16b Staff Report - Direction for Design DevelopmentDATE:
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MEETING DATE: 12/2/02
ITEM NO. 1 Le
COUNCIL/REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY AGENDA REPORT
NOVEMBER 27, 2002
MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL
CHAIR AND REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY BOARD MEMBERS
FROM: DEBRA J. FIGONE, TOWN MANAGER/EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
SUBJECT: REVIEW CONCEPTS FOR DOWNTOWN GATEWAYS AND DIRECTION
FOR DESIGN DEVELOPMENT
RECOMMENDATION:
Review concepts for Downtown Gateways and provide direction to staff for design development.
BACKGROUND:
In 1996, the Downtown Streetscape Plan was developed. The plan outlined streetscape
improvements (sidewalks, intersection bulb outs, raised planter boxes, landscaping and lighting) for
the core of the Downtown (Santa Cruz Ave. from Wood Rd. to Highway 9 and Main St. from
College to Santa Cruz Ave.). The proposed improvements are intended to beautify the public areas
in the downtown and improve pedestrian and vehicular safety. The Streetscape Plan also called for
creating "Gateways" to the Downtown. As Attachment 1(including aerial photo) indicates, one
"Gateway" was to be created at the south entrance to the downtown at Santa Cruz Ave. near the Toll
House with median landscaping and features. The other "Gateway" as indicated in Attachment 2
(including aerial photo) was to be created at the north entrance to downtown at Santa Cruz Ave. and
Highway 9 by improving and beautifying the four corners of this significant intersection.
In 1998, the Town Council approved a sign replacement program for the street signs Downtown.
Rick Tharp of Tharp Did It graphic design firm designed the attractive street name signs and they
were subsequently installed on the ornamental poles. As part of this program, the Council also
considered "Welcome" signs at the main entrances to the downtown (one at S. Santa Cruz Ave. and
Wood Rd.; one at eastbound Highway 9 at Tait; one at westbound Highway 9 before University
Ave.). Tharp did a conceptual design, however, these signs were never manufactured and installed.
Attachment 3 is the Council report describing the "Welcome" signs and the conceptual designs.
PREPARED BY: Bud N. Lortz John Curtis
Community Development Director Director of Parks and Public Works
Reviewed by: VS Assistant Town Manager OlUTown Attorney Clerk Finance
v Community Development Revised: 11/26/02 3:56 pm
Reformatted: 5/30/02
PAGE 2
COUNCIL/AGENCY BOARD
SUBJECT: DOWNTOWN GATEWAYS DESIGNS
November 27, 2002
On February 1,1999, the Council adopted ordinance 2058 which approved the addition of 25 rooms
to the Toll House Hotel. The ordinance also called for streetscape improvements on both sides of
S. Santa Cruz Ave. and eliminated the landscaped median concept called out in the Streetscape Plan.
Finally, the ordinance included a condition that "A roundabout shall be designed by the applicant.
Plans for the roundabout shall be prepared by a California Registered Civil Engineer, reviewed and
approved by the Town." The roundabout was to be designed on S. Santa Cruz Ave. at Wood Rd.
No description of what the roundabout was supposed to include in terms of landscaping or gateway
statements was provided. The Toll House's architect, Greg Stowers, prepared a conceptual design -
Attachment 4. However, it appears that there was never formal Town review and approval of the
design. In addition, the dimensions are approximate, as a survey was not available for this area.
DISCUSSION
Construction has been completed on the first phase of streetscape improvements (Santa Cruz Ave.
from Bean to Bachman). Early next year the Town plans to begin the next phase of streetscape
improvements which should complete the Villa Hermosa sidewalk pattern and intersection
improvements along Santa Cruz Ave. between Main St. and Highway 9. Repaving of Santa Cruz
Ave. will likely follow in 2004.
When the streetscape improvements and repaving are completed, the only element of the Streetscape
Plan that will not have been implemented is the "Gateways" to the Downtown. The "Gateways"
will greatly enhance the Downtown and be highly visible. To date, there has been no formal design
or cost estimates.
It should be noted that the "Gateways" to be designed are only for the Downtown and would be
funded with Redevelopment funds. At some later date the Council may wish to discuss other Town
"Gateways" such as those on Los Gatos Blvd. These would have to be funded by a source other than
Redevelopment funds. In addition, staff is assuming that the Downtown "Gateways" would take the
place of the "Welcome" signs previously considered by Council, but never constructed.
The recently approved design contract with BKF Engineers provides that it will complete conceptual
design work for the two "Gateways." It is recommended that the Town begin the design process
for these important gateways. Given the complexity and sensitivity to the "Gateways", it will take
a number of months to complete the designs. Assuming approval of the design and funding by the
end of2003, construction would be initiated at the earliest in 2004. Obtaining CALTRANS approval
could push the initiation of construction into 2005. The following is a discussion of considerations
for the concepts previously envisioned.
Roundabout at S. Santa Cruz and Wood Rd:
Much will depend on the size of the proposed roundabout. However, besides attractive landscaping
the roundabout may have some type of entryway statement (wall, monument, statues, public art etc.)
indicating Los Gatos, maybe including Historic Downtown. Appropriate night lighting may also
PAGE 3
COUNCIL/AGENCY BOARD
SUBJECT: DOWNTOWN GATEWAYS DESIGNS
November 27, 2002
be included. The entryway statement should tie in architecturally with the historic nature of the
Downtown. Besides acting as a "Gateway" this element was also intended to slow traffic down as
it exits northbound Highway 17 as well as facilitating u-turns when traveling southbound on Santa
Cruz Ave. At least a portion of this intersection is controlled by CALTRANS, consequently, their
approval will be required for improvements. Staff intends to initiate preliminary discussions with
CALTRANS to determine their position on the roundabout before any formal design work proceeds.
Intersection of N. Santa Cruz Ave. and Highway 9:
This intersection provides the busiest and most important gateway into the Downtown. The
Streetscape Plan calls for eliminating the free right-hand turns on all four corners and pulling the
curb out into the intersection. This accomplishes several things. First, pedestrians would no longer
have to cross the dangerous free right-hand turn lanes and then wait on the island for the light to
change.
Second, and equally importantly, it would add a substantial area where hardscape, landscaping, and
entryway features can be located. Currently, there is very little area for these features between the
back of sidewalk and the private parking lots and buildings. A very unattractive area exists with no
sense of entry into a great downtown area.
Again, this "Gateway" should tie in architecturally with the Downtown. Entryway statements (wall,
monument, statues, public art, etc.) could be provided indicating "Los Gatos", possibly including
"Historic Downtown." Appropriate night lighting may be provided.
This gateway is likely to be the more expensive of the two "Gateways" to construct. The signal posts
will have to be relocated or new ones installed. Traffic engineering and civil engineering will have
to be carefully completed to assure that the intersection functions well for traffic and drains properly.
The intersection is controlled by CALTRANS, so this will require coordination and approval by that
organization. Staff intends to have preliminary meetings with CALTRANS to determine their
concerns prior to formal design work proceeding. Finally, the busy nature of the intersection will
make construction more difficult.
Other "Gateways" to the Downtown
The 1996 Streetscape Plan identified the above referenced two "Gateways" to enhance the entrances
to the Downtown. However, there may be other "Gateways" to the Downtown that the Council may
wish to enhance at some point in the future. The E. Main Street bridge over Highway 17 is one
possibility. The area of E. Main Street at the Alpine Ave. area is another. North Santa Cruz Ave.
at Blossom Hill Rd. is another possibility. It should be noted that the contract with BKF Engineers
does not provide for designs of any of these areas. Should design work be desired, an amendment
to the contract would be required and fee negotiated.
PAGE 4
COUNCIL/AGENCY BOARD
SUBJECT: DOWNTOWN GATEWAYS DESIGNS
November 27, 2002
Gateway Design Process:
Given the importance and high visibility of the "Gateways", the Council may wish to consider
several methods for providing input to the design consultant in formulating the conceptual designs
for the elements. The following are several options:
1. Working Group: For the recently approved banner program for Downtown and Los Gatos Blvd.,
a Working Group was established to work with the designer to develop recommendations to be
presented to the Council. The Working Group, (which is still active) is represented by the following
groups:
• Downtown Business or property owner
• Los Gatos Blvd. business or property owner
• Northside business or property representative
• Arts Commission
• Parks Commission
• Chamber Board Representative
• Chamber Staff
• Town Staff
This Working Group has been extremely effective in developing the Banner Program and seems to
represent the various interest's that should have input into the "Gateway" designs. The Council may
wish to ask this, or a newly constituted Working Group to work with BKF and provide input into
the conceptual designs of the "Gateway."
2. Community Workshops: Several conceptual designs could be developed and then presented to
interested parties (residents, business owners, property owners) in order to receive feedback and
direction. Then a recommendation would be forwarded to the Agency Board for approval.
3. Staff to work with BKF: Under this scenario, Town staff would work with BKF to develop a
couple of conceptual designs that would be then presented to the Agency Board for review and
approval.
4. Council Sub -Committee: A Council Sub -Committee could be formed of two Council Members
to work with staff and BKF in providing input on the design or two Council Members could be
appointed to work with the Working Group per #1 above.
5. Combination of the Above: A combination of several of the above approaches is possible.
PAGE 5
COUNCIL/AGENCY BOARD
SUBJECT: DOWNTOWN GATEWAYS DESIGNS
November 27, 2002
CONCLUSION:
The "Gateway" elements to the Downtown will be highly visible and will provide the final element
in our streetscape enhancements to the area. The elements should be attractive and tell the visitor
that they are entering a truly special Downtown.
Given their importance, the Council may wish to consider different methods by which input can be
provided in the design development phase in order to obtain the desired result. Staff has outlined
several methods for such input. In addition, the Council may wish to discuss other "Gateways" to
the Downtown for future improvements.
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT:
Is not a project defined under CEQA, and no further action is required.
FISCAL IMPACT:
No cost estimates can be completed on the "Gateways" until preliminary conceptual designs are
complete. Much will depend on how elaborate the "Gateways" are and the amount of traffic signal
and street reconstruction work required.
The Certificates of Participation (COP's) that were issued in July 2002 allocated $3.85 million for
Downtown Streetscape Improvements. In addition, another $2.25 million for Street Reconstruction
Downtown was allocated for a total budget of $6.1 million. Approximately $1.5 million has been
spent for the first phase of streetscape construction that was recently completed. The Council may
wish to establish construction priorities for the Downtown infrastructure improvements should it
wish to construct the "Gateways" using the current COP funding. Once engineering estimates are
obtained for the next phase of streetscape improvements and preliminary cost estimates for the
"Gateways" developed, staff will present alternative priorities for the Council to review.
Attachments:
1. 1996 design concept for south entry into the Downtown and aerial photo
2. 1996 design concept for north gateway at Santa Cruz Ave. and Highway 9 and aerial photo
3. 1998 Council Agenda Report on sign replacement program in the CBD
4. Roundabout concept design at Wood Rd. and Santa Cruz Ave.
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Date: February 5, 1998
For Agenda Of: February 11, 1998
Agenda Item: 6
REPORT TO: The Planning Commission
FROM: Lee E. Bowman, Planning Director
SUBJECT: Consider Sign Replacement Program for the Central Business District (CBD)
EXHIBIT: A. Town Council Report with Attachments 1 through 5
REMARKS:
On January 20, 1998 the Town Council considered the Sign Replacement Program for the CBD and requested
staff to present the program to all pertinent Town Committees and Commissions and the Chamber of Commerce.
The program will implement part of the CBD Improvement Guidelines adopted by Council/ Agency in May 1996.
The Council Report attached as Exhibit A provides more detailed information ahnt tha nrnnram.
Staff will present a slide show and graphics to the Commission at the hearing. Staff will convey Commission
comments and recommendations to the Council on March 16, 1998. The Sign Replacement Program will be
included in the Capital Improvement Plan for 1998-2003.
Lee E. Bowman, Planning Director
Prepared by: Kristine Syskowski, Assistant Planner
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ATTACHMENT 3
COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT ON SIGN REPLACEMENT
Attachment 3