Case Study: Does size matter? A critique of two urban block sizes and the affects on walkability Portland, Oregon Salt Lake City, Utah GoogleEarth Pro, web. 04 Apr 2016 GoogleEarth Pro, web. 04 Apr 2016 URBN 6652 Brett Meek Jamie Fogle April 20, 2016
Contents A critical component of a livable society is having the option to walk within a 10 minute walk to basic needs and services. Case Study Purpose: To examine the downtown block size and structure of two western US cities and their influence on walkability. Indicators are a response to human health and well-being, economic prosperity and transportation infrastructure. Background Settlement History and Context Development Forces Downtown Comparisons Block Figure Ground Street Frontage and Intersections 1/4 Mile Radius Diagram Nolli Map Street Character Public Amenity Character Walkability Indicators Walkability Principles Walk Score, Bike Score, Transit Score for study area intersection Human health, Well-being and Economic Indicators Transportation Infrastructure Indicators Conclusion Small Block and Large Block Comparisons D.A.Horchner/ Designworkshop, 2009 Bibliography
Background Staver & Walker Carriage Company, 1891 BYU, Harold B. Lee Library Special Collections
Settlement History and Context Year of Settlement: 1845 City s Geographic Area (2016): 145 Sq. Mi. City s Population (2010): 583,776, 28th most populous in US City s Population Density: 4,026/ People per Sq. Mi. Downtown Street Widths: 60 Downtown Block Size: 200 by 200 grid Demonym: Portlander Climate: Temperate, Avg. High: 82 O F, Avg. Low: 35.2 O F (Wikipedia) City plat, 1866, City of Portland archive BYU, Harold B. Lee Library Special Collections Year of Settlement: 1847 City s Geographic Area (2016): 110 Sq. Mi. City s Population (2010): 186,440,124th most populous in US City s Population Density: 1,695/ People per Sq. Mi. Downtown Street Widths: 132 Downtown Block Size: 660 by 660 grid Demonym: Salt Laker Climate: Subhumid, Avg. High: 91 O F, Avg. Low: 21 O F (Wikipedia) Brett Meek and Jamie Fogle URBN 6652 April 20, 2016 Does size matter? A critique of two urban block sizes and the affects on walkability 4
Development Forces Front Street Front Street in 1910, Web. 24 March 2016. Main Street Savage, D. Charles Roscoe Savage. Sall Lake City main street, 1890. Web. 24, March 2016. Development Forces: The original 1843 Portland land claim of William Overton was the basis of the grid system. The unique street grid of Portland was developed by Thomas Brown in 1845. He surveyed and developed a 200x200 foot grid for the first sixteen blocks of the city that extended two blocks west of the river and eight blocks running parallel to the river rather than true north points. This provided emphasis on the importance of the river and the city s future growth through commerce. (City of Portland Bureau of Planning, 2) One year after Portland s incorporation as a city in 1851, a park strip extending through the city from north to south was deeded to the City for public use, known as the Park Blocks. (City of Portland Bureau of Planning, 12) Development Forces: The ideas for the layout of Salt Lake City originated with Joseph Smith, the founder of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. (McIntire) Smith s concept of city planning originated in what was known as the City of Zion plan, prepared in 1833. The plan called for a grid pattern with streets 132 feet wide, multi-acre lots within each city block, backyard gardens, houses set 25 feet back from the street and staggered so that no house directly faced another on the opposite side of the street. (McIntire) The story goes that Brigham Young, who led Mormon settlers to the West in 1847, directed that the streets of Salt Lake City be made sufficiently wide so that a wagon team could turn around without resorting to profanity. (McIntire) Brett Meek and Jamie Fogle URBN 6652 April 20, 2016 Does size matter? A critique of two urban block sizes and the affects on walkability 5
Downtown Comparisons GoogleEarth Pro, web. 04 Apr 2016 GoogleEarth Pro, web. 04 Apr 2016
Block Figure Ground Downtown Block Size: 200 by 200 grid Right-of-Way Width: 60 Street Area: 40% Block Area: 60% Area Shown: 1/4 Mile radius Downtown Block Size: 660 by 660 grid Right-of-Way Width: 132 Street Area: 30% Block Area: 70% Area Shown: 1/4 Mile radius Brett Meek and Jamie Fogle URBN 6652 April 20, 2016 Does size matter? A critique of two urban block sizes and the affects on walkability 7
Street Frontage and Intersections Street Frontage (1/4 mi. radius): 79,200 linear feet or 15 miles Number of Intersections: 76 Street Frontage (1/4 mi. radius): 28,480 linear feet or 5.4 miles Number of Intersections: 9 Brett Meek and Jamie Fogle URBN 6652 April 20, 2016 Does size matter? A critique of two urban block sizes and the affects on walkability 8
1/4 Mile Radius Diagram Intersection of SW Yamhill Street and SW 6th Avenue Buckman Neighborhood State Street and Main Street Capitol Hill Neighborhood Brett Meek and Jamie Fogle URBN 6652 April 20, 2016 Does size matter? A critique of two urban block sizes and the affects on walkability 9
Nolli Map Higher Density Buildings typically occupy entire block Rigid formal repetition More diversity of use and architectural character Parking is minimal Lower Density More flexibility in block configuration Less repetition Less diversity of use Significant surface parking Brett Meek and Jamie Fogle URBN 6652 April 20, 2016 Does size matter? A critique of two urban block sizes and the affects on walkability 10
Street Character SW 5th St and SW Alder St Google Maps Street View, web. 02 Apr 2016 Main St and Broadway Google Maps Street View, web. 02 Apr 2016 SW 5TH STREET MAIN STREET Brett Meek and Jamie Fogle URBN 6652 April 20, 2016 Does size matter? A critique of two urban block sizes and the affects on walkability 11
Public Amenity Character SW Morrison St and Broadway Google Maps Street View, web. 02 Apr 2016 Main St and Broadway Google Maps Street View, web. 02 Apr 2016 GoogleEarth Pro, web. 04 Apr 2016 GoogleEarth Pro, web. 04 Apr 2016 PIONEER SQUARE GALLIVAN CENTER Brett Meek and Jamie Fogle URBN 6652 April 20, 2016 Does size matter? A critique of two urban block sizes and the affects on walkability 12
Walkability Indicators D.A.Horchner/ Designworkshop, 2005
Walkability Principles D.A. Horchner/ Designworkshop, 2014 D.A. Horchner/ Designworkshop, 2002 TEN PRINCIPLES OF WALKABILITY (Speck) The Useful Walk 1 Put cars in their place 2 Mix the uses 3 Get the parking right 4 Let transit work The Safe Walk 5 Protect the pedestrian 6 Welcome bikes The Comfortable Walk 7 Shape the spaces 8 Plant trees The Interesting Walk 9 Make friendly and unique faces 10 Pick your winners Brett Meek and Jamie Fogle URBN 6652 April 20, 2016 Does size matter? A critique of two urban block sizes and the affects on walkability 14
Walk Score, Bike Score, Transit Score for study area intersection What makes a neighborhood walkable? A CENTER: Walkable neighborhoods have a center, whether it s a main street or a public space. PEOPLE: Enough people for businesses to flourish and for public transit to run frequently. MIXED INCOME, MIXED USE: Affordable housing located near businesses. PARKS AND PUBLIC SPACE: Plenty of public places to gather and play. PEDESTRIAN DESIGN: Buildings are close to the street, parking lots are relegated to the back. SCHOOLS AND WORKPLACES: Close enough that most residents can walk from their homes. COMPLETE STREETS: Streets designed for bicyclists, pedestrians, and transit. Walkscore. Web. 28 March 2016 Walkscore. Web. 28 March 2016 Portland has an average walkscore of 63, bike score of 72 and transit score of 51. 14th most walkable large city in the US. Portland has good public transportation and is very bikeable. Salt Lake City has an average walkscore of 55, bike score of 69 and transit score of 43. Salt Lake City has some public transportation and is somewhat bikeable. Brett Meek and Jamie Fogle URBN 6652 April 20, 2016 Does size matter? A critique of two urban block sizes and the affects on walkability 15
Human health, Well-being and Economic Indicators OBESITY RANKINGS 2014 2014 Obesity Rankings, Gallup Healthway Well-Being Index, web. ECONOMIC PERFORMANCE 2014 2014 Best-Performing Cities. Milken Institute, web. 2015 Community Well-Being Rankings and Access to Care, Gallup Healthway Well-Being Index WELL-BEING INDEX 2015 D.A. Horchner/ Designworkshop, 2005 Brett Meek and Jamie Fogle URBN 6652 April 20, 2016 Does size matter? A critique of two urban block sizes and the affects on walkability 16
edwood Rd State 900 W State 900 W 900 E 300 W Redwood Rd 700 E 500 E I-21 l 454 53 Airport Station 453 454 551 Transportation Infrastructure Indicators I-80 Salt Lake Central Station 2 2X 3 11 200 205 220 228 500 509 513 519 520 902 509 513 451 509 509 519 462 470 463 1000 N 473 471 520 472 520 472 470 600 N 217 460 Northwest 461 Comm. Ctr 455 519 State 217 470 519 Offices 473 200 456 453 N Temple 453 217 217 513 516 Portland TriMet, web. 05 Apr 2016 Utah Transit Authority, web. 05 Apr 2016 509 SALT 516 LAKE CITY, UT Brett Meek and Jamie Fogle URBN 6652 April 20, 2016 Does size matter? A critique of two urban block sizes and the affects on walkability 17 West Valley 1940 W Station California Ave 454 F522 456 River Trail Station! 513 509 Central Pointe (2100 S.) Station 9 17 21 516 451 9 2 3 2X 228 I-80 17 200 6 209 516 500 11 3 200 21 6 205 6 307 205 Ballpark (1300 S.) Station South S 400 S 900 S 209 1700 S 2100 S 205 500 500 Eas 300 Eas! 11 S Temple 320 307 9 17 220 228 307 320! Sa See oth for Downt Universit 700 Eas 2X 209 209 21 6 455 22 21 213 Fair Sugarm
Conclusion D.A.Horchner/Designworkshop, 2002
Small Block and Large Block Comparisons Strengths: City Legibility Ease of navigation Development Over Time Easily adaptable to changing land uses promotes re usability and urban infill redevelopment fosters small business and entrepreneurial spirit human Experience finer grain urban fabric greater diversity of land use & architectural character more street frontage / ground story activation Transportation greater pedestrian and vehicular connectivity decrease in traffic congestion variety of alternate routes Weaknesses: Land Use Efficiency lower developable land ratio higher infrastructure & maintenance costs rigidity less flexibility in parcel assemblage fewer options for formal arrangement Strengths: Land Use Efficiency higher developable land use ratios lower infrastructure & maintenance costs human Experience Quality over quantity approach to streetscape adequate space for complete street amenities Flexibility many options for parcel assemblage numerous options for block and building configuration Weaknesses: Land Use less practical in residential applications Encourage large scale big box development Transportation higher potential for traffic and congestion fewer alternate routes Brett Meek and Jamie Fogle URBN 6652 April 20, 2016 Does size matter? A critique of two urban block sizes and the affects on walkability 19
The noticable differences between the Portland and Salt Lake City block size are evident and a logical assumption is that the smaller block size makes for a more desirable pedestrian experience. The case study critique reveals that the smaller block size has limited impact on walkability and the resulting health, well-being and economic benefits. Brett Meek and Jamie Fogle URBN 6652 April 20, 2016 Does size matter? A critique of two urban block sizes and the affects on walkability 20
Bibliography City of Portland Bureau of Planning. Midtown Blocks Historic Assessment. Sept. 2004: 2. Web. 07 Apr. 2016. IBID, 12. McIntire, Hank. History of Salt Lake s Grid System. Wide Streets of Salt Lake: n.page. Web. 9 Dec. 2012. Speck, Jeff. Walkable City: How Downtown Can Save America, One Step at a Time. New York: North Point Press, 2013. Print. Wikipedia. Portland, Oregon. Web. 31 March 2016. Wikipedia. Salt Lake City. Web. 31 March 2016. Brett Meek and Jamie Fogle URBN 6652 April 20, 2016 Does size matter? A critique of two urban block sizes and the affects on walkability 21