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HomeMy Public PortalAbout1976 - Jefferson City Beautification Planz ~ <( ..J ~ a.. z 0 -~ () LL. -1-::::> <( LU OJ >-1--() z 0 en a: LU LL. LL. LU --, ~ li~ Q) 0 -c Oo w >-<n ~ ...... > 0) ·-Q) 0-w 0 Q)<D _c""J (.) --' <~-w :::::> ·-0 0>-a: --, Q:'£: ~0 0 JEFFERSON CITY BEAUTIFICATION PLAN Prepared for : COMMISS ION ON ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY Prepared by : SKIDMORE, OWINGS & MERRILL CHICAGO , ILLINOIS APRIL 1976 TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction Summary of Issues PART 1: REGIONAL ANALYSIS Methodology Regional Setting Physiographic Regions Study Area s Component Areas (Physiographic) Special Study Areas PART II : CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT Structure of the Central Business District CBD --Problem Generators Development Oppo rtun ities Preservation High Street M all Street Tree Program PART Ill : IMPLEMENTATION Implementation Summary PART IV: TECHNICAL APPENDIX Page 2 7 8 9 13 14 16 22 43 44 48 52 54 56 64 77 78 79 89 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS This r eport has been prepared for, and with the cooperation of, the Commission on Environmental Quality : M rs . Betty Jo Delong, Chairman Mr. Sam B. Cook , Vice-Chairman and Civic Beautification Chairman Mrs. Betty Gibson, Secretary-Treasurer Mr. A .B. "Bud" Jackson, Jr. Mr. Mark Sullivan Mr. Hadley K. Irwin Dr. Henry Guhleman Miss Carolyn McDowell Dr. Th omas Bran-t The concept of a Beautification Plan was initiated in 1972 by the Commission on Environmental Quality under the leadersh ip of Mr. Sam B. Cook, the Commission's first Chairman . Special tribute is also extended to the following persons for their contributions t o the study effort : Mayor Robert Hyder and Members of the City Council Mr. Robert Simonds, Landscape Architect and Special Consultant to the Commission Former Mayor John Christy Mr. Ted Herron, Executive Director, and Board Members of the Housing Authority Mr. Ed Rackers, Director of Public Works Mr. Robert Schulte , Chairman, and Members of the Parking Authority Mr. Jim Thomas, Chairman , and Members of Downtown Business Association Mr. Tim Frevert, L.A. Department of Conservation Mr. Tom Benton, City Planning Mrs. Carolyn Becker Mr. Joseph Majersky Mr. Israel Collier Mr. Fred Seaman Mr. William Tweed fe, Jr. Mr. Ralph W is dom Mr. Robert Hyder Mr. William Natsch INTRODUCTION Beautification has always been a troublesome word in the designers vocabulary primarily because of the largely subjective and abstract nature of the concept of beauty . Even though architects, landscape architects, p lanners and others within the design professions rarely agree as to what constitutes beauty, most people use the term to ex press their feelings about their reaction to visual stimuli . The various physical elements of the American cityscape are frequently ignored or taken for granted be c ause of the similarities in long term urban growth patterns and the resultant lack of clear differences in land use management practices from city to city. Yet these elements and their interrelationships have the power to stimulate our emotions, inspiring feelings of approval when a set of circumstances elevates our visual experience above the ordinary and provoking disapproval and denial when conditions fall below our ex pectations and offend our sensitivities . Sin ce the birth and growth of most American cities, even those that may have had specific plans that guided earlier stages of development, has been traditionally linked to economi c rationales, the form of most c1t1es has been largely determined by ec onomic dictates . A few cities, however, such as some seats of government and university communities, whose econom i cs are based on wealth created elsewhere, were not c ompelled to fulfill ordinary ec onomic imperatives as they grew. This enabled many to devote greater time and effort to the plann i ng pro c ess, and create a concern for form as well as function. Th e d eve lo pm ent o f Jefferson Cit y has been guided by both ec onomi c considerati o ns and by public poli c y de c ision s. The establishment of the state pen itentiary in 1833 and th e construction of the state house in 1842 w e r e imp o rtant public poli c y d ec i s ion s designed to streng th e n the ci ty's economic ba se --theretofore tied to fl o ur mills, tanneries, and di st i lleries along the Missouri Ri ve r --an d to c onsolidate its de signated role as the new st ate ca pital. Over the years, as state government grew a nd co n ve nient links to larg e c iti es were established , J e ff e r s on City, through publi c a nd private efforts, deve lop ed into a pleasant town of lovely tree-lined streets a nd impress ive public buildings . But th e ever increasing d e mand s of a growing state burea uc racy and the later advent of universal automobile owne rship resulted in the ex pansion of spa ce given over t o auto traffi c, c ontributed t o the breakdown of the v isual e nv ir on m e nt, and provoked c onfli c ting land use pra c ti ce s; and th e physic al quality o f J effEl'rson City , o v er tim e , beg a n t o deteri o rate . It is th e intent of this re port to identify areas within J eff erso n Cit y that can be vi sually improved --elevated fr o m th e o rdinary --and to sugg es t ac tions that might be und e rt a ken in o rd e r to furth er the goal of recreating an a tm os ph e re suitable to the c ity's st atewide prominen ce and sym b o l ic imp o rtan c e . SUMMAR Y O F I SSUES As the development of the Jefferson City Beautification Study progressed, several key issues regarding the quality of the c ity's visua l environment began to emerge. The following were identified as major problems areas which were seen to occur repeatedly throughout the city: 1. Lack of landscaping along city streets; 2. Lack of landscaping of off-street parking lots: 3. Overhead telephone and electrical lines; 4. Proliferation of unsightly signage; and 5 . Lack of concern that new deve lopment--land use mix site layout, architectural design of buildings--be of high quality. In some instances, these problems exist because our values and standards for our visual environment have changed over time. In other instances, they are beyond the jurisdiction of the city government. In some cases, however, they are a result of weaknesses in the City's zoning ordinance or a failure on the part of the City to exercise its authority to ensure compliance with the zoning ordinance, even on projects the City itself is developing. STREET LANDSCAPING The minimal levels of tree planting along city streets in Jefferson City and the almost total lack of street landscaping in the downtown has a highly detrimental effect on the urban environment of Jefferson City. The implementation o f the comprehensive tree planting program described in detail subsequently in this report would serve to beautify the streetscape, improve the physical environment and bring identity to various areas within the ci ty . Imp lementation of the program would also provide a stron g incentive for existing property owners to improve their properties . 2 LANDSCAPING OF PARKING LOTS A prime example of the City itself fai ling to comply with the Zoning Ordinance are the city-owned parking lots which were developed over the past ten years under the Urban Renewal program. These parking lots are in important and quite prominent locations in the Central Business District. While the provision of adequate parking was essential to the economic vitality of the downtown, the lack of effective quality control and the absence of even minimal landscaping of these parking lots has resulted in a further deterioration of the visual environment of the city and has in point of fact increased the blight of the automobile. Even though requirements regarding landscaping of parking lots (Zoning Ordinance Section 7.D.7l are at best minimal, it is apparent throughout the city that little or no effort ha s been made to enforce them . In addition to strict en forcem e nt of the ordinance, we re co mmend the following changes: 1. The mtntmum landscape requirements shou ld provide for landscaping within the interior of parking lots and along any street frontages to provide screening of parking lot s from streets. 2. Parking lot s should not extend beyond what would be the minimal front yard under the applicable zoning code provision (Zoning Ordinance Section 6). This would ensure that parking lots would be set back from the public right-of-way, thereby providing ample front yard area for appropriate landscape screening along street frontages . 3. Interior landscaping should be required for all parking lots which are the sole use of the building lot and for accessory parking a reas with ten or more spaces or more than one row of parking spaces. When required, there should be a minimum requirement of one 4% to 5 inch shade tree for every three cars. Interior planting should be distributed uniformly throughout the parking area . In addition, one 4 Y2 to 5 inch shade tree should be required for every sixty linear feet of rear yard . The 4 Y2 to 5 inch tree is recommended instead of a 3 inch because the latter has a minimal survival rate . The larger tree will also have a spread of 25 to 30 feet, thereby providing good shade and a strong visual appearance. Evergreen trees could be used if a minimum spread of 6 feet or a minimum height of 12 feet is specified . 4 . Frontage landscaping should be required for all parking areas irregardless of their size and should consist of ornamenta l fences or walls in combination with plant materials . Minimum tree planting requirements should be one 4Y2 to 5 inch shade tree for every thirty feet of frontage. Overall requirements should ensure that the sc reening achieve 80% opacity when viewed horizontally in the space of one and five feet above grade at the screen line, at the time of installation; a minim-Um of 50% opacity should be sustained throughout all seasons of the year . 5. In addition to the above bas ic requi rements, no part of the landscaping requirements, interior or frontage, can be met by planting within public rights-of-way. 6. A building permit should be required for all parking lot s, irregardless of their size; landscaping requirements shou ld be applicable to all park ing areas, whether privately or pub licly owned . The appendix deals in more detail with landscape treatment for parking lots and should be used as a guide for developing specific standards for the selection and use of plant materials . It is imperative not only that requirements for the landscaping of parking lots be significantly strengthened and then stringently enforced but that the major lots owned by governmental institutions--the city, the state, the school board, and the housing authority--that have not been complying with the letter or even the spirit of the ordinance be brought up to the above recommended standards. It is essentially impossible to legislate that existing privately owned parking lots meet these more stringent requirements but they should at least comply with ex isting provisions of the Zoning Ordinance. If this emphasis on landscaping seems excessive, one need only look at photographs of Jefferson City i n the State Ar c hiv es that date from the 1920's and 1930's with gracious, tree-lined streets to realize the positive visual impact that landscaping can have on the city. 3 OVERHEAD TELEPHONE AND ELECTRICAL WIRES Through the course of working in Jefferson City, the subject o f telephone and electrical power lines, poles and transformers and their detrimental effect on the urban environment also emerged as a key issue. It is unfortunate that this practice has been allowed to con tinue as long as it has, particularly in newly developed areas of the city such as the residentia l subdivisions . We canno t recommend strongly enough that th ese overhead utilities be systematica lly removed and placed underground . The utility companies should required to place aU new installations underground and to develop a plan in the immediate future for relocating wires along arterial streets. Relo ca ting wires on local streets and alleys would be afforded a lower order of priority . If such a plan exists, then it should be made public and evaluated by the Environmental Quality Commission SIGNAGE Outdoor advert i sing signs, in particular billboards and rooftop signs , have an extremely blighting effect on the v isua l quality of Jefferson City. This is a particularly difficult issue to deal with since a special effort has already been made to deal with the problem when the provisions of the Zoning Ordiance regarding billboards and signs were amended in 1971 . It is apparent, however, that the past five years have not brought any solution. Our recommendations include : 1. A careful review shou ld be made of permissible sizes for signs for various types of buildings and uses . 4 It is our contention that permissible sign areas should be substantia lly reduced and, in all cases, they should be based on the area of the face of the building and not on lot size. Th is latter type of provision would address the problem of large signs erected on lots with structures with a small building area, such as filling stations. 2. The zoning ordinance should stipulate that in the future it will be illegal to erect the following type of signs : Billboards; Signs painted directly on the walls of buildings; Signs which are not applicable to the property or building upon which signs are located; and Signs erected on the roofs of buildings To ensure that such existing signs are phased out over time, no alteration, reconstruction or relocation of such signs should be permitted . In addition, any sign going unused for a period of thirty days or more should be removed; and no building permit should be issued for the alterat ion or enlargement of existing or construct ion of additional facilities on a lot where such signs are lo cated until such signs are removed. It is strongly recommended that the above changes to the Zoning Ordinance regarding signage be implemented as soon as is feasible. While little can be done in the way of legislating for the removal of existing unsightly signs, the City can take strong measures to ensure that in the future such signs are not erected. QUALITY OF NEW DEVELOPMENT There is an apparent lack of concern as to whether or not new development--its land use mix, site layout , architectural design of buildings--is of high quality, as long as it would potentially bring new business to Jefferson City . There are certain areas over which . the City can have no control, for example, it is impossible to legislate that new buildings constr ucted be of quality architectural design. There are, however, a number of ways in which the City can act to create an environment which would encourage quality development . The primary means would be to enforce the existing zon ing ordinance. In the past there has been a tendency on the part of the City Council to waive certain provisions of the ordinance, particularly those regarding setbacks, yards, maximum floor area ratios, open space and to downgrade the zoning to allow "spot" zoning to occur, in particular large-scale commercial developments in attractive residential areas, in order to bring new development to Jefferson City and thereby ensure cont inuing economic growth. While new development has been a positive force within the ci ty and has brought emp loyment for its residents and increased tax revenues, this concern for quick growth has not been beneficial over the long-term for the visual quality of the City. The enforcement of the exist ing zoning ordinance would be one definite step towards ensuring quality development. Regarding specif ic provisions of the zoning ordinance, it is recommended that the following changes be made: All new development exceeding a designated ac reage , building area and/or height should be required to apply for establishment of a Special Development District (Zoning Ordinance Section 4 .A.12). In addition, the Special Development District provisions shou ld stip ulate required lev els of open space for various uses . Such changes would serve to ensu re that all new large scale development, in particular large commercial developments in the downtown and residential subdiv is ions, would be carefully planned and would include ample open space and landscaping . If an objective is to encourage private developers to construct buildings of quality archite ctu ral design, the city and state governments must fir st set the example. In recent times, governmental agencies have relied too heavily upon the use of industrialized, prefabricated building materials . A prime example of poor architectural design is the recently constructed State Archive Building, a massive, windowless structure lacking any sensitivity to its env ir onment and its prominent location adjacent to the main western entry to the city . To provide a further impetus for private developers to construct quality buildings in the downtown, the city shou ld immediately implement the tree planting program . Appropriate landscaping of the downtown streets, part- icularly those in the Capitol West Development area, would do much to improve the existing visual environment and create a setting inducive to quality development. It would also serve as an in centive for existing property owners to improve their buildings . In c on c lusion, if the above described problem areas can be successfully resolved, their impact upon the quality of the visual environment will be substant ial. And, in turn, sign ifi cant improvement to the aesthet ic appearance of Jefferson City will be highly conducive to attracting new economically viable development. 5 PART 1: REGIONAL ANALYSIS METHODOLOGY REGIONAL SETTING PHYSIOGRAPHIC REGIONS STUDY AREAS COMPONENT AREAS (PHYSIOGRAPHIC) Zone Evaluation SPECIAL STUDY AREAS Entries-Roadways Highway Entrance Recommendations Highway Landscaping and Planting Missouri Boulevard Subd iv isions Subdivision Beautification Open Space River Edge Signage Page 8 9 13 14 16 18 22 22 24 26 28 32 34 36 39 40 METHODO LOG Y The first part of this study deals with general observations of condit ions having regional dimensions . Subsequently, more spec ifi c information dealing with much smaller areas is presented and, finally, recommendations pertaining to very well defined areas are presented as first priority objectives. Recognizing the intimate interrelationships of the natura l environment, the position of Jefferson City with respe ct to the statewide transportation network, and the city itself, he study begins with a descriptive stateme nt of the physical, geographical and historical contexts within which this intera ction occurs. This section is followed by a summary of the city's natural site co nditions and general land use pattern . This information is synthesized into an identification of physiographic zones that are i ntended as the basi c geographical units of current and future beautification efforts . General analysis statements pertaining to beautifica - tion activities within th ese zo"nes are enumerated . 8 From among the physiographic zones, special st udy areas were singled out on the basis of a determination that within these areas first phase beautif ication efforts are most lik ely to result in the most prominent and important improvemen t s. Program recommendations were made for these study areas following the identification of deficiencies and problem generators related to physical development and landscaping . The scope of the study was then narrowed to a detailed assessment of the cu rrent con dition of the most prominent areas of th e c ity, primarily the Central Bus i ness District, the open space system, and the river edge. It is emphasized that the recommendations in this study are concerned not only with the comfort and convenience of Jefferson City residents, but also with that of visitors from outside the c ity . REGIONA L SETTIN G Jefferson City is located very near to the center of the state of Missouri, midway between the Kansas City and St. Louis metropolitan areas. As the state capital, it enjoys direct highway connections to all of Missouri's major cities and is an intermediate stop on the route from St . Louis to the popular Lake of the Ozarks recreation area. Jetterson City is located in the ce nter of t he state. Highway 63 to northern Missouri and Highway 54 to the northeast converge on the f lood plain of the Missouri River just north of the city . Route 54 continues to the southwest through Jefferson City to the Ozark Plateau . Route 63 continues in a southeasterly direction . Highway 50 traverses Jefferson City from east to west connecting St. Louis and Kansas City . Within Jefferson City , these highways are limited access expressways promoting a continuous flow of through traffic. Under these circumstances there is little to induce motorists to stop over in Jefferson City. The situation could be significantly altered by redesigning and landscaping the approaches to the city and by providing environmentally compatible signage to encourage overnight visits . 9 The ci ty is situated above the limestone bluffs that delimit the southern edge of the Missouri River flood plain. The topography of the high ground is very uneven, resembling an eroded plateau shaped by centuries of stream action. The slopes sepa rating the valley and ridg es vary co nsid e rably in steepness and areas of level ground are very small, being limited to ridges and valley floors. Although the interconnecting as a whole is rolling terrain, ments into a 10 major streets in the · city and nearby highways follow ridges, the street system an orthogonal grid superimposed upon the bringing the human and natural environ- somewhat cont radictory juxtaposition . An Jefferson City skyl1ne: view from southeast equally dramatic contrast is created by the broad flood plain below the city, which reaches widths of up to two miles, af fordin g many fine views of the wooded bluffs to the north. Development on the flood plain is very limited, and although the river has been channelized, re cent proposals have ca lled for the construction of a levee that would allow for more intensive development practices . The area surrounding the city is primarily agricultural, with most farming taking place in bottom lands and areas of moderate slope. Stands of mid-latitude deciduous forests are common, but there are no stands of virgin timber remaining in the immediate vicinity Two railroads serve the community: the Missouri Pacific, which follows the Missouri River on the low ground below the bluffs along the south bank; and the Missouri-Kansas-Texas which runs along the bluffs forming the northern edge of the Missouri River flood plain . The presen c e of the Missouri Pacific tracks between the city and the river is seen as an obstac le to full utilization of the river for recreational and urban beautification purposes The Missouri Pa c ific tracks form a physical barrier along the nver edge . HISTORY OF SETT LEMENT Although Jefferso n City was orginally designated as th e location of the Missouri state capital in 1821 , population growth was slow until the state penitentiary and state cap itol were cons tru cted in 1833 and 1842, respe ctively. Commercial development was originally related to the Missouri River which provided access to the city via flat bo ttomed river boats. The complet ion of a rail line to St. Lo ui s in 1855 , however, proved t o be a much more important f actor in establishing the city's cur rent eco nomi c base . Economic diversification and the growth of state government succeeded, by the time of the Civil War, in making Jefferson City an important Missouri settlement that has since enjoyed a role shared by few cities of its size . 11 f~, ) z ~ c: Jl )> r- ~ ~ c: U! PHYSIO G RAPH IC REG IONS The basis for understanding the component structure of Jefferson City and the first step in organ1zmg the beautification effort was to define the physical con te xt of the region . Recognizing that the relevant environment is reflective of both natural and man-made forces, it was determined that beautification standards should have a geographical basis, recogn1z1ng existing conditions within well defined areas . Th e physiographic regions identified in the accompanying figure are defined primarily on the basis of natural and man-made conditions, although several of the areas are previously defined planning study areas or urban development project areas . The most significant natural features of Jefferson City are the Missouri River, the Missouri River flood plain, Wears Creek, the bluffs, and the slop in g topography of the city. The Missouri River is probably the most important natural asset, having considerab le scen ic beauty. It a ls o has some, alth ough limited, econom ic importance The River's flood plain is the most expansive area of flat land in the immed iate environs of Jefferson City and its "best use" is the subject of strong differences of opinion . Wears Creek, which flows through the west sid e, enters the Missouri River a short distance west of th e state capi tol. Currently under study by the U.S. Army Corps of Engin eers, it is subject to seasonal flooding, which affects the lowest ground within the city limits . The bluffs n orth of the river, spa rsel y present time, contribute sign ifi cant ly to of the local landscape and can be within the Cent ral Business District. developed at the the visual quality seen from points The b luffs on the so uth edge developed somewhat randomly visual variety . From Lavinia Park landscape dominates the bluffs bridge . From that point to dominant atop th e escarpment. of the river have been and display cons iderabl e on the west, the natural to the Missouri River the east, buildings are The excellently sited state capitol is situated upon an isolated segment of the bluffs framed by the low ground at the so uth of Wears Creek on one side, and the gap at Lohm an's Landing on the other. The building itself appears to be a continuation of the bluff as the natural and man-made are visually united . To the east of Lohman's Landing, the bluffs rise abruptly at the beautifully landscaped governor's mansion. Natural land- scaping dominates the bluff east to Ellis Porter Park where the city ends and open country begins again . The only two interruptions in the cont inu ous greenery in this segment are a high-rise apartment structure, which is well related to it s site, and the state penitentiary. The Missouri Pacific Rai lroad tracks, as has been noted, are responsible for the lack of contact between the city center and the river, but this may be a blessing in disguise. Lack of access to the riverbank could in the long term result in a regenerated wildlife habitat at the city's doorstep, much to the advantage of the community. High Street, the principal street on the ridge spanning the downtown area, is parallel to the river. Four other ridges, one which is followed by the route of Industrial Drive to the west; the second, extending to the southwest along Highway 54; the third on Hay selton Drive; and the fourth on Boonville Road, are prominent elements of the cityscape . Grid pattern street systems have been developed in newer subdivisions in and around Jefferson City, often without consideration for natural land forms and native vegetation cove r . This topic will be cons id ered in a later section. The beautification effo rt s hou ld acknowledge the manner in which land use and urbanization relate to this physical framework . It is the interaction of these elements and their manner of organization which forms the physical basis of the v isual atmosphere of the c ity . 13 STUDY AREAS Previously comp let ed an d ongoing spec ial urban planning stu di es in Jefferso n City have fo c used on various geog raphi ca l districts of the ci ty . While such topics as traffic co ntrol and physical redeve lopment programs have been cons id ered i n th ese efforts , planning for beautifica- tion, th e ob jec t ive of this study, recognizes severa l addi t ional areas of th e city that are characterize d by localized development needs: 14 Th e northern and southern approaches to the ci t y are lin ed by disorganized land uses and offensive billboard s whi ch impinge o n cap itol and sky line ve iws. Future improvements to Highway 54 upon the flood plain sh ou ld preserve capito l views . Control over adjacen t development should be as mu ch the subject of plann ing efforts as are alignment decisions . Within the industrial /com mercial area west of the city, alo ng Industrial Drive, landscaping has been ove rlooked in new development projects. The drab grey State Archives Building ha s been site d so as to p rec lud e eve n the most rudim entary of landscape treatment along the highwa y edge . A s lack of landscaping around buildings of this type is no longe r app ropriate. public policy should be directed at establis hin g landscape standards for industrial zones. The extens ive redevelopment of the Capitol West district affords a signifi ca nt oppo rtunity for imaginative and inn ovative achieveme nts in land scapi ng, architec ture and civ ic design . The upgradi ng of the pedestrian and vehicular Central Business District has several past redevelopment to be a major public subje ct of a later sec tion enviro nment in th e bee n discussed in plans and co ntinu es concern. It is also the of the c urrent study . Th e design geomet ri es of highways in the v icini t y of Jefferson City have substantially p rec lud ed the ex t ens ive use of plant mate ri als . Howeve r, remedi al pl an ting proposed in this st udy ca n be utilized t o co nsiderably up g rade the highway environment. The beautification of M issou ri Boulevard will st rongly in flu ence public and official attitudes towa rd st rip commercia l development . Design and planning cont ro ls will be required to forestall the sp read of this style of development. Future beautification of the ca mpu s of Lin co ln Univ ersity should co ntribute to its special identity. M ost commerical areas are character ized by minimal land scape treatment. Highway 54, to the southwest, exemp lifi es th e negative aspects of a lost oppo rtunit y . In the absence of firm policies for future landscape-sensitive development areas of this t ype could eas il y deteriorate with each physical addition. 4 d 2 gq ry + /arc CCc�,,00ee _ rnve�a?e 43 - -- ' are TI Int=,+• 1 � i 11 �. 390 l�•+�i`S� J ��-T iii, �j'> X.- s.,��4.�tS.> ---�.„� �.. Wy�AVry/I Y -=-� � ,.�� � It C - t "'�- _"'-•--� i NY ''�_ `'?ice, \�.. � , tea„• `/� Lond caat ent CcOM/77 rc 8 io/ar�eas = ,�i1aSber M; moo 3m ampm STUDY AREAS + COMPONENT AREAS [PHYSIOGRAPHIC ) Future beautifi ca t ion planning shou ld be conducted within a framework of logical geographical zones, having similar problem generators and/or implementation requirements. Component areas fall into three broad ca tegorie s: river related, highway re lated, and genera l urbanized zones . River re lated : Zone R-1 encompasses the river itse lf. Zone R-2 is the area o f the flood plain wh ich is as yet undeve loped . Highway related : Zone H-1 inc ludes the right-of-way of U.S . Hi ghway 50 , east o f Hi g hway 54, and all abuttin g property . Zone H -2 includes the right -o f -way of U .S . Hi ghway 54, south and southwest of its junction wi th Highway 50, and al l abutt in g property . Zone H-3 in c ludes the right-o f -way of U.S. Hi ghway 50 , west of its junct ion w ith Highway 54, and all abu ttin g property . Zone H-4 includes the right-of-way o f U .S. Highway 54, north of its junct ion with Hi ghway 50, and includes all abutting p roperty and the Missouri River br id ge. General urbanized areas: Zone C-1 encompasses the bluffs along the north side of the flood plain that are just beginning to undergo development . Zone C-2 inc lud es that portion of the flood plain that ha s already been developed. T he Jefferson City Airport and the suburb of Cedar Ci t y are located in this zone. Area C-3 is cote rminou s with the Capita l West Urban Renewal Area. 16 Zone C-4 is the area studi ed in the Misso uri Boulevard Redevelopme nt Plan . Zone C-5 is an area of large lot industrial and semi-public development in the v icinity of the Mi ssour i Pa c ifi c branch line on the west side. Zone C-6 is a predominantly re sid en tial district and is one of four larger zones d efined by the c ity's li mited access highway system. Zone C-7, also primarily residential, is similarly defined by the highway system and in c ludes much public a nd semi-pub li c open space, including the site o f Jefferson City Hi gh School. Zone C-8 is a large undeveloped zone on the c ity fringe. Zone C-9 includes the o ld er part of the city, its highest density deve lopment, and the larg es t population concentra - tion . Zone C-1 0 is the Central Business Distri ct and in c lud es major state office fa cil ities and the c ity's retail trade center. Zone C-11 is a prima ril y residentia l area bounded by a highway , the river and the west side industrial zone . Zone C-12 id ent ifi es the outer rin g of park and rec re ational space proposed in the 1968 Ha rl and Bartholomew Comprehensive Plan, and includes the flood plain of Wears Creek . Th e campus of Lin co ln University , now implementing a land scap i ng and beautification plan of its own , comp ri ses Zone C-13. / ; l ~ w a: <( t-z w z ~ ::?! 0 u ZONE EVALUATION The ultimate attitude toward beautification within these zones should be as much concerned with conservation as with action programs. Inasmuch as the scope of this study does not allow for specific beautification plans for the entire city, the following general evaluative commentary is offered: Zone R-1 : The river is recognized as the key element of the natural landscap e. Repeated channelization and flood control efforts are se lf-pe rpetuating . The river should be conside red as a natural habitat and the objective of scen ic views from nearby overlooks. The use of the river as a transportation artery should, of co urse, be sustained. 18 Zone R-2: The flood plain must be understood as a living part of the river and its importance as a catchment area for seasonal overflows shou ld not (and cannot) be negated by feats of engineering. Further development of the plain is undersirable, and it should be retained as a scenic natural or agricultural area. The city should seek to annex all flood plain land adjacent to the corporate limits and zone it for recreational and agricultural use. Zone C-1: An unbroken vegetative cover now adorns the crest of the north bank bluffs. This remains one of the a rea's irreplaceable scenic assets, and development should, accordingly, be carefully contro ll ed. Irreparable damag e to the tree cover cou ld result in a missed opportunity. Zone C-2: Existing flood plain development is in need of positive beautification action. Emergent sand bars in the Missouri River; flood plain in the distance I ~ 1 / -~ ::/;...:.;..:::-::."--:.:::~~~. t---~t ~~ :·.~ ....... ... -~ ~ ~~ '· i • ~ ]~ ~ I : ~/ ' ~ ~~ I ~ • Zone C-3 : The urban renewal plan for this area is generally s upp o rt ed . Future land scape activity shou ld bring definition to individual streets by means of tree plantings which wi ll cause each t o be associated with a cha racter ist ic spec ies . Zone C -4: The traffi c i mprovement plan f or Missouri Boulevard is supported . Details for landscape improvements are elaborated in a subsequent section of this study. Auto -oriented strip comme rcial development: visual chaos along Missouri Boulevard 20 Industrial development on the flood plain Zone C-5 Industrial development could be visually improved with professional landscape treatment. Zones C-6, C-7, C-9 C-11: Public policies and programs within residential areas should respe c t pedestiran amenities as well as those of autos. Public improvements needs and new private development should not subordinate beautifica- tion requisites . Zone C-8: It is desirable to retain open areas on the city fringe. Zone C-10 : Suggested CBD improvements are detailed in a subsequent section. Zone C-12: Open space recommendations are discussed in a later section . Zone C-13: Beautification actiVIties on the Lincoln University campus should be coordinated with municipal beautification activities. Highway Zones : Highways leading into Jefferson City are poorly landscaped and contribute little to the beautification of the community Uncoordinated development adjacent to rights-o f -way has led to conflicts among visual elements. Many buildings along the highways appear to have been developed with little consideration for landscaping or for the manner in which they relate to the roadway . Cor- rective action is required . Additional Comments : As a whole, the city has very few avenues for pedestrians, and little concern for how he relates to the street scene, how he moves or walks in the city after he has left his car, and what understanding or feeling he may have for the organization of the elements of the cityscape or its natural context. Bicyclists are similarily ignored . Despite the growing popularity of bicycling and the desirability of this mode from the viewpoints of ecology and physical fitness, there seem c urrently to be no plans calling for bicycle paths or tra ils that will enable cyclists to enjoy the beauty which exists or is to be restored. 2 1 SP ECIAL STUDY AR EAS The importance of beautification goes beyond visual and tactile appreciation. There can be, for example, definite economic benef its to be derived from beautification programs . This section deals with specific program needs that, if satisfied, will result in improvements having the greatest impact within the context of overall beautification objectives . ENTRIES -ROADWAYS It has already been suggested that, given the ease with which automobile trips through Jeff erson City can be comp leted, inducing motorists to stop i n the town for eating or sightseeing poses a very cha llenging problem. As conditions now exist along major highways leading into the city, very little that is visible to the motorist would encourage a stopover. It appears that a commitment to attracting stopover traffic has not yet been physically expressed. The most dramatic entry into the town is from the north on Highway 54, south of its junction with Highway 63 . As now exists, there is very little in the organization of this approa c h that creates a sense of entry. Bil lboards and building advertising sully the landsc ape where 63 meets 54, providing little evidence that the seat of state government l1 es just ahead . Good views of the capitol dome in the di stan ce do create a sense of anticipation as one proceeds ac ros s the flood plain , but once the bridge is crossed, th ere is n o clear route provided to facilitiate an entry into th e c ity . This problem planning stage Pr ogram . 22 should of be the given prior ity Capital West in the phys ical Redevelopment The entry from the north is partially saved by the unique change in topography that occurs as the highway descends the bluffs onto the p lain This change creates something of a sense of entry, but for other routes of access from the east, south and west, there is no evident c hange in the landscape as the city is approached, and little is offered to induce the motorist to stop over. These factors should be considered in the current Highway 54 alignment study Highways are of special importance in that they are the means by which we pass through the landscape over variable topography past different e lements of the cityscape . This is no p lace for monotonous edges or i ntrusive blight. Along Highway 50 to the west, buildings and landscape treatment offer no sense of order, no respect for natural phenomena, and no sensitivity to the potential of the progression th rough space experience. In spite of this, there are fine views of the capitol dome to be enjoyed. Future development should recognize and accommodate the opportunities thus presented. Along Highway 54, south of the city, hotel, motel, and commercial deve lopment on slopes above the highway disrupt initial views of the city from southwesterly approaches . Particular care should be devoted to the proper adaptation of development to sloping areas. A specific determination of uses appropriate to such slopes would seem to be a legitimate pub lic policy objective . In addition to limited access highways, certain streets and sec ondary highways should be evaluated for current landscape quality to facil itate the formu lation of po li cy s tatements regard i ng future deve l opment on abutting property . Sc hematic design criteria for (A) rural roadways, (B) res idential streets, (C) commerical streets, and (D) highways are attached as a technical appendix . c .Q ro -~ c ro 21 0 (f) "0 ."-? >--u (J) -5 8 ..c u ro 0 a. a. ro u -~ ro E l::' "0 > ro -~ c (J) 0 0... (V) N HIGHWAY ENTRANCE RECOMMENDATIONS All landscape planning for the highway approaches into Jefferson City should respect one fundamental objective: the preservation and expansion of vistas of the capitol dome. In addition to sensitive placement of significant landscape features such as tree stands, artificial obstructions such as billboards should be removed and new construction near highway entries should be appropriately regulated . The accompanying series of photographs, taken along Highway 50 as it leads into Jefferson City from the west illustrates the kinds of beautification opportunities associat- ed with highway entries. Deficiencies in the current order are noted on the photographs . The distracting and unattractive impact of billboards is a relatively simple problem to solve and legislative means could provide the desired relief . Increasing plantings would also improve the approach, but the general shallowness of the soil is a hindrance. In those areas where soils permit, native woody plants, such as cedar and sumac, should be planted in clusters. Accordingly, crown vetch, which can grow abundantly in shallow soil should be utilized to add texture to the roadside. These plant materials would require little maintenance. Among other main highways, Dix Road is vulnerable to some of the blighting development that has been noted . Further development should be monitored by public agencies and all plans carefully reviewed before issuance of permits. 24 1 Outdoor advertising degrades the landscape . 2 Light posts and overhead wires frame first view of capitol dome. 3 Dominance of capitol dome is clearly established ... \ 4 ... But visual distractions compete for attention. 1 Strictly functional highway design ha s its sho rt comings. <r........,. 5 Entry is lined by utilities and back doors . 8 Even within the city, view of the dome rema in s obst ru cted. - 6 Intrusive presence brought on by insensitive site planning 9 Access to local streets in city center is poorly established. HIGHWAY LANDSCAPING AND PLANTING In the United States, the gene ral philosophy of roadside planting was enunciated by the American Asso c iation of State Highway Officials in 1932 when it declared that "Roadside beauty must conse rve, enhance and effectively display the natural beauty of the landscape through which the highway passes ." And although the importance of functional uses of planting along highways has in creased steadily since that time, the AASHO prin c iple li es at the root of the recommendations co ntained in this report. Recognizing that highway landscaping is frequently remedial , since much money is spent screening th e ugliness c reated by com mer cia l despoilers, a major fun ctional objective is to crea te a pleasing visual transition between the highwa y and its surrou nding s. A second, related objective is to provide continuity and orderliness in the sequence of travel. Other functional uses of highway landscaping include s lop e co ntrol, prevention of erosion, screening to reduce headlight glare and unsightly vistas, and sound dampening . In general, the intent of land sca ping the roadway edge is not to crea te a botanical qarden. but th e provision of visua l accen ts in association with roadway fixtures such as bridge abutments, sign star:1dards and culvert wall is seen as consistent with overall objectives. 26 Crown vetch ground cover is finely textured and co ntributes to erosion control. Staghorn sumac displays brilliant autumn color. Cedar and other eve rgre ens offer year-round beauty. -c co a. <D > "+0 co c c <t: MISSOURI BOULEVARD Nearly every municipality in the United States has within its jurisdiction an auto-oriented commercial strip simi lar to Missouri Boulevard. Usually linking interurban expressways with older city centers, these strips have largely developed subsequent to the onset of the interstate highway system . They are characteristically similar, with numerous franchised retailers and abundant garish signs that dominate the roadside and compete for attention . An ill -defined gravel shoulder, extensive exposed utility lines and a nearly total lack of landscaping contribute substantially to the degraded physical quality of the Missouri Boulevard frontage. To date, an excellent traffic improvement plan calling for an upgraded roadway surface , provision of curbs and curb c uts and channelization of flow has been completed and is endorsed in the current study . The improvement of the visible environment of Missouri Boulevard must be based upon the recognition that many of its commercial enterprises are economically marginal, and that they depend almost entirely upon automobile- borne trades. It must be recongized that any physical improvements must assume the continuing dominance of the automobile in this area and that many businesses may not have the resources required for extensive improve- ments . It should be noted additionally that not only are there very few prototypical examples of significantly rehabilitated areas of this type nationally, there are none in Jefferson City . While this may be a disorienting factor , in this case it might also be viewed as an opportunity. 28 The environmenta·l improvement of Missouri Boulevard large ly depends upon the reorganization of parking areas, establishment of controls on sign size and materials, relocation of utility fixtures and initiation of a limited planting program . Signage Current signage along Missouri Boulevard projects an image of visual clutter and is not conducive to safe and efficient traffic operations. Recognizing, however, that signage is important to this type of strip development, consideration should be given to seeking a means t~rough which it can fulfill its proper function without being self -defeating . One means that might be employed would be to combine now disparate adjacent businesses into larger, discrete groupings . Each cluster would be identified by a single sign bearing a collective name and that of each business, at a compatible scale . With fewer signs competing for attention, traffic improvements and visual enhancement would be facil iated . Parking Walls, fences and shrubbery should be utilized to separate and isolate the different parking areas strung out along the street. Buffer strips should be at least 10 feet wide. Standards for new parking areas should call for curbing, lane dividers and marked spaces . Of equal importance is the need to des ign parking areas and their relationsh ips to building entrances so as to create safe, well-defined reserved pedestrian pathways . 3 B . 0 B C6 0 : D . nua 8 . Q Q 0 0 0 0 j j ~ c Ql E Ql > 0 0. E !/) c 0 Ql :e a_ ro -o u c 0 !/) u -o c co -' ~ c g _c :::l ~ u \ "I' "I' ro co > > ~ .!!! :::l :::l 0 0 lXl lXl ·.::: :::l :::l 0 0 !/) !/) .~ '!! 2 2 30 ~ ----- --~-----~ --.--------/ -------~ --~ Utilities One malady shared by many commercial districts, including Missouri Boulevard, is the presence of numerous poles and wires, frequently at the curb line, but more generally between business tacades and the street edge. A long term / / I \ ""-, Missouri Boulevard, current condition relo ca tion program to remove these fixtures either through burial or relocation to the rear of buildings is strongly recommended and should be a major concern in municipal /utility company contacts. "\ \ ________________________ __ -------------------- --~·---·" ------Landscaping In addition to alterations to signage and utilities placement, the addition of plant material is necessary to achieve the desired level of beautification. It is suggested that on-street park in g lanes be co nvert ed to grassy parkway strips with trees that would bring shade to the Missouri Boulevard, with landscape improvements roadway, yet be tall enough to sustain the visibility o f roadside business . Compensa t ory parking would be provided in the re-design of existing off-street lots. Low shrubs should be ut ili zed for buffers as necessary . 3 1 SUBDIV I SIONS Long-term changes in attitudes toward beaut ification and the occasional reordering of public priorities provide the background for current beautification efforts that are largely remedial in nature. The wholesale removal of street trees from American cities without effective replacement policy reflected the development of attitudes favoring automotive circulation systems. Today's beautification efforts represent an implicit acknowledgement that beautification per se need not conflict with other objectives. Nonetheless, numerous are the examples of new deve lopment projects that do not g ive due considerat ion to even the most minimal of beautification goals, suggesting that future beautification efforts may also be remedial. Obviously, it is desirable to consider beautification in the project planning stage and public policy should require that this be done. Certain beautification considerations appear to have been overlooked in the planning and development of some of Jefferson City's newer subdivisions. The imposition of orthogonal street gr id patterns on sloping or irregular land surfaces has failed to take advantage of the design potential of the natural landscape, particularly the provision o f views, the open space potential of natural drainage c ourses, and physical diversity among individual building sites . Lands c aping in subdivisions is also lacking . Very little plant material has been provided by developers, who seldom provide landscaping, or required by public agencies, who rarely insist upon it. 32 Lack of landscape development and arbitrary si t ing fail to exploit natural advantages. Street layout conflicts with natural slope and utilities are prominently and insensitively placed . Subd ivis ion tree planting could bring shade to facades most fr equen t ly exposed t o summer sunsh ine, add seasonal color variety to the community, and contribute to predestr ian amen ity along pathways . Sh r ubs could be used to define pub lic spaces, such as playgrounds, contribute to t he privacy of individual res idences, and c reate visua l texture and diversity Standard subdivision regulations and contro ls intended to ensure privacy, access, exposure to li ght and air, etc. have a tendency to direct development patterns into unneces- sarily restrictive channels. In some localities, publi c policy is directed toward requir i ng that fixed performance standards be fulfilled in community development practices. I n this manne r , pub l ic open space design has been enhanced, natural p l ant i ngs have been preserved, and overall environmental qual it y has been i mproved . Subdivision beautification efforts must depend first, on an acknowledgement that it is a des i rab le, legi t imate objec ti ve; and second, on the replacement of unduly restrictive contro ls that inh ib it design by appropriate performance standards. A mi nimu m o f landsc ap ing w o uld he lp t o o ve rco m e the appearan ce o f barrenn ess apparent here. 33 .....______ _______ _ """ "" ~ ~---= ~ Typical subdivision, present condition ~ SUBDIVIS ION BEAUTIF ICATION Specific public objectives that could be reflected either in the zoning review process or in the issuance of permits could enhance the environmental quality of yet-to-be -built subdivisions if the following standards are applied : 34 Street layouts should respect the slope of the land and avoid the despoilation of natural features, such as tree stands, rock outcroppings and st ream co urse s. Typical subdivision, with landscape treatment Common open natural areas should be encour- aged by allowing developers smaller minimum lot sizes . Conventional overhead utilities should be co n- structed underground, possibly in con jun ction with street grading and paving. The c ity department of forestry could offer home owners trees and shrubs at cost to encourage new plantings. The city sho uld explore the possib ilit y of enacting a Planned Unit Development ord inan ce as a means of conserving open areas in new development tracts. 35 OPEN SPACE Open space planning co nstitutes a spec ial study topic because it repr esents a conscious effort to create a harmonious relationship between man and the . natural environment. Open space planning not only offers an opportunity to "disp lay " prominent aspects of the natural and human environment, but can contr ibute to the creation of a recreational infrastructure devoted to leisurely automotive, bicycle and pedestrian movement. The Comprehensive Plan of 1968 contained a proposal that would, in essence, link major park and open space areas by means of stream easements and boulevard landscaping, Entry po ints would be provided where streams were crossed by ex1st1ng roadways, rather than through acquisition of privately held property. These entrances cou ld be developed as mini-parks to serve as neighborhood focal points and provide immediate recrea- tional opportunities for sma ll chi ldren . Picnic facilities might also be provided at entries . As one might walk or ride a bicycle along the stream-oriented pathway, organized space would give way to a more natural landscape . Trails would thread through wooded areas and meadows. Not only would recreational needs be served by this type of space utilization, but streams would be protected from encroaching urban growth and the flow of water would be unimpeded and, eventually, unpolluted . 36 The campus of Lin co ln University might be linked to the downtown and major parks in a similar manner . Possible nature trail s cou ld be connected to the ove rall system . A pedestrianway-bikeway could be created that would follow the bluff above the Missouri River interconnecting overlooks having uninterrupted views of the flood plain and river . It could also traverse the scenic easement next to the river, adjacent to the downtown area. A trail system would bring the entire recreational network of the city to residential neighborhoods and provide the basis of tourist parking facilities and camp sites. Servi ce for overn ight campers could be a program ob ject iv e, since many tourists now bring their own accommodations along with them as they travel. ............... \) ' " i -!"""~-.?"~~~ II; .......... ;\ \ / (',.. ..... )! '::~...c~ OPEN SPACE & CONSERVATION =~~:'with 6Wti:s. ~ tVJf!::2!! /:o nver ease -pa,;tc. ·, a)1d~ca~ .. ~t;ry .. parl::.s deve/opJecf,· w,l:hln .; I ' " 1000 3000 5000 FEET ~ I Ak omwi 4.. � Al r lrt> RIVER EDGE The physical separation of the river edge and the Central Business District has been noted . Although increased public access to the river i s considered to be a desirable planning objective, the fact of no access has allowed natu ral vegetation to develop freely along the water edge. The maintenance and conservation of this natural edge co ndition is considered to be very desirable. The redevelopment of Lohman's Landing is seen as a prerequisite to the restoration of public access, and should be planned as part of a comprehe nsive program that would encompass off-shore park development proposals as we ll as those for the river edge itself. Off -shore development on emergent sandbars should respect both natural river forces and existing plant materials. The retention of natural forms should be the cent ral objective of physical development schemes . The formal type of park development characteristic of most public open areas in the city should not be considered as a legitimate alternative . The staff of the Missouri State Conservation Department, having the depth of expertise required to participate effectively, should be involved in any river development plans. ~ Lohman's Landing, a major restoration opportun ity 39 SIGNAGE The proliferation of signage along local highways and throughout the city is both disorienting and unaesthetic. Outdoor advertising signs, in particular billboards and rooftop signs, have an extermely blighting effect on the visual environment. This is a particularly difficult issue to deal with since a special effort has al ready been made to dea l with the problem when the provisions of the Zoning Ordinance regarding billboards and signs were amended in 1971. It is apparent, however, that the past five years have not brought any solution. Our recommendations include: 40 1. A careful review should be made of permissible sizes for signs for various types of buildings and uses . It is our contention that permissible sign areas should be substantially reduced and, in all cases, they should be based on the area of the face of the building and not on lot size . This latter type of provision would address the problem of large signs erected on lots with structures with a small building area, such as filling stations . 2 The zoning ord in ance should stipu lat e that in the future it will be illegal to erect the f ollowing t y pe s of sign s: Billboards; Signs painted directly o n th e walls of buildings; Signs which are n o t app li cab le to the prop erty or building up on whi ch signs are loca ted ; and Signs erected on th e roofs of bu il d ings To ensu re that such ex1st 1ng signs are phased out over time, no alte ration, reconstruction o r relocation of such signs should be permitted In addition, any sign going unused for a pe riod of thir t y days or more should be removed; and no building permit should be issued for th e a lt eration or en largement of ex isting or construction of addit iona l fac iliti es on a lo t where such sign s are located until such signs are removed It is strongly recommended that the above changes to the Zoning Ordinance regarding signage be implemented as soon as is feasible. While little can be done in the way of legislating for the removal of ex isting unsightly signs, the City can take strong measures to ensure that in the future such signs are not e rected . 41 PART II : CENTRAL BUS I NESS DISTRICT STRUCTURE OF THE CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT CBD --PROBLEM GENERATORS Railroad Yards Utilities Parking Lots Outdoor Adve rtising Skyline Obstructions DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNIT I ES Madison Street Overlook Lohman 's Landing High Street The Thomas Jefferson Library Site Visitor Fa ci lities PRESERVAT ION H IGH STREET MA LL Typi c al Street Treatment Library Park Pass -Through Parks Parking Lots Planted Buffers STREET TREE PROGRAM Tree Pallette High Street Capitol Aven u e Monroe Street Jefferson Street M adi son Street Page 44 48 48 49 50 50 51 52 52 52 52 52 52 54 56 58 60 61 62 64 64 66 68 69 70 71 73 STRUCTURE OF THE CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT The physical configuration of the Centra l Business District has a primari ly linea r orientation, and High St reet is the p r incipa l axis o f organization. It is a lso the dominant commercial street in the central area, its functional importance complemented by its physical and visual prominence. In the three blocks between the state capitol and Adams Street, H igh Street fol lows the crest of a 44 N(!Jhw'?Y ~0 ~ I natural ridg e which gives the street a higher elevation than that of adjacent areas. Declin ing slopes to the no rth and south make for fine views . At some cross-streets the bluffs on the other side of the Missouri River flood plain can be seen. West of the capitol and east of Adams Street , High Street descends to lower ground. .hl&h Sl:'~et; t I i :l::n .S&.--e.et; Fo~~.s ~/c:&e ~~ Central Bu si ness Di stri ct, major physical elements a/ot;e, ro~e~ Covn.~Y. tf3vht:~'!!l St;o~e Cop/·&o/ L3v/7~~ I -- ~~nqh-~ e~ ~66ov,-,/ R/~r ~8/u~. The state capitol, designed by Tracy & Swartwout and completed in 1918, is the most significant building in the central area and its dome, adorned with a statue of Ceres, the goddess of the harvest, rises some 238 feet above grade, dominating the city's skyline. To the east, the Missouri governor's mansion, completed in 1871 and restored to its original condition during the administration .. -.... t •• Missouri State Capitol Building 46 of Governor Warren Hearnes, occupies an exceptionally well landscaped site overlooking the river. The capitol and the large state office building nearby anchor the western end of the shopping district. The eastern end is defined by the Thomas Jefferson Library and the Cole County Courthouse, which has recently been refurbished. Thomas Jefferson Library Iii li) i ~ C? 'lS Atlti3Bl0W 5\ li), I \\ ; I VI ::l ---j l o'olo d I l~ ---\, 0 ' l , r CBD -PROBLEM GENERATORS There are severa l as pe c ts of the centra l area's physical appea ran ce that are either v isua ll y obtrusive or in complete ly developed so that opportunities for beautification are nume rous. RAILROAD YARDS Almost all of the low lying land along the river bank is occupied by railroad classification yards . Thi s is not on ly a visual blight, but the potential utilization of the river edge for recreation purposes is effect iv ely negated . In p laces, as River edge railyards, view to the west 48 many as e ight tracks impose a virtually imp enetrable barrier between th e area of urban development and the riverbank. Th e removal of the yards to new lo cat ion and the reduction in trackage from eight t o two lin es would present an opportunity for limited river edge redevelop - ment. The cost of a major relocation is probably not now ju s tified for public use of the river edge . Nevertheless, future railroad management decisions that might have an impact on this area shou ld be sensit iv e to public objectives . River edge railyards, view to the east UTILITIES Unsightly overhead power and telephone lines also intrude upon the environment , obstructing views of buildings, green areas, and the sky. Wires a lso conf li ct with trees, which have to be trtmmed repeatedly to prevent interferences. As the Jefferson City tree planting program moves forward, thts problem will become increasingly evident. Aside from aesthetic rationales, which are plentiful, the relocation o f wires underground would be desirable from an operational standpoint. A reduction in support poles would facilitate sidewalk, parkway, and street maintenance; and would reduce problems of weathering associated with continual exposure to the elements. Short-term service disruptions as occur during seve re storms would also be mitigated. In several U.S. cities, wires have been maintained underground since the nineteenth century. A phased relocation program for Jefferson City would first require that all new installation s be placed underground, and second, that all prominent exposed wires such as along arter ial streets be relocated as soon as possible. Relocating wires on local streets and alleys would be afforded a lower order of priority 49 PARK IN G LOTS Considerable ce n tral a rea land is given over to surface parking, yet most parking lots are harsh, unattractive p lace s. This need no t be t he case. Elementa l lands ca pe treatment would have a significant visual impact o n these areas. Aside f rom the immediate goal of beautifica tion, improved landscaping in parking areas co uld define space s, moderate climatic conditions and direc t water runoff . - Parking lots need not be harsh environments . 50 Si;Jnag e does not always respect architectural detailing . OUTDOOR ADVERT I SING T wo e l ements o f th e c it yscape whi c h l ack phy s ical substance , but freguently ass ume undue v isual pmminence, a re outdoor advert ising and comme rcia l signage. It is to the benefit of High Stree t that business signs a re not hung perpendicular to sto r e front facades . T he visual appeal of the street, nevertheless, co uld be enhanced somewhat by the impos iti o n of sign con trols inasmuch as sign s now in use frequently obscure arch it ectural features. As ano th e r exa mple, some signs do not respect seco nd floor co rnice lines a nd partially o b st ru ct second flo o r windows. SKYLINE OBSTRUCTIONS Th e preservation and restoration of scenic views is an important beautification objective In the case of rel oca ting overhea d power lin es underground, fin e views can be restored with relative ease. The improper siting and massing of building s, on the other hand, can lead t o permanent obs tru c ti on o f good v iews . With the expanding o ffi ce space needs of a growing st ate government, the trend toward la rger building s in J e ffers on City will probably con tinue in the co ming years . Before any such stru c ture s are approved for construction, it is Relay tower ignores texture and scale of cityscape . impo rt ant that there is no threat to scenic views. No new building, f o r example, should be permitted if it obstructs any o f th e existing views toward the bluffs from High Street. The preservation of the sky line with the capito l as the dominant element must also be conside red as a high priority objective. The telephone compa ny rela y tower a nd the new Hol id ay In n have already been cited as being in tr us ive on the skyline N o further constr uction should be perm itt ed which further detracts fr om the visual dominance of the cap itol dome . DEVELOPMENT OPPORT U NI T IES M A DI SO N STR EET OVER LOOK At the no rt h end o f Madi son Street, whe re it termin at es on th e riv er bluff, is a small area that appears to be an ove rl o ok , but f a ll s f a r s hort of rea lizing its full potential. Th e d eve lo pm ent of thi s site would call f o r th e elimination of vi ew o bstru cting overhead wires , the pro v ision o f a sitting ar ea and speci a l land sca pe treatment. LOHMAN'S LANDING Owin g to th e co nfi g ur ati o n o f th e bluffs eas t o f th e ca pit o l , th e o n ly po t e nti a l li n k betwee n th e CBD a nd th e rive r ed ge is at Lo hm a n 's La ndin g w h ic h , in a nti c ip ation o f so m e publi c use d eve lo pm e nt o n th e ri ve r edg e , ca n be v ie w ed as a futur e po rt al. Th e full fun ctiona l a n d ph ys ica l redeve lo pm e nt o f Lo hm an 's La nd in g pres u p p oses the up g rad ing o f M adi so n Stree t w ith a str o ng ped es tra in o ri e nt a ti o n , i .e., n ew p av in g a nd p l a nting , a nd th e i mp roveme nt a nd res t o rati o n o f t he hi st or ic buildin g, w ith a po ten ti al c onvers ion to o th er u se, suc h as a resta u ra nt , b o ut iq ue o r c ra f t ce nter . HIGH STREET T he m os t p ro m 1s 1n g bea utifi ca ti o n o p po rt u ni ty in Je ffe rso n City is th e Hi g h Street sh opp in g di st ri ct . Th e st ree t has a vi t alit y, leve l of activ ity , an d atm osp here th at has evo lve d wit h ou t a co n sc i o u s u n ifi e d d eve l op m e nt po li cy . S t a t e o ffi ce wo rke rs s h o ppin g duri ng th ei r lun c h ho urs, t o ur is t s v isitin g th e cap it ol a nd loca l res id en t s a ll co ntribu te t o mak in g Hi g h S t ree t an in te rest i ng and ag reeab le a rea . Yet lands c ap i ng p rog ra ms can do m uc h to up g rade th e str ee t 's v isual ap pea l, wi t h th e additi o n of t ree and shrubs, and its f un c tio nal qu ality, thr o ug h th e provis io n o f sha ded si t t i ng areas . T h is p la n co nte m p lat es th e c reatio n o f a t h ree b lock qu as i-m all w hi c h u nli ke p rev io us p roposa ls, re c ogn izes n o t only t he de sirab ili ty o f a g reate r sensi ti v it y to pede s tri an ame n ity, bu t th e necess ity of a ll owin g f o r the unimpeded f low o f th rough tra ffi c and th e re tenti on 52 of so m e o n -s treet parking . Th e d et ail s o f thi s pr o p osa l a re p rese nted i n a la t er sec ti on o f thi s repo rt. TH E T H O M AS J EFFERSON LIBRAR Y SITE Th e libr a ry an d its g ro und s a nc h o r th e eas t ern end o f th e H ig h Str ee t s h o pping di st ri c t , m a r k ing th e tran s iti o n be t wee n resi d e nti al and ret ai l la nd use . It is app a re nt th at the lib ra ry's ro le as a v isua l ga t eway has bee n ac quired ove r ti me, rath er th an hav in g been p la nn ed as su c h . An o pp o rt u n it y now ex ist s t o a ff i rm thi s ro le in a ph ys ica l d es ign se nse. By co nve rting th e libra ry ground s to passi ve rec rea t io na l use, th e a rea w ou ld be st ro ng ly reori e nted to pedes tri an use , and th e leve l and div ersi t y o f ac ti v it y in th e im m edi at e v ic in it y wo uld b e stimul at ed . A p ass i ve recrea ti o n a l u se wo uld in c o rp ora t e water fou nta in s, f lowe r be ds, benc hes an d oth e r stree t furn iture in an e nv ir onment t hat wo uld be in tenti o nall y des ig ned t o promo te co ntinu o us uti li za ti o n . Th e area w o uld ser ve as a rest stop f or sh o pp e rs a nd stro lle rs, a co mfo rtabl e wa it i ng a rea f o r t ransit rid ers , and a mini -park f o r shoppers, workers a nd nea rb y res id e nts a lik e. V I SIT O R FAC ILITIE S In 1975, t e n t ho usa n d ca mp i ng ve hi c les we re sold in th e state o f Misso uri . Thi s in c reas in g ly pop ul a r f a mil y vac ati o n mode shou ld be acco m mo d a t ed in su it ab l y d es i g n e d , e nvironmen t a ll y compa tibl e park in g a reas w ith in w a lk i ng di stan ce o f t he down t own . Assoc iate d p icn ic f ac ilit ies nea r t he ca pit o l sho uld be also be provided as an i m p o rt ant v isi to r ame nit y. Publi c land alo ng th e no rth side o f th e Ca p it o l Str ee t wes t to t he gove rno r 's m a nsio n cou ld be redesig ned t o sat isf y thi s acknow ledge need . ,S�rndbr island _ ow o oe ��s/rn y n o v exm J% ' MAN ST •❑ o P 0014 oFl p o C1 o�rn Ca /�c� � UIL /%U//� ... ..::.......' �...........,.,. �V. �..�..L-CJI.-..a Mp D ca El ❑ 3 : Z `❑ //oL�/� /nom /G Cl 03:0 0 00 fi�i h ay� /an 9w elm so . 45 o Ferri/e ' 1► _ tea5 &us -e ce STaE ST. • . o� q-oo atira 1�71 anon s 0 E2 • • • • . • .-. • • .... • ....... • ....... CAprr0L ST. • OCA' • acem : r - a ❑ T a HIGH ST .....•.... �a❑ b MC CARTY ST N• . 0 o. c s tea' o - us v2wv�o PRESERVATION The preservat ion protection and rehabilitation of architec- turally and hi storica ll y sign if icant buildings has become a concern of f ar-reac hin g nati o nal significa nce. Motivated by a commi t ment to maintain a st rong awareness of our cult ural heritage, co mmunities al l ac ross the coun try are moving toward str icter con tro ls on new development where demolition o f sign ifi ca nt o ld er buildings is involved. In some c 1t1 es, such stru c ture s are afforded "land mark" status and cannot lega ll y be a lt ered o r ra zed . Preservation is a l so a matter of federal policy and buildings o f hi storic import are listed in the National Regis ter o f Hi sto ri c Pl aces. However, a listing in the Register does not necessarily protect l andmarks from demolition. The Reg i ste r is, furthermore, not inclusive. Fo rtun at ely, the four Jefferson City buildings li sted in the Register--the state capito l , the governor's mansion, Lohman's Landing, and the Co le County Hi st orical Society are ei th er publicly owned or the property of a non-profit orga ni zat ion. Th e 1974 Supp lement also li sts the Co le County Courthouse. Many o f J efferson City's most inte resting bui ldings are c lus t ered i n the vicinity of Hi gh S treet. In d ividua ll y, they are reminders o f the styles and tastes of past eras . Col lective ly, they make High Street unique in Jefferson Cit y . The record of the past, howeve r, has not trea ted these fi ne o ld buildings kindly. Debilitating signage and se lf -defeating face -lifts executed in the name of mode rni zation have not produced the desired ef f ect . Inconsistent, frequently competing styles have detracted fr om the street's orde rli ness and visual unity; and the fine detailing that may ex ist behind aluminum facades is long forgotten and removed from public view. The remova l of cosmetic facades and restoration of or iginal detailing, if app li ed to the three b lock retail area, wou ld contribute substantia ll y to the beautification effo rt. 54 Cole County Courthouse, before renovation . Cole County Courthouse, after renovation. Fountain of the Centaurs, cap itol grounds 55 HIG H ST REE T MA LL One as p ect o f our nearly univ e r sa l dependence o n a uto m ob i les is that th e sc ie n ce of planning automotive traffic sys tem s has become a very sophisticated pro cess. Concomitantly, planning for p edest rians ha s become somet hing of a los t a rt. High Street affo rd s Jefferson City an opportun ity to plan for pedestrian amenity so as to inc rease the vitality a nd attractiveness of the commun ity's principal shopping street. Whi le the p lan described in these pages seeks to en han ce th e pedestrian milieu, it implicitly recognizes that it is desirable t o m aintain an effect ive and eff icien t traffic network as w ell . 56 fbrmtla l l i Y1k -to wr i~l bv i~_iV1q 1fl ~V! e¥.1~ ~~· Auto access onto a nd off of High Street and to assoc iat ed parking a reas must be plann ed very ca refully. Th e principal objective i s to render the system und ersta nd a bl e and to reduce the co nfu sion which wil l resu lt if th e prop osed redeve lopme nt of the heart of th e Ce ntra l Bu siness Di s tri ct i s not accompa nied by the redeve lopme nt an d reorganization of the ex isti ng system of t raffi c signage a nd lane m a rk i ng s. In addition to the se l ect i on and pl ace m e nt of sig n s i ntended to d ir ect motorists t o parking a reas, means must be devised to ensure the unres tri c t ed fl ow of traffic on High Street, subse qu ent to th e impl e mentation of th e re co mme nded planting program with its proposed mid -blo c k pedestrian c ross ing . .'• HIGH ST . . :.o ,· I ~ I ~~\o!--IV be-iWlp~ I!drit6i ~~l i W1pi'Ov~ ~ I I i ~ ,, ~ ~ . I CDJ EO: roJ ~rl<iV?q lor -to tze, iW1pYoved :·-~ I$Rit l ~ r-I-Q l Plan of High Street Ma l l, Jefferson t o Adams Streets :CE cED ;JI , Ubr"~ ~?b -ti1r-~h park~~ g ! pa~ L ! COMMERCIAl ~~ \·~--~ ~ ~ •. '· iCl1_ -~ ~?:! ' ' ' "': • .. ~ ,. I ... -, . I •• < __ , ~~~ ~ ' I -I I 6 i ;r D \ "-·'-'·· -lot 10 be iWip"'Ved 'OJ TYPICAL STREET TREAT MENT Rather than a continuo us pedestrian mall, it is proposed that, in p laces, the sid ewa l k be extended into ex1st1ng parking lanes . These s id ewalk extensions would have a paved brick surface tha t would su rr ound raised planter boxes co ntaining shade trees . Ground cover would be used at the ba se o f each tre e. Appropriate street furniture, in c luding benches and trash re ce pta cles, would be provided Te xt ured paving mate ri als would be ut il ized at midblock crossing points . Acco rd ing to the proposed plan, approx im ate ly half o f the a rea now occ u pied by on-street parking spaces along High Street would be converted to pedestrian use. However , existing traffi c lanes would be unaffected, allowing for unimpeded traffic flow . ~~~cover Vr~ t,../"'ee.S ~,lts~J~ /jff~pav/ng ~·. J CI'OSS/"9 ~ ... I l 0 0 a I· I I I --· -~· - &.s·.s~op ~t:u~,....,. §1!1 ano/~'1"/NkiNO q1n:1 a o/;~ j.J .,t :~t: F~/ Vl"e ~ be pkrceCI /n clil.s ol"'eCC. Se~l .,on-.$~~& mete~-ect . .Dar~/nq .spoce.s eo ~n Detail , block plan 58 §' I ~ 0 / #on!Y.: Locu3t' Crees 2S".: 00. cat'/ .....--,-_ ~ ------- ..----~ / /--~ ~-L ~ ---I ~ -----1 .· . ~ ( plane contatner- wJ'Ch 9_1"00E~ ~over qoen on uovCOITJ 0 '\0 o ~E"X/".sC/'?!7 C/~ht/es cx,~cinq./'-61dewa'~ IS~ONWI~ High Street Mall, section I I 59 LIBRARY PARK The potential uti lization of the Thomas Jefferson Library grounds as a visual entry to the shopping district and passive recreational space has already been suggested. This proposal envisions a special paving treatment beneath benches, and other street furniture including trash receptacles and drinking fountains . Specia l lighting treatment would extend utilization into evening hours. Planted areas would punctuate the space and give it te x ture and definition . Broadleaf shade trees are recommended in conjunction with flowering deciduous trees such as magnolias and lilacs . Ground area would be planted with mi xe d flowering deciduous and evergreen shrubs. Special attent ion is to be directed to the bus stop at the co rner of Adams Street where sight lines need to be maintained between sitting areas and the westbound traffic lanes of High Street . UBRARY ~ I &L 2 I .. C r-~ _ ___) "t"' Proposed library park improvement 60 ' '• "J -:.-' .9' PASS -THROUGH PARKS The identification of the library site and capitol grounds as the eastern and western anchors of the retail district suggests that intermediate public spa c es be designed for pedestrian use . A small park connecting High Street to the parking area north of the commercial frontage in the block between Madison and Monroe Streets could be c onsiderably upgraded through landscape improvements . It is suggested that the major part of the site area be given over to planters with flowering deciduous and evergreen shrubs, and small shade trees . Enclosing walls would be treated with clinging vines . The paved surface should also be upgraded with a warm toned textured surfacing material. .&. Existing pass through park, proposed improvements ~ 61 PARKING LOTS Landscape treatment can make a substantial contribution in upgrading one of the most neglected elements of the urban landscape --the parking lot. The landscape program for four lots in the Central Business District is intended in part as a demonstration of the versatility of landscaping, with the expectation that the desirability of similar such treatment in o~her areas will become evident. Parking lot landscaping has as its intent the modification of the visual impact of the automobile the tempering of the micro-environment, and the definition and containment of space . The tree planting program should recognize the benefits of providing shade, but care should be taken in selecting trees that do not exude sticky sap, as the maples do . Planted strips should be developed between sidewalks and lots to define the lot space and separate it from the street space. Deciduous shrubs should be utilized for this purpose. Attention to pavement surfaces and curbstones around in-lot planting can add to the overall quality of the lot area . One challenge of a planting plan to is to provide abundant greenery without reducing the usable parking area . Another is to provide attractive screening to reduce visual access to parking lots from adjacent properties and pedestrian areas . 62 ~ ...... / ~ / A. proposed improvements Existing parking lot, High Street between Monroe and Adams Streets ~ ~ ~S I c Ql Ql ~ Ql .D <n c Ql E Ql > 0 a. E Ftf3 "0 Ql (f) 0 a. e D. c (Y) Ql co Ql 3: a; .D a; g (f) <n c a; 0 g (f) 2 (f) a; e-' C1l u 0 u ~ Ol +-' c (f) ~ C1l w C1l D. "0 c Ol C1l c -~ .c X ,gl w I ~ c Ql E Ql > 0 a. s "0 Ql (f) 0 D. 0 a. PLANTED BUFFERS One of the major advantages of planted or walled buffers is that they break large areas into smaller, self-contained spaces of human sca le. From the standpoint of urban design, a great variation in tone, spirit and scale in exterior urban space i s a major physical development objective It is, after all, the mixture of large and small, active and passive, intimate and open spaces that brings texture, life and interest to a c ity . The containment of parking areas is but one aspect of a comprehensive center city planting program. "People spaces" are much more comfortab le when separated from the inescapable presence of automobiles. As a rule, shrubs and walls used to define space should not obstruct sightlines of standing adults, but this rule has a variable application. Depending on the atmosphere that is to be created, separation of spaces should allow for the establishment of an immediate sense of orientation at the moment it is sought. Buffers, therefore, should define space, but not encapsulate it. 64 STREET TREE PROGRAM Trees bring beauty to the ci ty scape and serve to sustain ou r contact with nature. Most peop le, however, are not aware of th e fun ct ional utility of trees and do not realize that tree planting programs can be aimed, quite systematica lly, at fulfilling functional objectives In addition to stimulating the environment with seasonal changes of color and fragrance, trees can be utilized to co ntrol glare, deflect noise and direct pedestrian traffic flows. Trees can also modify local c lim atic conditions by creating pockets of cooler air beneath spreading summer leav es, and permitting the warming rays of the sun to pass through barren winter branches . Street tree plan : different spec1es create order and identity. • I;) I 'Iii ~il ·~ lil l ~ I l J ,_ - 90 ' 80 ' 70' 40' 30' 20' 10 ' TREE PALLETTE Tr ees can a lso cont ribut e to th e id entification o f p la ce . When trees of one species are planted along one street, it becomes associated with that type o f tree. Similar treatment, with diffe rent trees, on other streets, en hances local distinctiveness and adds an e lement of richness to the texture of the city . Tulip Tree Honeylocust 66 The Jefferson City trees planting program seeks to beautify the streetscape, modify the env ironment and bring ident ity to the compone n t e lements of the urban sys tem . It is recommended as part of the c ur ren t p roposal th at the Jefferson City En v ir onmenta l Quality Commission conside r publishing a guide t o pr ivate landscaping , to be distributed to homeowners and bu sinessmen in the f orm o f a how-to -do-it manual. Little Leaf Linden Norway Maple .>(; m 0 c: a: .>(; m 0 "'0 Q) a: c: Q; ..c: t 0 z Q) Q) .= Q) c: m a: c: 0 "'0 c: 0 ....J High Street, before . High Street, after. 68 H IGH STR EET The "Skyline" variety of Honeylocust (Giedistsia triacan- thos), a tree of medium height and spread, is proposed for placement on High Street in areas where the sidewalk is to be extended into the existing parking lanes . The tree's fine foliage produces a spectrum of green shades in bright sunlight and will add considerab ly to the visual texture of the street. In conjunction with sto re front awnings, the shade cast by the Honeylocust can considerably upgrade pedes tri an comfort and amenity and attract shoppers into the area from nearby employment concentrations . CAPITOL AVENUE On Capitol Avenue, the tulip tree (Liriodendron tulipfera ) is recomme nded . Fast growing and disease resistant, this tree changes with the seasons: flower-bearing in spring, lush green in summer , clear bright yellow in autumn, denuded in winter. Views of the capitol dome from the east will be framed by the trees' elegant profiles A regular spacing is proposed . Capitol Avenue , after. 69 _.......J Monroe Street , before MONROE STREET The fastest growing American oak, the northern red oak (Quercus borealis), should be planted along Monroe Stree Characterized by its distin ctive red -brown autumn color and its broad shapely crown, the red oak will bring vertical and, at upper levels, horizontal definition to the street space. 70 Monroe Street, after JEFFERSON STREET A fa st growning and highly adaptable tree, the Norway maple (Acer platanoides), is proposed for planting on Jefferson Street. The tree's full summer foliage is comp lemented by delicate yellow-green flowers in spring time and thin pale gold leaves in fall. Uniform spacing is recommended . Jefferson Street , before Jefferson Street, after 71 moo,...... .. �1 - MADISON STREET Madison Street terminates at a promising overlook location with excel lent views of the bluffs on the opposite side of the Missouri River flood plain . The London plane tree (Platanus acerifolia) is recommended for planting along Madison. An unusually hearty tree (several good specimens are already located along the street) with extravagant branching and a co lorful bark, the London plane will bring stateliness to the street and provide it with visual depth . '"'~m~ Madison Street. before Madison Street, after 73 Where Madison Street reac hes the top of th e bluff, a river overlook is proposed . To sustain views of the river and the distant bluffs, it is re commen ded that no trees be planted at the foot of the street. Rather, an intensiv ely developed pede strian space with appropriate street furniture, low lying deciduous shrubs and special paving treatment is proposed. 0<1eV1d exi5tl~ '(OW of~ O'v1 -----• MMi~Vl ~trwr ~ 1o1W--~k 74 ¥al ~v[~q aVId c.dwLfovt'able. ~~ ..... - &rirub ~ pmvide t)tt~tlve-jo~Yz:Jund 10 / view of ~ rwer--. ~ -0 o._ X Q) 8 c c 2 0 a. a. 0 c co ~- 0 0 ~ > 0 w ~ (/) c 0 .~ "0 co ~ "0 Q) rn 0 a. ~ • .. Cl.. PART Ill: IMPLEMENTATION IMPLEMENTATION SUMMARY Ordering Of Priorities Implementation Strategy Page 78 79 86 87 IMPLEMENTATION To a considerable extent, beautification objectives can be achieved w ithout expending large sums of public money on specific improvement projects. Beautification needs can also be served through changes in the procedures of stan ding publi c agencies and bodies, and by the adoption thr o ugh the l egis lativ e process of various regulatory ordinances. Costs of capital improvements can be borne by a variety of public agencies or by private interests . Public policies and pro ced ural and legislative remedies must closely follow a set of articulated princip les which are to be cons idered as axiomatic in the overall beautification program. The following are proposed: PRINCIPLE 1: PRINCIPLE 2: PRINCIP L E 3: PRINCIPLE 4: PRINCIPLE 5: 78 With respect to urban systems, func - tional eff ic iency and beauty are not mutually exclusive . Functional objectives can be fulfil led within a context of design excellence. Pub lic review of pr ivate development and construction must have as its basis published standards and guide- lines . Trees and shrubs in the city improve the physical environment and upgrade the visual environment. The legitimate objectives of historic preservation must not be ca r elessly sacrificed to economic determinants. Planning for pedestrians is as important as planning for automobiles. PRINCIPLE 6: PR INCIPLE 7 : PRINCIPLE 8 : Overhead wires, display signs, and billboards competing for attention pol - lute the landscape and are sel f -defeat- ing . Controls on signs enhance the landscape and do not p l ace un d ue constraints on business . Good landscaping depends on uous maintenance efforts and ate staffing of pub lic agencies . contin- appropri- The common good demands public control of land use and development . SUMMARY The following is a summary of the beautification objectives and implementation proposals contained in this report. Each is intended to respect the underlying principles as listed above, and each is associated with a letter indicating the likeliest method of implementation : (P) procedural (L) legislative (C) capital expenditure . This listing may also be considered as a check list and as such can be used to keep this report up-to-date as implementation activity progresses. As before, the organizational basis of these proposals are the physiographic component areas as descr i bed on page 16 I. R-1 Zone: River and River Edge DA. D DB. D Maintain natural condition of river bank. 1. Enact river bank protection ordinance that : a . Prohib i ts removal of vegetative cover within 20 feet of water; and b. Prohibits construction of artificial retention walls or breakwaters except at public pedestrian access points. Ban development that subjects new construc- tion to perils of natural river cycles. 1. Enact ordinance to regulate construction on sandbars that: a . b . Allows for flood stage flow ; and Does not create artificial islands requ1r1ng construction of man-made retention walls or levees . D C. Increase public access to river . D 1. Plan major river access in conjunction with redevelopment of Lohman 's Land- in g . II . R-2 Zone : Flood Plain DA. Bring flood plain within municipal jurisdiction of Jefferson City. D 1. Annex flood plain . DB. Limit development on flood plain. CJ 1 . Zone for agricultural and recreational use. Ill H-Zones : Highways oA. D D DB. D D Landscape public rights-of-way . 1. Plant native shrubs and trees where soils permit. 2. Plant crown vetch where soils prohibit major plantings. Commercial and industrial uses on the roadside should be shielded from view . 1. 2. Commercial zoning ordinance should be amended to require planted buffer on sight lines between major highways and commercial and industrial development . Junkyards zoning should require shielding enclosure and/or planted buffers on all sides . 79 De. D D D . D D D E. D D D F. 80 Billboard advertising oriented to major approach highways should be phased out. 1 . Erection of new billboards should be banned. All existing billboards should be removed within a reasonable period of time. Signalizat i on should not have a blighting effect. 1 . Along all highways and city streets signage should fu lfi ll Manua l of Urban Traffic Control Devices standards, but where possible, total number of support fixtures, poles, etc. should be reduced to an absolute minimum . 2. Standard international style pictorial signs should be substituted for word signs, wherever possible . Roadside development should respect views of the capitol . 1. 2. Where possible, legal height lim its for new structures should be set to preserve sight lines between approach highways and the capitol dome. Breaks in sight lines in approaches to ci ty should be caused by stands of trees, to add interest to the sequence of travel. Overhead wires along highways should be relocated in underground conduits. D 1. New wiring, public and utility should be placed underground . D 2 . Existing overhead wiring should be phased out over time. D G. Buffers of separation between incompatible land uses should be required in the local zoning ordinance . D 1. Where a proposed development abuts a zone of pre-existing incompatible land use, buffering should be provided by the developer of the newer parcel. D 2. New development along highways should provide for landscaped buffers that would sustain the quality of views from the highways, so that large continuous walls, junkyards, quarries and heavy industry would be removed from view along major public rights-of-way. IV . C-1 Zone : Missouri River Flood Plain Bluffs, North Side D A. Do not break the continuous vegetative cover on the bluff crest. D 1 . Al low no construction t hat would be visible from the proposed Madison Street overlook . D B. Maintain the tree-sky line along the bluffs. D 1. Ban new construction which rises above the tree-sky line . o c. D Extend municipal control over bluffs . 1. Annex bluffs. V . C-2 Zone: Development on Flood Plain D A. D B. D e. D D D Enforce highway regulations (Ill) along Route 54 . Promote st rict building code enfo rceme n t. Prov i de easy access f r orn M i ssouri River Bridge to the capitol 1 . 2 3. Place sign at north end of bridge announcing "Capitol-Next Exit". Upgrade exit ramp . Provide signage between highway exit and capitol grounds to direct motorists to capitol . VI . C-3 Zone : Capitol West Renewal Area D A. D D D Landscaping plan should be included as part of overall proposal. 1. 2. 3 . Each street should be associated with one species of tree . All wiring should be relocated under- ground . A uniform design style for street furniture should be adopted . CJ B . D e. D D D Controls on bui ld in g hei ghts sho uld resp ec t capitol dominance . Design a d irec t ed approac h t o th e capitol from the Missouri River Bridge . 1. 2. 3 . Maintain pedestrian scale in massing of bu ildi ngs. Re m ove obstructions in sigh t l ines to Capitol P r ovide t ext u re in the sequence of travel. VII . C-4 Zone : Missouri Boulevard D A. D B. D D D D The Missouri Boulevard proposal as completed by Urban Program mi ng Corporation of A m erica is recommended for full implementation. Visual and operational improvement should be promoted . 1 . 2 . 3 . 4. Separate parking a r eas with planted buffers . Consolidate groupings. businesses in discrete Reduce and consolidate signage. Remove intrusive uti lity lines . VI II . C-5 Zone : Industry Along Rail Spur D A. Commercial beautification should be promoted . 81 D 1. D 2. Zoning incentives should be offered to businesses that plant landscape buffers. a . Additional lot coverage . b. Setback variations. Industrial buildings should have one landscaped facade and screened equip - ment yards. IX . C-6 to C-9 and C-11 Zones: Residential Districts D A . D D D B. D D 82 Landscaping should be provided in new residential areas . 1 . 2. Tree planting should be provided on public rights-of-way. Overhead wires should be placed under- ground. Physical regulations in the zoning ordinance should be succeeded by performance standards to encourage greater variety in land develop- ment practices. 1 . 2. Standards should pertain to : a . Light b. Privacy c . Access and egress d. Personal safety Jefferson City should enact Unit Development ordinance scape requirements . a Planned with land - D 3 . D 4 . Land scaping requirements should: a. b. Promote st reet systems that re- spect natural contours . Preserve existi ng trees . c . Facilitate common or public owner- ship of open land. Offer incentives for cluster development. X . C-10 Zone: High Street and CBD DA. D D D Architectural control should establish uniform standards for environmental quality. 1 . The capitol should be the tallest building . (This is ens ured by the height regulations Jefferson City's (Section 5) contained in current zoning ordinance .) 2. Buildings should not obstruct views of 3 . bluffs from intersections along High Street. a. No construction should be allowed on publ1c rights -of-way north of High Street. Non buildings, such as relay towers, etc. may be taller than the capitol if their visual impact is minimized . Signage and unneeded lights should be prohibited . D 4 . D 5. D 6. D The architectural character of High Street should emulate its pre-eminent com mercial role . a. The ground levels of new build- ings should establish a firm visual relationship with exterior pedestrian space . b . New buildings should res pect the scale of the street. An active preservation effort should be inaugurated: a. To identify historically significant buildings . b . To identify architecturally significant buildings . "Face-lift" modernizations should be controlled to the extent possible in order to: a . Preserve desirable architectural de- tails. b . c. Ensure a uniform for the facades buildings . design quality of individual Enact sign control ordinance that requires : 1) Cornice lines to be totally unobstructed. D B . D D D CJ c. D D D D 2) All windows above grade level to be unobstructed (by signs). Future development possibilities should be anticipated. 1 . 2. 3. A redevelopment study of Lohman's Landing should be undertaken . a. The building must be preserved. b. Public use is to be the primary objective. The city should go on record as favoring the relocation of the Missouri Pacific ya rds from below the bluff to encourage future public use of the river edge . Overhead wires should be banned in the Central Business District. Promote a comprehensive central area land- scape plan, incorporating an attitude ca lling for expanded amenities. 1. Adopt High Street Mall Plan (page 56) 2. Adopt Madison Street overlook plan (page 74) 3 . Adopt Jefferson Library site redevelop - ment plan (page 60) 4. Related capitol grounds parking develop- 83 D D D 5. 6. 7 . ment to pedestrian accessibility on High Street. Adopt central area tree program (page 64). Adopt landscape standards for parking lots (page 62) Adopt proposal for landscaped pass- through park (page 61). X I. C-12 and C-13 Zones : Open Space and Lincoln University D A. D D DB. D c. D D. 84 Ex pand city wide pedestrian and bicycle amenity . 1. 2. Create bicycle linkages among parks and other public open spaces . Develop plan for bicycle path on bluff edge . Promote natural environments in public parks . Establish forest preserves on the edge of the city, where future development would be banned . Adopt development controls to ensure pro- vision of amp le public open space in newly developed areas, subject to prior review and approval before issuance of construction permit s. XII . D D D LJ D D D X III. General Provisions A . Establish and enforce landscape standa rd s for all publicly owned parking areas . B. Jefferson City should exercise zoning powers (within 2 miles of the city limits) to control signs. 1 . No sign should be permitted that extends more than 25 teet above street level . 2. Standards for placement should apply equally to painted and attached signs . 3. Coloration of non -buildings (water and relay towers, et c.) should be c ontrolled and limited to subdued compatible hues. 4 . Billboards may be permitted in com - mercia I and industrial areas with stan - dard format and controlled p lacement . C. Landscape standards shou l d apply to all parking lots whether or not related to specific buildings . Administrative D A . D Create a design review committee that would : 1. Coordinate purchases of public exposed equipment (street furniture, traffic control devices , etc.) to ensure a uniform design quality . D D D D D D D D D D B . C. 2. 3 . 4 . 5. 6 . 7 . 8 . 9 . Coordinate city wide beautification acti- vity. Evaluate landscape aspects of develop- ment proposals . Oversee Lohman's Landing redevelopment study and historic preservation activity. Consider changes in landscape objectives and standards over time. Review design aspects of public works projects, including urban renewal. Maintain professional consultation and liaison in des ign review process. Disseminate information . Promote voluntary landscape commit - ments from the business community. Hire a city forester to maintain publicly owned landscaped areas. City parking funds should be a ll ocated to landscape and beautification activities . 85 ORDERING OF PRIOR IT IE S In order for this beautif ication plan to have the most significant and immediate impact , it is of the highest priority to implement the greatest number of improvements within the smallest area, and order additional proposals on the basis of proximity to the intitial impact area . For this reason, and since High Street enjoys a visual prominence unmatched by other streets in Jefferson City, the implementation of the quasi -mall, with its shrub and tree plantings, street furniture , signage, and sidewalk re const ru c- tion must be of the first order business . At the next level of priority is the implementation of proposals affecting areas immediately adjacent to High Street--the Thomas Jefferson Library grounds and the pass-through park west of Monroe Street--with the simultaneous landscaping of the parking area to which it connects . Street trees are to be of the next o rder of priority, with plantings on Madison Street to come first in order to foster the creation of the overlook . Planting of trees along the other streets crossing High Street would be of the next prrorrty leve l w ith planting on streets paralle l to High Street to follow. Since capital expend iture ~ and legislative commitments are of the essence in bringing these plans to realization. the need for immediate action in the area of publicity and political action is clear. Regardless of the political and economic considerations which may be involved in the appropriation of public funds for specif ic public improvements, th e simultaneous implementation of additional plans dependent only on a reorientation of the policies of functioning public bodies must also be pursued in order to maximize the impact of this beautifi ca tion proposal in the broadest geographi ca l sense. 86 Beyond immediate cons id erations of cha nges in public policies that would further the goals outlined in this report, once enabling legislation has been passed to support programs and expenditures needed to bring to realization proposals for High Street and adjacent areas, legislation and funds needed to improve highway approaches and beautification proposals for Missouri Boulevard should be pursued . IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY It can be very difficult to implement proposals for a mall in any city. Yet, since the pioneering effort of Kalamazoo , Mi c higan, numerous c1t1es of all sizes nationwide have c reated malls of various types in their downtown business di st ricts. For the most part, these malls were financed with public and private participation and, almost without exception, the results have been more than pos i t ive: increased retail sa le s ranging up to 111 % (Knoxville, Tennessee, after 5 years); expanded pedestrian traffic up to 70% (Pomona, California, fir st year); provoked substantial investment in re m ode ling and new constru ction (in Fr esno, California, $40,000,000 was invested with in 3 years of the mall's opening); increases in property values (and property taxes); and significant declines in vacancies. In addition to these economic benefits, environmental improvements have been abundant, with reduced conges- tion, noise , and air pollution and improved pedestrian safety . The two fundam e ntal requisites needed f or successfu l implementation are legal powers and money . Fo r muncipalities, which derive their powers from state governments, the legal powers required to implement a proposal of this type are a matter of state law, and must be researched from a legal standp oint. In some states, municipalities can create spec ial taxing districts to advance public improvements of this type . Oftentimes, increased tax collections realized through spec ial assessments are utilized t o retire reve nue bonds issued for construction purposes. Th e development strategy for the High Street mall is obv iou sly co nsiderably d ependen t upon the legal powers of Mi ssour i municipalities and require s a professional legal evaluat ion . The second critica l implementation e lement--money--parti - cularly where it involves imp osing an addi tion al burden on merchants and co mmercial property owners may be very difficult, if not impossible, to raise unless solid economic evidence exists that clearly demonstrates that added profits or rental returns more than offset the additional financial burd en that may be imposed. The success of a project of this type , therefore , also depends upon a professional economic evaluat ion of this fiscal potential of such plans, matching projected cos t s with anticipated returns . The plan a lone cannot succed without sound lega l and economic ba ses. 87 PART IV: TECHNICAL APPENDIX This section contains design details for the landscape and beautification proposals presented in this study . The need for standardized design details cannot be over-emphasized, if overall visual continuity is to be achieved and consistency maintained in the execution of subsequent beautification programs. It is equally important that the comprehensive beautification program be viewed as a continuing process, a process that in essence encompasses all future developments in Jefferson City, and that points of reference be established in order to maintain a consistent style . It is strongly recommended that the Commission on Environmental Quality monitor through a review process future developments in both the public and private sectors to ensure compliance with the pallete of details illustrated in the Technical Appendix . It is also recommended that consideration be given to the City Council's formally adopting the design recommendations and bringing their implementation under the jurisdiction of the office of the city engineer. D D D D D D D D D D B . C. 2. 3 . 4 . 5. 6 . 7 . 8 . 9 . Coordinate city wide beautification acti- vity. Evaluate landscape aspects of develop- ment proposals . Oversee Lohman's Landing redevelopment study and historic preservation activity. Consider changes in landscape objectives and standards over time. Review design aspects of public works projects, including urban renewal. Maintain professional consultation and liaison in des ign review process. Disseminate information . Promote voluntary landscape commit - ments from the business community. Hire a city forester to maintain publicly owned landscaped areas. City parking funds should be a ll ocated to landscape and beautification activities . 85 ORDERING OF PRIOR IT IE S In order for this beautif ication plan to have the most significant and immediate impact , it is of the highest priority to implement the greatest number of improvements within the smallest area, and order additional proposals on the basis of proximity to the intitial impact area . For this reason, and since High Street enjoys a visual prominence unmatched by other streets in Jefferson City, the implementation of the quasi -mall, with its shrub and tree plantings, street furniture , signage, and sidewalk re const ru c- tion must be of the first order business . At the next level of priority is the implementation of proposals affecting areas immediately adjacent to High Street--the Thomas Jefferson Library grounds and the pass-through park west of Monroe Street--with the simultaneous landscaping of the parking area to which it connects . Street trees are to be of the next o rder of priority, with plantings on Madison Street to come first in order to foster the creation of the overlook . Planting of trees along the other streets crossing High Street would be of the next prrorrty leve l w ith planting on streets paralle l to High Street to follow. Since capital expend iture ~ and legislative commitments are of the essence in bringing these plans to realization. the need for immediate action in the area of publicity and political action is clear. Regardless of the political and economic considerations which may be involved in the appropriation of public funds for specif ic public improvements, th e simultaneous implementation of additional plans dependent only on a reorientation of the policies of functioning public bodies must also be pursued in order to maximize the impact of this beautifi ca tion proposal in the broadest geographi ca l sense. 86 Beyond immediate cons id erations of cha nges in public policies that would further the goals outlined in this report, once enabling legislation has been passed to support programs and expenditures needed to bring to realization proposals for High Street and adjacent areas, legislation and funds needed to improve highway approaches and beautification proposals for Missouri Boulevard should be pursued . IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY It can be very difficult to implement proposals for a mall in any city. Yet, since the pioneering effort of Kalamazoo , Mi c higan, numerous c1t1es of all sizes nationwide have c reated malls of various types in their downtown business di st ricts. For the most part, these malls were financed with public and private participation and, almost without exception, the results have been more than pos i t ive: increased retail sa le s ranging up to 111 % (Knoxville, Tennessee, after 5 years); expanded pedestrian traffic up to 70% (Pomona, California, fir st year); provoked substantial investment in re m ode ling and new constru ction (in Fr esno, California, $40,000,000 was invested with in 3 years of the mall's opening); increases in property values (and property taxes); and significant declines in vacancies. In addition to these economic benefits, environmental improvements have been abundant, with reduced conges- tion, noise , and air pollution and improved pedestrian safety . The two fundam e ntal requisites needed f or successfu l implementation are legal powers and money . Fo r muncipalities, which derive their powers from state governments, the legal powers required to implement a proposal of this type are a matter of state law, and must be researched from a legal standp oint. In some states, municipalities can create spec ial taxing districts to advance public improvements of this type . Oftentimes, increased tax collections realized through spec ial assessments are utilized t o retire reve nue bonds issued for construction purposes. Th e development strategy for the High Street mall is obv iou sly co nsiderably d ependen t upon the legal powers of Mi ssour i municipalities and require s a professional legal evaluat ion . The second critica l implementation e lement--money--parti - cularly where it involves imp osing an addi tion al burden on merchants and co mmercial property owners may be very difficult, if not impossible, to raise unless solid economic evidence exists that clearly demonstrates that added profits or rental returns more than offset the additional financial burd en that may be imposed. The success of a project of this type , therefore , also depends upon a professional economic evaluat ion of this fiscal potential of such plans, matching projected cos t s with anticipated returns . The plan a lone cannot succed without sound lega l and economic ba ses. 87 PART IV: TECHNICAL APPENDIX This section contains design details for the landscape and beautification proposals presented in this study . The need for standardized design details cannot be over-emphasized, if overall visual continuity is to be achieved and consistency maintained in the execution of subsequent beautification programs. It is equally important that the comprehensive beautification program be viewed as a continuing process, a process that in essence encompasses all future developments in Jefferson City, and that points of reference be established in order to maintain a consistent style . It is strongly recommended that the Commission on Environmental Quality monitor through a review process future developments in both the public and private sectors to ensure compliance with the pallete of details illustrated in the Technical Appendix . It is also recommended that consideration be given to the City Council's formally adopting the design recommendations and bringing their implementation under the jurisdiction of the office of the city engineer. 7acul%�wd.G �s� 4� y v.,�C�r Fal- ",ew Gt'ecz s , �/�L�I�tL zzv S � iG �lr ol7i 5 ( 1l�L -2 scew%-c zcc+ rs yeses o"';o �, w Fveeolowv to cye� awe eF�ecEc� cr��L �u:c�sc�le" . 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