Chapter Two — Landscape Design Segments SECTION THREE: Capital Crossroads Aerial Landscape and Aesthetic Treatment Simulations The following aerial images are meant to illustrate landscape and aesthetic treatments at key points along the Capital Crossroads Landscape Design Segment. Carson Range Carson Range Duck Hill Duck Hill Community Transition CARSON CITY Community Interface Community Transition Community Transition US 50/US 395 Intersection US 50 (West) Regional Ornamental US 50 (East) US 395 Landmark Ste US 395 US 395/Carson City Freeway wart Interchange (South) CARSON CITY Jacks Valley Road Regionally Adapted Street Focal Community Transition 5th Street Community Interface Carson Valley Visual LEGEND LEGEND Gateway Community Transition Community Transition Native Revegetation Accentuated Community Interface Community Interface Landscape and Aesthetics Element Landscape and Aesthetics Element CAPITAL CROSSROADS B CAPITAL CROSSROADS B LANDSCAPE DESIGN SEGMENT LANDSCAPE DESIGN SEGMENT (1) This aerial view looks north towards Carson City along US 395 from Carson Valley. The US 50/ US 395 intersection creates (2) This aerial view looks north through Carson City along US 395. The Historic Downtown/Capitol Mall distinguishes itself a gateway to Lake Tahoe. Along Us 395, Community Background stretches toward the Historic Downtown/Capitol Mall in the from the surrounding community background with heightened landscape types and treatments. The Us 50/US 395 intersection center of Carson City. enhances the entry into historic downtown Carson City. *Note: The Carson City Freeway is not shown on these aerials due to the date of aerial information, but they are illustrated on the maps and sections. 2.28 SECTION THREE: Capital Crossroads Chapter Two — Landscape Design Segments Design Interpretation Summary – Capital Crossroads Interpretation of the segment’s design themes occurs dur- ing individual project design. The corridor plan establishes the direction for project level design. Examples illustrate forms and materials that could be used to accomplish the stated design objectives. (1), (2), (3) Civic buildings and historic structures reinforce community character. Architectural styles and (4) The legacy of ranching and mining sets the tone of community elements express dignity and have a timeless quality. the Capital Crossroads segment. (5) Gateway elements denote community boundaries and (6) Tree-lined boulevards define space and mark the establish the character of a place. transition to downtown areas. (7) City centers include spacious pedestrian walkways and site amenities that (8) Historic districts comprise an important (9) Safe pedestrian crossings include a change in paving (10) Regional materials reflect elements of ranching strengthen the local economic development. component of the segment. Signage materials, flashing signage, and safe zones at medians. and the historic importance of railroads within the and interpretation elevate the traveler’s area. awareness of the resources. 2.29 Chapter Two — Landscape Design Segments SECTION THREE: Capital Crossroads (1) The existing community entry into Minden lacks visual interest and is dominated by asphalt paving. (2) A new community entry establishes a sense of arrival. Materials reinforce the overall community character set throughout the downtown area. 2.30 SECTION THREE: Capital Crossroads Chapter Two — Landscape Design Segments (2) The wide appearance of the existing roadway encourages faster travel speeds and discourages pedestrian movement. (1) Traffic-calming features such as a planted median aesthetically define the roadway and create a more inviting pedestrian environment. (4) The existing trail in east Carson City can be connected to other regional trails. (3) Continuation of the shared-use trail to regional trail connections creates a connected system for alternative transportation. Separating the trail from the highway and providing enhanced native plantings promotes use. 2.31 Chapter Two — Landscape Design Segments SECTION FOUR: Lake of the Sky SECTION FOUR: the existing landscape character. Grading that DESIGN SEGMENT OBJECTIVES mimics the natural landform, and repair, resto- Lake of the Sky ration, and re-coloration of disturbed slopes are The Lake of the Sky design segment includes roadway design improvements that enhance the those roadways located within and providing ac- scenic quality and views from the lake. Concrete THEME cess to the Lake Tahoe Basin. The spectacular nat- barriers and other structures are simple in form ural setting drives the design objectives, which and materials, and are consistently used to create are focused on visually integrating the roadway The Lake Tahoe area, known for its scenic and rec- a visually cohesive system. into the environment and improving facilities to reational opportunities, attracts both national enhance the traveler’s recreational experience. In and international visitors. The roadways included Enhancing circulation, traveler amenities, and addition to general goals associated with scenic in the Lake of the Sky design segment include US connections to activity access points will improve designation, community interface, and communi- 50 from the US 395 intersection, SR 28, SR 207, recreational opportunities. A system of informa- ty transition, the following objectives have been and SR 431. US 50, SR 28, and SR 431 are scenic tional and directional signage points travelers to established specifically for this segment. byways, and SR 207 should receive a scenic byway recreational opportunities and highlights the ar- designation. Within the Tahoe Basin, all roadways ea’s natural history. Aesthetically improved view- Scenic Designation fall under the purview of standards set by TRPA. (1) Lake of the Sky (Segment C) key map. points include travel information, and facilitate a The guidelines set by TRPA will be considered for safe exit off the roadway for photo opportunities. • Apply for scenic byway designation for SR design elements of this segment. 207. Promote and provide signage for the ex- Recreation is incorporated into the roadway sys- isting scenic byway designations of US 50, SR tem with shared-use trails and bike lanes in the 28, and SR 431. The Tahoe Basin presents a range of constraints right-of-way. In addition, parking areas for recre- • Support the removal of outdoor advertis- that must be considered and addressed during the ational activities are provided. Partnerships are ing along scenic byways. Coordinate with design and implementation of vision for this seg- local jurisdictions to prevent billboards developed to provide transit systems and park- ment. Constraints such as steep terrain, narrow from blocking scenic views. and-rides to relieve roadways of heavy traffic and rights-of-way, funding, erosion control, and envi- • Coordinate signage elements with appro- provide travelers with alternative means to reach priate architectural styles. Ensure that siz- ronmental regulations present significant chal- their destination. es and heights do not detract from scenic lenges. However, the segment currently is used views. Select colors to reduce visual dis- by a large number of recreators, a trend that is ex- tractions. Improvements in the relationship between the pected to increase. The proposed improvements of • Repair and restore rock cuts. Stain, highway and adjacent communities must be fac- rest areas and trail linkages serve to address the revegetate, and/or re-contour disturbed tored into this design theme. Community areas areas to improve their visual quality. Uti- safety and conflicts among existing users. (2) Promotion of multi-modal transportation within such as Stateline, Incline Village, and Crystal Bay lize a combination of rock armoring and re- the corridor improves traffic circulation and visitor vegetation to secure slopes. Remove rock satisfaction. Access to destinations can be provided provide pedestrians and bicycles with ample room gabions and repair rock cuts through a through shared-use trails and shuttle systems. The design theme integrates the roadway as an for movement. Streetscape enhancements utilize combination of retaining walls with simple aesthetic component of the landscape. Roadway local materials. As SR 431 approaches Reno, the finish, rock armoring, re-grading, and re- features complement, rather than detract from, vegetation. The design of rock cuts should roadway environment is managed by scenic pres- the visual setting. Materials, textures, and colors consider erosion control, just as erosion ervation efforts and buffers for new development. reflect the natural setting. Appropriate material control projects should consider aesthet- ics as part of design. choices include rough-hewn wood, stone, and • Maintain spectacular lake views. weathered steel. A color palette of flat earthen tones – tans, browns, and grays – complements 2.32 SECTION FOUR: Lake of the Sky Chapter Two — Landscape Design Segments • Improve the view of highways as seen from utility upgrades and environmental im- • Incorporate a bike lane through downtown the lake. Minimize cut and fill. Sensitively provement projects. areas. blend roadway facilities in the landscape. • Utilize materials that respond to and blend • Provide accentuated transit stops that pro- • Coordinate road services with recreation with the natural surroundings. Examples in- vide winter shelter. opportunities around the lake and on SR clude muted, dark tones; granite stone; na- • Utilize materials that respond to the con- 431.