Agenda - Planning Commission - 12/01/2011 - Work Session

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Overall Framework - Building Design Overview The COR Master Plan identifies the preferred mix and approximate location of a variety of land use types. Together with the Zoning Code, this Design Framework focuses on the following overall objectives: • Promote vertical and horizontal mixed use (within a building, within a block, within a district) • Provide a variety of housing types, styles, pricing • Encourage increased density in and around the central core area • Promote an interesting mix of building styles, scales and massing for each sub -district • Support creative, innovative, high quality design solutions as the benchmark for success • Integrate mix of uses with public green space within each district • Provide a variety of commercial types • Mix residential and commercial uses to promote street -level activity throughout the day Guideline Recommendations The mix of land uses in The COR will encourage activity during the day and into the evening and nighttime hours. As a focus of commerce, employment, recreation and housing, The COR resembles a small to medium size Midwestern downtown in scale and character. Land uses are intentionally mixed, to bring shoppers and workers into the area during the day and attract new residents and visitors to entertainment venues in the evening. The civic component of The COR, anchored by City Hall, Police Station and variety of public spaces and squares, adds an important element to the land use mix and brings a level of authenticity to the district. Objectives • Encourage vertical mixed -use in the core with housing and office space over retail uses along the street, particularly in the center of the district. • In residential districts, particularly closer to the core, a limited amount of retail uses will be encouraged to service residents and provide nearby places to gather. • Promote innovative models for housing that include a mix of townhomes, flats and lofts within single buildings or on the same block. • Accommodate larger, 'big box' retailing within the COR2 sub -district and only if innovative design approaches are used including two story buildings, use of liner stores facing the street, minimal blank walls, creative parking strategies, etc. • Where similar uses create a `family' or campus of buildings (e.g. medical campus), buildings should reinforce the street edge and parking should be set within the core of the block. • Uses shall promote pedestrian friendly streets, contributing to street level activities and overall visual character of each district. • All uses should reinforce the street edge. Design Framework — The COR Page 18