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for example , is it to enhance traffic flow , to make the downtown more inviting to pedestrians , to spark development , or to pave the streetscape as inexpensively as possible ? – will help better identify the project vision , resulting design principles , and start to frame project priorities , he said .
Thinking about the project ’ s intentions in an integrated way makes for a more holistic design that accomplishes all of the project objectives , he added . “ We ’ re all stronger together because of it , and , at the end of the day , the project ’ s stronger .”
Taking It To the Streets
The City of Lakeland , Florida
( population 120,279 ) turned to Ayres in February 2022 to draft a strategic master plan on a commercial corridor of South Florida Avenue , immediately south of its downtown and alongside two historic residential neighborhoods , Dixieland and South Lake Morton . The plan centers on the opportunities and challenges for future development of the corridor . Innovative street configurations , including a road diet pilot study , integration with land use redevelopment , and urban character branding – supported by local community activities – are all key elements .
“ To best identify and seize economic development , connectivity , public art , and transportation benefits , the strategic master plan was
commissioned with Ayres ,” said Brian Rewis , the City ’ s director of community and economic development . “ The hope was to describe and illustrate not only permanent roadway configurations but the improvements – public and private – that could complement the corridor and see it thrive as a vital commercial district flanked by two distinct historic neighborhoods .”
Many stakeholders viewed the corridor only as a transportation facility to get through as quickly as possible . “ The challenge was , and remains , convincing those stakeholders and the decision-makers of the benefits of a truly multi-modal facility that moves people and not just cars – which holds almost limitless promise for the owners , entrepreneurs , and others who have
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