My Urban Walk On Wall Street

Positive Aspects On Wall Street

Negative Aspects On Wall Street

My urban walk was enjoyable and fascinating if a little cold. Starting from the rail bridge on Wall Street, I walked North taking photos until I reached Riverfront Park. There was a noticeable difference between in the upkeep of the blocks between the north and south ends of my journey. The northern section between Riverside Drive and Spokane Falls Boulevard was exceptionally nice, especially with the bricked streets that were mainly used by pedestrians and busses. The blocks between Riverside and Sprague were in decent shape, the STA terminal is kept in good shape.

The real problem area is between the Rail Bridge and Sprague Avenue, where there is an occasional nice feature, the majority of this section was built in grey or beige concrete, the sidewalks were unkept and cracked, and it didn’t feel that safe to be in. What this area really lacks is updated features and much more greenery. The 60’s and 70’s buildings need updated facades or to be re-placed in general. The sidewalks are crisscrossed trip hazards.

Isaac Swanson | Planning 300 | March 2015

Ideas for ImprovementsThere are several improvements to this section of Wall Street between the Rail Bridge and Sprague Avenue that can be done to beautify and up-grade the area. Repaving the sidewalks to add planter strips or giant planter boxes is one option. Adding trashcans and park benches along the route will help with walkability. Improved lighting would help under the rail bridge and down the street to make the road feel safer. either replac-ing the 60’s and 70’s buildings with new green architecture or adding living plant facades to cover the ugly concrete would vastly improve this area. This would be a prime street to turn into a bicycle and pedestrian greenway to have access from downtown to Riverfront Park.

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