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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-04-2016 Item 08 Mission Plaza Assessment and Master Plan Development - Joing Planning and City Council Item Meeting Date: 10/4/2016 FROM: Daryl R. Grigsby, Director of Public Works Prepared By: Manny Guzman, Senior Civil Engineer SUBJECT: MISSION PLAZA ASSESSMENT AND MASTER PLAN DEVELOPMENT RECOMMENDATIONS 1. Receive report on the Mission Plaza Assessment and Master Plan Development project; and 2. Provide input and direct staff to procced with the development of a preferred plan using elements from Concept Plans A and B or any other source. DISCUSSION Background Mission Plaza in downtown San Luis Obispo has a unique and special character that reflects our community’s culture and history. Since, September 1, 1772, when Father Junipero Serra conducted the founding mass at Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, the Mission has become the community’s geographical, cultural and recreational center. The following map shows the location of the Mission Plaza. An expanded Vicinity Map is included at Attachment A. Figure 1 – Mission Plaza Vicinity Map 8 Packet Pg. 75 The area in front of the church, the site of Mission Plaza, has been used for public gatherings of various sorts, including bull fights, from its earliest days until about 1860. However, as the community and the street network grew, the land in front of the Mission no longer functioned as a public gathering space. Instead, Monterey Street and private land holdings made up the area between the Mission and San Luis Creek. On November 22, 1970, almost 200 years after the founding of the Mission, and 20 years after local citizens began planning for the rebirth of a downtown gathering place, Mission Plaza was dedicated to the City. Today, Mission Plaza is the heart of San Luis Obispo. Since the 1970’s the Mission Plaza has been used for numerous festivals and gatherings. In the 2013-15 Financial Plan, the City funded a project to solicit community input to review the Mission Plaza’s present conditions and current uses. In addition, the City sought input relative to the expansion of the Mission Plaza into the adjacent Broad and Monterey streets through permanent or temporary street closures. This work effort began on July 21, 2015, when the City Council authorized solicitation of consultants for the Mission Plaza Assessment and Master Plan. The goal of this study session is to receive Council and community input regarding a preferred Mission Plaza Concept Plan. Two draft concept plans were developed based on community, business, and City feedback. The two different design alternatives include different circulation options for Broad and Monterey streets. Although these conceptual designs are included in this report they do not necessarily represent an “either or” choice for the final design. Staff is seeking input and guidance from Council so a preferred plan can be generated, reviewed by the necessary advisory bodies and evaluated for potential environmental impacts. Staff will return to Council for approval once the environmental and advisory bod y review process is complete in the summer of 2017. The Process During the past ten months, the City’s consultant, RRM Design Group, has performed a series of tasks to evaluate the Mission Plaza’s uses, existing infrastructure conditions, and the feasibility of expanding the Mission Plaza into Broad and Monterey streets. A summary of the meetings and workshops held to gather feedback includes: 1. Individual interviews of 62 stakeholders 2. Two Mission Plaza Community Workshops 3. Two Creative Vision Team meetings Stakeholder Interviews Individual interviews with Mission Plaza stakeholders which included members of the Creative Vision Team, adjacent and downtown business owners, adjacent property owners, Mission representatives and museum personnel. These interviews included concerns about safety, the design and location of the restroom facilities, and the lack of overall Mission Plaza nighttime lighting. Common feedback about future design incudes the need for the Mission Plaza to be flexible and 8 Packet Pg. 76 functional. The stakeholders believed the trellis area of the Mission Plaza is inefficient and underused because of the stairs and vertical grade changes between the main Mission Plaza and the trellis area. Those barriers make this area hard to negotiate and therefore less useful for events. A full summary of issues is included Attachment B. Staff also met with several members of the Creative Vision team to gain input and listen to ideas. The members of the CVT provided input on plaza design elements including gathering areas, play elements for children, public art opportunities, pedestrian connections with the south side of the creek, restroom needs and location, and input on the Broad Street Dogleg was provided at this meeting. 1st Mission Plaza Community Workshop A Mission Plaza Community Workshop was held on February 20, 2016 at the Mission Plaza. The meeting’s purpose was to create a forum to hear community’s suggestions and ideas for the future of Mission Plaza. These workshops reinforced the common stakeholder’s feedback which include safety concerns, the need to enhanced nighttime lighting, and the overall need for Mission Plaza to be flexible and functional. A full summary of the issues and comments heard during the Mission Plaza Community Workshops is included in Attachment C. Development of Concept Plans Using the information gathered during the stakeholder and community meetings, the consultant developed Concept Plans A and B, which are included as Attachments D and E. Both concept plans include common features that were important based on community input. These common features include new restrooms, lighting, signage, consistent furnishings, public art, historic education information, enhanced storm water management, and improved accessibility. Differences between the two plans include different traffic circulation options, vehicular parking, restrooms locations and a café. Concept Plan A Concept Plan A provides two-way vehicular access on Monterey and Broad streets adjacent to the Mission Plaza and a new traffic calming element referred to as a “Woonerf”. Woonerf is a design concept which transform streets from car-centric space to shared space for vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians. A visual example is included below. 8 Packet Pg. 77 Concept Plan A also includes a sculpture garden and a second informal amphitheater adjacent to the Museum of Art. Finally, the restrooms remain in the same location and a small café is co- located adjacent to restrooms. Concept Plan B Concept Plan B converts the Monterey and Broad streets into one-way streets with angled parking with a passenger loading area for buses. A sculpture garden is also provided adjacent to the Museum of Art. The restroom for this plan are closer to the main Mission Plaza and next to a proposed splash pad. 2nd Mission Plaza Community Workshop After Concept Plan A and B were developed, another community workshop was held at the City/County Library on June 29, 2016 to present the draft concept plans. Approximately 65 community members attended the meeting. The workshop included a summary of input received to date, a presentation of the two concept plans and an opportunity for the community to provide input. Attendees provided feedback including their preferred concept plan, preferred circulation patterns, restroom location, whether or not to incorporate a café and splash pad features. Comments received during the meeting generally supported the two way woonerf concept including keeping the parking spaces on Broad Street. Another concept that received support was the addition of a café next to the restrooms. For a full summary of the comments received are included in Attachment F. 8 Packet Pg. 78 Staff also met with the Creative Vision Team (CVT) to receive additional input on the concept plans after the second community workshop. The CVT provided staff with a drawing that further refined some of the CVT members earlier input. This drawing is included at Attachment G. The refined CVT drawing is similar to Concept Plan “A”. However, the drawing includes new design elements that include expanding the Mission Plaza Plan boundary into the City parking lot and adjacent private properties on the opposite side of Broad Street, elimination of some ADA ramp connections, narrowing of the Broad Street Bridge, a new pathway connection to the Mission Plaza Expansion Park, and new design elements at the Chorro/Monterey Street intersection. The CVT also provided a report which is included as Attachment H. Next Steps Staff will incorporate Council and Planning Commission’s comments and guidance into a preferred concept plan. Environmental Review of the preferred concept plan will be completed and the preferred concept plan will be presented to the Parks and Recreation Commission, Cultural Heritage Committee, Architectural Review Committee and the Planning Commission for additional public review and input. Staff will then present Council with a draft Concept Plan, that incorporates advisory body input, for final adoption. Staff anticipated providing the draft final plan for Council approval in the summer of 2017. ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW The preferred concept plan generated from Council and Planning Commission’s comments will be evaluated for potential environmental impacts and the results of that analysis, including any mitigation measures identified in the environmental documents, will be incorporated into the final project documents. FISCAL IMPACT This project was identified in the 2013-15 Financial Plan and funded with $95,000 which was anticipated to be sufficient to complete the project. However, as the Mission Plaza Project has made progress, actual study costs and work to properly coordinate and conduct outreach has depleted the project’s budget. Based on the information known now and the work left to complete the project, Staff anticipates the need for additional funds. Additional funds will be requested at a later Council Meeting. 8 Packet Pg. 79 Attachments: a - Vicinity Map b - Notes from stakeholder's interviews c - Notes from Mission Plaza Community Workshop - February 20, 2016 d - Draft concept plan A e - Draft concept plan B f - Notes from Mission Plaza Community Workshop - June 29, 2016 g - CVT draft concept plan h - CVT draft concept plan report 8 Packet Pg. 80 8.a Packet Pg. 81 Attachment: a - Vicinity Map (1461 : Study Session: Mission Plaza Assessment & Master Plan Development) Events Variety of Spaces Children's Day in the Plaza Stage could be next to Museum of Art Stage could be in the Arbor Area Don't compete with views Graduation High School; Graduation Middle School; Wedding (mostly Saturday) Funerals during week; Mass; Quinceaneras Only a problem with amplified music; need to formalize an agreement between Mission and City for events. Need to designate a corridor access in front of Mission steps Could move music west toward Broad would be helpful 2,000 person events in Plaza; Jazz Festival Cooking only allowed on dog leg 60 events/year Police will be in area but handled through event coordinator; a bit of control in place; events end by 9:00; not a lot complaints; events are fenced off Location of restrooms - need to consider neighbors Love concerts in the Plaza and movies; concerts in the Plaza need more work Space to spread out- want to expand toward Broad Street and maybe close off dog leg during events; could bring back Taste of SLO Constraints for events - need to understand Annual graduation for Mission Prep; annual dinner and auction for Mission Prep; Love SLO- community-wide day of service Concern with noise; respect Mission sanctuary activities such as mass and weddings Parking is an issue Raise rate of space so it is utilized Concerts and Santa; could be used for Taste of SLO; Via dei Colori chalk painting Need entrance element at Museums of Art entrance Greek Festival- 7th year- sharing food, culture, music. Music is part of the festival and there can be conflicts with church (2 days); Bring in a porta potty Villa de Colori- chalk; surface needs to be smooth; design that integrates access so we can minimize number of…. Need a place for banners; power; access to Historic Museum parking lot limits length of area of dogleg Concerts in the Plaza- More flat surfaces; stairs make it difficult to use; 1,500-2,500 people; Could use a wider paved area; more open-less chopped; get complaints from residents all the way down Dana street about noise Jazz festival- S1100 Stage; main entrance near Mission; 11-13 security guards; planter by Mission slopes should be removed; 1,600-2,000 capacity Chalk festival- paved, smooth surface Cleaning- have to vacuum and minimize run off to storm drainage creek Mission Plaza Master Plan Project February 18th, 2016 Stakeholder Meetings - Feedback 8.b Packet Pg. 82 Attachment: b - Notes from stakeholder's interviews (1461 : Study Session: Mission Plaza Assessment & Master Plan Development) Mission Plaza Master Plan Project February 18th, 2016 Stakeholder Meetings - Feedback Security- Fri thru Sun Saturday night- dog leg bollard off but cars run through it; more permanent bollards would be helpful Circulation/ Dogleg Close Monterey from Plaza to Nipomo Street. Want the community to decide Concerned with traffic implications Like - removable bollards or self retracting Like- need to close it up to Historic Center Parking One way could be a phased approach Open air market Remain open one way - dominant direction of traffic Carefully consider impacts to traffic Opportunity for roundabout at corner of Broad and Monterey near Museum of Art Maintain 2 ways from Broad to Nipomo Not a bad idea, too close Need to have an agreement to clean up any overflow trash Need to retain access to parking lot by museum Bus zone Need free access Would love to see it permanently closed Just need fire truck clearance; if closed, then need to close all of dogleg Don't use bulb-outs like at Broad and Monterey they don't function well Temporary closure but not permanent; use bollards to be able to attractively closed off If you closed Monterey to Chorro then would need a round-about over parking lot; could make street and sidewalk all one elevation - more like walking street Drug sales behind restroom Don't close dog leg; major thoroughfare; closing would give transients more area to hang out unobserved If closed then it would attract homeless; no activity Need to expand to Broad not up side of Mission If closed; Broad street good for pedestrians Add greenery; open to closing of dog leg Don’t want to lose parking Traffic- the less traffic the better time In favor of expansion of Mission Plaza + Cultural District Confuses tourists Walkability desired City staff who clean restroom. Park at dog leg. Dangerous for pedestrians crosswalk - not respected by cars Ambivalent on complete closure but need a good reason to do it. Need a traffic survey 8.b Packet Pg. 83 Attachment: b - Notes from stakeholder's interviews (1461 : Study Session: Mission Plaza Assessment & Master Plan Development) Mission Plaza Master Plan Project February 18th, 2016 Stakeholder Meetings - Feedback See a lot of trucks on Monterey Who uses it for traffic where are they going? Could be a phased approach As a parent, like the closure Issue is with parking; people who work at the event are not allowed to park or leave car overnight Have to leave sidewalks open even when street is being used for pedestrians only - would love to see Would need to be able to unload for events if closed dog leg Get rid of Broad St/dog leg to create ambiance Would love to see it permanently closed Restrooms The more the merrier Can we integrate into SLO Museum of Art as Phase I? Need to relocate- not at Termino Don't like location Need restrooms Could we put new restrooms in History Center? Many people use the restrooms inside the Mission Needs more storage; get cleaned between 11-3am Lighting yellow Not enough Pay restroom; self cleaning Need lighting; inadequate size; dark and dreary more open air May be part of Museum of Art Had locking bathrooms downtown and it attracted homeless and drug issues Like Laguna Lake bathrooms Currently put porta pottys at corner of Mission and dumpster Veterans Pasadena restrooms are awesome; clean and architecturally appealing No workable doors; vandal resistant, need to be inviting to public First question to Chamber- "Where is the Mission" , then where is the restroom? "Bubblegum Alley"? Close restrooms after bars close History Center gets restroom overflow because of transient and homeless Self-sanitizing - charge for restroom Analyze other spaces Need major upgrade - clean Stopped using because not clean or safe Horrifying Transient population; uninviting No soap 8.b Packet Pg. 84 Attachment: b - Notes from stakeholder's interviews (1461 : Study Session: Mission Plaza Assessment & Master Plan Development) Mission Plaza Master Plan Project February 18th, 2016 Stakeholder Meetings - Feedback Amphitheater Underutilized Need to be bigger Community movie events - May Rotary Club built the Amphitheater Useful Have not seen much use. Could there be improvements? Good plan for amplified music to not conflict Like grass- can lose some of it; movies; booths block 3 times a tear. 75-100 plus bike Ducky Derby Never see it get used Needs a rethinking; slope is too steep; could be bigger; be sensitive to planting too much grass; use drought tolerant planting Use for kids in Plaza Event Should be used by field trips and summer camps Show movies Face to downtown instead of neighborhood; raise grade Only used by transients Don’t use it; some people sit there and eat Ramp up for quality for bigger events Kids climb up art structure Bring up elevation so it is more useable. Make all grass and raise Security Get rid of grass to help minimize the homeless 5 Cities Security come through - the security hired by church Crosswalk at Broad Dog leg not safe Homeless; thefts; amphitheater not so much loitering of homeless in arbor; bike test patrol; keep fire clearance through plaza will not walk at night; line of sight issues; shadows; needs lighting; homeless congregate where there is less visibility May be discussion of public cameras More lights on creek would help Safety an issue Crosswalk at Broad Dog leg not safe - duplicate? Raised crosswalk; speed bump might help Need more police patrol; surveillance and lighting Feels not safe Not being enjoyed by residents 8.b Packet Pg. 85 Attachment: b - Notes from stakeholder's interviews (1461 : Study Session: Mission Plaza Assessment & Master Plan Development) Mission Plaza Master Plan Project February 18th, 2016 Stakeholder Meetings - Feedback Adobe Educational component Could start docent-lead tour Like coffee shop idea Concession at Achievement House for food and beverages Used for Downtown Association and recreation support It is a waste, underutilized A lot of visitors in Mission so the Adobe could be used for: visitor center; police substation; café Gets used for storage at events; hot spot for drugs Could put a display about Walter Murray Has exposed brick that needs protection Concession opportunity Charge too much for renting it Used for storage overnight; not used during festival; door to homeless Arbor Area Underutilized Heavy trellis; light is not good Coffee shop; or vendors; outdoor kiosk Underutilized; bring up to grade; eliminate Need to create a gathering space all through different times of the day Dead zone; use for VIP furniture Used for art vendors Signage/ Amenities Better Signage Not an issue per se; small sign at corner of Mission Need wayfinding signs; history walk signs; interpretive sign on Broad St. Use balloon for events flyers; need a place to hang banner Need for place for banner to advertise event and sponsors Outdoor theatre 500 people Motion lights might be helpful for portico More lights and motion lighting Sitting areas, relaxing areas Liked the previous design where walkway line of sight terminus was at the History Museum Need more lighting; lighting in the trees Lighting would help Sensor lights Santa Barbara- constant control has helped Had lighting but gets behind Warden Building Lighting is key Strong LED lighting Don’t light too much like car dealership; light the trees Railings need retrofitting for safety 8.b Packet Pg. 86 Attachment: b - Notes from stakeholder's interviews (1461 : Study Session: Mission Plaza Assessment & Master Plan Development) Mission Plaza Master Plan Project February 18th, 2016 Stakeholder Meetings - Feedback Miscellaneous Park and event location Didn't realize how long the plaza is Preserve traditions Vast changes will not go over well with people Community with Mission Bridges - Architects Bridges Art Museum Trolley- Consider a stop here Public Art at center of intersection Standards for Mission should be applied to east side of bridge Taxi service drop off and pick up areas Is there ways to formalize the use agreements about uses in the Plaza and Events? Mission Portico can become a camping space Wall- people like to climb on it Food Trucks- policy to allow on Broad Street Grass- events in plaza has to put down plywood which can be an issue Creek walk should be part of Mission Plaza and great opportunity Parking - 18 public spaces Outdoor pavilion - i.e., Pike Place Market with concessions Splash pad enclosed so kids can go in - Thousand Oaks Information Desk- Chamber Plant rose bushes and cactus Policy - noise ordinance Trees- eucalyptus trees - are reaching their lifespan Grass under eucalyptus trees a problem Could make entry longer Electric outlets- get used for cell phones; should get locked and only open for events Hazardous traffic cueing at intersection of Chorro and Monterey May be need for flashing crosswalk Landscape design key to line of sight safety; keep trees trimmed up Novo pedestrian bridge connection - align with door of History Museum Art Museum- timing at 3 million need a total of 5 million; 15 months building process; will load on Broad Street for art museum Art Museum future design will open up onto Plaza Would like to see a sculpture garden that connects Art Museum to the Bear Fountain not pop art Like the Bear Fountain Take care of existing conditions, i.e., flatness of tile, stairs uneven walkways, transients Southside of creek needs to be included in planning Homeless in Plaza and near Monterey Deliveries on Broad - park and wheel 8.b Packet Pg. 87 Attachment: b - Notes from stakeholder's interviews (1461 : Study Session: Mission Plaza Assessment & Master Plan Development) Mission Plaza Master Plan Project February 18th, 2016 Stakeholder Meetings - Feedback Parking behind Warden Building- 3-4 cars, 7 days a week; 7:00 am- 5:00 pm They (Downtown Association) let them know when there will be an event SLO Brew will activate creek/plaza People congregate Families moving downtown; need places for kids to play The more families that are in the plaza the better Treehouse Pull Mission theme over creek and into surrounding business and building Materials - durable Vegetation in creek - keep access for kids Homeless and drugs Southside of creek needs to be included Area behind Mission Mall - City owns to creek Bridge- can be slippery Brooks are in need of repair - dark and moist Homeless/migrant vagrant- free camping area (16-24 years old) Lighting would help under bridge More police Any nook and corner is abused by homeless Concern with flow of traffic on Broad St. Concerned with Monterey, Palm can't support that traffic if dog leg closes Noise level concerns Need sidewalk access properly Easement- City used easement but doesn’t keep up the City's side of the bargain; maintaining landscape Pedestrian easement does not make sense City needs to maintain Need to expand exhibit to show . . . Put fence up on roof to keep homeless out- homeless camp on roof Ambient music to drive away camping Love events in Plaza La Fiesta- was one of the best community events New yellow signs Find location for Holiday Tree Bridges could be treated as works of art Bathrooms could include art Art should be included Bridges are different to walk on and unwelcoming; incline is different Utilize for students Art - "Interactive" artwork 8.b Packet Pg. 88 Attachment: b - Notes from stakeholder's interviews (1461 : Study Session: Mission Plaza Assessment & Master Plan Development) Mission Plaza Master Plan Project February 18th, 2016 Stakeholder Meetings - Feedback SF market near Jewish museum has interactive chairs- great example of interactive art Vision- what should this space be? Park with greenery Everyone loves eucalyptus trees Love the wisterias on Mission Park with events capacity Welcome and safe - balance aesthetics and lighting Grassy knoll next to Arbor not easy to work with Want area near adobe to be family-oriented during concerts Chorro and Monterey - change of parking at intersection Strategically located hook-ups near events; water bottle filler Need to look at both sides of Creek Get all business along Creek to do a Public/Private partnership Outlets: need a 220 outlet where events are located; avoid cords across plaza Need to keep Farmers Market on Higuera Paving: Want smooth pavement for chalk painting but don’t want this to drive Don’t want it to be slippery Could integrate art Integrate Museum of Art Place for people to interact for all ages Place for kids Seating for lunch Art in Public Places Master Plan- "Should be reviewed" Consider no curbs- so people can roll in a piano during events Space for pop-up entertainment; permitted entertainers Old Mission School- uses church; for ceremony Plaza is uneven paving so impacts auction event Expanding plaza Paving under trees, will kill trees next to Mission, it will make unstable Homes on Broad Palm Street residents are against closure Interview Linnea Phillips- part of the City when Plaza opened Historic Center- remove grass Park as Plaza- Issue as Park designation Could have big screen to watch World Cup Parks permit events - maybe revise policies about who maintains it Millennials need places to go after hours that are not alcohol-oriented Adverting space - with children and families Neighbors need to be informed well in advance Crosswalks - no respect for pedestrians in crosswalks 8.b Packet Pg. 89 Attachment: b - Notes from stakeholder's interviews (1461 : Study Session: Mission Plaza Assessment & Master Plan Development) Mission Plaza Master Plan Project February 18th, 2016 Stakeholder Meetings - Feedback Varied pavement and rise in grade Ashland Oregon - Creek development Think sewer main has been removed Don’t plant trees or build structures over utility lines Steelhead trout in creek so fine sediment and steep slopes need to be revegetated Shade over creek is good Invasive species- Tree of Hewn or stink tree or Somark - can push up sidewalk Ongoing water quality Opportunity to do nature vegetation education- botanical signage CA Nature Plant Society, Cal Poly, Cal Conservation Core, Planting Palette, erosion control Grass is a maintenance issue, grass attracts social issue when not visible, grass is well liked Eucalyptus - are fine and part of ambiance There is an add-hock committee for looking at creek vegetation Power- need more Parking - 18 public spaces Vending- need power; extra trash, dumpsters, place for vendors 8.b Packet Pg. 90 Attachment: b - Notes from stakeholder's interviews (1461 : Study Session: Mission Plaza Assessment & Master Plan Development) IDEAS & AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT Mission Plaza Master Plan Project Open House/Workshop in Mission Plaza February 20th, 2016 Comments from Walking Tour Site Map Hand Outs Restroom Bathrooms Eliminate Restrooms at Monterey and Broad St. Get rid of restrooms Like the current restrooms, they're in a good area and the building compliments the Mission More public restrooms Move restrooms to less prominent location- closer to museum. Put in museum parking lot Newer or better restrooms somewhere else Put restroom into design of ART center and/or history center. Make ADA compliant. Current restroom should be turned into a drop off area/ circular drive or an extended seating area for historic adobe Quasi public- within a open café or such in order to monitor users Re-do restroom area Remove and locate new restrooms in expanded history center. Open (Chorro St. entrance) up to street Restroom major problem. Close and relocate. The area is not supervised after hours. A modern facility with changing tables for infants Restroom upgrade, keep central location. Increase capacity and security Restrooms Restrooms- needed; there is a design solution (I don’t know what it is). Keep reasonably central Update restrooms/ clean leave here, but remodel Signage/ Amenities "…?" tables and places for families and pedestrians Add more seating options Add Wi-Fi Art Installations Better lighting for drama and highlight trees and mission Change to drought tolerant landscape Get rid of the grass! Improve Lighting Kids activities More benches More benches and seating More benches and tables (in shade) More electricity/ Outlets More people to sit but not transients More tree lighting- ambiance and safety Plants- keep lawn as visual rest and cooling Provide Bicycle parking at Mission Plaza and at Museum Remove some grass- not all Walking lights not too bright- soft lighting 8.c Packet Pg. 91 Attachment: c - Notes from Mission Plaza Community Workshop - February 20, 2016 (1461 : Study Session: Mission Plaza Assessment & IDEAS & AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT Mission Plaza Master Plan Project Open House/Workshop in Mission Plaza February 20th, 2016 Comments from Walking Tour Site Map Hand Outs Events Better stage More events when Palm and Monterey are closed Rise the Lawn(?) for tents and concessions Stage for Concerts (where arbor is today) Amphitheater Amphitheater under utilized Amphitheater: See what Grand Performances has done in DTLA www.grandperformances.org. SLO's amphitheater is was under used. Amphitheatre- Enlarge Downward Amphitheater Improve amphitheater Make amphitheater bigger (a few more rows of seats) Make amphitheater bigger and revised for bigger acts- like plays Partially enclosed amphitheater- Cooperative effort with SLOLT Upward rising amphitheater Wheelchair access to amphitheater and to Arbor Adobe Adobe - Coffee shop with table and chairs and/or café with Museum of Art Adobe brick was vital to the SW US indigenous cultures, etc. Olvera Street in DTLA has a section with recreated displays and actors etc. Adobe bldg.: turn into a living museum recreating what life was like during the time it was built. Adobe could be info center for visitors Adobe- For this building, engage history center to use it for exhibit space- possibly a tea house Adobe lighting Adobe needs more activity, not sure what- tourist info center, less grass and less places for transients to loiter. Good idea have bike police officers; lose the trellis Adobe- repurpose with History related materials, tourist information center Adobe- tie to history center Improve overall lighting Make adobe a tourist info center Move Chamber of Commerce Murray adobe added to history museum Murray Adobe for history exhibit Police bicycle office Provide ADA ramp from the dogleg behind (east of) Murray Adobe Reduce grass Remove wall on west side of Adobe, provide lighting, remove grass, provide open access, sign no camping etc.; city code so has to be enforceable Reprise Adobe for Homeless outreach. Destroy the Magnolia at Arbor Volunteers could be docents at Adobe 8.c Packet Pg. 92 Attachment: c - Notes from Mission Plaza Community Workshop - February 20, 2016 (1461 : Study Session: Mission Plaza Assessment & IDEAS & AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT Mission Plaza Master Plan Project Open House/Workshop in Mission Plaza February 20th, 2016 Comments from Walking Tour Site Map Hand Outs Arbor Area Arbor area is well- used on Fridays Open up Naman Property (Arbor) for plaza activity uses. Raise plaza area and open to Vista of Mission Raise the arbor, add seating Remove bushes in front of Arbor area. Open up the area Remove steps (one set) and install a ADA ramp in center Reuse Arbor to street level The Arbor- has a potential to be a great space, perhaps a seating area or space for extra seating (for the amphitheater) Miscellaneous Align visual entrance with Monterey (Thanks Lief) Art museum doesn’t feel part of the plaza Balance water hungry grass with places for people to sit/lie down. Some grass but strategic for use. Better connection to restaurants and businesses on east side- active elements Better control of panhandlers Better flow around Plaza, not just through Build new design of "Iconic Mission Plaza Elements" Adelaide Stone Walls, "Bear Fountain", Mission Façade, Eucalyptus Trees Don’t object to carefully sited tall building but views from plaza to hill very important. Expand walking path further down Broad and/or Monterey (around SLOMA and History Center How can we connect the creek walk under Broad St Keep buildings 1-2 stories. Not 3! Keep historical feel of mission Keep trees and green aspects of plaza- not all concrete Less cars. I love more walking/ biking thoroughfares so we have less reliance on cars downtown, make it easier to get around on bike/ by foot. Similar to a town such as Burlington, UT. Lots of lights at night. Mission theme good More flowers or gardening Native trees New trees- spend the money for nature at the beginning Open up views/paths to creek Preserve sky and town views from plaza Respect for the Mission and its primary purpose as a church Shops/food Take down wall near historic adobe- Open up for marriage ceremony, memorials, or? With a little elbow grease that area can be significantly improved. Visual impact of new museum- removal of trees? Constricts views 8.c Packet Pg. 93 Attachment: c - Notes from Mission Plaza Community Workshop - February 20, 2016 (1461 : Study Session: Mission Plaza Assessment & 8.d Packet Pg. 94 Attachment: d - Draft concept plan A (1461 : Study Session: Mission Plaza Assessment & Master Plan Development) 8.e Packet Pg. 95 Attachment: e - Draft concept plan B (1461 : Study Session: Mission Plaza Assessment & Master Plan Development) 8.f Packet Pg. 96 Attachment: f - Notes from Mission Plaza Community Workshop - June 29, 2016 (1461 : Study Session: Mission Plaza Assessment & Master 8.f Packet Pg. 97 Attachment: f - Notes from Mission Plaza Community Workshop - June 29, 2016 (1461 : Study Session: Mission Plaza Assessment & Master 8.g Packet Pg. 98 Attachment: g - CVT draft concept plan (1461 : Study Session: Mission Plaza Assessment & Master Plan Development) 8.h Packet Pg. 99 Attachment: h - CVT draft concept plan report (1461 : Study Session: Mission Plaza Assessment & Master Plan Development) 8.h Packet Pg. 100 Attachment: h - CVT draft concept plan report (1461 : Study Session: Mission Plaza Assessment & Master Plan Development) 8.h Packet Pg. 101 Attachment: h - CVT draft concept plan report (1461 : Study Session: Mission Plaza Assessment & Master Plan Development) 8.h Packet Pg. 102 Attachment: h - CVT draft concept plan report (1461 : Study Session: Mission Plaza Assessment & Master Plan Development) 8.h Packet Pg. 103 Attachment: h - CVT draft concept plan report (1461 : Study Session: Mission Plaza Assessment & Master Plan Development) 8.h Packet Pg. 104 Attachment: h - CVT draft concept plan report (1461 : Study Session: Mission Plaza Assessment & Master Plan Development) 8.h Packet Pg. 105 Attachment: h - CVT draft concept plan report (1461 : Study Session: Mission Plaza Assessment & Master Plan Development) 8.h Packet Pg. 106 Attachment: h - CVT draft concept plan report (1461 : Study Session: Mission Plaza Assessment & Master Plan Development) 8.h Packet Pg. 107 Attachment: h - CVT draft concept plan report (1461 : Study Session: Mission Plaza Assessment & Master Plan Development) 8.h Packet Pg. 108 Attachment: h - CVT draft concept plan report (1461 : Study Session: Mission Plaza Assessment & Master Plan Development) 8.h Packet Pg. 109 Attachment: h - CVT draft concept plan report (1461 : Study Session: Mission Plaza Assessment & Master Plan Development) 8.h Packet Pg. 110 Attachment: h - CVT draft concept plan report (1461 : Study Session: Mission Plaza Assessment & Master Plan Development) 8.h Packet Pg. 111 Attachment: h - CVT draft concept plan report (1461 : Study Session: Mission Plaza Assessment & Master Plan Development) 8.h Packet Pg. 112 Attachment: h - CVT draft concept plan report (1461 : Study Session: Mission Plaza Assessment & Master Plan Development) 8.h Packet Pg. 113 Attachment: h - CVT draft concept plan report (1461 : Study Session: Mission Plaza Assessment & Master Plan Development) Page intentionally left blank. Mission Plaza Assessment and Master Plan Update City Council/Planning Commission Joint Study Session Presentation of Conceptual Design Alternatives October 4, 2016 Provide a long term vision for Mission Plaza and the Broad Street dog-leg Respect the Plaza’s relationship to the Mission, the Creek, & Downtown Preserve the Plaza’s unique sense of place Improve functionality and flexibility for variety of uses Address ongoing maintenance and operational issues Enhance ADA accessibility Project Goals Monterey Street pre 1970’s Concept Plans in 1955, 1963 and 1964 Images courtesy of Ken Schwartz Mission Plaza has a history of change History & Background Concept Plans in 1955, 1963 and 1964 Approved Monterey closure in 1966 Opened to the public in 1971 Images courtesy of Ken Schwartz History & Background Need photo credit Replace with new photo Replace with new photo Replace with new photo Existing Conditions Existing Conditions –Ongoing Maintenance Workshop/Open House in Mission Plaza Meetings with a variety of stakeholders (including the CVT) Reviewed previous studies and designs Conducted initial technical studies Researched other cities with similar public spaces Translated community input into two concept plans Presented the design alternatives at community workshop #2 …and spent lots of time in the plaza! What have we done so far? What we’ve heard MONTEREY ST Mission San Luis Obispo CHORRO STBROAD STQuiet serene space vs. flexible space for events and activities Space that attracts a variety of ages and is accessible to all Balancing: Keeping the existing charm while providing a long term vision Park-like setting vs. an active plaza MONTEREY ST Mission San Luis Obispo CHORRO STBROAD STWhat we’ve heard Need to activate spaces to improve safety What we’ve heard Improve connections to and within Mission Plaza MONTEREY ST Mission San Luis Obispo CHORRO STBROAD ST MONTEREY ST Mission San Luis Obispo CHORRO STBROAD STWhat we’ve heard Create more flexible and functional spaces MONTEREY ST Mission San Luis Obispo CHORRO STBROAD STWhat we’ve heard Improve Amphitheater Two different design alternatives Both designs include, at a minimum: New restroom New lighting New signage Consistent furnishings Durable, low-maintenance paving Public art Historic educational information Improved storm water management Improved accessibility New proposed Museum of Art footprint Design Alternatives Option A: CHORROMONTEREY BROADBROADConcept A A Option A: CHORROMONTEREY BROADBROADConcept A FEATURES INCLUDE: Prominent pedestrian gateway Improved intersection on Chorro St. Expanded, level plaza Curved trellis Lower creek terrace Potential new bridge connection Option A: CHORROMONTEREY BROADBROADConcept A FEATURES INCLUDE: Prominent pedestrian gateway Improved intersection on Chorro St. Expanded, level plaza Curved trellis Lower creek terrace Potential new bridge connection Option A: CHORROMONTEREY BROADBROADConcept A FEATURES INCLUDE: Prominent pedestrian gateway Improved intersection on Chorro St. Expanded, level plaza Curved trellis Lower creek terrace Potential new bridge connection Option A: CHORROMONTEREY BROADBROADConcept A FEATURES INCLUDE: Prominent pedestrian gateway Improved intersection on Chorro St. Expanded, level plaza Curved trellis Lower creek terrace Potential new bridge connectionPhoto courtesy of Library of Kenneth Schwartz Option A: CHORROMONTEREY BROADBROADConcept A FEATURES INCLUDE: Small café with restrooms Widened circulation route Accessibility upgrades to amphitheater Repurposed historic adobe New plaza/gathering area Option A: CHORROMONTEREY BROADBROADConcept A FEATURES INCLUDE: Small café with restrooms Widened circulation route Accessibility upgrades to amphitheater Repurposed historic adobe New plaza/gathering area Option A: CHORROMONTEREY BROADBROADConcept A FEATURES INCLUDE: Small café with restrooms Widened circulation route Accessibility upgrades to amphitheater Repurposed historic adobe New plaza/gathering area Option A: CHORROMONTEREY BROADBROADConcept A FEATURES INCLUDE: Sculpture garden with informal amphitheater Accessible pathways to bridge and creek Coordinated with Museum of Art expansion plans Photo: Austin Kirk Option A: CHORROMONTEREY BROADBROADConcept A FEATURES INCLUDE: Sculpture garden with informal amphitheater Accessible pathways to bridge and creek Coordinated with Museum of Art expansion plans Option A: CHORROMONTEREY BROADBROADConcept A The DOG-LEG: “Woonerf” –flexible street/plaza Circulation is unchanged from today Curbs are eliminated Attractive plaza expansion Traffic calming Photo: La Citta Vita Option A: CHORROMONTEREY BROADBROADConcept A The DOG-LEG: “Woonerf” –flexible street/plaza Circulation is unchanged from today Curbs are eliminated Attractive plaza expansion Traffic calming Photo: La Citta Vita Option A: CHORROMONTEREY BROADBROADConcept A Street Closure 10’x 10’ Shade Canopy Event Layout Option A: CHORROMONTEREY BROADBROADConcept A Potential Stage Location Audience Viewing Area Street Closure Potential Stage Locations Option A: CHORROMONTEREY BROADBROADConcept A Santa’s HouseCarousel Christmas Tree Option A: CHORROMONTEREY BROADBROADConcept A A CHORROMONTEREY BROADBROADConcept B B CHORROMONTEREY BROADBROADConcept B FEATURES INCLUDE: Prominent pedestrian gateway Sunken creek-side patio In-grade splash pad New restrooms Flowing circulation pattern CHORROMONTEREY BROADBROADConcept B FEATURES INCLUDE: New plaza/gathering area Widened, curvilinear circulation route Enhanced amphitheater Repurposed historic adobe Public Domain image CHORROMONTEREY BROADBROADConcept B FEATURES INCLUDE: Sculpture garden & natural play features Accessible pathways to bridge and creek Coordinated with Museum of Art expansion plans CHORROMONTEREY BROADBROADConcept B The DOG-LEG: Convert to one-way with angled parking Passenger loading area Remove curbs adjacent to plaza More generous sidewalk widths CHORROMONTEREY BROADBROADConcept B Street Closure 10’x 10’ Shade Canopy Event Layout CHORROMONTEREY BROADBROADConcept B Potential Stage Location Audience Viewing Area Street Closure Potential Stage Locations CHORROMONTEREY BROADBROADConcept B Carousel Living Christmas Tree Santa’s House CHORROMONTEREY BROADBROADConcept B B Design Alternative Key Elements Primary Differences Overall design style Broad Street dog-leg Restroom location Café Expanded or Enhanced Main Plaza A B Summary of Community Workshop #2 Approximately 75 community members attended a public workshop held on June 28, 2016 A brief project overview and (2) design alternatives were presented to the public Group exercise followed the presentation, where each group was asked to express their preferences for: Overall design preference (A or B) Dog-Leg options Restroom location Incorporation of a small café Main plaza design alternatives Incorporation of children’s play features Representatives from each group presented their three favorite design elements Community Response to Alternatives Option A was heavily favored overall. The following individual features were generally preferred/supported (in no particular order): Woonerf (dog-leg from Plan A) Enlarged main plaza area in front of Mission steps Sculpture garden Combined restrooms/small café building (in current restroom location) New accessible creek crossing (bridge/catwalk) at east end Repurposing the Murray Adobe A Input received after the 2nd Community Workshop Downtown Association Fill amphitheater area to make level with adjacent plaza and create stage that would face upper Monterey CVT submitted a conceptual plan for Mission Plaza and beyond. CVT Plan Next Steps Receive direction from Council and Planning Commission regarding development of the preferred concept (tonight). Prepare Draft Master Plan (single plan). Preferred site plan Cost, phasing, traffic, CEQA Present Draft Master Plan to City Advisory Bodies: Parks and Recreation Commission Cultural Heritage Committee Architectural Review Committee. Planning Commission. Present Draft Master Plan to Council for adoption (Anticipated: Summer 2017). Feedback on Design Elements Key Elements A B Overall design style – Curvilinear vs. formal circular Broad Street dog-leg ADA access options Access to creek Access across creek Restroom location Café Amphitheater Enhance or remove