The Uptown Consortium enlisted Sasaki, a global planning and design firm, to complete the master plan for the Uptown Innovation Corridor. Bringing a broad, comprehensive vision to the table, the firm is working to articulate a thoughtful implementation framework that balances land use, urban design, placemaking and real estate strategies. The result is an execution roadmap to create a world-class urban district.
Recently, Uptown Consortium’s Beth Robinson and Sasaki’s Fred Merrill presented their refined vision for the Corridor for City Council’s Education, Innovation & Growth Committee. They discussed three development principles critical to realizing Uptown’s vision: great streets, great spaces and great places.
Great streets help define great places by establishing an image and sense of identity. Streets that serve as major connections to and through the Uptown Innovation Corridor provide an opportunity to “set the tone” for the district’s appearance. Streetscape elements and materials, when thoughtfully designed and installed, can be used to create a visual signature that represents a place. The use of consistent and coordinated palettes of materials, colors, textures and patterns will create a cohesive visual identity for the Corridor.
Great spaces are conducive to supporting the emerging innovation community. Collaboration will be promoted by establishing gathering spaces and close-knit ecosystems that foster creative growth. The Corridor will welcome community members by offering pedestrian visibility and access to green space amenities. Parking in the public realm will be minimized by using below grade parking when possible. All surface lots will be programmable, usable spaces that can be converted for community use (when not required for parking).
Great places evolve through a combination of public and private actions that shape the physical environment. Businesses and residents will change over time, and with them, building facades, signs and outdoor spaces like patios and front yards. These changes add character that help create a sense of place. The design of public streets should incorporate consistent and coordinated elements, while private developments provide visual variety along the street.
These principles will be implemented to ensure the district is planned, designed and developed in a consistent and high quality urbanistic manner. Doing so will create more connections and collaboration, build a sense of community, and design an urban district that attracts and retains talent.
More details about the development principles the Uptown Innovation Corridor will adhere to.
To view a draft of the Uptown Innovation Corridor master plan, including development principles, visit our Uptown Innovation Corridor website.