SOUTH DOWNTOWN TRANSIT STATION ENHANCEMENT PLAN ... · 2015 implementation with corresponding...

SOUTH DOWNTOWN TRANSIT STATION ENHANCEMENT PLANRECOMMENDATIONS FOR FIVE POINTS & GARNETT STATIONS

2015

Prepared by:

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

2 | SOUTH DOWNTOWN TRANSIT STATION ENHANCEMENT PLAN EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

PROJECT PURPOSE

Project BackgroundCentral Atlanta Progress (CAP) and the Atlanta Downtown Improvement District (ADID) hired a consultant team led by TSW that included Contente Consulting, Nelson \ Nygaard, and Gabler Youngston (“Project Team”) to research, evaluate, design, document, and execute creative placemaking and ‘tactical urbanism’ enhancements for Downtown Atlanta’s South central business district’s MARTA rail stations, specifically the Five Points and Garnett stations. This report identifies and illustrates immediate-, short-, and long-term projects to transform the appearance of and experience at the two rail stations.

The Atlanta Regional Commission’s (ARC) Livable Centers Initiatives (LCI) Supplemental Study Program provided funding for this study. The ARC developed the LCI program to provide assistance to communities seeking to create new plans for quality growth, by developing innovative policies that support more vibrant, connected communities. Once LCI studies and plans are complete, those communities are eligible for additional LCI funding. ARC rewards past recipients by offering additional funding resources for transportation projects and supplemental studies to help implement the LCI plans.

CAP / ADID completed the Imagine Downtown Encore/Downtown Atlanta LCI Plan in 2009, which was adopted by reference into the City of Atlanta’s Comprehensive Development Plan and received approval from the ARC as a grandfathered LCI Plan (referred to as the Downtown Atlanta LCI Plan). CAP and its affiliate organization ADID, and the City of Atlanta are committed to implementing the recommendations and projects identified by the Downtown Atlanta LCI plan. The Downtown Atlanta LCI plan includes a recommendation in the short-term work program to improve the appearance and operations of the Five Points MARTA rail station and recommendations related to encouraging transit-oriented development around the Garnett MARTA rail station.

In 2013, the Atlanta City Council’s Downtown Development Technical Advisory Group (DDTAG) - agroup focused on tactics to attract private investment to South Downtown - identified the need for a collaborative community effort to improve the appearance and operations of the Five Points Station. In April 2014, during the American Planning Association National Conference held in Atlanta, the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) hosted a planning workshop to identify specific obstacles that have deterred implementation of the community’s LCI vision. The workshop focused on the six-block stretch along Broad Street SW that connects the

Five Points and Garnett stations - from Upper Alabama Street to Trinity Avenue. Together these efforts have produced a groundswell of interest in revitalizing South Downtown, beginning with strategies to implement quick, inexpensive projects that make a small part of the city more vibrant and enjoyable.

Beyond Downtown Atlanta, cities, transit agencies, and other related organizations across the United States are engaging communities to help build ‘transit cultures’ - a concept wherein public transit is universally accepted as a viable transportation option, and the experience is appreciated. CAP / ADID seeks to integrate this concept in the development of the South Downtown Transit Station Enhancements Plan. The end goal of the study is to increase ridership for the MARTA system by using these two stations as assets to drive adjacent real estate investment. Another primary project goal is improving the current identity and experience of MARTA rail service – specifically at the Five Points and Garnett stations – through the enhancement of the physical environments of the station areas with designs that are contextual and unique to Downtown Atlanta.

MAP 1.1 | SITE CONTEXTN

Dome / GWCC / Philips / CNNVine City

Garnett

Five Points

Peachtree Center

Civic Center

KingMemorial

Georgia State

Pea

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Nor

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Broad

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I-20

I-75 / 85

Bou

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FIVE POINTS GARNETT STATIONS | 3

SITE VISIT + MARTA EFFORTSIn addition to an extensive existing conditions research and assessment process, the Project Team visited the Five Points and Garnett stations in July 2014 with MARTA representatives, City of Atlanta representatives, MARTA Police, and CAP / ADID to gain a better understanding of how the stations function and any efforts currently underway to improve them. At MARTA’s request, all improvements must be easy to maintain, safe, secure, and ADA-compliant.

Current MARTA EffortsProjects currently underway or recently completed include:• Bus coordination system-wide• Vending and retailing concessions study for Five Points

Station• Study of landscaping and irrigation improvements at all

rail stations• Stone façade polishing at Five Points Station• Added planter fencing at Five Points Station• Light fixture conversion to LED prioritized in order of

train platforms, concourses, then outdoor areas• Interior and exterior signage improvements by station• Audio Visual Information System (AVIS) project for

exterior real-time bus and train information signs for all transit stations within MARTA property lines

RESEARCH• Project Team Site Visit• Previous Planning Efforts• Base Mapping of Existing

Conditions & Demographics

STEERING COMMITTEE / FOCUS GROUPS

INPUT (on-going)

ANALYSIS• Survey Results• Intercept Results• Station Area

Assessments

CAP / ADID + MARTA

INTERNAL CHARRETTE• Guiding Principles• Planning Recommendations• Design Recommendations• Plan Graphics

CAP / ADID + MARTA

STATION INTERCEPTS

TACTICAL URBANISM / IMMEDIATE PROJECTS


DESIGN PROCESSThe Project Team’s design and public input process is outlined in the diagram to the right. The results of the Project Team’s efforts are site plans for each station, a prioritized list of projects with timelines, Action Groups for project implementation, and a selection of projects for 2015 implementation with corresponding imagery and basic construction documents. The full South Downtown Transit Station Enhancement Plan report contains the comprehensive descriptions for each part of the process.

Research + Station AssessmentsThe Project Team performed a comprehensive research effort to fully understand the issues and opportunities surrounding the two stations prior to making design recommendations and prior to much of the public input process. This process included previous planning studies, site visits, base mapping for existing conditions and demographics, and station area assessments. The base mapping exercise at the Downtown and Station Study Area levels included analyzing data, such as community resources, existing land use, vacant parcels and parking lots, land ownership and current / future development projects, transportation networks, demographics, and crime statistics from 2010 to 2014.

The Project Team conducted station area assessments

Key Public Input MilestoneFeedback LoopProject Team ProcessProject Team Analysis

based on a series of criteria derived from the overarching issues that became apparent during focus group meetings and station intercepts. These include urban context within one block of the stations; safety and security in and around the stations; wayfinding and signage; usable public space; and circulation, access, and views. Each of these overarching issues was divided into detailed criteria that address each of the issues, ranked on a scale of 1 to 5.

Station Intercepts (2014)The Project Team formed a marketing strategy around the pride-building concepts of “I Choose MARTA” and “MARTA Makeover.” These themes were reflected during the station intercepts and in all marketing materials. Efforts were advertised with post cards, e-mail newsletters, news articles, team members attending community meetings, signs in the MARTA stations, a project website with project

DIAGRAM 1.1 | DESIGN PROCESS

ANALYSIS• Steering Committee

comments• CAP / ADID Comments• Public Workshop

Feedback• Survey Results

PRIORITIZATION• Impact score for each project• Cost score for each project• Scatterplots for impact vs. cost• Station assessment adjust-

ments• Preliminary Implementation

Priority List

PUBLIC WORKSHOP

STEERING COMMITTEE / NEIGHBORHOOD GROUPS

FIVE POINTS INTERCEPT

PRIORITIZED LIST OF PROJECTS

ACTION GROUPS FOR IMPLEMENTATION

INPUT (on-going)

ANALYSIS• Intercept Results for

Tactical Projects• Feedback from

neighborhood groups• Cost and feasibility of

projects

CAP / ADID + MARTA

CAP / ADID + MARTA

FINAL RESULTS


information and a survey link, and a Facebook page with frequent updates. The Project Team and volunteers visited the Five Points and Garnett stations, Georgia State University, and Woodruff Park during station “intercepts” over two days in October 2014 to survey people riding MARTA and to capture feedback from non-riders. The goal of these activities was to capture data through a variety of methods to inform design decisions, including surveys

for both stations and Non-MARTA riders; an interactive activity with a ball-toss and buckets for reasons people ride MARTA; and a visual preference survey to allow visitors to use dots on photos to indicate features that would improve their MARTA experiences.

Public Workshop Results (2014)The Project Team displayed the preliminary designs during a workshop with the Steering Committee in December

2014. The same ideas were unveiled in the same location and at Five Points Station the next day for the public. Visitors were encouraged to provide their feedback directly on the displays, and the Project Team recorded specific comments. The design concepts and images were available online at the project website. An online survey allowed users to prioritize the changes for the immediate-, short-, and long-term design recommendations and to provide additional feedback for each station.

Five Points Intercept (2015)After design work, prioritization, and feedback analysis, in February 2015, the Project Team presented the project prioritization list and recommended tactical urbanism projects to the neighborhood associations and held another intercept at Five Points Station for one day to capture riders’ input on the tactical urbanism projects. The Ball / Basket exercise was reconfigured to show the possible tactical projects with their associated implementation costs. Participants were given as many balls to toss as they needed to reach the $20,000 budget given for the tactical demonstration.

IMMEDIATE (TACTICAL)

Improve real and perceived security

issues with:• More lighting• Sidewalk improvements• Increasing viewsheds• Eliminating circulation

bottlenecks

Utilize station’s public plazas with:

• Programmed space for flexible uses

• Flexible access control• Better pedestrian access

/ circulation

Enhance signage / wayfinding inside,

to, and from by:• Adding signage in

key areas visible to pedestrians

• Making the station a recognizable landmark

Improve the appearance and maintenance with:

• Beautification through a consistent design palette

• Removing clutter make landscape easy to maintain

Increase station connectivity and

access by:• Lighting station entrances• Reducing circulation

bottlenecks in and around the station

• Adding midblock crossings

SHORT-TERMCommunity - Based

and Driven

Agency and MARTA Driven

INCREASE RIDERSHIP Five Points

Focus on near-term community-based improvements (2 year, limited funding)

LONG-TERM


GUIDING PRINCIPLESThe Project Team synthesized the results from the station assessments, the surveys, and intercept feedback to devise five Guiding Principles to support MARTA’s overall goal of increasing ridership. The specific elements used to address the Guiding Principles at each station vary. The majority of the methods focus on near-term, community-based improvements, most of which can be completed within two years and with limited funding.

Guiding Principles• Improve real and perceived security issues• Enhance signage and wayfinding inside, to, and from

the stations• Improve the appearance and maintenance of the

stations• Utilize the stations’ public plazas• Increase station connectivity and access

Diagrams 1.1 and 1.2 demonstrate how the design elements address the Guiding Principles at each station. The gray line represents the lens through which the design elements should be considered. The orange blocks represent the three levels of design recommendations and how they can be accomplished. Ideally, immediate-term projects can address short- and long-term recommendations. The Guiding Principles address the

desires of the community in a variety of ways specific to the individual station’s environment, but many of the design elements are similar for the stations. Many design recommendations address multiple Principles and lend themselves to immediate, temporary installations that address the permanent recommendations in the interim as pilot projects. Physical changes to the stations could enhance the current riders’ MARTA experiences and transform the stations into destinations.

Diagram 1.2: The Guiding Principles and how they will be addressed at

the Five Points Station to attain the overall MARTA goal of increasing

ridership.

DIAGRAM 1.2 | FIVE POINTS GUIDING PRINCIPLES

IMMEDIATE (TACTICAL)

Improve real and perceived security

issues at Garnett by:• Highlighting entrances• De-cluttering the public

spaces• Providing clear views into

all public spaces

Utilize the Station’s public plazas by:

• Reprogramming space to be more flexible for events

• Providing spaces accessible by future adjacent development

Enhance signage / wayfinding inside,

to, and from by:• Providing a complete

wayfinding / signage solution for the station

• Making the entrances visible

Improve the appearance and maintenance by:

• Providing a clean, open, low-maintenance landscape design with a consistent palette

Increase station connectivity and

access by:• Integrating Greyhound into

the station• Enhancing the side

stairways• Opening view to entrances

SHORT-TERM

LONG-TERM

Community - Based and Driven

Agency and MARTA Driven

INCREASE RIDERSHIP Garnett

Focus on near-term community-based improvements (2 year, limited funding)


INTERNAL PROJECT TEAM CHARRETTEThe Project Team held an internal charrette in November 2014 to create preliminary design concepts for the stations. The initial concepts, Guiding Principles, and Design Themes were shared with CAP / ADID and MARTA and revised before the public workshops in December 2014.

Design Themes• Reconnect interrupted corridors• Enhance the views to the stations• Activate underutilized public spaces

Reconnecting key street corridors that intersect the stations is accomplished by removing circulation and security barriers, improving station access, and beautification measures. Entrance views for the station are enhanced by integrating the architecture and site elements into the wayfinding approach, including art-based advertising in highly visible areas to help fund future station improvements. The underutilized public spaces are activated through event programming, pop-up retail, seating, and interactive public art.

Diagram 1.3: The Guiding Principles and how they will be addressed

at the Garnett Station to attain the overall MARTA goal of increasing

ridership.

DIAGRAM 1.3 | GARNETT GUIDING PRINCIPLES


STATION SITE PLANSThe Five Points and Garnett Station site plans include elements addressing the Guiding Principles to enhance the station experience for current and future users.

Five Points Station PlanThe Five Points Site Plan (Plan 1.1) shows the projects for the station with numbers and labels on important projects.

FIVE POINTS PLAN SUMMARYPeachtree Plaza Entrance (Existing)• Prominent corner with no station iconography

and home to the trash collection• Clutter, bottlenecks, and barriers block effective

pedestrian circulation to the entrance• Ineffective wayfinding signage to buses / trains

Peachtree Plaza Recommendations• Enhance views of the station from Peachtree St.• Relocate the trash collection area• Wrap vents with LED light art and advertising• Remove clutter from station plaza and curbside• Use art and landscape to soften harsh surfaces

and highlight architecture• Add a new 4-sided pylon sign in the right-of-way• Provide real time data signs for buses and trains

Bike Storage Recommendations• Add bike storage (racks or corral) to the western

portion of the Upper Plaza • Locate shared bikes at Five Points as part of the

City-wide bikeshare starting in 2015

Figure 1.1: The “after” image of Peachtree Plaza at the Alabama and

Peachtree Streets intersection.

Figure 1.2: The “before” image of Peachtree Plaza, as it currently

appears, at the Alabama and Peachtree Streets intersection.

Figure 1.1

Figure 1.2

FIVE POINTS GARNETT STATIONS | 9P

ryor

Stre

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PLAN 1.1 | FIVE POINTS STATION SITE PLANN

0’ 75’ 150’ 300’

D.11 Light Art

Alabama Street

Fors

yth

Stre

et

UndergroundAtlanta

Marietta Street

Pea

chtre

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treet

Wall Street

Bro

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treet

BroadStreet Plaza

The Gulch

A.5 Midblock Crossing

D.8 Wayfinding Map

PolicePrecinct

B.10 Kiosk

A.1 Move Pylon SignA.1 Move Pylon Sign

A.1 Move / Add Pylon Signs

C. 8 Trash

B.3 Pop-upRetail

“Back ofHouse”

D.8 Wayfinding Map

D.9 LED Ad Wrap, Typ.

D.18 / D.17 Light Art

A.12 Shared Street

D.2 Landscape Improvements

A.8 Improve Access

A.9 Widen Ramp

A.10 Remove Bus Shelter

B.2 Add Seating / Plaza for Bus Passengers

D.3 Light Station EntranceD. 10 Public Art

A.7 Remove Kiosks toOpen Plaza Views

D.7 GraphicHistory Wall

A.14 Stair / Ramp Combination

B.1 CaféSeating

A.1 Add Pylon Sign

Pea

chtre

e S

treet


FIVE POINTS PLAN SUMMARYAlabama & Forsyth Street (Existing)• Dark corner with outdated wayfinding signage• Cluttered with security / bus kiosk, planters, signs

causing bottlenecks and visual barriers

Alabama & Forsyth Recommendations• Add LED light art and advertising on the vent• Relocate the security kiosk inside the station,

accessible from the sidewalk• Lower planter walls to improve views • Ensure regular maintenance of trees• Update and relocate static station signage with a

4-sided pylon sign in the right-of-way• Mount real time data signs on the building

Broad Street Recommendations (Plan 1.1)• Re-link the corridor between the two stations• Add interactive light and art installations that

provide focal points, increase perception of security, draw people to Broad Street

• Start improvements at Marietta Street, continue through Broad Street Plaza and the Upper Plaza, follow the street, and terminate at Garnett Station

Station Entrance Recommendations (Plan 1.1)• Light dark interior corridors to make interior

spaces visible from the street more inviting• Re-imagine existing bollards as public art• Remove the walkway bottleneck at Peachtree

Street by recapturing the unused staircase as part of a larger ramp leading to the Upper Plaza

Figure 1.3: The “after” image of the bus waiting area at the corner of the

Alabama and Forsyth Streets intersection.

Figure 1.4: The “before” image of the bus waiting area at Alabama and

Forsyth (TSW, 2014).

Figure 1.3

Figure 1.4


Garnett Station PlanThe Garnett Site Plan (Plan 1.2) shows the projects for the station with numbers and labels on important projects.

GARNETT PLAN SUMMARYMain Plaza Ramp (Existing)• Elevated ramp starts at terminus of Broad Street

at Trinity Avenue• Ineffective identification signs• Ramp is cluttered, inactive, open space that

causes security concerns• No clear sight lines to building entrance

Main Plaza Ramp Recommendations• Create a small, roadside plaza at Trinity Avenue

with colorful, vertical light elements• Update and relocate static station signage with a

4-sided pylon sign in the right-of-way• Add small plazas along the Ramp that can

be used for pop-up retail, markets, and future access points from potential development that should engage the plaza with active uses

• Update the landscaping and circulation system with direct linear access to the entrance and small flex plazas with overhead string lighting

Plazas & Stairways Recommendations• Divide Main Plaza Ramp into smaller flex plazas• Remove or trim landscaping to open sight lines• Construct open, grand staircases on the Garnett

Street right-of-way to replace current staircases• Add a small café plaza at the Brotherton Street

entrance

Figure 1.5: The “after” example that shows how the Garnett Station

entrance at Trinity Avenue and Broad Street could look with the addition

of pop-up retail, improved signage, colorful light pylons, and adjacent

future development.

Figure 1.6: The “before” image of how the Garnett Station entrance at

Trinity Avenue and Broad Street currently looks (TSW, 2014).

Figure 1.5

Figure 1.6


Gar

nett

Stre

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Bro

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ton

Stre

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us O

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Peachtree Street

Trin

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venu

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Peters Street

Forsyth Street

A.22 Potential Future Development




Future Access

Future Access

Future Access

Future Access

Future Access

Future Access

Future Access

Future Access

A.20 New PermanentGreyhound FacilityIntegrated w/ Development & Garnett Station

A.1 Move Pylon Sign

A.1 Add Pylon Sign

A.1 Add Pylon Sign

D.15 Flex Plaza w/String Lighting

D.13 Pop-upRetail

A.18 / A.19 StreetscapeEnhancementsConnecting to Castleberry Hill

Future Access

Future Access

Future Access

Future Access

D.16 Light Pylons

D.15 Flex Plaza w/String Lighting

B.14 / B.15 CaféSeating / Plaza

B.16 Grand Staircase Access

B.16 Grand Staircase Access

PLAN 1.2 | GARNETT STATION SITE PLANN

0’ 50’ 100’ 200’


PLAN 1.3 | GARNETT STATION AREA TRANSPORTATION RECOMMENDATIONS

Peachtree Bicycle Lanes (from Cycle Atlanta Phase 1.0)

Forsyth Complete Street Project (from City Infrastructure Bond Program)

Key Locations for Wayfinding Enhancement (including MARTA Logo sidewalk stamps)

Key Locations for Wayfinding Enhancement (including MARTA Logo sidewalk stamps)

Brotherton Sidewalk Extension or Curbless Street Reconstruction

GARNETT PLAN SUMMARYBrotherton Entrance (Existing)• Ambiguous entrance with ineffective signage• Access to temporary Greyhound Station, but

minimal signage for passengers• Many users access this station from the side

plazas

Brotherton Entrance Recommendations• Integrate Greyhound with the Garnett Station

and future adjacent development to create a regional bus hub

• Maintain Brotherton as bus-only but allow staging and turn-arounds under the Garnett Station

• Add user amenities between the two stations• Update landscaping and lighting • Add real time data signs for buses and trains and

a new 4-sided pylon sign in the right-of-way• Add a small urban plaza with seating and retail

Streetscape Enhancements• Update sidewalks and ramps on surrounding

streets (continue the City’s current efforts)• Add wayfinding to and from the station,

particularly to and from Castleberry Hill• Implement Forsyth Street complete street

enhancements per the City’s capital projects package and add station wayfinding

• Widen south sidewalk on Brotherton Street to accommodate bus layovers on north side

• Implement the Cycle Atlanta Plan Phase 1 on Peachtree for 3 vehicle lanes and bike lanes

• Add bicycle storage facilities at Garnett Station

84 Potential Projects 28 Circulation & Connectivity18 Public Space Enhancement17 Operations21 Visual Interest

32 Potential Tactical Projects

PROJECT CATEGORIES

MATRIX WITH WEIGHTED VALUES FOR IMPACT

SCATTERPLOTS OF IMPACT VS. COST

PRIORITIZATION LIST

ACTION GROUPSChart 1.1 | Prioritization Process

A

B

C

D


PRIORITIZATIONThe Project Team used the station site plans to identify individual projects, and the prioritization occurred as follows. Based on feedback from the Steering Committee, design themes were renamed to Project Categories, and an additional group, Operations, was added. The Categories are:

CIRCULATION + CONNECTIVITYReconnect key corridors intersecting the stations (Garnett Street and Broad Street) by removing barriers, improving station access, and adding aesthetic enhancements.

PUBLIC PLAZA ENHANCEMENTActivate unused or underutilized public spaces through event programming, pop-up retail, or interactive public art.

OPERATIONS Make the station feel clean, safe, and secure through changes in maintenance, scheduling, bus configuration.

VISUAL INTERESTEnhance views to the stations integrating the architecture and site elements into the wayfinding. Add art-based advertising in highly visible areas to fund future projects.

Each of the individual recommended projects (84 total)

were divided into the four categories and given a number (for example, A.12). All of the projects were scored in a matrix by how they addressed specific issues.The matrix included all of the issues raised from the public feedback, and if the project addressed the issue, it was given a score of ‘1.’ Issues were weighted based on how many respondents considered them concerns and specific projects that received feedback were given weights.

Chart 1.2 | Potential Projects Breakdown

Chart 1.1: The prioritization process involved a series of steps to

evaluate each project by how well it addresses issues and to choose the

implementation priority and action groups for completion.

Chart 1.2: The breakdown of the recommended projects based on

Chart 1.3: Diagram showing the prioritization process by using the impact

vs. cost scatterplots for each Project Category. Project Category.

12

3

4

5The final combined score became the “impact” score. All projects received “cost” scores between 1 and 5 (5 = most expensive), for the cost to complete the project. These scores were used to create impact vs. cost scatterplots for each Project Category.

Priority Levels Each project was given a “Priority Level” based on its location in the project category scatterplots. Chart 1.3 shows how the Priority Level number was determined, and some were adjusted because of current MARTA efforts and the Project Team’s observations during station assessments. The projects in the lower right quadrant (high impact, low cost) became the first priority level, but also included the “high impact, high cost” projects that fell close to the axis because the cost level was still relatively low. The priority levels do not represent the order in which the projects should be completed; this number was used as a guideline when making the implementation priority list by station, which puts the projects in order for completion and term (immediate-, short-, or long-term).

IMPLEMENTATIONAction GroupsAfter the Priority Levels were determined, the projects were divided into “Action Groups” for implementation. Each Action Group has a “Coordinator” for implementation

that collaborates with other potential project partners to find funding, prioritize the projects, and determine methods for implementation. CAP / ADID is a Coordinator for all three Action Groups, and MARTA is a Coordinator for the Capital Projects and Public-Private Partnerships. Table 1.1 shows the relationship between the Action Groups, Project Partners, and potential Funding Sources.

Implementation PrioritizationThe Priority Level numbers for each project were used as guidelines to determine the implementation priority after the projects were placed in Action Groups. Generally, projects with a higher priority level number were given a higher implementation priority number. Some exceptions exist, most likely due to the cost or ability to combine the project with current MARTA efforts and operations. For example, at Garnett Station, power washing the entrances (C.2) and adding trash cans (C.3) received high implementation priority numbers, despite a priority level number of ‘4’ because they can be combined with current MARTA efforts or can be completed quickly.

Tables 1.2 to 1.4 show the comprehensive project list organized by station then by Action Group with the project number, project name, implementation term (and icon), priority level, and implementation priority. Some projects have multiple implementation terms (immediate-, short-,

ACTION GROUPS SUMMARYGrassroots / Community Groups • Can be accomplished with community efforts and

limited funding within a short amount of time• Could be implemented in 2015

Station Capital Projects• Short-term projects that require more funding

and coordination with MARTA to complete• Require physical changes to the stations• Tactical solutions could test the permanent

solution for many in this Group

Public-Private Partnerships• Large-scale projects or projects that could allow

a private sponsorship / funding in any capacity• Revenue earned can be used to fund Capital

Projects and Grassroots / Community projects• Funding mechanism needed within MARTA to

allocate a certain percentage of revenue for projects at individual stations


Chart 1.3 | Scatterplot Prioritization Process

PROJECT PARTNERS ACTION GROUPS FUNDING SOURCESCOORDINATOR: CAP / ADID

Grassroots/ Community Efforts for Tactical Projects

Public Art Grants / Funding SourcesADID Private AdvertisingCity of Atlanta Private EntitiesAtlanta Regional Commission Public-Private Partnership RevenueMARTACommunity Groups / Organizations

COORDINATOR: MARTA & CAP / ADID

Capital Projects

Public Art Grants / Funding SourcesADID Private AdvertisingCity of Atlanta Private EntitiesAtlanta Regional Commission Project-Specific GrantsMARTA City of AtlantaCommunity Groups / Organizations Public-Private Partnership Revenue

COORDINATOR: MARTA & CAP / ADID

Public-Private Partnerships

Private Advertising

ADID Large Corporations local to AtlantaCity of Atlanta Private DevelopersAtlanta Regional Commission City of AtlantaMARTA Project-Specific GrantsCommunity Groups / Organizations Public-Private Partnership Revenue


year) time frame. Depending on the extent to which the project is completed, the project could be an immediate-term or short-term solution. For example, a mural on the Peachtree Street side of Five Points (D.6) could be completed with a vinyl wrap in the immediate-term, but in the short-term, a paid local artist could paint a more detailed mural on the building.

long-term) because immediate- or short-term strategies can be installed in the interim, as a trial version or while more funding is obtained to complete long-term solutions. One example is the pylon re-design and mock-up (A.1). In the immediate-term, a temporary sign can be designed and placed in new locations to test the effectiveness. If successful, MARTA can allocate more funding to re-design and install permanent signs in the short-term (1-2

Table 1.1 | Action Group Project Partners and Funding Sources

Table 1.1: This chart shows the Action Groups with the corresponding

coordinators, potential project partners, and funding sources.

Tables 1.2 to 1.4: These tables show the comprehensive project list for

both stations and the surrounding neighborhood. The table includes the

project numbers, project names, completion term, priority level numbers,

and implementation priority numbers.

FIVE POINTS STATIONGRASSROOTS / COMMUNITY

CAPITAL PROJECTS

Table 1.2 | Five Points Projects by Action Group

A.# Project Number

Tactical Project Possible

Short-Term (1-3 years)

Long-Term (1-3 years)

Project Category


Many projects can be completed in tandem, which is noted by projects that have an implementation priority number like “1a.” For example, for the Grassroots category at Five Points Station (Table 1.2), a 2015 installation could include a mural on Peachtree Street side (D.6), café seating on the Upper Plaza (B.1) and at the corner of Alabama and Forsyth (B.2), and pop-up retail that supports both seating locations (B.3). Measuring the success of those changes could catalyze future events and potentially permanent installations. An example at Garnett Station is the ability to combine the projects of creating small flex plazas on the Main Plaza Ramp (B.12) and creating the central axis on the Main Plaza Ramp (B.10) because they will require combined design and construction work. These are prioritized in the middle of the capital projects implementation because of the design work and cost required to accomplish them.

MARTA and CAP / ADID should use the implementation priority numbers as a guideline when funding is obtained through grants or revenue from public-private partnerships to determine which project to implement first at each station.

CAPITAL PROJECTSPUBLIC / PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS

SURROUNDING NEIGHBORHOOD

CAPITAL PROJECTS

GRASSROOTS / COMMUNITY

PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS

Table 1.3 | Neighborhood Context Projects by Action Group


FIVE POINTS STATION

GARNETT STATIONGRASSROOTS / COMMUNITY

CAPITAL PROJECTS

PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP PROJECTS

Table 1.4 | Garnett Projects by Action Group

CAPITAL PROJECTS



Table 1.5 | Five Points Station Immediate Projects Implementation

Five Points Station Immediate Projects

Project (and #) Project Description Responsible Parties Next Steps

Station Wayfinding (A.3, D.14))

Add universal transit icon wayfinding signage (exterior) to station structure

TSW, ADID, MARTA

TSW to design sign and size specifications for MARTA's internal sign shop

Pylon Signs (A.1)

Add a 4-sided pylon MARTA sign at street edges (Peachtree Street, Marietta Street, Forsyth Street, Alabama Street)

TSW, ADID, MARTA

TSW to design sign specifications for MARTA's internal sign shop

Trash Relocation (C.8) Relocate trash facility MARTA Alternative location needed

Relocated Bus Layover (C.9) Add MARTA's plans for reconfiguring layovers MARTA MARTA to execute

Landscape Enhancements (D.2, D.12)

MARTA MARTA to execute

Peachtree Street Side Mural (D.6) Paint mural on Peachtree Street entrance side ADID, MARTA ADID to create / issue RFP for artist

and installPeachtree Street Midblock Crossing (A.6)

Install midblock crossing enhancements along Peachtree Street station entrance

Nelson \ Nygaard, ADID, City of

Atlanta

N\N to provide policy and legal precedent.ADID and COA to execute

Special Events & Food Truck Set-up (B.1, B.2, B.3, B.5, B.6)

Add cafe seating for special events TSW, ADID, MARTA

ADID / MARTA to coordinate for events

Real time Display (A.2) Add real time arrival display (public or private property) ADID, MARTA ADID to advance scope, feasibility,

and fee for installation

Community Garden (added project)

Add community garden (raised beds) in Upper Plaza space

TSW, ADID, MARTA

TSW to develop planting logistics;ADID to build community support; MARTA to offer general coordination

IMMEDIATE PROJECTS PLANNING AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Following the last round of input, multiple projects were selected to be implemented immediately and throughout 2015 based on project timelines and readiness. Some projects will be implemented with the LCI grant money and will advance immediately. Tables 1.5 and 1.6 show the list of projects and implementation schedule by station, and Figures 1.8 and 1.9 show the vision for the immediate implementation of these projects. Following the implementation of immediate projects, CAP / ADID will host an event to unveil the implementation progress to the public. This event could include food trucks and temporary café seating in the plazas. In addition, CAP / ADID will host a "Development Day" event to showcase the implementation progress at the two stations and the potential for future development, particularly adjacent to the Garnett Station.

Five Points Station 2015 Implementation ProjectsFigure 1.8 shows the vision for the area around Peachtree Plaza for the immediate implementation of the selected projects at Five Points Station.

Table 1.6 | Garnett Station Immediate Projects Implementation


Garnett Station Immediate Projects

Project (and #) Project Description Responsible Parties Next Steps

Pylon Signs (A.1) Add universal transit icon wayfinding signage (exterior) to station structure

TSW, ADID, MARTA

TSW to design sign and size specifications for MARTA's internal sign shop

Landscape Enhancements (D.1, B.9, B.11, B.10, B.12)

Paint tree trunks or add tree socks for color. Remove sculpture obstructing views from Trinity Avenue approach. Trim / remove trees blocking entrance views. Create a basic landscape plan.

ADID, MARTA

TSW and ADID to organize tree enhancement. ADID and MARTA to coordinate sculpture removal. MARTA to coordinate tree maintenance.

Development Activity (added event)

Host South Downtown 'Development Day' event with land owners and investors ADID ADID to organize development

community for event

Mid-Block CrossingThe Project Team reviewed the signal data and conducted basic studies for a scramble signalization for the Alabama / Peachtree Street and Wall Street / Peachtree Street intersections to determine the feasibility of adding a mid-block crossing on Peachtree Street that is aligned with the station entrance. The Project Team also studied precedent projects throughout the country to support the efficiency and feasibility of mid-block crossings, shared streets, and scramble light phasing. The idea is to hire an artist to design a mid-block crossing that responds to the potential mural painted on the station entrance facade (Project D.6).

Mural on Peachtree Plaza SideCAP / ADID is currently soliciting artists to paint a mural on

the Peachtree Street entrance side of Five Points Station, and this mural could respond to or flow into the mid-block crossing on Peachtree Street (Project A.6).

Improved Station SignageThe Project Team created new designs for the four-sided pylon signs (Figure 1.7) and a large international train symbol sign for the side of the Five Points Station building. The designs were submitted to MARTA for review, revision, and scheduling for implementation. The pylon signs at both Five Points and Garnett Stations would include improved iconography for transportation modes offered at the stations and larger font for the station names. These pylon signs will serve as a pilot project for the entire MARTA train system.

Figure 1.7


Community Garden in the Upper PlazaThe Project Team created a layout plan for the installation of a community garden at the Five Points MARTA Station in the Upper Plaza. The plan involves the specifications for planters and rain barrels, with four-foot (4’) walkways between them. The plan shows the ability for full capacity, if the smaller pilot area proves to be successful. CAP / ADID will coordinate a list of people who would like to participate in the pilot program with their own garden plots. MARTA will be responsible for determining appropriate access times and methods for the garden users to ensure security for the users and to prevent the destruction of property. MARTA and CAP / ADID will also coordinate the installation of the garden. Community events, such as markets or outdoor seating, could occur in the Upper Plaza adjacent to and using the garden.

The Project Team sent the plans, cost estimate, specifications, and scope of work to MARTA for review and implementation. MARTA is currently studying the feasibility of the project regarding the required security measures, weight limits on the Upper Plaza, and access to a water line if needed.

Garnett Station 2015 Implementation ProjectsFigure 1.9 shows the overall vision for the Main Plaza Ramp at Trinity Avenue for the immediate implementation of the selected projects.

String lightingString lighting can be added to the existing smaller plazas

along the Main Plaza Ramp to create smaller, usable spaces and serve as a temporary wayfinding tactic along the plaza to the building entrance.

Improved Station SignageThe Project Team created new designs for the four-sided pylon signs (Figure 1.7) to be installed at Garnett Station. The designs were submitted to MARTA for review,

Figure 1.8


revision, and scheduling for implementation. The pylon signs at both Five Points and Garnett Stations would include improved iconography for transportation modes offered at the stations and larger font for the station names. These pylon signs will serve as a pilot project for the entire MARTA train system.

Landscape Improvements on Main Plaza RampThe Project Team created basic demolition and landscape improvement plans for the Main Plaza Ramp at Garnett Station. The enhancements include the removal of some existing planter areas, concrete removal and replacement, defunct light fixture removal, the removal of the sculpture, the addition of a pylon sign at Trinity Avenue, and the addition of groundcover and canopy trees. The MARTA Facilities Maintenance Department will complete the landscape demolition, concrete replacement, and groundcover replacement. A collaborative effort between MARTA and Trees Atlanta could provide the new canopy trees recommended for the plaza. The MARTA Electrical and Power Department will complete the removal of the defunct pedestrian light fixtures. The string lighting posts and lights are shown on the plans in the small flex plazas to demonstrate potential future use. For example, CAP / ADID may choose to install these as a demonstration project during the forthcoming Development Day, which will aim to attract investors and developers to the Garnett Station and South Downtown area. The Project Team sent the demolition and landscape plans, specifications, and scope of work to MARTA for review and implementation.

Figure 1.8: This image highlights the immediate projects and describes

the means to accomplish them for the Peachtree Street entrance side at

Five Points Station.

Figure 1.9: This image highlights the immediate projects and describes

the means to accomplish them for the Main Plaza Ramp at Trinity

Avenue at Garnett Station.

Figure 1.8

Figure 1.9

SOUTH DOWNTOWN TRANSIT STATION ENHANCEMENT PLAN ... · 2015 implementation with corresponding...

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