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Designers show preferred concept: Kiesel pedestrian spine and a central plaza
Summary
Consultants presented a preferred short‑building, pedestrian‑focused concept that centers a linear plaza along Kiesel Avenue, with step‑backs to preserve pedestrian scale and mixed‑use frontages to activate the street.
The consultant team presented a preferred design that emphasizes a pedestrian‑first Kiesel Avenue as a central linear plaza, with fronting retail on Washington Boulevard and residential or mixed uses stepping back from the street.
Melissa Fry of MHTM described the concept as a "central plaza" tucked away from Washington Boulevard traffic so it can be a quieter hub for day‑ and night‑time activity. She explained the plaza could include amphitheater seating, a splash pad/water feature and outdoor dining.
Design elements discussed include 2–5 story podiums with step‑backs above the podium, street parking to calm traffic and provide convenience for short visits, extended bicycle infrastructure, and materials guidance (brick or fiber cement ground floors, glazing, restrained metal accents) to create a cohesive downtown identity. Consultants noted that the planners should protect right‑of‑way for Kiesel through future redevelopment so the pedestrian spine can be preserved.
Workshop participants preferred keeping Kiesel largely straight to preserve sightlines to the grocery/Macy’s anchor and to support uses like a farmers market, while allowing subtle curves at the ends for urban interest.
Consultants will update renderings and return with refined visual materials.
