#76 Good Urbanism – Fronting the Public Right of Way - Bohn

Good Urbanism:

Fronting the Public Right of Way

Presenters:

Dr. Suja Lowenthal, Vice Mayor, City of Long Beach

Michael Bohn, Principal, Studio One Eleven

Stephanie Reich, Senior Urban Designer, City of Glendale

Thursday, Sept. 13 Breakout Period 7, Plan + Connect

Good Urbanism:

Fronting the Public Right of Way

Dr. Suja Lowenthal, Vice Mayor

City of Long Beach

Downtown

Long Beach:

A multi-modal

community

Dr. Suja Lowenthal

Councilmember

City of Long Beach

Pro Walk Pro Bike

Pro Place

“Good urbanism

and our Downtown

Plan”

Downtown’s Planning District - 30

• Process lacked predictability

• Too many amendments

• Expensive delays discouraged

quality developers

• Low standards for design, building

materials & street level activity

Downtown Visioning

A highly social “visioning process” that began in 2006

with the volunteer efforts of a Visioning Committee

and input received through public workshops.

This initial process resulted in a message that

combined words and imagery to convey what the

future might look like. This visioning provided a

necessary foundation for the Downtown Plan

Downtown Visioning Statement and Principles

Long Beach is a waterfront metropolis with a feel for the past and anticipation for

the future. We are a model of international living and distinguish ourselves through

a unique vision: progressive, diverse, cultured. Fueled by a vibrant city center, Long

Beach is a place where residents are proud to live, work, and play.

We promote development of a distinctive downtown skyline, providing a vibrant,

compact city core attracting cosmopolitan and creative people.

We encourage an infrastructure to accommodate a future that is less dependent

on fossil fuels and more focused on walking, bicycling, and public transportation.

We endorse bold architecture, planning, and construction that utilize green

building technology and incorporate sustainable energy. We demand quality in

building practices in order to ultimately create historical masterpieces.

We value our buildings of historic merit and seek to preserve or restore them

through adaptive reuse.

We include the best aspects of an innovative global city: dynamic architecture,

light filled public spaces, active recreation, celebration of our unique culture and

respect for the natural environment.

4th and Linden

Gallery 421

The Promenade

Bikestation & Transit Mall

After

Before

Separated Bikeways

After

Before

Separated Bikeways

Before

After

Parklets

Downtown Plan

Increased standards

Streamlined approval process

Incentives for quality developments

“Fueled by a vibrant city center, Long Beach is a

place where residents are proud to live, work, and

play.”

CITY OF LONG BEACH

Dr. Suja Lowenthal, Councilmember

Good Urbanism:

Fronting the Public Right of Way

Michael Bohn, AIA, Principal

Studio One Eleven

Long Beach Visioning Process

November 20, 2006 – Kick Off Introductions and expectations

December 4, 2006 – Orientation Review of existing plans Boundary definition

Long Beach Visioning Process

January 19, 2007 – All-Day Retreat Discussion of big ideas Comparison to other cities Key issues and goals for downtown noted:

o Identity, linkages, density, land use, etc.

Downtown Comparative Studies

Existing Building Studies

Proposed Building Studies

Long Beach Visioning Process

February 5, 2007 – Ideas Testing Ideas from retreat tested in preliminary

diagrams Vision Statement subcommittee formed,

meets independently

Long Beach Visioning Process

March 5, 2007 – Draft Vision Statement Draft vision statement discussed 3D model showing potential height

scenario discussed

“Long Beach is a waterfront metropolis with a feel for the past and an eye for the future. We are a model of international living: progressive, innovative, diverse, cultured, and proud of its heritage. Fueled by a vibrant city center, Long Beach is a place where residents are proud to live, work, and play. We embark on a brave mission to distinguish ourselves by creating a unique vision that leads us forward….”

Long Beach Visioning

Process

March 19, 2007 - Moving Forward Discuss and finalize vision

statement Discuss presentation of ideas to

community

Principle Guidelines

Long Beach Visioning Process

Meetings April 16, 2007 – prepare for

next meeting and community workshop, assign roles

Areas of Increased Intensity

Neighborhood and Open Space Analysis

Community Workshop

City of Long Beach Downtown Plan

Good Urbanism:

Fronting the Public Right of Way

Stephanie Reich, Senior Urban Designer

City of Glendale

Good Urbanism:

Fronting the Public Right of Way

Questions?