When the $22 million. 14-acre Railroad Park is completed in early 2010, it will become the “seam” that links the traditional downtown on the north of the railroad tracks with the UAB Campus and Medical Center on the south. The properties on 1st Ave S between 18th Street and 14th Street North are of primary concern since the face the park on its southern border.
In the fall of 2009, ONB convened a working group of property owners, developers, architects and urban planners from both UAB and the City of Birmingham to create design guidelines for these properties which would be presented as a compact. While non-binding, this compact has been accepted by the working group; other developers, property owners and architects will be encouraged to sign the compact going forward.
The standards encourage development based on four overriding principles, which state that any development in that area should: 1) Be compact, multi-use and pedestrian oriented; 2) Aspire to “green” environmentally friendly standards; 3) Accentuate primary entrances to the Railroad Park and 4) Integrate and optimize on-site parking and access.
Provide Compact, Muti-Use, Pedestrian-Oriented Development
· New buildings should be built to front and side lot lines to the extent practicable. However, additional sidewalk width should be provided where needed or desired, which may include arcades.
· New buildings fronting First Avenue South, between 14th and 18th Streets, should be at least five stories in height.
· Single buildings occupying entire city blocks should be avoided.
· New buildings should include pedestrian-oriented uses with direct access to sidewalks, including retail, business and public access functions, at street level on all frontages.
· No drive-through facilities.
· New buildings should contain multiple uses, including residential, office, research laboratories, etc uses above street level.
· Two-thirds, or more, of the street level facades should permit visibility into interiors from the sidewalk.
· Encourage use of elevated front stoops where housing meets the street.
Aspire To Become A “Green Neighborhood”- Sustainable Development
· Developments are encouraged to meet LEED guidelines for sustainability. LEED certified buildings hold a premium on resale value.
· Building tenants are encouraged to LEED certify tenant spaces.
· Sustainability elements that are desired and appropriate for the area include (but are not limited to): use of green roofs/roof gardens, energy efficiency, rain-water capture for non-potable uses, heat island reduction, optimized daylighting, bicycle parking, and recycling.
Accentuate Primary Entrances
· Corner buildings should provide activity and vitality on each street frontage.
· Primary building entrances should be distinguishable from those of individual storefronts.
· Civic art, artistic crafting, and canopies and awnings should be used to emphasize building entrances.
Integrate and Optimize On-Site Parking and Access
· Parking should be located below grade or in interior courts. On-site parking should not be placed contiguous to public sidewalks.
· Parking structures should be distinguishable from inhabited buildings but compatible with the character of existing or proposed buildings.
· Integrated parking arrangements, including cross parking easements, are encouraged to optimize available parking for different peak hour demands.
· Alleys should be preserved and maintained for access for both entry and service where practical.
· Driveways should not be on First Avenue South.
Looking Ahead
What might development look like if these standards are applied? A number of architectural firms have contributed their vision. To take a look, click here.