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Concept OneConcept one envisions a dense commercial and residential node for Centerville’s new town center.
Buildings are illustrated in pink with parking in grey. Parking is located on-street and in the interior of
blocks. This configuration allows for the building facades to front the tree lined streets, as is typical of
traditional downtowns.
The proposal envisions the intersection of Margie Drive and Gunn Road replaced with a roundabout
traffic circle to calm traffic and provide additional access to the new town center. The vision for Margie
Drive is a beautiful, walkable avenue; Houston Lake Road is transformed into a four lane boulevard with
a central tree-lined median. Urban style parks anchor the new town center near the current intersection
of Bassett St. and Houston Lake Rd., and at the intersection of Houston Lake Road and Gunn Road. A
new, pedestrian walkway is proposed to connect the residents of Eagle Springs neighborhood to the new
town center.
The proposed mix of business uses in all three concepts includes office, retail and housing. Additional
uses such as civic, governmental or educational are encouraged and will positively contribute to the function
of the downtown. The mix of building uses is essential for the city to realize its goal of an active,
thriving, downtown district. Future studies should include market analysis to determine the square footage
of each type of land use that can be accommodated.
Sidewalks and tree lined streets form an interconnected grid throughout all three concept plans. Downtown
streetlights should be designed to support the character of downtown, control glare, minimize
direct upward light emission, and promote effective security. Light fixture and pole height should be
scaled proportionally to the adjacent buildings.
Business signs should make a positive contribution to the general appearance of the street. The scale of
signs should be proportional to the building on which they are placed. Pedestrian oriented signs that
are designed to be easily readable from the sidewalk are encouraged.
Concept Two Pedestrian circulation is encouraged through several new avenues and greenspaces. A central urban park, illustrated in the plan serves as a public gathering space for outside concerts and events. A pedestrian walkway with a series of water features is a fundamental element of this plan. The axis of the pedestrian walk is terminated with a view of the Centerville water tower.
The illustrated series of pools are located along the north side of the proposed park; nearby benches and street trees are also illustrated. Those that work, live and shop in the downtown will enjoy the sound of moving water and the cooling effect of the pools and shade trees.
To improve the transition from the most urban areas of downtown to the existing, adjacent residential neighborhoods, building height and massing should decrease incrementally. This will make the downtown more compatible and bring the districts together rather than creating an abrupt demarcation between the two.
Concept ThreeMixed-use buildings front Margie Drive, Houston Lake Road, and Gunn Road on one side, and a central park is located on the other. On-street parking, parallel parking is located on either side of the three roads, providing a generous amount of spaces that also contribute to traffic calming within the new town center.
The proposed central green space, while providing identity to Centerville, also serves as a public gathering space for civic functions and passive recreation.
This plan also emphasizes connections to the Galleria Mall through infill buildings on the south side of Gunn Road, which step down to the Galleria.
Studies have shown that people feel more comfortable in towns where buildings frame the street in close proximity to sidewalks and each other. In Centerville’s new town center, buildings must sit close to the street, framing the roadways, creating a more pleasant pedestrian environment. Pedestrians should be buffered from automobile traffic by street trees, wide sidewalks, and planting strips.
When buildings are
designed traditionally and scaled for humans, investment potential is raised, a unique and marketable core of buildings is created, and quality of life increases. |
