DRAFT 171ST STUDY 04-27-2009 - Laserfiche WebLink

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THE MASTER PLAN DISTRICTS & DESIGN CHARACTER The district approach for the master plan looks at key aspects o f development character and prescribes the key urban design principles to follow for each district. These key principles include identi f ication o f building, parking, loading and service zones and the relationship between the enhanced street network and access to development parcels. Zones for stormwater treatment, critical buf fer areas and areas for preservation of natural vegetation and wetlands are also illustrated. Each district is analyzed around these key urban design principles, and highlighted in the text are the individual design criteria for development in each district. This vignette study approach organizes and aligns all o f the unique districts in the project, matching the overall framework for the i7~st Avenue FAST master plan. Mixed Use and Commercial Districts STATION AREA VILLAGE ;" The area immediately `; adjacent to the Northstar ~` _ station is envisioned as 1 vibrant mixed-use district. As intensification of development occurs over time, this district will include vertical mixed-use at the primary intersection to the transit station. Residential uses are envisioned north of the station on both sides of Twin Lakes Parkway and adjacent to the park and ride lot. Long term, housing could develop in conjunction with a parking structure as development intensifies and ridership increases. Office is the along Twin Lakes Parkway south of the transit station, with larger mid-rise buildings framing the street and smaller buildings furtherfrom Twin Lakes Parkway. The development is organized to promote internal circulation for streets and drives and easy pedestrian navigation. Connections between sidewalks, trails and public gathering places are vital to maintaining the success of commercial uses and attracting residents to the district. The character of Twin Lakes Parkway is distinctly urban throughout the entire district combining an attractive, comfortable streetscape, while still functioning as a collector roadway. The round-a-bout at the re-aligned intersection of ~7~st and Twin Lakes Parkway facilitates the turning movements of the projected traffic volumes. Along the street storefronts and business occupy the ground level, while amenities such as broad sidewalks and outdoor plazas with benches and landscaping and properly scaled lighting create a safe and comfortable environment for pedestrians. Trails along the wetland edges tie together with sidewalks and outdoor plazas. On-street parking exists for small segments of Twin Lakes Parkway in front of retail uses. In general, parking and loading areas should be located internal to the larger development blocks utilizing shared or district parking to maximize development along the street frontage and further distance buildings from the rail line noise. In addition, extensive landscape buffers should be planted and maintained on both sides of the rail line for noise attenuation. A strategic approach for stormwater allows for building orientation toward both natural amenities and internal stormwater treatment systems, bringing increased value to development.