Davie Village Public Space Improvements Phase 3: May/June 2015 Refined Design Concept Questionnaire Summary
Background In June 2015, City of Vancouver staff, with design consultant PFS Studio, hosted two public open houses and attended a Pop-up City Hall event and the West End Strawberry Festival to share refined design concepts for public space improvements in Davie Village. We invited the public to review a refined concept for an inviting, dynamic permanent plaza at Davie and Bute Streets, a new mid-block crossing in the Davie Village between Bute and Thurlow, and other associated improvements. Feedback was received through conversations with staff, as well as a hard-copy and online questionnaire. The open houses were very well attended again with over 1500 people attending our 4 outreach events. In addition, a total of 236 online and hard-copy and online questionnaires were received. The responses are summarized in the following document.
Bus Stop Location Description: Bus Stop Relocation Options: Option A: Shift Eastbound bus stop to west of Bute St and eliminate the bus stop at Jervis St. This is a less congested passenger loading area and would be closer to the plaza. Option B: Shift Eastbound bus stop to the east, which would require removal of some on-street parking east of Bute St and would locate the bus stop at a more congested section of the sidewalk. Question: 1. User preference is one consideration in locating the bus stop. Please indicate your preference for the bus stop location on the south side of Davie Street at Bute Street: Results Option A (west of Bute) Option B (east of Bute) No preference Unsure / don t know 50.0% 40.0% 30.0% 32.6% 33.9% 20.0% 16.5% 10.0% 7.2% 0.0% Option A (west of Bute) Option B (east of Bute) No preference Unsure/don t know Option A was preferred, but over a third of respondents had no preference
Traffic Circulation and Access Proposed Plan: Description: The closure of the half block of Bute Street south of Davie Street on a permanent basis and the potential for temporary special events on the half block north of Davie have implications for the road network, bus stops, and cycling connections. The closure on the south side was tested with the 2013-2014 pilot project. Bunt & Associates Transportation Consultants have reviewed the street network from Burrard to Broughton Streets to assess potential impacts and to make recommendations for changes, taking the pilot project experience and City information into account. The recommended changes are noted with reference to the aerial photograph above. Question: 2. Please indicate your overall opinion of the proposed changes to circulation and access for vehicular traffic: Really like it Like it Neutral Don t like it Really don t like it Unsure/ don t know
Results: 50.0% 40.0% 35.2% 30.0% 20.0% 18.6% 14.4% 10.0% 8.5% 8.5% 7.6% 0.0% Really like it Like it Neutral Don t like it Really don t like it 54% supported the traffic circulation and access plans shown Unsure/ don t know
Bute Street, North of Davie Street Proposed Plan: Question: 3. Please indicate your overall opinion of the design concept for Bute Street north of Davie St: Really like it Like it Neutral Don t like it Really don t like it
Results: 50.0% 40.0% 41.5% 30.0% 22.5% 20.0% 10.0% 14.4% 10.2% 3.8% 0.0% Really like it Like it Neutral Don t like it Really don t like it 64% supported the revised concept plan shown for Bute Street, north of Davie Street
Bute Street, South of the Plaza to Burnaby Street Proposed Plan: Questions: 4. Please indicate your overall opinion of the design concept for Bute Street south of the plaza to Burnaby St: Really like it Like it Neutral Don t like it Really don t like it
Results: 50.0% 40.0% 30.0% 31.4% 33.1% 20.0% 14.0% 10.0% 8.5% 5.9% 0.0% Really like it Like it Neutral Don t like it Really don t like it 64% supported the revised concept plan shown for Bute Street, south of the plaza to Burnaby St
Mid-block Crossing Proposed Plan: Description: Street improvements are also targeted for the mid-block crossing on Davie Street half a block east of Bute Street. Its design is related to the concept developed for Bute Street, adapting similar materials and colours. A section of on-street parking will be replaced by pedestrian bulges into the streetscape to achieve shorter crossing distances and make space for landscaping and seating. Question: 5. Please indicate your overall opinion of the design concept for the mid-block pedestrian crossing: Really like it Like it Neutral Don t like it Really don t like it
Results: 50.0% 40.0% 41.9% 30.0% 24.6% 20.0% 10.0% 11.9% 8.1% 6.4% 0.0% Really like it Like it Neutral Don t like it Really don t like it 67% supported the design shown for the mid-block crossing The most common response (42%) was that respondents really like the concept
Refined Plaza Concept Plan View: Description The revised plaza design concept features a mix of seating elements including backs and armrests, low tables, and larger seating platforms playfully arranged to create seating alcoves and islands along the plaza. Moveable tables and chairs allow the free arrangement of seating for informal use and plaza events, and are stored conveniently adjacent to the plaza. All large existing trees have been preserved, surrounded with mass plantings and seating, and have coloured uplighting for nighttime interest. New legacy trees are incorporated to enhance the West End character. A consistent flush paving treatment unifies the entire plaza from building face to building face, upon which all elements of the plaza are embedded and cafes can spill out. Raised intersections at both north and south lanes create improved pedestrian and bicycle connections to the neighbourhood. Low mountable curbs in north block are proposed to better accommodate special events.
Suspended cable lighting creates a ceiling of lights for a comfortable ambient glow and are supplemented by additional projector lights to allow versatility for special events. Power outlets and water connections are also provided for special events to support programming. The plaza bulges into the south lane of Davie Street to integrate stronger with the social spaces of the Village. A special overhead feature provides a halo of light suspended over the rainbow crossings of the intersection to mark the Heart of Davie Village. Rendered Views: DAYTIME EVENING
Question: 6. Please indicate your overall opinion of the design concept for the permanent plaza: Really like it Like it Neutral Don t like it Really don t like it Results: 50.0% 40.0% 40.7% 30.0% 31.4% 20.0% 10.0% 10.6% 5.9% 6.4% 0.0% Really like it Like it Neutral Don t like it Really don t like it 72% supported the revised concept plan for the Plaza The most common response (41%) was that respondents really like the concept
Decorative Overhead Feature Illustrative Renderings: Question: 7. Please indicate your overall opinion of the design concept for the decorative overhead feature: Really like it Like it Neutral Don t like it Really don t like it Results: 50.0% 40.0% 30.0% 20.0% 24.6% 28.8% 19.9% 10.0% 10.6% 10.6% 0.0% Really like it Like it Neutral Don t like it Really don t like it 53% supported the decorative overhead feature as shown in the concept plans and renderings
Plaza Programming and Events Description Programming and use: Separated patios for adjacent businesses will be considered as a way to activate plaza Space will be designed and managed to support a range of programming types o From small-scale to larger special events Supportive infrastructure: power, water, storage, weather protection, etc. Make it easy for community groups and others to use and program the space Plaza partnership to guide the programming of the space, ensure equitable access, and manage access to power, storage, etc. Question: 8. The plaza will be designed and managed to support a variety of community programming, events and activities. Which of the following would you like to see included in the plaza? (please check all that apply) Art market Seasonal market (e.g. Christmas market, summer night market) Games night (e.g. board games, cards, chess) Expanded patios Pride events Children s activities Buskers Acoustic music Movie night Small-scale sports (e.g. badminton, horseshoes) Dancing Local food celebration Other please specify:
Results: 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% Seasonal market 77% Local food celebration Art market Pride events Expanded patios 65% 65% 63% 61% Games night 50% Buskers Dancing Acoustic music Movie night Children s activities 42% 41% 40% 36% 36% Small-scale sports 26% Other 15% Most Common Other Responses: No programming should be a quiet, passive space Public speakers / discussions / speakers corner Music and concerts Community-building activities and events Picnics Pop-up library
Final Thoughts Question: 9. Did we miss anything important to you? Do you have anything further to add? Results: Most Common Responses (categorized): The plaza should include: More moveable furniture and tables More public art Community info and events directory in the space Kids play elements More weather protection The plaza shouldn t permit: Use after a certain hour (11pm was recommended) Amplified music and busking Smoking Plaza general : Significant concern re: policing and security most common comment Concerns regarding potential conflicts between pedestrians and cyclists Plaza should feel inclusive for all possible users families, seniors, LGBTQ alike Regular maintenance and cleaning a concern Plaza should close North side as well and open Pendrell diverter Overhead element Non-support for ring shown and concerns re: look during day - cables Traffic and circulation Concerns about removing traffic lanes on Davie Street and spill over impact on adjacent streets Cul-de-sac should remain closed / no through traffic to lane to reduce shortcutting Mid-block crossing Interest in additional future crossing between Jervis and Bute
Demographics Questions and Results: 10. What is your connection to the West End? 60.0% 53.8% Rent in the neighbourhood 50.0% 40.0% 30.0% 36.0% Own and live in the neighbourhood Own in the neighbourhood but live elsewhere Live outside of the neighbourhood 20.0% 10.0% 0.0% 0.8% 3.0% 13.1% 3.0% 5.9% Work in the neighbourhood Own a business in the neighbourhood Other 11. What age group do you belong to? 50.0% 44.1% 40.0% 30.0% 31.1% 20.0% 18.1% 10.0% 0.0% 0.6% 0.6% 19 or under 20-39 40-59 60-79 80+
12. Do you primarily identify as: 60.0% 50.0% 49.7% 40.0% 30.0% 28.2% 20.0% 10.0% 0.0% 0.6% 0.0% Female Male Transgendered Other Prefer not to say 2.3%