impact
to the street. The understory plantings are visualized as
multi-dimensional with shrub, ornamental grass, ground-
cover, and seasonal plantings. The proposed palette
can be replicated throughout the study area to unify
and provide meaningful visual impact.
• Irrigation. To reduce City maintenance requirements
and to ensure healthy tree growth, irrigation at new
planting areas is recommended where full streets-
cape improvements are proposed. System specifics
and feasibility across each of the individual streets
will be considered during subsequent design phases.
RECOMMENDED BIORETENTION PALETTE
A combination of drought tolerant, hybrid ornamentals
and a few natives is recommended for the bioretention
planting areas. Examples of recommended plants fol-
low. The palette will be refined during subsequent de-
sign phases.
• New England Aster Hybrids
• Native Sedges
• Northern Prairie Dropseed
• Little Blue Stem
• Native and Hybrid Penstemons
(NOTE: the plants listed are a sampling of potential choices
and that a more thorough plant list will be developed for each
unique application during the detailed design and implemen-
tation phases of the project)
Little Bluestem
New England Aster HybridNative Penstemon
Native Prairie Dropseed
STREETSCAPE COMPONENTS | LANDSCAPE & PLANT MATERIAL
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WHAT PUBLIC ART MEANS TO IOWA CITYIowa City’s public art program makes the city a more memorable place to live, work and visit. The broad range of public artworks seen across the City elevates the quality of the public spaces and reinforces Iowa City’s reputation as a center for the arts, culture, and literature.
The majority of the artwork celebrates Iowa City’s unique literary history. Per the City of Iowa City public art program, ‘From acclaimed poets and playwrights, to accomplished novelists and journalists, Iowa City has been both host and home to literary genius’. As a result, Iowa City is one of six designated Cities of Literature by the United Nations Edu-cational, Scientific & Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the only community with such designation in the United States. To recognize the literary history, Iowa Avenue’s ‘Lit-erary Walk’ celebrates the works of 49 writers with ties to Iowa and is comprised of a series of bronze relief panels that feature literary quotes and attribution.
It is the intent of the current plan to support the existing public art program and to build on that success with new public art opportunities.
STREETSCAPE COMPONENTS | PUBLIC ART
Literary walk
The ‘Literary Walk’ bronze panels were in-stalled in 2000 and unfortunately some of the panels are beginning to lift. Explore incorporation of the panels into the new light pole bases proposed along Iowa Av-enue or other downtown locations.
Public art piece along Iowa Ave
Illuminate select artworks to highlight and add drama at night
Alley art
An ‘alley art’ program celebrates the his-tory of murals in Iowa City and showcases the work of local artists
Murals
Murals and oversized banners are pro-
posed to activate the blank parking ramps along Burlington
Northside Market Place public art
Include new literary - themed public art-work along North Linn
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SIDEWALK PAVING
A consistent sidewalk pattern that will allow the ground
plane to read as one continuous public space and not
a series of spaces associated with individual streets is
recommended. This will allow the public artwork, veg-
etation, and other furnishings to become the focus for
the street.
• PCC paving is the recommended sidewalk paving
material due to its durability as well as its ease of
maintenance and replacement. The PCC paving
recommendations include a standard grey color
with 50% sandblast finish, 50% broom finish, and saw
cut control joints.
• Along select streets, the proposed sidewalk paving
includes a combination of PCC paving at the pri-
mary walkway along the buildings and unit pavers
along the curb zone. The proposed unit paver colors
will include a range of grey colors and will appear
‘speckled’ in an attempt to minimize the impacts of
spills and stains typical to urban settings. The recom-
mended unit paver size is 12” x 18” or smaller.
STREETSCAPE COMPONENTS | KIT OF PARTS
PCC paving is proposed along the side-walks
STREET PAVING
The majority of the streets throughout the study area
have been paved with either concrete or bituminous
concrete. Unit pavers have been installed along Iowa
Avenue between Clinton and Dubuque and to highlight
significant intersections along Clinton. Street pavement
conditions vary. Replacement recommendations are
tied to infrastructure improvement projects as feasible.
Replacement recommendations follow
• There have been concerns with the pavement con-
ditions along Washington and there was a 12-inch
water main break along the 100 block of Washing-
ton. Concrete paving is proposed as the replace-
ment paving material at the street with permeable
pavement as an alternate.
• To extend the character of the Ped Mall north to
Iowa Avenue, unit pavers are proposed along
Dubuque Street.
• To break up the expanse of paving across Burling-
ton, unit pavers are proposed to distinguish the cen-
ter turn lane. (The most recent paving improvements
along Burlington were in 1984.)
• The existing street paving along College, between
Linn and Gilbert is of concern. Concrete is the rec-
ommended replacement material.
Paver ‘speckling’ helps minimize impacts of stains and spills
Unit pavers are proposed along Dubuque St.
To break up the expanse of paving across Burlington, unit pavers are proposed to distinguish the center turn lane. (The most recent paving improvements along Burl-ington were in 1984.)
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STREETSCAPE COMPONENTS | KIT OF PARTS
TRASH AND RECYCLING
Trash receptacles are easily found throughout the study
area. Their character complements the metal strap
benches and seems similar to the Landscape Forms’
‘Scarborough’ receptacle. Recycling stations are cur-
rently limited to the pedestrian mall and public input in-
dicates a strong desire for recycling containers/stations
throughout downtown.
The Plan offers two recycling container options: the
‘Scarborough’ receptacle which matches the existing
trash containers and the ‘Big Belly’ compactor. Prior to
making a final selection, further coordination is needed
with the City representatives to understand pick-up and
sorting options.
Replacement containers are recommended for the ex-
posed aggregate/metal top trash receptacles currently
found at the Northside Marketplace.
SEATING
Benches are an important component of a pedestri-
an friendly streetscape and are generally abundant
throughout the study area. The exception is the streets-
cape along South Linn between the Sr. Center and the
Iowa City Public Library. Most of the benches are hori-
zontal metal strap and share a similar style to Landscape
Forms’ ‘Scarborough’ bench. Most are in good condi-
tion. The ICCD Community Gallery BenchMarks bench-
es have been installed at select Northside Marketplace
locations. Each year, the benches are treated as blank
canvasses and are re-painted to feature the work of lo-
cal artists. Seating recommendations follow.
• Consider the metal strap bench as the standard
bench for downtown.
• Install benches along Linn, between the Sr. Center and
ICPL.
• Center arms to be included in new benches 72” in
length or longer.
Existing Bench Along Washington Street ‘Scarborough’ trash receptacle. Color: Black
Big Belly’ recycling compactor. Cordless self powered unit. Color: Black.Recommended metal strap bench. Color: Black. Center arm detail shown for those benches 72” in length or lon-ger.
STREETSCAPE COMPONENTS | KIT OF PARTS
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STREETSCAPE COMPONENTS | KIT OF PARTS
BICYCLE FURNISHINGS
Six locations for enhanced bicycle accommodations
have been identified. Locations were mapped within
the transportation section. The planning team recom-
mends the shelters be equipped with solar panels for
safe illumination at night.
Many of the existing racks are corroding and further
detailed analysis of each rack is recommended during
subsequent design phases for each of the individual
streetscapes. The standard inverted ‘u’ bicycle rack
is proposed as the replacement rack across the study
area. The ‘BOLA’ rack by Landscape Forms as shown
above represents the desired character.
PLANTING CONTAINERS
Enrichment of the pedestrian environment is important
to a successful street and small details can do big things.
Along the more heavily paved streets like Dubuque,
Washington, and Linn, the introduction of planter pots
will help add seasonal color to the more urban environ-
ments of Iowa City. Pots should be large enough to be
effective, roughly 30” high and 48” in diameter, made
of integrally colored precast concrete to match existing
and proposed limestone material downtown.
Like planter pots, hanging baskets on light poles ad sea-
sonal color and are a small, effective detail to enhance
the pedestrian environment. The lighting design incor-
porates hanging baskets on Dubuque’s monumental
light column. This adds that extra level of enhancement
while leaving more surface pedestrian space open.
Installing an irrigation system to the containers and hang-
ing baskets is recommended and will be determined on
a street-by-street bases dependent on the level of im-
provements proposed at each street. Colorful, cascad-
ing plants are proposed and may include Bacopa, Cal-
ibrachoa, Lantana, Verbena, Ivy Geranium, and Trailing
Petunia.
Planter Pots. Style is to be similar to the “Biltmore” by Dura Art Stone.
Bicycle shelter equipped with solar panelsHanging baskets with colorful, cascading plantings are proposed along Dubuque Street. The baskets are sized at 18”-24”
Landscape Forms, Bola bicycle rackColor: Black powdercoat 1 ½” Schedule 40 Pipe, 36” h x 18” w
FEBRUARY 2014
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“There is no logic that can be superimposed on the city; people make
it, and it is to them, not buildings, that we must fit our plans.”
– Jane Jacobs
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S
t
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P
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SECTION 5
Streetscape Planning
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STREETSCAPE PLANNING | INTRODUCTION
STREETSCAPE PLANNINGThe following pages summarize the proposed improve-ments for each of the eleven streets. Categories of im-provement include transportation enhancements, light-ing, sustainable enhancements, utility analyses and recommendations, wayfinding and identity, and infor-mation related to miscellaneous improvements such as streetscape components, and understory plantings. An excerpt of the overall plan is provided and depicts the proposed improvements typical for the entire street. Within the cross-section, the existing base conditions that are pro-posed to remain are drawn in black. The proposed street-scape improvements are drawn in red.
BLOOMINGTON
CL
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DU
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MARKET
JEFFERSON
IOWA AVE
WASHINGTON
COLLEGEPROJECT
STUDY AREA
PROJECT
STUDY AREA
PED
MALL
BURLINGTON
The diagram above demonstrates street hierarchy at the intersections. As an example, at the intersection of Wash-ington and Dubuque, the proposed Dubuque Street im-provements extend through the intersection and continue north to Iowa Avenue.
FEBRUARY 2014
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STREETSCAPE PLANNING | STREET VISION PLANS | WASHINGTON STREET
WASHINGTON can become a HUB street.
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STREETSCAPE PLANNING | STREET VISION PLANS | DUBUQUE STREET
DUBUQUE can become a MEMORABLE street.
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STREETSCAPE PLANNING | STREET VISION PLANS | IOWA AVENUE
IOWA AVENUE can become a STAGE street.
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STREETSCAPE PLANNING | STREET VISION PLANS | CLINTON STREET
CLINTON can become a SEAM street.
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STREETSCAPE PLANNING | STREET VISION PLANS | LINN STREET
LINN can become a CONNECTOR street.
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STREETSCAPE PLANNING | STREET VISION PLANS | COLLEGE STREET
COLLEGE can become a LINK street.
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STREETSCAPE PLANNING | STREET VISION PLANS | BURLINGTON STREET
BURLINGTON can become a CELEBRATED street.
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GILBERT can become a PARKWAY street.
STREETSCAPE PLANNING | STREET VISION PLANS | GILBERT STREET
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STREETSCAPE PLANNING | STREET VISION PLANS | NORTH LINN STREET
NORTH LINN can become a DESTINATION street.
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MARKET street can become a DESTINATION street.
STREETSCAPE PLANNING | STREET VISION PLANS | MARKET STREET
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STREETSCAPE PLANNING | STREET VISION PLANS | BLOOMINGTON STREET
BLOOMINGTON can become a CONTRIBUTING street.
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Existing conditions Washington street
An eclectic mix of retail and restaurants contributes
to an active street life along Washington and an en-
hancement of the existing elements will further trans-
form Washington Street into a “hub” of pedestrian
activity. New pedestrian and roadway lighting adds
energy and drama at night. Extensive storefront lighting
adds dimension and depth to the lighting framework.
Infill street trees, colorful planting displays, benches and
trash receptacles are also recommended to enhance
the pedestrian realm. Existing loading areas near the
intersection of Clinton are proposed to remain, but
narrowed in width, providing an enlarged pedestrian
area on the north side of the street. It is recommend-
ed that new tree plantings in a suspended paver grate
system be installed near the intersection of Clinton for
increased pedestrian and café use.
The need for full streetscape improvements along
Washington Street was hastened by a 12-inch water
main break in 2013. Full replacement of the water main
between Clinton and Gilbert is recommended.
To demonstrate the City’s commitment to sustainability,
bioretention planting areas are proposed along Wash-
ington. The first of their kind along an urban street in
Iowa, the bioretention planting areas will minimize run-
off, slow peak flows, cleanse pollutants from the storm
water, and enhance the quality of downstream water
bodies.
WASHINGTON STREET SUMMARY
Transportation Enhancements
• Enhanced bicycle parking at end of block, mid-
block at transformer, and throughout block in side-
walk amenity zone
• Loading zones are to remain, but the northern
zone will be reduced in width
Lighting
• New pedestrian roadway lighting (North & South)
• Extensive storefront lighting
Sustainable Enhancements
• Permeable pavers throughout curb to curb section
• Bioretention planting areas
Wayfinding and Identity
• Gateway element at Washington and Dubuque
Utility
• Replace the two water main lines along Washing-
ton
• Replace the storm sewer line along Washington
west of Gilbert to Linn
Other
• Balance of landscape and paver/cafe areas
• Maximum streetscape functionality – continuous
tree planter trough with paver grate system and
removable paver detail
• Decorative screening of mid-block transformer
STREETSCAPE PLANNING | STREET VISION PLANS | WASHINGTON STREET
PLAN KEY
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Washington Street section looking west
WASHINGTON STREET PLAN
Context Map
STREETSCAPE PLANNING | STREET VISION PLANS | WASHINGTON STREET
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Existing conditions Dubuque Street
As the north / south entrance to downtown, Dubuque
is a “first impressions” street. Creating a unified, pedes-
trian friendly road section will help make Dubuque a
“memorable” entrance to heart of the city. It is rec-
ommended that unit pavers be installed curb to curb.
New tree plantings in a suspended paver grate system
installed in the sidewalk maximize the pedestrian zone
while keeping the trees health a top priority. Planter
pots, benches, trash cans, and monumental lighting
with a celebratory, overhead canopy of Tivoli lights and
medallions are also recommended.
DUBUQUE STREET SUMMARY
Transportation Enhancements
• Traffic patterns remain the same
• Enhanced bike parking mid-block on either side of
alley
Lighting
• Awnings & Storefront Lighting
• Monument pedestrian/roadway lights with pen-
dants, overhead Tivoli strings and municipal seal
• Electric power outlets in monuments
Sustainable Enhancements
• Infill street trees where feasible
Wayfinding and Identity
• Gateway Elements at Iowa and Washington
Utility
• Spot repair of storm sewer is recommended at
three locations along Dubuque, south of Iowa
• There may be a capacity issue with the storm
sewer line along Dubuque, north of Burlington
Other
• Corner bulb outs for expanded cafés and seating
• New sidewalk paving
• Maximum streetscape functionality – continuous
tree planter trough with paver grate system and
removable paver detail
• New curb to curb hardscape
• Planter pots
• Decorative screening of mid-block transformer
• No change in parking
STREETSCAPE PLANNING | STREET VISION PLANS | DUBUQUE STREET
PLAN KEY
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Dubuque Street section looking south
DUBUQUE STREET PLAN
Context Map
STREETSCAPE PLANNING | STREET VISION PLANS | DUBUQUE STREET
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Existing conditions Iowa Avenue
Iowa, with its view corridor to the Old State Capital
Building, is truly the “iconic” street of Iowa City. By se-
lectively enhancing the place making elements of
the street, this street can become the “stage” of Iowa
City. It is recommended that the electrical capacity of
Iowa Avenue be increased to provide adequate pow-
er during festivals and events. This electrical capacity
and access will be incorporated into new monumental
lights. Strategic additions like increased and enhanced
bicycle parking, and the carving out of certain areas of
pavement to add perennial planting are also recom-
mended.
IOWA AVENUE SUMMARY
Transportation Enhancements
• Enhanced bicycle parking (3)
Lighting
• Monument lights with banners
• 4 electrical outlets per monument light
Sustainable Enhancements
• Infill street trees where feasible
Wayfinding and Identity
• Gateway Element at Dubuque and Market
• Wayfinding Kiosk at Market and Linn
Other
• Accent plantings and enhanced tree pits
• Maximize café seating
• Gateway Markers at Dubuque
STREETSCAPE PLANNING | STREET VISION PLANS | IOWA AVENUE
PLAN KEY
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Iowa Avenue section looking west
IOWA AVENUE PLAN
Context Map
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Existing conditions Clinton Street
Clinton Street’s wide curb to curb section, large amounts
of concrete, and lack of pedestrian amenities feel like a
“gap” between the university and downtown. With the
proposed improvements, Clinton can easily become a
“seam” street that stitches the university and downtown
together. It is recommended that Clinton be put on a
“road diet:” remove one lane of traffic and add 6-feet
of sidewalk to the east side of the street for pedestrian
and optional café space. A pedestrian refuge zone is
located in the middle of each/west bound crosswalk
to give a sense of safety and scale to the pedestrian
and to calm traffic. New street trees are to be plant-
ed on the east side. Unifying vertical elements such as
monumental light poles, and fine details in the sidewalk
amenity zone such as benches, bike racks, and trash
cans, are also recommended throughout the streets-
cape.
CLINTON STREET SUMMARY
Transportation Enhancements
• Two Northbound travel lanes, one southbound
travel lane
• On street parallel parking on both sides of street
• Net gain of 8 parking spaces (-2 on east, +10 on
west) between Washington and Iowa
• 5’ Designated bike lanes, both ways
• Enhanced bicycle parking North of Washington
and adjacent to mid-block bump-outs
• Relocate bus queuing to Washington
• Pedestrian refuge median at crosswalks
• Enhanced intersection and crosswalk treatment
• Pavers in sidewalk amenity zone
Lighting
• Monument lights with banners
• Enhanced storefront lighting
Sustainable Enhancements
• Infill street trees where feasible
Wayfinding and Identity
• Banner Program
• Gateway element at Burlington
• Wayfinding Kiosk at Iowa and College
Utility
• Replace the 8-inch water main along Clinton from
Burlington to College
• At the intersection with the Pedestrian Mall, a
storm manhole is under a planter. Access to the
storm sewer should be included as part of future
improvements.
Other
• Curb bulb outs
• 6’ additional sidewalk added to east side
• Café seating in select areas on east side
• Extensive café paver/street tree
• Replace sidewalk along east side
STREETSCAPE PLANNING | STREET VISION PLANS | CLINTON STREET
PLAN KEY
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Clinton Street section looking north
CLINTON STREET PLAN
Context Map
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Existing conditions Linn Street
Linn Street is an important link in Downtown: it links the
Senior Center and the Public Library and the Northside
Marketplace and Downtown. With thoughtful design
treatments, Linn Street can become a “connector”
street, successfully tying both ends of the district togeth-
er with unifying design treatments.
Vertical elements such as well designed light poles
and healthy street trees in a paver grate system have
been recommended to create a unified identity and
pedestrian friendly environment. A wayfinding kiosk is
proposed at the intersection of Linn and Washington
to inform use and to function as a beacon of light at
night. Planter pots with colorful, seasonal plantings and
trash receptacles are also recommended. Much-need-
ed benches are proposed along the sidewalk between
the Senior Center and the Library.
LINN STREET SUMMARY
Transportation Enhancements
• Enhanced bicycle parking at Linn Street and Iowa
Avenue and at the Iowa City Public Library
Lighting
• New pedestrian roadway lighting
Sustainable Enhancements
• Infill street trees where feasible
Wayfinding and Identity
• Gateway Element at Linn and Burlington
• Wayfinding Kiosks at Linn St. and Iowa Avenue,
Washington Street, and College St.
Utility
• The sanitary sewer line along Linn between Wash-
ington and Iowa has been installed at less than
minimum grade
• Replace the water main along Linn between
Washington and Burlington
Other
• Maximum streetscape functionality – continuous
tree planter trough with paver grate system and
removable paver detail
• Planter pots
• Consider removal of parking on west side of street
between Iowa & alley & adding larger amenity
zone with overhead shelter or vendor canopy
when street is fully developed
• Pavers in amenity zone
STREETSCAPE PLANNING | STREET VISION PLANS | LINN STREET
PLAN KEY
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Linn Street section looking south
LINN STREET PLAN
Context Map
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Existing conditions College Street
Once you leave the Pedestrian Mall, College is largely
a “forgotten” street. The detail and excitement of the
mall is suddenly lost, but with careful design, College
can become a “link” bringing people to the heart of
downtown. It is recommended that the feel of the mall
be expanded outward with pavers and appropriate,
enlarged, thoughtful planting areas, as well as the intro-
duction of seating nooks with benches, bike racks, trash
cans, and custom lights. It is also recommended that
College be one of the showcases of sustainability with
the installation of bioretention planting areas.
COLLEGE STREET SUMMARY
Transportation Enhancements
• Traffic patterns remain the same
• Enhanced intersection and crosswalk
• Re-pave roadway section
Lighting
• Pedestrian roadway light
• Façade lights (south)
Sustainable Enhancements
• Landscaped planter curbs/bioretention areas
• Infill street trees where feasible
Utility
• Rehabilitate or replace the aging brick construc-
tion sanitary manhole at College/Linn
• Replace water main along College between Gil-
bert and Linn
Other
• Add curb bulb outs to north side
• Expanded streetscape on south side to extend Pe-
destrian Mall “feel”
• New sidewalk paving on north side, enlarged tree
pit
STREETSCAPE PLANNING | STREET VISION PLANS | COLLEGE STREET
PLAN KEY
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College Street section looking west
COLLEGE STREET PLAN
Context Map
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Existing conditions Burlington Street
PLAN KEY
Burlington Street is currently automobile oriented with
two travel lanes in each direction and a center turn
lane. It is part of Highway 1 and has been designed to
move vehicular traffic. The large expanses of monot-
onous paving, narrow sidewalks, traffic volume, and
blank building facades make Burlington feel like a “bar-
rier” street. With unifying, thoughtful design treatments,
Burlington can become a “celebrated” street welcom-
ing people to downtown and to the new University of
Iowa Music Building, currently under construction at Bur-
lington and Clinton.
Improving the pedestrian experience and overall ap-
pearance of Burlington is accomplished in a number of
ways. Vertical elements such as newly designed light
poles and infill street trees will help tie both sides of this
street together. Raised colorful planting beds along
the curb zone create a buffer between moving vehi-
cles and pedestrians. At the intersections, pedestrian
crosswalks are enhanced with unit pavers. Public art is
proposed along Burlington in the form of artistic murals
and oversized banners. The murals and banners acti-
vate the large, blank parking ramp facades and com-
municate Iowa City’s commitment to the arts.
The traffic volume and limited right-of-way prohibited
the incorporation of enhanced bicycle accommoda-
tions along Burlington. The potential exists for enhanced
bicycle accommodations along Court to the south of
Burlington. To the north, there are existing shared lanes
along College, east of Linn. And, Washington, two
blocks to the north, is an important east-west bicycle
route.
BURLINGTON STREET SUMMARY
Transportation Enhancements
• Enhanced center turn-lane paving
• Enhanced intersection and crosswalk treatment
Lighting
• New pedestrian roadway lightingSustainable Enhancements
• Infill street trees where feasible
Wayfinding and Identity
• Corner gateway element at Clinton, Dubuque,
Linn and Gilbert
Utility
• Replacement of two separate water main lines is
recommended. Existing lines have experienced
breaks.
Other
• Pavers in sidewalk amenity zone
• 18” raised cast in place concrete planters
• Architectural enhancement of car ramp walls and
select building faces
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Burlington Street section looking west
BURLINGTON STREET PLAN
Context Map
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Existing conditions Gilbert Street
Gilbert, as currently constructed, with its larger building
setbacks and higher travel speeds can be described as
a “thoroughfare,” but it can easily become more of a
“parkway” providing a richer experience. It is recom-
mended that Gilbert go on a ‘road diet’ by reducing
travel to a single lane in each direction, adding a cen-
ter turn lane and designating bike lanes in both direc-
tions. Other key recommendations include fill the gaps
in the street tree rhythm, enhance the tree lawn, and
add custom designed lighting elements with a second-
ary banner program option.
GILBERT STREET SUMMARY
Transportation Enhancements
• Reduce travel lanes to one in each direction plus
center turn lane
• Two 5’ designated bike lanes
• Enhanced crosswalks
• City will conduct external study modeling pro-
posed lane reduction
Lighting
• New pedestrian roadway lighting
Sustainable Enhancements
• Infill street trees where feasible
Wayfinding and Identity
• Secondary banner program
Utility
• Replace the water main lines along Gilbert
• A cable has penetrated the sanitary sewer line at
Gilbert and Burlington
Other
• Tree lawn where possible
• New sidewalk
• Underground overhead utilities
STREETSCAPE PLANNING | STREET VISION PLANS | GILBERT STREET
PLAN KEY
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Gilbert Street section looking north
GILBERT STREET PLAN
Context Map
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Rendering of Iowa Avenue and Gilbert Street
Stronger definition of the easterly edge of Iowa Avenue
is needed for Iowa City’s most iconic street. Enhanced
paving at the crosswalks extends the character of Iowa
Avenue across the intersection. The Gilbert Street me-
dian is reconfigured and enlarged to include a fea-
ture public art piece, or monument. The monument
will function as a ‘bookend’ to the Old Capitol and will
complete the Iowa Avenue ‘stage’. New accent trees
and understory plantings offer a backdrop for the mon-
ument. Street crossing distance is minimized for the pe-
destrian through the incorporation of bump-outs along
the north and south sides of Iowa Avenue.
IOWA AT GILBERT SUMMARY
Transportation Enhancements
• Enhanced paving treatment at crosswalks
• Enlarged bulb at end of median
• New traffic light locationOther
• Monument/Art in hardscape area within median
• Extend Iowa Avenue “feel” across intersection
• Curb bulb outs on north and south sides of street
STREETSCAPE PLANNING | STREET VISION PLANS | IOWA AT GILBERT
PLAN KEY
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IOWA AVENUE PLAN
Iowa Avenue section looking east
Context Map
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With its funky mixed use character, North Linn has be-
come a strong local destination for the Northside
Marketplace. Iowa City’s most recent streetscape im-
provements can be seen along North Linn. In 2010, im-
provements included new trees, bumpouts at the inter-
section with Market, seating clusters, bicycle racks, and
literary-themed public artwork.
To establish continuity across North Linn, the current
plan proposes an extension of select improvements
from the alley at Hamburg Inn to Bloomington. Infill
tree plantings, accent shrub and groundcover plant-
ings, painted crosswalk designations, and new seating
clusters are proposed. Standard concrete paving is
proposed at the new seating areas. On-street parallel
parking is maintained. Improvements proposed south of
Hamburg Inn include wayfinding elements, architectur-
al accent lighting, the ‘leveling’ of select seating areas,
and new accent plantings at the base of the two exist-
ing public art pieces.
NORTH LINN STREET SUMMARY
Transportation Enhancements
• Enhanced Crosswalk Paving at Linn and Market
• Painted Crosswalks at Linn and Bloomington
Lighting
• Identity Lighting and Architectural Accent Lighting
at the intersection of North Linn St. and Market St.
• Adjust Height of Existing Lighting
Sustainable Enhancements
• Infill Trees as Feasible
Wayfinding and Identity
• Wayfinding Elements at North Linn and Market,
Jefferson
Utility
• The sanitary sewer line in the alley just north of
Hamburg inn is broken with visible voids
• Upsize water service line along North Linn from
Bloomington to Davenport
• The existing sewer line appears undersized.
Consider upsizing as part of future improvements.
Other
• Extend Improvements along North Linn, North of
Hamburg Inn Including Accent Plantings at
Parkway, Benches, Bicycle Racks, Public Artwork
• Accent Planting at Base of Existing Public Artwork
• Improve Paving at Bump-Outs
• Relocate Utilities Underground
• ‘Level’ seating area pavement or shim benches
to provide more comfortable, safe and attractive
seating
Existing conditions North Linn Street
STREETSCAPE PLANNING | STREET VISION PLANS | NORTH LINN STREET
PLAN KEY
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North Linn Street section looking south
NORTH LINN STREET PLAN
Context Map
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Market Street has evolved into a unique destina-
tion with a rich mix of locally owned restaurants and
shops. Glimpses of Market Street’s energy and eclec-
ticism can be seen by visitors entering Iowa City along
Dubuque. To better ‘announce’ Market Street and the
larger Northside Marketplace, gateway elements are
proposed at the intersection of Dubuque and Market
Street. Two over-the-street festive lighting elements are
proposed to further entice guests to turn east at Market
and to create a sense of arrival at the major intersec-
tion of Market and North Linn.
The planning team recommends that Market Street be
converted back to two-way traffic. The proposed cross
section includes two 11’-wide drive lanes, 9’-wide par-
allel parking on the north side, and two 4’-6”-wide on-
street designated bicycle lanes in each direction. Traf-
fic modeling to understand how the conversion affects
the larger transportation network is underway.
MARKET STREET SUMMARY
Transportation Enhancements
• Convert to Two-Way Traffic
• Two Designated Bicycle Lanes
• Maintain Parallel Parking along North Side of Street
• Enhanced Crosswalk Paving
Lighting
• Over-The-Street Festive Lighting and Banners
• New Pedestrian and Roadway Lighting
Sustainable Enhancements
• Infill Street Trees
• Bioretention Planting Areas
Wayfinding and Identity
• Gateway Element at Dubuque and Market
• Wayfinding Kiosk at Market and Linn
Other
• New Seating & Public Artwork at Market & North Linn
• Underground Utilities at South Side of Street
Existing conditions Market Street
STREETSCAPE PLANNING | STREET VISION PLANS | MARKET STREET
PLAN KEY
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Market Street section looking west
Context Map
MARKET STREET PLAN
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NORTH SIDE MARKET PLACE LIGHTING SUMMARY
Enhanced architectural lighting is proposed to create a
festive, memorable atmosphere at the prominent inter-
section of Market and North Linn. The intersection has
historical significance. Three National Register eligible
structures occupy the intersection: Economy Advertis-
ing at 117-123 N. Linn, Union Brewery at 130-160 N. Linn,
and Union Bakery/Union Hall at 203 N. Linn Street. Perim-
eter building outline lighting systems by Lumisphere, or
similar, is proposed to distinguish the architectural de-
tailing, mass and form.
STREETSCAPE PLANNING | STREET VISION PLANS | ACCENT LIGHTING AT MARKET STREET AND NORTH LINN
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MARKET STREET REDEVELOPMENT SITE SUMMARY
The City-owned parking lot between George’s Buffet
and the Bluebird Diner along Market Street has been
identified as a potential redevelopment site. The site
offers tremendous opportunities and redevelopment
could bolster the momentum already in place through-
out the Northside Marketplace. The existing mixed use
and pedestrian-oriented fabric that currently exists
should be reinforced. The redevelopment program
could include a mixed use and entertainment option
with below grade parking.
Stakeholder and public input consistently indicated an
interest in more activities during the winter months and
specifically an ice skating rink. The site could support
a rink comparable in scale to Ice Rink at One Boulder
Plaza, Boulder, CO. The rink and associated support
program could become a regional entertainment des-
tination and a celebrated winter tradition. During the
summer months, the rink is covered and the space tran-
sitions to an outdoor dining and flexible program space
for small scale musical performances, readings, cook-
ing competitions, outdoor yoga, or other.
Skate ring opportunity
Precedent imagery reflecting character and potential for a mixed-use redevelopment opportunity that integrates a public skate rink as a winter amenity that converts to a dynamic public space during warmer months.
City parking lot along Market Street has been identified as
a potential redevelopment site.
Optional redevelopment concept depicted above. Other concepts could explore building frontage along Market Street.
STREETSCAPE PLANNING | STREET VISION PLANS | NORTHSIDE MARKETPLACE REDEVELOPMENT SITE
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Existing conditions Bloomington Street
Bloomington is home to the iconic Pagliai’s Pizza and
two other historic structures. Functioning primarily as a
residential street, Bloomington connects the adjacent
neighborhoods with the NSMP and University of Iowa.
To enhance the pedestrian experience, a number of
improvements are proposed: painted crosswalks, pe-
destrian scale lighting, historical building markers, the
screening of surface parking lots, and seating and sea-
sonal planting displays at the intersection with North
Linn. As existing parking lots are considered for mixed-
use redevelopment sites, the proposed streetscape
character may need to be reevaluated.
BLOOMINGTON STREET SUMMARY
Transportation Enhancements
• Painted Crosswalk Designation
Lighting
• Install New Pedestrian and Roadway Lighting
Sustainable Enhancements
• Plant Infill Trees at Gaps as Feasible
• Replace Sod at Parkway with Lawn Alternative
Utility
• Upsize the water service line along Bloomington,
from Linn to Gilbert
Other
• Screen Pagliai’s South Parking Lot with Accent
Plantings
• Introduce Seating and Accent Plantings in
Containers at Pagliai’s
• Install Historical Markers at 302, 319, 322 E.
Bloomington
• Relocate Utilities Underground
STREETSCAPE PLANNING | STREET VISION PLANS | BLOOMINGTON STREET
PLAN KEY
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Bloomington Street section looking west
BLOOMINGTON STREET PLAN
Context Map
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The measure of any great civilization is in its cities, and the measure
of a city’s greatness is to be found in the quality of its public spaces,
its parks and squares.
– John Ruskin
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SECTION 6
Pedestrian Mall Planning
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PEDESTRIAN MALL PLANNING INTRODUCTION
The nationally renowned Ped Mall is widely recognized as
an iconic destination with a high level of resident, student,
and alumni attachment. It has ‘good bones’ and a sol-
id foundation is already in place. Therefore, the intent of
the current planning concept is to ‘freshen up’ and rein-
vigorate the Ped Mall while maintaining the original intent
of creating a public gathering place for all ages from all
walks of life.
To enrich the experience of the Ped Mall, a series of sec-
ondary destinations are proposed and include Black Hawk
Mini Park, a Sound Garden, and a Video Garden. The
children’s play zone is expanded with an interactive and
educational EcoLAB. The entries become more welcom-
ing and are reimagined with new wayfinding kiosks, light-
ing, and the introduction of additional sunlight and views
through selective tree pruning. The Weather Dance Foun-
tain and performance space is strengthened with a per-
manent stage canopy and improved seating opportuni-
ties. The secondary destinations are meant to be uniquely
different from each other and envisioned to engage mul-
tiple user groups. Secondary destinations are described in
the following sections.
Throughout the master plan process, stakeholder and public feedback consistently indicated a strong interest in improved Ped Mall lighting. Additionally, many of the exist-ing globe lights are reaching the end of their life cycle. For the functional lighting of the Ped Mall, a conversion of the existing system to LED is recommended. A multi-layered lighting framework is also proposed and includes up light-ing of trees, architectural lighting of proposed shade can-opies, and accent lighting of public artwork. The lighting framework and other component-related recommenda-tions are addressed within the Ped Mall framework section.
Black Hawk Mini Park is currently a construction staging area for Park@201 and once construction is complete, the park can once again become a ‘park for all people’. The planning concept calls for a feature public art piece to anchor the park and to create a focal point to the north entry of the Ped Mall. A series of diverse spaces are cre-ated within the park to enhance the public realm and to appeal to a wide range of users. More detailed narrative, conceptual plans, and renderings for Black Mini Park fol-low the Pedestrian Mall Goals + Objectives.
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PEDESTRIAN MALL GOALS + OBJECTIVES
Enhance the Public Realm.
• Celebrate the history and culture of Iowa City.
• Create a memorable public space at Black Hawk
Mini Park.
• Improve the children’s play area and the ‘Weather
Dance’ fountain stage space.
• Create a focal point and Ped Mall gateway at
Dubuque and Washington.
Build on Existing Strengths.
• Reinforce the public artwork program.
• Enhance the tree planting program.
• Enhance the opportunities for families including the
play area at the Library.
Address the Aging Infrastructure.
• Evaluate the adequacy and condition of existing
utilities.
• Make recommendations on utility improvements.
• Improve the special event infrastructure.
Enhance Our Environmental Stewardship and Become a ‘Green’ Downtown.• Explore and incorporate green infrastructure strategies.
• Promote the use of sustainable and low maintenance materials.
• Improve recycling opportunities.
Develop a Multi-Layered, Flexible Lighting Framework.• Create a lighting framework that informs use and enhances wayfinding.
• Create opportunities for year-round and seasonal lighting.
Enhance the Wayfinding Network. • Create a gateway into the Ped Mall at Washington and Dubuque.
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PEDESTRIAN MALL PLANNING | INTRODUCTION
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PEDESTRIAN MALL PLANNING | NORTH ENTRY AND BLACK HAWK MINI PARK
PLAN KEY
THRESHOLD
WAYFINDING KIOSK
PROPOSED TREE
EXISTING TREE
PROPOSED PAVING BAND
PROPOSED BENCH (TYPICAL.)
PEDESTRIAN SCALE LIGHT (TYPICAL.)
EXISTING PAVING
RECYCLING STATION
GRAPEVINE LIGHTING + PERMEABLE PAVING
SEAT WALLSHELTERED BIKE PARKINGEXISTING WALKWAYPROPOSED RE-LOCATION SOLAR BALANCEPROPOSED PUBLIC ARTRECYCLING STATIONMOVEABLE TABLES AND CHAIRS PROPOSED RE-LOCATION BALANCE IN PLACEPLANTING AREAPLAY AREASTORYWALL WITH UPLIGHTINGNEW UNIT PAVERS (TYPICAL.)
ABCDEFGHIJ
KLMNOPQRSTUV
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NORTH ENTRY AND BLACK HAWK MINI PARK
The planning concept for Black Hawk Mini Park creates a series of diverse experiences that will appeal to multiple user groups. To mark the point of arrival and the transition from streetscape to Ped Mall, a threshold is proposed at the north end of the Ped Mall along Washington Street. The threshold functions as a ‘safety buffer,’ subtly separat-ing pedestrians from the adjacent traffic. It could be a low wall, a planting area, or public art. It is imagined to be low, not exceeding 36” in height, and to afford views across the entry and viewing south within the Ped Mall.
Moving into Black Hawk Mini Park, a signature public art piece is proposed to anchor the north end. The feature piece may be interactive public artwork, a memorable water feature, or a structure such as an arch or obelisk. It is imagined to be significant enough to be visible as vis-itors and guests arrive to the downtown along Dubuque. The proposed threshold and the public art piece will work together to create a memorable and identifiable place and experience unique to Iowa City. To accomplish this, the planning team recommends the involvement of a public artist during the next design phase. The artist will be an integral part of the team, fully collaborating with team members and stakeholders.
Black Hawk Mini Park’s history as a ‘park for all and a cel-ebration of free speech’ is shared through a large ‘story wall’ at the southeasterly corner. The ‘story walls’ will rec-ognize the people and events that have shaped Black Hawk Mini Park and Iowa City. Up lighting of the story walls lends drama and interest to the space at night. A range of seating types are offered: benches, seat walls, movable tables and chairs, and limestone planter walls at seat height. The movable tables and chairs will be placed within intimate seating areas offering options to individu-als or small groups. Per William H. Whyte, movable tables and chairs “give people a sense of empowerment, allow-ing them to sit wherever and in whatever orientation they desire.” The success associated with movable tables and chairs has been observed in many notable public spaces such as Bryant Park and the new Grand Park in Los Ange-les. Relatively affordable, the tables and chairs are offered in a range of easily identifiable, bold colors. Considering this is a new seating type for Iowa City, a trial period with four or five sets is recommended. This would allow an un-derstanding of the labor involved with the placement and securing of the pieces. A trial period also offers the City a chance to measure public response and use prior to a more significant investment.
Canopy trees and colorful ground plane plantings define the seating areas. A small children’s’ play space is pro-posed at the south end and offers sculptural mounds for rolling and climbing and interactive artwork such as sound columns, dance chimes, and rain makers.
The “Spirit of Black Hawk”
“A little park with big history”
Black Hawk Mini Park took its name from the
Sauk leader Black Hawk, whose image, in the
form of a large mural, gave political and social
meaning to the site. “The square became the
site of demonstrations related to not only urban
planning, but also to the Vietnam war and the
American Indian movement.”
[ From “Paint the Town,” little village, Nov. 2010 ]
[ “Spirit of Black Hawk”, Iowa City Public Library ]
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PEDESTRIAN MALL PLANNING | NORTH ENTRY AND BLACK HAWK MINI PARK
A significant public art piece anchors the north entry and Black Hawk Mini Park.
Images offer general representations of what the piece could be, they are not indicative of a
site specific installation.
NEW PUBLIC ART PIECE
A feature public art piece stands in the center of the north edge of black hawk mini park. The public art piece will be designed to support sec-ondary performances to recall the history of black hawk mini park as the ‘free speech’ park. The piece may be interactive public artwork, a memorable water feature, a structure such as an arch or an obelisk, or other to be determined during subsequent design phases.
INTERACTIVE WATER FEATURE STRUCTURE
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Interactive artwork
Child-themed interactive art pieces can
inspire, educate and allow individual ex-
pression. They can enlighten and entertain
in a setting accessible to all.
Seating choices
A place to sit is an invitation to stay and
movable tables and chairs have proven
to be a great option. They give people the
chance to sit where they like, in whatever
groups they choose, and to face one an-
other or not.
Unique play opportunities
To offer a dynamic destination for children
at the north section of the Ped Mall, sculp-
tural mounds or similar are proposed at the
new children’s play area.
Intimate seating areas have been created to offer seating options to individuals and groups.
A small children’s play area offers sculptural mounds for climbing and interactive art pieces.
PEDESTRIAN MALL PLANNING | NORTH ENTRY AND BLACK HAWK MINI PARK
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PLAN KEYWayfinding kioskUplighting of trees at entry roomSeatingStory wallExisting public artworkRecycling station
ABCDEF
CLINTON STREET ENTRY
The Clinton Street Entry becomes
more welcoming and is reimagined
with a new wayfinding kiosk, recon-
figured seating, and a ‘story wall’.
The internally illuminated kiosk acts
as a beacon of light, welcoming and
providing a sense of arrival to a spe-
cial place.
“Jazz” sculpture
Accent lighting at existing artwork will cre-
ate a series of focal points to enhance the
experience through the Ped Mall.
Wayfinding Kiosk
A new wayfinding kiosk is proposed to wel-
come guests and provide user orientation.
PEDESTRIAN MALL PLANNING | DESTINATION SPACES | CLINTON STREET ENTRY
Existing conditions
An enhanced sense of arrival will improve
the Clinton Street entry.
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CAFE / VIDEO GARDEN
The proposed Cafe / Video garden
includes a community table available
to all Ped Mall users. A new structure
shades the dining table and is illumi-
nated for night time use. A state-of-
the art video wall adds new public
art opportunities to the Ped Mall.
PLAN KEY
Story wall
Proposed shade structure
Community dining table
New pavement
Recycling station
Mobile vendor cart
PEDESTRIAN MALL PLANNING | DESTINATION SPACES | CAFE / VIDEO GARDEN
Community table
A community table is offered for patrons of
limited service restaurants or just sitting out-
doors working, or people watching, or for
viewing the video art. An overhead struc-
ture is proposed to shade and define the
community dining table.
Existing conditions
The existing fixed seating limits choice and
feels undersized for the Ped Mall.
Story wall with LED video
To recognize and celebrate technological
advances and to engage a new genera-
tion of users, sound and media are intro-
duced as new types of public artwork. A
state-of-the-art LED video wall anchors the
Video Garden and can be used for both
video arts and movies. Its location adjacent
to FilmScene reinforces the excitement and
energy of film and video as art forms for the
Ped Mall.
ABCDEF
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PEDESTRIAN MALL PLANNING | DESTINATION SPACES | WEATHER DANCE FOUNTAIN AREA
Artwork at paving
The existing artwork in the paving and walls
inspires the proposed planning concept
and should be maintained as part of future
enhancement plans.
Friday night concert
The events held at Weather Dance Fountain
performance space are immensely popular
and appeal to multiple user groups.
Weather Dance Fountain
Improving the slip resistance quality of the
granite paving is recommended and to be
explored during subsequent design phases.
PLAN KEY
Reorganized planters
Amphitheater seating
Story wall
Seat wall
Expansion of enhanced paving
Permanent stage
Wayfinding kiosk
ABCDEFG
WEATHER DANCE FOUNTAIN AREA
The Weather Dance Fountain and
Performance Space provides an in-
teractive and unique experience for
Ped Mall users.
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Character image, proposed stage
The stage is repositioned to align with the
fountain and to become a focal point and
terminus to the north-south view corridor.
Envisioned as a light, modern structure with
a solid canopy, it provides shelter from
rain and offers shade during the summer
months. Its exact size, shape, and location
will be refined during subsequent design
phases
The reconfiguration and/or elimination of select planters opens up the space and expands the opportunities for informal seating during perfor-
mances and other events with higher pedestrian volumes.
‘Story wall’ detailing example
‘Story walls’ can be detailed to celebrate
the people and events that have shaped
Iowa City. The walls help define the sec-
ondary destinations and are strategically
placed to create an inspirational and expe-
riential journey through the Ped Mall.
Fountain lighting
Enhanced fountain lighting is proposed to
add a new dimension to the highly popular
Weather Dance Fountain. The new layer of
light adds color and energy and appealing
views within the Ped Mall.
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PEDESTRIAN MALL PLANNING | DESTINATION SPACES | CHILDRENS PLAY ZONE
PLAN KEY
New resilient rubber surfacing
Existing play equipment to remain
Eco LAB
BenchMark Benches
ABCD
CHILDRENS PLAY ZONE
The traditional fixed play structure at
the Iowa City Public Library is main-
tained in place and improved with
new resilient rubber surfacing. A new
opportunity for play is offered: an in-
teractive EcoLAB is organized around
themes of renewable energy, the
cycle of water, recycling, and urban
gardening and local food. Along the
south side of the fixed play structure
and EcoLAB, a focused ‘gallery’ of
BenchMark benches are proposed.
Renewable energy
Child-scaled interactive components teach
children about wind and solar energy.
Recycling
Ongoing exhibits celebrate the re-purposing
of materials.
Resilient rubber surface
New resilient rubber surfacing, sub-base and
edge restraint are proposed at the existing
play structure. The existing play surface is
in need of an upgrade; the new surface
will improve playground safety and extend
the life of the play area. The surface can
be interactive and include hopscotch and
other games.
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PEDESTRIAN MALL PLANNING | DESTINATION SPACES | LINN STREET ENTRY
Existing conditions
Vehicular tracking can be seen at the pav-
ing at Linn Street entry, likely due to insuffi-
cient sub-base.
PLAN KEY
Seat walls to improve drainage
New unit pavers
New lighting
Shrub and groundcover plantings
Existing tree
Recycling station
Wayfinding kiosk
Story wall
Bike shelter with photovoltaics
ABCDEFGHI
LINN STREET ENTRY
The proposed wayfinding kiosk, ‘story
wall,’ and new lighting will contribute
to an enhanced sense of arrival at
the Linn Street Entry. Low walls offer
seating along the Linn Street Entry
and are introduced to address drain-
age concerns at the Bread Garden.
Limestone seat walls
Limestone seat walls, matching the charac-
ter of existing limestone walls throughout the
Ped Mall, are proposed south of the library
to provide additional seating and improve
drainage in the area.
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Fixed benches with speakers
A new type of public artwork is proposed:
Fixed benches equipped with speakers relay
all forms of sound art
“Treasure Island”
The existing “Treasure Island” artwork is relo-
cated to become a feature within the cafe
/ sound garden.
PEDESTRIAN MALL PLANNING | DESTINATION SPACES | CAFE / SOUND GARDEN
PLAN KEY
Recycling station
New unit pavers
Vendor cart
Seating
Relocated public art
Seat walls
New unit paving
Threshold walls
ABCDEFGH
CAFE / SOUND GARDEN
At the Sound Garden, benches are
equipped with speakers and share
spoken word, the works of local au-
thors, and all forms of music and
sound art. The Sound Garden is de-
fined by threshold walls along the
west edge and by public artwork on
the north and south sides. Up lighting
of existing trees adds drama and en-
ergy at night.
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119
PEDESTRIAN MALL PLANNING | PLANNING FRAMEWORK | CIRCULATION
An ‘emergency service use only’ lane is centrally located
along both the north-south and the east-west sections of
the Ped Mall. The lane is also used by City maintenance
vehicles and by the mobile vendor cart operators for load-
ing and unloading. In its current configuration, it is 14’ wide
at its most narrow dimension near the north end of the
Ped Mall. The lane will be included in future designs for the
Ped Mall but may take on a slightly different alignment to
accommodate future improvements. The proposed align-
ment will accommodate the emergency vehicle turning
radii requirements.
Primary pedestrian circulation occurs along the existing,
centrally located emergency service use lane and along
the storefronts. There are a multitude of secondary path-
ways within the Ped Mall bounds which encourage a
sense of individual choice and spontaneity.
• The unobstructed clear zone for emergency service
use must be included in all proposed Ped Mall im-
provement plans.
• Offer options to relieve pedestrian congestion during
events at the Weather Dance Fountain performance
space.
CIRCULATION
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Example of enhanced electrical capacity bol-
lards as manufactured by Hess. The bollards are
approximately 48” in height and are customiz-
able, offering up to 8 circuits per box.
Existing electrical outlet in planting area
PEDESTRIAN MALL PLANNING | PLANNING FRAMEWORK | ELECTRICAL ENHANCEMENTS
One of the key project goals has been to improve the
electrical capacity across the Ped Mall and for the mobile
vendors. New capacity will be offered by electrical dis-
tribution bollards, standard receptacles, or other means.
Further exploration of the existing underground utilities is
recommended during subsequent design phases to de-
termine the feasibility of adding more capacity at existing
locations and to identify locations for new underground
conduit.
ELECTRICAL ENHANCEMENTS
FEBRUARY 2014
121
Wayfinding kiosks are proposed at four locations: at each
of the three entries and at the southeast corner of the
Weather Dance Fountain performance space. Proposed
kiosks are lighter and smaller in scale. The metal screen de-
sign concept weaves “Iowa City” into kiosks and gateway
elements, reminding the user where they are and what
opportunities exist around them.
PEDESTRIAN MALL PLANNING | PLANNING FRAMEWORK | KIOSK LOCATIONS
Wayfinding Kiosk
At night, the wayfinding kiosk would be illu-
minated and serve as a glowing beacon to
people in search of information.
KIOSK LOCATIONS
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Mobile vending carts are a significant feature of the Ped
Mall and receive great use during the late evening hours.
By Code, there are a total of six mobile vending permits is-
sued for the Ped Mall. Their locations are assigned. To bet-
ter understand the needs and concerns of the vendors,
the planning team met with the vendors in August. Their list
of requests and concerns follows.
• Vendors stressed the importance of maintaining the
assigned locations, ‘staying in the same location is
very important to us’.
• Vendors would be interested in a day spot, or second
assigned location, closer to the north end of Ped Mall.
• ‘Having a structure or wall behind us for security pur-
poses is very important’.
• The electrical capacity is inadequate and the outlets
are mounted too low.
• The existing Ped Mall lighting is inadequate.
• Vendors would like to be included on downtown busi-
ness mapping.
• Vendors would like an assigned location during festivals.
Minimal adjustments to the assigned locations were made.
Locations were shifted to afford a ‘back’ to the location
and to relieve pedestrian congestion during periods of
high pedestrian volumes.
PEDESTRIAN MALL PLANNING | PLANNING FRAMEWORK | VENDOR LOCATIONS
Existing vendor cart
VENDOR LOCATIONS
FEBRUARY 2014
123
Character imagery for proposed permanent
stage at Weather Dance Fountain
The permanent stage is re-imagined as a focal point and
terminus to the north-south view corridor at the Weather
Dance Fountain. Envisioned as a light, modern, solid
canopy structure, it provides shelter from rain and offers
shade during the summer months. The proposed stage is
repositioned to align with the fountain. Its exact size, shape,
and location will be refined during subsequent design
phases. Design considerations should include first floor
windows from the Sheraton Hotel, pedestrian circulation
during events, emergency service vehicle access and
turning radii.
PEDESTRIAN MALL PLANNING | PLANNING FRAMEWORK | PERFORMANCE AREA
PERFORMANCE AREA
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PEDESTRIAN MALL PLANNING | PLANNING FRAMEWORK | SUSTAINABILITY
The team identified opportunities for varied sustainable
strategies across the Ped Mall. All will require further explo-
ration in subsequent design phases.
• Install 6 recycling stations at select locations across
the Ped Mall. Public input consistently indicated a de-
sire for additional recycling containers. They demon-
strate Iowa City’s concern for the environment and
the importance of reprocessing and reuse.
• Convert the existing lighting system to LED. There are
many proven advantages and benefits to LED light-
ing systems: Long life, energy efficiency, ecologically
friendly, durable, limited UV emissions, and are consid-
ered ideal for operation in Iowa’s extreme cold or hot
temperatures.
• An interactive EcoLAB is proposed at the children’s
play zone with themes of recycling, the cycle of wa-
ter, urban gardening and local food, and renewable
energy. The EcoLAB will inspire, entertain, and demon-
strate the City’s commitment to sustainability. It will of-
fer unique opportunities to teach children and youth
about the importance of community and stewardship.
• Sheltered bicycle accommodations are proposed at
each of the Ped Mall entries to promote bicycle use
and walkability downtown. The shelters will help keep
bicycles dry and protected during inclement weath-
er. The shelters can be equipped with photovoltaic for
safe illumination during the night time hours.
Big Belly Solar Compactor
SUSTAINABILITY
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125
Proposed
paving
patterns at
secondary
destinations
Proposed
paving
patterns at
secondary
destinations
Proposed
unit paver
color range
Herringbone
pattern at main
circulation paths
with bands of
varying widths
The existing pedestrian mall is paved using clay brick with
the majority of the bricks laid in a herringbone pattern.
Public feedback consistently advocated for improved
surfacing at the Ped Mall. The planning team repeatedly
heard comments such as ‘the sidewalks and brick pav-
ers need the most attention’ and ‘the brick paving is slick,
dangerous, and uneven.’
Full replacement of the existing clay brick paving was de-
termined to be cost prohibitive. Where paving is failing
and needs to be replaced, precast concrete pavers of
a similar module, 4” x 8”, are proposed. The similar mod-
ule will help integrate the old and the new. The proposed
finish, possibly an exposed aggregate and granite chip
finish, would offer greater slip resistance during inclement
weather.
• Replace paving at areas where the paving is uneven,
heaving, deteriorating
• Replace paving at secondary destinations. At the sec-
ondary destinations, introduce paving details that re-
call and complement the patterns and details found
on historical buildings
• As feasible, per existing conditions, maintain clay
brick, herringbone pattern at main circulation path-
ways and along emergency service lane. Offer relief
to the field of pavers with bands of unit pavers of vary-
ing widths and lengths.
PEDESTRIAN MALL PLANNING | PLANNING FRAMEWORK | PAVING
PAVING
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There was minimal public or stakeholder comment regard-
ing the actual seating types currently available. With ap-
proximately one hundred benches located throughout
the Pedestrian Mall, seating appears to be widely avail-
able. The existing benches are wooden slat with metal
frame and individualized through the BenchMarks pro-
gram (described in the upcoming ‘public art’ section).
Seat-high limestone planter walls also offer seating and
are available throughout the Pedestrian Mall.
The plan calls for a comparable quantity of seating but
accomplished with a wider range of seating types, includ-
ing some new fixed benches and some movable tables
and chairs that can accommodate different seating pat-
terns. The intent is that users can make and define their
own seating areas, find a solitary spot or form conversation
groups.
The plan also reconfigures seating arrangements within
each secondary destination. Further review of the existing
benches and their mounting condition during subsequent
design phases is required to determine the exact quantity
of replacement benches
• Existing and proposed seat-high limestone planter
walls
• Replace failing benches with new fixed benches with
center arm, reconfigured at secondary destinations
• Create a BenchMarks ‘gallery’ along the south side of
the Pedestrian Mall, east section
• Introduce movable tables and chairs
• Offer stepped, amphitheater-like seating at Weather
Dance Fountain performance space
• Include a community dining table at the Video Gar-
den
• Offer benches equipped with speakers at the Sound
Garden as a new type of public artwork
PEDESTRIAN MALL PLANNING | PLANNING FRAMEWORK | SEATING
SEATING
FEBRUARY 2014
127
To better focus and feature the ICDD Community Gallery program, a
Benchmark ‘Gallery’ is proposed along the east section of Pedestrian Mall
adjacent to the Children’s play zone.
Movable tables and chairs are proposed at Black Hawk Mini Park. They
offer choice, flexibility, and give people the chance to sit wherever they
want. Brightly painted in a bold color (final color to be determined), they
will be instantly recognizable.
The Café / Video Garden includes a community dining table. Here, limited service restaurant patrons will have the chance to eat and mix with all kinds of different people.
Option 2: For a more simple and modern aesthetic, the Forms + Surfaces
Knight Bench is offered as a seating option for the Ped Mall. The bench is
made of FSC 100% Ipe or reclaimed teak with high recycled content.
Option 1: The design of the Plainwell Bench by Landscape Forms is timeless
and durable. It is available in
FSC-certified woods or metal to complement the bench used along the
downtown streetscapes. A center arm is recommended for benches 72”
in length.
PEDESTRIAN MALL PLANNING | PLANNING FRAMEWORK | SEATING
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The mature tree canopy is a significant asset for the Ped
Mall and the preservation of existing trees, to the extent
possible, is a project goal. The trees yield a number of ben-
efits: they moderate the scale of the space, enhance pe-
destrian comfort and usability, provide a ‘ceiling’ or sense
of enclosure to the Ped Mall, and produce shade.
However, in urban conditions and in raised planters such
as those seen across the Ped Mall, trees have a limited life
span and some of the trees are showing signs of decline.
A few of the trees have structural defects such as cracks
or overextended canopies. Regarding their placement, a
few of the trees obstruct primary circulation routes as well
as significant views. In addition, the combination of the
closely spaced trees and the dense, mature tree canopies
impacts the illumination levels and the Ped Mall can feel
dark even during the daytime hours.
• The planning team recommends the City hire a certi-
fied arborist to review, inventory, and analyze the ex-
isting trees and to identify high value trees
• Consider structural pruning or thinning of the crown on
trees identified as high value by the arborist. Thinning
of select species will also open up views and afford
filtered sunlight into the Ped Mall
• Define an ongoing pruning and thinning maintenance
program for the trees
• Consider up-lighting at select trees
• During subsequent design phases, identify a phased
tree planting program
PEDESTRIAN MALL PLANNING | PLANNING FRAMEWORK | TREES
TREES
FEBRUARY 2014
129
Ginkgo biloba ‘Princeton Sentry’
Amelanchier laevis ‘Cumulus’Honey Locust Acer rubrum ‘Karpick’
Other tree options:
Quercusrubra ‘Regal Prince’
Quercus rubra ‘Crimson Spire’
Plantanus occidentalis
Populus tremuloides
Acer rubrum ‘Bowhall’
PEDESTRIAN MALL PLANNING | PLANNING FRAMEWORK | TREES
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Stakeholder and public input indicated a strong interest in
adding seasonal planting displays at select locations. The
dynamic color and lush seasonal planting designs will soft-
en the hardscape and unify the Ped Mall planting areas.
Other shrub and groundcover planting opportunities are
listed to the right.
• Add seasonal planting displays for color and variety
at select locations including the entries and at Black
Hawk Mini Park
• Introduce a durable, evergreen shrub planting as a
background or foundation plant supported by other
low maintenance shrub and groundcover plantings in
the foreground.
• As feasible, install an irrigation system using ‘SMART’ ir-
rigation technology including rain sensors.
• Consider stormwater harvesting and re-use for irriga-
tion at the new Black Hawk Mini Park planting areas.
• Include urban garden/local food opportunities at the
EcoLAB
• Install decorative planter fencing at improved tree pits
to deter pedestrians from walking through planting ar-
eas.
PEDESTRIAN MALL PLANNING | PLANNING FRAMEWORK | PLANTING AREAS
PLANTING AREAS
FEBRUARY 2014
131
Other shrub & groundcover options:
Rhus aromatic ‘Gro Low’
Ilex verticillata ‘Nana’
Ajuga reptans ‘Catlin’
Taxus x media ‘Everglow’Seasonal color displays at select planters
with decorative metal fencing
Decorative fencing proposed at enlarged
tree pit
Pachysandra terminalis
Buxus microphylla ‘Green Gem’
PEDESTRIAN MALL PLANNING | PLANNING FRAMEWORK | PLANTING AREAS
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The provision of space for play attracts families and adds
to the vibrancy of the Ped Mall. The existing traditional
play structure at ICPL is tremendously popular. The Weath-
er Dance fountain is also a highlight for children and fami-
lies inviting them to play and interact with the water.
Throughout the public input process, the planning team
recognized the importance of maintaining the existing
play structure while at the same time, offering additional
opportunities for play throughout the Ped Mall. The existing
play structure area is improved with new resilient rubber
surfacing with a new sub-base and edge restraint. (The
current play surface was installed approximately 15 years
ago and is showing signs of wear.)
The current plan offers two new opportunities for play. A
small play space is proposed at the south end of Black
Hawk Mini Park. It may include sculptural mounds for rolling
and climbing and interactive child-themed public artwork
such as sound columns, dance chimes, and rain makers.
Just east of the existing play structure, the EcoLAB is imag-
ined as an interactive, educational experience. It could
be organized around varied themes: urban gardens and
local food, renewable energy, the cycle of water, and the
re-purposing and re-use of materials. Themes will be devel-
oped and refined during subsequent design phases.
• Improve the play experience at the existing structure
with new resilient rubber surfacing
• The proposed EcoLAB offers an interactive, educa-
tional component to the children’s’ play zone at ICPL
• A small play space is proposed at the Black Hawk Mini
Park
• Improve the slip resistance quality of the existing gran-
ite pavers at Weather Dance Fountain.
PEDESTRIAN MALL PLANNING | PLANNING FRAMEWORK | PLAY
PLAY
FEBRUARY 2014
133
New Resilient rubber surfacing at existing
play structure
Solar paversUrban gardening and local food Existing playground
WindchimesEco art
PEDESTRIAN MALL PLANNING | PLANNING FRAMEWORK | PLAY
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The public art installations across the Ped Mall make the
destination more memorable and unique. A broad range
of installations can be seen including traditional bronze
sculptures, ephemeral works featuring the works of local
artists, and interactive public pianos. There are three on-
going Community Gallery projects at the Ped Mall: Bench-
Marks, public pianos and Tree Huggers. The majority of the
existing public artwork is maintained in place. Relocation
is proposed for four pieces so they become more of a fea-
ture to secondary destinations. Opportunities for new pub-
lic art follow.
• The pedestrian mall planning concept proposes a
significant public art piece to anchor the Black Hawk
Mini Park and the north entry. The feature piece may
be interactive public artwork, a memorable water
feature, or a structure such as an arch or obelisk. It
is imagined to be significant enough to be visible as
visitors and guests approach the north end of the Ped
Mall from Dubuque.
• ‘Story Walls’ organize the Ped Mall and become ar-
tistic features within the new secondary destinations.
The ‘story walls’ may celebrate the people and events
that have shaped Iowa City. Their materiality, scale,
and location will be studied during subsequent design
phases.
• To recognize and celebrate technological advances
and to engage a new generation of users, two new
types of public artwork are proposed for the Ped Mall:
sound and media. A state-of-the-art LED video wall
anchors the Video Garden and can be used for both
video arts and movies. At the Sound Garden, benches
are equipped with speakers and share spoken word,
the works of local authors, and all forms of music and
sound art.
• Consider collaboration with the original Weather
Dance fountain artists to improve definition of the per-
formance space through the use of enhanced paving
and the original art walls.
• Consider ‘eco-art’ at the proposed EcoLAB.
• To create focal points while strolling through the Ped
Mall, install up-lighting at select artworks.
• Create a BenchMarks ‘gallery’ along the south side of
the Ped Mall, east section.
PEDESTRIAN MALL PLANNING | PLANNING FRAMEWORK | PUBLIC ART
PUBLIC ART
FEBRUARY 2014
135
Three categories of site organizing elements are intro-
duced to the Ped Mall and include ‘Story Walls’, seat
walls, and threshold walls. Their purpose is fourfold: to an-
nounce and define secondary destinations, to reinforce
and complement the existing materials vocabulary, to
provide additional seating opportunities, and to share the
history of Iowa City. Their materiality, scale and location
will be studied and refined during subsequent design
phases.
• The ‘Story Walls’ celebrate the events and people
that have shaped Iowa City. They celebrate the art-
ists such as Greg Brown, Paul Engle, Grant Wood, and
William Englert. They celebrate the women such as
Helen Lemme, Gretchen Harshbarger, and Emma
Harvat. They celebrate the African Americans such
as Elizabeth Tate, Fred Penny / Bethel A.M.E. Church.
And, they celebrate the many innovators such as
James Van Allen and Moffit and Blakesley. During sub-
sequent design phases, the public and stakeholders
will contribute to this list.
• Seat walls are located near the Weather Dance Foun-
tain performance space and at the Linn Street entry.
At the Linn Street entry, the seat walls aid in the ad-
justment of finish grade to address drainage short-
comings and storm water areas of concern. Seat walls
equipped with speakers are proposed at the Sound
Garden. The seat walls are approximately 18” - 24” in
height.
• Threshold walls announce and define secondary des-
tinations. Threshold walls are approximately 36” in
height.
PEDESTRIAN MALL PLANNING | PLANNING FRAMEWORK | SITE ORGANIZING ELEMENTS
‘Story Wall’ character
Quotations from celebrated Iowa City writ-
ers, artists and musicians events could be en-
graved on the stone story walls.
SITE ORGANIZING ELEMENTS
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Public feedback and stakeholder input consistently advo-
cated for improved lighting and layers of accent lighting
including seasonal lighting options. As determined during
the site assessment phase, the current fixtures are reaching
the end of their serviceable life and their illumination levels
are impacted by the mature tree canopy.
The proposed multi-layered lighting framework attempts
to create a sustainable, more memorable, and evocative
destination with a range of lighting options. To meet safety
and functional light levels, new pedestrian scale poles and
luminaries are proposed at the same location as the exist-
ing lights. A direct one-for-one replacement was assumed.
The proposed lights will offer better light quality and are
equipped with the latest LED technology to improve en-
ergy efficiency. As an example, for the existing Ped Mall
lighting system, total energy usage approximates 20,550
Watts (total decorative lighting usage approximates
17,010 Watts and the existing floodlights use approximate-
ly 3,540 Watts).
The conversion to LED would reduce the energy usage
from 20,550 to 9,570 Watts (8,910 Watts for decorative
lighting and 660 Watts for replacement floodlighting), for a
possible total estimated energy reduction of 53.4%.
• Up lighting at select trees
• Up-light story walls
• Enhanced water feature lighting at Weather Dance
Fountain, including rolling color option
• Up lighting of significant pieces of public art to provide
focal points
• Accent lighting at proposed public art piece at Black
Hawk Mini Park
• Illumination of proposed structures including perma-
nent stage, wayfinding kiosks, and sheltered bicycle
accommodations
PEDESTRIAN MALL PLANNING | PLANNING FRAMEWORK | LIGHTING
LIGHTING
FEBRUARY 2014
137
Enhanced fountain lighting adds focus and energy to the popular Weather Dance Fountain during the night time hours.
Architectural Area Light’s ‘Universe’ medium, with ‘Skirted Bell Hood’unifies the Ped Mall lighting with the larger downtown lighting framework.
The illumination of the canopy and architectural details will make the pro-posed stage an ideal focal point from numerous vantage points through-out the Ped Mall.
Up-lights proposed at the story walls will draw attention to their level of
detailing and will enhance the experience of strolling through the Ped Mall.
The up-lighting of select trees will help define the secondary destinations, create atmosphere, and will add a sense of depth to the Ped Mall.
Grapevine sphere lighting improves the sense of safety at the alleys.
PEDESTRIAN MALL PLANNING | PLANNING FRAMEWORK | LIGHTING
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FEBRUARY 2014
139
P
o
l
i
c
y
SECTION 7
Policy
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POLICY INTRODUCTION
The following pages discuss sidewalk cafe and signage
policy, the City’s purple meter program, and mainte-
nance-related issues and requirements. The intent is to
review current Policy and identify where and how Policy
could be adjusted to better align with planning goals. This
ensures that all streetscape improvement efforts, whether
large or small, contribute to the overall goal of creating a
consistent, vibrant streetscape of the highest quality and
contribute to the success of the business community.
As part of the process, the planning team met with City
Staff and ICDD members to discuss current sidewalk cafe
and signage policy. Discussion topics included usable
cafe space, walkway width requirements, cafe enclosure,
sandwich boards, projecting signs, temporary signs, and
process. In addition, the planning team reviewed side-
walk cafe and signage policy from other cities. Findings
and recommendations are summarized in the following
pages. Recommendations need further detailed study by
both the City and the business community.
POLICY
Sidewalk cafes make a significant contribution to the quality of the
streetscape.
The high degree of storefront transparency at the Chait Galleries
downtown creates a dynamic and exciting streetscape environment.
FEBRUARY 2014
141
Reduce unobstructed walkway width requirements from 8’ to 6’ along the streets.
‘If a sidewalk extends into Zone 2, there must be a straight, unobstructed walkway, which is at least 5’ wide, through the Café in Zone 1’. Increase unobstructed walkway width to 6’.
SIDEWALK CAFE POLICY INTRODUCTION
Sidewalk cafes must comply with the Sidewalk Café Policy
adopted by Resolution #12-414 and governed by Section
10-3-3 of the City Code. The recommended Policy adjust-
ments that follow attempt to better align City Policy with
project goals.
USABLE SIDEWALK CAFÉ AREA
1. Unobstructed walkway requirements.
The current policy reads, “In the CB-10 zone with the
exception of City Plaza, a sidewalk café area may not
extend onto the sidewalk in a manner that will not allow
a minimum of eight feet (8’) of unobstructed walkway
on the side of the café that is parallel to the building.
The eight-foot (8’) unobstructed walkway does not ap-
ply to cafes located on the street.”
Recommendation
An inviting, bustling street life is one of the most com-
pelling features of a great downtown and the aim is to
energize street activity on targeted streets. A review of
Policy in other cities found six (6) feet or less of clear, un-
obstructed walkway width was common in many heav-
ily traveled commercial environments such as Elmhurst,
Minneapolis, Seattle, Portland, Boulder, Chicago, and
Spokane. In consideration of the pedestrian volumes
seen across downtown Iowa City, the planning team
recommends the following: Maintain the eight feet (8’)
unobstructed walkway requirement along streets with
higher pedestrian volumes. Reduce the unobstructed
walkway width requirement from eight (8) feet to six (6)
feet along select streets with lower pedestrian volumes
and in areas where the ROW is limited.
2. Extension of Café, Ped Mall.
The policy reads, “At City Plaza, if a sidewalk café ex-
tends into zone 2, there must be a straight, unobstruct-
ed walkway, which is at least 5’ wide, through the café
in zone 1.”
Recommendation
Considering the pedestrian volumes and required side-
walk cafe enclosure, the 5’ walkway feels restricting
and too narrow. The narrow walkway can deter people
from window shopping and walking along the store-
fronts and may actually funnel people down the center
section of the Ped Mall. The required 5’ clear dimension
is narrow in comparison to other commercial areas. An
increase to a minimum of 6’ of unobstructed walkway
through the café in zone 1 is recommended.
POLICY
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3. Design of Overhead Canopies.
The current policy reads, “A sidewalk café serving alco-
hol shall be contiguous with a side of the building…for
cafes in planters and the street, the contiguous require-
ment may be satisfied by an overhead canopy at least
five feet wide connecting the building to the café.”
Recommendation
The design review process for overhead canopies must
ensure that canopies are compatible with the other
streetscape components including light poles and fix-
tures. The color, finish, and scale of the canopies should
complement the larger streetscape vocabulary.
TYPES OF SIDEWALK CAFES
1. Recommendation for a New Category.
Add a new category of sidewalk café: Small unen-
closed sidewalk café located directly on the public
right-of-way for limited service restaurants.
Recommendation
Small unenclosed sidewalk café.
An unenclosed sidewalk café containing no more than
a single row of removable tables and chairs for limited
service restaurants. The removable tables and chairs
can occupy no more than 4’-6” of the public sidewalk
and can only occupy the sidewalk during hours of op-
eration. Serving of alcohol is prohibited.
POLICY
FEBRUARY 2014
143
2. Sidewalk Cafes utilizing an elevated planter on the public right-of-way.
Recommendation
Phase out the category ‘Sidewalk café utilizing an ele-
vated planter on the public right-of-way’.
Quality cafe platform and enclosure installation is prob-
lematic due to the shape and layout of the existing
planters and the existing tree locations and quantities.
Most of the existing cafes utilizing an elevated plant-
er appear temporary and piecemeal. However, all of
them are considered a positive and integral part of
the streetscape and Ped Mall experience. Therefore
the phrase ‘phase out’ does not mean elimination of
cafes but rather accommodating them in a better
way. When design changes are implemented or at a
change of ownership, require sidewalk cafes to relo-
cate at-grade along the streetscape and at Zones 1
and 2 of the Ped Mall.
OTHER SIDEWALK CAFE RECOMMENDATIONS
1. Bollards.
If the location of the sidewalk café requires the use of bollards, the City shall approve the design and location of the bollards. A city standard bollard design should be considered.
2. Placement of sidewalk cafes located directly on thepublic right-of-way outside of the Ped Mall.
For those restaurants serving alcohol, the recommend-ed location, as feasible, is up against the building. This location is preferred over a curb-side location or along the outer edge of the sidewalk. The intent is to minimize the number of overhead canopies throughout down-town.
3. Payment of Fees for Sidewalk Cafes
Per current Policy, the total annual sidewalk cafe fees are due with the application submittal. Business own-ers requested a revisiting of the payment schedule. In response, installments for cafe payments are recom-mended with 50% due at time of application submit-tal and the remaining 50% due in July. An installment charge could apply to cover any administrative bur-dens.
POLICY
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POLICY
SIGNAGE POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS
Prior to successful implementation, the following signage
related policy issues require further collaboration between
City Staff and the business community. Additionally, City
Staff is considering changes in the Riverfront Crossings
form-based code and these changes may have some
applicability in Downtown.
TEMPORARY WINDOW SIGNS & STOREFRONT TRANSPARENCY
Current Definitions from Section 14-9C-1.
Temporary Sign:
A yard sale sign, temporary identification sign, real estate
sign, or political sign constructed of temporary materials,
such as cardboard, wallboard or plywood, with or without
a structural frame, intended for a temporary period of dis-
play, but excluding banners.
Window Sign:
A building sign permanent affixed to a window, embed-
ded in a window or hanging adjacent to a window and
obviously intended to be viewed by the public through
the window. This definition does not include merchandise
or product displays, posters, signs painted on windows and
temporary signs.
Recommendations
A transparent storefront enhances curb appeal and wel-
comes customers inside with attractive merchandising dis-
plays. The storefront can easily become the most valuable
space in the store. Storefront windows covered by tem-
porary graphics can negatively impact the streetscape
environment and most cities require that storefronts must
maintain a certain level of transparency. The planning
team suggests a consideration of maximum temporary
sign area or an allowable % of coverage, limitations on
number of signs, a defined length of display time, and lim-
itations on number of signs and location(s).
PROJECTING SIGNSCurrent policy: Maximum sign area allowed for projecting
signage is 6 SF per side with a maximum height of 12’. Re-
garding illumination, the policy reads, ‘the sign may not be
illuminated’.
Recommendations
The planning team suggests an increase in maximum sign
area allowed for projecting signs. Some regulated illumi-
nation should be allowed.
Projecting signs should be designed to be in proportion
and scale with the building. For larger buildings, an in-
crease in maximum sign area should be considered.
SANDWICH SIGNSCurrent Policy: Portable Sign: A sign not firmly and per-
manently anchored or secured to either a building or the
ground and not expressly permitted in chapter 5, article B,
‘Sign Regulations’ of this title.
Recommendations
Sandwich signs are used effectively in other communities.
Typical sandwich sign Policy regulates size, placement
and design style. In Iowa City, the placement of any sand-
wich sign must afford 6’-8’ of clear, unobstructed walkway
along the building zone or curb zone. Sandwich signs shall
be internally weighted. Use of sand bags or other similar
items to hold the signs in place shall not be allowed.
FEBRUARY 2014
145
Minimized maintenance requirements
• The additional recycling stations proposed throughout
the Ped Mall will minimize the labor required to sweep
and pick up trash and debris, in addition to providing
a much needed streetscape component.
• The removal of select Ped Mall planters will facilitate
snow removal.
• The proposed irrigation system will reduce the labor
involved with hand-watering. A new maintenance re-
gime will be required for management of the irrigation
control units and water distribution.
• The conversion to the LED lighting system will reduce
the frequency of lamp changes, resulting in a reduc-
tion of staff resources.
• Additional electrical capacity at distribution bollards
will minimize staff and labor time associated with
event and vendor set-up and trouble shooting.
Other maintenance requirements
• Maintenance of the landscape to include watering,
fertilizing, pruning, insect and disease control, weed-
ing, mulching, removing trash and debris from the sur-
face of planting areas, removing and replacing failing
plant material, and irrigation coverage checks where
applicable. An ongoing tree maintenance program
including the establishment of a trimming and pruning
program is advised. Where implemented, the bioret-
ention planting areas will require trimming of vegeta-
tion, removing litter and debris from landscape area,
insect and disease control, inspecting the planter to
determine if runoff is infiltrating properly, and occa-
sional cleaning of sediment from within forebay and
planting area.
• Pavement areas require ongoing cleaning and
sweeping, area washing, damage inspection, and
pressure washing.
• Permeable pavement areas will require a higher level
of maintenance following installation. Maintenance
will involve re-sweeping of the aggregate back into
the gaps between pavers. Once the aggregate has
‘settled’ into the gaps, this particular maintenance re-
quirement typically lessens. General cleaning of the
permeable pavement system employs basic street
sweeping. They cannot be regularly cleaned by pow-
er washing. For dirt, a vacuum sweeper or broom
sweeper with the water turned off is recommended.
Ongoing removal of debris and trash from the gaps
may be required. During the winter months, sand
should not be used for traction over permeable pave-
ment systems because the sand clogs the gaps/voids
and will limit infiltration.
• Maintenance of the site furnishings to include clean-
ing and damage inspection.
PURPLE METERS
Ten purple meters, or ‘donation stations,’ offer people an
alternative way to giving directly to panhandlers. The me-
ters were installed by the City and the money goes to pro-
grams and nonprofit organizations that provide services
such as shelter, meals, and job training for people in need.
The City should investigate whether this program is meet-
ing the original objectives or if there are better ways to of-
fer support. Ongoing maintenance requirements include
repairing jams, re-painting, and emptying the meters on
a regular basis. The meters are also subject to vandalism.
Consider reaching out to the police department and the
homeless service agencies for input.
LOADING ZONES
The effectiveness and percentage of occupancy of the
existing loading zones throughout downtown should be in-
vestigated. The intent is to determine whether or not there
is an opportunity to regulate deliveries or place time re-
strictions on deliveries in a manner that will allow greater
use of lading zones in the future. ICDD input on types of
deliveries and typical delivery schedules is suggested.
MAINTENANCE
Successful implementation of this Iowa City Downtown
and Pedestrian Mall Streetscape Plan is directly tied to the
level of maintenance provided by the City of Iowa City
and ICDD. A highly maintained public realm is a key in-
gredient in many memorable spaces within vibrant and
livable cities. A clean and visually pleasant place demon-
strates pride of place and enhances public perception
of the downtown as a whole. The perceived quality of
place can impact the retail and restaurant environment
and business and University recruitment. Per the Universi-
ty of Iowa admissions representatives, ‘downtown is the
selling point, it’s what makes University of Iowa different…
downtown’s village-like atmosphere, charm and associat-
ed perception of safety are assets recognized by parents
of prospective college students’.
In some cases, the master plan has minimized mainte-
nance requirements and in others, a higher level of main-
tenance will be required and is recommended. Key main-
tenance observations and recommendations follow.
POLICY
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If you can dream it, you can do it.
– Walt Disney
FEBRUARY 2014
147
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SECTION 8
Implementation
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IMPLEMENTATION | INTRODUCTION
IMPLEMENTATION
The achievement of the Iowa City Downtown Streetscape
and Pedestrian Mall Plan Update will require public sec-
tor involvement of the City of Iowa City, private sector
involvement in terms of development plans and require-
ments of private land owners and public / private part-
nerships where the City and landowners will need to work
jointly to achieve common goals. A variety of planning
and financial tools will be required to implement the vision.
It should be noted that implementation recommendations
and cost summaries are prepared to guide planning de-
cisions and in all cases additional design, engineering and
stakeholder input will be necessary.
As with any planning effort, there becomes a point where
information and recommendations may no longer be con-
sidered relevant or appropriate. Factors such as traffic vol-
umes, evolution of private development, rapidly changing
demographics within the community and the University
of Iowa’s desire to be ‘fresh’ are key drivers in determin-
ing whether or not the recommendations within this plan
continue to hold merit. Recommendations should be re-
viewed and updated towards the end of this documents
life span, which is anticipated to be 10-15 years.
PHASING
Implementation of the projects will require a number of
phases over several years. The phasing plans presented
on the following pages identify a clear path for immediate
decision-making within the first two years. Short term proj-
ects are identified as one of three categories: quick starts,
studies and design/engineering.
Quick Start Projects
Projects in this category have been identified by the Con-
sultant, City Staff and Stakeholders as small scale projects
that require minimal planning or design efforts to imple-
ment. As funding allows, these projects could be com-
pleted in a 3-6 month time frame, while more elaborate
projects may require anywhere from 9-24 months of ad-
ditional design, engineering and construction time before
enhancements are realized.
Studies
These projects are intended to provide additional detail
that can be incorporated into subsequent design and im-
plementation phases. As an example, it is recommended
that an urban arborist be retained to provide a profession-
al recommendation on the health and care of existing
mature trees within the downtown core and pedestrian
mall. These recommendations will have a great deal of
influence on the next phase of design work.
Design + Engineering
To move larger recommendations forward, additional de-
sign work is required to resolve details, provide accurate
implementation budgets and to eventually construct the
physical improvements.
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WALKABILITY / PEDESTRIAN FRIENDLY
POLICY + PLANNING
MAINTENANCE
ENVIRONMENTAL
BRANDING + BEAUTIFICATION
ARTS + CULTURE
• E/W Pedestrian Mall alley lighting - install grapevine spheres
• Large format banner or art on building along Burlington
• Ramp facade improvements on Burington
• NSMP building lighting [ North Linn +Market ]
• Lighting mock-ups in Ped Mall
• Planting rail + annual plantings in Ped Mall - pilot
• Infill tree planting on streets that are +2 years out or streets not
impacted by improvements
• Purchase and install recycling stations in Ped Mall
• Bioretention planting area - pilot installation
• Establish a Green Alley program
• Electric vehicle charging station pilot
• Play surface at existing play area in Ped Mall
• Electrical upgrades to Iowa Avenue - for events
• Urban arborist - study Ped Mall / Clinton / Washington
Tree pruning in Ped Mall [ following arborist review ]
• Brass plaques in Iowa Avenue - repair or relocate
• Miscellaneous repair and miscellaneous painting
• Traffic modeling study
• Establish fundraising committee
• Policy recommendations - cafe / signage / purple meters / waste
receptacles committee to discuss and make recommendations on the
suggested areas for improvement
• Repair of limestone planters not anticipated to be impacted by the redesign
• Sidewalk repairs throughout Downtown
• Update tree grates at Iowa Avenue
• Purchase and install one sheltered bike parking with photovoltaics
• Install new benches along South Linn [ Sr. Center - ICPL ]
• North Linn and Bloominton painted crosswalks
SAFETY
IMPLEMENTATION | QUICK START PROJECTS
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IMPLEMENTATION | PRIORITIZATION
PRIORITY
PRIORITIZATION CHART
BASE PROJECT COST KEY ELEMENTSPROJECT / STREET
Market Street
1
Dubuque Street
Pedestrian Mall
$880,500 - 1,365,000
$830,000 - 1,285,000
Extend the Pedestrian Mall character. Es-
tablish a gateway feel with multiple layers
of overhead lighting. Improve sidewalk
pavement and storm sewer upgrades.
Upgraded fiber duct bank and electrical
distribution for enhanced lighting through-
out NSMP. Conversion to two way traffic.
Washington Street +/- $2,500,000 phase 1
+/- $2,000,000 phase 2
Improve sidewalk pavement, address criti-
cal update to water main, replace & relo-
cate storm sewer between Linn & Gilbert,
enhance retail environment with streets-
cape components.
$2,430,000 - 3,766,000
Renovate Black Hawk Mini Park. Update
lighting throughout, enhance plantings,
site furnishings and add way-finding kiosks.
Consider development of programmed
spaces and improved performance area
and stage.
PRIORITIZATION A significant amount of public and stakeholder input was utilized to form the recommendations and guide decision- making throughout the master planning process and this plan update. As in most projects that involve stakeholders
with varied interests, its fair to say that full consensus of
recommendations was not always achieved. The same
can be said regarding how to prioritize future improvements.
The following pages outline recommendations for how to
approach short term [ 1-2 year ], as well as mid-range
[ 3-15 year ] planning and implementation objectives.
Generally speaking, the highest priority projects are those
that address safety and public infrastructure needs, such
as universally accessible space and aging underground
utilities. Second priority is given to elements that enhance
and contribute to a cohesive and unique identity through-
out Downtown, while maintaining focus on maximizing
value for the City.
In most cases, priority was given to projects located in the
core of Downtown, largely driven by the philosophy that
the core offers the highest return on investment, focuses
improvements where the highest numbers of pedestrians
exist, and offers a logical way of sequencing phased
improvements.
Selection and approach towards implementation of the
first phases are particularly important as they will establish
the physical character, public perception and interest in
subsequent phases. Prioritizing improvements based on
the design concepts is only the first step, as the City must
identify resources and strategies for on-going funding, as
well as efficient and effective maintenance practices.
The following section presents preliminary ideas on how to
implement the overall vision with meaningful projects of
varying levels of cost and impact.
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PRIORITY
PRIORITIZATION CHART CONTINUED
Burlington Street
Iowa Avenue
Iowa / Gilbert
Gilbert Street
2 $3,600,000 - 5,557,000
$728,000 - 1,130,000
$418,000 - 648,000
$1,915,000 - 2,968,000
Introduce pedestrian scale elements. Up-
grade water main. Pedestrian crossing
improvements, plantings and large scale
building facade treatments to improve visu-
al interest.
Address maintenance related items such as lit-
erary walk bronze emblems, heaving tree grates
and spalling limestone light pole bases. Enhance
electrical service for events and add appropri-
ately scaled light columns with banners.
Enhanced crosswalks to meet ADA requirements
& improve walkability. Focus on adding pedestri-
an scale, burying of overhead utilities & neces-
sary water main upgrades. Reduction in travel
lanes. Enhanced bicycle accommodations.
IMPLEMENTATION | PRIORITIZATION
BASE PROJECT COST KEY ELEMENTSPROJECT / STREET
PRIORITY
Linn Street3
North Linn
$1,250,000 - 1,935,000
$640,000 - 990,000
Improved lighting to unify corridor and improve
energy efficiency. Updated water main, sanitary,
and fiber optic duct. Addition of much needed
street furniture and wayfinding elements.
Upgrades to sanitary, water main and significant
storm sewer enhancements. As an alternate,
consider burying of overhead utility lines. Com-
pliment recent streetscape improvements with
added plantings and improved seating areas.
BASE PROJECT COST KEY ELEMENTSPROJECT / STREET
Clinton Street $1,844,000 - 2,855,000
Enhanced crosswalk environment and curb
bumpouts to improve pedestrian safety and
walkability, Updated water main and fiber
optic. Enhanced electrical capacity. Wider
East sidewalks.
College Street $601,000 - 932,000
Updated street and sidewalks, addition of a
healthy landscape and tree canopy, improved
crosswalks to meet ADA requirements and rein-
force connectivity. Water main and fiber optic
upgrades.
Bloomington Street $277,000 - 440,000
Implementation of small scale improvements, in-
cluding pedestrian scale lighting to match core
NSMP and street furniture. Bury a small section
of overhead electric and make necessary up-
grades to water main and fiber optic duct.
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CALENDAR YEAR 2014 - QUICK START PROJECTS
1. Ped Mall Playground Resurfacing $ 85,000
2. Sheltered Bike Parking Pilot w/ PV $ 30,000
3. Large Format Banner/Art on Building at Burlington Street $ 50,000
4. Lighting Mock-up in Ped Mall $ 50,000
5. Planting Rail Mock-up in Ped Mall $ 15,000
6. Purchase and Install Recycling Containers in Ped Mall $ 20,000
7. Infill Trees on College Street and Burlington Street $ 25,000
8. Lighting at N.Linn and Market Street [ match ICDD funding ] $ 30,000
9. Sidewalk Repair $100,000
10. Iowa Avenue Tree Grates [ and other streets as needed ] $ 85,000
11. Misc. Repair [ trash receptacles, bench, etc. ] $ 25,000
12. Misc. Painting $ 25,000
13. LED Conversions of Select Existing Lights $ 70,000
14. Linn Street Benches $ 10,000
15. North Linn and Bloomington Painted Crosswalk $ 500
16. Design of Ramp Facade Improvements on Bulington $150,000
17. Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Pilot $ 44,000
$814,500
Contingency [ 10% ] $ 81,450
$895,950
STUDIES
1. Urban Arborist to Evaluate Plantings in Ped Mall, Washington + Clinton $ 25,000
2. Traffic Modeling for Downtown Iowa City $ 85,000
3. Survey [ Washington Street | Ped Mall | Dubuque Street ] $ 28,000
Contingency [ 10% ] $ 81,450
$219,450
DESIGN + ENGINEERING PROJECTS
1. Pedestrian Mall - Schematic Design thru Construction Documents $215,000
2. Washington Street - Schematic Design [ Clinton to Linn ] $ 55,000
4. Dubuque Street - Schematic Design $ 45,000
Contingency [ 10% ] $ 31,500
$346,500
CALENDAR YEAR 2015 - QUICK START PROJECTS
1. Projects TBD $ 75,000
DESIGN + ENGINEERING PROJECTS
1. Pedestrian Mall Bidding and Construction [ Phase One ] $ 3,000,000
2. Dubuque Street Design Development thru Construction Documents $ 100,000
Contingency [ 10% ] $ 317,500
$3,492,500
IMPLEMENTATION | PHASING STRATEGY
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0’800’400’200’
IMPLEMENTATION | PROJECT IMPROVEMENT FRAMEWORK
PED MALL
BLOOMINGTON
MARKET
JEFFERSON
IOWA AVE
WASHINGTON
COLLEGE
BURLINGTON
CALENDAR YEAR 2014
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73
#Quick Start Project
Studies
Design and Engineering Projects
LEGEND
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COST OPINIONSAccuracy
The level of detail and accuracy of pricing in this opinion
of probable cost are consistent with the degree of com-
pleteness of the documents used for estimating purposes.
The documents used to prepare estimates include master
plan level design, shown throughout this document and
information provided by the Planning team members. Ad-
ditional information was obtained through discussion with
the Client, Stakeholders and industry contacts. No site
survey information was available to verify utilities, site ele-
ments or quantities.
Bid Conditions
The planning recommendations have been estimated as
large scale projects to achieve economy of scale. If the
project is broken down and approached in small phases,
the total estimated costs will likely be higher.
Items Affecting Costs
Items which may change the probable costs include, but
are not limited to:
Restrictive or specialized technical or material specifica-
tions and accelerated project schedules.
Escalation
Costs are reflective of current costs with no escalation in-
cluded. A labor and material escalation factor will need
to be added once a construction period has been deter-
mined.
Probable Cost Opinion Objective
This cost framework is intended to be used as a tool for
decision making and managing phasing strategies during
the next phase of the project. It is prepared using indus-
try contacts, experience, and the best judgment of the
professional consultants. This estimate is intended to re-
flect an amount close to what would be the low bid of
the project with respect to the present level of design and
documentation. The consultant has no control over mar-
ket conditions, wage rates, or any contractor’s method of
determining prices or quantities. Therefore, the consultant
cannot and does not guarantee this cost opinion will not
vary from actual costs.
COST SUMMARIES The following summaries provide a synopsis of recommen-
dations and associated costs for each street, the pedestri-
an mall and Blackhawk Mini Park. In each case the costs
are rounded to reflect an order of magnitude cost for el-
ements that are considered to be part of the base proj-
ect. Additionally, projects involve ‘alternates’. These al-
ternates are intended to capture recommendations that
were important to stakeholders, but either not supported
by the majority, warranted additional study to test valid-
ity or maintenance requirements, or required additional
funding beyond what may be available from traditional
City sources.
Below the costs identified for specific categories of work
are costs that cover expenses often referred to as ‘soft
costs’:
General Requirements
This category addresses items such as contractor mark-
ups, bonding, permits, temporary power and water, as
well as NPDS permits. The complexity of the project, scale
and contractor selection are all important factors in deter-
mining the appropriate percentage to carry forward.
Contingency
This line item addresses the unknowns that go hand-in-
hand with design and constructing urban infrastructure
projects. Given that these are planning level cost opinions
and design work is not based on actual site survey or con-
ditions, a sizable contingency (25% of construction value)
is recommended. As projects move forward utilizing actu-
al site surveys and design development the contingency
amount is typically reduced to align with the level of de-
sign and engineering.
Design, Engineering and Survey
To move larger recommendations forward, additional de-
sign work is required to resolve details, provide accurate
implementation budgets and to eventually construct the
physical improvements. It is anticipated that the majority
of these projects will require professional design and engi-
neering consultants to advance the design and produce
bid documents. Traditional costs for basic services [ sche-
matic design thru construction administration ] are intend-
ed to be included within the 15% allowance. Additionally,
costs associated with site surveys is included within. While many of the projects will require multiple professional dis-ciplines [ landscape architecture, civil, electrical, structur-al engineering, lighting designer,etc.] the actual cost of services will fluctuate based on project scale, complexity, market conditions and scope of work.
IMPLEMENTATION | COST SUMMARY
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155
IMPLEMENTATION | PROJECT AREA COST SUMMARY
PEDESTRIAN MALL
[ +/- 95,000 Square Feet ]
New Pedestrian Lighting
Atmospheric Lighting at Planting Areas
Playground Surface Enhancement
Landscape Plantings + Irrigation
Wayfinding Kiosks
See page 106 for more detail.
Site Preparation $ 275,000
Utilities $ 220,000
Paving $ 475,000
Planter Walls $ 100,000
Landscape + Irrigation $ 605,000
Site Furnishings + Amenities $ 380,000
Electrical and Lighting $ 375,000
General Requirements [15% ] $ 364,500
Contingency [ 25% ] $ 607,500
Design, Engineering, Survey [15%] $ 364,500
Alternates
Eco Lab $ 300,000
Sound Garden $ 250,000
Media Room + Table $ 175,000
Story Walls + Lighting $ 215,000
Covered Bike Parking [2] $ 60,000
WDF Stage and Canopy $ 400,000
WDF Stage Lighting $ 40,000
WDF Stage A/V Upgrades $ 50,000
WDF Lighting Enhancements $ 50,000
WDF Art Modifications in Seating Area $ 40,000
$ 2,430,000
$ 3,766,500
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IMPLEMENTATION | PROJECT AREA COST SUMMARY
Site Preparation $ 55,000
Utilities $ 35,000
Paving $ 155,000
Planter Walls $ 65,000
Landscape + Irrigation $ 75,000
Site Furnishings + Amenities $ 165,000
Electrical and Lighting $ 65,000
General Requirements [15% ] $ 92,250
Contingency [ 25% ] $ 154,000
Design, Engineering, Survey [15%] $ 92,250
Alternates
Feature Area / Public Art $ 750,000 - 1,500,000
$ 615,000
BLACK HAWK MINI PARK
[ +/- 9,500 Square Feet ]
New Public Space
Public Art
Variety of Seating
See page 108 for more detail.
$ 953,500
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Site Preparation $ 102,000
Utilities
General $ 50,000
Storm/Sanitary Separation $ 20,000
Fiber Optic Duct $ 25,000
Paving $ 110,000
Landscape $ 90,000
Site Furnishings $ 40,000
Electrical and Lighting $ 385,000
General Requirements [ 15% ] $ 125,000
Contingency [ 25% ] $ 205,000
Design, Engineering, Survey [ 15% ] $ 140,000
Alternate
Bioretention $ 150,000
Festive Lighting $ 80,000
IMPLEMENTATION | PROJECT AREA COST SUMMARY
MARKET STREET [ 2 blocks ]
Festive Lighting
New Pedestrian + Street Lighting
Gateway Elements
Enhanced Plantings
See page 98 for more detail.
NORTH LINN STREET [ 2.5 blocks ]
Underground Utility Updates
Updated Pedestrian Lighting
Gateway Element
Public Art
See page 96 for more detail.
$ 830,000
Site Preparation $ 70,000
Utilities
General $ 85,000
Sanitary $ 4,500
Water Main $ 22,000
Storm Sewer $ 127,000
Fiber $ 22,000
Paving $ 36,000
Landscape $ 92,000
Site Furnishings $ 30,000
Electrical and Lighting $ 151,500
General Requirements [15% ] $ 95,000
Contingency [ 25% ] $ 160,000
Design, Engineering, Survey [15%] $ 95,000
Alternate
Bury Overhead Electric $ 525,000
$ 1,285,000
$ 640,000
$ 990,000
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BLOOMINGTON STREET [ 1 block ]
Updated Utility Duct Bank
Pedestrian Crossing Updates
Landscape Enhancements
Pedestrian Lighting
Historical Markers
See page 102 for more detail.
Site Preparation $ 40,000
Utilities
General $ 28,000
Water Main $ 25,000
Fiber Duct $ 12,000
Paving $ 15,000
Landscape $ 23,000
Site Furnishings $ 38,000
Electrical and Lighting $ 96,000
General Requirements [15% ] $ 43,000
Contingency [ 25% ] $ 72,000
Design, Engineering, Survey [15%] $ 43,000
Alternate
Bury Overhead Electric $ 10,000
$ 277,000
$ 440,000
BURLINGTON STREET [ 3 blocks ]
Gateway Elements
New Pedestrian + Street Lighting
Water Main Upgrade
Enhanced Plantings
Building Art / Mural
See page 90 for more detail.
Site Preparation $ 350,000
Utilities
General $ 90,000
Water Main $ 150,000
Fiber Duct $ 40,000
Traffic Signals $ 700,000
Paving $ 1,410,000
Landscape $ 160,000
Site Furnishings $ 67,000
Electrical and Lighting $ 638,000
General Requirements [ 15% ] $ 540,000
Contingency [ 25% ] $ 900,000
Design, Engineering, Survey [ 15% ] $ 540,000
Alternates
Bioretention $ 315,000
Building Mural / Art $ 50,000 [ Each ]
$ 3,600,000
$ 5,557,000
IMPLEMENTATION | PROJECT AREA COST SUMMARY
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IMPLEMENTATION | PROJECT AREA COST SUMMARY
CLINTON STREET [ 3 blocks ]
Monument Lights
New Pedestrian + Street Lighting
Wayfinding Kiosk
Enhanced Plantings
Water Main Upgrade
See page 84 for more detail.
COLLEGE STREET [ 1 block ]
Enhanced Plantings
Water Main Upgrade
Accent Unit Pavers
New Traffic Signals at Gilbert
See page xx for more detail.
Site Preparation $ 164,000
Utilities
General $ 85,000
Water Main $ 26,000
Fiber Duct $ 36,000
Paving $ 612,000
Landscape $ 141,000
Site Furnishings $ 190,000
Electrical and Lighting $ 590,000
General Requirements [15% ] $ 274,000
Contingency [ 25% ] $ 461,000
Design, Engineering, Survey [15%] $ 276,000
Alternates
College Intersection - brick $ 70,000
East Side Curb Work $ 31,000
Expand east sidewalk to 6’ $ 30,000
Bioretention Areas $ 192,000
$ 1,844,000
$ 2,855,000
Site Preparation $ 127,500
Utilities
General $ 28,000
Storm Sewer $ 15,000
Fiber Duct $ 12,000
Water Main $ 57,500
Paving $ 151,000
Landscape $ 77,500
Site Furnishings $ 31,000
Electrical and Lighting $ 101,500
General Requirements [15% ] $ 90,000
Contingency [ 25% ] $ 150,000
Design, Engineering, Survey [15%] $ 90,000
Alternates
Monument Lights $ 40,000
Unit Pavers $ 105,000
$ 601,000
$ 932,000
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IMPLEMENTATION | PROJECT AREA COST SUMMARY
DUBUQUE STREET [ 1.5 blocks ]
Festive Lighting
Gateway Elements
Landscape Enhancements
Street Pavers
Sidewalk Pavers
See page 80 for more detail.
GILBERT STREET [ 3 blocks ]
Water Main Upgrade
New Sidewalk
Landscape Enhancements
Traffic Signals
Pedestrian Lighting & Banners
See page 92 for more detail.
Site Preparation $ 189,000
Utilities
General $ 60,000
Water $ 18,000
Storm Sewer $ 25,000
Fiber Duct $ 15,000
Paving $ 207,000
Landscape $ 86,500
Site Furnishings $ 122,000
Electrical and Lighting $ 158,000
General Requirements [ 15% ] $ 132,000
Contingency [ 25% ] $ 220,000
Design, Engineering, Survey [ 15% ] $ 132,000
Alternate
Bioretention Areas $ 144,000
Unit Pavers in Street $ 510,000
Festive Lighting $ 400,000
$ 880,500
$ 1,364,500
Site Preparation $ 275,000
Utilities
General $ 84,000
Water Main $ 211,000
Sanitary $ 5,000
Traffic Signals $ 875,000
Fiber Duct Bank $ 36,000
Paving $ 84,500
Landscape $ 28,000
Site Furnishings $ 25,000
Electrical and Lighting $ 292,000
General Requirements [ 15% ] $ 287,000
Contingency [ 25% ] $ 479,000
Design, Engineering, Survey [ 15% ] $ 287,000
Alternate
Bury Overhead Utility $ 425,000
$ 1,915,000
$ 2,968,000
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161
IMPLEMENTATION | PROJECT AREA COST SUMMARY
IOWA AT GILBERT [ 1 Intersection ]
Enhanced Pedestrian Crossing
New Civic Monument
Traffic Signals Update
See page 94 for more detail.
Site Preparation $ 56,000
Utilities
General $ 28,000
Fiber Duct $ 3,500
Paving $ 128,500
Landscape $ 7,000
Site Furnishings $ 10,000
Electrical and Lighting $ 10,000
Monument / Obelisk $ 175,000
General Requirements [ 15% ] $ 62,500
Contingency [ 25% ] $ 104,500
Design, Engineering, Survey [ 15% ] $ 63,000
Alternate
Bioretention $ 25,000
$ 418,000
$ 648,000
IOWA AVENUE [ 3 blocks ]
Monument Lights
Enhanced Landscape + Irrigation
Enhance Literary Walk
Traffic Signals
See page 82 for more detail.
Site Preparation $ 140,000
Utilities
General $ 90,000
Fiber Duct $ 31,000
Paving $ 43,000
Landscape + Irrigation $ 195,000
Site Furnishings $ 13,000
Sheltered Bike Parking with PV $ 30,000
Electrical and Lighting $ 216,000
General Requirements [ 15% ] $ 114,500
Contingency [ 25% ] $ 190,000
Design, Engineering, Survey [ 15% ] $ 114,500
Alternate
Monument Lighting with banners $ 315,000
$ 760,000
$ 1,179,000
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LINN STREET [ 3 blocks ]
Paver Sidewalks
Enhanced Landscape + Irrigation
Site Furniture
Water Main Update
See page 86 for more detail.
WASHINGTON STREET [ 4 blocks ]
Gateway Elements
Enhanced Paving
New Sidewalks
Water Main Upgrade
Pedestrian Lighting
See page 78 for more detail.
Site Preparation $ 104,000
Utilities
General $ 85,000
Water Main $ 110,000
Storm Sewer $ 30,000
Sanitary $ 8,000
Fiber Duct $ 31,000
Paving $ 360,000
Landscape $ 82,000
Site Furnishings $ 120,000
Electrical and Lighting $ 320,000
General Requirements [15% ] $ 187,000
Contingency [ 25% ] $ 311,000
Design, Engineering, Survey [15%] $ 187,000
Alternate
Pavers at Intersection $ 190,000
$ 1,250,000
$ 1,935,000
Site Preparation $ 489,000
Utilities
General $ 115,000
Utility Vaults $ 150,000
Water Main $ 240,000
Storm Water $ 57,000
Fiber Duct $ 45,000
Traffic Signals $ 72,000
Paving $ 1,155,000
Landscape $ 180,000
Site Furnishings $ 196,000
Electrical and Lighting $ 711,000
General Requirements [15% ] $ 511,000
Contingency [ 25% ] $ 850,000
Design, Engineering, Survey [15%] $ 511,000
Alternates
Permeable Street Paving $ 700,000
Bioretention Planting Area $ 375,000
Dubuque Intersection - Unit Pavers $ 64,000
$ 3,410,000
$ 5,282,000
IMPLEMENTATION | PROJECT AREA COST SUMMARY
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163
IMPLEMENTATION | FUNDING SOURCES
FUNDING SOURCES
While the majority of project funding is anticipated to
come from the Capital Improvements Program [ CIP ] as
appropriated by City leadership, additional resources may
be necessary to realize specific plan components such as
programmed spaces within the Pedestrian Mall, architec-
tural lighting for private businesses and public art. Tradi-
tional sources for additional funding may come from two
primary sources:
GRANTS
A number of grant opportunities exist for urban projects
that encompass the arts, sustainability and infrastructure.
Because many grants require a significant lead time to se-
cure funding, this master plan update will serve as a valu-
able guide to identifying future phasing with enough lead
time to pursue relevant grants or loans. Although not all
inclusive, information on environmental, infrastructure and
transportation grants in Iowa is presented on the following
pages.
PRIVATE FUNDRAISING
The potential for private fundraising in Iowa City is signifi-
cant. The first step in this process is the formation of a di-
verse private stakeholder group that can work in partner-
ship with the City. Given there are multiple improvements
proposed that affect areas offering a high level of visibili-
ty, sentimental attachment or historical significance – the
formation of a private stakeholder group is a reasonable
approach to add detail and richness in public space that
may otherwise be delayed or overlooked.
STATE REVOLVING LOAN FUND [ SRF ]
The State Revolving Fund program is administered by the
Iowa Department of Natural Resources and provides low
interest loans for projects that provide water quality ben-
efits. There are several funding programs under the SRF
umbrella that would be appropriate for the Iowa City
Streetscape project. There was money added to the SRF
program under the Federal Stimulus program for 2014 and
the City is already involved with the development of their
new wastewater treatment facility. The State Revolving
Fund and the Sponsored Project option may be a great
source of funding since Iowa City is upgrading the waste
water / sanitary sewer system and would utilize an SRF loan
for such upgrades. Money that would be sent back to the
SRF as interest payments can be kept and invested locally
in stormwater projects that improve water quality. Typical-
ly, you would be able to plan on $100,000 for water quality
per $1 million borrowed.
For more information: www.iowasrf.com.
CLEAN WATER LOAN PROGRAM
Iowa’s Clean Water State Revolving Fund [ CWSRF ] is the
best choice to finance publicly owned wastewater treat-
ment, sewer rehabilitation, replacement, and construc-
tion, and storm water quality improvements. The Clean
Water SRF Water Resource Restoration Sponsored Project
program funds are still available. As part of an application
for a wastewater infrastructure Intended Use Plan appli-
cation, a municipality can request up to 10% additional
funds under the Sponsored Project program to pay for oth-
er projects that will improve the watershed in which the
wastewater plant is located. It appears that projects that
are already included in the IUP but are only in the planning
stages may also be eligible. I have attached a copy of the
Sponsored project application. Applications for the Clean
Water Loan Program and the Sponsored are due March 3.
PLANNING AND DESIGN LOANS
SRF Planning and Design Loans cover costs incurred in the
planning and design phase of a water infrastructure proj-
ect. These loans have 0 percent interest for up to three
years and require no initiation or servicing fees. In addition,
there is no minimum or maximum loan amount. Eligible
costs include engineering fees, archaeological surveys,
environmental or geological studies, and costs related to
project plan preparation. The loans may be rolled into a
State Revolving Fund [ SRF ] construction loan or can be
repaid when permanent financing is committed. The proj-
ect planning and design costs must be directly related to
the proposed wastewater, storm water or drinking water
projects. The 2014 deadline for Planning and Design Loan
applications is April 3rd.
For more information on the SRF Program:
Patti Cale-Finnegan
DNR State Revolving Fund Coordinator
P 515-725-0498
WIRB GRANT PROGRAM
The Watershed Improvement Fund Program was initiated
in 2005 by the Iowa Legislature and is administered through
the Iowa Department of Agriculture’s Land Stewardship
program. The funds are administered by a self-govern-
ing, independent Watershed Improvement Review Board
[ WIRB ]. The WIRB Board focuses on watershed projects
and the streetscape project, due to its direct influence on
Ralston Creek, would likely qualify as an appropriate proj-
ect. The current funding limit is $300,000. Tying the streets-
cape improvements into a Ralston Creek watershed scale
initiative would be the strongest approach to funding thru
WIRB. 2014 WIRB grant applications are due by February
28th.
Program Contact:
Amy Bouska
Urban Conservationist / IDALS
amy.bouska@ia.nacdnet.net
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IMPLEMENTATION | FUNDING SOURCES
USEPA SECTION 319 NON-POINT SOURCE WATER POLLUTION CONTROL GRANT PROGRAM
Section 319 grants have long been a source of support for cutting-edge green infrastructure projects in many states throughout the US. In Iowa the program has been admin-istered historically by the IDNR, and the focus has always been on rural, agricultural water quality initiatives of a rather traditional NRCS manner. The program is still func-tional under the IDNR Watershed Implementation Grant Program. Again this program has not been traditionally a source of funding for urban green infrastructure initiatives, but it may still be worth exploring. Applications are gener-ally due in October with funds available the following cal-endar year. More information about the program can be obtained through the program coordinator listed below.
DNR Contact: Steve Hopkins DNR Watershed Improvement Program Grants Coordinator 515-281-6402 Stephen.Hopkins@dnr.iowa.gov
TRANSPORTATION ALTERNATIVES PROGRAM [ TAP ]
Funding may be available under the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration Transpor-tation Alternatives Program (TAP). The Transportation Al-ternatives Program (TAP) was authorized under Section 1122 of Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21). TAP provides funding for programs and projects defined as transportation alternatives, including on- and off-road pedestrian and bicycle facilities, infrastructure projects for improving non-driver access to public trans-portation and enhanced mobility, landscape and sce-nic enhancement, community improvement activities, and environmental mitigation; recreational trail program projects; safe routes to school projects; and projects for planning, designing, or constructing boulevards and oth-er roadways largely in the right-of-way of former Interstate System routes or other divided highways.
For more information: http://www.iowadot.gov/systems_planning/trans_enhance.htm
IOWA CLEAN AIR ATTAINMENT PROGRAM (ICAAP)
This program funds highway/street, transit, bicycle/pedes-trian, or freight projects or programs which help maintain Iowa’s clean air quality by reducing transportation-related emissions. Eligible highway/street projects must be on the federal-aid system, which includes all federal functional class routes except local and rural minor collectors.
For more information: http://www.iowadot.gov/systems_planning/icaap.htm
SURFACE TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM (STP)
The Surface Transportation Program (STP) is one of the
main sources of flexible funding available for transit or
highway purposes. STP provides the greatest flexibility
in the use of funds. These funds may be used for public
transportation capital improvements, car and vanpool
projects, fringe and corridor parking facilities, bicycle and
pedestrian facilities, and intercity or intracity bus terminals
and bus facilities. As funding for planning, these funds can
be used for surface transportation planning activities, wet-
land mitigation, transit research and development, and
environmental analysis. Other eligible projects under STP
include transit safety improvements and most transporta-
tion control measures.
For more information: http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/map21/
guidance/guidestp.cfm
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SECTION +
Appendices
[ under separate cover ]