FACILITIES - THE BRANCHES DEMOGRAPHICS, DISTRIBUTION, AND CHANGE IV - 29
The branch library is part of the larger public library system and it relies on divisions housed at the Central Library for overall administration, coordination of materials selection, and acquisition and processing of materials. The Central Library also provides the branches with access to a much larg- er collection of materials, expert reference staff and collection specialists, and to the library sys- tem's Information Technology resources.
The branches play a critical role in achieving the Mission of the Dallas Public Library, effectively distributing and directly linking the library’s services to the communities in Dallas.
The principal functions of the branches are to: • Provide users access to collections for browsing, recreational reading and research, and independent study for listening and viewing media. • Assist users with information and reader's guidance, including access to computer based resources. • Provide referral services to the Central Library or a person, organization or agency outside the library system . • Provide programming which will stimulate use of the library and its collections • Provide meeting places to promote community involvement including classes. • Exhibitions space for permanent and changing exhibits of art and cultural materials. • Assist users to check out and check in materials, obtain library cards, or pay fines. • Provide an effective work environment for staff to serve the public .
DEMOGRAPHICS, DISTRIBUTION, AND CHANGE
The Dallas Public Library has an extensive and popular branch library system that includes twen- ty-two branches providing a total of 280,354 SF. (This figure does not include the J. Erik Jonsson Central Library, which also serves as a "downtown branch".) The average size of a DPL branch is 12,740 SF. However, branches vary in size from approximately 9,000 SF to just over 16,000 SF, and the oldest branches are generally the smallest.
The consultants worked closely with the Dallas Public Library administrators to evaluate the cur- rent branch system configuration. GIS maps were created that illustrate current and projected branch service area demographics. They identified where there were problems and determined that a new approach for the distribution of branch resources was needed. FACILITIES - THE BRANCHES IV - 30 DEMOGRAPHICS, DISTRIBUTION, AND CHANGE
The current branch facilities were constructed over a period of forty years, during which significant population growth and demographic shifts have occurred. There have also been major changes in land development patterns and the City's road and highway system. Together these factors have significantly affected the capacity, location and distribution of branch facilities.
Dallas's population is projected to increase by at least 10% per decade for the next 20 years. Specific recommendations were developed to balance service needs with library resources and to address future growth and change. The following factors influenced our recommendations: • Population density will exceed the capacity of some branch facilities • Undeveloped areas of the city will become populated • Some service area populations already exceed the capacity of their facilities • A few small communities within the city are effectively cut off from library facil- ities • The existing distribution of age groups in the city will remain consistent over the next ten years • Dallas's population is growing more ethnically diverse • More immigrants will use the Library • Differences of income and education levels will remain
The population analysis included census information prepared by the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) and was believed to be sufficiently reliable to determine needs. The 2000 official census was released in March 2001, indicating that 1,188,580 persons live in Dallas. The increase of 18% is more than projected by NCTCOG. The detailed population estimates for branch service areas are appropriate for the purpose of the Library Master Plan recommendations. Population growth has underscored the fact that this document should be dynamic and that period- ic updates, especially in the formulation of bond programs, are necessary to its relevance by incor- porating all current information.
The following chart illustrates the projected population changes in each branch’s service area with- in the next ten years. FACILITIES - THE BRANCHES POPULATION PROJECTIONS FOR EXISTING BRANCH SERVICE AREAS IV - 31
Branch Opening Council Building Pop 1999 Pop 2004 Pop 2009 1999 2009 Pop % Change Date District Area SF Est. Est. Est. SF/Person SF/Person 1999-2009 Audelia Road 1971 10 13,089 75,000 81,000 87,000 0.17 0.15 +19 Casa View 1964 9 14,517 58,000 59,000 60,000 0.25 0.24 +3 Dallas West 1975 6 16,605 32,000 32,000 33,000 0.52 0.50 +3 Forest Green 1976 10 9,030 31,000 34,000 38,000 0.29 0.24 +23 Fretz Park 1976 12 14,707 55,000 58,000 61,000 0.27 0.24 +11 Hampton-Illinois 1964 3 11,181 72,000 73,000 75,000 0.16 0.15 +4 Highland Hills 1980 8 10,000 22,000 20,000 19,000 0.48 0.53 (-10) Kleberg-Rylie 1995 8 10,700 13,000 14,000 15,000 0.82 0.71 +15 Lakewood 1970 14 10,600 63,000 64,000 66,000 0.17 0.16 +5 Lancaster-Kiest 1964 4 13,100 53,000 50,000 47,000 0.25 0.28 (-11) Martin Luther King, Jr. 1974 7 13,532 33,000 30,000 28,000 0.41 0.48 (-15) Mountain Creek 1994 3 12,729 21,000 24,000 26,000 0.61 0.49 +24 North Oak Cliff 1987 1 15,562 71,000 73,000 75,000 0.22 0.21 +6 Oak Lawn 1996 14 12,900 39,000 39,000 40,000 0.33 0.32 +3 Park Forest 1971 6 10,984 33,000 32,000 31,000 0.33 0.35 (-6) Pleasant Grove 1961 5 11,204 76,000 79,000 82,000 0.15 0.14 +8 Polk-Wisdom 1970 5 15,768 47,000 48,000 50,000 0.34 0.32 +6 Preston Royal 1964 13 12,400 40,000 40,000 41,000 0.31 0.30 +3 Renner Frankford 1987 12 15,193 96,000 117,000 139,000 0.16 0.11 +45 Skillman Southwestern 1996 13 12,352 50,000 52,000 54,000 0.24 0.22 +8 Skyline 1977 4 12,352 42,000 46,000 50,000 0.29 0.24 +14 Walnut Hill 1961 2 12,491 53,000 56,000 59,000 0.24 0.21 +11 TOTAL 280,354 1,100,000 1,150,000 1,226,000 AVERAGE 12,740 48,500 51,000 53,500 0.26 0.24 +10 Gray shading, e.g. 96,000 indicates branches exceeding current 70,000 person limit for branch service area population. Green shading, e.g. 0.15 indicates branches under the current system average of 0.26SF/Person. FACILITIES - THE BRANCHES IV - 32 REASONS FOR SYSTEM GROWTH AND IMPROVEMENTS
REASONS FOR SYSTEM GROWTH AND IMPROVEMENTS
The primary reasons for the physical expansion of the Dallas Public Library Branch System include: • Service driven space requirements • Population Growth • Space distribution problems
Expanded services, collection formats and technologies have created greater demands for space that were never anticipated when the branches of the 1960’s were built.
The population of Dallas has increased approximately 20% during the last twenty years, and is pro- jected to increase by over 100,000 people to 1,226,690 by 2010. From past experience the library knows that this population growth will create a steady demand for additional branch space. As the An important reason for system expansion is continuing library system has matured, the space problems have become much more complex in nature call- population growth ing for new planning strategies. • A few service areas such as Audelia Road and Fretz Park have very high collection circulation and patron visit rates that are out of proportion with the capacity of their facilities. • Most of the older branches require extensive and costly repairs, equipment Service replacement, alterations and renovations, and are effectively beyond their useful life span. • New program related space requirements challenge the system's smallest branches making some such as Forest Green functionally obsolete. • The demand for public access computers is so great that for even the newest branches the number of workstations will have to be doubled. • Citizens looking for a more friendly and engaging atmosphere for browsing and quiet conversation in their branches and refer to the new successful marketing approach of popular bookstores and coffeehouse chains as examples. • Population growth has not been evenly distributed, leaving some branches serving very large populations (ex. Renner-Frankford) while others serve Population smaller populations (ex. Kleberg-Rylie). • Some populations such as West Love Field neighborhood are land-locked and do not have adequate access to an existing branch. • Libraries are being asked to provide or host an increasing number of formal and informal educational and community support services that compete with its traditional roles for space. FACILITIES - THE BRANCHES REASONS FOR SYSTEM GROWTH AND IMPROVEMENTS IV - 33
• Many existing branches such as Hampton-Illinois lack the land for necessary building additions or parking lot expansions. • Due to simple collection growth, collection size is now at or exceeds effective Space shelf capacity in 16 of 22 branches. Detailed analysis of the branch collections indicates that weeding is required, especially in many of the older branches. • Media collections have become a very popular staple in Dallas and at most other public libraries, and for every format that becomes obsolete there seem to be two new ones to take its place. • There is growing recognition of the need to better define public service areas for each age group and that tots, young children and young adults should each have their own special place.
These new requirements have made it very difficult to support the needs of the service area popu- lations in the system’s small to mid-sized branches. This situation will grow worse due to project- ed population increases unless action is taken to increase available space, especially in certain prob- lem locations.
Based on these new needs, the library should adopt and implement a system-wide plan to increase the capacity and improve the distribution of branch facilities. The new plan utilizes a greater vari- ety of construction responses than have been used in the past, and includes: • Construction of new branch locations. • Replacement of existing branch locations with new larger branches. • Expansion and renovation of existing branches. • Renovation to existing branches (moderate to major renovation and/or alteration) • Maintenance of existing branches (very minor renovation and /or alteration).
As in the past, these capital improvements would be coordinated with a realignment of service area boundaries to minimize construction and maximize results. While most facilities are recommend- ed to be larger than the current 12,700 sf average in some cases a smaller facility is recommended, and alternatives such as a leased location in a storefront or mall have been considered. FACILITIES - THE BRANCHES IV - 34 A STRATEGIC EXPANSION PLAN
A STRATEGIC EXPANSION PLAN
Based upon this geographic and demographic analysis, a wealth of past experience, and their in- depth understanding of capabilities at each branch location, the library administration determined that the best distribution of branch resources will be achieved with service area populations in the range of 30,000 to 60,000 people.
Significantly larger service areas would not coincide with the natural features and man-made boundaries in Dallas, and would not easily be recognized as belonging to the neighborhoods and local communities that have developed in Dallas. Larger service areas would increase travel dis- tances and have a greater tendency to create new remote pockets of poorly served residents.
A smaller service area population standard would require more branch locations, which would be inherently more costly, and less efficient, especially for staffing. This model has proven to be less effective in meeting the growing service needs and complexity of the system.
Simply improving the system-wide average for space per capita addresses only part of the issue. Branches vary in size from approximately 9,000 SF to over 16,000 SF. This mix of sizes is less problematic than those found in larger older cities such as Philadelphia and Chicago. However, the wide range of branch service area populations in Dallas results in serious differences in space per capita, ranging from .15 SF per person to .82 SF per person. The fact that population growth is not evenly distributed, as in the rapid expansion north of LBJ, and that Dallas has many existing natural (Trinity River) and manmade (highways, Love Field) bar- riers add to the complexity of the branch system planning.
These system-wide distribution issues were evaluated along with other factors directly related to each site: • The age and condition of each facility (evaluation of renovation vs. replacement costs.) • The quality and flexibility of the building in relation to the new planning and design standards. • The size of the site, its parking capacity, and the space available for future building expansion. • The nature of its surroundings, the compatibility of adjacent uses, patron accessibility, traffic safety, noise, etc., in relation to the new planning and design standards. FACILITIES - THE BRANCHES BENCHMARKING IV - 35
A Strategic Expansion Plan for the Branch System: The team developed and evaluated a number of expansion strategies. The master plan utilizes the An integrated analysis of physical conditions, geograph- following principles to help minimize the need for new construction by : ic information systems, and demographic data bases to • Balancing the existing branch size with its service area by increasing or reducing create an equitable and economical plan the size of its service area. • Creating new service areas to address new populations, or to reduce and realign adjacent service area borders by "inserting" a new facility within a branch grouping. • Increasing the size of the building and/or the amount of parking to meet increased service area demands when possible. • Replacing inadequate existing buildings with larger facilities at new larger sites Index City Benchmarking Data where required. A Comparison of Peer Institutions • Developing new site standards that allow minimal initial construction in low population areas, with capacity for future expansion should this become necessary.
Index City Branch SF Average # of System • Creating smaller branches for "trapped" neighborhoods (i.e. those cut off by per Person Service Area Branches Population highways) and/or alternative service delivery options such as co-location,store Population Atlanta-Fulton 0.42 23,700 34 807,000 front, bookmobile, kiosk and remote computer access and direct book/document Austin 0.25 40,000 19 630,000 delivery. Charlotte 0.38 30,000 23 624,000 Chicago 0.23 35,000 78 3,784,000 Cleveland 0.57 17,500 28 506,000 BENCHMARKING DALLAS 1999 0.26 48,500 22 1,115,000 DALLAS 2009 0.24 53,500 22 1,227,000 A benchmarking analysis of peer institutions showed that Dallas is currently below average for this (no action) space allocation factor (.31) and that the trend is to a higher figure. Recent master plans complet- DALLAS 2009 0.36 43,500 28 1,227,000 (as planned) ed by Houston and Seattle have targeted .40 SF per person as a goal for their branch systems. Denver 0.40 25,000 22 468,000 El Paso 0.08 60,000 9 600,000 Fort Worth 0.24 30,000 11 505,000 Benchmarking standards are an important tool for gauging the adequacy of the branches in relation Houston (planned) 0.40 ** ** ** to the population served. However, to be justifiable, any increase in the size of the branch system Phoenix 0.12 94,000 12 1,220,000 must respond directly to the library’s mission and to the unique requirements of each branch serv- San Antonio 0.14 75,000 18 1,401,000 San Diego 0.25 37,000 33 1,225,000 ice area. Response to patron’s needs and their desire for expanded services are important reasons San Francisco 0.20 45,000 26 790,000 for system growth. San Jose 0.16 55,000 17 900,000 Seattle 0.20 23,500 22 516,000 After evaluating the varying success of the existing branches to meet both current and proposed Seattle (Planned) 0.40 23,500 25 598,000 program and service requirements, the team determined that a branch of approximately 18,000 SF AVERAGE 0.31 43,000 25 928,000 would be best. At 279,200 SF the library branch system currently provides .26 SF per capita. (**This information was unavailable at the time of this report.) FACILITIES - THE BRANCHES IV - 36 SITE SELECTION CRITERIA AND STANDARDS
Just to maintain current service levels. The Dallas Library will need to enlarge or replace many existing branch facilities. The system lacks adequate space to fully accomplish its mission. Many branches are crowded and cannot properly serve their present populations. As a result of the rec- ommendations included in the master plan, the average ratio of branch area to service area popula- tion will be raised from .26 SF to .36 SF per capita.
SITE SELECTION CRITERIA AND STANDARDS
The new site selection criteria and standards will accomplish the following goals: • Evaluate the viability of existing library sites which are under consideration for capital improvement or replacement. • Guide decision making for the location of new and replacement branch libraries. • Determine minimum site sizes. • Assist the delineation of branch service district boundaries.
The population required to support a typical branch library ranges from 30,000 to 60,000. Branch libraries should be located from two to five miles apart, depending on the density of the population, and present and anticipated population growth and need. Branches typically should be spaced clos- er in highly urbanized and densely populated areas of the city and spread farther apart in less devel- oped areas.
The site should be centrally located and in an area frequently visited and easily accessed by all segments of the community from within the service area. Access to the site by public tran- sit (rail and/or bus) and automotive routes is essential. The site should be connected to adjacent neighborhoods by continuous sidewalks and safe pedestrian crossings. Significant physical barri- ers such as highways, major arterial roads, rail lines, golf courses, cemeteries, rivers, creeks, etc. within the service area should not deter usage by any user group or access by any method of trans- portation. FACILITIES - THE BRANCHES SITE SELECTION CRITERIA AND STANDARDS IV - 37
The site should be visible and located on a primary neighborhood street, preferably a community or residential collector type thoroughfare. Sites which front on and are only accessed from very heavily trafficked arterial type thoroughfares and intersections, should be avoided.
The library should be located in an area of stable and compatible land uses, consistent with public use, capital investment, access, and security. Neighboring buildings surrounding the site should project a strong, positive image supporting the civic identity of the library. The library should be a good neighbor and conversely seek good neighbors.
The siting of a new library facility should be coordinated with other public projects, with the City's comprehensive planning goals, relevant neighborhood land use plans and the planning efforts of other public agencies such as DART, the public school districts, NCTCOG, etc. Siting decisions should involve community input, recommendations and feedback. Joint use and co-locating oppor- tunities with other public agencies and activities should be pursued where appropriate to the pri- mary mission of the library and when economically feasible and beneficial.
Site selection should consider the orientation to sun, wind, vistas, drainage and other environmental factors affecting building design and performance. The site should have the capac- ity to meet all requirements of Texas Accessibility Standards (TAS), which has the authority for the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) within the state of Texas and all applicable building and development codes.
There should be a minimum of five square feet of net useable land for each square foot of gross building area, allowing for parking, access, open space, suitable landscaping and the library itself on one level. Net usable land area is the space available within required set-backs and excludes easements, rights-of-way, floodplains or any other limiting factor that may be identified. The site should also allow for a building expansion of 25% of the original building area on one level. For a typical 18,000 GSF branch, the site area should be 2 to 3 acres. FACILITIES - THE BRANCHES IV - 38 SITE NET AREA REQUIREMENTS
Parking should be provided in an amount appropriate to the anticipated usage by auto patrons. As a guideline, a minimum of one parking space is required for every 200 square feet of gross build- ing area. In addition, one space per library staff is required. Provision for expansion of parking is required to accommodate the future growth of each library.
All costs related to a potential site must be considered. These include purchase price, infrastructure, utility costs, demolition and/or relocation of existing businesses or residents, and off-site improvements to achieve access and transportation goals. Low initial land cost should not justify a site selection that does not meet a substantial number of these and other listed criteria.
Recommendations for Establishing Branch Net Site Area Requirements (Typical Examples) Branch Type Building Area Net Site Area Parking Parking Coverage (Bldg. Area X 5) 1 per 200 GSF + staff (335 SF/Space) Min. Recommended Small 12,000 GSF 60,000 SF 60 + 8 = 68 22,780 SF
Preferred 25% Growth 15,000 GSF 75,000 SF 75 + 8 = 83 27,805 SF Min. Recommended Medium 16,000 GSF 80,000 SF 80 + 10 = 90 30,150 SF
Preferred 25% Growth 20,000 GSF 100,000 SF 100 +14 =114 38,190 SF
Min. Recommended Standard Large 18,000 GSF 90,000 SF 90 + 12 = 112 37,520 SF
Preferred 25% Growth 22,500 GSF 112,500 SF 112 + 16 = 126 42,210 SF Note: Site area is the available space within property lines not encumbered by easements,m or other restrictions such as wetlands, steep slopes, etc. Note: Standard branches, serving 30,000 - 60,000, can vary from 16,000 GSF to 18,000 GSF depending on the projected population and service requirements of the branch service area. Note: The minimum standard branch is 12,000 GSF and is used for locations where the population is not projected to grow beyond 25,000. FACILITIES - THE BRANCHES ALTERNATIVE OUTLET SITE CONSIDERATIONS IV - 39
Alternative Outlet Site Considerations - Mall Locations and Co-locations The Library has recognized the need to serve a few small populations that are effectively cut off from convenient access to an existing branch, yet will probably never achieve population densities necessary to warrant construction of even a 12,000 SF branch. The preliminary plan under consid- eration is to place these in leased space, in a storefront or mall, or in shared space at a recreation center or local school.
Given the volatility of the retail marketplace, clear delineation/definition of library parking arrange- ments must be sought at all shared parking locations. Where possible, land use agreements, covenants or land purchases should be pursued. Passive control strategies must be developed to help secure adequate library parking. In recognition of the aggressively charged and visually com- petitive context, these branches must seek to promote a more contemplative and relaxed atmos- phere. It can be anticipated that these locations will require a greater provision of public amenities to maintain the appropriate casual, but refined atmosphere expected of a library. These locations must be tailored to "compete" with their retail-oriented environment in terms of the immediacy of service and the visual lure of the library's offerings. Transparency of the exterior and visibility of library functions are of increased importance. It is anticipated that library displays and signage will necessarily assume a more significant role in the appearance of the building.
Standard Site Diagrams The diagrams that follow show a hypothetical representation of the typical site selection criteria for the minimum and preferred large branches. FACILITIES - THE BRANCHES IV - 40 DIAGRAM: MINIMUM RECOMMENDED SITE FOR A LARGE LIBRARY
Property Line (90,000 SF Site) 20'-0" Setback Rear Yard LANDSCAPE BUFFER View backdrop
Area for dumpster, recycling, etc. STANDARD LARGE BRANCH 18,000 SF
20'-0" Side Yard Setback
BUILDING SIGNAGE Entrance
Bike Rack BUILDING LIGHTING Monumental Flood Fixtures
ENTRY
26
LIBRARY TOWER "Long distance I.D." May be linked to bus stops
SIGNAGE Entrance & Exit Signage
SITE AREA: 90,000 NSF- 2 ACRES BUILDING AREA: 18,000 GSF PARKING: 109 SPACES FACILITIES - THE BRANCHES DIAGRAM: PREFERRED SITE FOR A LARGE LIBRARY IV - 41
Property Line (112,000 SF Site) 20'-0" Setback Rear Yard
LANDSCAPE BUFFER View backdrop Area for dumpster, recycling, etc. STANDARD LARGE BRANCH WITH 25% GROWTH 22,500 SF
20'-0" Side Yard Setback
BUILDING SIGNAGE Entrance
Bike Rack ENTRY BUILDING LIGHTING Monumental Flood Fixtures
LIBRARY TOWER "Long distance I.D." May be linked to bus stops
SIGNAGE Entrance & Exit Signage
SITE AREA: 112,500 NSF- 2.5 ACRES BUILDING AREA: 22,500 GSF PARKING: 111+ SPACES FACILITIES - THE BRANCHES IV - 42 SITE PLANNING & DESIGN GUIDELINES
SITE PLANNING & DESIGN GUIDELINES
Based upon tours of each branch site and in response to stakeholder input, the planning consultants developed recommendations for improvements to address the following important issues. Details regarding the implementation of these recommendations, as well as technical guidelines, are fur- ther delineated later in this section.
Branch libraries should be easier to find
Dallas is a large sprawling city with a complex and sometimes disorienting road system and heavy traffic patterns, which can make it quite difficult to find a branch location. A coordinated system- wide way-finding signage system at major traffic arteries and intersections is recommended to effectively guide patrons to each branch.
Branch libraries should be easier to identify
Even after getting within relatively close proximity, it can be difficult to identify certain branch libraries. There are a variety of reasons for this. • Branding - There is no common easily identifiable look for the Dallas branches, making it difficult to pick them out of their surroundings, especially when they must compete for attention with busy commercial developments. The Forest Green Branch is a good example. Though the Dallas Library does not want identical branches, simply following the new planning and design guidelines can make them more similar in form and design expression. • Site signage - The library system has had some success in maintaining minimum standards for internally lighted site signage and building identification letters. However, relatively large existing signs are low and not easily seen from a dis- tance. Site signage should be tasteful but bolder and higher and augmented with other eye-catching features such as the branch name and event pennants. • Other site design elements - The current use of multiple flagpoles helps mark the site as an important public facility. The Library should consider standardizing design elements in order to achieve greater consistency in site ele- ments such as lighting, benches, outside bookdrops, trash, cigarette receptacles, and bike racks. FACILITIES - THE BRANCHES SITE PLANNING & DESIGN GUIDELINES IV - 43
Branch library sites can be more inviting, accessible and safe The quality of site design and landscaping varies tremendously from branch to branch. Some branches such as Highland Hills and Forest Green are located on extremely wide and busy streets. “Traffic calming” devices and signals should be provided at the most difficult street crossings. Citizens complain about security concerns due to inadequate lighting and poor sight lines. These conditions should be avoided in new and replacement branches and should be improved at all branches, if necessary with surveillance cameras.
Though not rated as high priority by citizens, many branches need better landscaping to offset the visual impact of large parking areas, which is especially important when adjacent to residential neighborhoods.
The Lakewood Branch is a good example of an older branch that addresses most site-planning issues well. The site looks ample and uncrowded with remote driveways and walks providing entries from a major through street and a quiet neighborhood. Lush landscaping and bronze sculp- tures create an attractive inviting view and buffer the library from heavy traffic. Though somewhat limited in size and visibility, its parking facilities are convenient to the building entry. In contrast, Walnut Hill has a very small site that is devoid of landscaping, with very few dedicated parking spaces that are hidden from view.
Branch library buildings should have a strong image to provide a much-needed public presence and central focus in each of Dallas' communities
Many branches such as the Martin Luther King, Jr. and Polk Wisdom branches are not easily iden- tified as libraries and do not stand out as special buildings that can be distinguished from others around them. Future branches should follow the lead of newer branches like Mountain Creek and North Oak Cliff that have bolder, taller and more visually interesting designs. A detailed descrip- tion of the exterior treatment of existing branches is included later in this section. FACILITIES - THE BRANCHES IV - 44 IMPLEMENTATION OF SITE GUIDELINES
Urban wayfinding signage systems Wayfinding signage should be provided at major arterials and within neighborhoods to help lead Library Signage should occur at a variety of scales. the public to the facilities. The signage should be particular, identifying branches by name. A “Library Tower" or vertical marker can be used to distinguish the library from the visual clutter of the suburban, vehicular landscape from a distance. This element can provide public amenities, such as a clock or activated signage board, and may even be combined with a protected curbside transit stop. Site entry and exit points must be clearly signaled and identified. Upon arrival at the branch, signage should clearly delineate parking, accessible facilities, drop-off zones, building entrance, public transit and other service points . Provide all necessary traffic control signage. Building entry locations must be clearly and easily identified and access to the entry, book drop, hours of opera- tion, and use restrictions must be communicated.
The name of the branch should be identified with accent lighted, pin-mounted aluminum, stainless steel or bronze letters mounted over the entry, at a height of at least 6' on an adjacent exterior wall. An alternative though less desirable location would be on a site wall easily seen from the primary approach leading to the entry.
Building Orientation If possible orient the building so that the entry and primary "marketing/retail face" is facing the major public approach road. If facing South or West, avoid the use of opaque shades, or dark reflective glazing. Promote transparency and visual access to the library through use of roof over- hangs and "see-through" sun control devices,appropriate building elements, and planting. Preferred parking locations are along the building's principal façade or along the side of the building. Of these, side lots are generally preferable in that they promote greater visibility of the building from the street and may permit the greatest integration of the branch building within the existing neigh- borhood context. Parking in the rear of the branch is not recommended due to two reasons. The first is the inherent loss of visibility, resulting in increased security risks for library customers. The second is that the immediate visibility of available parking helps to “market" the building.
Sustainable Design An integrated design approach based on energy savings, life cycle costing, and environmental con- cerns should be used in making site and engineering decisions . Environmentally sensitive siting, energy conserving and efficient design, as well as material and systems selection based on the use- ful life of a building, are cost effective strategies for new Library facilities. Design and construc- tion practices that minimize waste and promote recycling reduce both the initial and operating costs FACILITIES - THE BRANCHES IMPLEMENTATION OF SITE GUIDELINES IV - 45 of a building. Sustainability, beyond its ethical responsibility, provides long term economic bene- fits to the public, and produces a better quality work environment that promotes productivity and reduces worker health related problems.
Vehicular Access and Parking Lots Two remote entries to the lot/site are preferred. The site entry and exit points must be remote from street intersections. Provide adequate deceleration space, response time, and queue at all entries to the site. Provide a well-defined and distinct pedestrian drop-off area. This area should be near the building entry, but spaced so as to promote the visibility of pedestrian routes. Adequate driver response time must be afforded. Proximity to the building entry must be carefully weighed against the increased possibility of accidents. Provide adequate passive control features (low speed turns, textured surfaces, etc.) to slow traffic. Accessible parking spaces and drop-off zones must be locat- ed in close proximity to the building entrance. Parking itself should be divided into reasonably sized components, with shade trees interspersed to help provide protection from the sun and combat glare. Use attractive buffers where lots are immediately adjacent residential properties. Buffers may consist of landscaping and attractively designed fencing. Avoid chain-link fencing. Use light col- ored paving at parking lots to reflect (reduce) heat.
Exterior Lighting Provide feature lighting for building and building identification signage. Provide subtle and sub- dued pedestrian lighting, as well as appropriately well-lit paths of approach from sidewalks, park- ing areas and public transit access points. The building entry must be clearly visible and well-lit. Provide appropriate lighting for parking areas. Consider attractive, low cut-off designer fixtures to avoid light spillage and light pollution.
Public Amenities Provide appropriate public spaces in front of the building. These should include low walls and benches that can accommodate gatherings of patrons (particularly children waiting for rides, etc.) Incorporate site artwork at outdoor public areas. Provide contemplative reading gardens or court- yards. Consider developing plantings and water features at gardens, entries and outdoor public areas. Provide specialty paving at walks and plazas to delineate areas intended for larger public gatherings and events. Provide coordinated design and integration of refuse containers, smoking urns,etc. FACILITIES - THE BRANCHES IV - 46 SITE TECHNICAL GUIDELINES
Building Service and Delivery Service, delivery, recycling and trash functions should be visually screened. Service routes, access points and loading zones should be clearly distinguishable from those to be utilized by library cus- tomers.
Security and Safety Parking areas should be fully visible to library staff, i.e. reference or circulation desk personnel. The building's entry should be clearly visible and the approach well lighted. Customers should be afforded the ability to see both into and out from the lobby. Provide an enclosed or covered wait- ing area in or adjacent to the lobby so that children and other patrons awaiting rides are not isolat- ed. In instances where it is not possible for staff to monitor remote service or delivery areas, mir- rors and remote cameras should be employed. Fire fighting vehicles should have access to as much of the building's perimeter as possible. Fire lanes should be clearly delineated and their availabili- ty protected through the use of subtle controls.
SITE TECHNICAL GUIDELINES
Survey A topographical survey shall be provided that identifies the location and size of all existing utilities (water, sanitary sewer, storm sewer, telephone, electric, gas, cable, etc.) whether aerial or underground; wetlands (if applicable); boundary with found and set iron pins or other monuments; all visible appurtenances (valve boxes, meters, manholes, control boxes, etc.), all flow lines of channels, culverts, swales, etc; buildings; structures; easements; parking lots; sidewalks; foundations; wells; underground tanks; trees in excess of 4" caliper; any required setbacks; and the names of adjoining property owners.The topographical survey shall be prepared with sufficient spot elevations on a grid suitable to the topography and size of the site to generate one foot contour inter- vals and shall include elevations 25 feet outside the property boundary.
Site Design Existing or proposed development by local authorities, community planning departments and trans- portation departments for areas in the project's vicinity shall be reviewed and considered for impact on the site grading design. FACILITIES - THE BRANCHES SITE TECHNICAL GUIDELINES IV - 47
Grading The site shall be graded so that natural drainage patterns remain and so that stormwater is not impounded on adjacent property. The site shall be graded so that positive drainage is achieved away from all buildings. The maximum grade that may be utilized is 3:1 (horizontal to vertical) and the minimum grade that may be utilized on concrete paved surfaces is 0.50 percent and 1.0% on asphalt surfaces. The minimum grade that be used on grassed areas is 1.0%.
Utilities The availability of all utilities required for the facility (including gas, water, electric, telephone, san- itary sewer, and storm sewer) shall be confirmed.
The following materials are acceptable for underground utilities to serve the facility: Domestic water: Type K, Class I, annealed (soft copper) Off-site water: PVC or Ductile Iron as prescribed by the City of Dallas Water Utilities Department Sanitary Sewer: PVC sewer pipe, SDR35, ASTM D2034, or ASTM F789. Storm Sewer: Reinforced concrete pipe, Class III or stronger. Fire Hydrants: Location and manufacturer as required by City of Dallas.
Stormwater Management Drainage techniques shall satisfy the City of Dallas stormwater management ordinances for quali- ty and quantity control, and rainfall intensity data as prescribed by ordinances. Utilize existing nat- ural drainage patterns when possible with no impact on adjoining properties. Best Management Practices (BMP's) shall be utilized for sediment control.
A sediment and erosion control plan shall be developed in accordance with city, state and federal laws to minimize soil exposure to runoff, sequence construction activities, and prevent eroded sed- iment from entering streams and lakes.
Parking Public parking areas shall include 6-inch curbs and gutters to control runoff. Parking lots shall be concrete and designed in accordance with AASHTO HS-20 loadings, or as recommended by a Geotechnical Engineer in a soils report for the site. Typical pavement thickness shall be 5 inches minimum, and 6 inches minimum at fire lanes. Expansion joints shall be provided at 150 feet max- imum spacing and sawed dummy joints at 15 feet maximum spacing. Material for joint sealing FACILITIES - THE BRANCHES IV - 48 SITE TECHNICAL GUIDELINES compounds shall be silicone.
The parking lot shall provide 90º head in parking with 24 feet driving aisles (or wider if required by codes for fire lane), and 9' x 18' parking spaces. Sidewalks shall be 4 feet minimum width with 5% maximum grades and be in accordance with ADA and TAS standards.
Parking lots shall be designed to provide adequate drainage in accordance with the following:
Area Minimum Slope Maximum Slope Driveways 0.50% 8.0% Parking 0.50%(concrete) 5.0% Sidewalks 0.50% 5.0% (1/4" per foot cross-slope max.)
Traffic Control Signs and Pavement Markings Traffic signs shall be located as required to control ingress and egress of vehicles using the fol- lowing sign types: Stop, Yield, No Left Turn, One Way, etc. All parking spaces shall be clearly striped with 4" white paint.
Stairs, Ramps, Sidewalks & Retaining Walls All ramps, sidewalks and stairs shall be constructed in accordance with ADA and TAS regulations and shall be slip-resistance surfaces.
Retaining walls shall not be used unless essential for proper site grading. Keystone (or approved equal) walls are preferred for aesthetics. Concrete walls may be used when not visible to pedestri- ans.
Cut/Fill Slopes When cutting the site along property lines, three to one (3:1) grades maximum shall be used to maintain stable soils. When filling the site, the use of four to one (4:1) grades maximum shall be used.