2.3 FUTURE URBAN DESIGN PUBLIC SPACE AND STREETS The following design guidelines for public spaces and streets, site development, and buildings should apply to new development in Downtown. These guidelines should be considered when discussing potential public and private projects. Ideally, they can be expanded to be more specific and used in conjunction with development and building approvals by City administrators and decision-making boards. In addition, certain design parameters could be established as development standards in the zoning code or as part of an adopted design review platform.
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Public spaces and streets in Downtown should provide pleasant, safe, and reasonably accessible experiences for pedestrians and cyclists who shop, work, live, and visit there.
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Street crossings should be prominently marked for safety and intersections constructed to enable safe, convenient, and attractive pedestrian access.
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Streetscape improvements should retain, restore and preserve the authentic architectural and historic features of Downtown. If authentic materials are not available, then compatible materials with similar architectural features and detailing may be used. (See additional recommended palette details for the streetscape in Chapter 6, Mobility and Accessibility.)
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Urban spaces and sidewalks should be suďŹƒciently landscaped (using native shade and ornamental trees, decorative planters, green spaces, etc.) and include pedestrian-scale lighting, benches, bike racks, and interesting elements, such as interpretive markers or public art.
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Public art and interpretive signage should be included in strategic locations in Downtown to enliven the streetscape and encourage additional pedestrian traďŹƒc. In particular, public art should be added to neighborhood entrances and gateways to better link adjacent neighborhoods to Downtown.
Quality public spaces, such as the Lower Bluffwalk, provide accessible and pleasant areas in Downtown Lynchburg for residents, workers, and visitors.
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CHAPTER 2: LAND USE AND URBAN DESIGN
LYNCHBURG, VIRGINIA
DOWNTOWN 2040