Retrofitting Trees in an Urban Corridor: Perspectives from a Designer, a Forester and a Planner

Retrofitting Trees in an Urban Corridor: Perspectives from a

Designer, a Forester and a PlannerNovember 19, 2015

AGENDA

Who are we & what are we talking about ?

• Matt Shawaker, Associate Principle, RNL• Rob Davis, Denver City Forester• Karen Good, Denver Public Works Within Mayor

Michael B. Hancock’s Corridor of Opportunity ─ which stretches 23 miles from DIA to Downtown Denver ─ Brighton Boulevard would serve as a gateway to the city.

PURPOSE AND NEED

Why are we working on Brighton Boulevard?Transform Brighton Blvd into a vibrant place and enhanced travel corridor for all users:• Improve safety for all• Basic infrastructure (e.g. curb, gutter, sidewalk, street

trees and planting areas)• New bike and pedestrian facilities• Burying power lines underground• Design that respects the area’s rich history and new

development

HEAT ISLAND EFFECT

Why is increasing the tree canopy important?Improve aesthetics, water quality and air quality:• One of the highest heat island index areas in the city• Limited drainage improvements and water treatment• Immediately adjacent to the South Platte River• Main corridor to/from downtown and the airport• Integrate larger sustainability goals for the City• Pilot new techniques and begin branding of innovative

treatments and design

PROJECT HISTORY AND BACKGROUND

HOW DID WE GET TO THIS POINT?

MAIN STREET AREAPrioritizes sidewalk activity pedestrian connectivity, multi-modal transportation, safety and on street parking that celebrates the character of River North

EDUCATION, INDUSTRY & DEVELOPMENT AREABalances a diversity of mixed-use activities, multi-modal transportation, pedestrian connectivity and safety that celebrates the character of River North

NATIONAL WESTERN CENTER AREAPrioritizes access to the National Western Center with safe multi-modal connectivity that stimulates street activity and creates an entertainment destination

NORTHERN AREAEncourages a welcoming frontage for existing uses, multi-modal transportation and safety that respects the Riverside Cemetery

CHARACTER AREAS

DESIGN TRADEOFFS

• Main Street Character Area: Design Tradeoffs29th St. to 38th St.

VISION AND DESIGN PROCESS

Photo compliments of Kimberly Wolff

INDUSTRIAL AREA LACKING INFRASTRUCTURE

What does Brighton Boulevard look like now?

How is Brighton Boulevard starting to transform?

RECENT DEVELOPMENT AND ADAPTIVE REUSE

DESIGN DETAIL

HOW DID WE GET HERE - VISION

SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGIES

HOW DID WE GET HERE - VISION

DESIGN DETAIL

What will Brighton Boulevard look like?

DESIGN DETAIL

HOW DID WE GET HERE - COORDINATION

At installation tree canopy – note density

Mature tree canopy – maintained to emulate riparian character of adjacent Platte River corridor

DESIGN DETAIL

HOW DID WE GET HERE - COORDINATION

At installation tree canopy – note density

Added diversity to tree planting palette and created gaps in PLD for placement of larger shade trees

SPECIES OPTIONS

HOW DID WE GET HERE - COORDINATION

FINAL DESIGN

• Maintenance guidelines

• Annual inspections• Continued study &

potential to refine design/species

• Coordination with GID

What still needs to be done and how will maintenance be addressed?

DESIGN STUDY GOALS

What are the overarching goals for the design effort?

• Define the elements to be constructed within the City Right of Way (sidewalks, bike facility, parking, street lights, drainage, etc.) – ~$26M budget

• Integrate RiNo GID funded enhancements (trees/landscaping, pedestrian/accent lighting, enhanced paving) into a cohesive streetscape– ~$3M budget

WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE?

What are the next steps for the project?Aka – the challenges ahead

Action TimingPreliminary design Completed May 2015Stakeholder engagement OngoingBID/GID vote November 2015 – SUCCESS!Pre-construction public meeting Late 2015Final design Late 2015Construction begins Early 2016Construction completed 2017

QUESTIONS AND DISCUSSION