SLR Trans Zone

RESILIENT STREETSCAPE TRANSITION ZONE

Key Map v2

The following design scenarios supplement the Tower & Podium building typology and focus on the Resilient Streetscape Transition Zone to address a broader range of transition scenarios that can mitigate the impact of elevation changes. The transition zone provides access to the building’s Design Flood Elevation (DFE) until adjacent streets and other properties are raised to the same elevation. The primary component of the transition zone is the grade transition area, but the broader transition zone creates functional space that bridges the project site with the public realm.

In each of these scenarios, the building is elevated to 3.2 feet DFE and set back 15 feet from the front property line. Projects utilizing the public right-of-way (ROW) could be encouraged to situate the building closer to the front property line. Sidewalk space overlapping private property could be maintained by the owner or dedicated to the City.

The best practices identified in the Climate Adaptation Design Principles for Urban Development apply to these scenarios, such as promoting pedestrian comfort (e.g., tree or awning shade and seating), storm water management (e.g., permeable materials and flood-resistant plantings), and flexible use of front yard space (e.g., sidewalk-plaza integration). Many of the transition zone details shown on each drawing (stairs, ramps, bike racks, trees, etc.) could be applied to other scenarios, depending on site and adjacent property conditions.

Note that this material is supplemental and not included in the Climate Adaptation Design Principles for Urban Development, although it is available as a separate document and integrated online.

(Back to Climate Adaptation)

1.TRANSITION ZONE ON SITE

GRADE TRANSITION ON SITE

Corner block perspective; entire street block is elevated 3.2 feet.

The Resilient Streetscape Transition Zone, including the grade transition area, is located between the front building facade and the front property line.

The public sidewalk remains in the public ROW outside of the project site at the lower street elevation.

Additional sidewalk space on site at the upper elevation facilitates pedestrian interaction with the building’s ground floor uses and increases inter-connectivity within the street block.

Stairs and an ADA ramp provide multiple access points from the lower to upper elevations.

2.SINGLE ELEVATED BUILDING IN BLOCK

GRADE TRANSITION ON SITE AND IN PUBLIC ROW

Mid-block perspective; only the project site is elevated 3.2 feet on the street block.

The Resilient Streetscape Transition Zone is located between the front building facade and across the front property line to the street curb in the public ROW.

The grade transition area spans the public ROW and project site front yard.

The public ROW is incorporated into the transition zone and includes an ADA ramp serving as the public sidewalk and primary access to the upper elevation.

The building is at a higher elevation than adjacent buildings on the block so the grade transition must occur on both sides of the property, but seamless connectivity between sites is possible (removing planters) at the upper elevation once an adjacent property is elevated to the same level. Careful design attention is required when there are different elevations between adjacent properties to ensure they are not negatively affected by stormwater runoff or other impacts associated with the grade differential.

3. PROJECT INTEGRATION OF PUBLIC-PRIVATE SPACE

GRADE TRANSITION PREDOMINANTLY IN PUBLIC ROW

Corner block perspective; entire street block is elevated 3.2 feet.

The Resilient Streetscape Transition Zone is located between the front building facade and across the front property line to the street curb in the public ROW.

The grade transition area is predominantly within the public ROW. The transition zone is designed to minimize the number of stairs and ramp slope from the lower to upper elevations.

The public ROW is incorporated into the transition zone and includes an ADA ramp serving as an access point to the upper elevation.

The public sidewalk is integrated with plaza space on the project site at the upper elevation for greater design-use flexibility, while not obstructing pedestrian passage or public access.

4.PROJECT INTEGRATION OF PUBLIC-PRIVATE SPACE TO MAXIMUM USE

GRADE TRANSITION IN PUBLIC ROW

Corner block perspective; entire street block is elevated 3.2 feet.

The Resilient Streetscape Transition Zone is located between the front building facade and across the front property line to the street curb in the public ROW.

The grade transition area is entirely in the public ROW. This design maximizes usable front yard space by replacing the vegetated slope with terracing. The abrupt grade transition area integrates mid-block access and will also allow for an easier connection with the street once elevated at the same level.

The public ROW is incorporated into the project site and includes an ADA ramp serving as the primary access to the upper elevation.

The public sidewalk is integrated with plaza space at the upper elevation for greater design-use flexibility, while not obstructing pedestrian passage or public access.