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HLC backs pilot to narrow State Street planters and add sidewalk dining room; details to be refined
Summary
The Historic Landmarks Commission endorsed a pilot to slightly narrow raised planters on the 1200 block of State Street to create more contiguous brick sidewalk and additional room for outdoor dining while keeping existing trees. Staff and the subcommittee will refine planting lists and details before implementation.
The Historic Landmarks Commission on Dec. 18 supported a pilot to reconfigure planters on the 1200 block of State Street to create additional sidewalk space for dining and pedestrian circulation while retaining the blocks existing street trees.
What was proposed: City staff and the HLC State Street subcommittee proposed tightening the footprint of the raised planters that currently separate the sidewalk from outdoor dining or the curb. The pilot would keep all healthy trees in place, remove one failing, marginal tree, and reduce some lower-level planting to create a narrower planter edge with a matching brick band. The idea is to replace worn or displaced paving at the same time the city makes planned brick repairs, so the pilot could be implemented as a coordinated construction effort.
Commission guidance: Commissioners endorsed the concept as a pilot, asking staff to prioritize tree health and to avoid configurations that would stress roots or create future sidewalk uplift. Commissioners suggested retaining permeable planting where possible, reusing existing sandstone where historically appropriate, and using tree grates only in locations where paving and maintenance conditions make grates viable. The subcommittee will work with urban forestry and the applicant stakeholders to produce a final planting palette and construction details. The commission indicated it prefers a conservative approach to tree wells (leave adequate open planting around trunks) while using permeable pavers or improved edge details where necessary.
Why it matters: The pilot aims to balance preservation of the historic downtown planting character with more active sidewalk life and a clearer pedestrian corridor. Commissioners noted the block's role in downtown circulation and said the pilot could serve as a model for similar improvements elsewhere on State Street if it proves successful.
Next steps: Staff will prepare construction drawings, a final planting list and maintenance plan, and return to the commission with refined details. Commissioner McClure and the subcommittee will assist in field decisions about individual planters where site constraints or utilities require adjustments.
