HomeMy WebLinkAboutPed Mall schematic design1DOWNTOWN IOWA CITY . SCHEMATIC DESIGN . PEDESTRIAN MALL
PREPARED FOR CITY OF IOWA CITY
DOWNTOWN IOWA CITY. SCHEMATIC DESIGN . PEDESTRIAN MALL
December 3, 2014
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UI MAIN CAMPUS
UNIVERSITY
CAPITOLCENTRE
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CITY HALL
CHAUNCEYSWAN PARK
IOWA CITY PHASE ONE
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SCHEMATIC STREETSCAPE DESIGN . DUBUQUE STSCHEMATIC STREETSCAPE DESIGN. WASHINGTON STPEDESTRIAN MALL - SCHEMATIC DESIGN
PEDESTRIAN MALL
PROJECT BACKGROUND
The nationally renowned Pedestrian Mall is a truly unique asset and is the defining element for downtown Iowa City. It
has been embraced by residents, students, alumni and visitors
alike and has long been celebrated as a public gathering
place for all ages from all walks of life. It has a strong foundation in place with successful locally-owned retail and restaurants, new residential uses, charming pedestrian scale
buildings, and popular events.
With 40 years since its opening and nearly 25 years since the most recent improvements, the Pedestrian Mall needs a ‘freshening up’ of components to continue to attract unique
businesses and to appeal to a wide variety of user groups.
The schematic design builds upon the Master Plan as adopted in March 2014 and successfully creates a series of unique secondary destinations that will appeal to a
new generation of users. The Weather Dance Fountain
performance space is strengthened with the addition of a permanent stage canopy and layers of lighting. Black Hawk Mini Park becomes more memorable with a significant public art piece, a play component, and intimate seating areas
defined by new trees and expanded planting areas. Across
the Pedestrian Mall, new lighting and furnishings, expanded planting areas with colorful, low maintenance ground plane plantings, and selective surfacing repairs will update and reinvigorate the Pedestrian Mall.
DESIGN PROCESS
The Pedestrian Mall Schematic Design Plan was prepared by a design team led by Genus Landscape Architects
under contract with the City of Iowa City. The design
team included ArtHouse Design (wayfinding and identity),
Neumann Monson (permanent stage canopy), Schuler Shook (lighting design), Gary Johnson (certified arborist from University of Minnesota Department of Forest Resources),
and MMS Consultants (survey and civil engineering). The
work was overseen by a Client Committee comprised of
members from the City of Iowa City, Summer of the Arts (SOTA), and the Iowa City Downtown District (ICDD). The project benefited from public input and review in late
October. The project began in May 2014 and is expected to
be completed in November.
CLIENT COMMITTEE
Geoff Fruin Assistant City ManagerRick Fosse Director of Public Works
Ron Knocke City Engineer, Public Works
Josh Slattery Civil Engineer, Public Works
Jon Resler Supt. of Streets, Traffic Eng., Solid WasteMike Moran Director of Parks and RecreationZac Hall Superintendent of Parks and Forestry
Chris O’Brien Director of Transportation Services
Kris Ackerson Assistant Transportation Planner
Mark Rummel Associate Director of Transportation ServicesJohn Yapp Transportation PlannerNancy Bird Executive Director, ICDD
Sheri Thomas Senior Maintenance Worker
Jeff Davidson Economic Development Administrator
Shane Schemmel Assoc. Executive Director, Summer of the Arts
Friday night concert at Weather Dance Fountain.Mature canopy trees provide shade along the north section.
4 DOWNTOWN IOWA CITY . SCHEMATIC DESIGN . PEDESTRIAN MALL
OCTOBER 28, 2014DOWNTOWN IOWA CITY . SCHEMATIC DESIGN . TREE ASSESSMENT
GENUS LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS | SCHULER SHOOK | NEUMANN MONSON ARCHITECTS | ARTHOUSE DESIGN | MMS CONSULTANTS
PUBLIC COMMENTSTREE ASSESSMENT 8 PARKING SPACES#77 Fraxinus pennsylvanica9” DBHSTUNTED, SUSPECT SGR #79 Ginkgo biloba11” DBHTHIN CANOPY + STUNTED#78 Ginkgo biloba12” DBHSTUNTED + THIN #80 Tilia spp.17” DBH*QUESTIONABLE#81 Fraxinus pennsylvanica6” DBH #89 Acer ginnala6”, 9”, 7” MULTI-STEMINVASIVE SPECIES #90 Acer ginnala6” DBHCANOPY AND STEM POOR#82 Tilia spp.17” DBHSTEM COMPROMISED BY DECAY #87 Tilia spp.9” DBH #98 Fraxinus pennsylvanica21” DBH5’ FROM LIGHTSIGNIFICANT CANOPY #101 Fraxinus pennsylvanica15” DBHSIDEWALK LIFTINGSIGNIFICANT CANOPY#99 Fraxinus pennsylvanica21” DBHSOME SIDEWALK LIFTINGSIGNIFICANT CANOPY#83 Fraxinus pennsylvanica7” DBHVERY THIN CANOPY #85 Tilia spp.16” DBHSTEM DECAY#84 Fraxinus pennsylvanica7” DBHSTEM DECAY #86 Acer rubrum5” DBHBORER INFESTATION, TRUNK WOUND #88 Amelanchier spp.3” DBHVERY POOR SPECIMEN #92 Fraxinus pennsylvanica22” DBHOUTSTANDING CANOPYROOTS LIFTING SIDEWALK #95 Fraxinus pennsylvanica5” DBH #97 Fraxinus pennsylvanica8” DBHELECTRICAL BOX EMBEDDEDIN THE TRUNK #100 Malus spp.10” DBH #102REMOVED#91 Fraxinus pennsylvanica21” DBHOUSTANDING CANOPY #93 Fraxinus pennsylvanica17” DBHOUSTANDING CANOPY#94 Fraxinus pennsylvanica7” DBHPOOR CONDITION / HEALTH #96 Fraxinus pennsylvanica6” DBHDELAYED GRAFT INCOMPATIBILITY #103 Fraxinus pennsylvanica18” DBH #104 Fraxinus pennsylvanica20” DBHTHIN AND CHLOROTICDUBUQUE STREETWASHINGTON STREETCLINTON STREET LINN STREET #148 Ginkgo biloba10” DBHPOOR CANOPY#147 Ginkgo biloba7” DBH#146 Ginkgo biloba10” DBHFAIR / POOR CANOPY#145 Ginkgo biloba4” DBHVERY POOR CANOPYSMALL, CHLOROTICLEAVES
#144 Ginkgo biloba9” DBHVERY POOR CANOPY
#142 Ginkgo biloba10” DBHROOTS LIFTINGSIDEWALK
#140 Ginkgo biloba5” DBH
#143 Ginkgo biloba4” DBHFAIR CANOPY
#141 Fraxinus nigra (or hybrid of black ash)4” DBHVULNERABLE TO EMERALD ASH BORER
IOWA AVENUE
WASHINGTON STREET
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WASHINGTON STREET
PEDESTRIAN MALL
DUBUQUE STREET
APPROPRIATE FOR PRESERVATON
APPROPRIATE IN SOME CIRCUMSTANCESBUT WILL REQUIRE MORE CARE
SHOULD BE REMOVED OR AT MINIMUM,NO FURTHER INVESTMENT OF TIME OR FUNDS
PLAN KEY
OCTOBER 28, 2014DOWNTOWN IOWA CITY . SCHEMATIC DESIGN . TREE ASSESSMENT
GENUS LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS | SCHULER SHOOK | NEUMANN MONSON ARCHITECTS | ARTHOUSE DESIGN | MMS CONSULTANTS
PUBLIC COMMENTSTREE ASSESSMENT 8 PARKING SPACES#77 Fraxinus pennsylvanica9” DBHSTUNTED, SUSPECT SGR#79 Ginkgo biloba11” DBHTHIN CANOPY + STUNTED#78 Ginkgo biloba12” DBHSTUNTED + THIN #80 Tilia spp.17” DBH*QUESTIONABLE#81 Fraxinus pennsylvanica6” DBH #89 Acer ginnala6”, 9”, 7” MULTI-STEMINVASIVE SPECIES #90 Acer ginnala6” DBHCANOPY AND STEM POOR#82 Tilia spp.17” DBHSTEM COMPROMISED BY DECAY #87 Tilia spp.9” DBH #98 Fraxinus pennsylvanica21” DBH5’ FROM LIGHTSIGNIFICANT CANOPY #101 Fraxinus pennsylvanica15” DBHSIDEWALK LIFTINGSIGNIFICANT CANOPY#99 Fraxinus pennsylvanica21” DBHSOME SIDEWALK LIFTINGSIGNIFICANT CANOPY#83 Fraxinus pennsylvanica7” DBHVERY THIN CANOPY #85 Tilia spp.16” DBHSTEM DECAY#84 Fraxinus pennsylvanica7” DBHSTEM DECAY #86 Acer rubrum5” DBHBORER INFESTATION, TRUNK WOUND #88 Amelanchier spp.3” DBHVERY POOR SPECIMEN #92 Fraxinus pennsylvanica22” DBHOUTSTANDING CANOPYROOTS LIFTING SIDEWALK #95 Fraxinus pennsylvanica5” DBH #97 Fraxinus pennsylvanica8” DBHELECTRICAL BOX EMBEDDEDIN THE TRUNK #100 Malus spp.10” DBH #102REMOVED#91 Fraxinus pennsylvanica21” DBHOUSTANDING CANOPY #93 Fraxinus pennsylvanica17” DBHOUSTANDING CANOPY#94 Fraxinus pennsylvanica7” DBHPOOR CONDITION / HEALTH #96 Fraxinus pennsylvanica6” DBHDELAYED GRAFT INCOMPATIBILITY #103 Fraxinus pennsylvanica18” DBH #104 Fraxinus pennsylvanica20” DBHTHIN AND CHLOROTICDUBUQUE STREETWASHINGTON STREETCLINTON STREET LINN STREET #148 Ginkgo biloba10” DBHPOOR CANOPY#147 Ginkgo biloba7” DBH#146 Ginkgo biloba10” DBHFAIR / POOR CANOPY#145 Ginkgo biloba4” DBHVERY POOR CANOPYSMALL, CHLOROTICLEAVES#144 Ginkgo biloba9” DBHVERY POOR CANOPY
#142 Ginkgo biloba10” DBHROOTS LIFTINGSIDEWALK
#140 Ginkgo biloba5” DBH
#143 Ginkgo biloba4” DBHFAIR CANOPY
#141 Fraxinus nigra (or hybrid of black ash)4” DBHVULNERABLE TO EMERALD ASH BORER
IOWA AVENUE
WASHINGTON STREET
DU
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108 109 110
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036037
034039040
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151
043 044
045
046 047
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052 055
058 061
060057
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053 056 059
062
152 064 067
065 069
068
070
071 072 073 074 076
075
066
WASHINGTON STREET
PEDESTRIAN MALL
DUBUQUE STREET
APPROPRIATE FOR PRESERVATON
APPROPRIATE IN SOME CIRCUMSTANCESBUT WILL REQUIRE MORE CARE
SHOULD BE REMOVED OR AT MINIMUM,NO FURTHER INVESTMENT OF TIME OR FUNDS
PLAN KEY
EXISTING CONDITIONS AND SITE ANALYSIS
The site analysis phase built upon the information gathered during the master planning phase with special
attention given to the existing trees, vaults, lighting,
paving, and furnishings.• Existing trees were evaluated by a certified arborist and rated according to their health and chances of surviving future construction. Of the existing eighty-
seven trees, nineteen have been coded red.
• There are five existing vaults across the Pedestrian Mall.
The vaults are currently in use and business owners would like them to remain. • The existing globe lights are inefficient per today’s
lighting standards and are reaching the end of their
serviceable life.
• The existing kiosks are showing signs of deterioration and are oversized for the context.• The condition of the existing brick surfacing varies
across the Pedestrian Mall. Some sections have
been constructed with a 6” PCC sub-base and other
sections are on 4” compacted aggregate base. Many sections are heaving and uneven and in need of repair or replacement.
• The majority of the limestone planter walls are leaning
or separating.
5DOWNTOWN IOWA CITY . SCHEMATIC DESIGN . PEDESTRIAN MALL
PEDESTRIAN MALL SCHEMATIC DESIGN
6 DOWNTOWN IOWA CITY . SCHEMATIC DESIGN . PEDESTRIAN MALL
SCHEMATIC DESIGN GOALS
Three overarching goals informed the schematic design process.
1. Create a series of secondary destinations to further enrich the experience of the Pedestrian Mall.• Entries become more welcoming with accent lighting, wayfinding
kiosks, and new seating.
• Black Hawk Mini Park is reimagined with a feature public art piece and a series of diverse experiences that will appeal to multiple user groups.• The Weather Dance Fountain and performance space is strengthened with a permanent stage canopy, unique lighting, and reconfigured
seating.
• Enhanced opportunities for families and children are introduced at the Iowa City Public Library and at Black Hawk Mini Park.
2. Introduce a flexible, multi-layered lighting framework.
• New pedestrian pole lighting is introduced across the Pedestrian Mall
and provides the functional and safety lighting. • The accent lighting layer, or the ‘decorative’ layer includes illumination of select trees, artwork, Weather Dance fountain, and the ‘story walls’. • New structures are illuminated including the gateways at Linn and
Clinton Street, the permanent stage canopy, and the wayfinding kiosks.
3. ‘Freshen Up’ and Reinvigorate the Pedestrian Mall.• Updated wayfinding elements provide user orientation and celebrate Iowa City’s unique literary history.
• New furnishings include varied seating types, trash receptacles and
recycling stations.• Surface repair as necessary to establish an even, and safe walking surface. • Repair limestone planter walls.
• Enhance the tree planting program with new trees along the east
section. Expanded planting areas across the Pedestrian Mall improve the long-term health of the tree and are planted with colorful, low maintenance ground plane plantings. • Utility upgrades and drainage improvements at the east section.
Enhanced electrical capacity supports vendors and events.
7DOWNTOWN IOWA CITY . SCHEMATIC DESIGN . PEDESTRIAN MALL
CLINTON STREET ENTRY AND WEST SECTION
The Clinton Street entry becomes more welcoming
with a unique gateway feature with catenary lighting.
New furnishings are reconfigured to create an entry
room focused on one of four new wayfinding kiosks proposed across the Pedestrian Mall. The kiosk is internally illuminated effectively adding another layer of lighting
at the entry. A ‘story wall’ tells the story of the people
and events that have shaped Iowa City and defines the
easterly edge of the entry room.
Continuing to the east, a new shade structure is proposed
with detailing inspired by the permanent stage canopy
at Weather Dance Fountain. The structure adds definition
and shade to the community dining table which serves patrons of limited-service restaurants.
The majority of the existing trees are protected in place.
Their long-term health is improved with enlarged planting
areas. To complement the existing hardscape palette, limestone seat walls and limestone planter curbs define the enlarged planting pits. Colorful, low maintenance
shrub and groundcover plantings add interest and
seasonal color.
Surfacing improvements include the introduction of limestone-colored brick banding to effectively break up
the existing fields of brick paving and to add a pedestrian
scale. Within the larger fields of brick paving, repairs
are made as necessary to establish an even, and safe walking surface. New sections of colored concrete are proposed at gathering nodes and beneath the benches,
artwork, trash receptacles, and recycling stations.
The proposed gateway feature with catenary lighting creates a welcoming entry. The entry room is focused on a
new, updated wayfinding kiosk and provides user orientation.
8 DOWNTOWN IOWA CITY . SCHEMATIC DESIGN . PEDESTRIAN MALL
A new contemporary structure shades and defines a communal dining table.
9DOWNTOWN IOWA CITY . SCHEMATIC DESIGN . PEDESTRIAN MALL
WEATHER DANCE FOUNTAIN AND PERFORMANCE SPACE
At the heart of the Pedestrian Mall, the place-making qualities
are strengthened through a number of design gestures. Existing stepped seating is reconfigured into a more traditional amphitheater layout. Gentle arcs embrace the stage and fountain
and afford better views during performances. ADA-access is
provided with a gently sloping walkway from the northwest corner
of the amphitheater. The existing trees are protected in place and enhanced with up-lighting. Expanded planting areas afford ample room for colorful yet low maintenance shrub and groundcover
planting areas.
Reconfigured stepped seating improves views during performances.
10 DOWNTOWN IOWA CITY . SCHEMATIC DESIGN . PEDESTRIAN MALL
PERMANENT STAGE + CANOPY
The permanent stage canopy has been designed to become a focal point of the
Dubuque Street corridor and provides
a primary destination for performance and activity within the Pedestrian Mall. The metal and glass canopy provides shelter and shading for an expanded,
multipurpose stage below. The canopy
offers integrated, adjustable lighting options for various uses, and can accommodate a range of outdoor performances and events.
PUBLIC COMMENTSPEDESTRIAN MALL STAGE CANOPY
Weather Dance Fountain Stage : Neumann Monson Architects : Genus Landscape Architects 28
View of canopy at night
Weather Dance Fountain Stage : Neumann Monson Architects : Genus Landscape Architects 14
Weather Dance Fountain Stage : Neumann Monson Architects : Genus Landscape Architects 9
Plan Diagram (proposed)
Canopy575sf
walkway
OCTOBER 28, 2014DOWNTOWN IOWA CITY . SCHEMATIC DESIGN . PEDESTRIAN MALL
GENUS LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS | SCHULER SHOOK | NEUMANN MONSON ARCHITECTS | ARTHOUSE DESIGN | MMS CONSULTANTS
Weather Dance Fountain Stage : Neumann Monson Architects : Genus Landscape Architects 19
View from Sheraton vestibuleA) VIEW FROM CENTER OF DUBUQUE STREET/ PEDESTRIAN MALL
B) VIEW OF EVENING PERFORMANCE D) VIEW OF CANOPY SHADING AND SHELTERC) PLAN DIAGRAM
11DOWNTOWN IOWA CITY . SCHEMATIC DESIGN . PEDESTRIAN MALL
LED architectural lights illuminate the canopy and will include the option of subtle color change to create a dynamic lighting environment.
Tree Uplighting Precedent
Fountain Lighting Precedent
LAYERS OF LIGHTING
The proposed layers of light will
further enhance the memorable
qualities of the space and will create a unique night-time environment in the heart of the
Pedestrian Mall. The layers of
light include functional lighting,
accent lighting, and stage lighting. New pedestrian pole lights provide functional, safety
lighting and provide overall
illumination of the space. At
the canopy, LED architectural lights and pedestrian down lights provide basic lighting. The
second layer of light is the accent
lighting layer, or the ‘decorative’
layer and highlights trees, ‘story walls’, and the fountain. Additionally, the LED architectural
lights at the canopy include
a subtle color change option
to enhance special events. The stage canopy will also include a basic stage lighting
component to enhance events
such as Celebrate the Seasons,
Music IC, and City of Literature performances.
12 DOWNTOWN IOWA CITY . SCHEMATIC DESIGN . PEDESTRIAN MALL
At Linn Street, a gateway feature with catenary lighting creates a welcoming
entry and establishes a sense of arrival.
CHILDREN’S PLAY ZONE AND LINN STREET ENTRY
At the Linn Street entry to the Pedestrian Mall, a welcoming gateway feature
with catenary lighting establishes a sense of arrival. To unify the proposed
structures across the Pedestrian Mall, the gateway detailing is inspired by
the permanent stage canopy. A new wayfinding kiosk at the entry will help users navigate to the various destinations across the Pedestrian Mall and downtown. Illuminated from within, the wayfinding kiosks will greatly
enhance the experience of visiting downtown Iowa City.
As visitors continue into the Pedestrian Mall, public artwork and seating clusters are strategically placed between new shade trees. The ‘ribbon of improvements’ also introduces new, regularly spaced pedestrian lights.
The children’s play zone is expanded to the east with reconfigured urban
garden plots sited to create a buffer between the play zone and the
primary walkway. Three themed ‘rooms’ create opportunities for an outdoor classroom, interactive water play, and recycling exhibits. Approximately fifteen BenchMARK benches are re-located at the perimeter of the play
zone.
13DOWNTOWN IOWA CITY . SCHEMATIC DESIGN . PEDESTRIAN MALL
Balance in Place
Solar Marker
Fixed benches with speakers.
NORTH SECTION
A new flexible program space, a ‘Sound Garden,’ is proposed along the north section of the Pedestrian Mall where a new
type of public artwork is introduced: benches equipped with
speakers share spoken work, sound art, or readings by local
authors. The Sound Garden also celebrates existing artwork. ‘Solar Marker’ and ‘Balance in Place’ are relocated to the Sound Garden. Two of the existing Acer saccharum trees, both
coded red by the certified arborist, are recommended for
removal. Replacement trees are proposed but planted along
the easterly edge of the Sound Garden to effectively open up the Dubuque Street view corridor. The space is further defined
with accent tree lighting, a ‘threshold wall’, and new surfacing.
14 DOWNTOWN IOWA CITY . SCHEMATIC DESIGN . PEDESTRIAN MALL
Colorful shrub and groundcover plantings define seating areas.
BLACK HAWK MINI PARK
The Master Plan proposed a significant public art piece to anchor Black
Hawk Mini Park and the north entry to the Pedestrian Mall. The public artist selection process is currently underway and it is hoped final selection can be made in early 2015. The signature art piece will greatly influence the
overall design of Black Hawk Mini Park.
General strategies for the design of Black Hawk Mini Park follow.
• Create a variety of experiences that will appeal to multiple user groups.
• Design interventions should celebrate the unique history of the Black
Hawk Mini Park.
• Attract families to Black Hawk Mini Park with a play component.• Introduce new canopy trees to define and shade seating areas.• Offer a range of seating types including movable tables and chairs,
limestone seat walls, and varied benches.
15DOWNTOWN IOWA CITY . SCHEMATIC DESIGN . PEDESTRIAN MALL
WAYFINDING KIOSKS
The centerpiece of the wayfinding kiosk is the recurring “screen” of metal text. These
language compositions are fresh and contemporary while bringing additional levels of meaning and communication to the signage elements. Being composed of alphabetical forms, they reinforce the “City of Literature” distinction while allowing for a welcoming
and inclusive array of languages and messaging.
“Welcome” is woven into the screens in a broad spectrum of languages. English, Russian and Chinese represent the primary demographics. French, being the official language of the UN, was incorporated for its symbolic ties to the City of Literature designation. The
remaining languages were chosen for their aesthetic richness and variety.
From a construction standpoint, the signage elements feature metal structures atop a precast base. The text screen is comprised of a single sheet of metal while internal LED illumination provides drama within the kiosk signs. Within these signs, a lighting hierarchy
has been developed wherein the Iowa City text treatment receive primary billing via
a dramatic uplight. The map components are illuminated from within the cabinet to
provide an even glow, and the text screens receive subtle internal illumination for a third level of visual texture.
The kiosks are scaled for pedestrian use and are located at primary intersections and
decision points.
16 DOWNTOWN IOWA CITY . SCHEMATIC DESIGN . PEDESTRIAN MALL
UPDATED BENCHES
PLAINWELL, LANDSCAPE FORMS
LOG BENCHES
SEATING AND PLAY ELEMENT AT ECOLAB
BENCHMARK BENCHESEXISTING BENCHES TO REMAIN IN SELECT LOCATIONS
BIKE RACKS
FLO, LANDSCAPE FORMS
WOOD BENCHES, +/- 18’
TRAPECIO, LANDSCAPE FORMS
TRASH RECEPTACLESCARBOROUGH, LANDSCAPE FORMS
MOVEABLE TABLES + CHAIRS
BISTRO COLLECTION, FERMOB
RECYCLING SYSTEM
BIG BELLY RECYCLING SYSTEMS
SITE FURNISHINGS
17DOWNTOWN IOWA CITY . SCHEMATIC DESIGN . PEDESTRIAN MALL
LAYERS OF LIGHTING
One of the overarching goals of the schematic design phase was to introduce a flexible, multi-layered lighting framework.
To meet functional lighting requirements and to improve
efficiency, all new pedestrian lights are proposed across the
Pedestrian Mall. The four light fixtures depicted to the right are options under consideration and were installed as part of a mock-up at the north end of the Pedestrian Mall. The three
contemporary fixtures were selected due to their ability to
effectively merge the traditional with the contemporary. The
intent is to complement the City standard yet distinguish the Pedestrian Mall lighting from the larger downtown.
Low-level, warm accent lights and the soft illumination of
proposed structures enhance the Pedestrian Mall experience
and invite movement from one destination to the next. Flexibility is inherent within the framework and offers the option to vary illumination levels from one day to the next or during
events.
18 DOWNTOWN IOWA CITY . SCHEMATIC DESIGN . PEDESTRIAN MALL
OCTOBER 28, 2014DOWNTOWN IOWA CITY . SCHEMATIC DESIGN . PEDESTRIAN MALL
GENUS LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS | SCHULER SHOOK | NEUMANN MONSON ARCHITECTS | ARTHOUSE DESIGN | MMS CONSULTANTS
PUBLIC COMMENTS
PEDESTRIAN MALL UTILITIES
UTILITY ANALYSIS
WATER MAIN RELOCATION/REPLACEMENT
The existing water mains consist of an 8-inch ductile iron main along the College Street section of the Ped Mall from Clinton
Street to approximately 195 feet west of Linn Street. Installed in 1999 to replace an existing 6-inch line, this section of water main requires no upgrades or replacement. The 6-inch line from
the terminus of the above 8-inch line to Linn Street should be considered for replacement with an 8-inch ductile iron line per
the Iowa City Water Division. Records indicate the only service connection on this line is to an existing drinking fountain located east of the chess play area. Therefore it is likely the new main
can be installed in the same location as the existing line with no need to maintain the existing 6-inch line in service.
A fire hydrant is located just to the west of the Sheraton entrance at the site of proposed stage improvements.
Relocating this hydrant to the west will be required. Portions of the project are within a Leaking Underground Storage Tank
(LUST) buffer zone. This may require the use of nitrile gaskets and/or other measures to meet regulatory requirements. Soil sampling may be warranted during Design Development to
determine the proper measures.
19DOWNTOWN IOWA CITY . SCHEMATIC DESIGN . PEDESTRIAN MALL
UTILITY ANALYSIS CONTINUED
STORM SEWER CAPACITY ANALYSIS
Each sewer reach was analyzed for the five-year recurrence. Video of the sewers was reviewed to identify the many roof drain connections in order to establish the contributing drainage areas.
The storm sewer servicing the Ped Mall was divided up into four sections in order to analyze the capacity of the system for a five-year rainfall event. Using topographic data, site visits, and
historical data, drainage areas were determined for each segment of the system.
Segment 1 – 18-inch RCPThe total flow to segment 1 is 8.40 cfs. Actual capacity of the segment could not be calculated
since the upper end invert elevation was not measured because the manhole is buried in a planter. Capacity of the pipe will be greater than the runoff of 8.40 cfs at slopes greater than 0.60%. It is likely that this slope is present given that the surface elevation between the two
manholes exceeds 1.6%.
Segment 2 – 12-inch RCPThe total flow to segment 2 is 7.92 cfs. Capacity of the segment could not be determined due to the upper end invert elevation being lower than the lower end invert elevation, resulting in
negative slope.
Segment 3 – 15-inch RCPThe total flow to segment 3 is 10.53 cfs. The capacity of segment 3 is 6.55 cfs. An 18-inch pipe would have a capacity of 10.64 cfs.
Segment 4 – 24-inch RCP
The total flow to segment 4 is 24.69 cfs. The capacity of segment 4 is 33.33 cfs.
The section of 15-inch Segment 3 that is under capacity is located below the fountain structure
making construction of a replacement line challenging. Consideration should be given during Design Development whether there is a worthwhile benefit to upgrading this section at significant cost, or accepting an increased occurrence of overland flow to downstream intakes.
The section of 15-inch Segment 3 that is under capacity is located below the fountain structure
making construction of a replacement line challenging. Consideration should be given during Design Development whether there is a worthwhile benefit to upgrading this section at significant cost, or accepting an increased occurrence of overland flow to downstream intakes.
On Segment 3 there are three intakes that “tee” into the main storm sewer. No drainage
manholes are located at these connections and video shows that the 12-inch intake leads protrude significantly into the 15-inch sewer. Debris, consisting in one case of a 2x4 wedged in the sewer, were noted. It is recommended that drainage manholes be installed at the three locations
to improve hydraulics and provide maintenance access.
The existing intake to the west of the fountain will be located in the main open area in front of the proposed stage. It is recommended that this intake be relocated out of a high traffic area, likely to the north and west, and the proposed surface be suitably graded to provide positive drainage.
The entrance to the commercial space at the northeast corner of College and Dubuque is low
and poses an ongoing drainage issue. With the proposed reconstruction of the planters west of the playground, an intake is recommended in this area. The intake would connect to the existing 24-inch Segment 4. The area should be re-graded to provide positive drainage to the proposed
intake. The existing trench drains near the building entrance could be removed, eliminating a maintenance issue with leaves and debris plugging the trench drains.
The existing intake approximately 40 feet north of the entrance to the Bread Garden will need to be relocated to accommodate proposed improvements. The existing surface elevations
on the Ped Mall east of the intake are above the entrance elevation of adjacent buildings. If a significant rainfall or plugging of the sewer were to occur, there is no overland flow route and the
water could pond and reach the elevation of the building threshold before it would overflow to Linn Street. In order to convey the water overland through the Ped Mall without allowing water to enter any buildings (specifically the Bread Garden), it is recommended that during design of
the surface improvements a minimum 1.10 foot x15 foot overland flow channel (measured from the lowest building entrance elevation) be incorporated into the improvements east of the intake
draining to Linn Street.
As identified in the initial study, all lids and castings will be supplied/replaced with the standard
City of Iowa City logo.
CITY OWNED FIBER, TRAFFIC CONTROL, AND ELECTRICALThe City wishes to include conduit during construction to provide for fiber optic and traffic control installation. The proposed conduit runs are (3) 2-inch SDR 11 HDPE. Because of the multiple
phasing for the Ped Mall improvements, and the preservation of significant amounts of existing surface, trenchless installation should be considered. The flexibility in locating conduit allows
for adjustments to be made during final design and construction drawing preparation, and be coordinated with gas and electric relocations.
PRIVATE UTILITIESDiscussions regarding replacement and upgrades to private gas, electric and telecommunication
utilities have been initiated. Further work with these entities will take place during design development.