AgdaPkt 2005-09-26 - Laserfiche WebLink

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�{J I � Other methods are also required to visually orient the visitor so they choose which gateway is the better route to their destination. This project concentrates primarily on the gateway to the theatres. The focus is on the intersection of Veterans Blvd and Middlefield Road. Since the cinema is not visible from the freeway or major arterials, we need to distinguish this intersection so that the path of travel to the cinema and theatres is obvious. Theatre visitors will be visually encouraged to turn onto Middlefield Road and guided to the free parking available in the County garage. A large lantern icon on a new median island at the intersection will introduce the Theatre District to the Downtown visitor. The lighted vertical element will easily be seen both daytime and nighttime. The design was inspired by an existing lantern at the front entrance of the main library. The second area of focus is the walk between the garage and Broadway. The walk must be safe, pleasant, and festive. Signage will be installed inside the garage to attract the pedestrian onto the street rather than the County Center complex. Pedestrian traffic will be guided by a"you are here" map posted on the street by the garage stairwell as well as pedestrian scale signage along the street. Several street features along Middlefield Road from Veterans to Broadway are proposed. The features are designed to draw the pedestrian into Downtown. The street features become increasingly intense the closer they get to Broadway. A series of smaller lanterns mounted on the existing cobra-head lights provide pedestrian scale illumination. Decorative flags will also line the street, some on existing poles and fewer on new poles. Finally, "Tivoli lights", or string lights on steel cables, may crisscross the street contributing to the pedestrian scale lighting and the festive new feel of this critical entryway into the emerging Theatre District. The third area of focus is an upgrade of infrastructure where absolutely necessary. Two accessible ramps will be improved near Marshall St. as well as a limited number of trees planted adjacent to the First American Title building. On the opposite end at Veterans, new streetlights, street signs and a new crosswalk will be installed as part of a separate project. The project concept has been fina�ized and will be presented for Council review and approval on September 26 Cost estimates are being developed as well as structural engineering evaluations. The project concept, along with the Wayfinding Program, will be reviewed with the community at the public meeting scheduled for September 14 at the main library. The comments and input received at that meeting will be shared with the Council at the meeting on September 26 Upon approval of the design concept by the Council, staff will proceed with the execution of contracts for construction drawings and other services needed to prepare bid packages. The lantern features will require a design- build contract with the artist who designed them and will be brought back for Council consideration if necessary. Page 2 of 3 1:�2005 STAFF REPORTS, AGREEMENTS\09-2005\ Middlefield/Theatre Way II Improvements _ . _ _ _ _ ._ . _ . __.... __ _ __._ _ . _ _ .