Spanish Town Streetscape Improvements

SIG-7

Observation

Spanish Town is an historic residential neighborhood with great urban character.

Discussion

Spanish Town is a well defined neighborhood of 14 large and small blocks covering an area of approximately 50 acres. Quality housing of various sizes exist in close proximity. North Street, the neighborhood’s southern edge is lined with historic houses dating back to the 1830’s. Vegetation through-out the neighborhood is lush and rich in variety. Sidewalks are shaded by a variety of native trees: Live Oak, Magnolia, Pine, Hackberry, and Cypress. The encroachment of state buildings into the neighborhood and traffic problems associated with state workers threaten the quality of life for the residents.

Recommendation

A. Define a Pedestrian Way

The Pedestrian Way should connect the neighborhood with existing and proposed features on either side of Spanish Town, with Beauregard Town, and with Downtown shopping, with the Old Capitol District, and Catfish Town.

Provide Safe Crossings: Provide Safe Crossings at intersections of North Street and Seventh Street, Spanish Town Road and Seventh Street, and Fifth and Spanish Town Road, the intersec-tion of the Pedestrian Way crossing State Capitol Drive, and Main and North Street.

B. Create Pedestrian Scale

Street Furnishings: A Pavilion will be provided in Lake Park at the end of at the terminus of the Seventh Street Corridor. A drinking fountain and restrooms should be provided at the pavilion. Benches, trash receptacles, and picnic tables should be provided around the lake.

C. Enhance District Identity

The following features are recommended to strengthen the identity of the Spanish Town Neighborhood.

Entrance: This neighborhood probably does not need an entrance for vehicles, given its small scale. Entrances for pedestrians should be created at the corner of Fifth Street and University Walk.

Edges: It is very important to clearly identify and strengthen edges of Spanish Town. The northern edge will become a park and will be strengthened by the addition of the Seventh Street pavilion. North Ninth Street at the Interstate would benefit from a denser greenway screen between the street and the Interstate.

Signs and Banners: Distinctive signs and historical markers should be used to identify historic houses, streets, and plants in the neighborhood.

Project Status

No update.

Implementation

Explanation of Terms

Product

Streetscape Improvements

Responsibility

PBR & DDD

Implementing Agent

DPW

Feasibility Analysis

DDD

Initial Financing

PBR

Project Financing

CPF

Timing