Revitalization of Commercial Corridors

1
Revitalization of Commercial Corridors
2
History of Commercial Corridors

• Existed throughout history
• Previously centered around streetcar lines
• New zoning regulations resulted in commercial
  corridors zoned exclusively commercial

3
History of Commercial Corridors

• Sprawl brought commercial corridors to suburbs
  after WWII
• Rise of car use and decline of public
  transportation made commercial corridors
  attractive
• Variety of alternatives causing commercial
  corridors to fail

4
Reasons for Failure

• Traffic congestion
• Lack of character
• Attractive alternatives to commercial corridors

5
Traffic Congestion

• Role of thoroughfare causes traffic conflicts
• Car-oriented design of commercial corridors
• Pedestrian safety also an issue

6
Lack of Character

• Small building sizes lead to limited options
• Parking lot in front
• Sprawl contributing to more commercial corridors

7
Attractive Alternatives to Commercial Corridors

• Town Centers
• Downtowns
• Internet

8
Improving Commercial Corridors

• Improving Highway Design
• Improve Character
• Improve Pedestrian Environment
• Changes in land use and zoning

9
Improving Highway Design

• Separate through traffic from local traffic
• Modify left turn accessibility
• Reduce curb cuts

10
Improve Character

• Similar theme, but diverse building types and
  lots
• Arches, gateways, and architectural features at
  beginning of commercial corridor
• Addition of cultural and recreational uses

11
Increase Density

• Increased density at important intersections
• Placement of well-known retail stores
• Use of TODs

12
Pedestrian Environment

• Wider sidewalks
• Trees and landscaping
• Signs and visual enhancements to increasing
  pedestrian safety

13
Pedestrian Environment

• Addition of attractive streetlights, benches, and
  colonnades
• Ledges, fountains, and benches provide areas of
  rest and social interaction

14
Areas between Nodes

• Low density uses that do not cause traffic
• Neighborhood-serving uses
• Character and design should reflect adjacent
  communities

15
Commercial Corridors in the Bay Area

• San Pablo Avenue
• Mission Boulevard
• El Camino Real

16
El Camino Real

• From Daly City to Santa Clara
• Also known as State 82 maintained by Caltrans
• Serve as main street for many cities along the
  Peninsula

17
Issues

• El Camino Real controlled by CalTrans
• Lack of amenities in the pedestrian environment
• Irregular and inefficient lot sizes
• Lack of character and attractive nodes

18
Improvements to El Camino Real

• Remove parking spaces on El Camino Real
• Better transit service
• Nodes to attract businesses and shoppers

19
Improvements to El Camino Real

• Improve pedestrian environment
• Change zoning
• Assist business owners to either improve store or
  relocate

20
Conclusion

• Improvements need to be done to important
  commercial corridors
• Benefit to city, businesses, commuters, and
  residents
• Follow up observe changes at El Camino Real