shortened crossing distances by 34%, and created new public spaces, complete with round concrete seating units and cafe tables and chairs. Though the project was initiated and funded by the Chamber through SSA 27, CDOT was highly involved in refining and evaluating the design. CDOT approved an initial design that re-allocated a significant amount of roadway space to create the curb extensions, with the understanding that the agency would observe the pilot closely upon installation, and adjust the geometry as needed. “From CDOT’s perspective, the entire purpose of using flexible materials was to allow us to try something bold and adjust,” said Janet Attarian, CDOT’s former Livable Streets Director. “After installing the project, we observed that one of the curb extensions was causing a back-up where drivers going straight through the intersection were queuing behind those waiting to make a right turn. The Chamber’s contractor adjusted the geometry at this and a few other problem spots, removing paint and delineators to ‘shave’ the reclaimed space back a bit.” The interim design of Lincoln Hub has informed plans for the upcoming capital upgrade along the corridor. The current design calls for a slight reduction of the curb extension space reclaimed during the pilot.
LESSONS LEARNED The Lincoln Hub design uses bright polka dots as a surface treatment to mark out the new curb extension space. The polka dots cover both sidewalk and street bed space, and fold over the curb line in some cases. In future designs, CDOT would avoid having the dots fold over the curb. Both CDOT and the Chamber viewed iteration / adjustment as part of the design process:
“FROM CDOT’S PERSPECTIVE, THE ENTIRE PURPOSE OF USING FLEXIBLE MATERIALS WAS TO ALLOW US TO TRY SOMETHING BOLD AND ADJUST.” - JANET ATTARIAN
Lee Crandell, the Executive Director of The Lakeview Chamber of Commerce, notes “The Lincoln Hub design was an opportunity to try bold ideas to set the stage for a successful capital project down the line. The project was always based on the assumption that the design could be adjusted, since it was only a matter of shifting paint and bollards.” The Chamber’s ability to work with a contractor and quickly adjust the design was key to the iteration process. The project required a high degree of collaboration and partnership between the Chamber and CDOT. The Make Way for People program framework allowed the Chamber to lead the project. Close collaboration between engineering and placemaking staff at CDOT allowed for efficient design review and approvals. Finally, the Lakeview Chamber of Commerce is an established community partner with strong organizational capacity and ability to fund the maintenance and contracting required for project design and upkeep. This high level of capacity has been an asset to the project. Top: Lincoln Hub plaza (John Greenfield); middle: Lincoln Hub aerial (Sarah Jindra); and bottom: Lincoln Hub crossing (John Greenfield).
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