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Broadway Planners Want Community's Input Into Design and Street Life

By Eric Richardson
Published: Tuesday, February 10, 2009, at 12:03AM
Melendrez Conceptual Broadway Render Meléndrez

A conceptual sketch by Meléndrez shows Broadway sidewalks remade with colorful paving, plantings and sidewalk dining.

DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES — Imagine you are designing a street: You need to make it work for pedestrians, cars, buses and even a streetcar. How would you do it? What would it look like?

Those are the questions the community will get to provide their input on next Tuesday at the "Broadway Walk," an event put on by the Bringing Back Broadway project and landscape architecture firm .

The results of the day will help inform the Broadway Streetscape Plan, a document Meléndrez has been contracted to produce. The plan will guide changes made to Broadway in upcoming years.

To get some more input into what the firm will be studying, I sent some questions over to Melani Smith, a partner with Meléndrez.

ERIC RICHARDSON: The term "streetscape" is one that most people outside planning circles aren't familiar with. How would you define the term and the scope of what Meléndrez has been hired to do?

MELANI SMITH: In Allan Jacobs’ introduction to his landmark book “Great Streets” he says, “Some streets are better than others: to be on, to do what you came to do.” Jacobs simply states that the role of designers should be to “…help make future great streets – streets where people will want to be.”

Meléndrez has been hired by the CRA/LA to plan improvements to the physical fabric of Broadway, or the streetscape– what all of us see when we look down the street.

This “public realm”, which we will be working on, includes: the number and organization of lanes in the street itself; locations for automobile parking; lanes in which transit systems run and locations where they stop to pick people up; the sidewalks (their widths, and what they are paved with); the crosswalks (how they are paved, how wide they are, how the signals assist both pedestrians and automobiles); planting; lighting; street furniture; bicycle racks or bicycle shelters; and newspaper stands.

Some of these things have humbly been called “city comforts” but they are also elements which, when planned and coordinated, will ideally add up to a whole street that is greater than the sum of its parts. We also are looking forward to investigating a range of potential concepts for greening Broadway, by using energy efficient lighting, or stormwater management (green streets) techniques.

Working with both the public at large and those with technical knowledge of Broadway, Meléndrez will develop a Streetscape Master Plan focused both on elements that might be installed over time in the future, as well as some to be installed immediately in order to improve the pedestrian friendliness and walkability, or “comfort” of the street, and its attractiveness as a destination. The suggestions and opinions we hear from everyone involved will contribute to the plan we will generate as part of the process.

The big idea is that the streetscape improvements included in this Streetscape Plan will support the other focus areas of the overall Bringing Back Broadway effort: revitalization of the theater district, spurring economic development, reusing and celebrating existing buildings and historic assets, all within an active and lively street scene.

ER: Your work is going to have to interface with quite a few other projects that will help shape the street. How important is it to coordinate with efforts like the streetcar, the design overlay planning and the upper floors working group?

MS: We think it is critical for our work to be coordinated with all of the Bringing Back Broadway initiatives, not least of which is, the streetcar project. For that reason, IBI Group, the firm responsible for the streetcar feasibility study work to date, is a part of our team for the streetscape plan.

We will be looking at the traffic impacts of potentially reconfiguring the street to again accommodate a streetcar, as well as ensuring that the street design addresses safety and comfort for pedestrians, and good access to wayfinding and transit information, as well as the flow of automobiles and transit vehicles. We will also pay particular attention to the transit station areas on the street, and ensure that we maximize the opportunities for placemaking and interaction in these locations.

Further, we understand that everything we do must support the economic revitalization of Broadway, enhance its character and image, and be a source of pride for the businesses, property owners and residents here. So our signage, wayfinding and identity consultant, Selbert Perkins Design, is keenly interested in exploring the historic elements of the street that have contributed to its glamour and appeal over time, and ways in which to reestablish a strong image and identity for the street going forward.

ER: In your initial renderings, you show a street with accommodations for many modes of transportation -- pedestrians, cyclists, autos and the streetcar. What are the challenges of dealing with that many different types of user?

MS: We feel that accommodating mobility options isn’t necessarily a challenge, but rather an opportunity. Streetcar projects, for example are proven economic development catalysts in other communities, such as Portland – so it is exciting to think about that opportunity here in our own downtown.

Transportation choices bring people into the public realm and contribute to an atmosphere within which street life thrives. For ages, concerns over traffic flow and automobile-centered models of transportation have dominated the physical design of the public realm all over the country, but especially in Los Angeles.

Is it challenging to figure out where and how bike lanes might fit in with cars and streetcars, and at the same time ways to shorten crosswalks to make it easier for pedestrians to cross? Sure, but we see this as the opportunity to creatively use space and balance different users needs.

Streets rich in mobility options can have smoother flowing traffic, by reducing pedestrian-cyclist-transit-automobile conflicts, and in the end be better places for all users.

ER: What sort of feedback do you hope to get from the Broadway Walk?

MS: On Tuesday February 17th we are looking forward to hearing and capturing the community’s thoughts and ideas about a vision for Broadway, what you value about the street and its character now, and what you think should be changed or added.

To get your ideas flowing, we will show you what other cities have been doing to improve their streetscapes, from streets that are historic in character, to streets with streetcar systems, to those with sustainable design elements.

Then we will send you out for a self-guided walking tour, directing you to several stops along the length of Broadway from 2nd to Olympic where you will interact with our team and assess the existing conditions of the streetscape and various physical design issues facing Broadway and offer your ideas.

ER: Meléndrez does projects all over Southern California (and elsewhere). Is it particularly fun to work on a project that will go just a couple blocks from the office?

MS: We were all really excited to be selected from a list of so many talented consultants to work on the Broadway Streetscape. Meléndrez is a downtown firm. We have been located in the Oviatt Building for many years. We are excited about the opportunity to influence positive transformation in our community right down the street, and hopefully to spearhead a unique and fast-paced design effort that will result in near term improvements to downtown Los Angeles.

We have a stake in the success of this project, just like others in the wide array of Broadway stakeholders. Frankly, it’s a great honor and responsibility to be working on this, and we are very much looking forward to creating a Plan that is responsive to, and colored by, the wisdom, expertise, creativity and enthusiasm of the Downtown community.

The Broadway Walk takes place on Tuesday, February 17, and runs from 4 - 7pm. It's an open house format: attendees can come any time in that window. Start at the Chapman Building (756 S. Broadway) and you'll get further instructions there. Organizers recommend planning to spend an hour to walk both sides of Broadway between 2nd and Olympic.

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Melendrez Conceptual Broadway Render Meléndrez

Meléndrez' streetscape work will consider the width of the public right-of-way, from sidewalks to street widths and crosswalk treatments.

Broadway Streetcar Illustrations IBI Group

These renders from the IBI Group, a consultant on the streetcar project, show potential ways the street could be remade to accommodate the project.

Broadway Streetcar Illustrations IBI Group

This illustration from the IBI Group shows the sort of utilities under the street that must be accounted for in streetscape and streetcar design.

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Conversation

Guest 1

Tim on February 10, 2009, at 09:36AM – #1

The impetus for the streetcar project was the streetcar in Portland. Yet if you look around the streets on which their streetcar runs, they are simply normal city streets with storefront retail. Just cleaned up. Why can't we do that here? Instead, we get the above nightmare of Cirque du Soleil crossed Disney's Main Street U.S.A. Send all those planners back to Portland AGAIN until they get it right.


Eric Richardson () on February 10, 2009, at 09:45AM – #2

Tim: If you look at Portland streets, though, you'll see things like bump-outs for stations, on-street parking, bike lanes, etc. Those aren't a feature of our "normal" streets. Saying that you don't want design flourishes is perfectly valid input, though.


Guest 2

Daniel on February 10, 2009, at 10:49AM – #3

I completely agree with Tim. Downtowners like Downtown because it feels like a real city, not like The Grove. If we want Rick Caruso to do Broadway, lets all go visit Americana.


Guest 3

seb on February 10, 2009, at 11:10AM – #4

I like the Americana.


Guest 4

Juichi on February 10, 2009, at 12:54PM – #5

Where are the Bike lanes?

Wouldn't this plan cut down on sidewalk space?

Broadway's sidewalks get fairly crowded in certain areas as is. If they clog up the sidewalk with plants and shorten it to accommodate for parking or a street car it will only get worst.

I like the Americana, too. I wouldn't mind them turning Broadway into something like that. As long as it's only Broadway and as long as they don't get rid of the old sidewalk flooring outside of certain buildings.


Susana Benavidez on February 10, 2009, at 01:26PM – #6

I like the sidewalk dining. I agree with Tim in that I don't want to look at shiny painted floors- wouldn't that take away from the beautiful scenery that already exists- the historic buildings? I vote for the street car and no on site parking... but I am biased because I don't have a car. NO planters! They're usually ugly, people and dogs relieve themselves on them, and they provide no shade. Have you seen the planters on Main St? They keep getting turned over and broken. If the city decides to provide the privately owned buildings with monies/improvements, they should be held to a leasing standard. You want public money, then make sure you lease out at least 70% of your upper floor space. If some of these buildings were spruced up and brought up to safety standards they could provide space for a charter school, day cares, pet care centers, dentist/doctor office space.. Make Broadways a desirable address and law/consulting firms will follow. Or have the owners give municipalities that contribute money, a discount in leasing space. Anything to create more foot traffic.


Guest 5

RLK on February 10, 2009, at 03:49PM – #7

Broadway is a major route for protests and marches so whatever traffic changes are made won't mean squat until the city address the marches.

I would like to see all car traffic eliminated from Broadway. Streetcars and busses only. This would really get commuters across downtown quickly.


Guest 6

JeffC on February 10, 2009, at 05:54PM – #8

I also agree with Tim and co. The swirly sidewalk design is a bad idea, especially given the historically important and beautiful terrazo sidewalk designs outside of buildings such as the Eastern Columbia and many of the old theaters. Yes to better landscaping and the concept of outdoor dining, but please be careful to maintain the original, historic character of the street and not over design it. We live down here to get away from the Grove and Americana, from that generic LA suburban feel - plus if we want that, we now have LA Live right around the corner!


Guest 7

John Crandell on February 10, 2009, at 08:07PM – #9

Susan Benavidez offers us an invaluable perspective on this subject. Changing the ground plane without first (or simultaneously) rehabing and preserving the buildings would be a mistake. The K Street transit mall in downtown Sacramento serves as a good example of the wrong tack to pursue.

As architect Paul Rudolph once said, this has got to be a total urban design. Do not simply decorate the ground plane!


Guest 8

Get rid of the cars on February 10, 2009, at 09:51PM – #10

Broadway would be great without cars -- only mass transit, peds, bikes and emergency vehicles.


Eric Richardson () on February 10, 2009, at 09:57PM – #11

Those suggesting a transit mall may not have seen these previous stories:

Metro Looking at a Broadway Transit Mall (May 23, 2007)

Broadway Transit Mall Hardly A New Idea (May 25, 2007)


Guest 9

Benjamin Cole on February 11, 2009, at 03:40PM – #12

The sidewalk swirls look weak.


Michael Parada on February 11, 2009, at 08:01PM – #13

I completely agree with JeffC: The Americana is a shopping center/mall. It will never amount to what downtown is, because it is an artificial rendering of the industrial era, that was built last year.

I would be very disappointed in Los Angeles (yet, not surprised) if Broadway did end up looking like the Grove or the Americana. I'm only hoping that it keeps true to itself. What's wrong with, simply, polishing it up?


Guest 10

Raymond on February 11, 2009, at 08:12PM – #14

I think it would be cool to have certain components and pieces of Americana and Grove because unlike those plastic malls that try to imply a bygone era many of these buildings on Bway were actually constructed in that period of time and are genuine, something that the malls die trying to replicate. But at the same time there should be some distinct character and charm that is strictly Broadway and like no other. The best thing to start is plant all kinds of trees and benches, trashcans, a deep sidewalk cleaning, and better uniform lighting which I think is all part of Phase 1 so if we get that going we are heading in the right direction.


Guest 11

Dan in LA on February 11, 2009, at 09:59PM – #15

"I would like to see all car traffic eliminated from Broadway. Streetcars and busses only. This would really get commuters across downtown quickly."

I don't think getting "commuters across downtown quickly" should be a requirement for Broadway. Until the busses get MUCH quieter, the sidewalk dining will not happen. The DASH busses are almost ok, but the big red busses are a nightmare.

I'd love to see Broadway streetcar, bikes and pedestrians only.

And - I agree with Susana, getting people in the upper stories will be critical. In cities like Tokyo no one thinks twice about going up to the restaurant on the eighth floor...


Guest 12

David Kennedy on February 12, 2009, at 03:09PM – #16

I think it is great news this local firm has been selected for this project. They've done excellent work elsewhere and they've got a stake in the project's success. I also am impressed that the discussion here has focused on the actual design features and avoided the xenophopia which erupted on www.angelenic.com blog.

That said, despite their good intentions, I suspect the feedback Meléndrez will get will be limited to the new downtowners, essentially a minority elite. Has Tuesday's forum reached out to Latinos who work and shop on Broadway? Will Spanish speakers be catered to? If not, regretably, the vast majority of the people who work and shop on Broadway today probably won't have their opinions heard.

Case in point, my mother-in-law has worked and shopped on Broadway for over two decades. She was a member of the downtown community before many of you were out of diapers. She has many thoughts and ideas on how to improve Broadway. However, she works full-time and has three kids. She doesn't have time or inclination to take a walking tour. She is not aware of this forum and frankly, if she were, would be perplexed and intimidated.

My concern is that her perspective will not be taken into account and the opinions of the new elite minority will rule the day. The forces of improvement will be hard at work. But, the mundane concerns of the lifeblood of Broadway won't even be considered because people like her don't have a place at the table. I pleased to see Broadway getting some long overdue attention from the powers that be. Yet, my biggest fear is the Latino character of the street will be bulldozed in the name of progress. Don't think it won't happen and don't think plenty of people would love that outcome. The civic history of L.A. is replete with such tales.

I'd urge Meléndrez make an additional effort to figure out how to consult with the core constituency of the Broadway corridor.


Guest 13

Jessica Wethington McLean on February 12, 2009, at 06:43PM – #17

So glad to see the interest in this subject, we hope you'll participate in the Broadway Walk Tuesday Feb. 17 and register your ideas with the design team!

For your info, here's an update on how the Broadway Streetscape Walk will go, including the topics for discussion at each of the eight interactive stations which will be set up along Broadway:

(1) Meet at The Chapman Building --756 S. Broadway (at 8th Street) Open House format from 4-7pm (leave at least an hour to finish walk before 7pm) Get inspired by what other communities are doing to improve their streets.

(2) Take a stroll at your own pace along both sides of Broadway -- Share your vision for the Broadway Streetscape. Tell us what you think is special about the street and what could be improved or changed.

Eight interactive stations will be set up along the route, staffed by members of the design team, to discuss and receive input on:

  • Green Streets (environmental-friendly ideas)
  • Street Design
  • Character/Historic Influence
  • Transit Stations
  • Design Palette
  • Paseos/Open Space
  • Curb Extensions/Crossings
  • and Pedestrian Safety & Comfort

(3) Please bring your camera to document what you see! -- We will solicit your photos to share with everyone via Flickr after the Walk.

(4) Return your completed worksheet to us at The Chapman Building. The Chapman "basecamp" for the walk will be open from 4-7pm.

Thanks and we'll look forward to your input.

Jessica Wethington McLean, Executive Director, Bringing Back Broadway, Office of Councilmember Jose' Huizar, www.BringingBackBroadway.com


Guest 14

Juanito on February 12, 2009, at 07:10PM – #18

  1. Seismic upgrades.

  2. Facade restorations.

  3. Imaginative programming and marketing in light of marketing surveys.

  4. Establishment of a signage ordinance for the avenue and adequate funding of cleaning and maintenance of the improvements.

  5. Final move: a new streetscape designed so that it will not look like #&%# five years after it is installed. Note: shrubby, multi-stem trees that will block views of stores and restaurants would be a mistake. The extraordinary architectural frontages must stand out, be complemented. At the start of construction of the Redline on Seventh Street, the removal of a Ficus tree in front of the Fine Arts Building had an astoundingly impact. The extraordinary architectures along Broadway need to be complemented by a stately planting design. Such a design calls for palm trees. The landscape designers might consider taking a cue from the magical terrazo pavements fronting various movie palaces.


Guest 12

David Kennedy on February 12, 2009, at 07:11PM – #19

If the expectation is that to provide feedback participants will be required to complete a worksheet, you will have excluded 99% of your prospective feedback. My mother-in-law has a grade three education. Nonetheless, she is a vital member of the Broadway community. She is quite incapable of meeting this expectation. This doesn't mean she doesn't have any ideas of merit. She just wouldn't be able to provide them in the required format.

Maybe that's the point -- only the articulate and educated need apply. It certainly simplifies the intake process. However, it is highly undemocratic, in my opinion. I also believe the results will be unrepresentative; skewing to the new affluent residents and intentionally filtering out feedback from the majority of people who patronize Broadway.

It would be wiser if Ms. McLean and her boss put their Spanish to good use and sought out feedback from the crowds who throng the street. I guarentee the proposed method will see neglible input from these people, which is unfortunate. I'm sure there would be insights to be learned from these stakeholders. It would also be astute to be as inclusive as possible. (I presume strengthing the Latino character of the street is an objective.) The present course will see only those with power making decisions without consulting those who will be most affected by the decisions made about Broadway's future.

I trust Ms. McLean will see the error in her methodology and make appropriate adjustments to the process. I look forward to an update from her in due time.


Guest 15

Jessica Wethington McLean on February 13, 2009, at 08:06AM – #20

Hi David - That's why each station will be staffed with design team members, so they are interactive and people can just talk, instead of writing if they prefer. Come on down, we'll see you there.


Susana Benavidez on February 13, 2009, at 08:17AM – #21

I will make sure to take some VC from work so that I can make it. Four o'clock is a bit early but I am very interested in the future of Broadway. I grew up shopping at Broadway and I have many fond memories which I would like to pass on to my children and future generations of Los Angeles. If there are any Spanish speakers that you know of that need help in translating, I volunteer to do the walk with them and translate their comments. Email me


Guest 16

bubbs on February 15, 2009, at 02:38PM – #22

David, I believe the Spanish speaking population has had many decades to preserve the integrity of this area and has instead put up tarps and other make shift crap neon signage etc and displayed butts with tight jeans on the sidewalks....that "politically correct" for the sake of waving the politically correct flag has no place in a community trying to revitalize historic buildings that have been shamelessly defiled by the "Spanish speaking" population...give us all a break with that crap


Guest 17

Juichi on February 16, 2009, at 03:13PM – #23

Bubbs- I agree with you. They have covered up the beautiful architecture with ugly facades and even destroyed parts of the beautifully designed sidewalks.

Our country offers many opportunities to get an education. There are many schools and classes that can help people get the education they need.

However, it doesn't hurt to offer an online idea submission form in Spanish or going on the streets and having them fill out surveys. I just don't think it's necessary to go to extremes to get their feedback. I do think it is important that the business owners get their input. The changes can affect their business for better or worst. Even if there's one too many cheap underwear and cheap bedding stores in downtown it's not right to make changes that might drive their business away.


User_32

Dario on February 17, 2009, at 01:25PM – #24

Mr. Kennedy is exactly right and I don’t see how his suggestions are attempts to be “politically correct”: Since when is including those people who are impacted by public policy NOT the thing to do? As he said, all the downtown stakeholders should be included in this process.

My girlfriend and I live here and regularly walk Broadway and spend money in their businesses. But we rarely see any other downtown residents. They’re all over at Pete’s and the Nickel. Why is that?

I suppose it’s all those awful “Spanish speaking” people that have “defiled” Broadway.

How many of the Spanish-speaking business owners and users of downtown have any control over their buildings? Most of them are mere tenants and not owners. The buildings have been allowed to become rundown by apathetic absentee landlords. And white people abandoned downtown leaving it available to the poor to occupy.

The trouble with most of you downtown dwellers is that you don’t want downtown LA to be downtown LA. You want it to be the East Village or Old Pasadena or the Third Street promenade or somewhere else—just not the downtown with all those awful “Spanish speaking” people who’ve ruined it. I think the last thing downtown needs is more people in Ugg Boots, Ed Hardy gear and Pork Pie hats hanging out at Pete’s but not going above Spring street.

What have you ever done for Broadway? I say we exclude all of the spoiled white kids from this process by requiring that the answers be written in Spanish.


Guest 18

a t l on February 18, 2009, at 10:45AM – #25

I'm so disappointed that there are so many comments wanting Broadway to resemble the Americana and the Grove. Those places are contrived. They have the organic growth of a real urban commercial district. You can never start with a clean slate on a eal street like this.

And yes I agree, it would be a disservice to the Latino community and downtown as a whole if the voice of the existing business owners is not heard. Just remember that when all the big retailers abandoned Broadway, they're the ones that kept it going.

What I really want to know is how is this streetscape going to be integrated with what's already there. Yeah, it would be nice to see outdoor dining, but is the Panda King or Casa India well suited for this? Or is the plan to kick them out and replace them with a Starbucks?

Also, these bulb-outs for pedestrian crossing seem like a good idea, but there is a lot of busses on Broadway. During rush hour, busses use the parking lane. So I can just imagine the busses trying to weave in and out of these bulb-outs when traffic is heavy.

Lastly (for now), I know that designers like to make pretty pictures. But what good does a colorful swirly paving pattern do? Does it enhance or further emphasize the historic character of Broadway? Does it add to way finding or mark an important outdoor public space? That doesn't seem to be case. I hope next time we see a more realistic depiction of Broadway's character evolved, and not a generic image. That rendering could be a "street" at the Americana for all we know.


Guest 19

Larry on February 19, 2009, at 11:45AM – #26

Never been to the Americana but I'm guessing theres a lot of high end shops and dining there...why is that a bad thing for Broadway? Right now Broadway is an outdoor Tijuana swap meet with crappy shops and transients galore. Its time for some clean up!


Guest 18

a t l on February 20, 2009, at 04:41PM – #27

ok we get it. you shop on rodeo drive not broadway. there are some people in this world that can only afford what's being sold on broadway and are quite happy with it. i'm pretty sure when you say clean up, you're not just talking about the trash on the sidewalk, but mostly the people that live/work/shop on that street. does "cleaned-up" always have to equate to high-end?



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