Mcrae-Helena Downtown Renaissance | 2018

MCRAE HELENA

2018 DOWNTOWN RENAISSANCE

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Fellows Program + Contacts Partners City Introduction + Scope of Work History Project Area Local Inspiration Branding Signage Gateway Signage Sidewalk Pressings Watertowers Streetscape Areas of Improvement Plant Palette Streetscape Palette Streetscape Plan Design Oak Street Pocket Park 2nd Ave + Oak St Oak Street Corridor Design MLK Jr. Blvd 2nd Ave + MLK Jr. Blvd MLK Jr. Blvd Corridor Design Revitalization Initiatives 1st + Pine Community Hub 1st Ave + Pine St Historic Gene Theater Liberty Square Helena Historic Helena Restaurant Downtown Helena + Railroad Park Multi-Use Greenway Trail

CONTENTS

3 4 6 7 8 10 12 14 16 18 19 20 22 23 28 30 32 38 40 42 44 48 50 52 53 56 58 60 62 63 66 68

FELLOWS PROGRAM

The Georgia Downtown Renaissance Fellowship Program is a partnership between the University of Georgia’s Carl Vinson Institute of Government, the Georgia Municipal Association, the Georgia Cities Foundation, and the UGA College of Environment and Design that aims to strengthen downtowns across Georgia. In 2018, the City of McRae-Helena was one of the two cities chosen to participate in the program. Partner cities are selected based on the criteria of strong local leadership, community commitment, and fiscal readiness to act on projects. We thank the people of McRae-Helena for their steadfast commitment to community improvement and invaluable role in the partnership.

During the 12-week fellowship, Rachael Shields and Elizabeth Solomon, graduate landscape architecture students, worked at the Carl Vinson Institute of Government’s Spectrum Studio alongside Clark Stancil and Daniel Shinkle under the supervision of Danny Bivins and Kaitlin Messich. They coordinated their efforts with the McRae-Helena community liaison, Liz McLean, McRae-Helena city manager. Shields and Solomon created design solutions and technical recommendations for reinvigorating McRae-Helena’s downtown. Downtown’s streetscape, historic building renovations, wayfinding, and signage were the focal points of the project.

Carl Vinson Institute of Government University of Georgia 201 N. Milledge Avenue Athens, GA 30602 706-542-2736 www.vinsoninstitute.org Danny Bivins Senior Public Service Associate Carl Vinson Institute of Government dbivins@uga.edu LOCAL CONTACT: Liz McLean McRae-Helena City Manager liz.mclean@mcrae-helena.org

FELLOWS: Rachael Shields MLA Candidate 2019 University of Georgia rachael.shields@uga.edu Elizabeth Solomon MLA Candidate 2020 University of Georgia elizabeth.solomon@uga.edu

C O N TA C T S PAGE 3

PA R T N E R S The City of McRae-Helena Liz McLean, City Manager »» The City of McRae-Helena was formed with the recent merger of the cities of McRae and Helena. McRae-Helena was awarded Georgia Trend’s Four for the Future Award in recognition of effective collaboration, strong leadership, and innovative ideas.

The Georgia Municipal Association Chris Higdon, Community Development Manager »» Created in 1933, the Georgia Municipal Association (GMA) is the only state organization that represents municipal governments in Georgia. Based in Atlanta, GMA is a voluntary, nonprofit organization that provides legislative advocacy, educational, employee benefit, and technical consulting services to its members.

GMA’s purpose is to anticipate and influence the forces shaping Georgia’s communities and to provide leadership, tools, and services that assist local governments in becoming more innovative, effective, and responsive.

The Georgia Cities Foundation Perry Hiott, Director of Community Development and Financial Services »» Founded in 1999, the Georgia Cities Foundation is a nonprofit subsidiary of the Georgia Municipal Association. The foundation’s mission is to assist cities in their efforts to revitalize and enhance downtown areas by serving as a partner and facilitator in funding capital projects through the revolving loan fund. Its services include the Revolving Loan Fund Program, the Peer-to-Peer Mentoring Tour, Downtown Development Authority Basic Training, and the Renaissance Award.

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The Carl Vinson Institute of Government Danny Bivins, Senior Public Service Associate T. Clark Stancil, Fellows Program Coordinator »» For more than 90 years, the Carl Vinson Institute of Government at the University of Georgia has worked with public officials throughout Georgia and around the world to improve governance and people’s lives. From Georgia’s early days as a largely agrarian state with a modest population to its modern-day status as a national and international force in business, industry, and politics with a population of over 10 million, the Institute of Government has helped government leaders navigate change and forge strong directions for a better Georgia.

UGA College of Environment and Design Rachael Shields and Elizabeth Solomon, Downtown Renaissance Fellows »» The College of Environment and Design (CED) has been consistently ranked among the top schools in the nation for both undergraduate- and graduate-level landscape architecture. The CED also provides nationally accredited, inventive, and demanding programs in historic preservation, environmental planning and design, and environmental ethics. Students are challenged to explore their unique, individual interest and creatively problem-solve contemporary issues, working with faculty to solve community issues in design charrettes. They also interact with clients, community organizations, and planning agencies. The CED aims to connect its students with a large and accomplished alumni network as much as possible. Visiting professors, professionals, and lecturers provide frequent opportunities for students to network with and learn from renowned designers in a broad range of career options.

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The City of McRae-Helena is the product of a unified government between two adjacent historic South Georgia towns. The resulting union has created a single city with two distinct historic downtown cores located one mile apart.

The Downtown Renaissance Fellows aimed to unify these two places beyond just their governmental structure. Using a few key strategies—wayfinding and branding, streetscape design, and a multi-use greenway corridor—the fellows strived to put together design considerations that will bring McRae-Helena forward together. To accomplish this, fellows worked with McRae-Helena city manager Liz McLean to develop a list of design projects to be developed during the 12-week fellowship. Completing these items is the first step to ensuring a reinvigorated and unified McRae-Helena.

-SCOPE OF WORKStreetscape: • Improve streetscapes of key corridors and side streets.

• Recommend streetscape plantings and treatment.

• Identify solutions for parking, utilities, lighting, pedestrian access, and waste cans.

Gene Historic Theater: • Restore the façade and original sign and repair the marquee.

Liberty Square/Downtown Greening: • Improve plantings to highlight the monuments.

• Identify potential downtown green spaces.

CIT Y INTRODUCTION + SCOPE OF WORK PAGE 06

HISTORY

McRae began as a railroad station for the Macon and Brunswick Railroad in 1870.

Chartered on March 3, 1874, the City of McRae was named for a prominent Scottish family in the area. The primary industries were cotton and turpentine. In 1892 McRae built the Old South Georgia College, which currently houses the Telfair Center for the Arts.

The city has a long history in Georgia politics, with former Georgia Governor Eugene Talmadge and US Senator Herman Talmadge both calling McRae home. McRae was also home to Marion Bayard Folsum, former US Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare.

The City of Helena was chartered on December 27, 1890. The Hotel Willard was built by the railroad in the 1880s, as a place for passengers to stay.

The two neighboring cities formed along two separate rail lines. Sitting less than a mile apart, they remained separate for more than a century. The area continued to grow into the 1960s. From the 1970s onward, the two cities saw disinvestment in their downtown cores, following trends similar to that of many rural small towns across the country.

In modern times, some refer to McRae-Helena as the Crossroads City, as five state highway routes and two major rail lines currently converge in the area.

On January 1, 2015, the City of McRae-Helena was created as the two cities merged to consolidate services. In recent years, some small businesses have opened their doors in downtown McRae, and a renovation project is currently under way on the most historically significant structure in downtown Helena, the Hotel Willard.

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DOWNTOWN HELENA

N

LEGEND

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h ra isto ilr ric oa d ho te l

A four-square-block area of downtown McRae was chosen as a focus area for redevelopment. This area encompasses the original historic downtown, creating a dense walkable core. Building the concentration of downtown amenities in this area will provide a sense of arrival and place.

PROJECT AREA

DOWNTOWN MCRAE

post office

N

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murals

signs

water towers

historic storefronts

updated facades

wide sidewalks

To capture the spirit of McRae-Helena, the UGA fellows looked to the unique features that already characterize the city. They were inspired by the variety of hand-painted signage, the matching water towers, eclectic vintage and thrift stores, and historic storefronts.

These details informed the designs included in this book. In their designs, the fellows strived to maintain this character while providing the city with a fresh, contemporary image to help attract the next generation to downtown McRae-Helena.

unique steps

L O C A L I N S P I R AT I O N PAGE 11

BRANDING City branding such as a logo, signage, and wayfinding helps to unify a city. Welcome signage and colorful light post banners can bring a sense of arrival to McRae-Helena, inviting people to stop and visit. Consistent branding helps capture the identity of a place, while wayfinding signage can help visitors engage with the city.

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TITLE

CITY LOGO BRAND COLORS Dark Blue CMYK: 86, 37, 30, 3 RGB: 4, 128, 155 Light Blue CMYK: 36, 0, 5, 0 RGB: 155, 218, 237

BRAND FONTS FRANKLIN GOTHIC MEDIUM COND FRANKLIN GOTHIC DEMI COND FRANKLIN GOTHIC BOOK FRANKLIN GOTHIC MEDIUM FRANKLIN GOTHIC DEMI FRANKLIN GOTHIC HEAVY

CHARACTERISTICS • • • • • •

Minimal Details Soft Industrial Feel Bright Contemporary Limited Color Palette Cohesive Materials

The proposed wayfinding suite creates a cohesive image for McRae-Helena. Classic denim blue is the tying theme throughout. The image is clean and updated, yet playful. This wayfinding strategy will create cohesion between the now unified governments and two historic downtown cores.

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SIGNAGE CORRUGATED METAL

3D BLOCK LETTERS

BLUE TEMPERED STEEL FINISH

LAYERED DEPTH

144”

CONCRETE BASE PRIMARY GATEWAY SIGNS

STREET SIGNS LARGER STREET SIGNS EXISTING SIGN UPDATE

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BRANDING

32”

BLUE, WHITE, AND GRAY OPTIONS LOCATION SIGNS 90” 132”

LIGHT POLES, TELEPHONE POLES, OR FREESTANDING

SECONDARY GATEWAY SIGNS

DIRECTIONAL POLE SIGNS

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US341/ US23 SPAULDING DR BYPASS

US 280

PRIMARY GATEWAY SIGNS SECONDARY GATEWAY SIGNS WELCOME TO HELENA RENOVATION MCRAE-HELENA CITY LIMITS

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BRANDING

G AT E WAY S I G N A G E BEFORE

Primary Gateway Sign

Secondary Gateway Sign

Welcome to Helena

Currently, McRae-Helena’s gateway signage is inconsistent and difficult to read, and it does not accurately represent the new unified government.

Upgrades to existing signage are proposed on US-280 to better intercept southbound traffic and on US-341/23 to intercept eastbound traffic. Two additional gateway signs could also be erected along US-280 northbound and US-341/23 westbound to attract more visitors. Additional updates to signage are suggested in downtown Helena.

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If sidewalk pressings are installed, visitors to McRae-Helena would begin to notice a subtle theme as they explore downtown on foot. Sidewalk pressings with quotes from local figures, historical facts, and points of interest could be scattered throughout downtown, creating an interactive way to learn about what makes McRae-Helena unique.

SIDEWALK

POTENTIAL CONTENT world's largest freshwater largemouth bass was caught in telfair county in 1932. it weighed 22 pounds and 4 ounces

"once divided now united"

"two weeks with love" was the opening show at the gene theater mcrae-helena merged in 2015 and was the first city-city government merger in georgia since 1921. mcrae and helena both began as railroad stops

mcrae and helena both began as railroad stops

"two weeks with love" was the opening show at the gene theater

mcrae-helena has been called the crossroads city for being the convergence point for 5 state highway routes and 2 major rail lines

ryals drug store is the oldest continuously operating business in mcrae-helena the statue of liberty replica is 1/12th the size of original in new york the princess theater was the first movie theater in mcraehelena. it was located next to the presentday chas-mar hardware store "once divided now united" home to two former governors: eugene talmadge and herman talmadge

PLACE BRANDING PAGE 18

BRANDING

WAT E R T O W E R S

Both Mcrae and Helena have matching water towers, landmarks that could be used to unify the two downtowns with matching signage. In order to maintain the historic integrity of the towers, non-invasive projected branding can be displayed at night. The towers can be seen from far away and provide a contemporary feel to McRae-Helena at night.

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STREETSCAPE Streetscaping refers to a downtown street design. Streetscape design recognizes that streets are more than simply a byway for vehicular traffic but are also places where people engage in a variety of activities. The most basic element required in a streetscape is street trees, which provide life and shade to the downtown. Quality streetscape design creates an inviting space with wide sidewalks, landscaping, and street elements like benches and lighting. These components slow traffic and establish a safer downtown environment for people. A streetscape can create a distinct sense of place, setting a city apart from all others. An inviting streetscape attracts people to an area. Visitors tend to stay longer, spend more money, and activate an area, all while bolstering the local economy.

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TITLE

Valdosta, GA

Milledgeville, GA

Thomasville, GA

Athens, GA

The above images show healthy, active streetscapes with greenery, seating, tables, bright signage, wide sidewalks, and lots of people. These Georgia cities offer examples of streetscapes to emulate and be inspired by.

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unsafe inlets

ADA accessibility concerns

irregular sidewalks

“crape murder”

AREAS OF IMPROVEMENT PAGE 22

STREETSCAPE

Areas Of Improvement While walking the city’s streetscape, the fellows noticed some functional and safety concerns that need to be addressed in order to make McRae-Helena safe, pleasant, and accessible to all residents and visitors.

• Overall the downtown lacks greenspace, tree cover, and shaded areas, making the city’s streets inhospitable in the South Georgia heat.

• Sidewalks are interrupted by stairs, which prevent full accessibility for handicapped visitors, parents with strollers, business deliveries, the elderly, and others.

• Storm drains are oversized and open in many areas.

• Sidewalks have irregular curb heights, some exceeding 2’ in height, posing a safety hazard.

• The city lacks pedestrian crossings and walk signals.

• Excessive drive and parking lane widths contribute to high speeds and impervious surface areas.

• Tractor-trailer traffic creates uncomfortable noise in the primary business district.

The planting palette chosen for McRae-Helena’s landscape was intentionally designed to limit maintenance and water requirements while providing lush and beautiful greenery to downtown. A loose, contemporary planting palette of ornamental grasses and herbaceous perennials will provide a beautiful and casual aesthetic that suits McRae-Helena’s rural context. These plants are hardy and drought-tolerant but will require some initial watering to be established. Periodic hand-weeding will be needed, but these plants require no pruning, mowing, or weed-eating, which will limit regular required maintenance to the cutting of spent grasses in February.

PLANT PA L E T T E

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P L A N T PA L E T T E CANOPY TREES Trident Maple

Trident Maple, Acer Buergerianum Height: 30’ Spread: 25’ Type: Deciduous Tree Size to Buy: 2” Caliper

Thornless Honey Locust, Gleditsia triacanthos inermis Height: 60’ Spread: 40’ Type: Deciduous Tree Size to Buy: 2” Caliper

Thornless Honey Locust PAGE 24

STREETSCAPE

Hop Hornbeam Hop Hornbeam, Ostrya virginiana Height: 30-40’ Spread: 20-30’ Type: Deciduous Tree Size to Buy: 2” Caliper

Willow Oak, Quercus Phellos Height: 50’ Spread: 40’ Type: Deciduous Tree Size to Buy: 2” Caliper

Willow Oak PAGE 25

Witch Hazel

Witch Hazel, Hamamelis virginiana Height: 15-20’ Spread: 15-20’ Type: Deciduous Shrub Size to Buy: 6 Gallon Tree Form

Musclewood

Musclewood, Carpinus caroliniana Height: 25’ Spread: 20’ Type: Deciduous Tree Size to Buy: 3” Caliper

UNDERSTORY TREES PERENNIAL BEDS

Blue Star

Amsonia hubrichtii Type: Herbaceous Perennial Size to Buy: 1 Gallon

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STREETSCAPE

Black-Eyed Susan Rudbeckia fulgida ‘Goldsturm’ Type: Herbaceous Perennial Size to Buy: 3” Pot

Muhly Grass

Muhlenbergia capillaris Type: Ornamental Grass Size to Buy: 3.6 Gallon

Little Bluestem

Schizachyrium scoparium ‘The Blues’ Type: Ornamental Grass Size to Buy: 1 Gallon

Salvia

Foxtrot Fountain Grass

Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Foxtrot’ Type: Ornamental Grass Size to Buy: 4” Pot

Rozanne Geranium

Geranium ‘Gerwat’ ROZANNE Type: Herbaceous Perennial Size to Buy: 1 Gallon

Yucca

Salvia sylvestris ‘Blue Hill’ Type: Herbaceous Perennial Size to Buy: 5” Deep Pot

Yucca flaccida ‘Golden Sword’ Type: Evergreen Broadleaf Size to Buy: 3.5” Pot

Russian Sage

Echinacea

Perovskia atriplicifolia ‘Blue Jean Baby’ Type: Herbaceous Perennial Size to Buy: 1 Gallon

Distylium

Distylium, ‘Vintage Jade’ Height: 3-4’ Spread: 4-5’ Type: Evergreen Shrub Size to Buy: 2.5 Gallon

Echinacea purpurea ‘Merlot’ Type: Herbaceous Perennial Size to Buy: 1 Gallon

PLANT PA L E T T E PAGE 27

Unique identifiable streetscape characteristics provide a sense of place and unify the city. The elements are durable for a long streetscape life. The chosen pieces are representative of South Georgia small towns. The crosswalk pavers and street lamps are already in place, but should be continued throughout the rest of the city.

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crosswalk pavers

street lamps

trash cans

metal benches

STREETSCAPE

S T R E E T S C A P E PA L E T T E pavers

railings

sidewalk pressings

street name pressings PAGE 29

STREETSCAPE PLAN DESIGN MLK

LIBERTY SQUARE RYALS

OAK 3RD

This graphic illustrates proposed McRae-Helena streetscape improvements. The primary objective is to create a safer, more pleasant, and walkable downtown. A consistent canopy of street trees creates respite from the South Georgia heat while serving as a visual cue to drivers to slow down. Driving lanes are reduced to a standard 12’ width, which acts as a traffic-calming measure and reduces driving speed through the primary pedestrian blocks. To further reinforce this safety measure, parking is converted to parallel with landscaped bumpouts at intersections and landscaped buffers between parking and pedestrian areas. Crosswalks are added at all intersections and at mid-block locations on primary business corridors. Sidewalk improvements include widening on most blocks and a design that fully accommodates ADA accessibility requirements while maintaining unique historic elements.

PINE MERCHANTS & CITIZEN BANK

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STREETSCAPE

Existing Sidewalks Existing Trees Proposed Benches Proposed Landscape Potential Infill Proposed Trees

DEPOT

Proposed Sidewalks Proposed Crosswalks Proposed Pavers

MCDONALDS

CHAS MAR HOME & GARDEN

1ST

2ND

GENE

POST OFFICE

WATER TOWER

FARMERS HOME FURNITURE

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OAK STREET CORRIDOR Oak Street has the potential to be the vibrant heart of downtown. Elements currently missing include street trees, dynamic signage, places to sit and socialize, and lively colors or details to activate the space.

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TITLE

OAK STREET BEFORE

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OPTION 1: EXISTING SIDEWALKS REMAIN 1:OPTION EXISTING SIDEWALKS REMAIN REMAIN OAKOPTION STREET 1: EXISTING SIDEWALKS 1. Update facades 2. 1.

Create pocket Createapark pocket in park vacant vacant mid-block lotmid-block lot lot.

• Create pocket parkininmid-block the vacant 3. 2.

Artistic design on brick retaining wall wall Artistic design onsidewalk brick • Add an artistic design onsidewalk the brickretaining sidewalk retaining wall.

4. 3.

Black painted Lightthe poles light painted poles with black withcolorful colorful welcome welcome bannersbanners. banners • Paint light poles andcolorful add welcome 5. 4.

Update Updated railings railings • Update the railings.

6. 5.

Planter Planter boxes on boxes railings on railings • Build planter boxes on the railings.

7. 6.

Potted plants Potted along plants business along business fronts frontsfronts.

• Add potted plants along business 8. 7.

Eye-catching Eye-catching business signage signage by business owners • Encourage business owners to erect eye-catching signage.

8. • Remove Removeincompatible incompatiblefaçade facade additions additionsand andupdate updatefacades the other façades.

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OAK STREET

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OPTION 2: STREET TREE IMPLEMENTATION • •

• •

• •

•

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Plant street trees with tree grates on the south upper-level sidewalk.

Widen the sidewalks with additional stair breaks to increase access to the up per level.

Create landscaped bump-outs mid-block and at the end of blocks.

Add landscaped planting strips between parking and the sidewalk on the north side.

Add a mid-block crosswalk.

Enhance the sidewalks by adding paver accents at the edges, at mid-block crossings, and between landscaped areas.

Add benches to improve the pedestrian experience.

OAK STREET

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VACANT FACADE

OVERGROWN INTERIOR

Downtown currently lacks much outdoor seating or plaza-like public space. The addition of a pocket park in an already existing mid-block vacant lot would be an inexpensive amenity to enhance downtown greenspace and create a distinctive day or night seating area.

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OAK STREET

P O C K E T PA R K PAGE 39

BEFORE This photo shows the central primary downtown intersection. Inactive businesses and four vacant slabs on the northeast corner lot require infill development to anchor the corner and provide visual consistency. Excessive lane widths, no pedestrian crossings, and a lack of street trees and landscaped areas create an inhospitable pedestrian atmosphere.

2 N D AV E + O A K S T PAGE 40

OAK STREET

AFTER

• Hardy street trees provide shade and help to calm traffic.

• Single-story active street-level infill development now anchors the corner lot, with potential for a restaurant or brewery and open-air café seating activates the corner.

• Pedestrian bump-outs and continuous rounded ADA mats at pedestrian crossings make the downtown more accessible.

• Widened 8’ sidewalks increase safety.

• Excess asphalt is replaced with landscaped beds of hardy perennials, improving the feel of downtown.

• Drive lane widths are reduced to 12’, further improving the downtown aesthetic.

• Parallel parking spaces are now 9’x20’, making them convenient for large vehicles while improving the overall appearance of the area.

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landscape bumpouts to increase planted area and slow traffic liberty square revitalization infill building to anchor block and activate street 3’ paver walkways from parking

OAK 2ND

3RD 9’ sidewalks

mid block crossing with pedestrian bump out parallel parking

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OAK STREET

OAK STREET

Existing Sidewalks Existing Trees Proposed Benches Proposed Landscape Potential Infill Proposed Trees

20’ and 15’ radius sidewalk corners with continuous rounded ADA tactile mat reduces crossing distance

Proposed Sidewalks Proposed Crosswalks Proposed Pavers

27’ between walkway cuts

8’ wide crosswalk 12’ lane width. 2 one way lanes.

1ST 1’ step off curb from parking

8’ deep perennial planter beds. parking lot greening

CORRIDOR DESIGN

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BEFORE PICTURE

M L K J R . B LV D CORRIDOR Martin Luther King Street currently suffers from excessive traffic noise, speed, and lane widths. This street is the westbound gateway to downtown and could benefit from the addition of street trees and landscaped areas that would provide an eye-catching introduction to the city. Existing downtown businesses could see a boost in customers as the visual improvements attract people to downtown amenities. The curved, stepped sidewalk on the south side of the street is a unique feature and should be preserved; however, ADA accessibility issues need to be addressed across the corridor.

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TITLE

BEFORE

M L K J R . B LV D

AFTER •

•

• • •

•

•

• •

Over-pruned crape myrtles are replaced with several large street trees, which provide shade and act as a visual cue to reduce traffic speeds.

Traffic is calmed by dropping the speed limit to 25 mph and reducing lane widths to the standard 12’.

New paver accents are added between parking and the sidewalks.

A crosswalk now connects the parking lot to a multi-use greenway.

A new ADA ramp at west end of the business strip (behind the curved stairs) addresses accessibility concerns.

Tall steps at the western end of the sidewalk are replaced with a ramped sidewalk and retaining wall.

Façades have been repainted, and the storefront windows and doors have been renovated.

Eye-catching business signage welcomes potential customers.

New benches attract pedestrians.

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MLK JR. BLVD

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2 N D AV E + M L K J R . B LV D The sidewalk is irregular with steep, crumbling stairs and a perilous twofoot curb, as well as a large open storm drain, all of which limit pedestrian access and pose a safety hazard. In addition, storefronts are vacant and show signs of blight. Particularly along MLK Jr. Blvd, signage and street names are inconsistent.

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MLK JR. BLVD

BEFORE

AFTER

• Landscaped perennial bed bump-outs with large street trees provide shade and add to the pedestrian experience.

• The space now has an ADA-accessible ramp.

• The sidewalk is widened and stairs are changed to low-grade ramps throughout.

• Benches, light posts, and wayfinding signage add character.

• Façade improvements, attractive signage, and new awnings all promote a sense of arrival downtown.

• Murals highlight local pride.

• Parking spaces are now parallel rather than angled.

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M L K J R . B LV D

Existing Sidewalks Existing Trees Proposed Benches Proposed Landscape Potential Infill Proposed Trees

tree allées calm traffic

Proposed Sidewalks Proposed Crosswalks Proposed Pavers

reduced turning lane length

3’ paver walkways from parking

MLK

2ND

3RD liberty square revitalization parallel parking PAGE 50

MLK JR. BLVD

1’ step off curb from parking

landscape bumpouts to increase planted area and slow traffic

CORRIDOR DESIGN pedestrian crossing across railroad tracks to neighborhood 20’ and 15’ radius sidewalk corners with continuous rounded ADA tactile mat reduces crossing distance 8’ wide crosswalk

1ST

infill building to anchor block and activate street

two lanes of one way traffic with 12’ lane width PAGE 51

R E V I TA L I Z AT I O N I N I T I AT I V E S This section discusses areas of improvement beyond the streetscape. Selecting key areas to renovate set an example for the rest of the city. Addressing the approach of key downtown properties could create a positive ripple effect. These projects should provide a public good. For example, improving the Gene benefits many people and is worth the investment to then cause surrounding properties to want to improve.

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TITLE

BEFORE

1ST + PINE COMMUNIT Y HUB

AFTER

This rendering illustrates a special event gathering. The intersection of 1st and Pine is closed for a one-day event, creating a city block party for all ages. This image shows an example of potential uses of a revitalized streetscape.

• • • • • • • •

Street trees and landscaped bump-outs Temporary event elements: tents, picnic tables, games, live music Redesigned intersection Restored Gene Theater façade Crosswalks Paver accent material Updated parking at Farmers Home Furniture and parallel parking along streets Eye-catching business signage

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REVITALIZATION INITIATIVES

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BEFORE

1ST

PINE

1ST

PINE

1 S T AV E + PINE ST

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REVITALIZATION INITIATIVES

The juncture of 1st and Pine streets is currently an irregular four-way intersection. This layout obscures sightlines and creates unnecessarily wide lanes. The parking area at Farmers Home Furniture has excessive driveway curb cuts.

AFTER

The proposed solution adds pedestrian bump-outs to reduce crossing distances and allows the eastbound traffic on Pine Street to stop closer to the intersection. The lane widths are reduced and straightened to improve visibility and reduce traffic speed.

The parking area for Farmers Home Furniture is redesigned to reduce excessive curb cuts and add parking spaces while providing green space and beautified plantings around store signage. Sidewalks are widened throughout with crossings at key areas.

MODIFIED ENTRANCE/EXIT

STOP BAR GREENSPACE BUSINESS SIGN

REDUCED LANE WIDTH

PIN

E

1ST

PINE

1ST

CROSSWALKS

MODIFIED ENTRANCE/EXIT

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1951

The Historic Gene Theater, which first opened in 1951 as a movie theater, is currently vacant and in severe disrepair. The fellows propose that the original faรงade and marquee be restored and that the interior be remodeled as a potential youth multi-use space for live music shows, movie screenings, performances, dances, pop-up markets, or art fairs. Having a space for activities for all ages would be a resource and meeting place for local youth and help incentivize healthy, creative activities.

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REVITALIZATION INITIATIVES

AFTER

H I S T O R I C G E N E T H E AT E R

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BEFORE The existing landscape has been in place for many years and would benefit from an update. The sidewalks and pathways are cracked and uneven, making them difficult to walk on in areas. Seating and shade are needed to provide a pleasant user experience. Updating the square will honor the monuments already in place.

AFTER • Trees and landscaped bump-outs have been added between the parking spaces and the sidewalk.

• One large and three understory trees have been planted to frame the Lady Liberty statue.

• Pavers have been added in place of the sidewalk on 3rd Street and throughout the park.

• Aging shrubs in the back of the park have been replaced with low-maintenance decorative grasses.

• The lamp posts have been updated to match those in the streetscape.

• Turf-grass has been replaced with low-maintenance planted beds.

• The Liberty Bell replica has been repainted.

• A bench has been relocated from behind the veterans’ memorial to improve access and use.

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REVITALIZATION INITIATIVES

LIBERT Y SQUARE

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HELENA Helena’s downtown is smaller than McRae’s, but this area should not be overlooked in downtown redevelopment plans. Many cities have more than one downtown strip. Helena’s downtown should be maintained, improved, and considered an area for reinvestment. The streetscape design proposed for McRae’s downtown can also be applied to Helena’s downtown. Proposed improvements include renovating the historic Hotel Willard, implementing downtown streetscaping, and creating an enhanced railroad park connection to a new multi-use greenway path.

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TITLE

BEFORE

The historic structure originally known as the Hotel Willard in historic downtown Helena was built to serve passengers of the railroad. This stately structure saw various incarnations as different hotels, a restaurant, and a VFW hall since its construction in 1893.

It has sat vacant for decades, and is currently being renovated by a private owner to be used again as a restaurant and mixed use space. The building has had much of its original fenestration removed and the brick has been painted.

HISTORIC H E L E N A R E S TA U R A N T PAGE 63

HISTORIC HELENA RESTAURANT • •

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Restored historic facade to original fenestration style Branded awning running the length of the facade to attract visitors traveling eastbound Outdoor seating and bar Patio with railing added to the primary corner entry Connects to new sidewalks along the length of the block Acts as an anchor point to downtown Helena and will greet users of the greenway trail when they enter Helena

HELENA

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DOWNTOWN HELENA BEFORE

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HELENA

Downtown Helena has business fronts that need exciting colors and signage to attract people. Adjacent to the business strip is Railroad Park, a hot and unshaded space in desperate need of some beautification.

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New trees provide shade in Railroad Park.

New sidewalks throughout the business district enhance the pedestrian experience, and Railroad Park is connected to a proposed greenway trail.

Landscaped buffers with street trees and perennial beds increase the aesthetic appeal of downtown Helena.

Awnings create shade where possible.

Replanted gateway sign areas welcome visitors to downtown Helena.

Eye-catching business signage attracts visitors.

Façade improvements, including paint and decorative details, create a cohesive look for the area.

Benches and seating improve the pedestrian experience.

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existing railroad park

historic hotel restaurant renovation

existing location of telfair museum of history

potential bike lane/ scenic route between towns connecting to arts center

telfair center for the arts

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HELENA

A potential future amenity is a multi-use greenway path created from an existing dirt service road, Railroad Street. The proposed multi-use trail connects the downtown cores of McRae and Helena for pedestrian and cycling access. The path is a mile long and would direct visitors to the new hotel restaurant and downtown Helena, and could be extended with wayfinding signage to connect to existing Railroad Park, the Telfair Historical Society Museum, and the nearby Telfair Center for the Arts. The objective is to enhance visitorship to the main cultural attractions while physically connecting the two downtown cores for area residents. proposed pedestrian/cycling rail to trail path connecting the historic downtowns

path parking in existing lot

potential new location for telfair museum of history in historic train depot

LEGEND

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This rendering shows a potential multi-use path created from the existing dirt right-ofway/service road “Railroad Street,� which runs parallel to the rail line between the two historic downtown cores. With minimal investment, this nearly flat road could be converted to pavement or crushed granite and planted with pine trees to shield users from the adjacent rail line and provide a greenway path between the two downtowns. Users could begin the trail in McRae, parking at the lot at the intersection of 3rd Street and Martin Luther King, and end their journey in downtown Helena. This trail would provide a recreation space as well as a physical connection between the two downtowns, enhancing both and creating an attraction for visitors and locals to enjoy.

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HELENA

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