COURTHOUSE SQUARE PLANNING & URBAN …...2014/12/09  · Civic Engagement 8 Process + Participation...

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COURTHOUSE SQUARE PLANNING & URBAN DESIGN STUDY Executive Summary A summary of staff recommendations to guide the Courthouse Sector Plan Addendum update. Draft: December 5, 2014

Transcript of COURTHOUSE SQUARE PLANNING & URBAN …...2014/12/09  · Civic Engagement 8 Process + Participation...

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COURTHOUSE SQUARE PLANNING & URBAN DESIGN STUDY

Executive SummaryA summary of staff recommendations to guidethe Courthouse Sector Plan Addendum update.

Draft: December 5, 2014

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3Executive Summary - DRAFT

Contents Study Purpose 4County Board ChargeProject Team

Study Area 5

Study Elements 6

Analysis 7

Civic Engagement 8Process + ParticipationCommunication + OutreachShared VisionGuiding Principles

Concept Plan 12Overview: The Big IdeasRecommendations Circulation Circulation: Garage Level (G-1) Open Space Building Location + Height Building Use Cultural Resources Sustainability

Appendix AExpanded Recommendations & Comments Matrix

Appendix BExecutive Summary Presentation

About this Document This Executive Summary articulates the fundamental elements and recommendations for the forthcoming Courthouse Sector Plan Addendum. The conceptual ideas, described through text, maps and illustrations, will provide a framework of ideas and policy guidance that will serve as the foundation for the 2015 Addendum.

Additional information, documents and process updates can be found on the County’s website: sites.arlingtonva.us/courthouse.

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Courthouse Square Planning & Urban Design Study4

The purpose of the Courthouse Square Planning & Urban Design Study is to reimagine the County’s civic center and create a great public destination. Using a community-based process, the goal is to update the vision outlined in the 1993 Courthouse Sector Plan Addendum, which identified a state-of-the-art government center and signature public space as critical to the area’s development. This Study will result in a conceptual plan and policy recommendations that will provide a refined vision for Arlington’s future government center and serve as the basis for an addendum to the Courthouse Sector Plan.

County Board ChargeThe County Board established the Study’s Working Group on October 22, 2013 and charged the members to collaborate with staff, serve as a forum for discussion and provide advice throughout the staff-led Study.

The Charge outlines the County Board’s intention to enhance the Courthouse Metro Station Area as the County’s premier government center, including County government offices and a significant public open space. Elements within the study’s scope include circulation and parking, open space, building use, building location and design, cultural resources and sustainability. The Working Group is not expected to make specific recommendations on capital costs or operational or financial decisions related to the County Government.

Project TeamArlington County’s Department of Community Planning, Housing & Development leads the planning and urban design team. The staff members are supported by a consultant team led by Cooper Robertson & Partners. Collaborating departments include Environmental Services, Parks & Recreation and Arlington Economic Development.

All members of the community were invited to participate through hands-on workshops, surveys and feedback opportunities throughout the process. More than 1,000 residents have been actively engaged in the process thus far.

Working GroupThe Working Group met 15 times between December 2013 and November 2014. Working Group members were selected by the County Board and represent various stakeholder and community groups:

Nancy Iacomini Planning Commission Representative and Working Group ChairmanJaime Areizaga-Soto Transportation Commission RepresentativeJanel Brattland Colonial Village Civic Association RepresentativePatricia Darneille Radnor/Ft. Myer Heights Civic Association RepresentativeKenneth Fulton Clarendon-Courthouse Civic Association RepresentativeEvelyn Gee Citizen’s Advisory Commission on Housing RepresentativeJon Kinney At-large Business Community RepresentativePeter Owen At-large Community Member RepresentativeLoria Porcaro Lyon Village Civic Association RepresentativeWilliam Ross Parks and Recreation Commission RepresentativeLeonardo Sarli Commission for the Arts RepresentativeGabriel Thoumi Environment and Energy Conservation Commission Representative

Study Purpose

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5Executive Summary - DRAFT

Wilson Blvd

15th St N

Wilson Blvd

15th St N

Clarendon BlvdClarendon Blvd

Courthouse Rd

Courthouse Rd

14th St N14th St N

14th St N14th St N

Clarendon Blvd

Clarendon Blvd

N V

eitch StN

Veitch St

N V

eitch StN

Veitch St

Court SquareWest

Court SquareWest

CourthousePlaza

CourthousePlaza

LandmarkBlock

LandmarkBlock

DetentionCenter

DetentionCenter

JudicialCenter

JudicialCenter

ThomasBuildingThomasBuildingVerizon PlazaVerizon Plaza

AMC TheaterAMC Theater

Strayer BlockStrayer Block

Courthouse Tower

CourthouseTower

Study Area Boundary

The Study Area encompasses approximately 10 acres, centrally located within the Courthouse Metro Station Area. The existing properties are a mixture of privately-owned and County-owned buildings, public streets and public and private open spaces.

Four civic associations are located within the Study Area boundary: Lyon Village, Colonial Village, Radnor/Ft. Myer Heights, and Clarendon-Courthouse.

Study Area

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Courthouse Square Planning & Urban Design Study6

Specific planning and urban design elements to be addressed by the Working Group were defined in the County Board’s Charge. These same elements were used by the planning team to organize their analysis, civic engagement activities and proposed concept ideas.

CirculationAddress the overall pedestrian, bicycle and vehicular circulation network, as well as connections to the surrounding neighborhood. Define objectives to guide the future development of a detailed parking program, taking into consideration existing parking supply and demand.

Open Space Define the location and use of a public open space that will be an integral component of the County’s government center.

Building Location, Design and UseDetermine the location, height, and density of buildings in the Study Area. Incorporate the consideration of a future County office building that includes 300-400,000 sq. ft. and an appropriate floor plate.

Determine the uses of public and private buildings in the Study Area, including the types of public resources (if any) in addition to government offices that would be best fit to the site.

Affordable HousingConsider opportunities within new development sites for affordable housing. The County is committed to maximizing the number of affordable units to address the widest range of household incomes, consistent with current County housing policies and the future recommendations of the Affordable Housing Working Group. Provide specific affordable housing recommendations and strategies while maintaining a balance among a number of County priorities.

Cultural Resources Evaluate the treatment of cultural resources, including historic buildings, the “Memorial” and “Mothers’” trees, public art, and a potential cultural facility.

SustainabilityIncorporate sustainability, including building and landscape technologies, district energy, and an integrated energy master plan.

Study Elements

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7Executive Summary - DRAFT

Analysis The Study Area is well served by transit with five entrances to the Court House Metrorail Station, four bus stops and a taxi stand, however the Metro access is surrounded by heavy vehicular traffic. Pedestrian pathways are not consistent in material, condition or functionality. The main thoroughfares of Wilson & Clarendon Boulevards create several difficult points of access from the north edge where there is the heaviest vehicular, bike and pedestrian traffic.

Several parks and public plazas are within a 10 minute walking radius of the Metro station. They are diverse in scale and use. The central open space of the Study Area is currently over 70% asphalt and has one of the lowest percentages of tree canopy coverage along the Rosslyn-Ballston Corridor.

The built environment is defined by several larger buildings that surround the parking lot, ranging from 180’-210’ in height. A number of smaller, mid-20th century buildings are located on the Landmark Block. Ground floor frontages around the Square do not provide active uses. This is unlike the adjacent areas of influence along Wilson & Clarendon Boulevards to the north and within Courthouse Plaza to the west.

Detailed analysis information, reports and presentations are available on the project website at sites.arlingtonva.us/courthouse.

Transportation and Street Networks Building Heights

Parks and Open Space Underground Transportation

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Courthouse Square Planning & Urban Design Study8

Civic Engagement Process + ParticipationThe Study’s process was centered around extensive civic engagement and a robust dialogue with the Arlington community. Successful outreach efforts constructively and creatively engaged more than 1,000 community members in the process to reimagine the future of Courthouse Square.

Envision Courthouse Square is a study that will update the vision outlined in the 1993 Courthouse Sector Plan Addendum, which called for a state-of-the-art government center and signature public space. To create a vision suited for the County’s future civic center, we knew from the start that the community’s input would be our most vital ingredient.

ENVISION COURTHOUSE SQUARE

We are looking to the community to help us plan an extraordinary civic center that will not only house County government, but will provide a great public space to serve Arlingtonians for generations.

Arlington County Board Chair, Jay Fisette

We centered our process around extensive civic engagement. Together with the Arlington community, we are reimagining our future shared space.

Planning TeamArlington County’s Department of Community Planning, Housing & Development leads the planning and urban design team. They are supported by a consultant team led by Cooper Robertson & Partners. Collaborating departments include Environmental Services, Parks & Recreation and Arlington Economic Development.

Working GroupWorking Group members are selected by the County Board and represent various stakeholder and community groups. They are charged to collaborate with County sta� and provide advice to the Planning Team and County Manager about the study.

Arlington CommunityThe community plays a primary role in developing our shared vision. All members have been invited to participate in workshops and provide feedback throughout the process.

1Analysis

Our process kicked-o� with a charge from the County Board that de�ned our purpose and objectives. We used data, research and analysis to lay the foundation for a well-informed, e�ective community process.

3Design

ExplorationBuilding on what we learned, information was synthesized into a list of design principles that guided our design approach. We narrowed the initial �eld of ideas by sketching scenarios, assessing their impact and digging deeper into conversations with subject matter experts and community stakeholders.

5Shared Vision

Feedback on the big ideas will be the basis of a preferred concept in the form of a Draft Sector Plan Addendum. Further study will include reviews with commissions and stakeholders to re�ne the recommendations. Our civic engagement process will result in a shared vision that re�ects our uni�ed aspirations and transforms our civic center.

2Discovery

Our next steps heightened public participation with the �rst community workshop and survey. We welcomed a wide spectrum of participants to gain an understanding of their viewpoints, priorities, concerns and aspirations.

Big IdeasThrough our work in analysis, discovery and exploration, the �eld of ideas narrowed. We created three design concepts that captured our collective big ideas and are presenting them as a kit-of-parts for broad, public input.

Future steps beyond “envision”, will begin to “activate” and “implement” the square. Detailed studies on topics such as phasing, tra�c and environment will be required. We will continue to partner with the community as we carry our vision forward.

4

Web

Sur

vey

Web

Sur

vey

Our Process

CommunityWorkshop

April 2014

CommunityWorkshop

March 2014

WG#1

WG#2

WG#3

WG#4

Charge fromCounty Board

October 2013

CommunityWorkshop

July 2014

Community Open House

Fall 2014

Presentationto County Board

Winter 2015

WG#5

WG#6

WG#7

WG#8

WG#10

WG#11 WG

#12

WG#13

WG#9 WG

#14

you are hereThree hands-on community workshops, two interactive surveys and ongoing feedback channels throughout the process allowed for two-way communication with the community about the process, the ideas and the challenges.

Community Workshop #1 March 26, 2014Community Workshop #2 April 23, 2014Community Workshop #3 July 23, 2014Survey #1 Open online April 2 - April 14, 2014Design Concepts Survey Open at Workshop #3 and online July 29 - August 11, 2014

41%prefer outdoor garden rooms

39%prefer a pop-

up market and building

64%prefer to

relocate the entry to the elevator

43%prefer a

shared street

56%prefer a covered

promenade

43%prefer a

pedestrian path

65%prefer a gateway

treatment

40%prefer a gateway

treatment

1. Open Space Type 2. Farmer’s Market

3. Main Metro Entrance 4. 15th Street North

5. N. Uhle St. - North Segment 6. N. Uhle St. - South Segment

7. N. Veitch St./ 14th St. N. 8. 14th St. N.

Envision Courthouse Square is a study that will update the vision outlined in the 1993 Courthouse Sector Plan Addendum, which called for a state-of-the-art government center and signature public space. The planning process is centered around extensive civic engagement. Together with the Arlington community, we are reimagining our future shared space.

About the SurveyAt the third community workshop, and through a parallel online survey, the community was asked to weigh in on three draft design concepts (A, B and C). Each concept was derived from the input collected during the first two workshops, Working Group meetings and extensive site analysis.

A list 15 big ideas varied across the design concepts and participants were asked to indicate their preferred variation. Survey participants were also invited to provide comments on the design concepts and core ideas to advance. To view detailed presentations of the three concepts and complete survey data, visit the project’s website at sites.arlingtonva.us/courthouse.

The feedback collected will be used by the design team to determine the right mix of design elements and test their feasibility. The goal is to create a single, synthesized plan that carries our shared vision forward.

645survey entries

ENVISION COURTHOUSE SQUARE

Design Concepts Survey ResultsAUGUST 2014

What we heard about CIRCULATION + OPEN SPACE:

- Green space with outdoor rooms that acommodates pedestrian movement across the area

- Formal and informal gathering areas

- Large tree canopy and shade

- Design for a variety of multi-seasonal programmed and impromptu uses

- Maintain the current market and relocate to the future N. Uhle St. promenade

- Allow flexibility for an expanded, permanent market structure on the square to accommodate future needs

- Relocate the main Metro entrance to Courthouse Plaza near 15th Street N. to provide for a landmark presence, a multi-modal connection and direct access and arrival onto the square

- Use existing Metro tunnel system

- Retails 15th St. N.

- Reconfigure as a managed, shared street that accommodates multi-modal traffic and creates a comfortable pedestrian environment

- Use alternative design and paving materials to signify the Courthouse Square district and nature of the street

- Active, walkable, engaging space

- Lighting and design elements animate the space and make it feel welcoming and safe

- Consider phasing, short distance of buildings, access and loading

- Pedestrian promenade with occasional emergency vehicular access and loading/unloading for special events.

- Flexible and open spaces for markets and events

- On axis with existing north section of N. Uhle St., helps define rectilinear open space

- Accommodate loading and access for buildings

- Improved and re-graded gateway treatment

- Accessibility and access for all users

- Reconfigure as a curbless, shared street

- Accommodates all modes

- Maintains street network and slows traffic

- Paving design can complement hardscapes within the square

“Remember Arlington needs open space for future generations to enjoy. Push the envelope as wide as possible.”

A

B

C A

B

C

A

B

CA

B

C

A

BC

A

B

C

A

B

C

A

B

C

“A mix of flexible space and parklike space with a tree canopy would be better than either alone.”

“Develop the square with a balance of green lawn and trees for shade with hardscape for events.”

“(Shared Street) Need more of these in Arlington...especially around high-activity zones like farmers market, metro stop. Focus on people more than cars.”

“Connectivity in the street grid needs to be maintained.”

64workshop

submissions

581online

submissions

=

39 different neighborhoods participated

of survey participantslive in Arlington

80%

of survey participantswork in Arlington

48%

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9Executive Summary - DRAFT

Communication + OutreachUpdates on outreach events, outcomes and project documents were continuously available and shared through the project website, social media, news releases and e-newsletters. County and local media coverage in newspapers, magazines, blogs and television programs were excellent resources for keeping Arlingtonians current on the study’s progress.

In addition to engaging the general public, the planning team met with key subject matter experts and stakeholders to seek feedback during the process. A series of meetings with commissions, committees and civic associations provided focused conversations on specific topics:

Economic Development CommissionHousing CommissionHistorical Affairs and Landmark Review BoardEnvironment and Energy CommissionParks and Recreation CommissionArts CommissionUrban Forestry CommissionTransportation CommissionPlanning Commission

Transit Advisory CommitteeBicycle Advisory CommitteePedestrian Advisory CommitteeLong Range Planning CommitteeLyon Village Civic AssociationClarendon-Courthouse Civic AssociationColonial Village Civic AssociationRadnor/Ft. Myer Heights Civic Association

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Courthouse Square Planning & Urban Design Study10

Vision

Courthouse Square will be:

• The civic and cultural heart of Arlington.

• A gathering place for Arlingtonians and visitors.

• An opportunity for entertainment and activities.

• A premier address for new development.

• A place that offers a variety of experiences for the visitor, resident, and worker.

• A flexible design that is adaptable to future needs and aspirations.

• Innovative and technologically savvy.

• Timeless and simple.

• Sustainable and environmentally friendly.

• Where the revolution begins.

The shared community vision for Courthouse Square balances the viewpoints, priorities and ambitions of a wide spectrum of participants. Input from the entire Arlington community was critical to create a vision suited for the County’s new civic center and premier public space.

These unified aspirations are the foundation for Courthouse Square’s future.

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11Executive Summary - DRAFT

1. Establish an identity for the square: Courthouse Square is for everyone.

2. Create an attractive, accessible, and inclusive public space that accommodates and encourages civic discourse, and County identity.

3. Connect pedestrian circulation of Courthouse Square to improve public transit access.

4. Encourage optimal use of streets to achieve an active public realm with safe pedestrian passage.

5. Incorporate sustainability best practices throughout all aspects of the development, with particular attention paid to energy and stormwater management in line with Arlington County’s policies.Identify opportunities for efficiencies from district level energy production.

6. Accommodate public and County parking needs through means that add value to the Courthouse Square area.

7. Preserve significant views both into and out of Courthouse Square.

8. Use existing topography to celebrate the plateau, ease pedestrian movements, and create a cohesive experience of the three-dimensional opportunities of the site.

9. Maximize the opportunity to create active frontage on Courthouse Square and the surrounding area.

10. Build on the existing activities of Courthouse Square to foster 18 hour a day use throughout the week.

11. Create opportunities and infrastructure for public entertainment, public discourse, performance, and community gathering.

12. Celebrate Courthouse Square’s rich history by integrating relevant existing historic and historical elements into new design concepts.

Guiding Design Principles emerged through a collaboration between the Working Group and staff. These principles were informed by the commu-nity through the civic engagement process and are intended to provide overarching guidance for the conceptual development of future open space, buildings, circulation, cultural resources, and sustainability ele-ments in the framework plan.

Guiding Principles

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Courthouse Square Planning & Urban Design Study12

Courthouse Square Concept Plan

15TH STREET

CLARENDON BLVD

WILSON BLVD

14TH STREET

13TH STREET

N. VEITCH

STREET

N. VEITCH

STREET

N. CO

URTH

OU

SE RD

WILSON BLVD

CLARENDON BLVD

N. W

AYNE STREET

N. U

HLE STREET

N. CO

URTH

OU

SE RD

T

222

22

T

230 FT

MEMORIALRAMBLE

50 100 200ENVISION COURTHOUSE SQUARE- IILLUSTRATIVE PLAN

230

232

232

230230

218

234

230

232

234

236

232234

232 230

234

232

230

230

206

210

CIVIC, CULTURAL, AND/OR MARKET

RAIN GARDEN(DOWN TO MEZZ. LEVEL

FOLLY STAIRS/UP TOWASH. MONUMENT

VIEW/ SPEAKERS CORNER PLATFORM

PRIVATE MIXED USE:MAX 210’ TALL

PRIVATE MIXED USE:MAX 190’ TALL

DETENTION CENTER31.3K SF/ 11 STORIES

148’ TALL

JUDICIAL CENTER26K SF/ 14 STORIES

191’ TALL

COURT SQUARE EAST15K SF/ 8 STORIES

84’ TALL

PRIVATERESIDENTIAL

47.6K SF/ 21 STORIES210’ TALL

PRIVATECOMMERCIAL

40.7K SF/10 STORIES/

153’ TALL

PRIVATEHOTEL

14.7K SF8 STORIES77’ TALL

PRIVATE DEVELOPMENT/RECREATIONAL/

CULTURAL/ ENTERTAINMENT:MAX 120’ TALL

PROM

ENA

DE

METRO ARRIVAL

CAFE/TRANSIT CANOPY

1 STORY1.5 K SF15’ TALL

W/ BEACON FEATURE

PROM

ENA

DE

2100 CLARENDON31.3K SF/ 13 STORIES

157’ TALL

PRIVATECOMMERCIAL

21.5K SF/ 11 STORIES158’ TALL

PRIVATECOMMERCIAL

35K SF/ 10 STORIES/129’ TALL

PRIVATERESIDENTIAL

36K SF/19 STORIES/

190’ TALL

PRIVATECOMMERCIAL

13.5K SF8 STORIES/107’ TALL

COUNTYBUILDING/CULTURAL/

ENTERTAINMENTMAX 180’ TALL

50 100 200 ft

I

COURTHOUSE SQUARE DRAFT CONCEPT PLAN REVISED 11/19/14

KEY: PRIVATE

PUBLIC

PROPOSED

1

23

3

4

5

6

7

STUDY AREA

GOVERNMENT BUILDING

FUTURE DEVELOPMENT

89

9

9

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13Executive Summary - DRAFT

Concept Plan Overview: The Big Ideas

The Courthouse Square Concept Plan incorporates nine big ideas, or key elements, that are the foundation for an urban design framework where placemaking is a primary goal and the shared community vision for Courthouse Square can be realized. Subsequent plan recommendations in the areas of Circulation, Open Space, Buildings, Cultural Resources and Sustainability support these big ideas and complete the urban design framework.

1. 21st Century Civic SquareThe future Courthouse Square will be a network of interconnected open spaces that can support a wide variety of existing and future events. The Square will be the heart of Arlington and serve as a primary gathering space and activity center for the community. A new parking garage below the current surface parking lot will accommodate parking needs for existing and future uses in Courthouse Square.

2. Central Metro AccessMulti-modal transit accessibility is a major theme for the concept plan. A new, centrally-located Metro access point will provide a welcoming entrance and serve as a highly visible landmark for residents, workers and visitors.

3. Shared StreetsThe Square will be surrounded by diverse, walkable streetscapes that are the fundamental elements of vibrant placemaking. Shared streets within Courthouse Square will help connect open spaces to the buildings and pedestrian activities in the area. 15th Street N. and 14th Street N. are envisioned as shared streets that are uniquely designed to accommodate vehicles and transit, while providing priority to pedestrians and promoting safety.

4. Courthouse Square PromenadeThe extension of a key pedestrian connection between Wilson Boulevard and 14th Street N. will create a vibrant promenade and connect the Square both physically and visually to activities on Wilson and Clarendon Boulevards, Metro, quality open spaces, County facilities, local businesses and surrounding neighborhoods. The promenade, which will be predominantly hardscape and tree-lined, will serve as an extension of the open spaces and is an ideal location for strolling, browsing, farmer’s market stalls and participating in community events.

5. South Square Activity ZoneThe South Square Activity Zone is in a prominent location and is adjacent to 14th Street N., the future County building and the Judicial Center. Its prime location can accommodate a variety of community uses, such as an expanded farmer’s market, events and the opportunity for a vibrant civic, cultural or entertainment presence.

6. Verizon Plaza RedevelopmentThe existing Verizon Plaza has seen little use in the last several years due to its design, shadows and location. This plan realizes the plaza site as a new development that will contribute to and further the goals of Courthouse Square and help activate 14th Street N. and the Square with potential cultural, residential or office uses.

7. County BuildingA key charge for the Study was to examine the future location and building massing for a County administration building. The location of the County building adjacent to the promenade, Metro plaza and 14th Street N., and on axis with the Judicial Center, provides a prominent and dignified location with entrances located on the plaza and Square.

8. Enhanced Pedestrian Connection at N. Veitch Street and 14th Street N.An improved connection to Courthouse Plaza from the south will ease and enrich the pedestrian experience in an area with topographical challenges. This connection will be accessible to all and include elevator access, stairs and/or escalators. The arrival point will connect with the Veitch Street terrace, a proposed element in the open space network.

9. Cultural and Civic FacilitiesCultural and civic facilities would enliven and enrich the Courthouse Square experience and create a destination. A number of locations within Courthouse Square could accommodate cultural uses ranging from a museum to a performing arts venue and civic uses such as a symbolic County administration building.

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Courthouse Square Planning & Urban Design Study14

Circulation Plan

M

M

M

M

50 100 200 ft

I

COURTHOUSE SQUARE DRAFT CONCEPT PLAN REVISED 11/19/14

1.1

1.2

1.3

1.4

1.5

1.6

1.7

1.10

KE Y:E PRIMERY ST. METRO ENTRY PARKING ACCESS LOADING ACCESS

BIKE LANEBIKE STATIONBUS STATIONSHARED ST.

Y: MPRIMARY ST.

1.11

1.9

1.11

1.10

1.8

ALTERNATE PARKINGENTRY

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15Executive Summary - DRAFT

Circulation Recommendations

1

1.2

1.6

1.7

1.4

1.1 Metro Entrance • Relocate to existing elevator on the Square. 1.2 15th Street N. • Create a shared street that prioritizes pedestrians.

• Design with distinct materials, widened sidewalks and seamless paving transitions except at transit boarding area.

1.3 N. Courthouse Road • Reconfigure street to better serve bicycle traffic. • Increase pedestrian safety with traffic calming measures and enhanced crossing at Judicial Center. • Maintain access point to area from Arlington Boulevard.

1.4 14th Street N. • Create a shared street that prioritizes pedestrians.

• Design with distinct materials, widened sidewalks and seamless paving transitions except between N. Veitch and N. Uhle Streets.

• Enhance pedestrian connection with promenade.

1.5 Clarendon & Wilson Boulevards • Reconfigure street to improve the pedestrian experience:

widen sidewalks; improve pedestrian crossings.

1.6 N. Uhle Street Between Clarendon Boulevard & 15th Street N. • Create a curbless pedestrian promenade; use special paving. • Limit vehicular activity except for emergency vehicles, access for events and servicing of retail and restaurants. • Integrate flexible street furniture to enliven retail elements.

1.7 N. Uhle Street Between 15th Street N. & 14th Street N. • Create a curbless pedestrian promenade; use special paving. • Limit vehicular activity except for emergency vehicles, access for events and servicing of retail and restaurants.

1.8 Transit • Locate transit services on 15th St. N. and Wilson/Clarendon Blvds. • Include potential transit shelter and services into plaza kiosk.

1.9 Parking • Design parking garage in close collaboration with open space.

1.10 Pedestrian • Enhance existing pedestrian amenities. • Increase pedestrian entryways, access points and pathways.

1.11 Bicycle • Enhance existing bicycle amenities and pathways. • Connect to Arlington Boulevard trail. • Add bike lanes to N. Courthouse Road.

ALTERNATE PARKINGENTRY

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Courthouse Square Planning & Urban Design Study16

Circulation: Garage Level (G-1) Plan

PEDESTRIAN ROUTES

KEY:

VEHICULAR ROUTES

1.5

1.6

1.9

1.4

1.4

1.7

1.1

1.2ENTRANCE TO

METRO PLATFORM

1.3

UNDERGROUND GARAGECONNECTION

1.8

Section AA:

VEHICULAR ENTRY

ALTERNATE PARKING ENTRY

EXPLORE CONNECTION TO 2100 CLARENDON

BLVD. GARAGE

SERVICE ACCESS

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17Executive Summary - DRAFT

Circulation - Garage Level (G-1) Recommendations

DEVELOPMENT ATVERIZON PLAZA

14TH ST. N.

POSSIBLE UNDERGROUND CONNECTION

NEW COUNTY BUILDINGELEVATED ROOF GARDEN

METRO ENTRY

DEVELOPMENT AT STRAYER BLOCK

DEVELOPMENT AT LANDMARK BLOCK

15TH ST. N.

MEMORIAL TREES

POSSIBLE UNDERGROUND CONNECTION

COUNTY PARKING GARAGE

CIVIC PLAZA

EVENT SPACESUPPORT

FARMERS MARKET PAVILION

1.1 Metro Entrance • Provide direct access to the pedestrian tunnels and new garage.

1.2 15th Street N. • Connect Landmark Block parking garage to County parking garage under 15th Street N.

1.3 N. Courthouse Road • Provide access to County parking garage via entrance along N. Courthouse Road. • Provide pedestrian access between the Judicial Center and County parking garages.

1.4 14th Street N. • Connect to existing Verizon Plaza parking garage under 14th Street N. • Provide access to County parking garage via an entrance at N. Veitch Street and 14th Street N.

1.5 Clarendon & Wilson Boulevards • Preserve existing Metro entrances across Wilson Boulevard at Colonial Place.

1.6 N. Uhle Street Between Clarendon Boulevard & 15th Street N. • Preserve existing Metro entrance under Strayer Block. 1.7 N. Uhle Street Between 15th Street N. & 14th Street N. • Provide primary circulation access through the parking garage directly under N. Uhle Street. 1.8 Transit • Provide a direct connection between Metro, bus transit and the new County parking garage.

1.9 Parking • Accommodate most parking needs under the primary open space.

2100 CLARENDONBLVD.

Section AA:

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Courthouse Square Planning & Urban Design Study18

MEMORIALRAMBLE

50 100 200 ft

I

COURTHOUSE SQUARE DRAFT CONCEPT PLAN REVISED 11/19/14

2.2

2.3

2.4

2.5

2.6

Open Space Plan

KE Y:EY: PREDOMINENTLY HARDSCAPE DISTINCT OPENSPACE AREA

PREDOMINETLY SOFTSCAPE

PREDOMINANTLY HARDSCAPE

PREDOMINANTLY SOFTSCAPE

DISTINCT OPEN SPACE AREA

2.1

2.3

2.1

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19Executive Summary - DRAFT

2.4

Open Space Recommendations

2.1

2.1

2.3

2.1 Primary Open Space (North Square) • Establish two distinct natural environments; one with a lawn feature, one with trees. • Primarily utilize native trees and plants. • Protect the Memorial trees by planting a memorial grove. • Connect with a variety of activating spaces and uses.

2.2 South Square Activity Zone • Consider more active and flexible uses than the North Square. • Plan for a new market location. • Visually buffer the Verizon building. • Integrate a stormwater management feature.

2.3 N. Uhle Street Promenade • Use promenade as extension of open space by incorporating trees and plantings. • Close promenade to vehicles a majority of the time. • Provide managed loading access for farmer’s market and events. • Use flexible street furniture to enhance pedestrian environment.

2.4 Metro Plaza • Create a direct visual and physical connection to Courthouse Square, the N. Uhle Street Promenade and other transit options. • Design to add natural light to Metro tunnels and entryways.

2.5 Clarendon Boulevard Plaza • Design a cafe, kiosk or public art opportunity. • Create a terminating vista for Clarendon Blvd., N. Veitch St., and 15th Street N.

2.6 Veitch Street Terrace • Create a raised terrace above N. Veitch Street north of 14th Street N., adjacent to the County building and Courthouse Plaza. • Create a terminating vista to the south towards the south. • Improve pedestrian access from the south with stairs, elevator, and/or escalator access to the terrace.

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Courthouse Square Planning & Urban Design Study20

RAIN GARDEN(DOWN TO MEZZ. LEVEL

FOLLY STAIRS/UP TOWASH. MONUMENT

VIEW/ SPEAKERS CORNER PLATFORM

DETENTION CENTER31.3K SF/ 11 STORIES

148’ TALL

JUDICIAL CENTER26K SF/ 14 STORIES

191’ TALL

COURT SQUARE EAST15K SF/ 8 STORIES

84’ TALL

PRIVATERESIDENTIAL

47.6K SF/ 21 STORIES210’ TALL

PRIVATECOMMERCIAL

40.7K SF/10 STORIES/

153’ TALL

PRIVATEHOTEL

14.7K SF8 STORIES77’ TALL

PROM

ENA

DE

METRO ARRIVALPRO

MEN

AD

E

2100 CLARENDON31.3K SF/ 13 STORIES

157’ TALL

PRIVATECOMMERCIAL

21.5K SF/ 11 STORIES158’ TALL

PRIVATECOMMERCIAL

35K SF/ 10 STORIES/129’ TALL

PRIVATERESIDENTIAL

36K SF/19 STORIES/

190’ TALL

PRIVATECOMMERCIAL

13.5K SF8 STORIES/107’ TALL

NEW JUDICIALPLAZA ENTRY

50 100 200 ft

I

COURTHOUSE SQUARE DRAFT CONCEPT PLAN REVISED 11/19/14

3.13.2

3.3

3.43.5

3.6

3.7

KE Y:EY: PROPOSED (PUBLIC)

PRIVATE PUBLIC

ELEVATION POINTFUTURE DEVELOPMENT

Building Location and Height Plan

BUILDING ENTRANCES

SYMBOLIC GOVERNMENT AXIS

JOINT DEVELOPMENT AT COURT SQUARE WEST/THEATER SITE (3.1)

INDIVIDUAL DEVELOPMENT AT COURT SQUARE WEST & THEATER SITE (3.2 & 3.3)

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21Executive Summary - DRAFT

3.7

3.3

Building Location and Height Recommendations

3.13.1 Court Square West + Theater Site Combined - Option A • Redevelop both sites as a unified development. • Build 12-14 stories (180 ft. tall). • Design a 2-3 story rooftop terrace on east side, facing the Square. Option A for a County building location. Recommendation does not apply if 3.2 (Option B) and 3.3 are implemented.

3.2 Court Square West - Option B • Redevelop independently of adjacent theater Site as a standalone County facility. • Build 12-14 stories (180’ tall). Option B for a County building location. Recommendation does not apply if 3.1 (Option A) is implemented.

3.3 Theater Site - Option B • Redevelop independently of adjacent Court Square West. • Build 3-7 stories (45-105’ tall). • Design a rooftop terrace on east side, facing the Square. • Increase massing and height on west side of building. Recommendation does not apply if 3.1 is implemented.

3.4 Landmark Block • Redevelop block; build 16-21 stories (210’ tall). • Locate parking and service access primarily off of N. Courthouse Road. Refer to page 25 for building preservation recommendations.

3.5 Strayer Block • Redevelop block; build 16-19 stories (190’ tall). • Require off site parking.

3.6 Verizon Plaza • Redevelop block; build 4-12 stories (120’ tall).

3.7 South Square Activity Zone • Explore building a civic, market, or cultural use that can take the form of a building or structure.

3.4

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Courthouse Square Planning & Urban Design Study22

Building Use Plan

50 100 200ENVISION COURTHOUSE SQUARE- IILLUSTRATIVE PLAN

230

232

232

230230

218

234

230

234

236

232234

232 230

234

232

230

230

206

210

RAIN GARDEN(DOWN TO MEZZ. LEVEL

FOLLY STAIRS/UP TOWASH. MONUMENT

VIEW/ SPEAKERS CORNER PLATFORM

DETENTION CENTER31.3K SF/ 11 STORIES

148’ TALL

JUDICIAL CENTER26K SF/ 14 STORIES

191’ TALL

COURT SQUARE EAST15K SF/ 8 STORIES

84’ TALL

PRIVATERESIDENTIAL

47.6K SF/ 21 STORIES210’ TALL

PRIVATECOMMERCIAL

40.7K SF/10 STORIES/

153’ TALL

PRIVATEHOTEL

14.7K SF8 STORIES77’ TALL

PROM

ENA

DE

METRO ARRIVALPRO

MEN

AD

E

2100 CLARENDON31.3K SF/ 13 STORIES

157’ TALL

PRIVATECOMMERCIAL

21.5K SF/ 11 STORIES158’ TALL

PRIVATECOMMERCIAL

35K SF/ 10 STORIES/129’ TALL

PRIVATERESIDENTIAL

36K SF/19 STORIES/

190’ TALL

PRIVATECOMMERCIAL

13.5K SF8 STORIES/107’ TALL

NEW JUDICIALPLAZA ENTRY

RETAIL/ENTERTAINMENT ACTIVITY ZONE

CULTURAL/CIVIC/MARKET ACTIVITY ZONE

OPEN SPACE ACTIVITY ZONE

50 100 200 ft

I

COURTHOUSE SQUARE DRAFT CONCEPT PLAN REVISED 11/19/14

50 100 200ENVISION COURTHOUSE SQUARE- IILLUSTRATIVE PLAN

230

232

232

230230

218

234

230

234

236

232234

232 230

234

232

230

230

206

210

RAIN GARDEN(DOWN TO MEZZ. LEVEL

FOLLY STAIRS/UP TOWASH. MONUMENT

VIEW/ SPEAKERS CORNER PLATFORM

DETENTION CENTER31.3K SF/ 11 STORIES

148’ TALL

JUDICIAL CENTER26K SF/ 14 STORIES

191’ TALL

COURT SQUARE EAST15K SF/ 8 STORIES

84’ TALL

PRIVATERESIDENTIAL

47.6K SF/ 21 STORIES210’ TALL

PRIVATECOMMERCIAL

40.7K SF/10 STORIES/

153’ TALL

PRIVATEHOTEL

14.7K SF8 STORIES77’ TALL

PROM

ENA

DE

METRO ARRIVALPRO

MEN

AD

E

2100 CLARENDON31.3K SF/ 13 STORIES

157’ TALL

PRIVATECOMMERCIAL

21.5K SF/ 11 STORIES158’ TALL

PRIVATECOMMERCIAL

35K SF/ 10 STORIES/129’ TALL

PRIVATERESIDENTIAL

36K SF/19 STORIES/

190’ TALL

PRIVATECOMMERCIAL

13.5K SF8 STORIES/107’ TALL

NEW JUDICIALPLAZA ENTRY

RETAIL/ENTERTAINMENT ACTIVITY ZONE

CULTURAL/CIVIC/MARKET ACTIVITY ZONE

OPEN SPACE ACTIVITY ZONE

50 100 200 ft

I

COURTHOUSE SQUARE DRAFT CONCEPT PLAN REVISED 11/19/14

3.13.2

3.3

3.43.5

3.6

KE Y:EY: PROPOSED (PUBLIC)

PRIVATE PUBLIC

ELEVATION POINT

INDIVIDUAL DEVELOPMENT AT COURT SQUARE WEST & THEATER SITE (3.2 & 3.3)

FUTURE DEVELOPMENT

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23Executive Summary - DRAFT

Building Use Recommendations

The use of buildings within Courthouse Square will promote vibrant and active streetscapes and open spaces while allowing flexibility for the area to develop over time.

Ground floor uses will be primarily comprised of restaurant and retail uses at the northern end of the Square while cultural and civic uses will be located at the south end of the Square.

Primary building uses will allow for the flexibility to develop as either office, residential, or hotel. The unique nature of the County Administration building site will require a special development program that recognizes the possible need to consider and integrate additional uses.

Affordable housing opportunities exist within new development sites in Courthouse Square. The County is committed to maximizing the number of affordable units to address the widest range of household incomes, consistent with current County housing policies and the future recommendations of the Affordable Housing Working Group. Specific affordable housing recommendations will be part of the Courthouse Sector Plan Addendum, which will provide recommended implementation strategies.

3.1 Court Square West + Theater Site Combined - Option A for County building • Ground floor: theater portion on Courthouse Plaza to include cultural, civic, entertainment and retail uses; Court Square West portion to include civic and/or cultural uses. • Primary building use: theater site portion to include entertainment, retail and cultural uses; Court Square West portion to include County and cultural uses.

3.2 Court Square West – Option B for County building • Ground floor: primarily civic and/or cultural uses. • Primary building use: County administration building.

3.3 Theater Site - recommendation does not apply if 3.1 (Option A for County building) is implemented. • Cultural, civic, entertainment development would occur on County-owned land. • Ground floor: entertainment, retail and/or cultural uses. • Primary building use: entertainment, retail and/or cultural uses.

3.4 Landmark Block • Ground floor: retail and restaurant uses; include service entries. • Primary building use: office, residential, or hotel uses.

3.5 Strayer Block • Ground floor: retail and restaurant uses; include service entries. • Primary building use: office, residential, or hotel uses.

3.6 Verizon Plaza • Ground floor: retail and/or cultural uses. • Primary building use: office or residential uses.

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Courthouse Square Planning & Urban Design Study24

T

50 100 200 ft

I

COURTHOUSE SQUARE DRAFT CONCEPT PLAN REVISED 11/19/14

4.4

4.4

4.5

4.6

4.6

4.6

4.6

4.3

4.2

4.1

KE Y: FARMERS MARKET

ANTIQUE MARKET

VIEWS TO THE WASHINGTON MONUMENT

PUBLIC ART OPPORTUNITY

HISTORIC TREE

HISTORIC FACADES

Cultural Resources Plan

KEY PUBLIC ART OPPORTUNITIES

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25Executive Summary - DRAFT

4.4

4.2

4.3

4.1

Cultural Resources Recommendations

4.1 Public Art • Integrate public art into the design of infrastructure, open space and buildings within Courthouse Square. • Public art could also take the form of rotating art installations, interactive displays and integration with wayfinding or sustainable strategies and environmental education. 4.2 Memorial Trees • Preserve the Mother (notable) and Soldier trees and markers; incorporate them into a memorial grove. • Limit soil disturbance above and below grade.

4.3 Farmer’s Market • Build a market structure along the southern end of the Square to enhance the existing pop-up farmers’ market. • Design the building for multiple, flexible uses.

4.4 Historic Preservation Subject to structural, economic, design and economic feasibility analyses, the potential relocation and reuse of historic buildings and facades could preserve the County’s last remaining example of its historic Lawyer’s Row along with mid-century commercial buildings located in the Landmark Block. To the extent possible as redevelopment occurs:

• Preserve historic resources found on the Landmark Block: • First Federal Savings & Loan façades and interior floor/wall clock (Cosi) • Conklyn Building façade (Boston Market) • 2042-2044 Clarendon Boulevard facades • Investment Building façade • Explore the relocation and repurposing of the Simmonds Building (last remaining example of historic Lawyer’s Row, currently Jerry’s Subs) elsewhere in the Study Area.

4.5 Views • Preserve and enhance views to the Washington Monument.

4.6 Cultural/Civic Facility • Establish a cultural or civic facility within the Study Area. • Possible uses include: • Visitor center • Performing arts • Living heritage center • Library

Refer to Building Location, Design and Use recommendations, pages 20-23, for more information.

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Courthouse Square Planning & Urban Design Study26

Sustainability Plan

50 100 200ENVISION COURTHOUSE SQUARE- IILLUSTRATIVE PLAN

CIVIC, CULTURAL, AND/OR MARKET

PRIVATE MIXED USE:MAX 210’ TALL

PRIVATE MIXED USE:MAX 190’ TALL

PRIVATE DEVELOPMENT/RECREATIONAL/

CULTURAL/ ENTERTAINMENT:MAX 120’ TALL

COUNTYBUILDING/CULTURAL/

ENTERTAINMENTMAX 180’ TALL

230

232

232

230230

218

234

230

234

236

232234

232 230

234

232

230

230

206

210

DETENTION CENTER31.3K SF/ 11 STORIES

148’ TALL

JUDICIAL CENTER26K SF/ 14 STORIES

191’ TALL

COURT SQUARE EAST15K SF/ 8 STORIES

84’ TALL

PRIVATERESIDENTIAL

47.6K SF/ 21 STORIES210’ TALL

PRIVATECOMMERCIAL

40.7K SF/10 STORIES/

153’ TALL

PRIVATEHOTEL

14.7K SF8 STORIES77’ TALL

PROM

ENA

DE

METRO ARRIVALPRO

MEN

AD

E

2100 CLARENDON31.3K SF/ 13 STORIES

157’ TALL

PRIVATECOMMERCIAL

21.5K SF/ 11 STORIES158’ TALL

PRIVATECOMMERCIAL

35K SF/ 10 STORIES/129’ TALL

PRIVATERESIDENTIAL

36K SF/19 STORIES/

190’ TALL

PRIVATECOMMERCIAL

13.5K SF8 STORIES/107’ TALL

NEW JUDICIALPLAZA ENTRY

50 100 200 ft

I

COURTHOUSE SQUARE DRAFT CONCEPT PLAN REVISED 11/19/14

INTEGRATE STORMWATERMANAGEMENT FEATURE

RECOMMEND BIOINFILTRATION/TREE PITS

CONSIDER BIOINFILTRATION/TREE PITS

REDUCE IMPERVIOUS SURFACES

EXISTING AND FUTURE PUBLIC BUILDINGS ANALYZED IN THE IEMP

EXISTING AND FUTURE PRIVATE BUILD-INGS ANALYZED IN THE IEMP

KEY:

STORMWATER INTEGRATED ENERGY MASTER PLAN (IEMP)

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27Executive Summary - DRAFT

A wholistic approach to sustainability embeds sustainable recommendations within the circulation, open space, building and cultural resource elements of the concept plan. The sustainabilitiy vision will address:

Health and Wellness - support health and wellness with healthy, high-performance buildings and abundant green open space.

Ecology - restore ecological health with native plantings, tree canopy, reduced light pollution, and heat island reduction strategies.

Economics - evaluate upfront costs, ongoing maintenance, and any potential long term cost savings to optimize environmental and social benefits and economics of sustainable projects.

Social - integrate sustainable strategies with art and environmental education.

Materials - select durable materials and salvage and reuse materials where possible.

5.1 Integrated Energy Master Plan (IEMP) • Use the IEMP to implement the Community Energy Plan’s goals of reducing energy costs, improving energy security and minimizing greenhouse gas emissions. • Additional areas outside of the Courthouse Square Study Area should be considered for incorporation into the Integrated Energy Master Plan. • Include targets for energy efficiency, district energy, and renewable energy. • Identify potential location in the G-1 level of the parking garage or in a new building mechanical room for central district energy plant. • Final recommendations will be included in the Sector Plan Addendum.

5.2 Stormwater Management • Support the goals of the Stormwater Master Plan and showcase innovative stormwater management strategies. • Increase vegetated areas to reduce impervious cover. • Feature a central stormwater management feature in the Square. • Integrate tree pits and bio-infiltration. • Final recommendations will be included in the Sector Plan Addendum.

Sustainability Recommendations

5.1

5.1

5.2

5.2

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sites.arlingtonva.us/courthouse