Division Corridor Strategy Final Report Division-Corridor-Strategy-Final-Report | Page 74

Summary
Opportunity H is located along the en re length of
Division Street from Cooper Street to Collins Street.
It encompasses both short and long-term strategies
to address limited aesthe cs, visitor percep ons,
encroachments and visual clu er along Division
Street. Ini ally, old or underu lized u lity poles may
be removed to reduce ver cal clu er. Remaining
u lity poles could be decorated or painted as a
short-term public art ini a ve with help from local
ar st, neighborhood groups or students. Art could
relate to adjacent businesses or have a con nuous
historical theme. Over me, as redevelopment
occurs, u lity poles and overhead lines are relocated
or buried, and new streetscape improvements are
constructed including walks, curbs and aesthe c
elements (see Transporta on and Infrastructure
Improvements).
One of the most common complaints along Division
Street is the unsightly visual clu er and unappealing
character of the streetscape. Lined with used car
lots, each trying to make their property dis nct,
businesses add more and more signs, banners,
colors, and ver cal elements. There are so many
ver cal elements that it becomes clu ered. An
edge with a unique, classic sign would be a minimal
investment for property owners, yet be recognizable
and dis nguishable along the Corridor. The unique
signage could promote the Corridor’s auto history
and create sense of place.
Implementa on Notes
Exis ng right-of-way encroachments should be
addressed prior to new improvements. It is recom-
mended that new curbs, ramps and sidewalks be
constructed as a long-term project implemented
as redevelopment occurs, block by block. Incen ve
programs for new signs need to be developed
for exis ng businesses and the public art por on
assumes volunteer work.
Opportunity H character images
Photo Credit: WaterWinterWonderland/Vintage Signs
Opportunity H- Urban Design, Signage and
Streetscape
Poten al Program Es mate
The best way to be no ced in this Corridor is to
actually reduce, even eliminate signage and other
ver cal elements. Streetscape enhancements
should include sidewalks, u lity improvements and
aesthe c elements. Exis ng businesses along Divi-
sion Street could be incen vized to create eclec c,
art deco style, or ar s c neon signs for their compa-
nies. This could create a visual des na on unique in
the region, and strengthen the Corridor’s iden ty.
Opportunity H character image
Photo Credit: retroroad.ca
Division Street Corridor Strategy
City of Arlington
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