Columbia Street Corridor Enhancement Fort Wayne, Indiana
Role
Landscape Architecture
People Involved
Eric Lucas
Typology
Public Streetscape, Curbless Street, Public Realm
Project Timeline
2018
Collaborators
City of Fort Wayne, MKM Architecture
Re-envisioning a vehicular side street into an inviting and celebrated public space
The block of Columbia Street between Harrison and Calhoun Streets is one of the oldest streets in downtown Fort Wayne, Indiana. The corridor, still lined with two, three, and four-story historic structures, has the character of an early 1900’s midwestern town. This stretch of Columbia Street has held significance in the city over the years as a place of commerce, living, and entertainment. Unfortunately, vacancies increased, and fewer businesses, restaurants, and residents populated Columbia Street.
As part of the City’s broader strategy of downtown revitalization and growth, attention to Columbia Street became a priority. It was important for this corridor to, once again, imbue vibrancy, energy, and a sense of identity. The City of Fort Wayne enlisted a development partner to restore and renovate historic buildings and to infill vacant properties in a comprehensive development called The Landing. Along with this private sector investment, the City committed to a complete re-making of Columbia Street.
“Columbia Street demonstrates how a relatively small piece of public realm can have an outsized impact on downtown revitalization. The curbless street, historic setting, and flexible pedestrian spaces allow the corridor to transition throughout the day from circulation route to dining space to event venue, creating the kind of active, adaptable place that helps sustain downtown life.”
- Eric Lucas, ASLA, PLA, Principal, MKSK
MKSK worked closely with the City to understand how Columbia Street functions today and how that would change to support The Landing. Goals for the district called for lively streets, filled with pedestrians, outdoor dining spaces, and zones for gathering. Additionally, the City desired that the street be programmable and designed with flexibility to allow its closure to vehicles on occasion. During these times, access at the ends of the street would be controlled and areas for performances would allow for larger crowds to gather.
With these goals in mind, MKSK worked with the City of Fort Wayne to develop a vision to create a shared space, such that the character of street and sidewalk become one. Vertical curbing was eliminated, and the pavement surface and type was seamless from building to building. In this way, when the street functions for a festival, tents can be arranged without vertical obstruction and pedestrians can wander without needing to step up or down. The already-wide sidewalks were made slightly wider to allow for generous al fresco dining. At the two ends of the street, vertical columns were integrated with operable gate arms. When in the down position, Columbia Street is designated for pedestrian use only.
As a curbless condition in an urban area, special attention was given to the safety of pedestrians and motorists. Though pavement was designed to be seamless across the space, its bold plank pattern varied to be darker within the vehicular portion of the corridor. This subtle separation of space was reinforced through a combination of planters, benches, trees, and furnishings. Planters were designed as bioretention cells, held low to accept stormwater runoff. Wooden surfaces were used around existing tree areas, allowing trees to remain at the current elevation to protect established root zones. Benches and seating areas, integrated with trees and planted areas, were designed to promote interaction.
As part of The Landing, the re-making of Columbia Street celebrates an important piece of the City’s history and makes a statement about the future of public spaces. Columbia Street is a civic space that prioritizes people and supports the local businesses that make this a thriving district. This district once again holds prominence in the City of Fort Wayne.
