TH 100 Visual Quality Advisory Process VQAC Meeting One 6 December 2012

Project introduction Participants MnDOT and city staff Community representatives Consulting landscape architects

Project introduction Tonight’s meeting Meeting focus: Context and conceptual vision Project overview Visual quality process for TH 100 TH 100 visual quality Guiding visual quality Summary

Project area – TH 100 between 36 th Street and 25-½ Street Schedule for design and construction – Construction start in Fall 2014 – Construction complete in late 2016 Project purpose – The improvements will provide motorists with ah more efficient, smoother, and safer ride. Project overview Scope and schedule

Improvements – Reconstruct TH 7 and CR 5 (Minnetonka Boulevard) interchanges including replacement of bridges – Reconstruct roadway pavement (12 foot lanes) – Improve safety and efficiency through ramp modifications and addition of acceleration lanes – Replace two railroad bridges – Replace concrete barrier – Improve drainage – Install noise walls (if elected by noise barrier beneficiaries) Project overview Scope and schedule

Generate ideas for establishing the visual character of the corridor through dialog with the community Produce a Visual Quality Manual that guides the design of visual quality elements Define key concepts and directions for visual quality that may be used in the final design of constructed elements Project overview Purpose

Composition – neighbors from each side of the corridor – major institutions – representatives of city commissions – city and county staff representatives Roles and Responsibilities – consistency in participation – representative of a constituency – committed to a visual quality dialog – engaged, not spectating Process – seven VQAC workshops – one open house Project overview Visual Quality Advisory Committee

Conceptual vision Corridor influences Visual quality elements Visual Quality Manual Visual quality process for TH 100 Products

Responsive to place: the community and geographic contexts Responsive to people: neighbors and travelers Narrative and graphic reference point for design of visual quality elements Visual quality process for TH 100 Conceptual vision

Corridor continuity Existing and future roadway layouts Local requirements and guidance SWLRT and the HCCRA bridge Noise wall voting Other local influences Visual quality process for TH 100 Corridor influences

Conforms to MnDOT parameters and responds to local guidance Based on community, geographic, and demographic contexts Illustrated by precedent images and informative drawings with a supportive narrative Articulates design intent for visual quality elements Visual quality process for TH 100 Visual quality manual

Major mainline structures TH 100 visual quality Corridor components Bridges Retaining walls Noise barriers

TH 100 visual quality Corridor components Supporting elements Grading and ponding Signs Highway lighting Fencing Vegetation

TH 100 visual quality Corridor components Local features Exit ramps and local streets Pedestrian and bicycle facilities Streetscape on local streets Gateway elements Public art

Exercise One: Identity Exercise Two: Issues Exercise Three: Ideas Sharing directions Guiding visual quality Establishing a conceptual vision

What is the nature and character of St. Louis Park? Describe your community using single words or short phrases. Create a separate card for each description. You will have a chance to share your descriptions with VQAC members. Exercise One: Identity Guiding visual quality Establishing a conceptual vision

Based on thoughts articulated as a part of Exercise One, think about TH 100 in St. Louis Park. As a small group, list the five most significant visual quality issues from a traveler’s perspective. Again as a small group, list the five most significant visual quality issues from a neighbor’s perspective. Exercise Two: Issues Guiding visual quality Establishing a conceptual vision

How might the issues identified in Exercise Two be addressed? As a small group, brainstorm ideas that relate to concerns of travelers. Similarly, brainstorm ideas that relate to concerns of neighbors. Exercise Three: Ideas Guiding visual quality Establishing a conceptual vision

Spend a few minutes deciding on a few things that your group found to be most relevant, important, intriguing, or exciting. Pick a representative to share highlights of your small group discussion. Sharing directions Guiding visual quality Establishing a conceptual vision

Questions Upcoming VQAC meetings – First Thursday of the month – December 2012 through July 2013 – Evenings 6:00-8:00 – St. Louis Park City Hall Selection of Art Committee representative Other announcements Meeting summary Questions and next steps

Thank you! Meeting summary VQAC Meeting One

>> Additional information Project layout

Television Documentaries – Highway 100 “Lilac Way” City of St. Louis Park Planning Documents – Vision St. Louis Park – Minnetonka Boulevard Design Plan Additional information Planning references