The guy in the Clearwater, Fl streetscape … he looks a lot like Tim Tebow.

Will they incorporate rain gardens and other ecologically cleaning aspects to the streetscape. Portland and Kansas City are putting them everywhere to clean the water along the city streets so their rivers and creeks downstream are cleaner.

Can’t be Tebow. I don’t see a halo or wings.

I think a mid century look for the street lamps and other signage would tie in very nicely to what remains of our architecturally significant buildings in downtown – like the santa fe station, civic center, etc.

I also think trees on the sidewalks are very clearly lacking currently and would do some wonders if they were included at regular intervals. Cool photos, Steve.

In other design schemes I have seen from the city planning department/Devon/consultant call for a continuous row of street trees on every block with wide sidewalks, street parking.

As far as lighting goes, I would be pleased with something rather modern/industrial looking. Save the period lamps for the historic neighborhoods.

Loose the faux-historical streetlights. (What did we do to accent the roadway to our upgraded, contemporary airport? We put flimsy-looking “historical” streetlights to create an embarrassing juxtaposition of styles.)

Downtown? Line all the streets with trees, pinch-down all crosswalk distances, use advanced technology contemporary light fixtures and street furnishings that are unobtrusive, unpretentious, and above all else: highly functional. Spend the money on function over flare. Let us appreciate the whole downtown picture, rather than tricky details and forced styles…

I like the Winters streetscapes, with its containers and benches, as well as in ground trees, and the Northfield alley arches. I agree: nothing to cutesy. The major historic style of architecture we’ve got downtown is art deco, and there’s not lots of that. So, something deco, urban or contemporary is my vote. Also, as much as I like flower pots hanging from streetlights, if my luck with hanging container gardening in Oklahoma is representative, we’d be better off avoiding them.

I agree wholeheartedly with Dennis. Huge priorities on:

- curb bump-outs (to shorten crosswalk distant)
- street trees
- wider sidewalks that allow for more patio dining options
- well positioned, and highly functional bike racks
- a mixture of lighting options specific to the surrounding architecture and functional requirements.

Download the .pdf version of NYC DOT’s Street Design Manual – an excellent resource for this discussion.

I agree with Dennis and Blair. While not opposed to those black “historical” vintage streetlamps, I think something art deco or contemporary style would be better downtown. I also like the idea of less traffic lanes and more sidewalk space (making room for sidewalk dining as well as benches, etc.).

I vote for none of the above!

I have to agree with Curt, Dennis and Blair. It needs to be highly modern and functional, but also ecologically green. Rainwater gardens, more vegetation/trees, LED lights, solar panels, bike racks, etc.

Dennis: Ditto.

trees?!?! on the street?!?! you probably don’t own downtown commercial property if you want trees. they are a major pain, ESPECIALLY stupid bradford pears, which bloom for one or two days of the entire year. you get a constant maintenance mess, you have to deal with trimming the limbs, and worst of all, they impede the visibility of the businesses. what is the purpose of a downtown business district? COMMERCE!

whatever type of lighting is used should definitely have some type of shade over the globe so that the light is reflected downward, not blinding the drivers or wasted in light pollution (a growing, significant problem). bumpouts can be either helpful or bad, depending on how they are used.

i’m all for beauty, but the design must be functional to be effective. slowing down cars is a good thing. eliminating parking or hiding the businesses you are trying to serve is not.

David Ball

NOBODY Plants Bradford Pears that knows what they are doing. There are many street trees that are low maintance that will add many years of shade for the city.

agreed regarding the bradford pears. disagree as to trees in sidewalks aiding a commercial district. flowers, shrubs, benches, awnings, clocks, and other amenities are nice, but trees along the street block businesses. ask the property owners along main street in bristow how happy they are. they have a beautiful streetscape that has eliminated a third of the parking and will only grow to block the view of their signs. trees belong in parks, lawns, and pastures. not streets. in addition to blocking the view of main street, they can also pose a traffic hazard by blocking views of pedestrians and other vehicles.

note: i’ve got no problem with them in a pedestrian mall or area where there is no automobile traffic allowed.

Plant trees that have a light canopy that can be seen through like a Honey Locust, or plant trees between signage. You can choose trees that grow straight up or trees that will grow taller than the signage.

There are many streest across the US with great street trees that add to the city. McMinnville, OR is a great example. Here is a link.

http://www.panoramio.com/photo/3030349

The point of the trees along main street is for people to walk around downtown, not for drivers by. Placement of the trees is very important. The trees can act as a buffer to signage or they can accentuate them.

I’d have to vote for a modern/urban look with wide sidewalks, benches… keep it simple.

Good pictures. So we’re about to spend a small fortune to “streetscape” downtown OKC, then tear it all up to accommodate streetcars? Sounds like we are still planning via rear view mirrors.