Salem Final Project_two page spread

Salem Undercrossing StudyARCH 431/531 • Community Design • Michael Fifield • Winter 2015

Jenna Mogstad

Ross Peizer

Joseph Merrill

Bjorn Griepenburg

Monique Figueroa

Spencer Emerick

Kinsey Johnson

Efrain Vergara

Masters of Architecture

Bachelors of Architecture

Masters of Community and Regional Planning

Bachelors in Product Design

Bachelors of Architecture

Bachelors of Interior Architecture

Masters of Community and Regional Planning

Masters of Architecture

2 3

Acknowledgments

The authors wish to acknowledge and thank the City of Salem for making this project possible. Specifically, we would like to thank the following City Staff for their assistance and contributions that were vital to the completion of this report.

Annie Gorski – Senior Project Manager, Urban DevelopmentTory Banford – Management Analyst, Urban DevelopmentJulie Warnke – Public WorksCourtney Busch – Strategic Initiatives ManagerEunice Kim – Planner

We would also like to acknowledge Professor Michael Fifield for his instruction and guidance both in this Community Design course and on the project. Thanks to both Michael and SCI for partnering the course and the Salem project. We appreciated the chance to work on a truly multi-disciplinary team for this project.

4 5

About SCI About Salem, Oregon

SCI Directors and Staff

About SCYP

The Sustainable Cities Initiative (SCI) is a cross-disciplinary organization at the University of Oregon that promotes education, service, public outreach, and research on the design and development of sustainable cities. We are redefining higher education for the public good and catalyzing community change toward sustainability. Our work addresses sustainability at multiple scales and emerges from the conviction that creating the sustainable city cannot happen within any single discipline. SCI is grounded in cross-disciplinary engagement as the key strategy for improving community sustainability. Our work connects student energy, faculty experience, and community needs to produce innovative, tangible solutions for the creation of a sustainable society.

The Sustainable City Year Program (SCYP) is a year-long partnership between SCI and one city in Oregon, in which students and faculty in courses from across the university collaborate with the partner city on sustainability and livability projects. SCYP faculty and students work in collaboration with staff from the partner city through a variety of studio projects and service-learning courses to provide students with real-world projects to investigate. Students bring energy, enthusiasm, and innovative approaches to difficult, persistent problems. SCYP’s primary value derives from collaborations resulting in on-the-ground impact and expanded conversations for a community ready to transition to a more sustainable and livable future. SCY 2011-12 includes courses in Architecture; Arts and Administration; Business; Economics; Journalism; Landscape Architecture; Law; Oregon Leadership in Sustainability; and Planning, Public Policy, and Management.

Marc Schlossberg, SCI Co-Director and Associate Professor of Planning, Public Policy, and Management Nico Larco, SCI Co-Director and Associate Professor of ArchitectureBob Choquette, SCY Program Manager

Salem, the capital city of Oregon and its third largest city (population 157,000, with 383,000 residents in the metropolitan area), lies in the center of the lush Willamette River valley, 47 miles from Portland. Salem is located an hour from the Cascade mountains to the east and ocean beaches to the west. Thriving businesses abound in Salem and benefit from economic diversity. The downtown has been recognized as one of the region’s most vital retail centers for a community of its size. Salem has retained its vital core and continues to be supported by strong and vibrant historic neighborhoods, the campus-like Capitol Mall, Salem Regional Hospital, and Willamette University. Salem offers a wide array of restaurants, hotels, and tourist attractions, ranging from historic sites and museums to events that appeal to a wide variety of interests. 1,869 acres of park land invite residents and visitors alike to enjoy the outdoors.

6 7

Table of ContentsProject Introduction ............................................................................................ Page 9

Context ............................................................................................................. Page13

Executive Summary ........................................................................................... Page 8

Supporting Plans and Policies ......................................................................... Page 15

Why Public Spaces Fail/Are Successful ........................................................... Page 21

Aspirations and Character ............................................................................... Page 40

Fourth Avenue Undercrossing Case Study ...................................................... Page 26Greenbelt Undercrossing Case Study ............................................................. Page 2818th Street Railroad Undercrossing Case Study ............................................. Page 30Lincoln Corridor Undercrossing Case Study .................................................... Page 32Homer Avenue Caltrain Undercrossing Case Study ........................................ Page 34

Elements Matrix ............................................................................................... Page 25

Second Street Woonerf Concept ...................................................................... Page 41

Incorporating History into Undercrossing Design ............................................. Page 38

Design Master Plan .......................................................................................... Page 42Park Space Rendering ..................................................................................... Page 43Undercrossing Rendering ................................................................................ Page 44

Street Cross Section ........................................................................................ Page 46Multi-use Pathway Rendering .......................................................................... Page 45

Potential Business Suggestions ....................................................................... Page 47

Conclusion ....................................................................................................... Page 50

Sources ............................................................................................................ Page 54

Context, Plans, & Policies

Case Studies and Lessons Learned

Redesign Conceptual Renderings

Conclusion

Sources

8 9

Project IntroductionExecutive SummaryIn the winter term of 2015, undergraduate and graduate students at the University of Oregon developed plans for how to make a future undercrossing in West Salem both a functional and desirable place that can help revitalize a transforming industrial part of town.

Under the direction of Professor Michael Fifield, a multi-disciplinary team of eight students in the University of Oregon Department of Architecture and Allied Arts Community Design course reviewed and examined plans for an undercrossing in West Salem. Their task was to come up with recommendations for a future connection between 2nd Street NW and the Union Street Railroad Bridge Path that would function as a strong destination and key node.

The following report cites relevant policies and plans that support the project and its importance. Research on the functionality of public spaces—and in particular, undercrossings—inform the possibilities. Included in the lessons learned are elements that make public spaces both successful and unsuccessful.

Ultimately, the renderings presented in this project convey the careful consideration of design elements—such as materials, street dimensions, landscaping, and lighting, to name a few—that create a successful underpass and, more importantly, catalyze development in an emerging neighborhood.

West Salem has a unique history and is making plans to hopefully become the natural extension from downtown Salem. Some current obstacles in connecting West Salem are busy roads including Wallace Road. The Union Street Bridge path currently dead ends at Wallace and people walking and bicycling are left abandoned by the network. Creating an undercrossing at Wallace makes sense as the west side of Wallace is transitioning from industrial uses to possibly more “craft industrial” which would attract people to new shops and restaurants. A undercrossing is not always seen as a desirable or welcoming feature of a city.

The following report addresses ways that an undercrossing can actually be a desirable place that welcomes people to a neighborhood. The report features case studies of successful undercrossings and the elements that make public spaces both successful and unsuccessful. The conceptual renderings represent original student work based on the specifics of the future undercrossing provided by Salem staff and consultants working on the project. The renderings aim to show what the undercrossing could look like and help alleviate concerns of a dark and scary place. This undercrossing has potential to provide a new sense of place in West Salem while also incorporating elements of West Salem’s history and providing a much needed connection especially for people walking and bicycling.

This undercrossing in Salem, OR, demonstrates common design issues that make people weary of marginal spaces. The case studies outlined serve as exemplary projects and will help inform and build community support for the conceptual design of a new undercrossing in West Salem.

10

Context, Plans, & Policies

12 13

Context

Wallace Road NW currently acts as a major impediment to pedestrian and bicycle circulation, especially for those traveling to or from the Union Street Bridge Path. Under current conditions, those traveling between the west side of Wallace Road at 2nd Street and Union Street Bridge must travel nearly one-quarter mile along Wallace Road via Taggart Drive, or nearly one-third of a mile to cross at Edgewater Street NW via Musgrave Avenue NW.

The map on the left highlights the importance of a separated-grade crossing at 2nd Street NW and Wallace Road NW. Establishing a bicycle and pedestrian-oriented connection with the Union Street Bridge Path would fill a major gap in the two networks.

In order to further increase circulation in the area, the City is considering creating new connections that would establish a grid pattern where blocks are elongated or disjointed. Among these new connections are Bartell Road, which would be extended to connect with the Union Street Bridge Path, and Taggart Lane, which would connect 2nd Street NW with Taggart Drive.

Some of these enhancements and connections are included in the Salem Transportation System Plan as high-priority bicycle and pedestrian projects.

Circulation

14 15

Supporting Plans and PoliciesThe City of Salem has clearly identified West Salem as a priority through many plans over the years. The current plans and policies in the works as well as guiding documents support improvements to make West Salem more livable through the creation of an undercrossing as outlined in this report.The following are some of the supporting plans and their focus, purposes and vision that support and would work in partnership with the undercrossing presented in this report for West Salem.

Developing a multi-year plan to incentivize private development and plan needed infrastructure to support redevelopment in the commercial and industrial areas of the West Salem Urban Renewal Area. A preliminary Action Plan recommendation includes construction of an undercrossing of Wallace Road, and other street connections, to serve as development catalyst and provide key east-west connection for all transportation modes.

Sustainable Cities Initiative Targeted Site Development: Second Street Corridor (2011)

Edgewater/Second Street Redevelopment Action Plan (2010)

• Focused on Second Street from Rosemont to Patterson and found the area has the right infrastructure and character to become a vibrant neighborhood commercial center• Proposal suggests ways to create a lively destination for the region and a point of pride for West Salem; a vibrant, walkable, bike-able and multi-modal mixed use district and an inviting, prosperous, and livable community, accessible to all residents

• Focused on Edgewater/Second Street Area• Vision is the evolution of the Edgewater/Second Street Area into a mixed-use, pedestrian-oriented district with a “main street” feel and a wide range of neighborhood amenities with increased local and regional connectivity – in particular, connections to downtown Salem and the riverfront

West Salem Business District Action Plan Draft (2014)

West Salem Urban Renewal Area Plans include:

• Union Street Bridge Path Extension: Patterson Ave NW to Wallace Rd NW• Family-Friendly Bike way: Patterson Ave NW to Rosemont Ave NW• Wallace Road NW Path: 2nd St NW to Taggart Dr

• Union Street Bridge Path Extension: Patterson Ave NW to Wallace Rd NW• Wallace Road NW Path: 2nd St NW to Taggart Dr• Musgrave Lane NW Connector: Union Street Bridge Path to Musgrave Lane NW• Intersection Improvements: Wallace Rd NW at Edgewater St NW

Edgewater Street NW and Wallace Road NW—which carry 7,300 and 41,000 in Average Daily Traffic near the study area, respectively—currently serve as the primary commercial corridors in the area. Whereas each of these corridors—especially Wallace Road—are automobile-oriented, 2nd Street NW could serve as the preferred bike and pedestrian corridor, especially if appropriate traffic calming measures and the high-priority bicycle and pedestrian projects are implemented.

Recommended Tier I Bicycle Projects Include:

Scale

Recommended Tier I Pedestrian Projects Include:

Salem Business District Action Plan, Leland Consulting Group

Bike Boulevard Woonerf

16 17

West Salem Urban Renewal Plan (2001)

Edgewater District Neighborhood Environment Evaluation Design Study (1997)

• Purpose is to invest in key locations and opportunity sites and improve specific, designated geographic areas of a city. The Plan describes the proposed activities and projects, the relationship to local objectives, planned land uses, processes for property acquisition and land disposition, financing methods and maximum bonded indebtedness allowed under the plan, and procedures for amendment to the Plan.• Vision includes, eliminating blighted conditions so unused and underused properties can be placed in more productive condition; providing for new housing units in livable mixed-income neighborhoods.

• Purpose is to involve citizens in a positive process to discuss and engage in basics of land use planning and urban design, through charrettes, to improve their neighborhoods.• Vision includes a variety of uses (industrial, retail and commercial), a self-contained community (live and work here), retain historic look and feel and small town atmosphere, establish theme

West Salem Gateway Area Refinement Plan (2005, 2006)

West Salem Neighborhood Plan (2004)

Edgewater Overlay Zone (2002)

• Focused on transportation and land use refinement plan for approximately 22 acres at entrance to West Salem from Marion Street bridge. The area extends west to Murlark, north to Bassett and just east of Wallace. • Vision includes the preferred alternative for the Gateway Area of West Salem as a re-developed, reinvested and re-invigorated commercial node anchored by a larger general merchandiser; complimented with a compatible and market-supportable array of neighborhood-scale retail enterprises.

• Purpose is to help guide future development in light of resident, business and property owners’ concerns and protect and enhance livability within West Salem.• Land Use, Urban Design, and Housing: Older neighborhoods will preserve their historic heritage and unique character, whereas new neighborhoods will have their own identities, and may include desirable aspects of other neighborhoods. Commercial and industrial areas will be designed as neighborhood assets inviting people to live near shopping, services and employment.• Transportation and Public Facilities: Residents should have safe and easy access to employment, recreational, cultural and education services, and other daily needs. Some level of traffic congestion is expected, but it should be safe and pleasant to get around West Salem by walking, bicycling, public transit, and private automobile.• Edgewater Street – Wallace Road Planning Area: Oriented to the pedestrian, provide accessibility to transit and major roads, and there should be connectivity with the surrounding neighborhood, while still accommodating the use of the automobile.

• Purpose is Chapter 143D of the Salem Revised Code sets forth development standards to guide development, redevelopment and changes of land use within the overlay zone.• Vision of the overlay zone generally speaks to pedestrian-oriented buildings along the Edgewater Street and Wallace Road rights-of-way, requirements for pedestrian access and scale of development, development density, and sign controls.

Previous West Salem Focused Studies and Plans include:

18

Case Studies & Lessons Learned

20 21

The following section highlights underpasses from around the United States that play a key role as a connection between two places including neighborhoods, shopping districts, transit, schools, and parks.

The underpasses range in scale and cost but all provide a sense of place that did not previously exist. The examples all improve the experience for people walking, bicycling, and using public transit, in addition to those driving.

A sense of place can be created through public art, landscaping, plaza spaces, and materials used including lighting, pavement, tile, wood, and steel. The underpasses serve as a transitions between or within neighborhoods, but go beyond utility to make the experience fun, memorable, and inviting.

22 23

Lack of good places to sit. No provision for shade or poorly located seating.

Lack of gathering points and socially awkward seating arrangements.

Poor entrances and visually inaccessible spaces (barriers).

Dysfunctional features orambiguous sculptures that serve a visual rather than a functional purpose.

Why Public Spaces Fail

Blank walls or ‘dead zones’ around the edges of the space.

Inconveniently located transit stops.

Why Public Spaces FailPaths that do not follow desire lines.

Automobile-oriented design.Uninhabitable sidewalks, lack of cross-walks, streets that are too wide, or lack of sidewalks.

24 25

The four key attributes of a place can be analyzed by it’s INTUITIVE or QUALITATIVE (intangible) aspects and also by it’s QUANTITATIVE (measurable)aspects.

ACCESS AND LINKAGES:Visual and physical connections and ease of access.

COMFORT AND IMAGE:Perception of safety and cleanliness. Sense of safety can be achived by orienting buidings toward a central space or by simply attracting people to the space and using effective seating arrangements.

USES AND ACTIVITIES:Providing people with something to do will give them a reason to spend time in the space.

SOCIABILITY:Create a space where people feel comfortable interacting. In doing so, the space will foster a sense of community.

What Makes Public Spaces Successful Elements Matrix

26 27

History and Context• The original Fourth Avenue undercrossing was renovated to accommodate pedestrians, bicyclists, streetcars and automobiles. Previously it could not accommodate streetcars and did not provide a friendly environment for pedestrians and bicyclists. • The undercrossing connects downtown Tucson to the Fourth Avenue District.• The renovation cost $26 million.

Architect • Aleks Istanbullu

Design Principles• Separates bicycles, pedestrians, automobiles and public transit in a safe and aesthetically pleasing way through trees, pavement treatments, and railing materials.• The architecture of the corten steel structure and wood floor of the pedestrian bridge pays respect to turn of the century railroad bridges.

Scale• Bicyclists, pedestrians, automobiles, and public transit (streetcars).• Extra wide 20’ walkway along one side of the undercrossing

BEFORE

AFTER

AFTER

Fourth Ave. Undercrossing in Tucson, Arizona

AFTER

CONCEPTCirculation System• Key connection between downtown Tucson and Fourth Avenue, which is a main commercial street and leads to the University of Arizona.

Public & Private Spaces• Open and airy plaza space makes this undercrossing less scary.

Distinguishing Features• Streetcar revival.• Public art – The Tucson Portrait Project features 7,000 portraits of Tucsonan’s and were printed on tile and set in the undercrossing. The portraits represent a cross section of the City of Tucson and create a sense of place and ownership in what was a marginal space.

28 29

Greenbelt in Boise, IdahoHistory & Context

Design Principles

Scale

Circulation Systems

The Boise River Greenbelt path serves as an alternative transportation route spanning 25 miles along the waterfront connecting the city center, the university, and many of Boise’s beloved riverside parks. The planning for Greenbelt started in 1964 and the city started acquiring land along the river to form the continuous paved belt. Roughly 50% of Greenbelt users use the path daily.

• Minimum setback of 70ft for all structures and parking designated areas.• Distance and Orientation Trail System (DOTS) notify user distance from pedestrian bridge along belt• Lush naturally lit tree-lined pathway with scenic views and wildlife habitat• Links community to one circulation system• Variety of uses: biking, hiking, commuting, walking, working out

• Pedestrian and Cyclist only roughly 50/50 • Spans 25 miles – more than 25% usually travel 10+ miles on Greenbelt• More than a 1,000 visitors a day on weekends & more than 500 on weekdays

• Over half of walking users drive to the Greenbelt for its use• Multiple access points along Greenbelt

Distinguishing Features

Public & Private Places

• Variety of uses and ways to reach the belt• Directional signage use (way finding), to public places off Greenbelt could be improved though• Connects many important parts of the community• Over 90% of surveyed users felt safe on the Greenbelt• #1 improvement suggested is surface improve

• Mostly public use, to commute, bike, walk, workout, see nature; open 7 days a week

30 31

History and Context• “Light Rails” is a permanent LED light art installation in Birmingham, Alabama by artist Bill FitzGibbons• The spectrum of colors illuminate the undercrossing at 18th street in downtown Birmingham, adding artistic life to the community. • The project is the first of many public light art installations to come for Birmingham’s city center.

Design Principles• The project uses thousands of LED’s and 250 computerized units that can each be programmed separately. There are 16 million color options in the light fixtures.• The intention with this kind of visual display is to draw the eye with a vibrant, playful, inviting, and attractive architectural landscape.• Brings light and energy to an otherwise dull walkway, providing a colorful, uplifting and playful experience for passersby.

Scale• Pedestrians and automobiles.

Circulation System• Connects Railroad Park to North Downtown Birmingham.

Public & Private Spaces• Lighting turns what was a dark public space into a desirable place to pass through on the way to a reinvented park and contributes to a downtown renaissance.

Distinguishing Features• Combination of a classic viaduct with modern elements to attract people to the revived area of downtown.• Lighting.

18th Street Railroad Undercrossing in Birmingham, Alabama

32 33

Lincoln Corridor in Fort Collins, Colorado

• Located in the historic district • Bordered by the Poudre River and Trail on the West side • Mixed-use including commercial, industrial, and some residential

• Multi-modal with a strong emphasis on being pedestrian and bike friendly

• Improve multi-modal mobility• Improve Safety• Create active street environment• Enhance appearance• Incorporate sustainable street design practices

• The extensive use of vegetation as a buffer between the different transportation zones• The emphasis on the pedestrian zone. • Use of the street as a catalyst for improved future development in the area

• There will be opportunities for private gathering spaces on along the sidewalk edges with seating installments

• Pedestrian, bicycle, and auto

History and Context

Circulation System

Public and Private Spaces

Scale

Design Principles

Distinguishing Features

• Creating a street with a unique identity.• Reflecting the rich history and culture of the area.• Enhancing existing neighborhoods.• Improving the mobility, safety, and experience for bicyclists, pedestrians, transit users, and vehicles.• Celebrating, protecting, and enhancing the Poudre River. • Creating an environment where businesses can thrive. • Becoming a center for innovation, sustainability, and creativity.

Goals

• Two travel lanes• Buffered bike lanes• Wide sidewalks• Special pavement materials to enhance aesthetics and improve safety at driveway intersections• Transit stops and shelters• On-street parking• Generous landscaped median• Streetscape amenities, gathering areas, street furnishings, lighting and art in public places• New Lincoln bridge with an enhanced connection to the Poudre River• Low impact development applications to improve storm water drainage and water quality

Key Elements

34 35

History and Context• The undercrossing plays an important role in connecting the downtown district with the Stanford University and Hospital campuses.

Design Principles• Multi-modal access.• Entrance portals are articulated by habitable stairs that gradually step down reducing the scale of the high retaining walls on either side of the undercrossing.• Vegetation is integrated into the design as a way to soften the appearance, making it more visually appealing.

Scale• Bicyclist and pedestrian.

Circulation System• Stairs are centered at the terminus of either entrance and the bicycle ramps are sloped perpendicular to the entrances.• By separating the two forms of circulation, pedestrians can occupy the stairs without the interruption of bicycle traffic.

Public and Private Spaces• Occupiable stairs serve as a community gathering space or place to rest at both ends of the tunnel.

Distinguishing Features• Serves as a connection, but effective seating arrangement makes it a destination as well.• Effective use of vegetation stairs in creating an occupiable circulation space.

Homer Ave. Caltrain Undercrossing in Palo Alto, California

36

Redesign Conceptual Renderings

38 39

Incorporating Salem’s History into the UndercrossingHistoric images could be included in the undercrossing, possibly as murals, to provide a sense of place and ownership.

Fourth of July Parade, Salem, 1892 Aerial Photo, Salem, 1972

Grand Theater and City Hall, Salem, 1934

Incorporating Salem’s Existing Design into the UndercrossingBy utilizing the existing public design of Salem, the undercrossing will fit in with the rest of the city and help Salem to have a cohesive public design.

Union Street Bridge Path

Lamp Post and Railing Type of New Bike PathAnnette’s Restaurant, West Salem

Bench Type of New Bike Path

40 41

Aspirations and Character

• Fitting in with current material style while still creating a craft industrial style.

• Innovative lighting to draw attention to the undercrossing and create a focal point for the street.

• Walkability and driveability.

• Transition from street to building.

Woonerf is a Dutch word that means “living yard.” City planners use the term to describe a park-like street where pedestrians and bicyclists are given priority over motorists. These are shared streets with traffic calming measures in place for motorists so speeds are slows and bicyclists and pedestrians feel safe walking or riding with automobile traffic.

The conceptual rendering below simply conveys an idea. The street could have varied types of separation between automobiles, pedestrians, and bicyclists including textures like ADA truncated domes or other materials.

Since the former railroad bridge that now carries pedestrians and bicyclists feeds right into 2nd St, this street is the logical bicycle and pedestrian street. In addition, 2nd Street is parallel to the busier Edgewater Street keeping bicyclists flowing along 2nd with new craft industrial uses also makes sense.

2nd Street and the Woonerf Concept

2nd St NW as a shared street 2nd St NW at Patterson today

42 43

Design Master Plan The building would be a multi use building with commercial on the ground floor and residential above. This along with the Amphitheater would provide eyes on the undercrossing.

The planters would reduce noise levels from Wallace Road.

44 45

5’ Pedestrian Walkway

12’ Multi Use

PathTwo Way StreetBoard form concrete provides both beauty and function to the design. It brings out the paths history and gives the underpass a rustic industrial style while still maintaining the strength of the material allowing it to function as the berm wall for the underpass.

46 47

Street Cross Section

Outdoor Oriented Businesses• Bike Shop• Repair• Bike rentals/tours• “Fish & Tackle” like Supply Shop• Sporting Goods Store(s)• REI type• Big5 types• Hunting supply types

Sport Participation Areas• Skating (Roller and/or board) Rink• Ice Rink• Indoor Playground• Kids Park

Craft Oriented Businesses• Pottery/Craft Shop• Blacksmithing Shop• Leather Shop• Art Gallery/Shop• Glass-blown goods store• Knitting craft store

Miscellaneous: • Clothing Store• Salon/beauty shop• Music shop• Pawn Shop• Pet Supply Store• Pet wash/grooming shop

Food & Drink Businesses• Brewery• Lounge• Cafés• Creamery • Tea Shop• Juice Bar• Deli Market• Small Restaurant (i.e. Laughing Planet)

Health Oriented Businesses• Fitness Center• Dance studio• Yoga• Homeopathic Goods Store• Spa/therapy

Potential Business Options for Area

48

Conclusion

50 51

Conclusion

“Projects [like this], across many cities, demonstrate that the creative economy which produces things such as public art has a direct influence on how citizens feel about those urban areas. When you do this, you see boarded up buildings that are turned into condominiums, and when you start attracting residential activity, that attracts restaurants and retail, and then the urban center becomes an exciting vibrant place where people want to live.”

-Bill FitzGibbons, Artist for 18th Street Underpass (Birmingham, AL)

As highlighted throughout this report, undercrossings can create a void in the urban fabric if sound design elements are neglected. They must transition with their surroundings to act as inviting connections by enhancing sightlines. In this project, the connection is a unique opportunity to create an incredible node between an emerging industrial neighborhood and the nearby Willamette River and Union Street Railroad Bridge. Ultimately, this project should catalyze development and streetscape improvements that make the neighborhood a vibrant, human-scaled, and livable area.

When a city creates a space like the 2nd Street undercrossing in an inviting fashion, it conveys value in public land. In doing so, neighborhoods are connected, unsafe or under-utilized areas are transformed, and people’s experiences—especially those travelling by foot or bike—are vastly improved. We hope that this project helps inform future design principles for the 2nd Street undercrossing and the surrounding area.

52 53

Sources

54

Context• cityofsalem.net/Departments/PublicWorks/TransportationServices/TrafficEngineering/Pages/TrafficCounts.aspx• envisionmadison.net• oregonlive.com

Palo Alto, CA, Caltrain Bicycle/Pedestrian Undercrossing•stevengrover.com/01-11-homer-avenue

Case Studies

Lincoln Corridor, Fort Collins, Colorado• fcgov.com/planning/pdf/lincoln-corridor-plan(5-20-14).pdf

Failed/Successful Spaces• pps.org/reference/grplacefeat/• Sketches created by Joseph Merrill• citizenbrooklyn.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Bill-Fitzgibbons-LightChannels3.jpgTucson, AZ, Fourth Avenue Undercrossing•tucsonweekly.com/tucson/return-of-an-old-friend/Content?oid=1281526•city-data.com/forum/city-vs-city/490463-albuquerque-tucson-31.html•pbase.com/bearpaw/image/39594283•architectureexposed.com/project/721/4th-avenue-underpass•patchandclarkdesign.com/portfolio-public-art/Birmingham, AL, 18th Street Railroad Undercrossing•mymodernmet.com/profiles/blogs/bill-fitzgibbons-light-rails•weldbham.com/blog/2014/01/07/lightrails-lawsuit/photo-8-lightrails-at-sunrise1/•skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?p=113238113

SourcesGreenbelt, Boise, Idaho• google.com/maps/search/greenbelt+underpass+boise+/@43.608115,-116.208433,3a,75y,90t/data=!3m5!1e2!3m3!1s-sPyPPHdq7mw%2FUVtp7Tfy6qI%2FAAAAAAAATqM%2FwrFFeUmvqpc!2e4!3e12• actsidaho.org/our-history/the-greenbelt/map/• minitime.com/Boise_River_Greenbelt-Boise-Idaho-attraction• boisecentre.com/gallery/photos-of-boise• parks.cityofboise.org/media/809465/greenbelt_report.pdf• parks.cityofboise.org/parks-locations/parks/greenbelt/• parks.cityofboise.org/media/4163/GreenbeltReservationMapcommunityevent.pdf• parks.cityofboise.org/media/228316/14-0507-greenbelt-map.pdf

55

• annetteswestgate.com/about/>. • cityofsalem.net/Departments/UrbanDevelopment/DepartmentProjects/UnionStreetRailroadBridge/Pages/ConstructionPhotos.aspx>. • "Salem Heritage Network (SHINE)." Salem in 1934. Web. 11 Feb. 2015. • salem-heritage-network.blogspot.com/2010_08_01_archive.html>. • .salemhistory.net/images/west_sal

• seattletimes.com/seattle-news/politics/woonerf-it-means-pedestrians-bikers-and-slu-developer-win/

Incorporating History in Undercrossing Design

Woonerf Concept