Burtonsville Streetface Recommendations
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Planning DocsBurtonsville Streetface Recommendations
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Powered by AIEnhancements that address both aesthetics and functionality include developing unified landscapes with bioswales along MD Route 198 to add visual interest and ecological benefits . Canopies overg entrances, contrasting color schemes on facades, and strategically placed commercial signage collectively create a cohesive, visually appealing environment . These design elements, combined with improved pedestrian and vehicular paths, aim to create an inviting and seamless urban experience that supports both aesthetic and functional objectives.
The presentation recommends addressing visible storage areas and dumpsters by consolidating and enclosing dumpsters to improve site aesthetics and reduce visual clutter from MD Route 198 . This strategy aims to enhance the area's overall appearance and organization by minimizing the exposure of service and storage areas .
The strategic placement of commercial signage is recommended to enhance the appearance by locating them distinctly along the facade and in positions where they serve both functional and aesthetic purposes . Free-standing signs should be strategically placed in landscape buffers, minimizing visual clutter and maximizing visibility for commercial purposes . This approach aims to ensure that signage does not obstruct pedestrian accessibility and maintains an orderly look across the area's streetscape.
The proposed changes to improve connectivity include enhancing pedestrian walks, clear and accessible pedestrian crossings between buildings, and across parking lots to strengthen pedestrian connectivity . For vehicular connectivity, the strategies involve improving vehicular movement between properties and reducing curb cuts to streamline traffic flow and create a landscape buffer between the roadway and parking areas .
The proposed site enhancements promote environmental sustainability by incorporating bioswales in the unifying landscape to manage stormwater runoff and increase ecological function . Additionally, parking lot islands are designed to include shade trees and micro-storm water management facilities, which help capture surface runoff and reduce the urban heat island effect . These enhancements promote sustainable urban environments by integrating green infrastructure into urban planning.
The primary issues identified with site circulation and parking in the Burtonsville Town Square area include a lack of organization between properties, frequent curb cuts, unconcealed dumpsters, and no pedestrian connectivity . To address these issues, strategies proposed include improving pedestrian connections, enhancing vehicular circulation between properties, reducing curb cuts, creating a landscape buffer, consolidating and enclosing dumpsters, and strategically locating free-standing commercial signs .
The suggested facade elements to unify and enhance building appearances include placing building address signage over canopies, painting masonry and stucco with light and warm colors, using canopies as decorative and unifying elements, simplifying roof lines with cornice lines and coping, and contrasting cornice and eave colors with building colors . A repetitive storefront bay on facades and strategically placed lighting fixtures for signage and sidewalks are also recommended .
The recommended changes to enhance corner conditions include continuing the storefront and fenestration patterns on the building's side walls, extending canopies and signage around the building corners, and enhancing the building mass and articulation at key corners . These proposals aim to create a more visually appealing and cohesive architectural presence at corners, enhancing the overall aesthetic of Burtonsvillle Town Square .
The streetface recommendations aim to improve the pedestrian experience by developing a unifying landscape along Maryland Route 198 that screens surface parking, adds visual interest, and serves an ecological function through bioswales . Recommendations also include providing clear, safe, and accessible pedestrian crossings, locating planters, pedestrian lighting, bike racks, and outdoor seating along storefronts to enliven the retail sidewalk experience . Additionally, using parking lot islands to provide shade trees and facilitate micro-storm water management helps capture surface runoff .
The proposed use of contrasting color schemes in building facade designs aims to enhance the building's visual appeal and create a unifying decorative element . By contrasting the cornice and eave colors with the building colors, the design proposes to highlight architectural features, create visual interest, and improve the overall cohesiveness of the townsquare's facade . These strategies are intended to modernize the appearance while supporting a distinctive identity for the area.
