Maeser Neighborhood Plan TABLE of CONTENTS

Maeser Neighborhood Plan TABLE OF CONTENTS

01 INTRODUCTION 2

02 EXISTING CHARACTERISTICS 6

03 FUTURE LAND USE 18

04 PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT 24

Maeser Neighborhood Plan

Produced By 05 HISTORIC PRESERVATION 32 Provo Community Development Director - Gary McGinn Asst. Director - Bill Peperone Planning Supervisor - Brian Maxfield Planner - Dustin Wright 06 IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES 36

Advisory Committee John Abrams Wendy Bentley Richard Bingham Paula Harline Megan Howe Troy Huebner Jason Lewis Jamie Littlefield Becky & Michael Madsen Martha Rasmussen Jeff Sanford James Sharp Rachel Whipple Maria Winden

Adopted By Provo Municipal Council Date: August 7, 2018 MAESER NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN 01 INTRODUCTION

A. BACKGROUND/HISTORY

The Maeser Neighborhood is located south of Center Street, east of University Avenue, west of 900 East, and north of 600 South. Center, University, and 900 E. are all arterial (major) streets. 300 South (Highway 89) bisects the neighborhood along the east-west axis.

Development of this area of the City began with some of the early settlers and gradually continued throughout the years. As one of the early areas to develop in Provo, the Maeser Neighborhood is often referred to as a Pioneer Neighborhood.

Like the other Pioneer Neighborhoods in Provo, Maeser was named after the school that is in the neighborhood. The Maeser School gets its name from a renowned educator in Provo, Karl G. Maeser. The Maeser School is the oldest existing school building in Provo, having been built in 1898.

The area was laid out on a block grid with eight lots per block that alternated orientation from one block to the next. The southern border of the neighborhood was the edge of the platted block grid. The development pattern began a transition south of 600 South to industrial and manufacturing. 600 East was the edge of the grid.

Figure 1.1 - Maeser Neighborhood Boundary A neighborhood plan kick-off meeting was held with residents to introduce the plan and gather feedback from them. A citizen advisory group, consisting of residents, business owners, and property owners of the Maeser Neighborhood, was organized to help Community Development Staff create a vision for the future of the Maeser. Additional information was sent to residents along with a survey regarding the neighborhood.

A goal from the City’s Vision 2030 plan is to create area-specific plans for Provo’s neighborhoods that will build upon our great neighborhoods and make them even more inviting, safe, and desirable. The intent of this document is to be an appendage to the General Plan that provides greater detail for the vision of the Maeser Neighborhood.

This Plan encompasses existing conditions and issues within the neighborhood and provides goals and a vision for the future of the Maeser Neighborhood. The Plan looks at areas and characteristics that need to be protected and provides solutions for other areas that are undesirable or detrimental to the vision of the City and the Neighborhood. Figure 1.2 - Historic Plat Figure 1.3 - Historic Maeser Elementary

3 01 Introduction MAESER NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN

B. PURPOSE AND NEED C. SCOPE the neighborhood itself and also the The Maeser Neighborhood is one of surrounding neighborhoods. The Maeser Neighborhood Plan is a mid-range district strategy to supplement Provo’s Pioneer Neighborhoods and has the Provo City General Plan and the Vision 2030 Plan. The physical an appealing character. Building upon its • Mitigation of nuisance trucking routes on boundaries of the planning area are coterminous with the boundaries of the strengths and preserving the quality of life and near residential streets and sound Maeser Neighborhood. The plan will include multiple functional areas. The for the residents is paramount. pollution from railroad uses. topics to be covered in the plan include the following:

The growth that is coming to Utah will • Current enforcement strategies are generate more demand for housing. ineffective in maintaining a clean • Land Use • Physical Environment Provo’s limited land for expansion provides and appealing community. Improve an opportunity for declining areas to be enforcement procedures and regulatory • Transportation • Historic Preservation revitalized due to increased demand to guidelines for the neighborhood. • Zoning • Parks/Open Space live in these established neighborhoods that are close to Downtown, transit, and • Promote good stewardship by residents many other amenities. for property beautification and upkeep of single-family homes and landscape. With the projected growth it is important to have a plan that can insure that any • Encourage housing options that provide changes will be positive and lead to opportunities for residents to remain improved neighborhoods and protection in the neighborhood through different of the charm and stability that has stages in life. brought residents here. • Respect and protect the existing single- The goals and objectives for the Maeser family housing and historic character of Neighborhood reflect the needs of the Maeser neighborhood. the area and are based on a set of guiding values that were defined by the • Provide better connections to UTA neighborhood survey, Maeser Advisory Provo Station and more Transit Oriented Panel, and City staff. The subsequent Developments (TOD) in close proximity. pages will address the following goals by showing concepts, laying out specific • Revitalize the commercial area of the objectives, and recommending courses neighborhood to provide better amenities of action. The guiding principles are as to the residents. follows: • There is a need for better transition • Customized amenities like bike racks, between higher density, commercial, and street art, pedestrian lighting, small manufacturing areas to the lower density gathering spaces and adequate sidewalks areas. are needed in many areas of the neighborhood. They will provide a means • Some land uses that are surrounding to build upon the unique characteristics existing parks are not ideal and additional of the neighborhood and show this is a park space is desired along with place designed for people and interaction. reprogramming and updating what is Urban design elements that promote a existing. lively and artistic atmosphere need to be incorporated into decisions that affect the public realm. Figure 1.4 - Maeser Homes

• Maintaining neighborhood connectivity despite the State Highway bisecting

4 5 EXISTING MAESER NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN 02 CHARACTERISTICS

A. LAND USE

Maeser is a residential neighborhood with a small commercial core and some industrial/ manufacturing uses along the south boundary. The residential use consists of various Center St housing types ranging from single-family homes to multi-family apartment complexes. The neighborhood also has parks, a fire station, and churches.

The majority of single- family homes are located in an overlay zone that allows for accessory apartments if the home is owner occupied and meets other requirements. This provides

an incentive for owner E E

occupancy which has been 0

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1 ACCESS RD 02 EXISTING CHARACTERISTICS MAESER NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN

B. DEMOGRAPHICS

0 ¯ 9 The 2010 US Census Block data has been complied and analyzed to provide some ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! CENTER ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ST ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

important demographic characteristics of the existing neighborhood that aid in better ! ! understanding the character and for future planning efforts. ! 23.1% 5.9%

! ! 10.5% 20.6% ! 44% 34.3% ! 37.5% 14.3% !

! 11.7% !

! ! ! ! HOUSEHOLDS 50% 57.1% ! ! 10%

! As of 2010, the Maeser Neighborhood had 1,602 occupied households reported, which ! 50% 100%

! ! 38.1% equates to roughly 5% of the City of Provo as a whole. Also, 12.5% of households in 6.9% 24.3% 29.3% 44% !

Maeser have one or more non-relatives while the rest of Provo has 25.6% of households 47.1% 73.3% !

with one or more non-relatives. 75% of households in Maeser have 3 or less people. ! ! !

! ! 18.2%

! !

! 26.1%

OCCUPANCY 37.9% 17% 17.4% 30.4% 80% ! ! E ! 19.2%

A Out of the 1,714 units in the Maeser Neighborhood in 2010, 112 were vacant. The vacancy

Y 300 ! T S

S rate in Maeser, 6.5%, is higher than Provo City, at 5% vacancy. ! ! !

! 21.4%

E ! ! 45.5% ! 20%

V ! !

! I 15.4%

21.1% ! N 33.3% 17.5%

U TENURE ! 21.4%

60% 37.5% 41.7% !

! !

Over three quarters of residential units in Maeser are renter occupied while the rest of !

! Provo is at 57%. 58% of residential units in Maeser have 1-2 people while the rest of Provo !

! 30! % has 41%. 20% of owner occupied homes are owned free and clear. 53.5% 56.5% 45.8% 6% 31% !

! 48.3% S

T !

! A

! ! ! T E 2.9% !

POPULATION S

T !

! The 2010 Census 33.3% !

! 44.4%

28.6% !

counted 4,407 people 18.2% 46.2% 0% 16.1%

! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

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in Maeser, 3,216 are ! !

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! ! ! !

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renters. There is an !

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average of 2.75 people ! per occupied unit in the Maeser neighborhood. Figure 2.5 - Maeser Neighborhood Owner-Occupant Percentage (by 2010 census block) FAMILIES A family is defined by the US Census as a group of two people or more (one of whom is the householder) related by birth, marriage, or adoption and residing together; all such people (including related subfamily members) are considered as members of one family. In Maeser, there are 1,211 families. Over 75% of occupied units, owned or rented, consist of families.

Figure 2.4 - People Per Household - Maeser 8 9 02 EXISTING CHARACTERISTICS MAESER NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN

100 E 100 E

800 E ¯ 800 E Center St ! ! Center St ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! CENTER ST ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! CENTER ST ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

! ! ! ! !

! ! 700 E 700 ¯ E 700

! 19.44 23.92 ! 8.42 11.62

! !

! ! ACCESS RD 16.37 15.54 11.53 15.73 ! 3.42 6.25 4.87 6.33 ! ! ! 22.11 18.01 ! ! 7.37 7.37 ! ! 50 S ! 50 S ! 750 E 31.98 50 S 750 E 14.21 50 S

850 E 850 E

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! 100 S 17.49 19.56 100 S ! 5 5.95

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! ! 25.18 14.13 ! 8.12 4.99 !

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500 E 20.64 500 E ! 18.95 7.69 6.18 !

700 E 700 E

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400 E 400 E

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900 E 900 25.84 ! E 900

12.02 3.48 9.4 9.24 5.07 1.16 3.91 ! ! ! ! !

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13.4 ! 5.36 ! ! ! 13.77 6.89 ! ! ! 4.97 5.36

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! ! ! ! ! ! 16.21 18.14 ACCESS RD ACCESS RD 6.23 7.75 ACCESS RD ACCESS RD ! 14.74 4.66 !

UNIVERSITY AVE

! 36.3 ! 12.16

100 E 6.32 100 E 2.11

! !

! 11.66 360 S ! 3.76 360 S 900 E 900 E University Ave 11.32 15.98 University Ave 6.04 4.83

200 E 200 E

600 E 600 E 400 E 400 E ! ! ! !

! 400 S 400 S ! 400 S 400 S

! !

! 420 S ! 420 S

! !

! 9.26 26.91 3.74 8.47 ! 11.75 11.49 24.2 14.48 9.45 4.36 4.82 9.53 6.5 3.02

300 E 300 E

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460 S 460 S

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! 450 E ! 500 S 30.73 500 S 450 E 14.9

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550 E 550 E

Figure 2.6 - Maeser Neighborhood Population Per Acre (by census block) Figure 2.7 - Maeser Neighborhood Housing Units Per Acre (by census block)

0 - 8 9 - 17 18 - 26 27 - 35 36+ 0 - 3 4 - 7 8 - 11 12 - 15 16+

10 11 02 EXISTING CHARACTERISTICS MAESER NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN

C. CHARACTER/ENVIRONMENT

Identifying the character of a neighborhood is an important step in understanding what elements need to be preserved, enhanced, or altered. This will aid in the development of a strategic plan that aims to protect, revitalize, and improve the existing neighborhood. Involving and working with the neighbors, site visits, demographic analysis, neighborhood surveys and feedback, are some of the key steps to better understand the character of the neighborhood and preparing a strategic plan. The Maeser neighborhood, one of Provo’s time-honored Pioneer neighborhoods, is appreciated for its diverse, unique, and inviting community. Residents and property owners in Maeser enjoy it for many reasons. Being an established neighborhood with convenient location to Downtown amenities and events is one of those reasons.

PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT Maeser has a small commercial core that has some significant potential to provide for additional needs of the community. The vacant Allen’s grocery store is situated in a central location for the neighborhood. Many residents are also within a close proximity to restaurants, shops, and other services. A lot of Maeser is also within walking distance to existing and proposed transit stations. There are a few parks in Maeser along with Figure 2.8 - Maeser resident examples of assets (above) and concerns (below) of the neighborhood some additional parks and open space located just outside the neighborhood boundaries. Much of Maeser is located in the East Central Historic District and has a number of beautiful historic homes.

CONCERNS Neighbors have expressed major concerns about issues such as vacant or unkept properties, illegal duplexes, rundown commercial properties, noise from train, missing sidewalks, lack of traffic calming, and semi-trucks on residential streets. Another concern for many residents is US-89 (300 South) that bisects the neighborhood. UDOT has recently completed a roadway rehabilitation project for the section of road that runs through the neighborhood. The physical division of the neighborhood has been an issue of concern for years.

OPPORTUNITIES The UTA Provo Station is located next to the Maeser neighborhood. Despite the close proximity to such a great amenity, connectivity between the station and the neighborhood is not convenient. Finding ways to improve connections will be very beneficial for an active pedestrian community. Another major opportunity would be to work toward the redevelopment of the commercial core in the neighborhood to help rejuvenate and attract more business and better services for the residents. 12 13 02 EXISTING CHARACTERISTICS MAESER NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN

D. REDEVELOPMENT POTENTIAL/IMPROVEMENTS

Figure 2.9 - NW corner of 100 E 600 S Figure 2.10 - Photo Simulation

Figure 2.9 shows an existing property on the northwest corner of 100 East 600 South. Redevelopment opportunities are great times to add improvements to help enhance the This block is located on the edge of the Downtown and the Maeser Neighborhood. existing character of an area. When a plan is already in place that clearly defines and The Downtown Master Plan didn’t include this block, so it will be included with this permits a desired outcome, many of these improvements can be done concurrently with neighborhood plan. the project.

The existing character of many properties along 600 South is similar to this one. There Figure 2.10 shows the potential character change that might occur if proper measures are is missing sidewalk, poor parking conditions, lack of well maintained landscaping, poor taken to allow for these types of improvements. Changing the zoning to allow for a live- crossings, lack of signs, along with other potential for improvement. work mixed-use would help create a use that can more fully take advantage of the close proximity to transit. Creating a more pedestrian friendly environment by adding sidewalk, This block is within a close walking distance to the UTA Provo Station and Bus Rapid marked crossing, bulb-out corners, landscaping, lighting, and a more inviting street Transit (BRT) station. This close proximity to that amenity gives this property, and others frontage. like it, great potential for redevelopment.

14 15 02 EXISTING CHARACTERISTICS MAESER NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN

E. SUMMARY OF EXISTING PLANS

PROVO GENERAL PLAN VISION 2030 Maeser is one of the nine neighborhoods in the Central Area Neighborhood and is Provo City created a vision that would identify what Provo should be like in 20 defined as one of the five Pioneer Neighborhoods. One of the major goals of the Central years. This vision contains goals and objectives that will help guide the City in Area Neighborhood Council for the Pioneer Neighborhoods is to protect the one-family achieving that vision. Below are some of the applicable goals for the Maeser residential structures. Reasons for this include helping increase owner-occupancy and Neighborhood: establish one-family dwellings as the principal residential use except in areas designated for higher-density, mixed-use or transit-oriented development. Some of the goals for the Maeser Neighborhood include: • Improve neighborhood inter-connectivity via bike trail and pedestrian- friendly sidewalk system. • Capitalize on local natural resources and neighborhood amenities. • Protecting viable, significant areas of one-family structures within areas designated Consider gathering and social spaces. as Residential on the General Plan Map. Promote owner-occupancy throughout the neighborhood; • Help neighborhoods establish their own identity and sense of place. Create neighborhood gathering places that draw people from their homes and • Promote use of existing neighborhood residential design standards to assist encourage interaction, awareness, and interdependence. developers with infill development or redevelopment of one-family homes; • Encourage strong neighborhood organization. • Encourage responsible property management through enforcement of the rental Dwelling Business Licensing ordinance; • Foster strong neighborhood organizations. • Existing commercial development should not be allowed to expand to the degree that • Encourage owner occupancy or long-term residency by creating it encroaches into the Residential (R) General Plan designation; healthy and balanced neighborhoods for schools, businesses, religious congregations, and community organizations. • The City and neighborhood should work with UDOT and Utah County to identify transportation alternatives, including better transit and walkability standards, that • Maintain and improve the physical appearance and beauty of would prevent the need for widening of 300 South from University Avenue to State neighborhoods. Street; • Ensure adequate enforcement of zoning regulations. • Some areas should be considered for future zone changes to transit-oriented • Identify opportunities for neighborhood amenities in established development zoning to encourage redevelopment and improvement. neighborhoods. • Preserve structures and districts with unique histories or architecture. Some goals of the Central Area Neighborhood that are applicable to the Maeser • Ensure a safe travel environment for all modes of transportation and carry Neighborhood include: out strategies and programs that will maintain this environment. • Preserve structures and districts with unique histories or architecture. • Pedestrian-friendly design to enhance livability and safety especially for access to • Adapt park amenities as neighborhoods change. schools, parks, and other public places; • Integrity of architecture for new development or redevelopment; MAESER NEIGHBORHOOD ACTION PLAN • Upholding zoning laws and ensuring that enforcement is timely; The Maeser Neighborhood Action Plan was written in 2000 by the • Improve infrastructure to provide appropriate and adequate street access for neighborhood program and the Provo City Redevelopment Agency with trucking, as an alternative to unsatisfactory routes through residential areas; funding provided by a federal grant. The goal was to help revitalize and • Street access to and from the UTA Provo Station for buses, automobiles, bicycles and preserve the Pioneer Neighborhoods. The plan contains goals from the pedestrians (including those needing wheelchair or other specialized access; General Plan for Maeser and the Central Area Neighborhoods. The Action Plan • Plan for appropriate transit-oriented redevelopment (TOD), to focus new was never adopted by the City and isn’t being used to guide the future of the development and redevelopment along transit corridors, with appropriate residential Maeser Neighborhood. densities to support transit use. Facility and neighborhood planning and design should encourage walking and bicycling as a means to access transit and for travel independent of transit. Ch. 6 Provo City General Plan

16 17 03 FUTURE LAND USE MAESER NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN

The zoning map in Figure 3.1 shows what uses are currently permitted, but doesn’t necessarily represent the current use on the land. The future land use map in Figure 3.2 helps illustrate the vision for land uses in the Maeser Neighborhood. It will also act as a guiding document when zone change requests are brought before the City by property owners to help verify consistency with the vision of the plan.

Center St PF PF R16 Center St PO

RC PRO-A20 PF RC

PRO-A7 R16A

PF DT1

RC PF 300 S CG R16A 300 S

PRO-R24 CG R16 DT1 PRO-A5

University Ave 200 E 400 E 600 E RC 900 E University Ave 200 E 400 E 600 E 900 E

CM RC

RC CM PF M1 M1 PF 600 S 600 S

Figure 3.1 - Maeser Neighborhood Zoning ¯ Figure 3.2 - Maeser Neighborhood Future Land Use

Single-Family Res. Multi-Family Res. Mixed Use Commercial Civic/Religious A. RESIDENTIAL

SINGLE-FAMILY

Much of the neighborhood is currently zoned for residential use. The most predominant Many properties are zoned Residential Conservation (RC). This zone allows for legally existing uses residential zone is the single-family residential R1.6A zone that has an accessory apartment to remain and doesn’t allow the property to be subdivided. At the time the property owner wants to overlay. This overlay allows single-family home owners that obtain a building permit, to subdivide or change the use, the owner would have to rezone to a zone that would allow that desired create an accessory apartment if the home is owner-occupied. use. The Future Land Use Map would be referenced to ensure that the desired use fits with the vision of the plan.

19 03 FUTURE LAND USE MAESER NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN

MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL The Future Land Use Map Figure 3.2 designates multi-family housing for areas where it currently exists or in areas where it could help offset the redevelopment cost.

Residents of the neighborhood have expressed desires to see the southern portion of the neighborhood redeveloped from the old manufacturing area into uses that would be more compatible with the surrounding residential neighborhood and to create a better buffer from the railroad. To see the manufacturing uses transition into a more viable use for the area, it will require allowing more appropriate uses that a developer can find justification financially for the change.

MIXED USE Figure 3.3- Multi-Family Residential Mixed use development is designated on the west end of Center Street and along portions of 600 South and 300 South. The proximity to the UTA Provo Station provides a great potential for the mixed use space along 600 South. The live-work space would help provide more residents and small business owners in that area that would help generate better surveillance and investment along 600 South. This will aid in providing a safer pedestrian corridor and a more inviting atmosphere. Figure 3.4- 300 South Existing Commercial. Live-work units would function very well as a transitional use and buffer in these areas, and would help provide great spaces for the growing arts identity in Maeser which has been expressed by residents as an important desire for the area. Building upon this growing identity by establishing supportive land uses will enhance the character of the built environment. B. COMMERCIAL

COMMERCIAL CORE Existing commercial on 300 South and along South State Street is centrally located to serve some of the daily needs of residents and surrounding neighborhoods. There is a vacant grocery store, some strip commercial, and other commercial uses in this area. This area does need some revitalization to ensure that the commercial core can thrive and find success in providing daily needs to the neighborhood. Having a walkable neighborhood commercial center located in the core of the neighborhood is a great asset that needs to be protected and revitalized. Many communities and neighborhoods in the region are striving to create these types of neighborhood centers. Adding some mixed use space will help provide more residents to support the businesses so they can thrive.

Figures 3.4 and 3.5 show the existing conditions of the commercial strip and the oversized parking lot that encompass a large portion of the block along with a conceptual illustration of what the block could look like if it were to be redeveloped with the goal of providing an inviting structure that addresses the street better and makes better use of that prime location. This mixed use commercial center could accommodate small galleries, boutiques, and shops that are inviting. It could become a walkable destination, a place to gather, enjoy local eateries, and be a real focal point in the neighborhood. Figure 3.5- Photo Simulation of 300 South Commercial Development. 20 21 03 FUTURE LAND USE MAESER NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN

D. OPEN SPACE

The Maeser neighborhood currently has three city parks within its boundaries; Maeser Park, Roadside Park, and Harmon Park. There has been some discussion about working with the Parks and Recreation Department on establishing a new use on half of Harmon Park. A Maeser music park was one of the creative ideas mentioned Figure 3.9.

• Maeser park, located on 600 S between 400 E and 500 E is not in the best location based on the current surrounding uses, but would be used more as the area around it redevelops. It has a playground, covered picnic area, large open grassy area, a small trail loop, and a basketball court. Figure 3.8 - Roadside Park • Roadside Park is located where State Street and 900 E intersect at about 600 S. This park has potential to provide a good entry feature into the neighborhood. The park is small and does not provide many amenities and is not easily accessed. • Harmon Park is on the east border of the neighborhood and contains 2 ballfields. Residents have suggested different uses of this park space. • There are also several parks and a cemetery located just outside the neighborhood. • Park space is missing in the northwest section of the neighborhood. • A multi-use pathway runs along State Street and 300 S, creating a pedestrian transportation corridor into the Spring Creek Neighborhood and Downtown.

Figure 3.9 - Example of a Music Park E. GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

Center St 1. Improve the negative effects of the illegal apartments in single-family homes. a. Ensure that the Accessory Apartment Overlay requirements are being met and enforced. 2. Have properties redevelop in conformance to the vision. a. Update the General Plan to be consistent with the future land use map. b. Consider zoning changes to the current zoning map when they reflect the desired uses on the future land use map. 3. Strengthen the commercial core. 300 S a. Improve the availability of services within convenient walking and biking distance of where people live. 900 E

200 E 400 E b. Provide a mix of uses in this area with residential to support. 600 E 4. Increase the use of Maeser Park. a. Support efforts to redevelop properties along 600 South for more

University Ave residential and live-work spaces. b. Consider relocation of the park to a more central location within Maeser. 5. Enhance the appeal of Roadside Park. 600 S a. Provide better signage and entry into Maeser. b. Determine the best programing for the park. 6. Create a park in the northwest portion of the neighborhood so more residents are within a quarter mile to a park. a. Look into property that would be well suited for this park. b. Work with the Parks and Recreation Department on determining funding availability.

22 Figure 3.7 - Neighborhood Parks 23 PHYSICAL MAESER NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN 04 ENVIRONMENT

A. PEDESTRIAN ENVIRONMENT STREET ART Street art helps bring character to a LANDSCAPING AND SIDEWALKS neighborhood and enhances the sense of Tree lined streets add a lot to the physical place. Finding the right locations in the public environment of a neighborhood. In addition open space areas and corridors and the right to trees, water wise landscaping treatments pieces of art that fit the areas well is important. could be added to park-strips, using street Local artists would be a great resource to help drainage and grey watering systems. This beautify the neighborhood. element can add more green-space to the neighborhood, and conserve city resources Street furniture, like bike racks Figure 4.6, can while reducing impervious surfaces. Figure 4.1 - Missing Sidewalks serve more than one purpose. They can provide a needed function, such as a place to lock a The neighborhood has many areas bike, while also providing some character to the where sidewalks are missing or in poor area like the bike racks that have been designed conditions. In most cases there is adequate for Downtown Provo. Figure 4.6 - Bike Racks public right-of-way (ROW) existing to install sidewalk and park-strip to current City standards. Greater spans of uninterrupted park- B. BUILDING DESIGN strips helps to improve the street face and improve safety for pedestrians. As DESIGN GUIDELINES redevelopment and infill occur, driveways from single family homes could be shared Provo City currently has a set of design standards and guidelines for residential development in some areas. Additionally, each zone has specific reducing the number of drive approaches Figure 4.2 - Shared Driveway (curb-cuts). regulations for the placement and scale of buildings. However, these two standards together still lack the design tools needed to improve the character of the Maeser Neighborhood. SIGNS Additional controls on building design will need to be established as part Figure 4.3 and 4.4 show examples of some of of a future implementation project. The quality, architecture, design, and the Historic Provo branded street signs and placement of structures in Maeser create the neighborhood’s historic, but obelisks that have been used in parts of diverse atmosphere. As part of that process, these elements should be clearly Provo. Similar signage could be used to help defined and parameters should be set to establish updated design standards identify the East Central Historic District and guidelines. Elements from the East Center Street Design Corridor could that encompasses a large portion of the be considered when drafting design guidelines for zones in the neighborhood. Maeser Neighborhood. Many people may not realize that such a district exists in the Design guidelines for the zones within Maeser should be developed in a way Branded Street Sign neighborhood. They add to the character of Figure 4.3 - that will allow for remodeling or reconstruction of existing dwellings but the pedestrian environment. respect the historic nature and design fabric of the Maeser Neighborhood. Porches and balconies are examples of features that should be encouraged Gateway signs placed at key locations to add to the character. New guidelines should be added that address the entering the neighborhood should also be following: incorporated. An example of a good location • Building Location • Building Materials is Roadside Park where 900 East and south State join. • Building Mass and Scale • Open Space and Landscaping

Destinations that are easily accessible • Building Forms • Building Style without a car, within or surrounding Maeser, should be advertised for their walkability to encourage walking.

Figure 4.4 - Obelisk Figure 4.5 - Wayfinding 25 04 PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT MAESER NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN

C. STREET DESIGN AND CIRCULATION

ALLEYWAYS 200 EAST AND 400 EAST The Maeser neighborhood is broken up into a grid of blocks, the majority of them are four The redesign of the 300 South brings a new signalized intersection at 400 East, and acres with an area in the northeast corner of the neighborhood that has smaller two acre improved pedestrian and bicycle crossing at 200 East as seen in Figure 4.8. Changes to blocks. All of the two acre and some of the larger four acre blocks are bisected with 10 to these intersections will affect the north-south corridors which were not part of UDOT’s 20 foot wide alleyways. scope for 300 South.

Alleyways provide access to rear lots for garages and sanitation pickup, which helps The plan for the Joaquin Neighborhood, just north of Maeser, identified 200 East and decrease the number of drive approaches over sidewalks and parkstrips. Alleys provide a 400 East as important north-south pedestrian and bicycle corridors. Maeser residents more navigable pedestrian network by creating shortcuts through blocks. have also expressed desire for these corridors in their community to have similar features While there are many benefits to having alleyways, they can also create issues when they such as widened sidewalks, more trees, and bulb-outs at intersections to create better are not used and maintained well. When they are not maintained, they become more lines of sight for all users and safer crossings. narrow with overgrown vegetation. Lighting and visibility help reduce unwanted activity like graffiti and vandalism. Alleyways are often overlooked when it comes to street Residents would like the intersections along Center Street to be analyzed for ways to improvements. Many of the old alleyways have been blocked off and abandoned because improve safety for bicycle and pedestrian crossings. This will help soften the divide of undesired activity like this and thus also loosing the benefits they once provided. between the Maeser and Joaquin neighborhoods.

Figure 4.7 - Alley

300 SOUTH Figure 4.8 - 300 S 200 E UDOT Design 300 South is a state highway that creates a barrier in the neighborhood, even with the UDOT redesign. It is desirable to the residents for 300 South to become a place and a 600 SOUTH destination and not just a thoroughfare dividing the neighborhood. Building upon an The current conditions on 600 S. are not inviting to pedestrians and bicyclists and artistic theme and finding other creative ways to draw people inward and establish sense therefore, hinder the ability to transition from a manufacturing and non-pedestrian of belonging so it is no longer perceived as a divider and barrier for the neighborhood. friendly corridor to a mixed-use/residential corridor. Residents would like to see this This can be achieved, in part, by providing places for lively shops and galleries to take become a safer and more viable route to the nearby transit station and Maeser Park. They root, developing gathering spaces along the corridor where street art and design are hopeful that adding missing sidewalk and parkstrips will help make this portion of the elements continue this vibe. Providing a more engaging atmosphere to the new multi-use neighborhood more inviting and better utilized. path will improve the user experience.

26 27 04 PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT MAESER NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN

TRANSIT BIKEWAYS UTA is adding a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) corridor that would run along the western edge The Figure 4.11 below shows existing and proposed bikeways running through and of the neighborhood on University Avenue. connecting Maeser with the surrounding areas. This bicycle network has been adopted Figure 4.10 shows areas in the neighborhood that are within a reasonable walking distance by the City as part of the Transportation Master Plan. Neighborhoods will be better of a quarter mile of the BRT stations and a half mile of Provo Station. These areas will connected with an improved and complete bicycle system. 600 East is not included on attract transit oriented development and people that want to be located within a close the existing network, but should be considered as possible connection into the adjoining proximity to transit. neighborhood to the south of Maeser at 6th and 6th. The southwestern portion of the Maeser Neighborhood would benefit from improved access to these transit options. Improved pedestrian and bicycle access on 600 South These bikeways will help improve the neighborhood by providing alternative means of should be a key goal for that corridor. transportation which will help reduce vehicular miles traveled (VMT) improving traffic and air quality. There are many destinations that people will be able to reach on bicycle. The eastern portion of the neighborhood has access to bus stations, however the People will be more likely to bike where there are well maintained bikeways that can get frequency and timing with transfer options could be improved to increase ridership. them safely to these destination. n£ Center St

n£ 900 E University Ave

Maeser Maeser n£ BRT_Stations n£ BRT_Stations Intermodal_Hub Figure 4.10 - Provo Station & BRT Stations BRT Station IProvonterm Stationodal_Hub MMaeseraeser BRT_Quarter_Buffer ¯ BRT_Quarter_Buffn£er BRT_Stations Figure 4.11 - Bike Plan ¯ 1/4 Mile Radius - BRT H1/2u bMile_H Radiusalf_B u- fProvofer Station Hub_Half_Buffer Intermodal_Hub ¯ BRT_Quarter_Buffer Hub_Half_Buffer

28 29 04 PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT MAESER NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN

E. GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

1. Beautify and improve streets a. Work with the Urban Forester to replace missing trees along streets b. Neighborhood education on water wise landscaping c. Increase parkstrip width where possible – this can help with truck route issues d. Share curb-cut/drive approach – increase landscape e. Identify sidewalk width and conditions 2. Demarcate the East Central Historic District a. Identify a sign type that can be used b. Map out locations for obelisks c. Coordinate future Maeser Neighborhood sign location with the Parks and Recreation Department. 3. Add beautification elements throughout Maeser a. Find the right location and type of art for the space b. Identify ways to make elements in the public realm more artistic 4. Establish a set of updated design guidelines a. Building quality, architecture, design, and placement need to be clearly defined 5. Improve existing alleyways and provide solutions to undesired issues a. Complete a comprehensive study of blocks with existing alleys and identify blocks where the alleyways could be reestablished b. Provide improvements with design feature that address issues 6. Create a better balance of transportation investments a. Continue to maintain the existing transportation facilities, while encouraging expansion of pedestrian and bicycle facilities 7. Improved routes to get to and from transit stations and other destinations a. 600 South improvements for pedestrians and bicyclists b. Study possible 600 East bikeway connection with neighborhood to the south in the bike master plan update c. Encourage UTA to increase trip intervals for bus service 8. Provide a safe, well-maintained pedestrian network throughout the neighborhood a. Implement traffic calming measures at locations of conflict between travel modes b. Implement improved pedestrian crossings at key corridors by reducing crossing distances and increasing pedestrian visibility c. Install pedestrian scale street lighting. d. Develop a regular maintenance plan for street crossings, sidewalks, and other pedestrian amenities e. Install bulb-out curb extensions on all intersections, where possible f. Map missing sidewalk areas and implement a program for installation 30 31 HISTORIC MAESER NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN 05 PRESERVATION

The original layout of the Maeser Neighborhood in a block grid remains unchanged throughout most of the neighborhood. Many wonderful buildings that were constructed in the early years of the neighborhood remain. These are some of the defining characteristics of the neighborhood and are worthy of historic preservation efforts to help ensure that Maeser continues to be such a coveted neighborhood in Provo.

A. IDENTIFICATION

SURVEY The entire Maeser Neighborhood has been surveyed for historic resources. The last survey was done in 2016. An earlier survey led to the creation of the East Central Historic District. This district is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and covers much of Maeser, shown in tan in Figure 5.2. The updated reconnaissance level survey indicates good potential for expanding the historic district boundaries, shown in purple. The National Register Nomination should be updated to reflect the new data from the most recent survey.

B. PROTECTION 900 E

LANDMARKS REGISTER University Ave Protections for historic resources can take many forms. Provo has one method of regulatory protection, the Historic Landmark Register. Historic structures listed in the Provo Historic Landmarks Register are protected from demolition and incompatible alteration. Any work affecting a landmark structure or Figure 5.2 - Historic Survey its site must receive Eligible/Significant Ineligible/Non-Contributing East Central Historic District Landmarks Commission approval. Eligible/Contributing Out-Of-Period Downtown Historic District Preservation efforts East Central District Expansion saved the iconic Maeser School from demolition in the early Figure 5.1 - Maeser School 2000’s.

33 05 HISTORIC PRESERVATION MAESER NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN

DESIGNATION RECOGNITION There are a number of historic resources that are not designated or listed on any register Many people may be unaware that there is a historic district in their neighborhood, or that their home and are, therefore, not protected. contributes to the historic district. Efforts like a coordinated signage program like the small markers adjacent to the front sidewalks of historic houses that contain basic information about the house as well The First Ward Meetinghouse, in Maeser, is designated by The Church of Jesus Christ as a narrative encapsulating the design and history of the house will help people recognize them and gain of Latter-day Saints as a landmark historic property meriting the highest preservation an appreciation and greater connection to the history of the neighborhood. Revealing history in this way standards. Future projects at the building will seek to preserve and restore significant should be encouraged. A program of historic markers should be implemented and coordinated with the landscape and building features to the greatest extent possible. city. While the Landmarks Register protects individual listed properties, it does not regulate the design of new construction, the alteration or demolition of non listed buildings, nor does it regulate any of the many other activities that impact the historic character of the neighborhood. Figure 5.3 - Provo First Ward Meetinghouse

DESIGN REGULATION To protect the historic integrity and character in Maeser, it is important to have design regulations that specify key elements that must be followed. These elements could include lot width, building setbacks, building mass, porches, location of accessory structures and lot access. The design of the public right-of-way will also impact how well the historic character of the neighborhood is maintained.

The first step is to protecting and reinforcing the character of the neighborhood is Figure 5.4 - Reed Smoot House to define and identify it. Design standards should be developed to govern private development and plans to shape the public infrastructure.

34 35 IMPLEMENTATION MAESER NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN 06 STRATEGIES

A. RESOURCES C. IMPLEMENTATION SCHEDULE

PROCESS Phase Phase 1 Phase 2 Phase 3 This document is a guide for future development for a specific area. It should be added to Priority 1 2 1 2 1 2 regulatory checklists to ensure plans incorporate the recommendations and objectives in Adopt Maeser Neighborhood Plan (City Council) this document and help achieve the vision laid out within its pages. Funding for the plans in Develop a Strategic Policy for Zoning Compliance (City Council) this document can be achieved through the following means. Land Use Update General Plan Map for Future Land Uses (Com. Dev.) Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) Update Existing Land Use Map (Com. Dev.) It is intended that a proposed series of improvements be included in the city’s Five-year Needs Analysis for Parking Program (Com. Dev.) Capital Improvement Plan during future budget meetings in order to allocate funding for Urban Design specific projects within the Maeser Neighborhood. This plan helps the City to know what Needs Analysis to Designate Design Corridors (Com. Dev.) funding is needed in the future and will ensure a budget for proposed changes in the Maeser Adopt Location and Maintenance Plan for Street Furnishings (Com. Dev., P.W.) Neighborhood Plan. Install and Upgrade Street Furnishings (P.W.) Implement Street Tree Planting Program (Urban Forester) INCENTIVES Amend Residential Design Standards and Guidelines (Com. Dev.) In addition to City budgets, creating an impact-free zone or implementing tax break plans Amend Standard Street Design Cross-Sections (P.W., Com. Dev.) to encourage development within the Maeser Neighborhood can help fulfill the plans in this Revise Capital Improvement Plan (Com. Dev., Admin.) document. Install Traffic Calming Devices at Key Gateways (P.W) Install Improved Pedestrian Crossings (P.W) Impact Fee Reduction Zone dismisses some costs associated with developing and may Install Improved Pedestrian Scale Lighting (P.W) persuade developers to create the projects that the neighborhood wants to see in Maeser. Map Existing and Proposed Alleys and Establish Guidelines (Com. Dev., P.W.) Historic Resources Tax Increment Financing is another way to reduce costs by subsidizing desired projects. Update the East Central Historic District National Register of Historic Places nomination This can be done by offsetting initial development costs. with updated Reconnaissance Level Survey (Com. Dev.) Nominate Unlisted Structures to Provo Landmarks Register (Com. Dev., Landmarks) B. PROSPERITY Investigate Establishing Historic Design Guidelines (Com. Dev.) Implement Historic Marker Program (Com. Dev.) To ensure that the Maeser Neighborhood Plan continues to be a guiding document in City planning, it is important to make it widely available and visible to City Administrators and the public. This document should be available on the City website and at the front counter of City offices.

37 MAESER NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN