1. Salem Undercrossing Study
ARCH 431/531 • Community Design • Michael Fifield • Winter 2015
Jenna Mogstad
Ross Peizer
Joseph Merrill
Bjorn Griepenburg
Monique Figueroa
Spencer Emerick
Kinsey Johnson
Efrain Vergara
Masters of Architecture
Bachelors of Architecture
Masters of Community and Regional Planning
Bachelors in Product Design
Bachelors of Architecture
Bachelors of Interior Architecture
Masters of Community and Regional Planning
Masters of Architecture
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Acknowledgments
The authors wish to acknowledge and thank the City of Salem for making this project possible. Specifically, we would
like to thank the following City Staff for their assistance and contributions that were vital to the completion of this report.
Annie Gorski – Senior Project Manager, Urban Development
Tory Banford – Management Analyst, Urban Development
Julie Warnke – Public Works
Courtney Busch – Strategic Initiatives Manager
Eunice Kim – Planner
We would also like to acknowledge Professor Michael Fifield for his instruction and guidance both in this Community
Design course and on the project. Thanks to both Michael and SCI for partnering the course and the Salem project.
We appreciated the chance to work on a truly multi-disciplinary team for this project.
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About SCI About Salem, Oregon
SCI Directors and Staff
About SCYP
The Sustainable Cities Initiative (SCI) is a cross-disciplinary organization at the University of Oregon that promotes
education, service, public outreach, and research on the design and development of sustainable cities. We are
redefining higher education for the public good and catalyzing community change toward sustainability. Our work
addresses sustainability at multiple scales and emerges from the conviction that creating the sustainable city cannot
happen within any single discipline. SCI is grounded in cross-disciplinary engagement as the key strategy for improving
community sustainability. Our work connects student energy, faculty experience, and community needs to produce
innovative, tangible solutions for the creation of a sustainable society.
The Sustainable City Year Program (SCYP) is a year-long partnership between SCI and one city in Oregon, in which
students and faculty in courses from across the university collaborate with the partner city on sustainability and
livability projects. SCYP faculty and students work in collaboration with staff from the partner city through a variety of
studio projects and service-learning courses to provide students with real-world projects to investigate. Students bring
energy, enthusiasm, and innovative approaches to difficult, persistent problems. SCYP’s primary value derives from
collaborations resulting in on-the-ground impact and expanded conversations for a community ready to transition to a
more sustainable and livable future. SCY 2011-12 includes courses in Architecture; Arts and Administration; Business;
Economics; Journalism; Landscape Architecture; Law; Oregon Leadership in Sustainability; and Planning, Public
Policy, and Management.
Marc Schlossberg, SCI Co-Director and Associate Professor of Planning, Public Policy, and Management
Nico Larco, SCI Co-Director and Associate Professor of Architecture
Bob Choquette, SCY Program Manager
Salem, the capital city of Oregon and its third largest city (population 157,000, with 383,000 residents in the metropolitan
area), lies in the center of the lush Willamette River valley, 47 miles from Portland. Salem is located an hour from the
Cascade mountains to the east and ocean beaches to the west. Thriving businesses abound in Salem and benefit
from economic diversity. The downtown has been recognized as one of the region’s most vital retail centers for a
community of its size. Salem has retained its vital core and continues to be supported by strong and vibrant historic
neighborhoods, the campus-like Capitol Mall, Salem Regional Hospital, and Willamette University. Salem offers a wide
array of restaurants, hotels, and tourist attractions, ranging from historic sites and museums to events that appeal to
a wide variety of interests. 1,869 acres of park land invite residents and visitors alike to enjoy the outdoors.
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Table of Contents
Project Introduction ............................................................................................ Page 9
Context ............................................................................................................. Page13
Executive Summary ........................................................................................... Page 8
Supporting Plans and Policies ......................................................................... Page 15
Why Public Spaces Fail/Are Successful ........................................................... Page 21
Aspirations and Character ............................................................................... Page 40
Fourth Avenue Undercrossing Case Study ...................................................... Page 26
Greenbelt Undercrossing Case Study ............................................................. Page 28
18th Street Railroad Undercrossing Case Study ............................................. Page 30
Lincoln Corridor Undercrossing Case Study .................................................... Page 32
Homer Avenue Caltrain Undercrossing Case Study ........................................ Page 34
Elements Matrix ............................................................................................... Page 25
Second Street Woonerf Concept ...................................................................... Page 41
Incorporating History into Undercrossing Design ............................................. Page 38
Design Master Plan .......................................................................................... Page 42
Park Space Rendering ..................................................................................... Page 43
Undercrossing Rendering ................................................................................ Page 44
Street Cross Section ........................................................................................ Page 46
Multi-use Pathway Rendering .......................................................................... Page 45
Potential Business Suggestions ....................................................................... Page 47
Conclusion ....................................................................................................... Page 50
Sources ............................................................................................................ Page 54
Context, Plans, & Policies
Case Studies and Lessons Learned
Redesign Conceptual Renderings
Conclusion
Sources
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Project IntroductionExecutive Summary
In the winter term of 2015, undergraduate and graduate students at the University of Oregon developed plans for
how to make a future undercrossing in West Salem both a functional and desirable place that can help revitalize a
transforming industrial part of town.
Under the direction of Professor Michael Fifield, a multi-disciplinary team of eight students in the University of
Oregon Department of Architecture and Allied Arts Community Design course reviewed and examined plans for an
undercrossing in West Salem. Their task was to come up with recommendations for a future connection between 2nd
Street NW and the Union Street Railroad Bridge Path that would function as a strong destination and key node.
The following report cites relevant policies and plans that support the project and its importance. Research on the
functionality of public spaces—and in particular, undercrossings—inform the possibilities. Included in the lessons
learned are elements that make public spaces both successful and unsuccessful.
Ultimately, the renderings presented in this project convey the careful consideration of design elements—such as
materials, street dimensions, landscaping, and lighting, to name a few—that create a successful underpass and, more
importantly, catalyze development in an emerging neighborhood.
West Salem has a unique history and is making plans to hopefully become the natural extension from downtown
Salem. Some current obstacles in connecting West Salem are busy roads including Wallace Road. The Union Street
Bridge path currently dead ends at Wallace and people walking and bicycling are left abandoned by the network.
Creating an undercrossing at Wallace makes sense as the west side of Wallace is transitioning from industrial uses
to possibly more “craft industrial” which would attract people to new shops and restaurants. A undercrossing is not
always seen as a desirable or welcoming feature of a city.
The following report addresses ways that an undercrossing can actually be a desirable place that welcomes people
to a neighborhood. The report features case studies of successful undercrossings and the elements that make public
spaces both successful and unsuccessful.
The conceptual renderings represent original student work based on the specifics of the future undercrossing provided
by Salem staff and consultants working on the project. The renderings aim to show what the undercrossing could look
like and help alleviate concerns of a dark and scary place. This undercrossing has potential to provide a new sense
of place in West Salem while also incorporating elements of West Salem’s history and providing a much needed
connection especially for people walking and bicycling.
This undercrossing in Salem, OR, demonstrates common design
issues that make people weary of marginal spaces. The case studies
outlined serve as exemplary projects and will help inform and build
community support for the conceptual design of a new undercrossing
in West Salem.
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Context
Wallace Road NW currently acts as a major impediment to pedestrian and bicycle circulation, especially for those
traveling to or from the Union Street Bridge Path. Under current conditions, those traveling between the west side
of Wallace Road at 2nd Street and Union Street Bridge must travel nearly one-quarter mile along Wallace Road via
Taggart Drive, or nearly one-third of a mile to cross at Edgewater Street NW via Musgrave Avenue NW.
The map on the left highlights the importance
of a separated-grade crossing at 2nd Street
NW and Wallace Road NW. Establishing a
bicycle and pedestrian-oriented connection
with the Union Street Bridge Path would fill a
major gap in the two networks.
In order to further increase circulation in
the area, the City is considering creating
new connections that would establish a
grid pattern where blocks are elongated or
disjointed. Among these new connections
are Bartell Road, which would be extended
to connect with the Union Street Bridge Path,
and Taggart Lane, which would connect 2nd
Street NW with Taggart Drive.
Some of these enhancements and connections are included in the Salem Transportation System Plan as high-priority
bicycle and pedestrian projects.
Circulation
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Supporting Plans and Policies
The City of Salem has clearly identified West Salem as a priority through many plans over the years. The current
plans and policies in the works as well as guiding documents support improvements to make West Salem more livable
through the creation of an undercrossing as outlined in this report.
The following are some of the supporting plans and their focus, purposes and vision that support and would work in
partnership with the undercrossing presented in this report for West Salem.
Developing a multi-year plan to incentivize private development and plan needed infrastructure to support
redevelopment in the commercial and industrial areas of the West Salem Urban Renewal Area. A preliminary Action
Plan recommendation includes construction of an undercrossing of Wallace Road, and other street connections, to
serve as development catalyst and provide key east-west connection for all transportation modes.
Sustainable Cities Initiative Targeted Site Development: Second Street Corridor (2011)
Edgewater/Second Street Redevelopment Action Plan (2010)
• Focused on Second Street from Rosemont to Patterson and found the area has the right infrastructure and character
to become a vibrant neighborhood commercial center
• Proposal suggests ways to create a lively destination for the region and a point of pride for West Salem; a vibrant,
walkable, bike-able and multi-modal mixed use district and an inviting, prosperous, and livable community, accessible
to all residents
• Focused on Edgewater/Second Street Area
• Vision is the evolution of the Edgewater/Second Street Area into a mixed-use, pedestrian-oriented district with a
“main street” feel and a wide range of neighborhood amenities with increased local and regional connectivity – in
particular, connections to downtown Salem and the riverfront
West Salem Business District Action Plan Draft (2014)
West Salem Urban Renewal Area Plans include:
• Union Street Bridge Path Extension: Patterson Ave NW to
Wallace Rd NW
• Family-Friendly Bike way: Patterson Ave NW to
Rosemont Ave NW
• Wallace Road NW Path: 2nd St NW to Taggart Dr
• Union Street Bridge Path Extension: Patterson Ave NW to
Wallace Rd NW
• Wallace Road NW Path: 2nd St NW to Taggart Dr
• Musgrave Lane NW Connector: Union Street Bridge Path
to Musgrave Lane NW
• Intersection Improvements: Wallace Rd NW at Edgewater
St NW
Edgewater Street NW and Wallace
Road NW—which carry 7,300 and
41,000 in Average Daily Traffic
near the study area, respectively—
currently serve as the primary
commercial corridors in the area.
Whereas each of these corridors—
especially Wallace Road—are
automobile-oriented, 2nd Street NW
could serve as the preferred bike
and pedestrian corridor, especially if
appropriate traffic calming measures
and the high-priority bicycle and
pedestrian projects are implemented.
Recommended Tier I Bicycle Projects Include:
Scale
Recommended Tier I Pedestrian Projects Include:
Salem Business District Action Plan, Leland
Consulting Group
Bike Boulevard Woonerf
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West Salem Urban Renewal Plan (2001)
Edgewater District Neighborhood Environment Evaluation Design Study (1997)
• Purpose is to invest in key locations and opportunity sites and improve specific, designated geographic areas of
a city. The Plan describes the proposed activities and projects, the relationship to local objectives, planned land
uses, processes for property acquisition and land disposition, financing methods and maximum bonded indebtedness
allowed under the plan, and procedures for amendment to the Plan.
• Vision includes, eliminating blighted conditions so unused and underused properties can be placed in more productive
condition; providing for new housing units in livable mixed-income neighborhoods.
• Purpose is to involve citizens in a positive process to discuss and engage in basics of land use planning and urban
design, through charrettes, to improve their neighborhoods.
• Vision includes a variety of uses (industrial, retail and commercial), a self-contained community (live and work here),
retain historic look and feel and small town atmosphere, establish theme
West Salem Gateway Area Refinement Plan (2005, 2006)
West Salem Neighborhood Plan (2004)
Edgewater Overlay Zone (2002)
• Focused on transportation and land use refinement plan for approximately 22 acres at entrance to West Salem from
Marion Street bridge. The area extends west to Murlark, north to Bassett and just east of Wallace.
• Vision includes the preferred alternative for the Gateway Area of West Salem as a re-developed, reinvested and
re-invigorated commercial node anchored by a larger general merchandiser; complimented with a compatible and
market-supportable array of neighborhood-scale retail enterprises.
• Purpose is to help guide future development in light of resident, business and property owners’ concerns and protect
and enhance livability within West Salem.
• Land Use, Urban Design, and Housing: Older neighborhoods will preserve their historic heritage and unique character,
whereas new neighborhoods will have their own identities, and may include desirable aspects of other neighborhoods.
Commercial and industrial areas will be designed as neighborhood assets inviting people to live near shopping,
services and employment.
• Transportation and Public Facilities: Residents should have safe and easy access to employment, recreational,
cultural and education services, and other daily needs. Some level of traffic congestion is expected, but it should be
safe and pleasant to get around West Salem by walking, bicycling, public transit, and private automobile.
• Edgewater Street – Wallace Road Planning Area: Oriented to the pedestrian, provide accessibility to transit and
major roads, and there should be connectivity with the surrounding neighborhood, while still accommodating the use
of the automobile.
• Purpose is Chapter 143D of the Salem Revised Code sets forth development standards to guide development,
redevelopment and changes of land use within the overlay zone.
• Vision of the overlay zone generally speaks to pedestrian-oriented buildings along the Edgewater Street and Wallace
Road rights-of-way, requirements for pedestrian access and scale of development, development density, and sign
controls.
Previous West Salem Focused Studies and Plans include:
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The following section highlights underpasses from around the United States that play a key role as a
connection between two places including neighborhoods, shopping districts, transit, schools, and parks.
The underpasses range in scale and cost but all provide a sense of place that did not previously exist. The
examples all improve the experience for people walking, bicycling, and using public transit, in addition
to those driving.
A sense of place can be created through public art, landscaping, plaza spaces, and materials used
including lighting, pavement, tile, wood, and steel. The underpasses serve as a transitions between or
within neighborhoods, but go beyond utility to make the experience fun, memorable, and inviting.
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Lack of good places to sit. No provision
for shade or poorly located seating.
Lack of gathering points and
socially awkward seating
arrangements.
Poor entrances and visually
inaccessible spaces (barriers).
Dysfunctional features or
ambiguous sculptures that serve a visual
rather than a functional purpose.
Why Public Spaces Fail
Blank walls or ‘dead zones’ around the
edges of the space.
Inconveniently located transit stops.
Why Public Spaces Fail
Paths that do not follow desire lines.
Automobile-oriented design.
Uninhabitable sidewalks, lack of cross-
walks, streets that are too wide, or lack
of sidewalks.
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The four key attributes of a place
can be analyzed by it’s INTUITIVE
or QUALITATIVE (intangible)
aspects and also by it’s
QUANTITATIVE (measurable)
aspects.
ACCESS AND LINKAGES:
Visual and physical connections
and ease of access.
COMFORT AND IMAGE:
Perception of safety and
cleanliness. Sense of safety can
be achived by orienting buidings
toward a central space or by
simply attracting people to the
space and using effective seating
arrangements.
USES AND ACTIVITIES:
Providing people with
something to do will give them
a reason to spend time in the
space.
SOCIABILITY:
Create a space where people
feel comfortable interacting. In
doing so, the space will foster a
sense of community.
What Makes Public Spaces Successful Elements Matrix
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History and Context
• The original Fourth Avenue undercrossing was
renovated to accommodate pedestrians, bicyclists,
streetcars and automobiles. Previously it could not
accommodate streetcars and did not provide a friendly
environment for pedestrians and bicyclists.
• The undercrossing connects downtown Tucson to the
Fourth Avenue District.
• The renovation cost $26 million.
Architect
• Aleks Istanbullu
Design Principles
• Separates bicycles, pedestrians, automobiles and
public transit in a safe and aesthetically pleasing
way through trees, pavement treatments, and railing
materials.
• The architecture of the corten steel structure and
wood floor of the pedestrian bridge pays respect to turn
of the century railroad bridges.
Scale
• Bicyclists, pedestrians, automobiles, and public transit
(streetcars).
• Extra wide 20’ walkway along one side of the
undercrossing
BEFORE
AFTER
AFTER
Fourth Ave. Undercrossing in Tucson, Arizona
AFTER
CONCEPTCirculation System
• Key connection between
downtown Tucson and Fourth
Avenue, which is a main
commercial street and leads to
the University of Arizona.
Public & Private Spaces
• Open and airy plaza space
makes this undercrossing less
scary.
Distinguishing Features
• Streetcar revival.
• Public art – The Tucson Portrait
Project features 7,000 portraits of
Tucsonan’s and were printed on
tile and set in the undercrossing.
The portraits represent a cross
section of the City of Tucson
and create a sense of place and
ownership in what was a marginal
space.
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Greenbelt in Boise, Idaho
History & Context
Design Principles
Scale
Circulation Systems
The Boise River Greenbelt path serves as an alternative transportation route spanning 25 miles along the waterfront
connecting the city center, the university, and many of Boise’s beloved riverside parks. The planning for Greenbelt
started in 1964 and the city started acquiring land along the river to form the continuous paved belt. Roughly 50% of
Greenbelt users use the path daily.
• Minimum setback of 70ft for all structures and parking designated areas.
• Distance and Orientation Trail System (DOTS) notify user distance from
pedestrian bridge along belt
• Lush naturally lit tree-lined pathway with scenic views and wildlife habitat
• Links community to one circulation system
• Variety of uses: biking, hiking, commuting, walking, working out
• Pedestrian and Cyclist only roughly 50/50
• Spans 25 miles – more than 25% usually travel 10+ miles on Greenbelt
• More than a 1,000 visitors a day on weekends & more than 500 on weekdays
• Over half of walking users drive to the Greenbelt for its use
• Multiple access points along Greenbelt
Distinguishing Features
Public & Private Places
• Variety of uses and ways to reach the belt
• Directional signage use (way finding), to public places off Greenbelt
could be improved though
• Connects many important parts of the community
• Over 90% of surveyed users felt safe on the Greenbelt
• #1 improvement suggested is surface improve
• Mostly public use, to commute, bike, walk, workout, see nature;
open 7 days a week
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History and Context
• “Light Rails” is a permanent LED light art installation in
Birmingham, Alabama by artist Bill FitzGibbons
• The spectrum of colors illuminate the undercrossing at
18th street in downtown Birmingham, adding artistic life
to the community.
• The project is the first of many public light art
installations to come for Birmingham’s city center.
Design Principles
• The project uses thousands of LED’s and 250
computerized units that can each be programmed
separately. There are 16 million color options in the light
fixtures.
• The intention with this kind of visual display is to draw
the eye with a vibrant, playful, inviting, and attractive
architectural landscape.
• Brings light and energy to an otherwise dull walkway,
providing a colorful, uplifting and playful experience for
passersby.
Scale
• Pedestrians and automobiles.
Circulation System
• Connects Railroad Park to North Downtown
Birmingham.
Public & Private Spaces
• Lighting turns what was a dark public space into
a desirable place to pass through on the way to
a reinvented park and contributes to a downtown
renaissance.
Distinguishing Features
• Combination of a classic viaduct with modern elements
to attract people to the revived area of downtown.
• Lighting.
18th Street Railroad Undercrossing in Birmingham, Alabama
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Lincoln Corridor in Fort Collins, Colorado
• Located in the historic district
• Bordered by the Poudre River and Trail on the West
side
• Mixed-use including commercial, industrial, and some
residential
• Multi-modal with a strong emphasis on
being pedestrian and bike friendly
• Improve multi-modal mobility
• Improve Safety
• Create active street environment
• Enhance appearance
• Incorporate sustainable street design practices
• The extensive use of vegetation as a buffer
between the different transportation zones
• The emphasis on the pedestrian zone.
• Use of the street as a catalyst for improved
future development in the area
• There will be opportunities for private
gathering spaces on along the sidewalk
edges with seating installments
• Pedestrian, bicycle, and auto
History and Context
Circulation System
Public and Private Spaces
Scale
Design Principles
Distinguishing Features
• Creating a street with a unique identity.
• Reflecting the rich history and culture of the
area.
• Enhancing existing neighborhoods.
• Improving the mobility, safety, and
experience for bicyclists, pedestrians, transit
users, and vehicles.
• Celebrating, protecting, and enhancing the
Poudre River.
• Creating an environment where businesses
can thrive.
• Becoming a center for innovation,
sustainability, and creativity.
Goals
• Two travel lanes
• Buffered bike lanes
• Wide sidewalks
• Special pavement materials to enhance
aesthetics and improve safety at driveway
intersections
• Transit stops and shelters
• On-street parking
• Generous landscaped median
• Streetscape amenities, gathering areas,
street furnishings, lighting and art in public
places
• New Lincoln bridge with an enhanced
connection to the Poudre River
• Low impact development applications to
improve storm water drainage and water
quality
Key Elements
18. 34 35
History and Context
• The undercrossing plays an important role
in connecting the downtown district with the
Stanford University and Hospital campuses.
Design Principles
• Multi-modal access.
• Entrance portals are articulated by habitable
stairs that gradually step down reducing the scale
of the high retaining walls on either side of the
undercrossing
.• Vegetation is integrated into the design as a
way to soften the appearance, making it more
visually appealing.
Scale
• Bicyclist and pedestrian.
Circulation System
• Stairs are centered at the terminus of either
entrance and the bicycle ramps are sloped
perpendicular to the entrances.
• By separating the two forms of circulation,
pedestrians can occupy the stairs without the
interruption of bicycle traffic.
Public and Private Spaces
• Occupiable stairs serve as a community
gathering space or place to rest at both ends of
the tunnel.
Distinguishing Features
• Serves as a connection, but effective seating
arrangement makes it a destination as well.
• Effective use of vegetation stairs in creating an
occupiable circulation space.
Homer Ave. Caltrain Undercrossing in Palo Alto, California
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Incorporating Salem’s History into the Undercrossing
Historic images could be included in the undercrossing, possibly as murals, to provide a sense of place and ownership.
Fourth of July Parade, Salem, 1892 Aerial Photo, Salem, 1972
Grand Theater and City Hall, Salem, 1934
Incorporating Salem’s Existing Design into the Undercrossing
By utilizing the existing public design of Salem, the undercrossing will fit in with the rest of the city and help Salem to
have a cohesive public design.
Union Street Bridge Path
Lamp Post and Railing Type of New Bike PathAnnette’s Restaurant, West Salem
Bench Type of New Bike Path
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Aspirations and Character
• Fitting in with current material style while still
creating a craft industrial style.
• Innovative lighting to draw attention to the
undercrossing and create a focal point for the
street.
• Walkability and driveability.
• Transition from street to building.
Woonerf is a Dutch word that means “living yard.” City planners use the term to describe a
park-like street where pedestrians and bicyclists are given priority over motorists. These are
shared streets with traffic calming measures in place for motorists so speeds are slows and
bicyclists and pedestrians feel safe walking or riding with automobile traffic.
The conceptual rendering below simply conveys an idea. The street could have varied types
of separation between automobiles, pedestrians, and bicyclists including textures like ADA
truncated domes or other materials.
Since the former railroad bridge that now carries pedestrians and bicyclists feeds right into
2nd St, this street is the logical bicycle and pedestrian street. In addition, 2nd Street is
parallel to the busier Edgewater Street keeping bicyclists flowing along 2nd with new craft
industrial uses also makes sense.
2nd Street and the Woonerf Concept
2nd St NW as a shared street2nd St NW at Patterson today
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Design Master Plan The building would be
a multi use building
with commercial on the
ground floor and
residential above.
This along with the
Amphitheater would
provide eyes on the
undercrossing.
The planters would reduce
noise levels from Wallace
Road.
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5’ Pedestrian
Walkway
12’
Multi Use
Path
Two Way Street
Board form concrete provides both beauty and function to the design. It brings
out the paths history and gives the underpass a rustic industrial style while still
maintaining the strength of the material allowing it to function as the berm wall
for the underpass.
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Street Cross Section
Outdoor Oriented Businesses
• Bike Shop
• Repair
• Bike rentals/tours
• “Fish & Tackle” like Supply Shop
• Sporting Goods Store(s)
• REI type
• Big5 types
• Hunting supply types
Sport Participation Areas
• Skating (Roller and/or board) Rink
• Ice Rink
• Indoor Playground
• Kids Park
Craft Oriented Businesses
• Pottery/Craft Shop
• Blacksmithing Shop
• Leather Shop
• Art Gallery/Shop
• Glass-blown goods store
• Knitting craft store
Miscellaneous:
• Clothing Store
• Salon/beauty shop
• Music shop
• Pawn Shop
• Pet Supply Store
• Pet wash/grooming shop
Food & Drink Businesses
• Brewery
• Lounge
• Cafés
• Creamery
• Tea Shop
• Juice Bar
• Deli Market
• Small Restaurant (i.e. Laughing
Planet)
Health Oriented Businesses
• Fitness Center
• Dance studio
• Yoga
• Homeopathic Goods Store
• Spa/therapy
Potential Business Options for Area
26. 50 51
Conclusion
“Projects [like this], across many cities, demonstrate that the creative economy which produces
things such as public art has a direct influence on how citizens feel about those urban areas.
When you do this, you see boarded up buildings that are turned into condominiums, and when
you start attracting residential activity, that attracts restaurants and retail, and then the urban
center becomes an exciting vibrant place where people want to live.”
-Bill FitzGibbons, Artist for 18th Street Underpass (Birmingham, AL)
As highlighted throughout this report, undercrossings can create a void in the urban fabric if sound
design elements are neglected. They must transition with their surroundings to act as inviting
connections by enhancing sightlines. In this project, the connection is a unique opportunity to
create an incredible node between an emerging industrial neighborhood and the nearby Willamette
River and Union Street Railroad Bridge. Ultimately, this project should catalyze development and
streetscape improvements that make the neighborhood a vibrant, human-scaled, and livable area.
When a city creates a space like the 2nd Street undercrossing in an inviting fashion, it conveys
value in public land. In doing so, neighborhoods are connected, unsafe or under-utilized areas
are transformed, and people’s experiences—especially those travelling by foot or bike—are
vastly improved. We hope that this project helps inform future design principles for the 2nd Street
undercrossing and the surrounding area.
