Porterdale

Porterdale Georgia

2013

This booklet is a student publication issued through the Carl Vinson Institute of Government and the Georgia Downtown Renaissance Partnership. No portion of the booklet can be reproduced without permission from the editor and all uses must be in compliance with the “fair use� protocols of the U.S. copyright law.

Photo: Yellow River Park

PORTERDALE, GEORGIA CITY ENHANCEMENT Design Concepts and Plans TABLE OF CONTENTS: • Special Acknowledgements + Introduction................................4 • Base Map.......................................................................................................5 • Project Areas.................................................................................................6 • Parking Possibilities.................................................................................7 Existing, Proposed, Alternate Use, Research

• Gym Planting Plan..................................................................................14 Concepts, Cost Estimates, Front Median

• Yellow River Park Design....................................................................22 Concepts, Signage, Elements

• South and North Entrances...............................................................28 Signage, Gazebo Enhancement, Vegetation

• Downtown Redesign...............................................................................31 Concept Redesign, Alleyway, Streetscape Ideas

3

Special

Acknowledgements: Georgia Municipal Association

Created in 1933, GMA is a voluntary, non-profit organization that provides leadership, tools and services to assist local governments become more innovative, effective and responsive.

Georgia Cities Foundation

Established in 1999, GCF is a non-profit organization that assists cities in their efforts to revitalize and enhance downtown areas by serving as a partner and facilitator in funding capital projects through a revolving loan fund.

Carl Vinson Institute of Government

Danny Bivins, Renaissance Fellows Supervisor Langford Holbrook, Public Service Associate Kaitlin McShea, Senior Graphic Designer

The Institute works with public officals throughout Georgia and around the world to improve governance and people’s lives. The Institute has helped government leaders navigate change and forge strong directions for a better Georgia.

The College of Environment & Design Kristi Korngold, Renaissance Fellow

The college hosts various degree programs, including Landscape Architecture, Historic Preservation, and Environmental Planning & Design as well as specialized Certificate Program in Environmental Ethics.

Thank You Porterdale, Georgia: Arline Chapman, Mayor Porterdale City Council Robert Thomson, City Manager

Introduction: Scope of Work + Process Porterdale is a historic mill town founded in 1830 and located approximately 36 miles east of Atlanta. Porterdale sits along the Yellow River on S.R. 81 in Newton County. The city still has many original structures which add to its unique and historic character.

Although Porterdale is traditional in architecture and layout, the city could use a modern touch to help enhance its charm, and in turn its economy. Porterdale is once again an up-and-coming city.

In order for the city to prosper, changes must be done to the downtown area, the Yellow River Park and the new gymnasium as well as implementing better connectivity throughout the city.

This booklet illustrates the enhancements Porterdale should implement. In simple, inexpensive phases this city can see dramatic and positive results. It’s time to sweep up the old factory mill dust and reveal the beauty underneath.

A Very Special Thank You To

Director Choi!

It was an honor to work with and learn from Director Choi this summer. He has so much knowledge on design, installation and placement. His guidance impacted my work immensely in an extremely positive way. I could not of succeeded this summer without the help from Director Choi. My future is brighter because of his commitment to this program and I hope I get to work with him again.

Thank you.

Map

Simplified Overview

MI

ll

ll ba se d Ba Fiel

Gy

Ci

Do

ty

wn

To

Ha

wn

Base

Po Sta lice tio n

m

ll

Par

kin

Mi

ll L

gD

ec

k

oft

s

The Yellow River

ll

Mi

55

Project

Areas

Overflow Parking Possibilities Yellow River Park, Main Downtown Extension + Redesign W/ Parking Entrance

Gazebo Entrance

Areas To Be Enhanced

Parking

Possibilities Possible Parking Lot Locations

Yellow River Park

Possible Pathways to Park

7 Porterdale, Georgia

Existing

Parking

Parking Analysis + Count

F G E

D

Gym

C A B

A. Parking Around Downtown B. Parking Around Old Mill Loft C. On-Street Parking D. City Hall E. Behind Gym F. Top Church Lot G. Presbyterian Lot

67 88 36 26 25 20 33

TOTAL: 295 Existing Spots

Proposed

Parking

Possible Parking Locations

Outside of Mill by Hemlock Street: 0.2 Miles Away From the Yellow River Park Loop; 3-Minute Walk

View Outside Mill by Hemlock Street

Aerial View of the Corner of Peachtree Street

The Yellow River Park Loop Corner of Peachtree Street: 0.1 Miles Away From the Yellow River Park Loop; 2-Minute Walk

Laurel Street: 0.3 Miles Away From the Yellow River Park Loop; 5-Minute Walk

9

Proposed Parking Count

Out of five possible parking lot locations, about 214 parking spaces can be obtained. Four of the five possible parking locations are already existing concrete areas. Furthermore, this would be an inexpensive implementation. The space can quickly be manicured and painted or parking bumpers can easily indicate parking spaces. On-street parking is proposed by the Yellow River Park Loop.

*214

71

13

56

17

57

Proposed

Parking Count

10 10 58

17

24

*119

By the Yellow River About 119 parking spaces can be gained, out of the five possible parking lot locations by the Yellow River Park.

Most of the possible parking locations are already existing concrete areas.

Therefore, this would be an inexpensive implementation. These spaces can quickly be manicured, painted and parking bumpers can easily indicate parking spaces. These proposed parking areas include on-street parking spaces to maximize the number of parking spots.

The largest parking lot on this map could be implemented if the warehouse and its land is obtained by the city. Hence, the warehouse would be deconstructed and a parking lot would be installed.

This phase could be done within a few years, when more parking is needed. *Design Proposal, NOT Authorized

11 11

Alternate Research

Use

The average car in Georgia holds about 2.09 passengers. Therefore, if 1,000 people come to Porterdale, then there needs to be 478 parking spots available. So far, there are 333 proposed parking spots, not including the future proposed downtown extension parking spots.

Existing + Proposed Spots = 628 Spots

Parking

Facts

Research

A report in the New York Times newspaper showed the importance of public gathering spaces versus parking lots. The article focused on a triangular parking lot in Brooklyn, New York. This parking lot could only house a limited number of cars and became a hot spot for crime, including the drug trade and prostitution. By changing the space into a public gathering space, the area’s crime significantly decreased, making the space safer.

Originally in Brooklyn, NY Existing in Porterdale Corner of Peachtree Street

Proposed Plan in Brooklyn, NY

Implemented Plan in Brooklyn, NY

The abandoned concrete triangle in Porterdale, GA only allows for a maximum of thirteen tightly fitted spots.

Instead of using this space as a parking lot, it should be converted into a seating/gathering public space. This area can help the flow of the other proposed parking by connecting each separate lot with a strongly defined path.

Porous Pavement Facts

- Porous pavement: allows the movement of stormwater through the surface.

- Has surface infiltration of 140+ inches per hour; therefore there is almost always no runoff because the surface pemeability is so high.

- Maintenance: sand or cinders should be spread on the roads for winter traction and vacuumed at least once a year: in spring following snowmelt. The pavement will be permeable indefinitely if installed, designed and maintained properly.

- Cost: Pervious concrete costs approximately 20% more than conventional impervious concrete because of its high cement content and specialized quality control. However, it reduces the total cost by reducing/ eliminating the need for additional stormwater facilities.

- It’s very sustainable and green!

Research + Study - A parking lot on Oconee Street in Athens, Georgia costed $2.4 million dollars, with the final product having 223 parking spaces.

- According to Cahill Associates, installations of porous pavement usually average between $2,200 and $2,750 per parking space for design, parking, aisles, and stormwater management.

- $2,500 times 500 spots is $1,250,000 for construction alone.

Due to this high cost we need to be very cautious where parking is implemented and how many spots Porterdale really needs.

13 13

Gym Planting Plan

PORTERDALE

Gym Redesign

Porterdale, Georgia Existing Site

Aerial View of New Gymnasium

Planting Vision After the burning of the gym in 2005, all that remains is a deconstructed, ash-filled pit surrounded by the original brick walls. Fortunately, the gym is being renovated and will be complete by late August 2013. Along with the redesign of the interior, the exterior will also get a facelift. The next pages show three different design concepts and a cost estimate for each. Each of the concepts includes a side patio which can be used for private parties, storage, an extra entrance, etc. Two of the design concepts have a stairway that leads to the church parking lot to create an easy access way.

Planting Plan Concept Kurme Azalea

Lawn

Kurme Azalea

Chinese Fringetree

Rose Creek Abelia

Kurme Azalea

Loquat

Liriope

Rose Creek Abelia

Kurme Azalea

Loquat

Textured Patio

Chinese Fringetree

Snowdrops

Lawn

Chinese Witch Hazel

Liriope

Snowdrops

Textured Patio

Chinese Witch Hazel

Sweet Olive Sweet Olive

Crimson Pygmy Barberry

One

Gym

Sweet Olive Chinese Loquat Fringetree

Sweet Olive

Crimson Pygmy Barberry

Chinese Fringetree

Gym

Muhly Grass Crimson Pygmy Barberry

Crimson Pygmy Barberry

Rose Creek Abelia Snowdrops Concrete Path

Muhly Grass

Snowdrops

Sweet Olive

Sweet Olive Chinese Fringetree

Rose Creek Abelia Muhly Grass Chinese Fringetree

Crimson Pygmy Barberry

Liriope

Rose Creek Liriope Abelia

Muhly Grass

Muhly Grass

Loquat

Snowdrops Concrete Path

Snowdrops Chinese Witch Rose Creek Abelia

Hazel

Chinese Witch Hazel

Muhly Grass Crimson Pygmy Barberry

Concept One uses drought resistant, low-maintenance plants to create a colorful, multi-textured, yet simple, design. The side patio is perfect for private parties and/or concerts. The layered vegetation allows the space to remain intimate while giving off a sense of liveliness.

15 15

Chinese Fringetree Kurme Azalea

Cost

Chinese Fringetree

Estimate

Kurme Quantity Textured Patio Size Azalea

Loquat Plant Name

Chinese Fringetree Liriope

Chinese Witch Hazel

2

1 gallon

1

7 gallon

$69.98

3.25 gallon

Chinese Witch $24.98 Hazel

Sweet Olive

Concept One

Sweet Olive

Pygmy +Crimson Views Barberry

Kurume Azalea Laquato Liriope

Crimson Pygmy Barberry

Muhly Grass

Patio

Muhly 3,892.82 Grass

Square Feet

8

35

Gym

1

Standard

Gym

63

9-pack

Muhly Grass

35

3 gallon

Rose Creek Abelia

8

3 gallon

Snowdrops

214

Bag of 8

Sweet Olive

2

7 gallon Sweet Olive

$69.98

Sweet Olive Snowdrops

Sweet Olive $19.98 Chinese $22.98 Fringetree

2.25 gallon

Crimson Loquat $699.30 Pygmy Barberry Muhly Grass $22.98

Concrete $10.98 Path

Liriope

32.94 Chinese Witch Rose Creek $43.92 Hazel Abelia Snowdrops $41.95 $83.90

Fringetree Chinese Fringetree

Chinese $199.84 Fringetree

Rose Creek Crimson $9.98 Pygmy Barberry $69.86 Abelia Snowdrops Muhly Grass $12.98 $454.30 Concrete Rose Creek Path Abelia $18.95 $151.60 Snowdrops Snowdrops

Rose Creek Muhly Grass ChineseAbelia

Sweet Olive

Section Section

Lawn $16.98

Textured Patio

Crimson Pygmy Barberry

Rose Creek Abelia Total Chinese Witch $33.96 Hazel

Prize

Muhly Grass Crimson

Crimson Pygmy Barberry

1,818.64 $1829.64

Pygmy Barberry

Perspective

Perspective

C H

Planting Plan Concept Oregon Grape Holly

Oregon Grape Holly

Cast Iron Plant

Cast Iron Plant

Upright Japanese Plum Yew

Two

Japanese Maple

Upright Japanese Plum Yew

Front Section ofG

Japanese Maple

Fro

Brick Stairs Nandina

Canna Lily

Brick Stairs Japanese Maple Nandina

Canna Lily

Brick Patio

Japanese Maple Upright Japanese Plum Yew Upright Japanese Plum Yew

Brick Patio

Nandina

Nandina

Patio View of

P

Serviceberry

Serviceberry

Gym

Gym

Serviceberry

Japanese Maple

Serviceberry

Japanese Maple

Cast Iron Plant

Cast Iron Plant

Upright Japanese Plum Yew Lawn

Upright Japanese Plum Yew

Serviceberry Lawn

Horsetails

Canna Lily

Oregon Grape Holly

Horsetails

Concept Two uses geometric forms and a simple color pallet of reds and greens to create an interesting and intimate space. The brick patio and walkways reflect upon the traditional materials throughout Porterdale. The rectilinear stairs connect the gym to the church parking lot, allowing for additional parking. The plants used in this plan are drought tolerant and low maintenance.

Horsetails Clump

Oregon Grape Holly Serviceberry

Canna Lily Planting

17 17

Cost

Plant Name

Estimate Concept Two

+ Views Patio

Quantity

Size

Price

Total

Canna Lily

80

1 gallon

$6.98

$558.40

Cast Iron Plant

56

2.5 quart

$6.98

$390.808

Horsetails

52

3.25 gallon

$24.98

1,298.96 $1298.96

Japanese Maple

2

8 gallon

$74.00

$148.00

Nandina

13

2.25 gallon

$14.98

$194.74

Oregon Grape Holly

16

2.25 gallon

$14.98

$239.68

Serviceberry

2

5.5 gallon

$72.37

$144.74

Upright Japanese Plum Yew

12

3.25 gallon

$26.98

$323.76

4,175.62

square feet

$3299.08 3,299.08

Japanese Maple

Front Section ofGym Brick Stairs Nandina Japanese Maple Brick Patio

Front Section ofGym Front Section of Gym

Upright Japanese Plum Yew

Patio View of Gym

Planting Plan Concept Hybrid Tea Rose

Joe Pye Weed YauponHybrid Tea Holly Rose

Joe Pye Weed Purple Coneflower

Purple Coneflower

Yaupon Holly

Camellia Sasanqua

Camellia Sasanqua

Stone Stairs

Stone Stairs Existing Trees

Mixed Stone Patio

Planting Plan Concept Three

Existing Trees Hybrid Tea

Mixed Stone Patio

Rose

Daphne Odora

Yaupon Lawn Holly Hybrid Tea

Rose

Daphne Odora

Compact Holly

Compact Holly Yaupon Holly

Gym

Yaupon Holly

Gym

Carissa Holly

Daphne Odora

Yaupon Holly Hybrid Tea Rose Columnar English Oak

Hybrid Tea Rose

Carissa Holly

Camellia Sasanqua

Columnar English Oak Carissa Holly

Lawn

Compact Holly

Concrete Walkway

Camellia Sasanqua

Three

Columnar English Oak

Compact Holly

Carissa Holly

is a formal design with rich colors and textures.

The mixed stone patio mimics the colors surrounding the site.

The winding staircase leads to the church parking lot, allowing for easy access between the sites. The spatial layout and plant choices give the area a romantic, classical feel.

Purple Concrete Coneflower Joe Pye Weed

Walkway

Daphne Odora

Back Patio View

Purple Coneflower Joe Pye Weed

Back Patio View

Front Building View

19 19

Patio

Cost

Estimate

Concept Three

Hybrid Tea Quantity Rose

Plant Name

Gym

+ Views

Camellia Sasanqua

9

Carissa Holly

Size

Price

3.25 gallon Lawn

$29.98

$269.82

39

3.25 gallon

$22.98

$896.22

Columnar English Oak Clumnur English Oak

2

15 gallons

$105.00

$210.00

Compact Holly

14

Compact 5.5 gallon Holly

$39.98

$559.72

Daphne Odora

68

3 gallon

$39.95

$2716.60

Hybrid Tea Rose

17

Carissa Holly Standard

$14.98

$254.66

Joe Pye Weed

31

$5.98

$185.38

1.5 gallon

$9.98

$269.46

5.5 gallon

$39.98

$79.96

Purple Coneflower Purple Cone Flower

Columnar Yaupon Holly English Joe Pye Oak Weed

Yaupon Holly

Concrete 1 gallon Walkway

Daphne 27 Odora Purple 2 Coneflower

Back Patio View Patio

4,175.62

square feet Back Patio View

Total

Front Building View

5,441.82 $5441.82

Median Phase Two: Install Colorful Vegetation

Phase One: Install Grass

Planting Idea: Front

Area To Be Transformed into Green Space From Concrete

21 21

Park

Welcome Yellow River Park

Yellow River

Porterdale, GA

Welcome Yellow River Park Porterdale, GA

Drawings By: Kaitlin McShea

After being vacant for several years, this site desperately needs a redesign.

Originally, the park was going to be used as a parking lot but because of its prime location and rectilinear form the space is going to be turned into a park. This space will be used for recreational and passive use by Porterdale locals and visitors to the city. The back warehouse area will be turned into a parking lot when the time comes. By the time the city obtains this land, parking will be needed. Along with adding on-street parking, this space will allow for enough parking for this time while having a beautiful park.

Yellow River Park

Concept One

uses free-flowing forms to create individualized spaces throughout the site. Rectangle trellises are used to create shade, while a large entrance splash pad is used to provide interaction between the site and the visitors, as well as refresh visitors from the heat. The front entrance consists of an arch with a drivethru loop. There are three large green areas for recreational games.

Concept

One Yellow Park L

Conce

23 23

Concept

Two

Yellow River Park Concept Two has a large circular path that encloses the site. This path would be great for walkers, runners and bikers. The use of curvilinear forms creates flowing connectivity around the site. This plan includes a mixed use of hardscape materials as well as green space so visitors can choose what activities to partake in. The central green space is large enough for recreational games. The splash pad is located close to the entrance, drawing visitors into the site. The entrance consists of three arches that mimic the arch on the Gym. The edges of the site are heavily screened with vegetation to protect pedestrians from the main road and side parking lot. Colorful planting beds border the paths adding interest to the site.

Yellow Park Lo

Yellow Park LotConcept

Three

Concept 3

Yellow River Park Concept Three

uses radial forms to bring connectivity to the site. It expands on curvilinear pathways, creating multiple areas for recreation. An interactive splash pad is located directly in the middle of the site and is surrounded by hardscape mini plazas, which include several trellises for shade.

These areas are also bordered by green areas and heavy planting beds. The flowing paths create easy access ways through the entire site. The entrance consists of an arch and carpool loop.

25 25

Concept

Four

Yellow River Park Concept Four uses

rectilinear forms to create a formal space. The hardscape materials consists of solid concrete and a mix of grass and concrete. The area is broken up into eight rectilinear spaces for various recreational activities. There are three fountains running through the site that help create symmetry. The entrance consist of an archway and a drive-thru loop.

Heavy vegetation borders the site to enclose the area and offer protection for the visitors.

Yellow Park L

Conc

Signage Ideas PARKing

YRP

Inexpensive signage ideas that can be implemented with paint and stencils.

Yellow River Park Where’s

Parking?

This Way!

PARKing

Old pictures taken outside the mill (left) and by the Yellow River (right) in Porterdale that could be used to create a mural on a brick facade by a parking lot.

27 27

South

Entrance

Aerial View of South Entrance

Phase One: Remove Magnolia Tree and broken signs. Install new grass

Phase One: Remove decaying Magnolia tree, broken signs and weeds

Phase Two: Install new, attractive vegetation and sign to designate that this is an entrance to Porterdale.

The South Entrance into Porterdale is designated by a small triangle park which includes a white gazebo.

Recently, this site was proposed to be a veterans memorial park. With small, inexpensive changes, this entrance site can blossom into a key focal feature for the city.

(Top left) Aerial view of the South Entrance with a simple radial planting design. This plan includes paths, seating, new vegetation, flags, and signage in remembrance of the veterans who fought for our nation.

(Bottom left) Section of South Entrance with wildflowers as main ground cover. The wildflowers that would be selected are perennials and would be white, blue and yellow as these colors represent remembrance and mourning, and have calming qualities.

(Bottom right) Section of South Entrance with a freshly mowed lawn. This section reflects what is being proposed in the top left aerial view.

29 29

Entrance North

The North Entrance lays near a local church and empty median. This entrance can easily be fixed by the implementation of a sign and colorful vegetation.

Signage is a very important detail in helping to enhance Porterdale.

Choosing unified signage and implementing them should be a priority of the city. Here are some signage options:

PORTERDALE

Possible signage options for the downtown area of Porterdale

Signage Downtown

Porterdale

Welcome

31 31

Redesign of Downtown

Infill: Then redesign below uses the technique “Magic Squares” to create attractive entranceways and plazas.

This designs puts the store-fronts along the street to attract visitors and the parking is located in the back. Intimate plazas are created through the block buildings, where fountains and vegetation can be implemented.

Porterdale’s downtown area is small in size but large in character. The downtown stretches along Broad Street with retail stores, restaurants, residential lofts, City Hall, the local police department and more. It is important for the city’s future that the downtown area remains active, relevant and lively. In order to insure this, the city needs to make adjustments to the downtown area. The first phase in this process would be to implement unified signage, planting beds, street furniture and colorful vegetation. The second phase would be to widen the sidewalks in the existing downtown. Wide sidewalks in front of the stores are essential to create gathering spaces and provide room for street-lined vegetation. The third phase would be infill. This is the extension of the downtown area with new buildings, plazas, parking, etc. The new infill would require a change in location for City Hall, the police department and the fire department. The extension of the downtown area will fuel the city’s economy by attracting people with new stores, restaurants, office space, residences, and plazas. The redesign will also offer more parking to the city which will be necessary at the point of implementation.

DownTown Red Magic Square

Alleyway

Addition of Solid Block Planting Beds W/ Hanging Baskets

Addition of Singular Block Planting Beds W/ Hanging Baskets

Concepts

Original Alleyway

Addition of Ivy Covered Walls and Street Furniture

33 33

Streetscape

Concepts

Existing Streetscape

1- Addition of Street Furniture, Hanging Baskets, Vegetation and Signage

Bringing in unified planting beds, signage, and street furniture will enhance the city’s streetscape by creating an aesthetically pleasing theme. Adding gates around the cafes and shops will create stronger barriers and increase store appeal. Bright foliage and varying vegetation will attract visitors and create a lively, safe and welcoming streetscape. Adding hanging baskets will draw visitors’ eyes up and make the space seem taller and larger.

2- Adding Gates To What Is Listed Above

3- Adding Maximum Vegetation To What Is Listed Above

By adding color to the store- front frames, the downtown area becomes more energetic and open, and reflects back on the city’s historical colorful homes. The street furniture and planting beds or baskets should be consistent with the elements across the street.

Altogether, this will create consistency in the heart of the city.

1- Addition of Colorful Paint to Store Front Frames

Existing Streetscape

Streetscape 2- Addition of Street Furniture, Hanging Baskets and Vegetation To What Is Listed Above

Concepts

35 35

Credits

+ Contact: Work Cited

CREDITS •

http://www.cityofporterdale.com/

•

http://www.landscapingnetwork.com/paving/permeable.html

•

http://www.slideshare.net/mayhew50/types-of-porous-pavements-final

•

http://texaslid.org/pdfs/AP_Barrett%20Porous%20Pavement.pdf

•

http://extension.umd.edu/sites/default/files/_docs/programs/master-gardeners/Howardcounty/Baywise/PermeablePavingHowardCountyMasterGardeners10_5_11%20Final.pdf

•

New York Times

•

http://onlineathens.com/local-news/2013-01-24/oconee-st-park-and-ride-opens-public

•

http://www.uri.edu/ce/wq/NEMO/Publications/PDFs/PP.URICaseStudy.pdf

CONTACT Danny Bivins

Public Service Associate Carl Vinson Institute of Government The University of Georgia 201 N. Milledge Avenue | Athens, GA 30602 Phone: 706-583-0856

dbivins@uga.edu www.vinsoninstitute.org

37 37