Barbra Street Renewal Essay

887 Words2 Pages

3.2.3 FRESNO, CALIFORNIA Fresno, California’s Fulton street mall was created as a part of city wide renewal efforts. The goals of Fresno’s renewal plan were not only economic, but it wanted the city to accommodate the transportation and social needs of its people as well. FIG 3.8: MAP OF FRESNO SHOWING THE FULTON STREET Fulton’s street was amongst the first pedestrian zones to rely heavily on pedestrian amenities, not directly related to shopping. Its paving and seating patterns encourage people to make use of the entire mall and not just narrow strips in front of the shops. FIG 3.9: FULTON MALL Because of Fresno’s warm climate, water has been used throughout in the form of fountains and pools. Trees, plats, seating and play areas have …show more content…

The renewal plans made their appearance in the 1950. These plans were focused around Nicollet Avenue, the city’s central commercial spine. FIG 3.13: MAP OF MINNEAPOLIS SHOWING THE NICOLLET AVENUE The main objectives of the renewal plans were- a. To improve pedestrian circulation and comfort. b. To create good pedestrian access to parking facilities c. To create new opportunities for promotion of retail trade d. To improve access and encourage mass transportation e. To encourage private investments. From the very beginning, the Nicollet project was highly publicized which helped in minimizing the public opposition. The mall and the roadway has evolved from a close collaboration between merchants and planning consultants. The design of the transit way has unified the area to create a unique urban space. Nicollet’s attraction is based on its sensitivity to scale in the treatment and selection of street elements, kiosks, benches and pavement trees planters, etc. FIG 3.14: NICOLLET AVENUE The lamp-posts are positioned to delineate the curved roadway. Banners and exhibitions add colour to the mall, window shopping has become a popular evening activity. The mall has proved beneficial to the trade. Air pollution, traffic congestion, noise pollution have

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