16th Streetscape Designs Taking Shape

(posted July 23)

Within its next three meetings, the 16th Streetscape Committee should have their recommendations for the new look for 16th Street. The July 22 meeting gave the streetscape members a chance to look at different architectural styles and a chance to discuss their initial preferences for the future road.

Elizabeth Frazier stood up at the meeting and said that the group will be accused of "catering to the IMS."

"Oh, I hear that all the time. The reality is we are doing it for Speedway," Executive Director Scott Harris said.

"I know," Frazier responded.

Although the IMS has not revealed any plans for possible new construction to the committee, Redevelopment Authority member and Old Speedway City Neighborhood Association member Ed Frazier wanted 16th Street to appear more contemporary to match the track's proposed new construction.

Carol Ochs wanted to see a blend of art deco and contemporary used.

American Structurepoint Engineer Shane Burkhardt said most of Main Street is a "vernacular" design, created by local builders using the 1920s and 1930s Art Deco style.

Harris said the Urban Land Institute suggested the plan should include work to recreate the unique Main Street look.

OSCNA member Don Katterhenry preferred for motorists exiting the "infamous roundabout" to see a historic look that is different than 16th Street. He also wanted the acorn style light fixtures, but landscape architect Daryn Fair said the acorn lights would not benefit the town in finding its own unique identity.

As for the 16th Street design, Katterhenry preferred the Hulman Memorial Way theme continue on down 16th Street, excluding the high curbs and ornamental grass.

Despite attending the meeting, IMS engineer Kevin Forbes gave no input Instead, Harris spoke on behalf of Forbes, saying from what he has heard that the future motel "is contemporary yet timeless." He also said it important to have continuity with 16th Street, Main Street and the linear park.

Amy Carroll said she is cautious of the word contemporary because it can be trendy and not timeless.

Jeff Kingsbury of Greenstreet LTD said contemporary should reflect a level of comfort no matter how much time has passed.

The discussion of trees did not come without some debate. Katterhenry opposed trees altogether because of the maintenance required. He did not want taxpayers to pick up additional charges for tree maintenance. He also explained that trees create shadows and dim the night vision for pedestrians.

Burkhardt responded that trees are important to help reduce pollutants and to help the urban area to reduce its non-attainment levels. He said that a Business Improvement District could be formed where local tenants and property owners would be assessed a special maintenance fee instead of taxpayer support. He said that studies show that retail sales increase in area with tree canopies compared to the areas that do not have trees. Other environmental features will include lights that are compatible with the dark sky initiative, so people can enjoy the night sky view.

Street Department Commissioner Wendell Walters said that a tree replacement program could be implemented to replace trees once they reach a certain size. Main Street currently has no maintenance program.

Will Lyon, 16th Street project engineer, said that 16th Street will have 6 foot sidewalks on the north side and a 10 foot shared asphalt path on the south side to promote biking and pedestrian mobility.

The group plans to meet July 29 for a bus tour to observe different community streetscapes.

Harris said that more members are expected to join the committee. D.R. Shuck was appointed to the committee at the July 11 meeting, but said he was never contacted to be on the committee. Shuck does not understand why he wasn't contacted when Mr. Harris lives only a few houses from him.

Harris said he would look into the oversight.