Downtown Master Plan Draft Summary

Phase I Draft Presentation to PSU Leadership

February 14, 2013

Mahan Rykiel Associates
Arnett Muldrow Associates
Grimm + Parker Architects
Stahl Scheaffer Engineering
Kalback Planning and Design
Dan Jones Landscape Architecture

INTRODUCTION
Project Partners
 Borough of State College
 Penn State University
 Downtown State College,
Inc.

Master Plan Leadership

INTRODUCTION | DOWNTOWN STATE COLLEGE MASTER PLAN
MASTER PLAN EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
STEERING COMMITTEE
George Arnold, Executive Director, DID
Ron Friedman, Property Owner Executive Committee Members
Carl R. Hess, SCB Dir. of Community Development and Ron Agostinelli, DID, Property Owner
Planning Perry Babb, Alliance for Innovation & Bus. Dev. in Central PA
Anne Messner, SCB Planner Susan Bardo, Historic Resources Commission
Alan Sam, SCB Arborist Zoe Boniface, Design Review Board
Gordon Turow, PSU Director of Campus Planning and Design Cassandra Burke, Tree Commission
Meagan Tuttle, SCB Planner Dave Richards, DID, Property Owner
Steven Watson, PSU Planner Sherry Dershimer, Borough Residents
Nina Fellin, Borough Residents
Vicki Fong, Redevelopment Authority
Duke Gastiger, Transportation Commission
Rich Kalin, Planning Commission
Ron Madrid, Neighborhood Coalition
Jim May, Centre Region Planning Agency
Hugh Mose, CATA
Donna Queeney, Neighborhood Coalition
Dave Richards, DID, Property Owner 3
Vern Squier, Chamber of Business and Industry
Kathryn Yahner, Borough Residents

Master Plan Participation (Sample)

PENN STATE WALKING COMMITTEE TRANSPORTATION FOCUS GROUP

Greg Anderson, Interim Director of Buildings and Grounds Teresa Davis, PSU Director of Transportation
Conal Carr, Director of Housing Charley DeBow, State College Borough
Maurine Claver, Director of Environmental Health and Safety Rob Cooper, PSU Director of Energy and Engineering
Rob Cooper, Director of Energy and Engineering Tom Flynn, PSU Landscape Architect
Teresa Davis, Director of Transportation Peg Janowiak, PSU Claims Manager: Risk Management
Tom Flynn, University Landscape Architect Amy Kerner, State College Borough
Becky Janowiak, Claims Manager: Risk Management Hugh Mose, CATA
Gordon Turow, Director of Campus Planning and Design Alan Sam, Borough Arborist, Master Plan Project Manager
Steven Watson, University Planner Steven Watson, PSU Planner
Gordon Turow, PSU Director of Campus Planning and Design
BRANDING FOCUS GROUP

George Arnold, Director, DID
Rick Bryant, Central PA Festival of the Arts
Betsey Howell, Central PA CVB
Bernie Keisling, 4th Fest
Karen Magnuson, Penn State Marketing
Tom Flynn, University Landscape Architect 4
Steven Watson, University Planner

Why this Master Plan?

1. Realize and market downtown’s unique identity

2. Establish the framework to create a most memorable,
attractive and comfortable downtown

3. Consider public and private sector improvements
that can attract a diverse range of users

5

Design/Planning Team

Mahan Rykiel Associates

Arnett Muldrow Associates
Stahl Sheaffer Engineering

Grimm + Parker Architects

Kalback Planning & Design

Dan Jones Landscape Architecture

6

Today’s Presentation

1. Project Overview

2. Analysis “High Points”

3. Phase I Recommendations
• Branding Marketing

• Public Realm Enhancements

• Catalyst Project

4. Discussion
7

Study Area
STUDY AREA

8


Purpose and Scope of Work

1. Design, Placemaking and Branding
2. Utilities PHASE I
3. Multi-modal Transportation/Circulation
4. Town-Gown Interface
5. Downtown Uses and Development
6. Community Sustainability

9

Purpose and Scope of Work

1. Design, Placemaking and Branding
2. Utilities
3. Multi-modal Transportation/Circulation
4. Town-Gown Interface
5. Downtown Uses and Development
6. Community Sustainability
PHASE II

10

State College, PA

ANALYSIS | DOWNTOWN STATE COLLEGE MASTER PLAN
12

State College, PA

Gown

Town

13

Downtown Today

Downtown has most of

the things many
communities are trying
to achieve:
• True mix of uses
• Mix of transportation
• People on the
streets
• Vibrancy
14

Downtown Today

15

Downtown Today

16

Downtown Today

Characteristics of Great College Towns and Places

1. The "Town/Gown" Experience
2. Diversity
3. Transportation Choices
4. Connectivity
5. Human Scale
6. Density
7. Attractive and Comfortable Public Realm
8. Sustainability 17

High Quality Public Realm

18

Downtown Market

Market Analysis/Retail Compelling Categories -

Leakage Significant Opportunities
 $184 million gain in Primary for Downtown State
Trade Area College
 $136 million leakage in  Specialty Food Stores
Secondary Trade Area  Cosmetics and Beauty
 Net gain of $48.4 million Supplies
 Family Clothing Stores
 Clothing Accessories
 Home Furnishings
 Sporting Goods 19

Downtown Market
Emerging Conclusions

1. Downtown can’t compete with suburban development but it
can distinguish itself and provide a complement to the
suburban experience.
2. Downtown functions as it should. There are uses that serve
the local community but there is the opportunity for much
more.
3. Need to balance benefits of student activities with
challenges and protect neighborhood character.
4. Allen Street corridor should be the focus for family and
resident-based activities and businesses.
5. Challenge: Getting regional customers coming in on a
regular basis. 20

THE VISION:
LOOKING
FORWARD
 Downtown Vision
 Vision Themes
 Specific
Recommendations by
Theme

Downtown Vision

EMERGING IDEAS | DOWNTOWN STATE COLLEGE MASTER PLAN
Downtown State College will continue to evolve into a world-class
“College Town” district that reflects the dynamic “town/gown”
relationship between a major university and a vibrant commercial
district. Downtown will be a place where local citizens, regional
and international visitors, faculty, staff, and students will find
appealing, exciting and diverse offerings. Downtown State College
will also emerge as a district that embraces sustainability and
offers shopping, dining, entertainment, culture and the arts amidst a
variety of living options and places to work.
22

Downtown Vision Themes

Theme 1: Marketing the District

Theme 2: Navigating the District

Theme 3: Connecting the District

Theme 4: Managing the District

Theme 5: Living in the District

23


PHASE I


Theme 4: Managing the District


24


PHASE I


Theme 4: Managing the District PHASE II

25

THE VISION:
LOOKING
FORWARD
Theme 1

Marketing the District: Cultivating
Downtown’s Identity to Residents,
Visitors and Investors

Downtown Brand Values

• Downtown is a college town.
• Downtown is also a place for all people: local
residents/families, regional residents/families, visitors,
students, alumni, faculty/staff, entrepreneurs.
• Downtown adds value for and is an important
complement to Penn State University.
• Downtown is a collection of special places.
• Downtown is vibrant and full of life.
• Downtown is where memories are made. 27

Revised Color Palette

28

Downtown State College

Shape the best times of your life in Downtown State
College.

As one of the nation’s iconic college towns, it is here
where young adults get their first taste of independence,
it is here where lifelong friendships are formed, and it is
here where generations of former students come back
time and again to experience the energy, the memories,
and the spirit of this special place.

29


Reconnect with the best times of your life in
Downtown State College.

It is home to the Centre Region’s largest collection of
independent, locally owned shops and restaurants. It is
here that independent booksellers, unique boutiques,
and specialty shops thrive mere blocks from historic
neighborhoods. It is here where the region comes to
enjoy our international cuisine, fine dining, and casual
fare in a dynamic walk-able setting.
30


Create the best times of your life in Downtown State
College.

Creativity and culture thrive in our theatres, library, and
public art. It is here where each summer Arts Fest
transforms downtown into one of the nation’s most
recognized events for art, film, music, and literature. It is
here that young professionals share ideas that will evolve
into the businesses of the future.

31


Discover the best times of your life in Downtown
State College.

Families from across the region come here for a day of
exploration. It is here that our Library hosts activities that
enrich our community. It is here that the Discovery Space
of Central Pennsylvania gives children the chance to
explore, learn, and imagine. It is here that we gather for
events to celebrate the vibrant life that the Centre Region
has to offer.
32


Live the best times of your life in Downtown State
College.

Our downtown is a place where people gather and we
invite you to be a part of it.

Make time for your family.
Make time for your friends.
Make time for yourself.

33
The best times of your life. Downtown State College.

34

35

36

37

38

39

40

41

42

THE VISION:
LOOKING
FORWARD
Theme 2

Navigating the District: Building
a Pedestrian-Friendly, Multi-Modal
Downtown

Multi-Modal Transportation Strategy

 Management of people, not cars
 Enhance experience of pedestrian, bicycle and transit
environments
 Increase awareness and convenience of parking
resources as part of Borough's parking management
plan

44

Downtown

Pedestrian Level of Service Evening 45

Add Parking

Remove Parking
Add Parking

Potential Parking
Structures and Changes 46
in On-Street Parking

Potential Bike Network

47

48

49

50

51

52

THE VISION:
LOOKING
FORWARD
Theme 3

Connecting the District: Creating
a Comfortable, Cohesive and
Attractive Downtown

Public Realm Strategy

 Focus on series of small gathering spaces and great
streets
 Create a “complete” core by focusing on streets that
will connect with recent and current streetscape
enhancements
 Establish a streetscape hierarchy

 Establish palette of cohesive materials
54
 Incorporate sustainable practices

Recommended Streetscape Typologies

55

ALLEN

Streetscape Detail Design Areas
CALDER
COLLEGE

BEAVER

56

THE VISION:
LOOKING
FORWARD
College Avenue

58

59

60

College Avenue

Four User Group Interests
 Motorists
 Bus Riders
 Bicyclists
 Pedestrians

61

College Avenue

The Issues
 “Ground Zero” for
Town/Gown Image
 Pedestrian/ADA
and Safety
 Bicycle
Accommodations
 Bus Operations
and Rider
Experience
62
 Traffic

College Avenue

Existing Conditions to Inform the Design
 Curb-to-curb dimension (36’-42’)
 Elevation change on campus side (2-3’)
 Vegetation blocks views to campus
 No sidewalk adjacent to north side parking
 Existing Elms
 Historic campus elements
 Campus walks don’t always align with intersections
 Low curbs and flat grades on downtown side
 Undersized sidewalk areas
 PennDOT ownership 63

College Avenue

Conclusions
 With desire to accommodate motorists, transit, bicyclists
and pedestrians within a limited dimension,
compromise will be required
 Priority audience – the pedestrian
 Utilize hierarchical treatment – more design attention
to the core between Fraser and Garner Streets
 Cohesive design is needed along entire length

64

College Avenue

The Concept
 Cohesive town/gown
image
 Enhanced campus
visibility
 Expanded
pedestrian zones
 Enhanced transit
stops
 Bike facilities

65

Paving Potential

66

College Avenue - Opportunities

Uniform family of street lights and signal arms (Baltimore, MD) 67

Pattee Mall

Gathering Space (Seating
Opportunities, Tables,
Enlarged Stair and Ornamental Fence to Allow Special Planting, Etc.)
ADA Ramp Views to Campus While
Connection at Fraser Directing Pedestrians to
Street Intersections

10’-12’ Shared Use Path

Parking 4’ Sidewalk
College Ave
Parking

Brick Sidewalk, Typ.
Sidewalk Bulbout, Typ. Amenity Strip to
(Expanded Where
Accommodate Grading
Road Dimensions
Fraser
St.

(Exact Locations Determined
Allow)

Allen St.
at Design Phase)

68

Pattee Mall
Grand Stair,
Planters at

Entrance to
Campus at
Allen Street.

College Ave
Stamped Concrete
“Cobble” Color/Pattern

Allen St.
Ramp Connection to
Allow Bicycle Access
to Pattee Mall 69

College Avenue East of Allen Street

70

College Avenue

71

College Avenue

72

Enhanced ADA
Stair and Ramp
Connection at
Old Main Pugh Street
Lawn

Enhanced Bus Stop with
Shelters and Grand Stair

Bus
Shelters

College Ave
Parking

Pugh St.
Allen St.

73

Henderson Mall

Ornamental Fence to Allow
Views to Campus While
Directing Pedestrians to
Intersections


18” Brick Edge
College Ave
Parking

McAllister St.
Pugh St.

Amenity Strip to
Sidewalk Bulbout, Typ.
Accommodate Grading
at Design Phase)

74

College Avenue East of Pugh Street

75


Views to Campus While Enhanced Bus Stop
Directing Pedestrians to with Shelters
Intersections

Limestone Retaining Wall


18” Brick Edge
College Ave
Parking

Locust Lane.
McAllister St.

Amenity Strip to
Sidewalk Bulbout,
Accommodate Grading
Typ.
at Design Phase)

76

College Avenue at Hiester Street Bus Stop

77

Enhanced Bus Stop
with Shelters
Intersections


18” Brick Edge

College Ave
Locust Lane.

Hiester St.
Sidewalk Bulbout,
Typ. Amenity Strip to
Accommodate Grading
at Design Phase)

78

Gathering Area and
Gateway

Expanded
Ornamental Fence to Allow Gathering Area
Intersections

10’-12’ Shared Use Path 10’-12’ Shared Use Path

4’ Sidewalk
18” Brick Edge Parking

College Ave
Parking
Parking

Garner Street.
Hiester St.

Sidewalk Bulbout,
Typ.
Amenity Strip to
Accommodate Grading
at Design Phase)

79

Expanded
Gathering Area

Intersections


4’ Sidewalk )
Parking Parking

College Ave
Parking Parking

Sowers St.
Garner Street.

Sidewalk Bulbout,
Typ.

80

Amenity Zone Conditions

81

Campus/Downtown Pedestrian Connections

82
Existing High Street/College Avenue Intersection

Campus/Downtown Pedestrian Connections

83
Existing High Street/College Avenue Intersection

High/College Intersection Eastview Terrace

Curb Extension and Crosswalks
to Provide Safer Pedestrian
Crossing
College Avenue

Street
High

84
Proposed High Street/College Avenue Intersection

THE VISION:
LOOKING
FORWARD
Beaver Avenue

Beaver Avenue

The Issues
 Varying character
 Limited sidewalk area
 High density of students

86

Beaver Avenue

The Concept
 Cohesive level of
quality throughout
 Expanded
pedestrian
gathering areas
 Potential lane
reduction/parking
(east of Garner)
87

Sowers
Street

Beaver Ave
Travel Lane
Merge to One
Paving
Expanded

and Special
Sidewalk Area

Hetzel Street

88

Beaver Avenue in Vicinity of Hetzel Street

89

THE VISION:
LOOKING
FORWARD
Allen Street
Promenade

Allen Street

The Concept
 100 Block as a
“great place”
 Maintain vehicular
access and parking
most of the time
 Pedestrian - only
some of the time
 High design
aesthetic
91

Allen Street - Precedents

92


93


94

Allen Street – The Concept (Typical Day)

Beaver Avenue
College Ave

Calder Way

Calder Way
Brick Paving Along Sidewalks, Typ.

Special Paving in Cartway and Parallel
Parking Spaces

Bollards Between Street and Sidewalk

Allen Street
College Avenue

Beaver Avenue
95

Typical Day

96

Festival/Event

97

Allen Street – The Concept (Typical Day)

Beaver Avenue
College Ave

Calder Way

Calder Way
Brick Paving Along Sidewalks, Typ.

Special Paving in Cartway and Parallel
Parking Spaces

Bollards Between Street and Sidewalk

Parking
Allen Street
Parking
College Avenue

Beaver Avenue
Typical Day 98

Allen Street – The Concept (Large Event)

Beaver Avenue
College Ave

Calder Way

Calder Way
Performance Spaces at Beaver and
College Ave.
Vendor Spaces and Outdoor Dining
Located in Parallel Parking Zone, Typ.

Allen Street
College Avenue

Beaver Avenue
Full Festival 99

Allen Street – The Concept (Small Event)

Beaver Avenue
College Ave

Calder Way

Calder Way
Allen St. – Calder Way Intersection
Remains Clear to Allow for Vehicular
Circulation Between Beaver Ave. and
Calder Way

Allen Street
College Avenue

Beaver Avenue
Small Festival/Event 100

101

102

THE VISION:
LOOKING
FORWARD
Calder Way

104

105

106

Calder Way

The Concept
 Service, pedestrians
and bikes
 Inconvenient for
cars
 Two-way flow for
bikes
 Different experience
from College and
Allen
 Arts/funky
 Divert attention from 107
utilities – don’t invest

Calder Way - Existing Conditions

108

Calder Way - Precedents

109

Calder Way - Precedents

110

Calder Way – The Concept

Occasional Tree
Fraser Street

Parking/Servic

Allen Street
Façade e Areas
Treatments Overhea
d Lights

Calder Way Special Paving
Banners Murals/Wall
Art

111

Calder Way

112

THE VISION:
LOOKING
FORWARD
General

Cohesive Materials

114

Cohesive Materials

115

Cohesive Materials

116

Cohesive Materials

117

Cohesive Materials

118

Sustainability

Incorporate Throughout
 Transit, bike, pedestrian
emphasis - “park
once”
 Water quality
 Green roof
 LED Lighting
 Use of recycled
materials
 Recycling stations
 Solar-powered trash 119
compactors

Sustainability

120

Sustainability

121

THE VISION:
LOOKING
FORWARD
Catalyst Project

Catalyst Project

123

Completed
Streetscape

Catalyst Project

124

Intersection:
$200-$300K
Allen Street
Promenade: Calder Way:

$1-1.2 Million $700-$800K
Pugh (Portion):
$350-400K

New
Streetscape
Improvements

Catalyst Project ($2.25- 2.7 Million) 125

THE VISION:
LOOKING
FORWARD
Theme 4

Managing the District: Fostering
a Safe and Appealing Downtown

(To Develop in Phase II)

THE VISION:
LOOKING
FORWARD
Theme 5

Living in the District:
Establishing Downtown as a Place
for Professionals to Live and Work

(To Develop in Phase II)

Schedule

August 20-22: Project Kick-off
November 5-8: Planning Charrette
January 25-Feb 15: Phase I Draft
March 21-22: Phase I Final/Phase II Draft
April 15/16: Presentation of Final Draft
June 2013: Master Plan Complete

128

More Information

www.statecollegepa.us/engagesc

129

Downtown Master Plan Draft Summary

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