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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDowntown Design Plans CITY OF PRIOR LAKE DOWNTOWN DESIGN PLAN GOALS The goal of the Downtown Design Plan is to create an identifiable town center, emphasizing a diversity of uses and creating a sense of "place" for the citizens of Prior Lake. The design of the downtown is intended to personify a traditional small town "Main Street". The scale and architectural qualities of the buildings are comfortable an inviting to pedestrian activities. The location of City Hall and the new library/dance studio can be used to facilitate the creation of a public square, which can accommodate a variety of uses in all seasons, such as Lakefront Days activities, small concerts, and informal gathering places for employees, patrons and residents of the downtown area. The street frontages in downtown, specifically along Main Avenue, should be pedestrian friendly, which would include wider sidewalks, narrower streets, and on-street parking. The design of this area should include streetscaping concepts such as banners, lighting, street furniture and landscaping or plantings. There are two components to the Downtown Design Plan. The first component involves improvements to the public right-of-way, often known as the "streetscape" component of the plan.. Elements of the streetscape component include streets, trees, lighting and parking. Figure I illustrates these elements. The second component of the plan involves the design of buildings. This component includes building location, building materials, architectural features and signage. Each of these components is discussed below. STREETSCAPING The term "streetscape" generally refers to elements of the public domain, such as streets, trees, sidewalks, parking and lighting. A typical streetscape has four distinct elements. These elements are: 1. Traffic lanes 2. Parking lanes 3. Streetscape amenities 4. Pedestrian lanes rl ~ The design of the traffic lanes must be primarily determined by engineering standards; however, the area along Main Avenue should typically provide two driving lanes and angled parking. The angled parking provides convenient, short term stalls, helps reduce traffic speeds, and provides a buffer between vehicular traffic and pedestrians. Streetscape amenities provide an additional buffer between vehicles and pedestrians. These amenities include street trees, planters and other landscaping, benches, lighting and banners. Plant materials can enhance the image and contribute to the visual continuity of the streetscape. A primary consideration in choosing street trees includes identifying trees with high branching characteristics that will not screen signage and building entrances. Seasonal and ornamental plantings should be used in decorative planters that can be easily maintained. Benches and other street furniture should be both functional and appropriate to the overall design of the area. Benches, for example, may be appropriate near restaurants or other similar uses. It is important that the placement of street furniture does not obstruct either the pedestrian or vehicular traffic. The design of street furniture should maintain the traditional feel of the area. The design may incorporate the features of the ornamental railings on the CSAH 21 bridge. Lighting in the downtown area should provide adequate levels of illumination but should not be of an intensity that provides obtrusive glare. The lighting standards should also reflect a more traditional style. The lighting standards used on the CSAH 21 bridge, shown on Figure 2, may be carried into the downtown area. Using these elements creates a unifying theme that can be carried throughout the City. Banners are an additional feature which can be used to enhance the downtown area. These banners may be seasonal or may promote the City or City events. The banners should not be used for commercial advertising, Banners should be located, if possible, on the light standards. The pedestrian lane is the area that facilitates the movement of pedestrians in the downtown area. This lane should remain free of obstruction, but may be enhanced through the use of decorative pavers. The design ofthe pavers can also be carried throughout the City. BUILDING DESIGN Building design involves not only architectural features and materials, but location and size ofthe building. Building design also includes accessory features such as signage and awnings. Figure 3 illustrates some of the elements of building design. To promote the pedestrian friendly atmosphere, buildings may be located with a 0' front yard setback. and a 0' side yard setback. The scale of the buildings should maintain the traditional Main Street character, and be no more than 2-3 stories in height. The architectural style of the buildings should also continue the traditional theme and maintain the pedestrian friendly atmosphere. Preferred building materials include brick and stone, especially those varieties native to the area. Other commercial grade materials are allowed only as accent features ion the design of the building. The buildings should also provide a diversity of form, such as concave entrances, detailing materials and fixtures, and other treatments that architecturally distinguish a building. Pitched and flat roofs are also allowed. Flat roofs must incorporate a parapet along the facades facing any public streets. Pitched roofs must complement the overall style and scale of the building. Any rooftop equipment must be screened. Buildings should not provide long expanses of blank, nonarticulated facades. The street level, or pedestrian level, of the buildings should be predominantly transparent, with storefront windows. Punched windows are strongly encouraged. The windows should incorporate a clear glazing; reflective glass is discouraged in any portion of the building. Awnings may be permitted on facades that face public streets. Fabric awning awnings are encouraged. Plastic, wood, or metal awnings should not be permitted. Awnings should have a consistent color and pattern scheme, and should complement awnings on adjacent buildings. Signage should be limited to one sign per primary facade of the building. The total area ofthe signage may not exceed 20% ofthe building facade. The sign may be distinctive, but must complement the overall architectural character of the building. Roofmounted signs are not permitted. Special Banners: , . Village identification . PromotionaUSeasonal Street Furniture: . Benches . Trash receptacle . Seasonal planters ~ Parking Lane FIGURE 1 . Uniform species . Consistent spacing t Slreetscapel Amenity Zone: 5'-0. minimum Pedestrian Zone: 4'0. minimum '-' z ::::i <t n::: --1 <{ I- W 2 I . I I - ~-~_II J--' -'--\ I \ I . ,\ \ \ I I \ I \ I \ I I \ \ I \ I I 111_ - --1 1- ~ L L~ :: II Z \ II OW II -" I I I-- C I I <(- I I > a: II ~ m II W"" I I -.J C\I I I <( J: I I a: <C I I II ~ ~. . I Il_t- W ---1 If- -_~ k CJ I -,- ! I I L -~-- I I I I I /' I I' I I I I I I I I I I Lf-- - -1-[-.-- -,/- I 1 . t \ " --1 <t I- ~+= Z n::: o l ~" , , , " ", " C\I w a: :) CJ - LL aJ-=.- (, z ::::i <{ n::: I L caUl W I- W n:: U z n Cl FIGURE 3 General Design Principles - Examples: Architectural Character: Pedestrian friendly scale, traditional, historical qualities. Articulation: Includes architectural details, recessed entrances, etc. Awnings and Canopies: Provide weather protection for pedestrians and repetition of form among buildings. Building Materials: Accentuates traditional, historical qualities - incorporation of brick or stone as primary building material is preferred. Modulation: Articulation of facades, repetition of details, rhythm of proportions (length of facade, windows, etc.). Proportion: Structure complements adjacent buildings in height, massing, and overall scale of elements Alignment: Includes horizontal arrangement of details, such as accent banding, windows, awnings, etc. Fenestration: Transparency of facade at pedestrian level (large window openings), punched window openings, ete General Design Principles- Examples: Specialty Equipment: Proper screening of technology hardware and other equipment. Signage: Complimentary to the building character, proportional to facade, limited to one primary sign, etc.