THE AVENUE DISTRICT ON THE MOVE
Panzica Construction is fully mobilized at Site 1 of The Avenue District. Foundation and framing work is underway for both the underground parking garage and Building One at 1211 St. Clair, future home to 50 elegant lofts and eight penthouses.
Wood framing is nearly complete at Site 3 of The Avenue District, located at Rockwell Avenue and the newly created E. 15th Street. Roofing has begun, and will be followed by interior buildout, and then occupancy in fall 2007 at the 10 townhomes of Building One.
INSIDE THE AVENUESTROLL INTO CLEVELAND'S FUTURE
Paul Volpe of City Architecture discusses the East 12th streetscape project
More than three years of planning have gone into the East 12th streetscape redevelopment, a joint venture between The City of Cleveland, City Architecture and Zaremba, Inc. The East 12th streetscape project was designed to enhance The Avenue District – Cleveland’s premier walkable neighborhood.
Paul Volpe, City Architecture
What is City Architecture’s relationship with The Avenue District?
City Architecture is the urban design consultant for The Avenue District and the infrastructure project on East 12th Street.
What is the purpose of the East 12th streetscape project?
The East 12th streetscape project is a crucial component in developing the new downtown neighborhood of The Avenue District. The streetscape improvements tie multiple private developments and public investments together to create a cohesive district providing a multi-modal environment focusing on the pedestrian.
What are the main features of the streetscape?
The new streetscape will provide new residents with a compelling and beautiful environment in which to live. By narrowing the cartway, this true multi-modal street offers integrated public transportation, bicycle lanes and new on-street parking to service the existing and proposed retail components of the district.
How will the new streetscape impact pedestrians?
Pedestrians will enjoy being the focus of the redesigned streetscape. Amenities including benches, smaller-scaled light fixtures, public art and abundant landscaping provide a "soft" public street. Using the wide sidewalks to our advantage, the design team incorporated "outdoor living rooms" nestled between planting areas. These rooms are defined by special paving areas we call "area rugs," constructed out of unit pavers to create variety by alternating colors and textures throughout the district.
In addition, a secondary sidewalk is incorporated to connect the on-street parking to the primary sidewalk. This passageway also provides a dogwalk for the residents of the District. By carefully placing custom designed ornamental fencing on the primary side of the sidewalk, the secondary sidewalk has pet access into the "dog friendly" planters.
How will traffic be affected by the streetscape?
Traffic will be calmed by utilizing narrower lanes. The existing street has six lanes of traffic, with two lanes utilized for off-peak parking aisles. The new design narrows the street, essentially creating a pair of one-way streets, separated by a low, landscaped median. The new landscaped median eliminates the uncrossable nature of the existing street and will force drivers to be more aware of the pedestrian quality of the district.
Who will benefit from the new streetscape?
The entire city of Cleveland will benefit from the streetscape. East 12th Street is a wonderful opportunity to tie together existing businesses and retail establishments with new development to create synergy and momentum for Cleveland's revitalization. Obviously, residents along East 12th Street will benefit greatly as this is their "front yard."
What is the construction timeline?
Construction on East 12th Street is slated to begin in late 2007.
What are your thoughts on The Avenue District and the revitalization of Cleveland?
The Avenue District plays a vital role in the revitalization of Cleveland. This project demonstrates the ability for new development and great design to redefine an underutilized commercial part of downtown and transform it into a desirable and attractive neighborhood. Providing a pedestrian-friendly streetscape that connects all the pieces along the Avenue is key in giving our residents the choices they deserve.
Flexible design details, focusing on a pedestrian scale rather than automobile traffic alone will provide a safe street that will evolve into a vibrant place as the Avenue District grows.
WALK THE WALKHow walkable is your neighborhood? Visit www.walkscore.com, the Web site designed to help people find walkable places to live. Walk Score calculates the walkability of an address by locating nearby stores, restaurants, schools, parks, etc.
The Avenue District Walk Score = 92 (out of 100)
What does your score mean?
Your Walk Score is a number between 0 and 100. The walkability of an address depends on how far you are comfortable walking—after all, everything is within walking distance if you have the time. Here are general guidelines for interpreting your score:
- 90 - 100 = Walkers' Paradise: Most errands can be accomplished on foot and many people get by without owning a car.
- 70 - 90 = Very Walkable: It's possible to get by without owning a car.
- 50 - 70 = Some Walkable Locations: Some stores and amenities are within walking distance, but many everyday trips still require a car.
- 25 - 50 = Not Walkable: Only a few destinations are within easy walking range. For most errands, driving is a must.
- 0 - 25 = Driving Only: Virtually no neighborhood destinations within walking range. You can walk from your house to your car!
How it Works Walk Score™ uses a patent-pending algorithm to calculate the walkability of an address based on:
- The distance to walkable locations near an address.
- Calculating a score for each of these locations.
- Combining these scores into one easy to read Walk Score.
