New York Avenue Corridor Strategy Adopted Report New York Avenue Corridor Strategy Adopted Report | Page 69

NEW YORK AVENUE CORRIDOR STRATEGY
Retro Theme
The majority of the New York Avenue Study Area
is recommended to have a retro urban design
theme. As previously indicated in this report, the
corridor was first developed in the 1950’s and
many of the residents were employed at the new
General Motors Assembly Plant located nearby.
The Retro Theme aims to represent and incor-
porate the history of the area into the urban de-
sign elements. Iconic elements from this time
period included sporty automobiles with bright
paint colors and an abundance of chrome, and
neon signage advertising retail establishments,
restaurants and motels. Some of the same ma-
terials were prevalent in one of the biggest icons
from the era which was the local diner. Strong
geometric patterns were common on the ground
plane, with tables and chairs incorporating
chrome and bright colored coverings, and even
incorporated neon lights in juke boxes (see Fig-
ure 5.13).
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FINAL REPORT | SEPTEMPER 2013
While it is not recommended that urban design
and streetscape elements representing the
Retro Theme be a literal interpretation of these
iconic 1950’s elements, some aspects of design
during this time period are recommended. In
areas where enhanced paving materials will be
incorporated, it is recommended that they have
bold geometric patterns and be two shades of
the same color or two complementary colors.
Streetscape furnishings including lights, bench-
es, bollards and tree grates are recommended
to have a flat black finish. The detailing of metal
furnishings should have strong curvilinear ele-
ments incorporated into the design. Finally, op-
portunities for incorporating neon light elements
as recurring public art pieces should be explored
throughout the areas recommended to receive
the Retro Theme. Figure 5.14 provides repre-
sentative examples of the types of streetscape
elements recommended for the areas that will
incorporate the Retro Theme.