City of Auburn Streetscape: A Complete Street Presented by: Ed Armstrong, RLA

Project Overview Streetscape improvements connecting the City of Auburn’s historic Old Town with its Downtown business district

Project Goals Reveal and celebrate Auburn’s identity and sense of place Strengthen the community social fabric Encourage people to stop, stroll, shop, and stay

Project Goals Contribute to economic revitalization Create a positive walking experience Improve and add wayfinding tools Improve infrastructure

Design Elements Trees, art, lighting, and paving used to create a distinct and inspirational setting Street and accent lighting designed to enhance safety and unify the corridor New urban plaza design Traffic calming design Stormwater infiltration/ attenuation features Phasing Plan and detailed cost estimates developed to accommodate nine phases BeforeAfter

Sustainability Features Large shade trees Locally (Northern California) produced materials: –Granite –Street furnishings Low water use and native plants Living Christmas tree

Complete Street Elements Pedestrian oriented –Designed to encourage pedestrians to loiter –Interpretive signs with wayfinding lighting on pedestals –ADA accessibility –Fire pit and seating –Traffic Calming: Crosswalk coloring and lights installed in stop bars Medians and bulb-outs

Low Impact Development Planter swales –Captures run-off from street in limited space –Requires species that tolerate wet conditions in the winter and spring –In our climate, plants need irrigation for summer –Engineering concerns over water affect on pavement –City excited about look, so willing to try something new

Low Impact Development Planter swale considerations –Establish correct grade at entry point (otherwise pooling of water can occur) –Address concerns over vandalism and maintenance (rocks) –Design for visual appeal with selection of plants and rocks

Low Impact Development Pervious Concrete –Incorporated into design, but later removed –Engineering concerns over infiltration of water undermining street –Uncertainty regarding maintenance and longevity –Concerns over rougher surfacing –Introduction of new technology, especially in prominent location

Lessons Learned Start with big ideas Community involvement is essential early on in the design process to obtain stakeholder buy-in Weekly construction meetings with merchants and landowners can help ease economic concerns Coordinate with engineers throughout the project and get buy-in on stormwater designs Engage contractor knowledgeable in Low Impact Development techniques