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

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Sub -District Framework - COR3 Workplace Public Realm/Streetscape The Workplace Sub -district also encourages a mix of large and small floor plate buildings, but instead of commercial or entertainment, this area of The COR is dominated by office and institutional uses. With opportunities for corporate or medical campus development comes the attendant auto -related infrastructure — easy access, bigger streets and large surface parking lots. Once again, this suggests that equal attention be paid to public realm and streetscape improvements that not only accommodate vehicles, but also invite bicycle and pedestrian traffic. The Draw, an active, neighborhood scale, recreational play space has been proposed for this sub -district, but small pocket parks, squares or other gathering places are also encouraged. In addition, streetscape improvements provide an important public amenity and inviting pedestrian connection to adjacent sub -districts. Insert Streetscape standards (to be provided by city staff): • Sidewalk width • Tree species and size (by block, by street) • Tree spacing • Hardscape requirements (planter boxes, benches, trash, etc.) • Lighting • Light banners Site Development The mix of medical, office, institutional and other uses in this sub -district suggest the potential for a campus -like arrangement of buildings on some blocks. These blocks would tend to be more internally oriented than in other districts, with driveways, parking lots, courtyards and walkway connections in the center, ringed by buildings around the outside. Buildings would still face adjacent streets, with both primary and secondary entries provided to animate these important facades, particularly along Ramsey Boulevard, Sunwood Drive and Rhinestone Street. While the Workplace sub -district also encourages mixed use, this desired development objective will likely occur mostly within blocks, not within individual buildings as seen in other districts. Architecture Buildings in the Workplace Sub -district also make a significant contribution to first impressions as people enter The COR via Highway 10, Ramsey Boulevard and Sunwood Drive. Buildings form gateways at the major entries into the site, architectural elements and choice of materials convey quality and permanence, and the scale or massing of structures begins to define the feel and character of this place. The proposed mix of uses within this sub -district suggest a variety of potential building types — blending medical campus with small office, storefront and some housing demands design creativity and innovation to highlight unique architecture, and knit the entire sub -district together as a coherent whole. Architecture to be '4-sided' at all locations visible to public areas. Emphasis to be on great design along public street frontage. Architecture guidelines include the following: Design Framework — The COR Page 48