Redefining: Washington Square Park_Part 2

Integrate Pathway System 152 Crossroads Connection Union Station to Crown Plaza

Extend Spatial Boundaries 164 Union Station Skywalk Intervention

Activate Edges 176 Southern Edge East & West Edges

Anchor the Identity 192 User Defined North Edge Pavilion Amphitheater Event Platform

Design Proposals Design Proposals 151

Union Station Washington Square Park Liberty Memorial Crown Center

152 Design Proposals — Integrate Pathway System

Integrate Pathway System Integrate the park on a pedestrian level into the larger urban context by connecting and relating it to other significant spaces that define the order of the city.

The first design objective was to create and articulated pedestrian connection system between Washington Square Park and surrounding public spaces that would enhance its significance and value. A system of connected pathways would help to assimilate the surrounding neighborhoods of the Crossroads, Hospital Hill, and the Crown Center area into a larger web of related public spaces centering on Washington Square Park. This system of interconnected and related public spaces would in turn create a stronger destination point for the region. This design intention is investigated through two different studies as follows.

Integrate Pathway System — Design Proposals 153

Integrate Pathways: Crossroads Connection This proposal utilizes a driving lane vacated by the closure of the Walnut Street off ramp on the Main Street Bridge to expand pedestrian right of way and create generous pedestrian space that extends to the northern end of the bridge. With such a strategic design move, the space of Washington Square Park is virtually extended into and connected with the Crossroads area, creating a public promenade which allows the site and the city to be experienced and occupied in unprecedented ways.

154 Design Proposals — Integrate Pathway System

LOOKING NORTH ON MAIN ST. BRIDGE Integrate Pathway System — Design Proposals 155

EXISTING STREET SECTION THROUGH MAIN ST. The Main Street Bridge is currently seven lanes across, including bus lanes and a parking lane.

The parking lane is claimed as pedestrian space, creating a safer and more pleasant cross over the rail infrastructure, and connects to other pedestrian realm improvement projects, such as 20th Street.

planned street section

156Design Proposals — Integrate Pathway System

Main Street Connection View Sheds

Spatial Extents

Main Street Connection Pathway Creation

Washington Square Park Main Street Connection Pathway Creation

Crossroads Viewsheds

Main Street Connection Pathway Creation

Washington Square Park

Crossroads Pathway Creation

Washington Square Park

Crossroads

Washington Square Park

Crossroads

Pathway Creation

Integrate Pathway System — Design Proposals 157

Washington Square Park

Crossroads

PROCESS: LIGHTING

concrete

fiber concrete

light cap fiber optic sensor cables Lights controlled by computer

junction box

LIGHT WALL PANELS

fiber optic light cables cable jacket

INTERACTIVE WALL LIGHTING (GROUND ELEMENT) Laid in portions of sidewalk and street

158Design Proposals — Integrate Pathway System

SCREEN WALL CONSTRUCTION The wall not only acts as a physical barrier between vehicular traffic and pedestrians, but the fine mesh screens incorporate LED illuminated panels, which adds an interactive element to the pathway.

perforated screen

3/16” metal plate

metal spacer

1/8” metal backing metal base plate 1/16” metal sheet 8mm multicolor LED tape 1/8” thick metal backing

Integrate Pathway System — Design Proposals 159

MAIN STREET WALL LOOKING NORTH

160Design Proposals — Integrate Pathway System

With the planned streetcar, a streetcar stop is designed for the pedestrian space on the bridge, which will help alleviate congestion at the Main Street and Pershing Road intersection. The additional space granted to the pedestrians allows for seating and comfortable viewing of the passing trains.

Integrate Pathway System — Design Proposals 161

Integrate Pathways: Union Station to Crown Plaza The intention was to connect the two most prominent existing spaces, Union Station and Crown Plaza, as an integral part of Washington Square Park. The northern section of Pershing Street is claimed as a pedestrian zone, relegating all traffic to the southern three lanes. Distinguishing pavement is used to indicate pedestrian walkways and to extend into a curb-less transition zone from the park. The ends of the pathway are truncated with unique elements: The existing Crown Center plaza is unified with Washington Square Park, while Union Station incorporates a transportation hub plaza.

162Design Proposals — Integrate Pathway System

Integrate Pathway System — Design Proposals163

164 Design Proposals — Extend Spatial Boundaries

Extend Spatial Boundaries As shown in the morphological transformation studies, the physical boundaries of Washington Square Park were altered along with the changing functions of surrounding sites. A series of studies of the physical space of Washington Square Park sought to discover how the actual and perceptual space boundaries of the park exceed the parameters of its site lot signifying a potential for the creation of a much more significant urban space.

The second design objective was centered on exploring the issues of the Link structure that not only disrupts the original spatial connection between Union Station and Washington Square Park, but undermines the possibility of future transformation of the existing situation into a more resolved idea of an organized and meaningful urban whole that can better serve the city.

The following design propositions are based on the exploration of two different ideas: whether to remove link and restore the original idea of the continuous space between Washington Square Park and Union Station, or transform the link and allow direct access to the park, therefore alleviating the disconnection and inaccessibility created by the Link.

Extend Spatial Boundaries — Design Proposals 165

Spatial Extension: Union Station The proposal investigated the idea of removing the link and redefining the connection by extending the boundaries of the park to incorporate the area in front of Union Station. Union Station was originally a transportation hub, and with the planned streetcar, Washington Square Park has the potential to again be a large center for transportation. The edges of the park respond directly to the public transit routes in the area.

Pedestrians on the streetcar along Main Street are welcomed into the park through iconic plazas.

166Design Proposals — Extend Spatial Boundaries

Final Physical Model Aerial View of Transportation Plaza

Extend Spatial Boundaries — Design Proposals 167

memorial plaza streetcar stop streetcar route

bus stop transit plaza

ENLARGED PLAN

EAST WEST SECTION

168Design Proposals — Extend Spatial Boundaries

Washington statue

Extend Spatial Boundaries — Design Proposals169

Spatial Extension: Skywalk Intervention As shown through the pedestrian traffic studies, the majority of pedestrian movement is concentrated along the edges of the park, or above the park through the Link. While a safe and convenient alternative to crossing Main Street, the Link severely takes away from the public presence at the ground level. In an attempt to solve this issue, this proposal integrates the two different spaces by carving into the skywalk, removing parts of the cladding, and introducing a large public stair down to ground level that also serves as an amphitheater. In effect, this creates a gateway to the park directly from the link, thus changing its nature and making it a part of the park space.

170 Design Proposals — Extend Spatial Boundaries

Extend Spatial Boundaries — Design Proposals 171

1. Existing structure

172 Design Proposals — Extend Spatial Boundaries

2. Carved away portion of cladding/ maintain structure

3. Extend out to create canopy over plaza & bring large public stair to ground level.

4. Planned intervention

Extend Spatial Boundaries — Design Proposals 173

NORTH SOUTH SECTION CLOSEUP

NORTH SOUTH SECTION

174 Design Proposals — Extend Spatial Boundaries

Extend Spatial Boundaries — Design Proposals 175

176 Design Proposals — Activate Edges

Activate Edges Increase the programmatic and use density of the park edges to activate streets space and promote inhabitation of the central park space as flexible program area.

The concept behind this design objective is to strengthen pedestrian oriented street activity in order to increase use attractiveness and activate open public space. This would be achieved by providing opportunities for street-level retail, restaurants, cafĂŠs, and other spontaneous outdoor commerce interactions, while preserving the center zone for other flexible programming. Consequently, two separate complementary park use conditions would be created, both of which could capitalize on the current events in the park and potential pedestrian pathways.

Activate Edges — Design Proposals 177

Activate Edges: Southern Edge The edge along Pershing Road was designed to become a plaza to take advantage of the significant existing pedestrian movement. The idea of the space is to become a programmatic flex zone that draws on the natural flow of pedestrians. It is conceived as both a space that can be modified on daily basis through the interaction between occupants and adjustable urban furniture elements, and reordered into a formally arranged whole for annual public events.

178 Design Proposals — Activate Edges

kiosk

bench

ADJUSTABLE URBAN FURNITURE Activate Edges — Design Proposals 179

180Design Proposals — Activate Edges

Kiosk Setup

Seating Setup

Activate Edges — Design Proposals 181

Activate Edges: East & West Edges This proposal focuses on activating the edges in such a way that creates a cohesive loop from the western edge to the eastern edge of the park, and in doing so leaves the center space open for flexible use. The activities along the park edges reinforce pedestrian oriented street activity and help to activate the public space. Design ideas that are incorporated into the programming are a pavilion for event space, a floating event deck, and an art walk with a play area and food area.

182 Design Proposals — Activate Edges

Activated West Edge

Activated East Edge

South Edge Loop Connection

Flexible Space Condition

Activate Edges — Design Proposals183

South Promenade

Southern Front Porch

Event Canopy at Night

184 Design Proposals — Activate Edges

Event Canopy during Market

Activate Edges — Design Proposals 185

art walk

flexible open lawn transit hub

plaza/event space

Art Walk

Bioswale

Viewing Deck

Food Truck Area

Playscape Area

Art Walk

Bioswale

186Design Proposals — Activate Edges

Benches

Bioswale Art Frame

Playscape Area Bioswale Art walk

Benches

Art Pedestal

Activate Edges — Design Proposals 187

steel box rail mounted LED lighting barn door hardware

artwork

ART DISPLAY FRAME DETAILS

188Design Proposals — Activate Edges

precast concrete metal grate panel wood

ADJUSTABLE BENCHES Activate Edges — Design Proposals189

EAST EDGE ART WALK LOOKING NORTH

190Design Proposals — Activate Edges

Activate Edges — Design Proposals 191

192 Design Proposals — Anchor the Identity

Anchor the Identity Ground the park within the unique features of its locale as a fixed and significant place in the city to capitalize on its potential to become a civic space that serves surrounding communities and Kansas City as a whole.

This concept builds off of the idea of Washington Square Park as an Anchor Park proposed in the 2011-2012 KCDC Comprehensive Vision Study for Green and Civic Spaces. The definition of the Anchor Park as outlined by the study is to provide an iconic quality rooted in geography, permanence and singularity and in that embody the identity of Kansas City. The unique aspects of the Washington Square Park location are influenced by the geography and unfolding morphology of the city form which create an unprecedented perspective that sums its totality and anchors it in a single fulcrum point. explore such an anchoring potential, The following proposals aim to formally fix and make permanent the current spontaneous and haphazard aspects of the park’s locale: the views, the panorama, and the drama of the city skyline

Anchor the Identity — Design Proposals193

Anchor Identity: User-defined North Edge This design proposal offers the user the ability to “inhabit” the view of the city by assuming their position in it and setting the parameters of the view frame of the downtown. The users inhabit the park by manipulating the space through adjustable furniture. The moveable bench design provides the opportunity for solitude or the potential for a group of people to gather. All of the benches have a “zero position,” or a stored position in which they can be put away. The open space that is left when the benches are not “activated” can be used to set up tents or other necessities for special events such as “Irish Fest.”

USER DEFINED SEATING

194 Design Proposals — Anchor the Identity

Anchor the Identity — Design Proposals 195

196Design Proposals — Anchor the Identity

stored position

activated

MOVABLE SEATING Anchor the Identity — Design Proposals 197

EAST - WEST SECTION

198Design Proposals — Anchor the Identity

Anchor the Identity — Design Proposals199

Anchor Identity: Event Pavilion This proposal for adaptable open space straddles the definitions of a park, pavilion, and event space. The extrusion of the park topography into an inhabitable pavilion creates a multiplicity of spaces that differ in the degree of enclosure and the connection with different parts of urban context to the north and south. The creation of an inhabitable pavilion top creates a fluid edge of two realities: the urban park and the event plaza space. The edge is made fluid by systematically slicing the pavilion at strategic points to create visual connection with key areas of the downtown. The southern edge is designed as an adaptable urban event space, intended for a variety of events such as food truck festivals, marathon celebrations, and parades. The driving concept for the north space is an urban park which capitalizes off the unique view of the downtown by using the pavilion as an amphitheater. The open lawn can be used as a stage for performances and sports events, and offers the suggestion of the “city as a stage or as an event itself.”

PROCESS DIAGRAMS

1. initial site plan

2. lift ground plane

A

B

C

3. Locate desired views to North

4. cut and remove elements to reveal views

5. seperate pavilions created

6. connect pavilions with upper walkway

200Design Proposals — Anchor the Identity

Anchor the Identity — Design Proposals201

202

203

204Design Proposals — section heading

section heading — Design Proposals205

Anchor Identity: Event Platform This proposal adds a unique element that takes advantage of the view of downtown, and also provides a creative solution for the topographical change along the north edge of the park. This is done by creating a “floating deck” which is suspended over the bio-swale and water collection, anchoring itself into the views of the city. This space is designed for a variety of events including public movie nights, food truck events, gathering space, and outdoor office meeting space.

206Design Proposals — Anchor the Identity

deck

canopy

207

208Design Proposals — Anchor the Identity

Anchor the Identity — Design Proposals209

fixed seating

flexible seating fixed metal grate deck movable metal grate panels

metal grate railing steel structure concrete footings

DECK DETAILS

210Design Proposals — Anchor the Identity

Event Deck during Business Hours

Event Deck during Business Hours

Anchor the Identity — Design Proposals 211

212 Appendix

Additional Drawings 214 References 238 Acknowledgements 240

Appendix

Appendix 213

Rail Infrastructure 1900

Rail Infrastructure 2010

RAIL INFRASTRUCTURE This series of maps shows the transformation of the rail lines from 1900-2010 and their relationship to Washington Square Park. Over time, the rail lines began to grow in number, peaking in 1925 when Union Station was the gateway to Kansas City. The configuration and number of lines serving Union Station shaped the northern edge of Washington Square Park, creating the triangular shape the park is today. From 1985 until 2002 there were no passenger trains that came through Kansas City, which decreased the number of rail lines, and Union Station was closed for a time before reopening in 1999.Currently, there are two lines that run through Union Station, one that connects with St. Louis and another that connects with Chicago and Los Angeles.

214 Appendix

Water Conditions 1900

Water Conditions 2010

HYDROLOGY This series of maps shows the surface water and floodplains from 1900 until 2010. The surface water conditions depict the transformation of Turkey Creek and the associated flood plains. In relationship to Washington Square Park, Turkey Creek used to run directly to the north of where the park is located. When Union Station was built, Turkey Creek was buried to make the area suitable for the implementation of rail lines.

Appendix 215

PARCELS Parcels

The parcels map shows the change in parcel size from the Crossroads towards the south across the rail Parkstracks. Washington Square Park is located among many of the larger and irregular parcels located south of the railroad tracks.

Parcels Scale: 1� = 100’

216Appendix

Urban Development Downtown Mixed Use Mixed Use Business/Commercial Residential Manufacturing

Urban Re

Downtow

Urban Re

ZONING The zoning map indicates that Washington Square Park is located within a business/commercial zone with urban redevelopment directly to the north.

Appendix 217

Busines

M

Urban Development Downtown Mixed Use Mixed Use Business/Commercial Residential Manufacturing

ZONING AND PARCELS This map combines the parcels with the zoning in order to find which parcels are zoned under what use.

218Appendix

RIGHT OF WAY

Appendix 219

Right of Way Urban Development Mixed Use Business/Commercial Residential Manufacturing

POTENTIAL DEVELOPMENT This map combines the right of way with the zoning in order to find where and what there is some potential to develop.

220Appendix

0-$500 $501-1000 $1001-2000 $2001-4000

LAND VALUES The comparison of the surrounding land value reveals that the parcels directly adjacent to the park are comparatively more valuable than those north of the railroad. The redevelopment of Washington Square Park will further increase the surrounding land values.

Appendix 221

1909

1925

INFLUENTIAL LAND USES This series of land use maps from 1909, 1925, and 2013 show the change from an underdeveloped industrial district to an area of mainly commercial and institutional uses.

222Appendix

2013

Single-Family Residential Multi-Family Residential Parking Industrial Vacancies Retail/Commercial Public/Institutional Government

Appendix223

Individually Owned City/County Owned Business Owned

PARCEL OWNERSHIP

Business Owned Parcels Individually Owned Parcels

Parcels The breakdown of parcel ownership shows whether a parcel is owned by an individual, by theCity/County city Owned or county, or by a business. The majority of the Parks parcels in the adjacent area of Washington Square Park are owned by businesses.

Parcels Scale: 1� = 100’

224Appendix

One Property Two to Four Properties Five or More Properties

BUSINES PARCEL OWNERSHIP

One Property

Two to Four Properties The breakdown of business parcel ownership shows how many parcels are owned by a single business. The parcels denoted in yellow show that it Five or More Properties is the only parcel a business owns where the parcels denoted in green show that it is one of five or more properties that a business owns. The area around the park is owned mostly by businesses that own five or more parcels.

Business Parcels Scale: 1� = 100’

Appendix225

BELGER REALITY CO INC

LIDIAS FREIGHT HOUSE LLC

UNION STATION ASSISTANCE CORP

GATEWAY HARRISON INC

UNION STATION ASSISTANCE CORP

UNION STATION ASSISTANCE CORP

UNION STATION ASSISTANCE CORP

N ATIO N ST

NCE

A

TA SSIS

R

Y TE

S CIT

A KANS

O AY C AILW

LR MINA

FORTIS INC BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD

CITY OF KANSAS CITY

FSP GRAND BOULEVARD LLC

P

COR

O UNI

CROWN POWER & REDEV CORP

CITY OF KANSAS CITY

ADJACENT PARCEL OWNERSHIP The breakdown of parcel ownership adjacent to the site shows who owns the parcels around Washington Square Park. Union Station and the City of Kansas City own most of the parcels directly related to the park.

226Appendix

NIGHT LIGHTING This map shows the location and amount of light during the night. The pathways are well lit, but some areas are not. This can create a perception of danger during the evening hours. The lack of residents in the area also contributes to this perception.

Appendix227

PEDESTRIAN COUNTS This maps shows pedestrian counts at the medium site extents, adapted from the study taken by the Mayor James administration in a study of the Crossroads Arts District. It is interesting to see that the majority of pedestrians around Washington Square Park either use Grand Boulevard or Pershing Avenue.

228Appendix

85+ years 80-84 years 75-79 years 70-74 years 65-69 years 60-64 years 55-59 years 50-54 years 45-49 years 40-44 years 35-39years 30-34 years 25-29 years 20-24 years 15-19 years 10-14 years 5-9 years 0-5 years 1500

1000

500 Males

0

500

1000

1500

Females DEMOGRAPHICS 2010

This diagram shows the male-female relationship according to age, within the GDAP boundaries. Females dominate the younger and older age brackets, but not the 30-49 years age range. The 25-29 age range is significantly higher than others, and males are slightly more numerous is this bracket.

Appendix229

1000% + 101% - 1000% 0% - 100% 0% - -20% -21% - -40% -41% - -60% -61% - -80% -81% - -100%

POPULATION CHANGE 1000% +

-21% -- -40%

This map represents the change in population from 1970 to 2000 as per census data from 1970, 1980, 1990, and 2000.

101% -- 1000%

-41% -- -60%

0 -- 100%

-61% -- -80%

0% -- -20%

-81% -- -100%

POPULATION CHANGE 1970-2000 Scale: 1” = 1000’

230Appendix

2 14 27

0-500 People 501-1000 People 1001-2000 People 2001-4000 People

NUMBER OF HOUSEHOLDS This map show the change in number of households per number of people from 1970-2010 as per census data.

Appendix 231

NORTH

NORTH

WEST

Spring

EAST

SOUTH

16-20 11-15 6-10 1-5

16-20 11-15 6-10 1-5

WEST

Summer

EAST

SOUTH

16-20 11-1512-16 6-10 7-11 1-6 1-5

WIND STUDIES In addition to studying the sun, we looked at how the wind affects the site throughout the year. The four wind roses show what the wind is like in Kansas City during the summer, winter, fall and spring. In the summer and fall most of the strong, fast winds come from the south; whereas in the winter and spring, they tend to come more from the northwest.

232Appendix

NORTH

NORTH

WEST

Fall

EAST

SOUTH

16-20 11-1515-20 10-14 6-10 5-9 1-4 1-5

WEST

Winter

EAST

SOUTH

16-20 11-15 6-10 1-5

16-20 11-15 6-10 1-5

Appendix233

References i

Klein, Taryn. “Measuring the Value of Urban Parks.” Thesis. Kansas State University, 2014. Print.

ii

Carr, S [et al.] “Public Space”. Cambridge. Cambridge University Press, 1993.

Print.

iii

Low, Setha M., and Neil Smith. “The Politics of Public Space.” Routledge, 2006. Print.

iv

Armstrong, Robert. “Bone and Muscle of Democracy.” Thesis. Kansas State University, 2014. Print.

v

Sherer, Paul M. “The Benefits of Parks: Why America Needs More City Parks and Open Space.” The Benefits of Parks. The Trust for Public Land: Conserving Land for People, 2006. Web. 19 May 2014. <http://www.eastshorepark.org/benefits_of_parks%20tpl.pdf>.

vi

“Effects of Recreation and Park District on Human Development And Other Benefits.” California Recreational Planning Department. California State Parks Planning Division, 2010. Web. 19 May 2014. <http://www.crpd.org/ civica/filebank/blobdload.asp?BlobID=2832>.

vii “How

Cities Use Parks for ... Community Engagement.” How Cities Use Parks for ... Community Engagement. American Planning Association, n.d. Web. 19 May 2014.

234Appendix

References viii Neal,

Zachary. Seeking Common Ground: Three Perspectives on Public Space. Urban Design and Planning. Michigan State University, 2010. Web. 19 May 2014. <https://www.msu.edu/~zpneal/ publications/neal-seekingcommon.pdf>.

ix

x

Worpole, Ken, and Katherine Knox. “The Social Value of Public Spaces.” Joseph Rowntree Foundation, 2006. Web. 19 May 2014. <http://www.jrf.org. uk/sites/files/jrf/2050-public-space- community.pdf>.

Love, Cassiday. “Social Effects of Civic Spaces and Parks in Urban Communities.” Thesis. Kansas State University, 2014. Print.

Appendix235

5th year Students

4th year Students

Daniel Allen

Xavier Gavin

Architecture | University of Kansas

Interior Arch | Kansas State University ­

Robert Armstrong

Brian Hampel

Architecture | Kansas State University ­

Architecture | Kansas State University ­

Jacob Christilles

Stephon Hardridge

Architecture | Kansas State University ­

Architecture | Kansas State University ­

Mark Cunningham

Tanner James

Architecture | University of Kansas

Architecture | Kansas State University ­

Calleigh Freese Architecture | University of Kansas

Christina Henning Architecture | University of Kansas

Taryn Klein Architecture | Kansas State University ­

Cassiday Love Architecture | Kansas State University ­

Andria Nutsch Architecture | University of Kansas

Mary Rogers Architecture | University of Kansas

236Appendix

Acknowledgements The Kansas City Design Center would like to recognize all of the individuals and organizations who were involved with our studio this year.

Their participation and support provided assistance to this project and to our professional development.

First and foremost we would like to extend a special thank you to the William T. Kemper Foundation and Hall Family Foundation for their generous support. We would also like to thank the Kansas City Parks and Recreation Department and the Kansas City Downtown Council Greenspace Committee for the opportunity to collaborate on this project. Our success in building public interest in and understanding of urban design issues would be impossible without their generous support.

Our gratitude is also extended to Coen + Partners and their collaborators, specifically Shane Coen, Robin Ganser, and Austin McInery, for their involvement and direction as a professional firm with whom the 2013-2014 KCDC Urban Design Studio collaborated with to focus our findings and begin the dialogue of preliminary design ideas that will hopefully serve the future development of the project.

Finally, we would like to thank Vladimir Krstic, the director of the Kansas City Design Center and instructor of the 2013-2014 KCDC Urban Design Studio, for his expertise and guidance on the project.

Appendix237