THE ACTIVATED ALLEY A PLAN FOR EVOLVING THE UNIVERSITY DISTRICT’S ALLEYS
UNIVERSITY DISTRICT PARTNERSHIP
DECEMBER 2014
PREPARED BY: SvR DESIGN COMPANY MAKERS ARCHITECTURE & URBAN DESIGN CREDITS This project was funded by the Seattle Offce of Economic Development’s Only in Seattle Program and was managed by the Seattle Department of Transportation.
City of Seattle Stakeholders Jennifer Wieland, SDOT John Vander Sluis, SDOT UDP Stakeholders Susan McLaughlin, SDOT Elizabeth McCoury, U District Partnership Dave LaClergue, DPD Brian Douglas Scott, U District Partnership Karen Ko, DON Erin Goodman, U District Partnership Theresa Barreras, OED Lea McKee, U District Partnership Beth Dufek, U District Partnership Eliot Mueting, U District Partnership Alley Task Force Members Don Schulze, Shultzy’s Restaurant Chris Peterson, Cafe Allegro Prepared By Kate Robinson, Cafe Allegro SvR Design Company Trevor Peterson, UW Bookstore MAKERS Architecture and Urban Design Shilo Murphy, P.H.R.A. Jim Nicholls, UW Architecture Cory Crocker, U District Square Jeffery Linn, UW Campus Planning Kristine Cunningham, ROOTS Richard Lang, University Temple United Methodist Cathy Dampier, Malloy Apartments Douglas Campbell, Bulldog News Rebecca Barnes, UW Architect Theresa Doherty, UW Regional Affairs
University District Alley Activation Plan i December 2014 TABLE OF CONTENTS Welcome ...... 2 Implementation: Alley Activation Projects ...... 61 Purpose of Alley Activation Plan ...... 3 Potential Alley Activation Phasing ...... 62 Alley Programming ...... 64 Project Overview ...... 4 Alley Naming...... 65 Project Goals ...... 5 Alley Business Fin Signage ...... 66 Process and Timeline ...... 6 Existing Businesses Open onto the Alley ...... 67 Public Meetings Overview ...... 7 Waste Management...... 68 Current Conditions ...... 10 Regular Alley Clean-Up Events ...... 69 Planning Context ...... 11 Tivoli Lights...... 70 Existing Urban Quality ...... 13 Spot Pavement and Drainage Improvements ...... 71 Existing Alley Infrastructure ...... 15 Alley Art Frames and Exhibits ...... 72 Opportunities Analysis ...... 28 Planters and Green Walls ...... 73 Operating System: Context ...... 29 Mid-Block Crossings ...... 74 Hardware: Infrastructure ...... 31 Alley Gateways ...... 75 Software: Alley Programming ...... 33 Wayfnding ...... 76 Options Exploration ...... 35 Festival Street ...... 77 Concept Comparison Matrix ...... 36 Movable Seating Program ...... 78 Creating the Zipper ...... 37 U District Ambassadors Program ...... 79 Creating the Thread ...... 41 Publicly-Accessible Restroom ...... 80 Activity ...... 43 Glossary of Terms ...... 81 Alley Future ...... 46 Street Concept Plan Technical Appendix ...... 82 Street Concept Plan ...... 50 Design Guidelines ...... 55
University District Alley Activation Plan December 2014 ii Though there are several challenges presented by today’s alley - cracked pavement, dumpsters, unactivated edges - the space is frequently occupied Universityby a variety ofDistrict users. Alley Activation Plan 1 December 2014 WELCOME You are holding a roadmap to a University pausing to enjoy music from a local singer- of conversations unearthed the challenges District (U District) alley renaissance. songwriter spilling from the windows of an U District alleys face, but also allowed for With thousands more jobs and residents alley coffee shop. Grab some Seattle street a clear vision for alley evolution to emerge projected to move into the neighborhood food at a walk-up food window along the amongst all stakeholders. over the next 20 years, new transit alley and enjoy prime people watching as connections under construction and city you eat at the tables set out along the alley. This Activation Plan documents those investments on the way, the U District Duck into the alley to access your apartment conversations (Opportunities Analysis Partnership invites you to imagine beyond located in one of several new buildings, and Options Exploration) and the shared what the alleys are today to what they can and say hello to the recognizable regulars direction the community crafted for their be in the future. who have built a neighborhood community future (Alley Future). Ultimately, however, based on respect: entrepreneurs and success will depend on the Implementation In 2011, U District residents, business and parishioners, academics and college kids, section of this document, where a variety property owners, service providers, UW restaurateurs and residents. In this narrow of strategies are described to help make administrators and City staff formed the U urban space, you are all a part of this tight- the alleys exceptional places. While no one District Livability Partnership, which later knit community that makes the U District strategy is the cure-all, collectively and became the U District Partnership (UDP). alleys a hub of informal community building. organically a suite of strategies will build The UDP is a strategic initiative to encourage upon each other to make the alleys work investment in the U District’s development Whether you are a long-time resident or new for everyone. as a vibrant, innovative and diverse to the neighborhood, this envisioned future community. The UDP developed a clear of activated alleys will only happen with This plan charts a course, but it is just vision to shape future development in their your help, contributing to a collaborative the beginning. With your help, the alleys strategic plan identifying transformative community-initiated effort to improve the will become a remarkable urban space: projects for early implementation, including alley environment. When the UDP came a vibrant slice of Europe, brought to the developing a “European-style” network of together to conduct this study, they did Pacifc Northwest and made possible by a pleasant and bustling alleyways. so with the express goal of engaging one-of-a-kind community. the community in a conversation about Imagine neighbors of all stripes gathering how to make the alleys a great place for in the alley for an outdoor movie showing. everyone. Over six months, a robust series Savor a moment on your stroll up the alley,
University District Alley Activation Plan December 2014 2 PURPOSE OF ALLEY ACTIVATION PLAN The University District Alley Activation edict. No one is expected to transform Plan establishes a shared vision for alley their properties overnight, nor give up activation in the U District and provides long-held access to parking, nor provide a number of potential implementation unwanted public access to their properties. strategies. Rather than a prescription for It is simply a roadmap, developed by the what will happen today or tomorrow, it is U District community and vetted by the an empowerment tool to help guide the City of Seattle, that charts a better future community as it evolves over the coming for the neighborhood’s alleys. As this vision decades. With the community’s support, moves forward, each community member this document will help shape future should see themselves as a key player in private development along the U District the alleys’ success, because these alleys alleys, focus public investments, and have the opportunity to thrive in a way that leverage programming partnerships. This can transform how we see and experience document translates community priorities the U District. and aspirations into a tangible, realistic and implementable concept. The anticipated audience for the Alley Activation Plan is frst and foremost the U District community. As the neighborhood engages development interest, City staff, the University of Washington, King County Metro, Sound Transit and other groups, this document will support their efforts and encourage dialogue about how the alleys can contribute to making the U District a better place for all. This plan is not an
University District Alley Activation Plan 3 December 2014 PROJECT OVERVIEW In 2011, U District residents, business and To advance this goal, the UDP applied property owners, service providers, UW for and received an Only in Seattle grant administrators and City staff formed the from the Offce of Economic Development 3,700 new U District Livability Partnership, which (OED) to fund this Alley Activation Plan. later became the U District Partnership The Seattle Department of Transportation (UDP). The UDP is a strategic initiative to (SDOT) administered the grant working encourage investment in the U District’s with the Alley Task Force subcommittee of new development as a vibrant, innovative and the UDP, including hiring a consultant team 4,800 diverse community. to lead the process. The Alley Task Force 6,100 existing
is primarily comprised of members from 6,800 existing By 2035, the U District is expected to have stakeholder groups along the alley corridor, 4,800 more jobs, 3,700 more households, including representatives from Shultzy’s, 8.8M SF 3.5M SF and, in 2021, Sound Transit’s LINK Light Cafe Allegro, the University of Washington of housing of jobs (approx. 900 SF per person) (approx. 300 SF per person) Rail station at Brooklyn Ave NE and NE and the University Bookstore. 43rd St, in the heart of the U District. Figure 1: Anticipated U District household and job growth Rather than looking at all alleys in the U by 2035 (U District Urban Design Draft EIS, 2014) With these changes on the horizon, the District, the project focuses on the three- UDP began planning ways to leverage this alley corridor between University Way and NE 45th St new activity to improve the community. The 15th Ave NE, south of NE 45th St and north UDP created a Strategic Plan and worked of NE 41st St. This corridor was chosen as with the City of Seattle Department of
the “pilot” alley corridor for the district with 15th Ave NE Planning and Development (DPD) to create the idea that the successes and lessons NE 43rd St University Way NE the U District Urban Design Framework. learned in this corridor will help spur Both documents provide clear vision to revitalization of other U District alleys. shape future development. In the Strategic Plan, the UDP identifed fve transformative projects for early implementation, including NE 42nd St developing a “European-style” network of pleasant and bustling alleyways.
NE 41st St Alley corridor study area
University District Alley Activation Plan December 2014 4 PROJECT GOALS
The Alley Task Force had three goals for the project, which were vetted at outreach events. Throughout the development of this plan, these goals served to confrm direction and evaluate the appropriateness of proposed interventions.
“European style” alley. (Andrew Alexander Price) Active, inclusive alley programming in Seattle. Environmentally-friendly alley design in San Francisco. (Nord Alley, Jordan Lewis) (Living Linden Alley via seedfundgrants.org)
1. Provide a catalyst to 2. Promote an active, 3. Showcase create a “European inclusive, pedestrian- environmentally- style” network of U focused alley friendly design District alleys. environment. approaches.
University District Alley Activation Plan 5 December 2014 PROCESS & TIMELINE DECEMBER 2013 JANUARY 2014 FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL MAY JUNE AUGUST
opportunities analysis
1.22 | UDP Preliminary Review
1.29 | U District Public Meeting
options exploration
3.5 | UDP Preliminary Review
4.17 | Alley Stakeholder Meeting
draft activation plan
fnal activation plan
Task 1: Opportunities Analysis Task 2: Options Exploration Task 3: Develop Activation Plan This frst task assessed current site During the Options Exploration task, Based on input from alley stakeholders, conditions to identify critical issues the design team used public feedback the options presented during Options and opportunities. These fndings were and preferred interventions to create Exploration were synthesized into the presented to the Alley Task Force and streetscape concepts for stakeholder streetscape concept and design guidelines vetted by the broader U District community review. All business/property owners, social presented here. This Activation Plan will at a public meeting. At this public meeting, service providers and property managers empower the community to transform the the design team also shared a range of alley along the alley corridor were invited to a U District alleys and work with existing and interventions that could be used to activate focused stakeholder meeting to review the new partners to continuously improve the the corridor. Through dialog and review of streetscape concepts. alley environment. the meeting results, the Alley Task Force identifed a suite of interventions they felt may be appropriate for the alley corridor.
University District Alley Activation Plan December 2014 6 PUBLIC MEETINGS OVERVIEW
Alley Task Force Meeting (January 22, 2014) U District Public Open House (January 29, 2014) U District Stakeholders Meeting (April 17, 2014)
Alley Task Force Meetings Opportunities Analysis Open House Options Exploration Open House The Alley Task Force is a subcommittee of During the opportunities analysis phase, The design team presented two streetscape the UDP and is comprised of representatives the U District community was invited to concepts to test different approaches from stakeholder groups along the study provide input on the best strategies for alley to transforming the alley corridor. The corridor. Throughout the design process, activation and to note specifc challenges alley stakeholders, including business/ this group provided valuable insight and and opportunities along the alley corridor. property owners, social service providers local knowledge regarding history, trends The results of this meeting can be found on and property managers, responded to and realities of the alley corridor through pages 29-35. Key opportunities included: these concepts sharing hopes, concerns monthly check-in meetings. This insight Give each alley an identity. and noting areas that needed refnement. informed the Activation Plan, making it a The concepts can be found in the Options Encourage and incubate new context-sensitive document that stays true Exploration section, which starts on page businesses. to the unique character and realities of the 36. U District alleys. Address waste management. Promote a safe, comfortable nighttime environment. Preserve a place for nature.
University District Alley Activation Plan 7 December 2014 U DISTRICT ALLEY SUCCESS STORY: SHULTZY’S SAUSAGE Don Schulze, owner of Shultzy’s “piecemeal:” slowly developing into Sausage, first experienced the an atmosphere that was inviting magnetic ambiance of Europe’s for restaurant patrons. “We just alleys on a 2009 trip to Ireland, and opened our back door and invited he was impressed by the Europeans’ folks to use the space back there,” use of alleys and side streets for Schulze recalls. Soon, Café Solstice commercial activity. next door followed suit and a small alley community was born. After experiencing these successful Schulze hopes that this momentum models of alley activation, Schulze continues as neighboring business brought this inspiration back to owners experience the paradigm his U District business. He began shift of “looking out their back door improving the alley-facing façade and seeing the alley as a business of Shultzy’s, placing seating and opportunity.” After a certain critical temporary fencing around what mass, Schulze predicts, “more folks used to be parking spaces behind will be attracted to the alley and his business. Looking up his business owners will be enticed alley, he imagined a network of to orient their businesses to alley businesses that created frontages customers.” onto the alley. “This,” he realized, “could be a differentiating feature of the U District.”
Rather than a wholesale transformation, the success of Shultzy’s alley was incremental and
University District Alley Activation Plan December 2014 8 The U DIstrict Partnership Alley Task Force walked the alley with the design team to share key insights about the alley’s opportunities and challenges.
University District Alley Activation Plan 9 December 2014 CURRENT CONDITIONS To understand the alley corridor and There are a number of ongoing and recently its context, the design team assessed completed planning documents that will site conditions and reviewed current guide the growth and change anticipated planning forecasts for the neighborhood. in the U District in the coming years: U DISTRICT This assessment revealed issues and Urban Design Framework opportunities for alley activation. U District Urban Design Framework (2013): Presents a vision to guide The design team walked the corridor development and public investments with the Alley Task Force, learning key to create a lively, safe, and walkable insights about how it currently functions neighborhood. and easy opportunities for improvement. U District Urban Design Draft These are mapped and discussed in detail Environmental Impact Statement in the Existing Urban Quality and Alley (2014 Draft): Looks at potential impacts Infrastructure sections. These include of zoning changes and Comprehensive documentation of lighting levels, pedestrian Plan amendments. The Draft EIS growth and vehicular access points, dumpster projections for 2035 include 3,700 new locations, existing utilities and drainage. housing units and 4,800 new jobs. The Alley Task Force encouraged the team University of Washington (UW) Master to make return visits to the corridor to Plan (2003): Guides development of www.seattle.gov/dpd/cityplanning/completeprojectslist/universitydistrict understand how activities wax and wane the UW’s Seattle Campus and how June 20, 2013 throughout the day, over the week and it integrates into the surrounding in various weather conditions. Through neighborhood. U District Urban Design Framework, June 2013. these visits additional concerns became apparent, including locations where water Development Opportunities collected and times of day when the space The UW is investing in new student housing felt unsafe. in West Campus. Construction is underway for Sound Transit’s LINK Light Rail station at Brooklyn Ave NE and NE 43rd St. Many other public and private projects are in design or under construction.
University District Alley Activation Plan December 2014 10 PLANNING CONTEXT
Redevelopment Density square feet that will likely be redeveloped The drawings below depict how the with increased building heights. These anticipated U District growth and resulting parcels present an opportunity to advance density could feel along the Ave. This the vision of the alley corridor as a vibrant, active public space. growth will result in a different pedestrian 15TH AVE NE experience than today. Transportation NE 45TH ST During the process of developing the Urban As the U District plans for growth, not only Design Framework, DPD identifed parcels will there be changes in building forms, with high redevelopment opportunity there will also be an infux of people who will (calculated as improvement value vs. move into and through the neighborhood. property value). These parcels are identifed By 2030, Sound Transit (ST) projects NE 43RD ST in Figure 2. Fifteen potential redevelopment NE STEVENS WAY 12,000 daily boardings through the new U NE 43RD ST sites were identifed adjacent to the alley District Light Rail station and NE 43rd St corridor, including six large sites over 10,000 and Brooklyn Ave NE. Many transit riders
11TH AVE NE
12TH AVE NE
ROOSEVELT NE WAY
BROOKLYN AVE NE
UNIVERSITY NE WAY
Study Area NE 42ND ST
NE 42ND ST
NE 41ST ST
DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES
GEORGE WASHINGTON LN NE Pipeline Projects Large Development Sites (10k SF+) Small Development Sites (Less than 10k SF)
Source: U District Urban Framework Plan 6/20/13 0100 200 400 600 800 Feet
Looking north University Way NE. Existing conditions Looking south University Way NE. Existing conditions Figure 2: U District Parcels with Highest Redevelopment (upper), 2035 growth under EIS Altenative 1 zoning (upper), 2035 growth under EIS Alternative 2 zoning Opportunity (U District Urban Design Framework, 2013) scenario (lower). Images above from U District Urban Design EIS
University District Alley Activation Plan 11 December 2014 15TH AVE NE NE 45TH *ST *
Bell Street Park - Green Street, Belltown 39th Ave NE Neighborhood Greenway, Seattle NE 43RD ST NE STEVENS WAY
NE 43RD ST will disembark and travel two blocks east top priority. A green street is a non-arterial * * * to the UW campus. This will result in a street with dense land uses designed to
11TH AVE NE
12TH AVE NE
ROOSEVELT NE WAY
BROOKLYN AVE NE
Study Area major infux of pedestrians travelling along enhance pedestrian circulation and create UNIVERSITY NE WAY already-crowded sidewalks. open space opportunities. A festival street NE 42ND ST is a portion of public space that can be The U District community is rethinking closed to traffc on multiple occasions for NE 42ND ST how certain high-demand streets can pedestrian-focused special events. accomodate a variety of users and modes. Diversifying transportation options and With the surge of pedestrians from the light NE 41ST ST creating a highly-functional complete rail station, alleys are a key component of the network for all users and modes is crucial to U District’s multimodal network. The alleys the U District’s success. The current state will function as pedestrian passageways PLANNED STREET DESIGNATIONS of transportation planning in the U District providing alternative routes to destinations, Green Street includes street designations such as Neighborhood Greenway GEORGE WASHINGTON LN NE access points to new developments, and Potental Festval Street neighborhood greenways, festival streets as highly-traffcked corridors supporting Alley Actvaton and green streets to accomodate a variety small businesses. With alleys contibuting Key Intersecton *Source: U District Urban Framework Plan 6/20/13 of modes in the U District street network 0100 200 400 600 800 to a fner-grained network of travelways, Feet (see Figure 3). A neighborhood greenway the U District can maximize existing public is a low speed, low volume residential Figure 3: U District Street Designations right-of-way to optimize the pedestrian Source: U District Urban Design Framework, 2013 street where pedestrians and cyclists are
University District Alley Activation Plan December 2014 12 EXISTING URBAN QUALITY
NE 45TH ST
NE 43RD ST NE STEVENS WAY
Cafè Allegro Alley Frontage, U District Growing vine on Magus Books, U District Certain urban design qualities enhance the Human Scale pedestrian experience. Figure 4 displays Size, texture, and articulation of physical a subjective evaluation of the pedestrian elements that correspond to the proportion interest and urban design quality of existing of humans and the speed at which we walk. 12TH AVE NE
BROOKLYN AVE NE conditions on both sides of the alley. The Elements include building height, street UNIVERSITY NE WAY evaluation attempts to grade the following: furniture, texture and quality material details, NE 42ND ST vertical façade rhythm (modulation), doors Identity and windows. Capture attention, evoke feelings, and create a lasting impression through building Richness identifers (signs or major architectural Complexity of the place with a variety of elements), courtyards, parks, plazas, major experiences provided, including number landscape features, historic buildings. of buildings, variety of uses, colors, spatial variety (avoid tunnel), outdoor dining, public Transparency NE 41ST ST art/self expression. Degree in which people can see or perceive what lies beyond the alley’s edge (buildings, walls, trees, etc.). Includes ground foor High Quality Low Quality windows, active uses, second story activation, Figure 4: Relative Urban Design Quality along the mid-block openings and celebrated entries. Existing Alley Corridor
University District Alley Activation Plan GEORGE WASHINGTON LN NE 13 December 2014 U DISTRICT ALLEY SUCCESS STORY: U DISTRICT NEEDLE EXCHANGE Shilo Murphy, Executive Director of The beaten-path location complements the People’s Harm Reduction Alliance and non-proft’s mission to provide a safe the U District Needle Exchange, jokes and confdential place for drug users to that he and his fellow alley leaders are safely dispose of needles and access members of the unoffcial “Alley Chamber clean supplies and referrals to detox and of Commerce,” working together to make treatment services. The Needle Exchange the alley a better place. “To address provides a non-judgmental environment alley issues, we work together to fnd the that combats the stigmatization and solution we all want for the community. discrimination against drug users. Within We all set the standard and advocate the larger matrix of alley users, the Needle for the behavior we want to see in our Exchange’s clients are an unobtrusive, community.” discrete presence. Murphy has found support from In regard to future visions, Murphy aims neighboring businesses and other service to forge partnerships with restaurants providers in the alley through his work along the alley and collaborate toward a with the Needle Exchange. He cites vision for the alley that is not a dumping Café Allegro as the heart of the alley ground but an opportunity for more community, which is one of “the souls of valued, benefcial uses and enhanced the U District.” business opportunities. “There’s a diverse Murphy cites the collaborative spirit in community of people coexisting in the the alley community as the major reason alley, which represents a cross-section for the success he’s seen in the alley so of the neighborhood. All are valuable far. Alley leaders understand that they are members of the community and can stronger together and each deeply cares contribute to the health and vibrancy of about the community. Each provides their shared space. There’s no confict a valuable service to the community. that the alley community can’t solve,” For the Needle Exchange, their off-the- Murphy concludes.
University District Alley Activation Plan December 2014 14 EXISTING ALLEY INFRASTRUCTURE
Pedestrian & Vehicle Access UNIVERSITY WAY NE
The alley has a number of pedestrian SHULTZY’S
NE 42ND ST 42ND NE NE 41ST NE ST access points that provide a porous UW SCHMITZ HALL edge onto the alley, but not all are used. Pedestrian access points are typically through rear/secondary entrances of buildings or through a parking lot adjacent to the alley. Activating these alley-facing entrances and façades would create new UW SOCIAL WORK / SPEECH & HEARING SCIENCES customer access points for businesses transitioning from their current use to
new alley-activating uses. N There are relatively few direct permanent 0 25 50 100 Feet 15TH AVE NE vehicular access points from the alley corridor. The Post Offce, the University Figure 5: Pedestrian and Vehicle Access Diagram Temple Methodist Church and the UW School of Social Work need parking access during normal business hours, Pedestrian Access Point and the Malloy Apartments need parking access at all hours of the day for their Vehicle Access Point residents. Recently, when Russell Hall at 15th Ave NE and NE 43rd St was undergoing design and construction, the alley community successfully petitioned ROW/ALLEY WIDTH the property owner to shift the primary The City’s GIS database shows that the current alley right-of-way width is 14’. There vehicular entrance to the building from appears to be no condition where the existing buildings are built to the offcial 14’ the alley to 15th Ave NE. right-of-way line as described in the City’s GIS system. In the alley corridor’s most constrained conditions, buildings are located 8’ from the alley centerline, giving the impression of a 16’ right-of-way. As the properties redevelop, the alley centerline will need to be reconfrmed so that there is a 20’ right-of-way. See the Technical Appendix.
University District Alley Activation Plan 15 December 2014
UNIVERSITY WAY NE NE 43RD ST 43RD NE
NE 45TH ST NE 42ND ST 42ND NE
U.S. POST UNIVERSITY BOOKSTORE OFFICE
CAFE ALLEGRO
MALLOY APTS UNIVERSITY TEMPLE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
15TH AVE NE
Parking access to Russell Hall on 15th Ave NE Malloy Apartments parking garage access Alley entrance to the University Bookstore
University District Alley Activation Plan December 2014 16 Parking UNIVERSITY WAY NE
The alley corridor provides access to SHULTZY’S
NE 42ND ST 42ND NE NE 41ST NE ST
parking spaces along or directly off the alley. UW SCHMITZ HALL There are 177 surface spaces abutting the alley, and approximately 30 private parking spaces are accessed exclusively from the alley. In speaking with alley stakeholders, most of the alley-abutting surface parking serves as free parking for businesses and their employees, but as mentioned UW SOCIAL WORK / SPEECH & HEARING SCIENCES previously, the Post Offce, the University
Temple Methodist Church, the Malloy Apartments and the UW School of Social N Work must maintain parking access for 0 25 50 100 Feet 15TH AVE NE their residents and/or customers. Figure 6: Parking Diagram
Alley-Abutting Surface Parking
Approximate Alley-Accessible Parking
Alley parking for business and employees
University District Alley Activation Plan 17 December 2014
UNIVERSITY WAY NE NE 43RD ST 43RD NE
NE 45TH ST NE 42ND ST 42ND NE
U.S. POST UNIVERSITY BOOKSTORE OFFICE
CAFE ALLEGRO
MALLOY APTS UNIVERSITY TEMPLE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
15TH AVE NE
Alley parking for business and employees University Bookstore parking lot Alley parking for business and employees
University District Alley Activation Plan December 2014 18 Dumpsters UNIVERSITY WAY NE
SHULTZY’S
The alley is lined with 71 dumpsters and ST 42ND NE NE 41ST NE ST toters. In many situations the dumpsters UW SCHMITZ HALL encroach into the alley right-of-way, and alley stakeholders report trash being frequently stewn throughout the alley due to overfowing dumpsters, non-compliance with the Clear Alleys program or general untidiness. UW SOCIAL WORK / SPEECH & HEARING SCIENCES Garbage trucks can access the alley during
all hours of the day. Multiple pick-ups occur each day with three different trucks N 0 25 50 100 Feet accessing the alley for trash, recycling and 15TH AVE NE compost removal. These trucks typically Figure 7: Dumpster Diagram take up the whole alley, blocking passage and creating an unpleasant environment during pick-ups. There are opportunities for consolidation of dumpsters and toters Dumpster into corrals and increased education and compliance with the Clear Alleys program. Recycling Dumpster
Recycling/Compost Toter
Garbage truck blocking alley during daily trash pick-up
University District Alley Activation Plan 19 December 2014
UNIVERSITY WAY NE NE 43RD ST 43RD NE
NE 45TH ST NE 42ND ST 42ND NE
U.S. POST UNIVERSITY BOOKSTORE OFFICE
CAFE ALLEGRO
MALLOY APTS UNIVERSITY TEMPLE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
15TH AVE NE
Existing garbage corrals incorporated into Overflowing dumpsters with trash strewn throughout Dumpsters in the public right-of-way private parcels alley
University District Alley Activation Plan December 2014 20 Drainage + Pavement UNIVERSITY WAY NE
The concrete alley corridor has an inverted SHULTZY’S
NE 42ND ST 42ND NE NE 41ST ST 41ST NE crown—meaning that the high points of HALL SCHMITZ UW the pavement are at the building edges— consistent with the City of Seattle’s standard alley cross-section. The thickness of the existing concrete pavement is unknown but, based on the prevalence of pavement cracking, we assume the corridor is not UW SOCIAL WORK / SPEECH & HEARING SCIENCES built to the City of Seattle standard of an 8” commercial concrete thickness and/
or that the subgrade has failed. Further investigation is needed to confrm. 0 25 50 100 Feet N 15TH AVE NE Surface runoff along each block is conveyed south, down the center of the corridor, and Figure 8: GIS Drainage Map collected in a single structure. Other than these structures, there appear to be no public drainage structures in the alley corridor. Stormwater runoff from adjacent buildings Catch Basin/Inlet At NE 41st St runoff is channeled into the is managed differently at each parcel. Some buildings have downspouts along the alley street and conveyed west along the face of Downspout curb. At NE 43rd St, runoff from the upstream that connect directly to the private side block is channeled to a catch basin offset sewer. Other buildings have downspouts that Combined Sewer from the alley centerline to the west; the catch surface discharge into the alley. There is no Sanitary/Side Sewer basin has a pipe that discharges stormwater on-site fow control or water quality treatment through the curb at NE 43rd St eventually for stormwater runoff from the alley. dropping into the structure at NE 43rd St and University Way NE. Runoff from NE 42nd St is similar to NE 43rd St. Current City plans for the NE 43rd St corridor will necessitate revisions to the alley’s drainage.
University District Alley Activation Plan 21 December 2014
UNIVERSITY WAY NE
NE 43RD ST 43RD NE
NE 42ND ST 42ND NE NE 45TH ST 45TH NE
U.S. POST UNIVERSITY BOOKSTORE OFFICE
CAFE ALLEGRO
MALLOY APTS UNIVERSITY TEMPLE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
15TH AVE NE
Runoff at NE 42nd St being channeled to Catch basin at NE 43rd St (under dumpster) offset from Runoff channeled down the center of the alley at the southern catch basin alley centerline University Bookstore
University District Alley Activation Plan December 2014 22 Electrical Utilities Electrical distribution is located underground along the alleys. Based on the structures, electrical infrastructure appears to be solely UNIVERSITY WAY NE
distribution; this should be confrmed by SHULTZY’S
NE 42ND ST 42ND NE NE 41ST NE ST
an electrical engineer. The system includes UW SCHMITZ HALL underground vaults and maintenance holes typically located in the middle of the alley. Some of these vaults are raised above the grade of the typical alley cross section to E E prevent surface runoff from entering the structure; other vaults have been retroftted with a small concrete berm upstream of the UW SOCIAL WORK / SPEECH & HEARING SCIENCES vault/structure to prevent surface runoff from
entering. The electrical distribution provides service to both the adjacent buildings and N street lights that are located intermittently 0 25 50 100 Feet 15TH AVE NE along the west side of the corridor. Figure 9: Utility Diagram
Raised Maintenance Hole
Maintenance Hole E Electrical Service Drop
Vault
SCL Utility Pole SCL Underground Distribution
Maintenance hole near the University Bookstore loading dock
University District Alley Activation Plan 23 December 2014
UNIVERSITY WAY NE NE 43RD ST 43RD NE
NE 45TH ST NE 42ND ST 42ND NE
U.S. POST UNIVERSITY BOOKSTORE OFFICE
CAFE ALLEGRO E E E E E E E E E E E E
E MALLOY APTS UNIVERSITY TEMPLE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
15TH AVE NE
Maintenance hole Electrical drop SCL utility pole and maintenance holes
University District Alley Activation Plan December 2014 24 Lighting
Most lighting along the alley is building- UNIVERSITY WAY NE related with a few publicly-maintained street
SHULTZY’S NE 42ND ST 42ND NE
lights. The building-related lights have been ST 41ST NE UW SCHMITZ HALL SCHMITZ UW installed and are managed by the private businesses along the alley, leaving them in various states of repair. The existing alley-facing businesses have well-lit entrances. These lights along with light from second-story windows that spills UW SOCIAL WORK / SPEECH & HEARING SCIENCES onto the alley often creates enough ambient light that gives the alley a safer feel. However,
darker spots along the corridor disturb this Feet N 15TH AVE NE sense and cause some to refrain from using 0 25 50 100 the alley at certain times of day. Figure 10: Lighting Diagram
Alley lit by publicly-maintained street light above and Chapel on the Ave rear parking garage entrance adjacent second story windows
University District Alley Activation Plan 25 December 2014
UNIVERSITY WAY NE
NE 42ND ST 42ND NE
NE 43RD ST 43RD NE NE 45TH ST 45TH NE
U.S. POST OFFICE UNIVERSITY BOOKSTORE
CAFE ALLEGRO
MALLOY APTS UNIVERSITY TEMPLE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
15TH AVE NE
Café Allegro’s well-lit entrance Ambient light from the second story of University Dark spot at the north end of the alley with the Malloy Temple United Methodist Church Apartments providing the only source of light
University District Alley Activation Plan December 2014 26 Post Alley gateway, Seattle, WA Mid-block crosswalk, Bellevue, WA (via ci.bellevue. Ankeny Alley, Chinatown, Portland, OR (via (via flickr, Katherine Lynn) wa.us) travelportland.com)
Dumpster enclosure, Rochester, MN (via Locus Linden Living Alley, San Francisco, CA (via Bank Street, Easton, PA; Easton Main Street Initiative Architecture) spontaneousinterventions.org) (via eastoneccentric.blogspot.com)
Hospitality, Public Safety & Human Services Outreach Portland Loo (via City of Portland, OR) Manigua performing in Nord Alley (via Karen Davis Team (Seattle Metropolitan Improvement District) Smith, ISI)
University District Alley Activation Plan 27 December 2014 OPPORTUNITIES ANALYSIS To better understand the community’s interventions seemed to be the right ft for long-term goals, the design team asked the alleys. the Alley Task Force what they saw as the alley’s current assets, the biggest hurdles Attendees were given dots to rank the and their general hopes and fears for the suggested interventions. They placed fve alley activation process. This conversation green dots on the interventions they thought helped to focus the conversation and would work best in the alley, one red dot directed the design team to explore three on what wouldn’t work and one yellow dot broad issues: where they would advise the design team to proceed with caution. Their responses Operating System, or the context are detailed in the following pages. within which the alley functions;
Hardware, or the physical infrastructure of the alleys, and;
Software, or the social connections and ecology of the alley.
Each of these subject areas were broken down as shown on the following pages. Community Feedback With a clear understanding of the salient issues, the design team shared a range of interventions to test the community’s appetite for various activation strategies. Varying from quick, easily-implementable interventions to long-term transformations, the community was able to see how other places had solved similar challenges. U District stakeholders then voted on which Public Feedback on Alley Opportunities at U District Open House, January 29, 2014
University District Alley Activation Plan December 2014 28 OPERATING SYSTEM: CONTEXT The operating system of the U District alleys Alley Identity is comprised of elements that connect the alleys into the broader district. Name the alley Install wayfinding maps Use fin signs to promote businesses Alley Identity At a district-scale, the alleys have the opportunity to play a special role in the U District, functioning as an integral part of the daily District experience. Creating a strong identity for the alleys that easily integrates into visitors’ mental maps of the neighborhood will help make the alleys attractive, vibrant spaces.
Create a U District Pedestrian Connections Alley Fair Alleys can function as a key component Highlight entries in the U District pedestrian network, as discussed in the Planning Context section. Safe crossings between alleys Key Insights: at cross streets and east/west mid-block connections can create a fne-grained Name each alley. network allowing pedestrians more routes to destinations. Highlight alley entrances with gateway signage. Alley Business Vitality Include alleys as destinations on U District wayfnding. The U District alleys can provide a unique Explore vertical fn signage highlighting alley businesses, niche for small-scale, incubator businesses visable from the cross streets. and back-of-house retail, complementing the primary frontages on the Ave. These businesses in the alleys will contribute to diversifed economic vibrancy of the U District.
University District Alley Activation Plan 29 December 2014 Pedestrian Connections Economic Vitality Extend the Alley’s “Open” Hours Install crossing with pedestrian island Create food truck corrals Use crossing flags Promote green walls Promote open edges/ transparency
Organize pavement painting events Encourage existing Invite seasonal cafe seating Build joyful seating businesses to turn Install striped crossings the corner Promote walk-up incubator businesses
Key Insights: Key Insights: Implement formalized, marked crossings at the cross streets. No desire to see food trucks operating along the alley. Explore a community-organized intersection painting at Promote business in the alley by creating space for walk-up crossings. businesses and by encouraging corner alley businesses to expand operations into the alley (e.g., MOD Pizza). Formalize pedestrian connections to the alleys. Extend the alley’s active hours with nighttime business activity and restaurant seating in the alley.
University District Alley Activation Plan December 2014 30 HARDWARE: INFRASTRUCTURE The U District alley hardware encompasses Infrastructure the physical improvements that will Develop “closed loop” contribute to alley activation. Create garbage Highlight & improve infrastructure strategies Patch pavement enclosures drainage Infrastructure Alleys provide a vital district service by accommodating necessary functions such as waste management and pickup, drainage, deliveries and utility connections. These functions can effciently coexist with pedestrians and active uses in an alley. Urban Ecology The Alley Task Force envisions the alleys of the U District as a showcase Replace pavement with more Improve waste management of environmentally-friendly design. Replace pedestrian-friendly features Incorporating planters and green pavement in-kind stormwater infrastructure into the alley corridor will not only enhance the Key Insights: functionality of the space but create a vibrant pedestrian environment. Enclose dumpsters and enhance waste management. Lighting Repair pavement and incorporate pedestrian-friendly Well-lit alleys increase safety and enhance features into a consistent, accessible alley surface. a sense of place. A variety of lighting types, from overhead to wall packs to light art, can create layers of illumination that contribute to a dynamic, appealing feel.
University District Alley Activation Plan 31 December 2014 Urban Ecology Lighting Create temporary Drain water fountains Use light to create a Deploy vertical vertical planters to rain garden Repair existing Create temporary Install “Tivoli” style memorable nighttime planters Transform into a Install built- lighting catenary lighting environment green alley lighting installations in lighting
Create artistic Use movable Install micro wind Install green roofs light projections planters or solar Embed solar Promote algae Install pavers power Create Install new “wall permanent interactive light pack” lighting lighting Install custom installations installations catenary lighting
Key Insights: Key Insights: Support a green transformation of the corridor with in-ground Use Tivoli-style catenary lighting throughout the alley planters and green stormwater infrastructure. corridor. Install movable planters (both ground-related and vertical) Create a memorable nighttime environment. along the corridor. Repair and replace existing light fxtures. Incorporate solar pavers into the alley surface. Establish consistent light levels with new wall-mounted Use plantings and green stormwater infrastructure to manage lighting. all drainage.
University District Alley Activation Plan December 2014 32 SOFTWARE: ALLEY PROGRAMMING The alley software speaks to the social Public Safety context: the activities and programs that take place in the space, enhancing it as a Deploy Encourage more destination. Promote alley Install additional additional police “eyes” on the alley ambassadors cameras Public Safety In order to encourage best behavior among all alley users, use of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles will create a safe, welcoming place for everyone. Inclusive Design The Alley Task Force seeks to maintain the corridor as an inclusive space for all, Ensure including the social service non-profts ample lighting Install blue security Create an alley phones along the corridor, which are a valued part neighborhood watch of the community. Key Insights: Events Regular events and programs reinforce the Provide ample lighting and create more alley uses that alleys as unique destinations. Strategic support around-the-clock activity in the alley. programming can extend the corridor’s active hours and lend structure to how the Avoid installing security cameras or creating a neighborhood space is used throughout the day. crime watch program. Consider a U District ambassador program.
University District Alley Activation Plan 33 December 2014 Inclusive Design Events
Develop alley-related Fund public Create outdoor Host unique Sponsor community traditions awareness campaigns Develop public feeding programs performances clean up events awareness campaigns Host alley viewing events Create an events program
Create alley dining events
Install public Host farmers market/ Invite non-traditional uses, like climbing awareness shelters Install public water sidewalks sales in the alley Create games in the alley fountains Install public restrooms - Freestanding or integrated with Future Development Key Insights: Key Insights: Provide a public restroom along the corridor, with careful Create a U District alley events program. planning. Host unique performances, movie/sports game viewing and Sponsor regular alley clean-ups. dining events in the space. Develop alley-related traditions such as a pre-game “Dawg Run” through the corridor before sporting events.
University District Alley Activation Plan December 2014 34 OPTIONS EXPLORATION Key Opportunities concepts. They discussed the two options Space: how the “urban room” of the The U District community provided invaluable and provided feedback on how the concepts corridor was created; feedback for the design team to consider might be refned. The two concepts—Zipper Surface: the horizontal plane of the as they moved into the Options Exploration and Thread—are presented in the pages that corridor; follow. The community’s feedback and the phase. Overall there was a great desire to Movement: how people would move seize upon the following opportunities: fnal proposed design are presented in the next chapter. into, out of and through the space; Give each alley an identity. Identity: the ways a memorable identity Encourage and incubate new businesses. Zipper for the corridor was created; and Inspired by the corridor’s role as a Address waste management. Activity: the ways that users could seam between the University and the enliven and animate the space through Preserve a place for nature. neighborhood’s commercial core, the Zipper various programmatic activities. Promote a safe, comfortable nighttime knits together these two zones through interlocking smaller-scale spaces. These The differences between the concepts are space with consistent lighting and the explored in more detail on the facing page. presence of other people. strategies allow for incremental investment and transformation over time. Make sure there is a place for every one with accessible paving and public Thread restrooms. The Thread envisions all three alley segments Based on feedback received during as a continuous, pedestrian-oriented corridor. Opportunities Analysis, the design team The alleys become a unifed, memorable created two alley streetscape concepts to thoroughfare. In contrast to the Zipper test strategies for shaping the alley corridor. concept, implementation of the Thread These two concepts were presented to U concept would require a larger, initial capital District alley stakeholders. To test several outlay. potential strategies for capitalizing on the opportunities, the public’s response to these The concepts differ in other important ways. ideas was synthesized into the fnal concept, The fve characteristics below articulate the presented later (Alley Future). All property differences between the two options: and business owners and non-proft leaders along the alley corridor were invited to this public open house to review the streetscape Zipper Parti Diagram Thread Parti Diagram
University District Alley Activation Plan 35 December 2014 CONCEPT COMPARISON MATRIX ? SPACE SURFACE MOVEMENT IDENTITY ACTIVITY
ZIPPER
THREAD
University District Alley Activation Plan December 2014 36 CREATING THE ZIPPER
Space Surface
Light Concrete
Dark Concrete Stone Accent Runnels
Plan Section Plan Section
Use a modulation of concrete treatments to create a rhythm Use small, alternating runnels to differentiate a central “drive along the alley and break up the space into a series of smaller aisle” along the corridor from spaces at the edge that could be spaces. used for different purposes. Coordinate with redevelopment plans to “notch in” the Use a unit paving material, like stone or brick, for runnels to concrete panels onto private parcels. create a pedestrian-friendly alley environment.
University District Alley Activation Plan 37 December 2014 Consistent Aisle Intersections
Light Concrete
Dark Concrete Intersection Repair Painting Differs for each intersection
Plan Section Plan Section
Replace the alternating pattern shown in the previous two Use crowd-sourced designs at intersections to paint a unique images with a “teeth-like” pattern of specialty concrete that crossing treatment onto the streets. extends into the alley and is captured by the runnel. Create a “W” section for the alley to direct stormwater into the runnels. Rather than having one stormwater structure at the bottom of the alley, the runnels could collect water in multiple locations.
University District Alley Activation Plan December 2014 38 CREATING THE ZIPPER
Plantings Lighting
Tivoli lights
Ground-related plantings with small trees
Plan Section Plan Section
Invite plantings into the alley as opportunities arise. String Tivoli-style lights overhead to enhance the ambiance of the alley and create a safe, accessible environment at night. Manage private and/or public stormwater runoff, through green stormwater infrastructure in these planting areas.
University District Alley Activation Plan 39 December 2014 Overhead
Gateway
Canopies (potentially retractable)
Plan Section
Encourage private businesses to create canopies for weather protection. Install gateway elements at each end of the alleys.
University District Alley Activation Plan December 2014 40 CREATING THE THREAD
Space + Surface Plantings
Raised Crosswork
Drainage Runnel Movable Planters
Unit Pavers Green Walls
Plan Section Plan Section Create a unifed alley corridor by employing a consistent unit Use raised planters and/or green walls—like the existing paving strategy that extends the length of the alley. wall at Magus Books—to help keep nature a part of the alley experience despite limited space for in-ground planting. Raise the intersection at cross-streets to provide a continuous raised surface for pedestrians and to slow cars on the perpendicular streets.
University District Alley Activation Plan 41 December 2014 Overhead Canopy Lighting
Translucent Glass Panels Photovoltaic Panels
Fiber Optic Lighting
Plan Section Plan Section
Create a protected walking route (in pink) that allows visitors Create a dynamic ceiling of light on the underside of the to stay out of the rain and access businesses under the canopy structure with fber optic cables. canopy. Use photovoltaics to generate power at intersections where buildings allow solar access.
University District Alley Activation Plan December 2014 42 ACTIVITY
Alleys support a number of activities and, even when used as a pedestrian-friendly, inviting public space, alleys must continue to accommodate all types of uses. Residents, shoppers, diners, and pedestrians moving to and from destinations activate the alley. The intensity and duration of these activities depend on the types of retail uses on the ground foor and alley programming. The graphs to the right compare pedestrian activity for the Zipper and Thread alternatives immediately, and the expected growth after full implementation of each concept.
Type of Use Frequency Needs/Challenges
Residents Access to vehicle parking and Daily Physical access required at all times residential units ADA accessibility UW Student / Faculty / Mobility and movement Daily Sense of safety and comfort Work Visibility Shoppers Access and use of alley activities Daily (e.g., seating and incubator business) Police Department Safety As needed
Social Services Queueing and gathering Daily (8-9pm) and weekly (5-7pm T/Th/F, 1-5pm F/Su)
SPU / Garbage Services Trash and recycling pick-up; access Daily or as needed Load-bearing surface material to stormwater infrastructure Width and length clearance Fire Department Truck access As needed Truck clearance Business Deliveries Deliveries, loading, and services Daily
University District Alley Activation Plan 43 December 2014 Figure 11:ThreadActivityDiagram These conceptualactivitygraphics attempttoforecasthowthealleycorridorwillbeactivatedat varioustimesofdayand THREAD Services Pedestrian Activities M Tu W Th F S Su ZIPPER Figure 12:ZipperActivityDiagram Services Pedestrian Activities M Tu University DistrictAlley Activation Plan s oftheweek. SocialServiceSpecifc Activities Pedestrian Activities -Long-term(10-25years) Pedestrian Activities -Short-term(1-10years) Deliveries/GarbageService W Th December 2014 F S Su 44
ALLEY FUTURE The public response to the two options should be celebrated and allowed to was remarkable for its consistency. The fourish in the future. Providing zones U District community knows what works where adjacent property owners and for it and what doesn’t, showing a clear businesses can add their “stamp” to appreciation for the balanced ecology of the alleys makes a positive contribution the alley. Some of the stakeholders’ key to the community. insights included the following:
Diversity: Everyone acknowledged Feasibility: The long-term success that the alley blocks are naturally of the University District has always different, and that those differences are rested on the actions of many important and should be preserved. interested parties dedicated to the Some areas of the alley, for example, community. This next phase in the are residential with quieter uses, neighborhood’s evolution will be no whereas others have more of a nightlife different. The community wants a set of focus, lending themselves to longer, guidance documents that is fexible, yet louder hours. These differences should articulates a strong vision for the alley. not be glossed over, but are important Newcomers to the community need to for future alley improvements. Nightlife- know that the community is eager to Ivy covering Magus Books building wrapping into alley oriented alleys might encourage more engage in a conversation about how to at NE 42nd St. outdoor seating and lighting, whereas make the alley a wonderful place, and more alley-accessed residences might the guidelines that follow are a starting be appropriate for other alley segments. point for that discussion. As mentioned above, eclecticism is also important and rote application of these guidelines Variety and Eclecticism: Many of the should not overpower the unique stakeholders spoke of the accumulated opportunities of a given site. eclecticism of the alley. The areas of the alley that feel most like a place happened because of accreted interventions Parking: Existing alley-accessed that built up over time, without much parking for residents should be of a plan in place. This eclecticism is maintained. While existing alley- a valued part of the community and abutting surface parking could be Alley mural between NE 41st and 42nd Streets
University District Alley Activation Plan December 2014 46 U DISTRICT ALLEY SUCCESS STORY: CAFÉ ALLEGRO You should have seen the alley in the 1980s For example, this ad hoc community pro- and 1990s, recalls Chris Peterson, one of actively refned the development plans for the Café Allegro’s owners; that was the alley’s new building across from the Café. Presenting “pedestrian heyday.” Owing to its proximity a united front, they petitioned the developers to the Post Offce and University Bookstore, through the City’s design review process to Allegro was baked into the daily routine of create an alley-friendly building. As a result of thousands of students “back in the day when their activism, the new development features everything wasn’t online and students had to a set-back across from the Café, business show up at these locations in person to take entrances facing the alley, a handsome care of business,” Peterson recalls. alley façade/frontage, and, perhaps most importantly, a parking garage entrance off 15th Peterson has been instrumental in some of Ave rather than through the alley. the alley’s success stories, including helping to coordinate a recycling program for the alley Over the coming years, Peterson hopes to see businesses in the 1980s. He soon became a the alley become as vibrant as the Ave with leader as neighboring businesses and social bustling storefronts and high-quality façades service agencies united as a de facto alley and streetscapes. He would love to see a neighborhood. festival street designation so that his neighbors can quickly create a pedestrian/event-friendly From those early days, Peterson’s approach to space by closing the alley to vehicle traffc. managing a business on the alley has remained Peterson would also like to see the same public the same: he actively works to convene other safety elements on the Ave present in the alley. alley leaders around the common issues. Due in part to his efforts, the alley neighbors between Peterson concludes, “Allegro could’ve NE 43rd and NE 42nd Streets are a tight-knit expanded anywhere but we’re investing here community. Chris sees this sense of ownership because we believe in the potential of this and community among alley neighbors as the place.” And he is excited to share that vision key to the alley’s continued success. with new neighbors and businesses as they come into the community.
University District Alley Activation Plan 47 December 2014 continued, expanding alley-accessible Waste Management: In the near term, parking should be discouraged. Using provide corrals and other opportunities 15th Ave NE to provide parking access to congregate and control rubbish in the will keep the alley a more vibrant space alley. Waste contractors have expressed in the long-run. Additionally, economic a willingness to provide additional realities and the success stories of alley services or provide a different operating activation by the “pioneer businesses” model to make waste management a like Cafe Allegro and Shultzy’s will help more positive aspect of the alley. transform some of the spaces currently being used as parking into functional, alley-fronting outdoor spaces. Pronto! Cycle Share: Since the alleys are envisioned as part of the University District’s active transportation network, Pedestrian Scale and Comfort: making Pronto! Cycle Share easily Maintaining light and access to the accessible will help make connections alley, providing opportunities for to and enliven the alleys. Pronto! Example of an business “backyard,” alley-fronting plantings, keeping varied façades and stations could be located close to the outdoor space using smaller paving increments can alley or along the perpendicular streets. help keep the corridor pedestrian- friendly. On the following pages, a new vision for the long-term future of the alley is articulated. Lighting: Create a consistent lighting Since both the Seattle Department of approach that works for everyone in the Transportation (SDOT) and the Department alley. To the extent possible, use solar of Planning and Development (DPD) will power to create a “solar ceiling” in the have responsibility for permitting and alley using strands of Tivoli-style lights. advising new development about the Additional building lighting should be community’s desires, the vision is broken used to emphasize entrances off the up into an Urban Design Guidelines and alley. Street Concept Plan to make them usable by their respective audiences. The Street Concept Plan is supported by a Technical Appendix at the end of this document. Through block alley passageway
University District Alley Activation Plan December 2014 48 2% 2%
8’ Drivable Zone EQ EQ 1’ 6” Varies 5’ 5’ Varies
Figure 13: Street Concept diagram illustrating the drainage and geometry of the street. See the Street Concept Plan Technical Appendix for further information.
University District Alley Activation Plan 49 December 2014 STREET CONCEPT PLAN
The following pages present the schematic The alley concept must maintain vehicle relatively signifcant fow into two channels, street concept plan for the University District access (shown in pink dashes). The largest providing some level of redundancy with Alleys. Technical information regarding truck accessing the alley has an eight-foot two catch basins at the low end of the alley. the alleys can be found in the Existing wheel base, so the alley guidelines create a This redundancy means there is less of a Conditions section of this document and in “sacred” zone down the center of the alley chance that one side of the alley is impacted the Technical Appendix at the end of this that is kept clear of any obstructions to if there is localized fooding, as can be seen document. allow for vehicular access. near Magus Books. As projects are fully engineered, additional catch basins can be This concept plan was most informed This zone is paved with the City of Seattle’s used at mid-block locations at the end of by the Zipper concept presented during standard alley concrete, but scored with the the drainage runnels. Options Analysis phase. City’s standard sidewalk scoring pattern with a 2’ by 2’ grid. Second, this confgration allows for These illustrations are provided to convey pedestrians to more comfortably move intent. No individual property is required Drainage through the alley, creating a relatively fat to make any change based upon these Rather than the standard inverted crown surface down the center of the alley. From guidelelines. Seattle alley drainage strategy, the an accessibility perspective, this allows Drivable Zone University District alleys use a “W” cross- users to move up and down the alley and to turn within the center of the alley in order While the community’s intent is to create a section. to access adjacent businesses. vibrant “shared space” similar to a Dutch This design slopes water away from the woonerf, a critical function of the alley buildings and from the center of the alley Finally, the drainage begins to act as is, and will continue to be, for service: into drainage runnels, located 5’ from the a space-defning feature, demarcating providing a space where garbage trucks can edge of the alley right-of-way. the seam between different pavement pick up refuse and a place where delivery types, different alley zones, and even trucks, residents, and patrons can access This approach offers three advantages over defning landscaping or green stormwater alley-fronting residences and businesses. the standard alley section. First, it splits the infrastructure facilities, as allowed on adjacent private property.
University District Alley Activation Plan December 2014 50 standard concrete
specialty concrete
accent pavers
Figure 14: A diagrammatic illustration of where various pavement types should appear within the alley.
University District Alley Activation Plan 51 December 2014 The alley concept includes three pavement contractors can use this readily available as the “front porches” for the alley-fronting types that give the alley the feel of a place material without having to worry about businesses and residences. that has evolved, rather than a space that matching a premium concrete fnish. has been developed at a single point in Accent Pavers time. These are: Specialty Concrete Intermittently along the runnel of the Standard Concrete At the edges of the alley, specialty concrete “W,” stone unit pavers are used in 1’6” is used periodically to reinforce a rhythmic wide bands. The purpose of these bands The alley is primarily paved with concrete alteration of materials that further breaks up is to help break up and modulate the per the City of Seattle’s standard the space. Though still using a 2’ x 2’ grid, horizontal surface, giving the alley more of specifcations. This pavement extends this specialty concrete is fnished in ways a pedestrian-scaled rhythm and texture. the length of the alley, providing a robust, that are quite different from the standard These accents also reinforce the perception reliable surface for service trucks and concrete paving described in the previous of a thinner drive aisle. other heavy use vehicles. Rather than section. First, the concrete has a darker simply brushed fnish panels, the standard These materials can be various unit pavers, fnish. Second, rather than trowelled joints, concrete here is edged and trowelled as preferred by the adjacent development the specialty concrete uses saw-cut joints similar to the City of Seattle’s standard and approved by SDOT. One idea for these to achieve a precise, fnished appearance. concrete sidewalk with a more pedestrian- pavers could be to pay homage to the Finally, the specialty concrete is lightly scaled 2’ by 2’ grid along the entire various personalities who helped infuence sandblasted rather than broom fnished. corridor. the trajectory of the alley: from homeless A beneft to this “plain” concrete running As the alleys continue to evolve and mature, youth lost to the University District’s streets through the center of the alley is that as these specialty concrete aprons can serve to Philip Thiel, from Bob Quinn to Dave utilities need to be replaced or rehabilitiated, Olsen. Each carved their stories into this place, and the paving could offer a way to recognize their contributions.
City of Seattle Standard 2x2 Concrete Sidewalk. Examples of specialty concrete. Examples of accent pavers.
University District Alley Activation Plan December 2014 52 Figure 15: Ways in which design teams can incorporate nature and lighting into the alley environment.
University District Alley Activation Plan 53 December 2014 Boston Ivy (Parthenocissus tricuspidata) Plantings Lighting While activating the building façades to In smaller spaces like alleys, lighting offers create a more pedestrian-friendly edge one of the most cost-effective strategies for is important to perceptions of safety and creating a sense of safe, welcoming space. well being, plantings are also important to SDOT guidance requires that temporary ensure that there is “nearby nature” in this overhead structures be placed 16’ above Tellima grandiflora smallest of urban spaces. the pavement surface and permanent structures 24’ above the surface. Strands of Plantings should adhere to crime prevention Tivoli-style lights, strung opportunistically through environmental design (CPTED) across the alley, will create a lighted ceiling principles so that hiding spaces are not that provides consistent, romantic lighting created along the alley. Similarly, plants throughout the alley. should be placed in such a way as to not Vine Maple (Acer circinatum) impede pedestrian safety, particularly in Along the buildings, a variety of lights sight triangles where vehicles access the should also be employed to illuminate and alley. Plants taller than 30” should not be activate building façades. Most important used within 30’ of a perpendicular right of are lights at doorway entries. The warm way. glow from a light will make visitors feel welcomed and may discourage unwanted Lower-growing, shade-tolerant plantings guests from sleeping in doorways. Vancouveria hexandra will likely predominate the planting scheme, with some taller, visually permeable trees where space and sightlines allow. Where possible, adjacent properties should use plantings in coordination with green stormwater infrastructure (GSI) facilities. Sword Fern (Polystichum munitum)
Epimedium
University District Alley Activation Plan December 2014 54 DESIGN GUIDELINES
Design guidelines are used by the Northeast Interim Recommendations: For brevity, only the most relevant City Design Review Board District during The following section proposes additional guidelines have been included. The design review of new commercial and alley-specifc strategies to supplement following section includes a more detailed multifamily buildings. They encourage new design guidance for new development description of strategies and design development to complement and enhance along alleys during this interim period, and approaches to consider. This approach its surroundings. The guidelines also direct to inform the update in 2016. addresses open spaces and buildings designers and project reviewers to look facing an alley. Photos and diagrams offer closely at the neighborhood and to provide The headers and numbering system for all examples and inspiration. a forum that allows public participation in relevant guidelines have been correlated discussion. with the citywide guidelines format under Also included are considerations for existing these three themes: buildings (EB). While existing buildings are There are two types of guidelines that apply not subject to design review, these design to development in the University District: Context and Site, strategies may be voluntarily applied during Public Life, and a remodel/renovation to achieve urban Seattle Design Guidelines —apply to design qualities that are valued by the City all areas of the city except downtown, Design Concept. and community members. and The proposals in this section are predicated University Neighborhood Design on the fact that University District Alleys are Guidelines—offer guidance that is an important element of the District’s public more specifc to the features and realm. The city-wide and neighborhood character of the neighborhood. guidelines address design issues for The University Neighborhood Design principal street fronts that may or may not Guidelines were adopted in 2000. Since be appropriate to alleys. Therefore, these that time, there has been signifcant growth guidelines address many of those same in the area. Accordingly, the City will issues specifcally for the alley context. initiate a community process to update the guidelines (expected in 2016).
University District Alley Activation Plan 55 December 2014 Context and Site
CS1-E2. Adding Interest with Building CS3-B1. Placemaking: In alleys, explore Systems: On alley fronts, use the building’s the University District’s history as a potential drainage system or mechanical equipment placemaking opportunity. Themes might as a design element and an opportunity to include the University District’s bohemian add interest. Consider how other building art culture (e.g., Mark Tobey, Elizabeth systems (e.g., air conditioning units) could Bishop), important early businesses, and also be exposed. the district’s role in civic affairs (e.g., the anti-war movement). Place a prominent EB: Where space is available, consider focal point or landmark every 120 feet CS1-E2. This interactive and artistic façade channelizes installing a cistern to store rooftop runoff water flow into a series of instruments to create music. (i.e., 30 seconds of walking). While the for irrigation. Install green screens or spacing is not a hard and fast rule, such a small planters along the building’s edge linear sequence gives the alley corridor its to introduce a layer of green vegetation. identity.
CS2-C1. Corner Sites: Corner sites serve as gateways into alleys. Enhance street/ alley corners by 1) providing extra space for pedestrians (including a generous building entry, take-out counter, display window, CS2-C1. Opening and outdoor seating at this corner or other feature) or 2) providing a strong take advantage of southern light exposure. spatial edge by building out to the corner and including a special feature or artwork.
EB: Add special design features (e.g., artwork, bright painting, signage) at the corner of alleys to entice passersby.
CS2-D1. New buildings shown in grey illustrate height, bulk, and scale that is comparable to their surroundings. Although the large development is slightly unconventional, this mimics the narrower building width typical within the alley.
University District Alley Activation Plan December 2014 56 Public Life
PL1-B1. Through-Block Connections: alley for rooftop cafés or other informal Street grids of 300 feet or less are most gathering spaces. friendly to a pedestrian. Since north-south blocks in the district are over 500 feet long, EB: Except where energy effciency is providing additional east-west pedestrian an over-riding concern, open window connections to increase circulation and coverings (i.e., blinds) throughout the alley access is highly desirable and is an day and keep existing windows clear important feature when considering design from clutter. Where existing balconies departures. These can be enclosed within and accessible rooftops exist, explore PL1-B1. This mid-block crossing wraps vegetation, a building (e.g., the University Bookstore) measures to activate these spaces. pattern and glazing through the development to create or open to the outside. an inviting pedestrian space.
PL1-C2. Outdoor Uses and Activities: PL2-B3. Retail Visibility: Where Provide water spigots and electrical outlets appropriate, use glazing and transparency on new façades to support a variety of on alley-facing façades to engage outdoor activities. pedestrians with a view of interior uses. EB: Remove fences and other barriers Consider fully operational wall-sized doors to ensure that existing passageways that can be completely opened to alleys. wider than fve feet are accessible to pedestrians. Improve visibility to both enclosed and open passageways by EB: Take full advantage of existing alley PL2-B1. The more people that can see and be seen front windows and doors on the ground using the alley, the greater the sense of security and adding signage, color, or other design perceived safety. features. foor to provide visibility. Where extra retail space exists, allow secondary uses to inhabit the alley frontage. These may PL2-B1. Eyes on the Street: Especially include incubator businesses, walk-up in alleys, create a safe environment by cafés, bike shops, or other pedestrian- providing lines of sight and encourage oriented uses. natural surveillance through strategic placement of doors, windows, and balconies. Consider pulling the second or third story of the building back from the PL2-B3. Glazed, operable windows can be opened fully to the street, expanding the public space along the alley.
University District Alley Activation Plan 57 December 2014 PL2-C1. Weather Protection Location PL3-C2. Retail Activities: Where outdoor and Coverage: Overhead weather alley activities such as seating and dining protection in alleys is encouraged, provided are envisioned, set buildings back from the that it does not extend into the vehicle drive alley to provide adequate space. Where lane (which extends 20’ above any area possible, include features for activities accessible to vehicles. Ensure that such beyond the daylight hours and throughout covered areas do not encourage loitering. the seasons of the year (e.g., outdoor heaters, overhead protection, movable Note: Large covered areas without good seating and tables, extra pedestrian PL2-C1. This narrow awning provides weather protection visibility may encourage undesirable lighting, and 24-hour wi-f service). and identifies the building entry, while also providing activities. Covered areas should be sized, adequate room for service vehicles. located, and designed for safety and EB: Program small open spaces and security. consider converting existing surface parking areas for temporary or semi- EB: Ensure adequate maintenance of permanent retail uses (e.g., fower shop, existing awnings in alleys. Add new café seating). overhead protection to signify public entrances and gathering places.
PL3-A2. Pedestrian Access: Visible public access to the building’s alley entry (if any) PL3-A2. Recessed entries distinguish an entryway but must be carefully designed for clear pedestrian visibility. should be provided. Consider overhead elements, ground surface, landscaping, lighting, and other design features. EB: As appropriate, restore entrances for public use and access to the alley.
PL3-C2. This building is set back with overhead protection and outdoor lighting that has been re- appropriated for café seating.
University District Alley Activation Plan December 2014 58 Design Concept
DC1-A1. Visibility of Interior Uses: EB: Clearly delineate where surface Consider locating semi-public uses, parking is allowed with ground-level gathering spaces, and other frequently paint, signage, bollards, and other design used interior services toward the alley. features. EB: Activate interior uses where windows exist on the ground foor. DC1-C4. Service Uses: Locate service entries, loading docks, and trash DC1-B1. Vehicle Access Location and receptacles within the building. Where Design: When feasible, locate vehicle possible, keep these uses away from DC1-A1. This residential building has an exercise room facing access, service uses, and delivery areas building entries and outdoor gathering the alley. While there is no physical access to the alley, the large windows provide extra eyes on the street and visual activity. within the building to minimize impacts spaces along alleys. on alley circulation and function. Employ a multi-sensory approach to areas of EB: Corral trash receptacles in existing potential vehicle-pedestrian confict (e.g., setbacks or underutilized open spaces. contrasting or textured pavement, warning Integrate screen walls, planters, or other lights and sounds, and similar safety architecturally appropriate screening to devices). reduce the visibility of dumpsters. EB: Delineate vehicle and service DC2-B1. Façade Composition: areas with ground-level paint, signage, Approximately every 15 feet along a building façade, provide small building or DC1-B1. The balcony and other design elements bollards, and other design features. compatible with the façade have been integrated into the streetscape elements such as windows, design of this parking garage. DC1-C2. Visual Impact of Parking Areas: lighting fxtures, planters, art or decorative Reduce the impact of parking lots, parking pieces to add variety and rhythm to structures, entrances, and related signs the façade. Wrap the treatment around in alleys. To the greatest extent possible, mid-block corners and where adjacent minimize surface parking and visually separate properties are undeveloped. any parking from pedestrian areas with the EB: Commission murals or other use of bollards, special pavement, or other artworks. Take cues from adjacent design features. Design parking structures so buildings to create a unifed sense of that they are architecturally compatible with rhythm. the rest of the building and alley. DC1-C4. Part art installation, part ventilation screen, this metal sculpture reflects the character of Jazz Alley.
University District Alley Activation Plan 59 December 2014 DC2-B2. Blank Walls: Avoid long blank EB: Ensure adequate façade maintenance walls facing alleys wherever possible. along alley fronts. Add elements of interest Where blank walls are unavoidable, where possible and retain the existing treat walls with measures such as green building elements and special features that walls, artwork, special materials, or other defne the unique alley identity (e.g., brick enhancements. materiality, fre escapes, ventilation systems). EB: Consider puncturing the building with new windows and entrances. Add DC4-B1. Signage Scale and Character: pedestrian-oriented treatments to blank Encourage businesses to present a unique DC2-B2. Planters, clothing stands, signage, and other walls greater than 15 feet wide (e.g., signs, identity in alleys with exterior signs and tenant additions can make an otherwise blank wall into a artwork, exposed building equipment, attachments. place of interest and surprise. landscaping). EB: Provide secondary signage along DC2-C1. Visual Depth and Interest: the alley façade. Consider placing Because they are the most visible for the perpendicular signage at entries. pedestrian, focus architectural interest and DC4-C1. Lighting Functions: Use alley elements on the frst three foors of buildings lighting to both increase safety and highlight with façade-facing alleys (e.g., articulation, architectural and landscape details (e.g., entries, special materials, details). Include elements signs, canopies, plantings, art). Generally and materials that are attractive when provide at least one foot-candle on the alley viewed up close (e.g., distinctive door and DC4-B1. Horizontal signage is viewed by pedestrians surface and all building setbacks. Design so from either direction. window hardware, projecting window sills, lighting does not spread into residential units. ornamental tile or metal, other high-quality surface materials and fnishes). EB: Attach pedestrian-scaled lighting (i.e., To create regular sensory stimulation, below 20 feet in height) to building façades. provide a minor point of interest or variation One method is to place a light fxture every about every 15 to 20 feet (e.g., entrances, 30-60’ and stagger across the alley from window displays, seats, landscaping, each other. Tivoli-style strings and other change of architectural character, alcoves, hanging lights can also achieve this desired artwork). effect. Lights less than 20’ in height must be out of vehicle movement areas. DC4-C1. A light installation illuminates this mid-block crossing in what would otherwise be a blank wall.
University District Alley Activation Plan December 2014 60 IMPLEMENTATION: ALLEY ACTIVATION PROJECTS The implementation plan for U District The plan’s implementation should adapt District Fund as an ongoing operations alley activation will occur over more than and respond to the shifting alley context. and maintenance funding source to ensure 20 years. Interventions should be fexible the cleanliness, safety and beauty of the and adaptable as opportunities present The projects on the following pages were U District. Rate-paying businesses and themselves. identifed by the U District community property owners in the U District would throughout the design process. Each alley contribute to the U District Fund and Much of the physical infrastructure activation project serves a unique purpose applicable projects would seek prioritization improvements described in the previous and convenes a variety of stakeholders, and funding from the Ratepayer’s Advisory section will be done in concert with new broadening and strengthening the Board. For major projects including capital private sector investments along the alley community of alley “investors.” construction, the grant funding through the corridor. However, early implementation of U District Partnership could be an option. a number of the alley activation projects Each project includes an activation found in the following pages will allow the U objective, frst steps and identifes a The following project pages also outline District community to successfully leverage neighborhood lead and potential partners. how neighborhood leaders can effectively those private sector investments. While These project pages point the community partner with City departments through some are immediately implementable and toward potential funding sources and the anticipated permitting and approval others opportunistic, cumulatively these partners at the City of Seattle. There is limited process for certain projects. Each project projects communicate to new U District City funding for these types of projects. page includes a “First Move” section that stakeholders that the space is well-cared- However, the Neighborhood Matching refers to the frst step, meeting or phone for and the neighbors are invested in its Fund (NMF) provides neighborhood groups call the project lead complete to initiate the long-term success. with City resources for community-driven project. projects that enhance and strengthen Not all of these projects need to be their neighborhood. (For more information implemented in order for the corridor to on the NMF visit: http://www.seattle.gov/ be a success. There may be projects listed neighborhoods/nmf/) Additionally, the U that make sense today, but, within the District is in the process of establishing a space of just a few years, will unnecessary. Business Improvement Association (BIA). The U District BIA would establish the U
University District Alley Activation Plan 61 December 2014 POTENTIAL ALLEY ACTIVATION PHASING
2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Operating System Alley Naming
Gateway Funding Design/Install Gateways
Wayfinding Funding Design Install SOUND TRANSIT OPENS UNIVERSITY DISTRICT STATION Design Interim Mid-block Crossings Green Street Implementation
Encourage Businesses to Wrap the Corner/Open onto Alley Alley-Oriented Business Spaces Built in New Development Hardware Alley Business Signage
Design Install New Tivoli Lights Repair Lights Clear Alley Coordination & Education Cluster Garbage Enclosuress Build Out Private Site Trash Enclosures
Design/Funding Pavement Drainage Improvements
Install Art “Frames” Curate Alley Art Exhibits
Movable Seating Program Pilot Evaluate Program
Design/Funding Retrofit Movable Planters & Green Walls Install New Green Walls, In-ground Planters, Movable Planters Adopt Alley ROW Guidelines Adopt U District Neighborhood Design Guidelines Implement Design Guidelines U District Zoning Adoption Software Alley Clean-Ups with Street Youth Ministries Create U-District Ambassadors Program Develop Coalition and Strategy for Public Restroom Build Public Restroom Pilot Memorable Alley Programming Regular Alley Programming
Develop a Signature Alley Event Alley Closure Pilot Program Alley Closure Program
Figure 16: While implementation of the alley activation plan will be opportunistic, this chart offers a possible timeline.
University District Alley Activation Plan December 2014 62 Watching the World Cup in Seattle’s Nord Alley Pillow fight! (via KOMO News) Busker competitions (via Wikipedia)
Chess tournament (via Cambridge Day) Poetry slam (via Cambridge Day) Alley Slip n’ Slide? (via Nashville Scene)
Caroling competition (via wedgwoodcc.org) Pet adoptions (via wikipedia) Outdoor movies (via wikipedia)
University District Alley Activation Plan 63 December 2014 ALLEY PROGRAMMING Objective Considerations In the winter, a business could provide Make the alley a performance space where A number of communities have established a heat lamp, a laptop plug, a wireless interesting activities regularly occur. recurring alley events. Nord Alley, in Pioneer connection, and a blanket to encourage Square, piggybacked their “alley open Seattle’s vibrant café culture to spill out Description houses” onto the existing First Thursday into the alley. Develop regular, recurring events among Art Walks. In Columbia City, BeatWalk The programming possibilities are nearly the existing businesses and institutions celebrates the area’s musical heritage, limitless, but they won’t happen without a that invite new people into the alleys and inviting visitors into the area once a month. group convening to organize and publicize establish the expectation for a lively, inviting Both events capture the opportunities their them. Nearly every other project described experience. context offered and created a regular event in this document—including infuencing that was high-quality, compelling, and new development—becomes easier to First Move inviting to a wide range of visitors. implement because programming the alley UDP Alley Task Force begins planning and Some of the potential programs can be sends an important message: this alley is a marketing regular activities in the alley. seen on the facing page, but ultimately the place for people. regular, scheduled programs need to be Potential Partners agreed upon by the community. Project Costs and Funding Alley Businesses Opportunities UDP Events & Marketing Committee In addition to a regularly scheduled event, Costs of programming can vary widely, but smaller events should also occur along the at the outset, this effort can be conducted University of Washington (UW) alley as frequently as possible. Bars might on a shoestring budget with volunteer Churches host wine-tastings and education events. efforts. After some success, dedicated Coffee shops might host musicians. There Arts Groups and Galleries funds for marketing, graphic design and, might be an ad hoc art fair in the alley, or perhaps, to pay performers may be desired. Musical Acts a sporting event could be projected onto UW Fraternities and Sororities a screen, using the alley as an impromptu Potential Project Funding theater. City Offce of Arts and Culture The most likely source of funding is either the U District Partnership grant funding Perhaps, with the right insurance, soap UW College of the Built Environment or via individual businesses, or some box derbies, pillow fghts, or slip and slides combination thereof. might be found in the alley.
University District Alley Activation Plan December 2014 64 ALLEY NAMING Objective Considerations Make the alleys memorable places that Naming each alley can become contentious. are a part of people’s mental map of the An open, inclusive competition to name U District. In the process, create a new the alleys will get the U District community constituency for alley activation. Naming excited and perhaps even competitive the alleys will also make it easier to about the space. When the alley names are direct visitors to the correct geographic announced, a celebration with dignitaries destination. and the successful “namers” can be held revealing new alley street signs. Description After the names have been selected, the Create a memorable name for each alley alley names should be added to online segment. databases and maps. First Move Project Costs and Funding Catfish Alley, St. Martinville, LA (via Mary Matzek, Jim Jaillet) Contact Erin Harris at SDOT (206) 684- Opportunities 7669, [email protected] This is a low cost project with a anticipated cost of less than $5,000. Naming the Potential Partners alleys will be an easy way to generate Alley businesses excitement, create a memorable alley Department of Neighborhoods (DON) identity, and produce a media “hit” that will allow the Alley Task Force to promote other University of Washington (UW) upcoming alley programs. Department of Planning & Development (DPD) Potential Project Funding Sound Transit DON SDOT Local businesses City Council U District Partnership grant funding
Alley Name in GoogleMaps, Nord Alley, Seattle, WA (via GoogleMaps)
University District Alley Activation Plan 65 December 2014 ALLEY BUSINESS FIN SIGNAGE Objective Considerations Make the alleys look activated and alive Businesses interested in installing a sign from the cross streets. Encourage more that extends over any public place will need people to access businesses from the a street use permit from SDOT along with alley. Add another layer of light, making the a sign permit. Designs for alley signage alleys feel safer. must conform to DPD’s Sign Code (SMC 23.55.004). Description Encourage existing and future businesses Project Costs and Funding to put up fn signage on their alley façades. Opportunities Varies depending on signage First Move Businesses interested in installing signs Potential Project Funding should contact the DPD Sign Section, Private funding by businesses and Kent Hunnicutt (206) 684-8419 property owners Reference Department of Planning and Development – Sign, Awning, Alley Bustling with Commercial Activity (via andrewalexanderprice.com) & Billboard Permit: http://www. seattle.gov/dpd/permits/permittypes/ signawningbillboard/default.htm Potential Partners U District Partnership Businesses with existing alley signage SDOT
Fluorescent Alley Fin Signage (via everystockphoto.com)
University District Alley Activation Plan December 2014 66 ENCOURAGE EXISTING BUSINESSES TO OPEN ONTO THE ALLEY Objective Considerations To activate the alley by enhancing In many cases rear façades need to be commercial/retail activity. improved and/or tidied up to create an inviting frontage. These costs would be Description borne by the adjacent businesses, but Existing businesses already have an should yield a return through an increase established presence on the alley and can in retail receipts and revenues. As new capitalize on that presence by activating businesses open up and front onto the their alley-facing façades and entrances. alley, success stories need to be told to encourage other businesses to open onto To-Go Only Window on the Alley, Salsa’s Restaurant, Asheville, NC (via carolinaepicurean.com) First Move the alley. UDP Alley Task Force seeks out and encourages property owners to open Project Costs and Funding entrances to alley. Opportunities Varies by property Potential Partners Potential Project Funding Offce of Economic Development (OED) Private funding by businesses and UW College of Built Environment property owners
DPD “What if the Dally was Daily?” Detriot Alley District, Dally in the Alley Event (via modelmedia.com) SDOT
Blues Alley Jazz Venue, Washington, DC (via bluesalley. com)
University District Alley Activation Plan 67 December 2014 WASTE MANAGEMENT Objective Considerations Maintain a clean, tidy, and welcoming alley. There are a number of ways to address the Encourage civil behavior. existing waste management challenges in the alley and, thanks to years of work in Description Seattle’s Pioneer Square, Downtown and Enhance the alley waste management Columbia City neighborhoods, there are system through the Clear Alley program, excellent models to borrow from in Seattle. dumpster enclosures and/or coordinated Two quick wins include building centralized trash pickup. Educate and receive buy-in enclosures or migrating from an opt-in to on the waste management approach from an opt-out Clear Alley program. Regardless adjacent business owners. of strategy, peer education would be First Move necessary to help with compliance. Discuss alley waste management needs In addition to these physical improvements, with UDP Clean & Safe Committee, the waste contractors are open to limiting hours Alley Task Force and Seattle Public of trash pick-up and are willing to work with Utilities (SPU). the U District business community. Contact Liz Kain, SPU Solid Waste (206) 684-4166 Project Costs and Funding Opportunities Clear Alleys Program, CleanScapes (via Seattle Times, Reference: http://www.seattle. Currently waste management is done Greg Gilbert) gov/util/MyServices/Garbage/ under two contracts: a standard ratepayer BldgOwnersManagers/index.htm contract and a UDP contract. As these Potential Partners contracts expire or are renegotiated, there is opportunity to evaluate costs and UDP benefts for various options. More intensive Alley business and property owners and constrained services will cost more. CleanScapes and/or Waste Management Potential Project Funding U District Fund, pending BIA authorization by City Council and project prioritization by the Fund’s Ratepayers Advisory Board University District Alley Activation Plan December 2014 68 REGULAR ALLEY CLEAN-UP EVENTS
Objective The U District has a history of creative partnerships for youth employment and Clean up the alley and create partnerships alley clean-up. In the 1990s, “Giving to involve underserved youth in alley Meters” were installed along the Ave as an stewardship. alternative to giving money to panhandlers. The money was then supplemented by a Description grant from SPU to pay a crew of youth to Establish partnerships to bring new users clean alleys once a month. Recently, the into the alley and help steward the space. UDP Clean & Safe Committee partnered with Street Youth Ministries and received First Move a DON Small and Simple Neighborhood Contact Ruedi Risler ([email protected]. Matching Fund (2014) grant to develop the U edu) of the UDP Clean & Safe Committee District Youth Jobs Program. The U District and Kate Phillips ([email protected]) of Street is home to a number of organizations ripe Youth Ministries regarding lessons learned for this type of creative partnership. from the U District Youth Jobs Program. Youth jobs program, Clean Alley Project (via Project Costs and Funding larkinstreetyouth.org) Potential Partners Opportunities Street Youth Ministries Program development could be relatively ROOTS inexpensive and largely done by volunteers. University Temple United Methodist An alley clean-up program could be built Church upon existing programs. U District Needle Exchange Potential Project Funding UW Fraternities and Sororities U District Fund, pending BIA Considerations authorization by City Council and project prioritization by the Fund’s These events offer an excellent opportunity Ratepayers Advisory Board to bridge traditional divides and invite new constituencies into the alley. Depending on Social service non-profts and religious the funding model, this program can offer institutions jobs to people who are down on their luck.
University District Alley Activation Plan 69 December 2014 TIVOLI LIGHTS Objective Considerations To stimulate business, create a safer Prior to installation, a business willing to environment and add to the ambience of pay for the Tivoli lights’ electricity will need the alleys. to be identifed in each alley segment. In some cases, vertical poles will need to be Description installed to achieve SDOT’s requirement of Create a consistent, memorable lighting 24’ of vertical clearance. approach in the alleys with an overhead Installation of alley Tivoli lights will require lighting system. a lighting permit (which falls under the First Move Sign/Billboard/Awning permit as “outline Bank Street, Easton, PA; Easton Main Street Initiative lighting”) through DPD and an annual (via eastoneccentric.blogspot.com) Contact Kate Leitch at SDOT for an permit (through SDOT). annual permit: katherine.leitch@seattle. gov Project Costs and Funding Contact Steve Sampson at DPD for a Opportunities sign/awning permit: steve.sampson@ Similar overhead lighting systems in other seattle.gov alleys in Seattle have cost about $10,000 Reference: Seattle Right-of-Way per alley segment, with some services Improvements Manual – 4.16 Street being provided on an in-kind basis (e.g., Pittaki Street, Athens (via flickr, 612g) Lighting architectural detailing).
Potential Partners Potential Project Funding Only in Seattle grant through OED UDP Clean & Safe Committee Neighborhood Matching Fund UDP Urban Design Committee Alley businesses DPD (design and permitting) U District Partnership grant funding SDOT (design and permits) Private development Offce of Economic Development (OED) DON Seattle Fire Department (SFD) Lehns Court, Easton, PA (via Express Times, Sue Beyer)
University District Alley Activation Plan December 2014 70 SPOT PAVEMENT & DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENTS Objective Considerations To improve localized fooding and drainage Since we anticipate that the alleys will be problems along the alley as well as poor redeveloped, spot improvements should pavement conditions. only be made in localized areas where there is signifcant ponding and/or localized Description fooding. However, SDOT does not prioritize Improve existing alley surface and drainage alley repaving or substantial repairs. infrastructure where there are critical needs. Project Costs and Funding First Move Opportunities SPU or SDOT Spot Repair Budget Request minor improvements through Spot repair (via Komonews.com, AP) SDOT Street Cleaning and Pothole Reporting (206) 684-7508 Potential Project Funding SPU Direct drainage-related questions to SDOT SPU (206) 684-3000 OED References: Seattle Right-of-Way DON Improvements Manual – 4.4 Grading; Private development 4.5 Design Cross Section; 4.17 Street Drainage, Storm Drains and Sewers
Potential Partners Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) SDOT Pothole Rangers (via SDOT Flickr)
University District Alley Activation Plan 71 December 2014 ALLEY ART FRAMES & EXHIBITS Objective Considerations Create lively, interesting and inviting alley The type and location of alley art needs façades. to be considered carefully. Weather, vandalism, light and other urban conditions Description can damage art easily if it is not made to Provide opportunities for art to be displayed withstand these challenges. in the alleys, particularly in areas where there are blank façades. Project Costs and Funding Opportunities First Move Project costs are varied. In other contexts, The Alley Task Force should work with artists have donated works, or temporarily property owners and the local arts placed installations in the alley, while community to identify potential locations retaining ownership of the art. for alley art exhibits. An annual street use permit will be required from SDOT for a Potential Project Funding permanent art installation. OAC, OED or DON Nord Alley Photography Exhibit (via International Sustainability Institute, Erika Schultz) Individual artists Contact Kate Leitch at SDOT for an annual permit: [email protected] Individual businesses/property owners UW College of Art Potential Partners Adjacent businesses/property owners UW College of the Built Environment UW College of Art Offce of Arts and Culture (OAC) DON OED SDOT Alley Art Installation (via Rosemary Washington)
University District Alley Activation Plan December 2014 72 PLANTERS & GREEN WALLS Objective Considerations Provide natural beauty, slow stormwater While adding new planters is relatively runoff, and activate blank walls. straight forward, particularly if they are maintained by an adjacent business, the Description Alley Task Force may want to consider if the Create spaces for nearby nature in the planters should be of uniform appearance alleys. and then “branded” with adjacent business names via a plaque or other signage option. First Move Encourage new development to install Both new and existing development offers the opportunity to add green walls that are these types of features and coordinate Movable planters (via flickr, Kate McCarthy) with alley business and property owners either low-tech—like the back of Magus regarding the desire for public management Books—or cutting edge as can be seen of planter or green wall installations. along the southeast frontage of Gould Hall along 15th Ave NE, south of NE 40th Street. Potential Partners UW College of Built Environment Project Costs and Funding Opportunities UW College of Forestry Ranging from a few hundred dollars to tens City Offce of Sustainabilty and the of thousands, the costs for introducing Environment greenery into the alley are as varied as the Individual businesses/property owners opportunities. Vertical garden of the Cloister of Sor Juana in Regina Street, Mexico City New development Potential Project Funding DPD Individual businesses SDOT UDP grant funding OED New development SPU
Movable planters (via Aludean Trough)
University District Alley Activation Plan 73 December 2014 MID-BLOCK CROSSINGS Objective Considerations Make it safe, legal and easy for alley users DPD has developed conceptual plans to cross the east-west streets while walking for a green street on NE 42nd and 43rd up the alley corridor. Streets. If this project moves forward, implementation of pedestrian crossing Description improvements should be relatively low cost Provide safe mid-block crossings at the as a part of this project. cross streets. Project Costs and Funding First Move Opportunities Work with SDOT and DPD to infuence Without a complete engineering analysis, plans for NE 42nd and NE 43rd Streets. the project costs are impossible to determine. Adding zebra crossings Nord Alley Zebra Crossing at Main St., Seattle, WA References: Seattle Right-of-Way is a relatively affordable option while Improvements Manual – 6.5 Traffc implementing a raised crosswalk, which Calming; 4.12 Crosswalks the community expressed some interest in, would be a more signifcant capital Potential Partners investment. SDOT Potential Project Funding SPU UDP grant funding DPD New development
University District Alley Activation Plan December 2014 74 ALLEY GATEWAYS Objective OAC Brand the alleys as memorable destinations DPD in the U District and make them more SFD “imageable,” associating a particular entrance image to the alleys. Considerations Description Permanent gateway design must achieve SDOT’s requirement of 24’ of vertical Install lighted gateways above alley clearance. A neighboring property owner entrances. would need to be identifed to pay for electricity if the design included a lighted First Move gateway. The Alley Task Force should work with property owners and the alley community Project Costs and Funding to identify the best locations for alley Opportunities gateways. An annual street use permit will Project costs can vary considerably. An be required from SDOT for a permanent ornate gate in Chinatown was installed at a installation as well as a Sign/Awning/ cost of $500,000 in 2008, but more simple Billboard Permit from DPD. gates can be installed at lower cost. These gateway elements could be designed and DPD – Sign, Awning, & Billboard Permit: built in coordination with a UW Landscape http://www.seattle.gov/dpd/permits/ Architecture or Architecture Design/Build Post Alley Gateway, Seattle, WA (via flickr, Katherine Lynn) permittypes/signawningbillboard/default. Studio. htm Potential Project Funding Potential Partners UDP grant funding Property owners at gateway locations OED SDOT OAC University of Washington (UW) DON UW College of Built Environment Private development OED Alley Gateway (via csbj.com)
University District Alley Activation Plan 75 December 2014 WAYFINDING PROGRAM Objective Considerations Reinforce the alleys as destinations and As the new U District Sound Transit Station vital pieces of the U District pedestrian opens, King County Metro routes are network. reconfgured, and UW’s West Campus projects conclude, there is an opportunity Description to develop a unifed wayfnding program Install wayfnding signage throughout the that helps communicate these district U District that includes destinations along changes to newcomers and visitors. the alleys. Wayfnding signage should connect to a district-wide marketing and coordinated First Move wayfnding strategy. Work with neighborhood partners to develop a district-scale wayfnding strategy. Project Costs and Funding Opportunities Potential Partners Depending upon the scope of the Wayfinding Signage (via lhsigns.com) UDP Marketing and Events Committee wayfnding project, the costs can vary DON considerably. A budget of approximately $100,000 can establish a design language, King County Metro system and template for wayfnding. Sound Transit Capital costs maybe be borne by individual SDOT agencies and entities. UW Potential Project Funding UDP grant funding UW King County Metro & Sound Transit DON OAC OED Nord Alley Wayfinding (via Lauren Keene, Sarah Marshall & Jenny Kempson)
University District Alley Activation Plan December 2014 76 CREATE A FESTIVAL STREET Objective Considerations Create an opportuntity for more alley events Through the festival street designation through the designation of the alley—or process, a number of partners should some portion of it—as a festival street. be cultivated to garner support for the designation. Some portions of the alley Description may be incompatable with a festival street Designate some portion of the alley as a designation. Programming the alley prior “festival street.” A festival street is a portion to pursuing festival street designation will of public space that can be closed to traffc help neighbors and adjoining businesses on multiple occasions for pedestrian- better understand how the festival street focused special events. designation might work. First Move The Seattle Department of Transportation’s The Alley Task Force should submit an (SDOT) Client Assistance Memo (CAM) application for a festival street designation. 2504 provides all of the information needed For more information see SDOT Director’s to apply for a festival street designation Rule 2-2012: Designation of Festival Streets and SDOT Director’s Rule 2-2011 provides and activities allowed under a Street Use additional background and guidance. Festival Street permit and CAM 2504 – Festival Streets. Project Costs and Funding A festival street in New York City (via Wikipedia) Opportunities Potential Partners Aside from costs associated with flling Alley businesses and property owners out applications, there are relatively few costs. Applicants will need to maintain SDOT $1,000,000 liability insurance and pay a SFD relatively modest permit application fee.
University District Alley Activation Plan 77 December 2014 MOVABLE SEATING PROGRAM Objective responsible for securing chairs at a certain Encourage visitors to spend time in the time of night. In other circumstances, alley, providing eyes on the space. a public-space management entity is responsible for securing chairs at the end of Description the day, like at Bell Street Park in Belltown Provide seats that can be used along the or Director’s Park in downtown Portland. alley to sit and linger. Project Costs and Funding First Move Opportunities The Alley Task Force should convene Seating is a relatively low cost capital enthusiastic business owners along the investment, but long-term operations and alley to dicuss the possibility of a pilot maintenance costs—which are critical for movable seating program in the alley. the success of this strategy—should be considered prior to moving forward. Contact Kate Leitch at SDOT (206) 684- 0570, [email protected] Potential Project Funding OED Potential Partners DON Adjacent businesses New development SDOT U District Fund, pending BIA DON authorization by City Council and Considerations project prioritization by the Fund’s In other communities, a movable seating Ratepayers Advisory Board program has been a successful public space management expenditure since it provides fexible seating options that extend an invitation for users to linger within a site or corridor. Consider how the chairs will be managed. In some instances, adjacent businesses are Bell Street Park, Belltown, Seattle, WA
University District Alley Activation Plan December 2014 78 U DISTRICT AMBASSADORS PROGRAM Objective Considerations To enhance the U District identity as a The UDP and U District BIA would coordinate clean, safe and inviting place. with the Seattle Police Department, UW Police Department and other security Description teams already hired to serve the U District. Create a U District ambassadors program This would be similar to the ambassadors where a team of ambassadors act as a used throught the Downtown MID, which resource and public safety presence. do a variety of public safety and customer relations functions in the urban core. First Move Reach out to the Downtown Seattle Project Costs and Funding Hospitality, Public Safety & Human Services Outreach Association’s Metropolitan Improvement Opportunities Team (Seattle Metropolitan Improvement District) District (MID) to understand benefts and U District Fund, pending BIA authorization constraints. Once the U District BIA is by City Council and project prioritization established, the UDP could discuss the by the Fund’s Ratepayers Advisory Board, development of a U District Ambassadors would pay for and beneft from the U District program with the BIA Ratepayer Advisory ambassadors program. Board. Potential Partners UDP Clean and Safe Committee Seattle Police Department UW Police U District businesses Seattle Metropolitan Improvement District Ambassadors
University District Alley Activation Plan 79 December 2014 INSTALL A PUBLICLY-ACCESSIBLE RESTROOM Objective SDOT Potential Project Funding Provide a dignifed place for people to SPU The ultimate success of this project will use the restroom that is safe and publicly OED come from coalition-building to help accessible. implement and operate a public restroom DON facility. The partners described above Description UW provide a strong nucleus but more funding Install a publicly-accessible restroom near partnerships should always be sought. the alley. Considerations While construction of the restroom will First Move require capital, it is even more important There are multiple opportunities for a to have a clear operating model in place group of people to step forward and prior to moving forward with construction implement this project, depending upon of this facility. There are various models the implementation model. There are two to draw from, including the Seattle basic paths: Parks Department and Seattle Center’s Stand alone bathrooms: similar to the experiences with their public restrooms Portland Loo or other publicly tended and the costs associated with maintaining restrooms, or these resources. An integrated restroom, provided Project Costs and Funding by a new development as part of a Opportunities community benefts agreement. The project costs vary widely depending The City is currently implementing Portland on the ultimate program, operations model Loos in several parks and lessons learned and construction process. At the low from that experience should be mined for end, a Portland Loo costs approximately use in the U District. $90,000, without permitting costs. From there, bathroom project costs can increase Potential Partners signifcantly depending on the number of U District social service agencies facilities and fxtures provided. Current and future developers along the alley Portland Loo (via City of Portland, OR)
University District Alley Activation Plan December 2014 80 GLOSSARY OF TERMS Alley corridor: The three-block study OED: Offce of Economic Development. Woonerf: Dutch term that can be area. http://www.seattle.gov/ translated as “residential yard,” referring to economicdevelopment/ an area where motorists and other users CleanScapes: Seattle-based solid waste share the street without boundaries such and recycling collection and streetscape ROOTS: ROOTS (Rising Out of the as lanes and curbs. management service. Shadows) Young Adult Shelter. http://www.cleanscapes.com/ http://www.rootsinfo.org/
BIA: Business Improvement Area. ROW: Right-of-way. DON: Department of Neighborhoods. SCL: Seattle City Light. http://www.seattle.gov/neighborhoods/ http://www.seattle.gov/light/
DPD: Department of Planning and SDOT: Seattle Department of Development. Transportation. http://www.seattle.gov/dpd/ http://www.seattle.gov/transportation/
DSA: Downtown Seattle Association. SFD: Seattle Fire Department. http://www.downtownseattle.com/ http://www.seattle.gov/fre/
KC Metro: King County Metro Transit. SPD: Seattle Police Department. http://metro.kingcounty.gov/ http://www.seattle.gov/police/
MID: Metropolitan Improvement District. SPU: Seattle Public Utilities. http://www.downtownseattle.com/mid/ http://www.seattle.gov/util/
NMF: Neighborhood Matching UDP: U District Partnership. Fund, funded by the Department of http://udistrictpartnership.org/ Neighborhoods. http://www.seattle.gov/neighborhoods/ UW: University of Washington. nmf/ http://www.washington.edu/
OAC: Offce of Arts and Culture. Waste Management: Garbage, recycling http://www.seattle.gov/arts/ and yard waste service. http://www. wmnorthwest.com/seattle/
University District Alley Activation Plan 81 December 2014 STREET CONCEPT PLAN TECHNICAL APPENDIX The purpose of this technical appendix surface for the various heavy vehicle uses of this Technical Appendix for further is to provide technical information for that the alley will continue to support. discussion. SDOT reviewers and future engineers and Rather than an inverted crown, the U designers to consider in implementing the 4. The stormwater fow line does not directly District alley concept proposes a “W” preferred concept as described earlier in confict with this confguration and also cross-section. This design slopes water this document. allows for easier accommodation of away from the buildings and from the existing electrical infrastructure in the center of the alley into a fowline, located Right-of-Way center of the alley. 5’ from the edge of the alley right-of-way. City of Seattle GIS indicates that the existing 5. The cross-section geometry begins alley right-of-way is 14’. There appears For the community, this approach offers to act as a space-defning feature, to be no condition where the existing several advantages over the typical demarcating the boundary between buildings are built to the offcial 14’ right- standard alley section in achieving different pavement types, different alley of-way line as described in the City’s GIS community goals: system. At the narrowest face-of-building zones, and even defning landscaping, to face-of-building condition, the alley is 1. The two channels split the stormwater amenity or service areas close to the 16’ wide. As properties redevelop, the alley fow, providing some level of redundancy adjacent buildings. will need to meet the requirements of SMC with two catch basins at the low end of 23.53.030, D using the methods described the alley. This redundancy means there in SMC 23.53.030, F, which will provide the is less of a chance that one side of the community with a 20’ wide public right-of- alley is impacted if there is localized way for the alley. fooding, as can currently be seen at the downstream alley catch basin near Cross-Section Geometry NE 43rd Street during heavy rains. The concrete alley has an inverted crown 2. There are drainage benefts; see the similar to the City of Seattle’s standard alley Drainage section of this Technical cross-section (SDOT Standard Plan 403). Appendix for futther discussion. Like SDOT Standard Plan 403, the 3. By providing a relatively fat surface proposed cross section for the U District down the center of the alley, pedestrians alleys uses an 8” thick concrete pavement of all abilities will be able to more section with subbase to provide a durable comfortably move through the alley. See Grading and Accessibility section
University District Alley Activation Plan December 2014 82 Figure 17: Existing alley cross section
Figure 18: Proposed alley cross section
University District Alley Activation Plan 83 December 2014 Grading and Accessibility Capacity to Cross Section Width Capacity (SF) The longitudinal grade of the alley will remain Surface Area Ratio the same as exists today: approximately Current Condition 16’ impervious 3 .18 6.5% between each street crossing. (14’ ROW) The existing alley cross slopes vary from City Standard Plan 20’ 4.7 .23 2.8% to 6.7% (Figure 17). The proposed Proposed Cross Section 20’ 3.2 .16 cross section (Figure 18) seeks to improve universal access by providing an area The existing 16’ alley cross section creates If so, they should be placed at the end of within the center of the alley that does a maximum cross-sectional conveyance one of the accent paver strips. Any new not exceed a 1.9% cross slope. This will capacity of 3.0 square feet. If implemented mid-block catch basins will need to be improve north-south travel, providing a 10’ using City of Seattle Standard Plans, there tight-lined to downstream pipes. wide zone wherein users can more easily would be 4.7 square feet of conveyance change direction to access the adjacent capacity. The new cross section provides Alley Mid-Block Crossings businesses and residences. Beyond the a maximum cross-sectional storage area The following are proposed strategies fow line, the alley can slope up to 4.9% to of 3.2 square feet. Expressed as a ratio of for the locations where the alley crosses the adjacent private property entrance. “capacity” to “alley surface area” (using various perpendicular east-west streets at 1’ length of alley), the existing alley is the mid-block location between 15th Ave Drainage .18, SDOT’s standard alley is .23 and the NE and University Way NE. The alley’s long blocks, disconnected proposed cross section is .16, resulting in a downspouts and 6.5% longitudinal slopes loss of storage/conveyance capacity within create signifcant runoff, occassionally the overall alley cross section. to the high volumes of vehicle traffc, no resulting in localized fooding as changes are recommended. While this loss of capacity is somewhat documented in the Existing Conditions mitigated by the addition of planting section of this document. To improve areas and reconnection of disconnected Coordinate an improved, mid-block alley drainage, the proposed alley cross-section downspouts, additional project-based crossing with SDOT/DPD’s planned green creates two drainage fowlines, each stormwater modeling should be conducted street improvements to this right-of-way as terminating in their own catch basin at the to determine if more mid-block catch Sound Transit’s U District Station comes downstream end of the alley (see plan view basins are needed in order to comply with online. The community prefers a raised Figure 19). the city’s drainage requreiments. crossing.
University District Alley Activation Plan December 2014 84 Coordinate an improved, mid-block alley crossing with SDOT/DPD’s planned green street improvements to this right-of-way. The community prefers a raised crossing. block crossing should be added to connect across to Schmitz Hall. This connection would restore the historic alleyway connection and establish a seamless pedestrian route from the alleys to the main University of Washington campus. Ideally, the connection would be in the form of a raised crosswalk, which would also serve as traffc calming. Pavement The U District alley concept includes three pavement types to meet the community’s goals of providing the sense of a place that has evolved, rather than a space that has been developed at a single point in time.
In addition to the City of Seattle’s standard concrete as descibed in the Cross-Section Geometry portion of this appenix, there are two additional pavment types.
Figure 19: Proposed alley plan
University District Alley Activation Plan 85 December 2014 Accent Pavers Lighting withstand the shaded conditions of the Bands of accent pavers (1’6” wide) are Overhead, Tivoli-style lights should be alley. intermittently used along the fow lines. used to create a “ceiling” in the alley. These alternate to each side of the alley, Additional building lighting should be Maintenance with no band extending further than 35’ in used to emphasize entrances off of the The area between the face of building length. The purpose of these bands is to 1) alley. Lighting should be considered and alley center line, including plantings, introduce a fner-grain, pedestrian-scaled comprehensively—looking at both public is the maintenance responsibility of the texture to the alleys, and 2) help reinforce and private contributions to the alley’s abutting property owner. The responsibility the modulation of the buildings. These overall illumination—and should aim to to restore the alley at the completion of accents also reinforce the perception of create a uniformly lit area without dark utility work is borne by the utiilty doing the a thinner drive aisle along the alley. The shadows. Adjacent property owners or a work. The central drive aisle of the alley is unit paver material need not be consistent non-proft must agree to provide power to paved in a readily available SDOT standard along the entire alley; various paver types and maintain all overhead lighting in the concrete to make it easy to restore and can be used as preferred by the adjacent alley corridor. maintain consistency. development and pending approval by SDOT. Signage and Awnings Fin signage and building awnings in the Specialty Concrete right-of-way will need DPD and SDOT At the edges of the alley, between the approval. See the City’s Sign/Billboard/ buildings and the driveable zone, specialty Awning Permit Application and SMC 23.55 concrete is used periodically to further for more information. reinforce building modulation. Using a variety of scoring patterns, surface fnishes Plantings and through the use of integral color, this Plantings in the alley should be robust specialty concrete is another opportunity to and designed to handle challenging urban give the alley a patchwork feel, as desired conditions including compacted soils, by the community. poor drainage and shade. Within 30’ of intersections and building entries/exits, do not plant any vegetation over 30” tall so as not to obscure pedestrians or create hiding places. Take care to install plants that will
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