HomeMy WebLinkAbout1992 Streetscape StudyC/)
Newman, Jackson
Bieberstein, Inc.
PleINVica /111.
9714 KI2-1
NMI Mt PC W-14 -111
..117 10 0110,4014,4
CITY OF COLLEGE STATION
Streetscape Study
December 1992
Newman, Jackson, Bieberstein, Inc.
Dallas, Texas
INTRODUCTION
Purpose of Study 5
General Study Area 5
City Development Evolution
and Trends 5
Goals and Objectives . , 6
EXISTING CONDITIONS
Existing Natural Resources
Soils 9
Vegetation 9
Floodplains 9
Man Made Influences
Land Use Development Areas 17
Drainageways and Culverts 17
Utilities 17
Thoroughfare Rights -of -way ...... 17
Views /Image Analysis 31
Existing Bike Plan 34
Opportunities and Constraints 36
STREETSCAPE MASTER PLAN
Overall Streetscape Concept
Guidelines and Criteria
Streetscape Element Zones 51
Landscape Reserves 52
Preservation of Existing Trees
and Natural Landscape 53
Parking Screening 54
Landscape Requirements Within
Parking Areas 56
Planting Standards and
Guidelines 57
Irrigation Guidelines 58
CITY OF COLLEGE STATION
STREETSCAPE STUDY
Table of Contents
Open Drainageways and
Culverts 58
Dumpster Placement and
Design Guidelines 60
Design Standards 62
Bikeway Plan ... 71
Prototypical Plans 76
City Portals 76
Major Arterials 85
Special Streets 85
Minor Arterials 87
Collectors 8�
Streets Crossing Floodplains
and Parks , , . ..... 88
Typical Intersection
Medians .. 88
Special Intersections 89
Major Intersections 90
Specific Area Plans
Northgate 91
Eastgate 94
Texas Avenue 98
FM 2218 Portal 104
45 IMPLEMENTATION
Landscape Cost Sharing
Program 106
Existing Ordinance Review
and Revisions 108
APPENDIX "A"
Soils Description
APPENDIX "B"
Plant Pallet
Exhibit 1 - Soils 11
Exhibit 2 - Existing Tree Cover 13
Exhibit 3 - Floodplains 15
Exhibit 4 - Future Land Use 19
Exhibit 5 - Utilities 21
Exhibit 6 - Utilities 23
Exhibit 7 - Utilities 25
' Exhibit 8 - Thoroughfare Rights -of -Way . .. 27
' Exhibit 9 - Views and Image Analysis 29
Exhibit 10 - Opportunities and Constraints .... , ... 37
Exhibit 11 - Opportunities and Constraints ..... , , . .
Exhibit 12 - Opportunities and Constraints .... . ..... . . . . . . .. . . .41
' Exhibit 13 - Streetscape Concept Plan 49
Exhibit 14 - Bikeway Plan 75
1
i Exhibit 15 - FM 2218 Portal 79
1
1
LIST OF EXHIBITS
Exhibit 16 - Type II Portal with Median 83
Exhibit 17 - Northgate 93
Exhibit 18 - Eastgate ..... . . ........ . . . . ... , ..... . . _ 97
Exhibit 19 - Texas Avenue . 101
INTRODUCTION
• PURPOSE OF STUDY
• GENERAL STUDY AREA
• CITY DEVELOPMENT EVOLUTION AND TRENDS
• GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
Page 4 - College Station Streetscape Study
1
t
t
C
1
Purpose of Study
In 1989 the College Station City
Council approved a revised plan
for future land use within the
city. With this came a realiza-
tion that specific issues of com-
munity appearance could best be
addressed by developing and
adopting a comprehensive stree-
tscape program for the city that
would provide guidelines for
both public and private develop-
ment within thoroughfare corri-
dors. In March of 1991 the
plan was authorized which,
when adopted, will work in
concert with the city's Zoning
Ordinance to give specific
direction to land owners, devel-
opers, and the city itself in
enhancing development within
and along the major public
corridors,
General Study Area
While this plan is drafted for
the city as a whole, certain
target areas were identified to
"test" the guidelines as well as
to provide pilot projects that
could be implemented in the
near future. The overall strate-
gy of these pilot projects is to
provide several early examples
of the benefits of the streetscape
program and to promote these
benefits to the local develop-
ment community, landowners,
and community leaders. The
pilot projects are:
• The Northgate Area in-
cluding a pedestrian mall pro-
ject in the commercial area
between the 300 and 400 blocks
of University Drive and aesthet-
ic improvements in neighboring
residential areas through street -
scape enhancement.
• The Eastgate Area at the
intersection of Texas Avenue
and Walton Drive. This street -
scape plan should include work-
ing drawings, ready for physical
implementation, specifying
r ,.
r
C,
TEXAS AVE.
NORTHGATE
(Q
EASTGATE
TEXAS AVE.
Nq
J
UNIVERSITY @
1 F.M. 2818 PORTAL
I
Figure One
General Study Area
plantings, hardware, setbacks,
and appropriate dimensions, etc.
• The City Entry location
generally west of the University
Drive /East Bypass intersection.
• Texas Avenue from Uni-
versity Drive south to Domi-
nik Drive. This segment of
roadway is scheduled for major
improvements by SDHPT. Any
design plan for this area should
include bike paths.
L. )
1 7-_ I `. JL _.. _
- 7
College Station Streetscape Study - Page 5
City Development
Evolution and Trends
College Station has evolved
over the years from being a
town that existed because of a
local university to a small thriv-
ing city with a solid, albeit
small, retail, commercial, and
industrial base.
The period from 1980 -1990 saw
strong overall growth occur to
the south along the Texas Ave./
Highway 6 corridor primarily
because of undesirable
constraints to the east and west
sides of the city and the exis-
tence of support infrastructures
to the south. Land use changes
as a result of that growth are
depicted on Table One.
Land Use
Category
Right -of -Way
Railroads
Public
Parks
Vacant
Multi- family
Single - family
Commercial
Industrial
Texas A &M
Other
TOTAL
CHANGES IN LAND USE TYPES - 1982 TO 1989
TABLE ONE
Inventory in Acres
1982 1989
Page 6 - College Station Streetscape Study
According to a study conducted
by the city planning staff, the
areas of greatest commercial
growth occurred along the north
side of University Drive and in
the area bounded by Texas
Avenue, Highway 30, the ex-
tension of F.M. 2818, and the
East By -Pass. growth in these
areas consisted mostly of office
and retail operations. A second
area of strong retail commercial
growth occurred in the area
bounded by Texas Ave, Rio
Grande, F.M. 2818, and Dea-
con Drive.
Development is expected to
continue southward as the city
grows to its year 2000 popula-
tion estimate of 71,000.
Commercial development
concentrations are planned for
Change
(Acres)
% Change
1982 -89
1435.19 1600.54 165.35 11.5
26.75 26.75 0.00 0.0
169.74 441.85 272.11 160.3
268.06 899.05 630.99 235.4
6211.65 7914.33 1702.68 27.4
486.07 566.60 80.56 16.6
1671.66 I 1974.99 303.33 18.2
384.55 609.99 225.44 58.6
462.53* 462.53* 0.00 0.0
3211.14 3211.14 0.00 0.0
85.52 129.88 44.36 51.9
14,473.74 17,737.65 I 2,793.83
19.3%
the Texas Avenue /Rock Prairie
Road interchange with long
range projections calling for
additional commercial concen-
trations at the Texas Ave. -
/Greens Prairie Road inter-
change.
With these emerging develop-
ment patterns it is important
that a streetscape plan be devel-
oped and adopted to ensure that
future development occurs in a
manner that enhances the ap-
pearance of the community.
Goals and Objectives
Two general goals were devel-
oped by the Streetscape Com-
mittee to articulate the project
ideals and direction:
• Improve community appear-
ance and project a quality image
and character of College Sta-
tion.
• Improve the aesthetic quali-
ty and bring unity and identity
to city thoroughfares.
In order to present measurable
responses to the above goals,
the following objectives were
developed by the Streetscape
Committee:
• Create identity and continu-
ity through landscape /aesthetic
improvements adjacent to thor-
oughfares.
• Create a community identity
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
1
I
I
t
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
and a "sense of arrival" via City
entry signs and landscaping
entry points.
• Develop conceptual designs
for paving, landscaping, corner
treatment, and street hardware
for major and secondary inter-
sections.
• Develop streetscape designs
that are low maintenance, sim-
ple and not overpowering, that
provide identity to create a
quality image, and that provide
unity and consistency that will
link the various projects throug-
hout the City.
• Develop streetscape design
concepts and associated land-
scape and street hardware stan-
dards that are unique to College
Station and that are practical
and implementable.
• Develop standards for
unified signage, street lighting,
street furniture, and traffic
signals to incorporate into stree-
tscape projects.
• Further develop and incor-
porate the existing sidewalk and
bikeway plans into streetscape
planning projects.
• Identify State and local
roadway improvement projects
where streetscape plans could
be incorporated.
• Investigate all possibilities
and area locations eligible for
SDHPT's Landscape Cost Shar-
ing Program.
• Review and recommend
revisions to applicable portions
of the City's subdivision and
landscape ordinances as well as
other development policies.
• Develop a streetscape plan
for the east side of the Univer-
sity /Walton Drive intersection
(Eastgate) as a pilot project in
accordance with recommended
plan guidelines and standards.
College Station Streetscape Study - Page 7
EXISTING CONDITIONS
• EXISTING NATURAL RESOURCES
SOILS
VEGETATION
FLOODPLAINS
• MANMADE INFLUENCES
LANDUSE DEVELOPMENT AREAS
UTILITIES
DRAINAGEWAYS AND CULVERTS
THOROUGHFARE RIGHTS -OF -WAY
VIEWS /IMAGE ANALYSIS
EXISTING BIKE PLAN
• OPPORTUNITIES AND CONSTRAINTS
Page 8 - College Station Streetscape Study
3
3
J
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
1
1
1
1
1
1
t
1
EXISTING NATURAL RESOURCES
Various factors, some natural,
others manmade, will influence
and give form to a successful
streetscape program. This
section will identify and docu-
ment those factors.
So ils
The various soil groupings
found in College Station are
depicted on Exhibit One and
are taken from the U.S. Soil
Conservation Service survey.
While there are a variety of
soils spread over the area there
are common characteristics
which are evident. Most of the
soils are clayey low productive
soils with low natural fertility
suitable mostly for pasture -land
unless amended appropriately
for landscape development.
These are primarily the Crock-
ett, Edge, Lufkin, and Tabor
series. Drainage characteristics
of these soils vary but are pre-
dominately poor drained, fine
grained, and possess low per-
meability. The most fertile
soils are found along floodpl-
ains and creeks, as well as
beyond the city limits in the
bottomland of the Navasota and
Brazos Rivers. These fertile
soils are primarily the Axtell,
Gowen, and Ochlockonee, and
are present within the city limits
along Carter's, Wolf Pen,
White, and Lick Creeks. The
various soils located within the
College Station City limits can
be found in the Appendix.
To accommodate landscape
development that may be re-
quired by a streetscape plan,
soil amendments and drainage
provisions should be made to
assure long term ornamental
plant health.
Vegetation
The extent of existing
vegetation should play a large
role in determining overall
streetscape concepts especially
regarding setbacks and
landscape reserves. A well
conceived plan will utilize
existing vegetation by encourag-
ing mechanisms for preservation
and incorporation into any
proposed development.
This does not appear to have
been the case for the most part
in previous development around
the city. Most commercially
developed areas have given
little thought to preservation of
existing vegetation. The largest
masses of natural vegetation
occur along Carter's and Wolf
Pen Creeks as well as in unde-
veloped tracts along FM 2818
and University Drive. The
present tree cover is shown on
Exhibit Two. Within all of the
areas are outstanding examples
of hardwoods and typical under -
story growth.
With the exception of Texas
A &M, few developments have
done any planting in the public
rights -of -way. Tree cover,
therefore, along these thorough-
fares is quite sparse and uncoor-
dinated.
Floodplains
Major 100 year floodplains are
depicted by Exhibit Three.
These are the floodplains
associated with Carter's Creek,
Wolf Pen Creek, White Creek,
Lick Creek, Alum Creek,
Spring Creek, Bee Creek, and
Peach Creek. These
drainageways traverse the city
and provide natural greenways
except at those areas that have
been altered by roadway cross-
ings or channelization. Many
of the floodplain areas are to be
conserved as parkland as pro-
posed by the long range city
land use plan. This will pro-
vide fingers of green throughout
most of the city's existing and
developing residential areas.
College Station Streetscape Study - Page 5
LEGEND
Aa Axtell fine sandy loam, 1- 3% slopes
Cc Crockett fine sandy loam, 1 -3% slopes
Cd Crockett fine sandy loam, eroded, 3 -6% slopes
Ea Edge fine sandy loam, 1 -3% slopes
Eb Edge fine sandy loam, 3 -8% slopes
Ga Gowen clay loam, 1 -3% slopes
Gb Gowen fine sandy loam, 3 -8% slopes
Gd Gullied land
Hb Houston —Hunt clays, 3 -6% slopes
Lc Lufkin fine sandy loam, 0 -1% slopes
Ld Lufkin fine sandy loam, 1 -3% slopes
Le Lufkin —Edge complex, 1 -3% slopes
Lf Lufkin —Edge complex, 3 -8% slopes
Oa Ochlockonee fine sandy loam, 0 -1% slopes
Ta Tabor fine sand loam, 1 -3% slopes
Tc Tabor loamy fine sandy, 1-3% slopes
Wb Wilson clay loam, 1 -3% slopes
Ld
Ta
Gd
NORTH 0 1200 2400 4800 7200
SOILS
COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS
STREETSCAPE PLAN
NEWMAN JACKSON BIEBERSTEIN, INC.
TEXAS AVE.
C *E_
r
, z
icc
/7/1STERWOOis�
I AIRPORT ��
I
U
L
•
tot-
r r
NORTH 0 1200 2400 4800 7200
,z
■ •' - frrcieik
C 4 ' \V4E
- 7
j
VEGETATION
COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS
STREETSCAPE PLAN
NEWMAN JACKSON BIEBERSTEIN, INC.
LEGEND
100 YR. FLOOD ZONE
TEXAS AVE.
COLLAGE qyE
U.
•
L�.
A&M
W�
W
0
! 2818
L ,
f
T
J
t
1 i
NORTH 0 1200 2400 4800 7200
i
\ I
r
��
r-, J,.//
F LOODP LAIN
PLAN
COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS
STREETSCAPE PLAN
NEWMAN JACKSON BIEBERSTEIN, INC.
L
t
1
1
1
i
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
MAN MADE INFLUENCES
Land Use/
Development Areas
Future land use is shown on
Exhibit Four. This is a repro-
duction of the updated compre-
hensive plan 2000 and provides
direction and guidance for city
growth. This plan recognizes
that most growth will continue
to occur to the south because of
natural development constraints
to the east and west. It calls
for retail, commercial, and
higher density residential uses
along the major access routes
into the city, which the street -
scape plan will address. There
is currently proposed an indus-
trial district east of the East By-
Pass at the University drive
interchange in floodplain area of
Carter's Creek. This particular
site should be developed with
great care as it is adjacent to a
major portal of the city and
contains large stands of existing
vegetation.
Utilities
Locations of major utility lines
(i.e. water, sanitary sewer, gas,
storm sewer, telephone, and
underground and overhead
power lines) are indicated on
Exhibits Five, Six, and Seven.
Locations of these utilities will
effect tree plantings within the
R.O.W, Thoroughfares
affected the most are Texas
Avenue, University Drive,
Highway 30, Holleman Drive,
and Southwest Parkway.
Drainageways and Culverts
Open drainageways exist along
at least one side of major thor-
oughfares in most all locations
of the city. The major State
highways (i.e. Texas Ave.,
University Dr. , F.M. 2818,
Harvey Rd.) handle drainage in
an open drainageway in a ma-
jority of instances. These
drainageways have poorly main-
tained side slopes and, in most
areas, prove difficult to main-
tain for both the State and
adjacent property owners, re-
sulting in unsightly conditions
along highly traveled and im-
portant visual corridors.
Thoroughfare
Rights -of -Way
The ability to conceive and
carry out a successful street -
scape scheme depends largely
on the amount of right -of -way
within which one has to work.
This also determines the degree
of public /private participation
that the plan will recommend.
Exhibit Eight indicates
available planting space between
the roadway and right of way
on major city thoroughfares.
This information combined with
visual verification indicate very
tight areas along the major
corridors into College Station
especially Texas Ave., Highway
30, and portions of University
Drive. These areas will require
cooperative strategies with
existing property owners to
achieve a balanced well coordi-
nated plan.
Signage
Signage as an element of the
streetscape (building signage
excluded) was reviewed in light
of the current City sign
regulations. The regulations
adopted by Council set up • a
reasonable system of controls
which keeps the City free from
adverse effects of unregulated
signage. No major abuses or
violations of the ordinance were
noted during site analysis.
It was noted that certain major
intersections are not signed and
that there is an absence of
major informational or direc-
tional signage to the University
with the exception of the exit
signage at the East By -Pass.
College Station Streetscape Study - Page 17
LEGEND
LOW / MEDIUM DENSITY RESIDENTIAL
HIGH DENSITY RESIDENTIAL
OFFICE / RETAIL COMMERCIAL
INDUSTRIAL
■ PUBLIC & INSTITUTIONAL
A
PARKS
7.1 --1 4;alio:
TEXAS AVE
,-
.....-\. r
NORTH 0 1200 2400 4800 7200
LAND USE /
DEVELOPMENT
AREAS
COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS
STREETSCAPE PLAN
NEWMAN JACKSON BIEBERSTEIN, INC.
LEGEND
WATER LINES
- -- SEWER LINES
— coaiECE - AvL
•
•
° o
r
1 %
"4.1.+ • • • o
----- fp -
cc
u_ > Li
IL
CC
IL
Ci
CO
rr
i t--- -)
fi ................................................
ir
4. ._,,,s___ I - 77 - - -:;;I: I
I, AIRPORT
• :teliteS.
NORTH 0 1200 2400 4800 7200
I
N
N
•
\.'
UTILITIES
COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS
STREETSCAPE PLAN
NEWMAN JACKSON BIEBERSTEIN, INC.
TEXAS AVE i
R Dn 1.1_x! 8 r
w W
I -
c'
w'
cc
W
v!
t.4
N v
T O
4
O O
p Q \
.I / AIRPORT N
t
„:"
It-
1f5
i
i
n
ABM
N
co
1_.
M1
>i
3 1-
X i
T3 l o io .°
&20
X30
O
1/ I
IS 8*_ >/f
r »1
25 55
T
y o
NORTH 0 120D 2400 4800 7200
au
1m
Is
O.
L.w
— \/
I f !
THOROUGHFARE
RIGHT -OF -WAYS
COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS
STREETSCAPE PLAN
NEWMAN JACKSON BIEBERSTEIN, INC.
LEGEND
f • MAJOR POSITIVE VIEW
<--° MINOR POSITIVE VIEWS
F -° NEGATIVE VIEW
MAJOR VISUAL CLUTTER
MINOR VISUAL CLUTTER
LANDMARKS
1
L \ J
UNIV ERSI
TOWER
TEXAS AVE )) }"'
COLLEGE-AVE
I m
6
er
iW0
W
i'L><
STERWOOD�
j + AIRPORT
Ii
1
1
NORTH 0 1200 2400 4800 7200
4
I
VIEWS /IMAGE
ANALYSIS
COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS
STREETSCAPE PLAN
NEWMAN JACKSON BIEBERSTEIN, INC.
- U I
,L777,
C=I
LEGEND
- - GAS LINES
UNDERGROUND TELEPFDNE LINES
•••• UNDERGROUND ELECTRICIAL LINES
\ F
1:
a1
I
7 _ 1
I
i i j iI I i
li
•
O
rt* Ire I? I q3 W ' ! I I . r.
17 f T I Ilii71f1'ffm 1 7(1 1 71 it l 1 111 1111 •1111 / J j, ' - 1 /111(111 1111111 1
--+ 1
W
0
1
L �
� > f \
I 4= °
NORTH
•
-_ —y -' -- O
0 1 0 2400 4800 7200
S,(
Z--jr/
i pGK P Ap`1FUE /
/ Z , , \ . '
i
�`�' ► its' '_
fl \/ �
UTILITIES
COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS
STREETSCAPE PLAN
NEWMAN JACKSON BIEBERSTEIN, INC.
1
1
1
t
1
1
1
t
1
Views /Image Analysis
Views and image analysis is
documented graphically on
Exhibit Nine. Views and
images will be analyzed by
major thoroughfare as follows:
Texas Avenue
There are minor positive long
views of the University at the
Texas Avenue /Greens Prairie
Road intersection and additional
scattered positive views moving
northward along Texas Avenue.
There are pockets of visual
clutter along Texas at the retail -
/commercial nodes especially in
the vicinity of Southwest Park-
way and between Highway 30
and George Bush Drive.
From the College Station City
Hall northward to University
Drive is a zone of major visual
clutter of retail and commercial
establishments with varying
setbacks, unscreened parking,
and little or no vegetation. The
Eastgate retail areas contains
several viable businesses, but
the appearance of the area is
unkept and run down. At such
a prominent location across
from the main entrance to the
University, this area should be
upgraded as soon as possible.
The view down New Main
westward from Texas Avenue
conveys a very strong ceremo-
nial feel to the approach into
the University.
Eastgate Commercial Area
View Westward Along New Main
College Station Streetscape Study - Page 31
Continuing northbound on
Texas, the views to the west
toward the University continue
to be very strong and are the
most significant in the city.
Continuing northward on Texas
Avenue past University to the
city limit line, commercial
development crowds the Texas
Avenue R.O.W. with little or
no landscape development or
screening.
East By -Pass
Views along the East By -Pass
are generally good because of
the large amounts of existing
vegetation. The Texas
Avenue /East By -Pass inter-
change is a major visual focal
element that should receive
special consideration.
Highway 30
Exiting the East By -Pass and
traveling along Highway 30 the
drive -by image is one of minor
clutter of various
retail /commercial and multi-
family developments. The
undeveloped areas of the Wolf
Pen Creek corridor provide a
soft green image along the
south side of Highway 30 be-
tween Texas Avenue and Dart-
mouth Street. Landscape devel-
opment to existing businesses is
more evident on the south of
the highway than the north.
University Drive
Page 32 - College Station Streetscape Study
Exiting and driving west from
the East By -Pass the image is
soft and green because of the
existing hardwood grove. The
straight -ahead view focuses on
the monument tower at the
Chimney Hill retail center. As
the center is approached the
masses of trees are replaced by
parking areas all landscaped
with mixed success. From
Tarrow Street west to Texas
Avenue there is retail/ -
commercial clutter on both sides
of the highway. At the Texas
Avenue intersection the pan-
oramic view of the University
University Drive Median
in the distance is probably the
strongest and most significant
view in the entire city.
Continuing west along Universi-
ty Drive has recently been
redeveloped with pavers and
ornamental trees by the State
Department of Highways to
provide some visual relief to the
six lanes of pavement. The
intersection of University and
South College has also been
landscaped recently with pavers
and small flowering trees but
the size of the material utilized
in both areas seems
inappropriate for the space of
the intersection and R.O.W.
1
1
1
t
s
1
t
1
Continuing west, the north side
of University becomes cluttered
with small retail /commercial
establishments. At Tauber
Street the A &M Methodic+
Church provides a brief visual
break but from Lodge westward
to Wellborn Road the Northgate
commercial area provides major
visual clutter. University Drive
has encroached upon these
establishments to the point that
sidewalks are too narrow for the
volume of pedestrians that wish
to use them. Parking along
University has been reduced to
parallel. Storefronts here have
no consistency of style giving
the entire area an undesirable
appearance.
Leaving the Northgate area the
next major view is of the Well-
born Road interchange and
continuing west from there the
University controls land on both
sides of the highway. The
image in this area returns to a
softer, greener feel with the
exception of the Veterinary
Medicine School Complex
which has parking along the
highway. The remainder of
University Drive to FM 2818
passes through University land.
The TAMU Research Park has
developed a very positive image
through appropriate plantings,
portal elements and other street -
scape related items.
Northgate Commercial Area
TAMU Research Park
College Station Streetscape Study - Page 33
FM 2818
Traveling south along FM 2818
from Bryan, the University
Drive interchange marks the
entry into the College Station
City Limits. Image here is
rural because of the large
amounts of undeveloped land.
Therefore it will be important to
convey a sense of arrival into
the city through the use of
portal development. As one
continues southward along FM
2818 the image remains rural
and pastoral because of the
amount of undeveloped area.
Between Wellborn Road and
Texas Avenue development is
sporadic with no significant
image concerns or views.
George Bush Drive
Traveling west along George
Bush Drive from Texas Avenue
the views toward the north to
the University are significant.
This thoroughfare has probably
the best image of all the streets
in the city primarily because of
the University to the north, the
well established residential area
to the south, and the median of
existing oaks between Timber
Street and Dexter Drive. West
of Fairview the Southside retail
area again brings visual clutter
into the visual experience.
Continuing westward, George
Bush Drive enters University
property and eventually termi-
nates at Easterwood Airport.
Page 34 - College Station Streetscape Study
Sidewalks and Bikeways
View Eastward Along George Bush Drive
The City of College Station is
currently working toward the
adoption of a bikeway and
sidewalk plan. Because of the
City's size, the location of the
University, and other elements
that make the area attractive for
development of an extensive
bikeway system, the City has
put a priority on completing a
bikeway system. Because of
the close relationship of the
sidewalk system to the bikeway
system the existing conditions
of both systems have been
evaluated concurrently.
Sidewalks
Data collection revealed no
uniformity to sidewalk
locations, widths, setbacks, etc.
A review of the City
Subdivision Regulations found
walks required on most streets
but their location within the
public R.O.W. was very flexi-
ble confirming the lack of uni-
formity observed. In a few
instances walks exist about the
City with "parkway strips" that
are awkward and cause high
maintenance in terms of trim-
ming and edging. The city
Subdivision Regulations state
that sidewalks are optional
along residential streets and
many of the newer subdivisions
reflect this, forcing residents to
walk in the street. The four
foot minimum sidewalk width
as required by City regulations
appears too narrow in most
locations, especially in those
few instances where the side-
walk abuts the curb.
t
t
I
IOW
1
I
1
I
1
1
1
1
t
1
t
1
1
1
1
1
I
1
1
1
Bikeways
The College Station area has a
high amount of bicycle traffic
and, as a result, the City has
initiated a program to provide
for an organized bikeway
system. The current system is
a combination of "bike lanes"
where a portion of the street or
shoulder is striped, signed, and
marked for exclusive bicycle
use, and "bike routes" where
motorists and bike riders share
the roadway. Few separate
facilities for bicyclists exist. At
present, bicycles are restricted
from the high vehicular volume
thoroughfares such as Texas
Avenue, University Drive, FM
2818, and Highway 30. More
use should be made of existing
parks and future linear parks for
development of bike path
facilities.
Sidewalk and Parkway Strip in Residential Area
Bike Route
College Station Streetscape Study - Page 35
OPPORTUNITIES AND CONSTRAINTS
The City of College Station is
faced with very real constraints
in achieving a streetscape plan
but there are also some clear
opportunities as well which
should be understood and capi-
talized on. Exhibits Ten and
Eleven illustrate potential areas
for tree planting based on analy-
sis of utilities and existing tree
cover. Exhibit 12 illustrates
opportunities related to portals,
thoroughfares, and
intersections.
Opportunities
The City is fortunate to have a
great deal of undeveloped land
within its boundaries thus giv-
ing it much needed flexibility
and freedom to create a street -
scape program that will show
results as development occurs in
the coming years.
The fact that the City has a
landscape ordinance setting
forth minimum landscape re-
quirements for development
provides an opportunity to
insure a continued standard of
visual quality in development.
With a few well conceived
modifications to the ordinance
this aspect can be strengthened
even further.
Primary approaches to the city
on the major thoroughfares are
uncomplicated and the various
Page 36 - College Station Streetscape Study
interchanges along the East By-
Pass and at FM 60 and FM
2818 make logical choices for
future portal development.
The overall visual image of
College Station is good and
conveys the notion that this is a
friendly, safe, community in
which to live and work. The
streetscape plan can build on
that strength to provide an even
stronger sense of visual continu-
ity. Texas A &M adds a very
strong and positive image to the
city that should be recognized
and fostered. The existing
Parks and Open Space System
provides a strong green image
to the city that will be enhanced
even further as a proposed
linear greenbelt system is imple-
mented. The fact that Texas
Avenue is to be widened along
the length of the Texas A &M
frontage presents an opportunity
to incorporate streetscape design
concepts into this project.
LEGEND
Shade Tree Planting Zone
Ornamental Tree Planting Zone
` f r
TEXAS AVE.tst ca
COLLEGE
TARROW
•
NORTH 0 1 20 0 2400 4800 7200
L
POTENTIAL TREE PLANTING ZONES
(relationship to overhead utilities)
OPPORTUNITIES/
CONSTRAINTS
ANALYSIS
COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS
STREETSCAPE PLAN
NEWMAN JACKSON BIEBERSTEIN, INC.
L <I
LEGEND
Major Tree Planting Zone
Minor Tree Planting Zone
TEXAS AV
WELLB
ce
0
w
:11j F.M.
2818
I EAERE *pip =
Mmelif
J
tr
E �J
tht r 1,
NORTH 0 1200 2400 4800 7200
_ - -e,;\._ _
r
POTENTIAL TREE PLANTING ZONES
(relationship to existing vegetation)
OPPORTUNITIES/
CONSTRAINTS
ANALYSIS
COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS
STREETSCAPE PLAN
NEWMAN JACKSON BIEBERSTEIN, INC.
LEGEND
Major Arterial
Minor Arterial
F Collector
Gateways
A : a
Future Gateway
0 Major Portals
0 Minor Portals
Special Intersections
* Major Intersections
t•::
, Special Districts
Existing Bikeway
Future Bikeways
1
EAST BYPASS
1111 11111 11„ '
TEXAS AVE
ARROW
I-
cr
W
r. .GATEWAY
EASTERW
� Ih t
I
(t+
NORTH 0 1200 2400 4800 7200
c= i
2=1 =mior-1
•
OPPORTUNITIES/
CONSTRAINTS
ANALYSIS
THOROUGHFARES • PORTALS • INTERSECTIONS
COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS
STREETSCAPE PLAN
NEWMAN JACKSON BIEBERSTEIN, INC.
Constraints
There are some very real
constraints to the streetscape
program that must be clearly
documented and understood so
that the plan can make as strong
an impact as possible given
these existing conditions.
Existing Utilities
Existing utilities from overhead
power and phone lines to
underground gas, water and
sewer lace the rights -of -way and
present potential conflicts to
tree plantings and other related
streetscape development.
Rights - of - Way
As Exhibit Eight indicates, the
available R.O.W. for street tree
planting is very limited along
the major thoroughfares.
Compounding this constraint is
the existence of drainage
channels with much of this
right -of -way along Texas and
University as well as the fact
that many existing developments
have built out to the right -of-
way in these areas leaving
limited room for any public
sponsored development. This
problem is particularly acute in
the Northgate Commercial area.
Existing Primary and Secondary
Thoroughfares
A major portion of the City
street system is relatively new
and, as a result, streetscape
recommendations affecting
roadway alignments, median
placement, etc. should be kept
to a minimum. Likewise, most
major intersections are new or
recently modified. Any
streetscape guidelines affecting
them should be long term in
nature.
College Station Streetscape Study - Page 43
STREETSCAPE MASTER PLAN
• OVERALL STREETSCAPE CONCEPT
• GUIDELINES AND CRITERIA
• BIKEWAY PLAN
• PROTOTYPICAL PLANS OF STANDARD
AREA TREATMENTS
• SPECIFIC AREA PLAN RECOMMENDATIONS
Page 44 - College Station Streetscape Study
WIC
O
NO
r
OVERALL STREETSCAPE CONCEPT
Streetscape Planting
Concepts
In order to provide a sense of
order and organization to the
street corridors, "street tree
planting themes" have been
created to strengthen and more
clearly define a streetscape and
hierarchy of City thoroughfares.
Because the City of College
Station has very few medians to
establish a strong planting
concept in the center of the
street, and also has very wide
rights -of -way, the tree themes
should be kept quite simple and
direct. On special streets, one
or two tree species make the
strongest visual impact
distinguishing the street corridor
from private development. On
smaller less important streets,
the tree specie list is more
general to offer the greatest
110
variety in tree form, texture,
seasonal color, and flower. The
specie selection is based on
hardy, native tree stock
generally available in the
industry that relates to differing
private developments and site
settings such as existing trees,
topography, and drainage
conditions.
The following Street Tree
Planting Themes shall apply:
Corridor A - University Drive.
A formal row of Water Oaks,
regularly spaced. Irregularly
spaced Live Oaks and Red Tree
Crapemyrtle shall be used on
the north edge of the TAMU
campus between Texas Avenue
and Wellborn Road integrating
into the same species planted
along the campus edge. Water
Oaks are an excellent upright
oval form street tree with
yellow fall color that is hardy in
the area. This large growing
shade tree, when used fronting
commercial areas, allows view
under and around its upright
oval form to graphics and
signage beyond.
Corridor B - Texas Avenue.
A formal row of Live Oaks
regularly spaced with single,
formal rows of Tree Yaupon
temporarily used under
overhead utility lines. Red
Tree Crapemyrtle shall be used
informally as understory
flowering trees between
University Drive and George
Bush Drive across the east edge
of .the TAMU campus. Use of
the Live Oaks with their
evergreen quality strengthen the
existing Live Oaks along the
east campus edge and make it a
logical choice for this corridor.
College Station Streetscape Study - Page 45
Corridor C - TAMU Core
Campus Edge. Informal
plantings of Red Tree
Crapemyrtle along with loose
plantings of Live Oaks ring this
older historic core of the
campus. The Red Tree
Crapemyrtle long blooming
period and fall color make it an
excellent choice.
Corridor D - George Bush
Drive. Formal rows of Red
Oaks regularly spaced. Red
Oaks were chosen because of
their stately form, seasonal
color, and the ability of
obtaining matched specimens
that are readily available in the
industry. The new main
entrance to the Presidential
Library site should allow the
library project tree, when
selected, to dominate the trees
selected in the immediate area.
Corridor E - Highway 30.
Informal plantings of Cedar
Elm and White Tree
Crapemyrtle. Cedar Elms
should be used along the ROW
edge as the primary tree. Their
up -right form and potential
large size will allow views
under their canopy to
commercial signage and
graphics. White Tree
Crapemyrtles are selected for
their long blooming periods and
should be used to provide
continuous accents of color
along the corridor.
Corridor F - Wellborn Road.
This major north /south corridor
provides major access to the
Page 46 - College Station Streetscape Study
TAMU Campus. Informal
groupings of Willow Oak and
Cedar Elm as the primary shade
tree with accent ornamental tree
planting of Red Bud and Tree
Yaupon is the tree selection for
this corridor. These tree
species should integrate well
into the existing forested areas
to the south and the more urban
areas to the north.
Corridor G - F.M.2818. This
western and southern loop
around the city has many
undeveloped parcels of land
with stands of native trees.
With many new developments
that will save the existing trees
on private property, it is
important that the tree theme on
this corridor remain as natural
and varied in tree species as
possible. Shade and ornamental
trees should be selected from
the "Major Arterial Group A"
plant list.
Corridor H - All Minor
Arterials. Because of the
desired need for variety in
street tree planting, primarily
within the residential streets of
the City, informal tree plantings
should be selected from the
"Minor Arterial Group B" plant
list. Reference Exhibit
Thirteen.
Special streets such as the major
arteries of University Drive and
Texas Avenue link main visitor
approaches to the University.
The articulation of these impor-
tant corridors should be simple
and direct, providing a strong
connection from perimeter East
Bypass, FM 2818 loop as well
as at the city limits on Texas
Avenue. A "frame of key
streets" around the older
portions of the university
include Texas Avenue,
University Drive, Bush Drive
and Wellborn Road. These
streets should be closely inte-
grated into the campus edges
forming a stronger campus
perimeter.
The other key factors in im-
proving the visual appearance of
the city include:
• Strengthen the landscape
ordinance as it applies to the
screening of parking and dump -
ster locations.
• Provide a stronger emphasis
on denser landscape develop-
ment of site perimeters rather
than the interior portions of
sites.
• Provide stronger incentives
and guidelines for saving exist-
ing trees particularly in the
south and southeastern portions
of the city.
• Require additional tree
planting for properties adjacent
to Major and Minor arteries.
• Encourage private partici-
pation in planting trees on
properties along Collectors.
• Strengthen the City stan-
dards and regulations on walks,
drainageways and bike systems.
• Establish continuity in pro-
viding a "family of streetscape
elements" to improve the stre-
ets' visual appearance.
The streetscape plan should
have a level of flexibility in its
implementation. Special project
areas such as Texas Avenue,
Eastgate Entry Parks, Northgate
Commercial Area, and the FM
2818 Portal at University pro-
vide initial project areas to
encourage community involve-
ment in implementing the plan.
College Station Streetscape Study - Page 47
GUIDELINES AND CRITERIA
To achieve the concepts out-
lined in the previous section,
the following Guidelines and
Criteria have been developed
which address implementation
strategies. These guidelines and
criteria will address:
• Streetscape Element Zones
within the R.O. W.
• Creation of Landscape
Reserves
• Parking Screening
• Landscape Requirements
Within Parking Areas
• Planting Standards and
Guidelines
• Irrigation Guidelines
• Open Drainageways and
Culverts
• Dumpster Placement and
Design Guidelines
• Design Standards
Page 48 - College Station Streetscape Study
l ionow
I F
IAAAi
\i j ; Future Gateway
OX
LEGEND
Corridor A — University Drive Corridor
A formal row of Water Oaks, regularly spaced.
Corridor B — Texas Ave.
A formal row of Live Oaks regularly spaced with
single, formal of Tree Yaupon under overhead utility lines.
Corridor C — TAMU Core Campus Edge
Informal plantings of Red Tree Crapemyrtle along
with loose plantings of Live Oaks.
Corridor D George Bush Drive
Formal rows of Red Oaks regularly spaced.
Corridor E — Highway 30
Informal plantings of Cedar Elm and White
Tree Crapemyrtle.
Corridor F — Wellborn Road /College Ave.
Informal groupings of Willow Oak and Cedar Elm
with accent plantings of Red Bud and Tree Yaupon.
Corridor G — F.M. 2818
Shade and ornamental trees should be selected
from the 'Major Arterial Group A' plant pallet.
Corridor H — Minor Arterials
Informal tree plantings should be selected from
the'Minor Arterial Group W plant pallet. TEXAS AVE.
Gateways
Major Portals
Minor Portals
Special Intersections
Major Intersections
Special Districts
1 Texas A &M Property
COLLEGE AVE
AAA A A
M
- * * e ye
EAST B ASS
I
WEL *A RO i \4
o
a'
L
°TEXAS A&M
o o°
0
U
0
o 00 o c o°
EASTERWOOO AIRPORT
\ 1 l ° *
V' * i
4.*
**
* r J
•
q_ . * i
4 A AA
0 * *A*4 ;
ep
41 1 1 ,. 11011117,1•11MW
NORTH 0 1200 2400 4800 7200
1Z:1
-A A A A-A A A A A A A jA
CJ
D
0 8
of
4 .
El
Q
PROPOSED ROAD
: it _1 r
ROPOS R OAD
1 Ppoe if
A
A
A
A A A
A
A
A
7
STREETSCAPE
CONCEPTS and
STREET TREE
PLANTING
GUIDELINES
COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS
STREETSCAPE PLAN
NEWMAN JACKSON BIEBERSTEIN, INC.
Streetscape Element Zones
Within the R.O.W.
Many diverse elements are
found within the R.O.W. along
most major arterials within the
City. Utility lines, Traffic
control boxes and signal poles,
directional signage, sidewalks,
drainage swales and pipe, and
1 1
91-
Q
.TREeT
'TL /T J
ZONE
Residential and Collector
•
•
•
landscape material all vie for
the same limited space. While
it would be a desirable goal to
allocate specific areas within the
R.O.W. for each element it is
important to recognize that as
conditions vary about the City it
might be necessary to shift
locations of certain elements.
PR/VATE ,ea°f
Arterials, Parkways, and Commercial
The Streetscape Plan therefore
recognizes and encourages this
need for flexibility and recom-
mends the following general
guidelines:
• Residential and Collector
Pedestrian Zone - Located
on both sides of the street;
minimum width six (6) feet
(final width requirement
should vary based on
amount of pedestrian traffic
anticipated).
Utility - Located on
both sides of the street
between the pedestrian zone
and the R.O.W. line.
• Arterials, Parkways, and
Commercial
Pedestrian Zone - Located
on both sides of the street;
same width requirement as
above.
Utility Zone - Located
directly in back of curb on
both sides of the street.
College Station Streetscape Study - Page 51
Creation of Landscape
Reserves
To foster the development of a
greener, softer image along the
major and minor arterial
thoroughfares of the city, it is
recommended that the minimum
setback requirements along site
perimeters adjacent to these
thoroughfares be increased from
eight (8) feet to twenty four
(24) feet. Parking will be
permitted within these landscape
reserves when appropriately
screened in accordance with
guidelines outlined below in the
Parking Screening Section and
when broken up by randomly
placed islands with minimum
spacing of twenty -seven (27)
feet to a maximum of sixty -
three (63) feet. Existing trees
shall be preserved within these
landscape reserves. Point credit
toward the existing landscape
ordinance will be allowed if
existing trees are protected in
accordance with guidelines
outlined below under
Preservation of Existing Trees
and Natural Resources.
Point credit toward the existing
landscape ordinance will be
allowed for landscaping these
reserves with groups of shade
and ornamental trees when no
trees exist. Specific require-
ments for the different street
hierarchies are as follows:
Along major arterials where
no trees exist it will be required
to provide one shade tree (min.
Page 52 - College Station Streetscape Study
4" cal.) per 25 lineal feet of
landscape reserve. Two orna-
mental trees may be substituted
for one shade tree. These trees
should be loosely spaced in an
informal arrangement.
Along Texas Avenue and Uni-
versity Drive it will be required
to place water oaks (min. 4"
cal.) at 60' o.c. Where
overhead utilities conflict, small
trees (tree yaupon, min 8' -10'
ht.) will be planted until utilities
are placed underground.
Along minor arterials where
no trees exist it will be required
to provide one shade tree (min.
4" cal.) or two ornamental trees
per 32 lineal feet of landscape
reserve. Figures 1, 2 and 3
illustrate the requirements of the
landscape reserves.
}
p R / L/ N
-
M /N•
Figure 2 - Landscape Reserves
r I.x moo,
iF07KTE0 } AFEA '� J I� i'►�' Il \ \\
• TI•EES L' ATED IN Pf•ONT OS HEAD -
lN PAgNNr s441.1- fAve
5/KE nE rueEA1 e, c# Ar to
AND PAce a` Tfe
• r - o/i/pp 7PeE PPoTe .77o//
Pu 1N6, CaNSTieucT/HN.
• ,WU/Nn4D- /N PA -IA . 08')
/N7o EDGE ar :Cev°
on,/ , 411AM wC -P PARKING,
KLANOS er-sa /v4 AT A M /N.
Gf Z7' To A frtAX A
Figure 1 - Landscape
Reserves
• TPfES Lo 4T C av SIDe as /APNN4
4 AVAIL NAyt
Figure 3 - Landscape Reserves
3'- 7 V .4.
P,,FECTEO 4•4
M4" BE .W4P.
- vE
Preservation of Existing Trees
and Natural Landscape.
Preservation of existing trees
and natural landscape features
shall be encouraged and further
strengthened. Existing trees
shall be preserved within the
landscape reserves and point
credit toward the Landscape
Ordinance will be allowed when
the existing trees are protected
by barricades as outlined below
and illustrated by Figure 4.
Point credit will also be given
for protecting existing trees
internal to the site.
• Existing trees shall be
protected by barricades
during site preparation and
construction to provide an
area having one foot of
pupal IIIIUWDl iuIi II IN IIIID+1
\
I i i
III Ig1 4 111111111 I
T
d
Figure 4 - Tree Protection
radius for each one inch of
caliper measured 4 -1/2 feet
above the ground. In order to
maintain credit, a minimum of
seventy -five (75) percent of the
protected area shall be
maintained as a permeable
landscape area at grades
existing prior to site
development. Reference Figure
3.
st,VP 44. COi4NEfz
r T0G1< F VGE — -
/ /4 /Z
P /N/5#50 R4DE
// //J
1111(10111
0
College Station Streetscape Study - Page 53
Parking Screening
One of the most obvious short
comings of the current
landscape ordinance is its
failure to address screening of
parking areas from the major
thoroughfares of the city. It is
therefore recommended that a
requirement for screening
parking be instituted with the
following criteria:
• A minimum three (3) foot
height screen shall be placed
between all parking areas and
major thoroughfares. This
screen can be vegetative
(hedge), structural (low wall),
or earthen (berm) or any combi-
nation of the three. Refer to
Figures 5, 6 and 7.
• Planting screens and struc-
tural walls shall be no closer
than 30" from back of adjacent
parking area curbs to allow
sufficient room for bumper
overhang. This overhang area
should be treated with a low
groundcover, bark or rock
mulch. Refer to Figure 5 and
6.
• Berms should be simple in
shape with a more horizontal
profile than vertical. Maximum
slope on berms should be 1:3 or
one foot vertical rise for every
three feet horizontal. Refer to
Figure 7.
Page 54 - College Station Streetscape Study
LmSE 54 n Aa
5NeAfee0 Her i e
PAFI VA P-/E-
E ' 4 /r LV-
r
P7 2-e•
I.owNW- of
�r/oe
r Lou/ f LN✓T'/J
IS
Figure 5 - Parking Screen
Figure 6 - Parking Screen
Low WADI- eR FeNce
t
24 0 ANY
STREET
Figure 7 — Parking Screen
• /L TALL r ELEG7 r PRUNE
4e-PEEN p7M/T To KOEEP [do Se /N
FoR/1 lleArzEO HeI7E -
IL,lGREA5t HAINrENAN/E (0375!
1= APPENDIX F
5flgcrE+TED PLANT
I 7-revs
• ii/ALL 3 a!" FPti4C5
4•"14.0 MATCH /404fiuMH✓r,
AROHITr TuAI-sTrK
Go[ oK AND TeXTL.Re.
• f`E['r Oele -1 5 SIMF%E /N
wl ^PE ulna A H6RIZONTnL-
fr- OflLe
• AVOID LUMPY L.•K
• el-END INTO &X V - ('IRAGE
1
1
1
i
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
/
IN4 -AA A4 { SLOPE
WALL
• THE 7R/ANr.LE a9H(A'LO G>` REAX/Rf7
131GC .E0I' ELYE 5
AND PRO./EGTED AT A 45' AN44. E
TO THo AOJAW /AAG 57xc T
Figure 8 - Parking Screen
Figure 9 - Parking Screen
• THE UNOGST(LCTED [/ER77411, F /ELO ,(
Of WS/ON .5,fo .O *,vEEn /
• ANO E -O",N /face'T /
/
R
Figure 10 - Visibility Triangles
1 'H7 Mal)
-4
tir,�EET�
/P 77/t PA2K/i4 /S L4W Sg 7764N THE 57AWr
TNK GYNei15 /ON h E DS Ta 5E A M/N
No screening of parking should
obstruct visibility at street or
drive intersections. To that end
it is recommended that a visibil-
ity triangle be created that is
defined as follows and is illus-
trated in Figure 10.
• In all zoning districts, that
portion of a lot within an area
formed by connecting together
the point of intersection of
adjacent street curb lines and
points on each of the street curb
lines 45 feet from the intersec-
tion.
• In all zoning districts, that
portion of a lot within an area
formed by connecting together
the point of intersection of the
edge of the driveway or alley
and an adjacent street curb line
and points on the driveway or
alley edge and street curb line
20 feet from the intersection.
• Within these triangle areas
as set forth above no structure,
berm, plant life, or any other
item shall be placed if the item
is between 2-1/2 feet and 8 feet
in height.
N
College Station Streetscape Study - Page 55
Landscape Requirements
Within Parking Areas.
In addition to the landscape
screening requirements at park-
ing area perimeters, it is recom-
mended that the following
revisions and additions to the
minimum parking requirements
be implemented. These revi
• ox/4V7 THE /°A,V- /nom, ,4 /s/.ts Tow,6eos
THE ,45V /LGYn4 re PREV6vr p esTR /AA/
/RCULAT /oN ,Bt ' ,V OA,c, cites.
Page 56 - College Station Streetscape Study
sions and additions will relate
directly to the overall objectives
of the Streetscape Plan.
• Parking spaces shall be
located no further than seventy -
five (75) feet from a large
canopy tree. This requirement
should be in lieu of the require-
ment for "one island for every
• 1/ /s /, /L/TT 'P rife P,oes7,�.W /5 .f M1✓4 Gove4e4v
�?!f/ /A/ 5E6N4 AN ' 1 SEEK.
1
Olb0 9
C-3
I
i
i
i
Figure 11 - Parking Orientation
gG P67,
15 spaces on interior rows".
• Large canopy trees shall be
placed in circular or square
raised planting areas of not less
than 36 square feet. Square
planters shall be turned on the
diagonal to allow for vehicular
parking. Refer to Figure 11,
• Al/ti/vi/LE PEvESTR /4t/ C /RCV[.AT /oN
/. '5TGVEEN C.4R5 /3Y PRov /O /N4 AN /SLAW,
/N PLAc5 ' PAi?K /NE SPACE.
3
a
9
1
3
s
1
1
f
c
I
i
t
t
Planting Standards and
Guidelines
The list of plant materials,
located in the Appendix of this
report, should be used in future
development. The plant
materials included should com-
prise the major components of
landscape development. Since
these materials serve a specific
function, any variance would
tend to weaken the overall
design intent.
The plant materials suggested
are only those which are consid-
ered native or which have prov-
en satisfactory for the College
Station area. Careful consider-
ation has been given to selection
of plant materials which are
considered easy to maintain,
generally free of insects and
disease, and relatively hardy for
this area. Plant materials
shown in the list should also be
considered for private develop-
ment, but should not be viewed
as the only plants acceptable for
use.
General Planting Procedures
and Guidelines
As was explained in the
previous section, the College
Station area is made up of
variable topsoil and subsoil
conditions, and detailed soil
requirements will vary from
area to area. The topsoil gener-
ally is made up of heavy clay.
Considerable conditioning is
needed to promote adequate
plant growth and lower long -
range maintenance costs. Sub-
soil drainage, especially in the
areas of deep cuts or where
heavy equipment is used, pres-
ents serious problems to tree
plantings. Clay soil conditions
tend to hold water in the tree
pits and additional drainage
provisions should be incorporat-
ed wherever these conditions
prevail. Thorough analysis
must be given these problems,
and measures must be taken to
ensure adequate porosity of all
subsoil around planting areas.
Trees will grow in the existing
soil, but in order to promote
quick recovery from the trans-
planting process, it should be
RUBBER HOSE
LEAVE LOOSE AROUND TRUNK
TREE GUYS - REF.SPECS
GALVANIZED WIRE
BARK MULCH
FINISH GRADE
UNDISTURBED SOIL
4' PVC SUMP W/ CAP
FILTER FABRIC
PEA GRAVEL
BACKFILL PER THE SPECIFICATIONS
SUMP DRAIN
required that backfill containing
five (5) parts sandy loam and
one (1) part peat be placed
around the balls of all new
trees. Large shade trees should
have pits two (2) feet greater in
diameter than the size of the
ball. The sides and bottom of
the pits should be scarified to
increase porosity and to help
root penetration into existing
soil. Care should be taken to
ensure planting trees at proper
depth and to prevent settling of
the soil. All trees should be set
so that the top of the ball is
even with the finish grade.
(Refer to Figure 12 for
example.) For those on sloping
areas, the top of the ball should
be even with the downhill side.
Figure 12 - Tree Planting
IAMETER 7 TRIP GUARD
PECS.
ANCHOR
College Station Streetscape Study - Page 57
Shrubs and groundcover require
similar bed preparation. Bed
areas require a minimum exca-
vation depth of six (6) inches.
The excavated soil should be
removed from the site and the
beds backfilled with a thorough-
ly mixed and prepared soil
containing one (1) part sandy
loam, one (1) part peat moss,
one (1) part sharp sand. Four
(4) pounds of commercial fertil-
izer should be added for each
1000 square feet of bed area.
Shrub and groundcover areas
which occur on compacted fill
should have twelve (12) inches
of prepared soil. Bed areas
which occur on slopes greater
than 3:1 should be covered with
jute matting to prevent erosion
until the plants are established.
Once all bed preparation has
been accomplished, the plants
should be spaced according to
specifications and set with top
of balls even with the top of the
bed. Soil should then be com-
pacted carefully around each
plant and well watered to elimi-
nate air pockets around the
roots.
Lawn areas should have a mini-
mum of four (4) inches of
existing topsoil over regraded
subsoil. Drainage is vital and it
is often expedient to cultivate
sand or sandy loam into the
upper four (4) inches of soil to
permit fine grading. All lawn
areas should be fine graded to
establish a smooth, even grade
suitable for a fine lawn. Any
undulations that cannot be raked
Page 58 - College Station Streetscape Study
out should be topdressed with
sandy loam. Stones one (1)
inch or larger, sticks, roots or
other debris exposed during this
operation should be removed
from the site. Areas showing
weed growth shall be sprayed
with approved herbicides,
mowed and the clippings re-
moved from lawn areas prior to
final grading.
Lawn areas with solid sod
application should have sod
placed so edges are touching,
topdressed to fill voids with
sharp sand and rolled to elimi-
nate undulations. At the time
of seeding, the soil should be
moist, but not muddy, and the
wind velocity should not exceed
ten (10) miles per hour. Add
water, if required, to moisten
soil. Scarify the ground with a
rake, as necessary, immediately
before sowing seed to provide a
smooth, even grade and friable
seed bed. Hydromulch seed
evenly at the rate of eighty -six
(86) pounds of Bermuda Grass
per acre in irrigated areas, or
eighty -six (86) pounds of Buffa-
lo Grass per acre in non- irrigat-
ed areas with wood cellulose
fiber at the rate of fifty (50)
pounds per 1000 square feet.
Add tackifier to mix for 4:1
slopes or greater at the rate of
one (1) pound per bag of
mulch. Lawn areas which
occur on slopes exceeding 3:1
gradient shall be strip or solid
sodded. Drainage swales or
channels should be protected
with solid sod and /or erosion
control matting as required.
During construction, temporary
measures should be taken to
prevent erosion and sediment
build -up of designed drainage
ways.
Irrigation Guidelines
It is recommended that a fully
automatic irrigation system be
mandatory to support new
landscaping at required parking
area screens and street tree
planting. The balance of the
landscaped areas should be
within 100 feet of a hose bib or
quick coupler valve, however it
would be highly desirable for
all landscaped areas to be
watered by a fully automatic
system.
Open Drainageways and
Culverts
Because a large portion of open
drainageways exist on State
Rights -of -Way it will be
difficult to quickly incorporate
the following recommendations
in these areas. However, the
City should quickly move to
incorporate the following guide-
lines into the appropriate sec-
tions of the development codes.
• Drainageway Cross - section
Drainageways with grass slopes
shall be graded with 1:3
maximum slopes with the flow
1
1
t
line of the drainageway stabi-
lized with solid sod or jute
mesh. Refer to Figure 14.
• The City should take steps to
reduce the visual impact of
culverts by requiring that drain
pipe beneath streets extend far
enough beyond the streets to
allow headwall construction that
is of a lower profile and less
visually obtrusive. Refer to
Figure 13.
• MEeT 5TA7E REOUMEMEM7 PAZ
WALL MATbC/ALS AND ca/H4 UR4770V
• WALL fMO/1 To /417cN-
/YwarcrURE
Figure 13 - Culverts
• Whenever possible, side -
walls of drainage structures
should match grade of adjacent
sideslopes to minimize the
visual impact of the structures.
Refer to Figures 13 and 15.
In instances where grade sepa-
ration from the street or adja-
cent sidewalk warrants guard-
rails shall be provided as illus-
trated by Figure 16.
5X4(1PLE
X = ? T=PP
Y =3 woe
"VtiN-U/ "/5 /' - -/
M/W. p drRA' ER4
• LA°c-IE STRU671.4 r czose TO
STREET ,4°E EXP V.5/L/E, LWS'cMTcr
AWL' 54Fert MAZZ 'p To
/EAsSTt /ANS.
111~0171.7" slog OF
EADGf' NFA6(�/gLt.
z 'vXX3)x2 *
Zz /}MIN• W/D7t/FErii
Figure 14 - Drainageway Criteria
P7°.41w ///e
Figure 15 - Culvert Recommendations
e JOSE
VA /K p (A(/7, Re— ertAgEMENT
1 t
STREET
av -,A /N P/Pe
ST,r
• /VOID Aelgi°T CHAN4ZS IN C- ADE.
W/pe
Figure 16 - Guardrail Standard
• EX7F-NAGILVHrTS
re REDUCE
SIZE Or
riTRUcTURE.
College Station Streetscape Study - Page 59
Dumpster Placement and
Design Guidelines
Dumpster placement is a very
crucial aspect of the streetscape
plan. This importance should
be recognized early in the
planning stage of a project and
Project Review Committee
(PRC) review should stress that
developments give appropriate
locations serious consideration.
In order to reduce visual clutter
and unsightly conditions
concerning trash storage and
pick -up, the following
guidelines for dumpster
placement and screening on
private property should be
adopted.
• Placement - Dumpsters
shall be located in the rear yard
of commercial establishments
out of view of major thorough-
fare rights -of -way. Where site
constraints and access make
4 "
Y A
• LLATE DOHfi5TER
ENCLO5'RE5 /N RE/,¢
YARD OOT at fi•ON
/R /MARY STRLE75.
Figure 17
Dumpster Placement
Page 60 - College Station Streetscape Study
PP- TEcT /VE METhL P2 AT F.A.
uRNEjt
('X.
. " GAVGeere SURFACE SLOPED
To Dm /N.
•
Du/ 75ez
III` II :.LL�I
Figure 18 - Dumpster Enclosure
p oree77I/E METAL firsts
AT 51 - 4'M<:R NT).
."Go;v4RETE SURFA'
SLOE, To op,v,v . -
AA/CE EAcLO5ORE SET
" A6ot E OU4NFSTE,�f
727P : ^ MATCH AALWrreeriezE
i
Figure 19 - Dumpster Enclosure
.....17
PEE ENGLosYRE SET
/! o /ewe Dorre5rEf- 7oP
4HR1. s SHALL
WATE,ZED GU /TN AN
/RRIf- aATI /N SYSTf'
A�G,E SN,¢Ufs
Pt ANTED 4' D " o.G
STAIERED
f zeNT YARD
rP- TECTI ✓E METAL paTs A7
c NER r G x 36 +YT)
G " . aV. RE7e SugPA e SLOPED
TO DRA /N
EA
a
Figure 20 - Dumpster Enclosure
PEAR YARD
Figure 21 - Opening Orientation
rear yard locations unfeasible,
dumpster may be placed in
unobtrusive locations in side
yards. In no case shall a dump -
ster be placed adjacent to the
property line or in a front yard.
Refer to Figure 17. Openings
into dumpster enclosures shall
be positioned so that view of
the containers from streets and
rights -of -way is eliminated in
all cases. Refer to Figure 21.
• Paving Pads - Dumpsters
shall be placed on 6" thick
reinforced concrete pads.
• Screening - Dumpsters
located in rear yards and out of
view of major and minor thor-
oughfares may be screened with
plant material. Dumpsters
located in sideyards must be
screened with a structural
screen of a wood or brick
enclosure.
College Station Streetscape Study - Page 61
Design Standards
Design element guidelines have
been developed for the
following major components of
the streetscape system:
• Lighting
• Furniture
• Signage
• Traffic
Signalization
• Surface Elements
(Sidewalks, Crosswalks,
Intersections)
• Special Elements
The following pages will de-
scribe each element, the con-
cepts which directed design and
the criteria for placement.
Lighting
Lighting standards and
guidelines have been developed
to achieve three major
objectives:
• Consistency
- Fixture Style in R.O.W.
- Lamping
• Flexibility
• Control of light spillage
There is a strong need to
provide a consistent level of
lighting along the major
thoroughfares of the city. To
that end it is recommended that
a concealed source fixture be
used equivalent to KIM Light -
ings CCL Luminaire. Lamping
Page 62 - College Station Streetscape Study
recommendations are as fol-
lows:
• Special Streets (Texas and
University) - Metal Halide
• All Other Streets - High
Pressure Sodium
The City should prohibit the use
of any other type of lamp
except metal halide, mercury
vapor, or high pressure sodium
within the city on both public
and private developments.
It is recommended that the
luminaire have dark gray finish.
These fixtures would be mount-
ed on 35' height dark gray
anodized aluminum poles.
Other manufacturers supplying
equivalent fixtures to KIM are
EMCO - "Infiniround" and
Gardco "Form 10CA" .
Roadways are classified by the
Illuminating Engineering Soci-
ety of North America as free-
way, expressway, major, collec-
tor, and local. Based on that
classification fixtures should be
placed to achieve the following
footcandle levels and uniformity
ratios:
Major 1.2
Collector .8
Local .6
fc uniformity
3:1
4:1
6:1
vF 4 4 ;t yr
aAFl -
Figure 22 - Light Standard
,goasesipe SHIELD
w
•
• L/C- ,h`rtA iAL"N
,t1E0oe1.rr uNes SHlALL-
Ver HAVE al 5 /7e
5 C /LLAerE oot,1
Figure 23 - Lighting
Recommendations
• Vave AGL Pp4VA7p Deve(DPP£?t
PARK /NE? /57REET 1J Mr5
ALOWT eP4,VTAhe 7�
/NTC,¢/ae st7E O1 noN5
Figure 24 - Lighting
Recommendations
t
3
3
1
1
1
i
a
I
In order to minimize hardware
located at the R.O.W. lines it is
recommended that private de-
velopment parking area lights
be placed internal to the site
and away from the R.O.W.
Refer to Figures 22 -24 for
lighting recommendations. To
promote flexibility of
"character" lighting within
special developments an
alternative fixture can be
utilized with prior City
approval. This fixture,
equivalent to Moldcast
Washington Contra/Cline is a
traditional type standard and
luminaire, more pedestrian in
scape , and suitable for
subdivisions and other
developments where a special
fixture is desired.
Lighting in public R.O.W. as
well as private developments
should be required where
lighted parking areas and
roadways abut residential areas.
Site Furniture
The purpose of providing
furnishings in the street
corridors is to permit functions
to occur which do not presently
exist. The furnishings should
be of a quality that enhances but
does not compete with similar
items in private developments.
The form and scale of the
furnishings have been selected
in an attempt to relate to the
pedestrian when appropriate yet
be in scale when viewed from
the automobile. The forms of
the elements are purposely
simple to achieve a timelessness
and so that each is aesthetically
pleasing independently as well
as in groups.
• Benches Benches recom-
mended are a stylized traditional
form constructed of painted
metal to match light fixtures
and anchored in place by con-
crete footings. Manufacturer is
A PETOSKE y
4ROOP TRASH
,¢ECEPT464E . PAW
LAA/OSr.1/E Pki4N5-
K4[.4MZa , M /U/ /GA4v
Zr 11.e X ?
Evezoaeo SURAXT
100EL No PK5,OZ-
go 46, X0 - E,
PA /NTE0 LARM-
6RAK 0/
it
Landscape Forms, Kalamazoo,
MI. Refer to Figure 25.
• Litter Containers Litter
containers are of the same
family and form as the benches.
These units should be placed
adjacent to seating areas and
other areas where pedestrians
tend to congregate. They are
durable units, conceal the litter
within, and permit ease of litter
removal. Manufacturer is
Landscape Forms, Kalamazoo,
MI. Refer to Figure 25.
• A C- PET#SKEY &zoo° DeAc//
FRq'J 1,41465CAPE FORMS -KACAM,9 4,
577' E XO - E E M oOEO SUPPORT
MOOED NO PK5 -55 - 7Z , XO -E,
a/ /7H REOL4000 5E4T PANEL-
SORPa(T TO GE PA /Al TEO 0,1QM - 4 vAY*
Figure 25 - Benches and Litter Cuatainer
• 4 G' P5T�SKET 6.ROUP
PiEARH FROM CANOSr'PE
foAmS - A.ALN'l/IZoo,
Al/C11/64,V
STYLE XO - : EMe.`mE0
SUPPORT
HOOEY_ NO PK mo5 - B5-
7Z , XO v LV /TH CTEEL-
Raj SEA PANEL , PA /A/TEO
G/ARM - .?1Y $ /.
College Station Streetscape Study - Page 63
• Newspaper Containers
Containers for the sale of news-
papers should be standardized
and of a contemporary form
compatible with the other ele-
ments of the streetscape. These
units should be placed adjacent
to structures when it is neces-
sary that they occur in public
R.O.W. They should be limit-
ed to no more than four units at
one location and be painted gray
to match light standards and
other site furniture.
• Mailboxes Residential
mailboxes located adjacent to
street curbs shall be installed on
metal posts painted gray to
match other street furniture.
Existing sidewalks to receive
mailboxes shall be cored and
the mailbox support set in con-
crete. New walks shall be
sleeved to allow for future
mailbox installation.
In multifamily zones or other
zones of land use where it
might be desirable to cluster
mailboxes units similar to
Figure 27 should be used.
Page 64 - College Station Streetscape Study
• T HEr SHOULD PSE PLAC=ED A&ACE.VT TO 5: R/JCTLIteS
• �;�i
7 .4.f000fc u A n ysti'f
CYA *o FGYrc.
• "/er jNOGY 0 to ° A ti: FL 7" /NA G"' S /E,A/
POLE5 AND T4APP'G 5 /‘,N/¢L5
Figure 26 - Newspaper Container
GUS
• /NS7ALL SLEEVES FAQ FIN ti,k7
MrVL- Eio'X POST �Kl o� 7o
POIJWVCa Vrel<
Figure 27 - Cluster Mailboxes
Figure 28 - Mailbox at Sidewalk
N EW WAK-K
• bo
r
FPM
oled
Figure 29 - Signage
AqD�O /ZEO AU/MINI/AT
PAINTE1 S,KN LYAkt R46
SOME AS /SEE
f.LE1/ATN sve ELEGATw
WELLBORN RD.
Figure 30 - Signage
cw Y LWo
\\\
54,V '/JLD 2E STANCARD
/NTERSTATE f£fN AND INN/TE,
7.4" X /8"
PA/NT 514N aute CALK
SAme AS Pae
• 5 =0 "ABxE P440 S%JRP44E
, 3k Rue4L ROADS.
• 7' O " A,BO ✓E ROAD SURFACE
AWNERE PARCAE? WILL .XGI/K
Figure 31 - Traffic Signalization
°AINT TRAFFIC
SlaNAL BOX
Signage. Because of the prolif-
eration of signage necessary to
maintain a semblance of control
it is desirable to minimize these
signs within the street environ-
ment. Signs that are deemed
necessary should be mounted
and installed consistently
throughout the City. Signs
shall be mounted on gray
anodized aluminum poles 2' -0"
from back of curb, 5 feet above
road surface for rural roads and
7 feet above road surface where
parking will occur. Back of
sign blade shall be painted to
match poles. Refer to Figures
29 and 30.
In an effort to improve orienta-
tion within the city as to where
major intersections occur it is
recommended that:
• Intersections of major
arterials be signed by the
use of sign blades located
on traffic signal crossarms.
• Approaches to major inter-
sections be announced by
appropriate signage located
500 - 750 feet from the
intersection.
Traffic Signalization
In order to achieve maximum
flexibility of required traffic
signalization standards, the City
should utilize a signal structure
composed if mast arms,
extensions for luminaries, etc.
that are constructed of standard
metal or tube steel components
assembled in creative ways to
College Station Streetscape Study - Page 65
satisfy unique requirements at
specific intersections. Figures
31, 32, 33, and 34 illustrate
potential flexibility of such a
system. This configuration is
recommended over other
modular designs because of the
components are more
economical to replace in the
event of damage and the design
os more appropriate in less
densely developed corridors
such as those in College
Station.
In order to maintain a
consistency of color in all
structural elements within the
streetscape, it is recommended
that traffic signal poles and
mast arms be of gray anodized
aluminum or a sealed, powder -
coat finish of a comparable
color. Signal boxes should be
painted to match poles.
4
CITY COGCXS
• M4✓A/
-LiLUf
Page 66 - College Station Streetscape Study
is
r e
r e
PA /,VT TO MATCH POKE
LEFT
TURN
- PA /NT To Aorew
POLL: c-rGrirls To EE
PN /NTED 4.
C/rf awes
• SC GE
5/6m449 To LSE PAhvreD -
�K
r TEXAS AVENUE
6R1r AA/aD/ZEO AL1'4 /4/UN
POOLE AND /1145T AF`1
TEXAS .VENUE
GRtr 4Va0/Z50
ALUM /NtIV FttLe .WD
MAST ARy
Figure 32 - Traffic Signalization
Figure 33 - Traffic Signalization
fj
1
Surface Elements. The visibility
of detail in the surface elements
will permit a strong sense of
scale relationship. Materials
chosen are durable and proven.
The designs in the major inter-
sections (refer to the proto-
typical plans section of this
report) will provide a strong
identifying element that differ-
entiates the city's street hierar-
chy.
14411.4k
Sidewalks. In an effort to foster
safer pedestrian movement it is
recommended that four inch
thick reinforced concrete side-
walks be required along all
streets in the city.
On residential streets sidewalks
should be located against the
curb on both sides of the street
and have a minimum width of
six feet.
j
J
7.
K
Figure 34 - Sidewalk Locations and Widths
On collectors and arterials
sidewalks should be located on
both sides of the street and be
set back from the curb a mini-
mum of six feet to provide an
extra measure of pedestrian
safety adjacent to these heavier
travelled thoroughfares. Side-
walk width should be a mini-
mum of four feet. Refer to
Figure 34. Along all streets
sidewalk width should be
reflective of the anticipated
College Station Streetscape Study - Page 67
pedestrian utilization. Where
collectors or arterials approach
schools or libraries it would be
appropriate to increase the
sidewalk width to handle the
increased pedestrian traffic.
It is recommended that side-
walks throughout the city be
finished as detailed on Figure
35. This will provide a suitable
level of detail and interest that
is appropriate for pedestrian
usage.
Crosswalks. Crosswalks about
the city should be marked on
pavement with reflective
pavement paint. Figure 36
indicates a prototypical marking
recommendation at a bikelane
and Figure 59 on page 90
illustrates crosswalk design at
major intersections. While it is
the intent to utilize pavers and
enhanced paving only at special
intersections such as
Texas /University,Texas /George
Bush, etc., it may be
appropriate to provide
crosswalks with pavers at
streets in the Northgate district.
Pavers at these crosswalks
should be of a contrasting color
to the adjacent street surfaces.
Special Intersections. Major
and special intersections shall
be differentiated from standard
intersections through the use of
concrete pavers, sandblasted
concrete finishes, troweled
bandings, etc. Refer to
Descriptions of Major
Intersections for details.
Page 68 - College Station Streetscape Study
• /f T// WALK /S Spr644z
PRIM T//5 CIRB, THE
le/AU SHOJGO et 44"u/w .
• /PT/YE GGt¢l r /S ,, If /ND
me Gf'PB, THE 1UALX
SNOULD ffe 5=-0" !Ai /DE
20/vi4ee M/u/srt.
7Ra&JEL f /N /sN ef4i/O5.
Ge/fit's
k
W
0
inJ !:g11)- ljt
'1!
/F rosswe , PA /NT THE
EY/L/( of THE L /NE
,Alrsipe Tie5frre1u+r
THE,eeer srM8'L1,-:ALLr
!U /DEN /
Figure 35 - Sidewalk Finishing
,-11/TD 7wAfpP: 4- le- G M /N.
a// EWA r
Figure 36 - Crosswalks
7NlS PrNeNSIDN /5 EQUAL- To
7/e raro71/ of me u/AJK
t
t
t
1
t
t
Special Elements. Certain
special elements in the street
corridor, such as bus stops,
serve a specific service func-
tion. There are also elements
present in the street corridors
which contribute more to an
aesthetic function. These are
the elements that bring sparkle
and color. Elements to be
described in this section are bus
shelters, seasonal lighting /deco-
ration, banners, and flags and
flagpoles.
Bus Shelters. City staff has
selected a standard bus shelter
unit for placement at appropri-
ate points about the city.The
area adjacent to the shelter
should be developed with spe-
cial pavers, trash receptacles,
benches, and bicycle racks as
indicated on Figure 37.
-
d(5 9/4N - CID 44 /L'- AND
R'UTE)
P.4774fN
Taw,V WANE (PRECAST)
Figure 35 - Bus Shelter Prototypical Plan
ae aus RcUTE.
I I I I I I AGGIE BAND
11 Shuttle eu, Sion
111111
Figure 38 - Bus Shelter Prototypical Elevations
Figure 39 - Bus Stop Prototypical Plan
t
7R.ISN RKEPTAGLP
CLDCRE7E e4y,g[S
E-- ,4Pisoac GWrcE 15.wvelz
College Station Streetscape Study - Page 63
aellti .+:INUAC; ✓P
M?IAM.a is A/N/ aiDreKs
r
Figure 40 - Banners
Page 70 - College Station Streetscape Study
Banners. This element has
proven to be very successful
when used in special areas or
districts to add movement and
color to the street environment.
Banners can be changed period-
ically to relate to seasonal
activities and special events.
Banners would be placed with
special brackets mounted on
special standards as shown on
the Eastgate Prototypical Plan.
In appropriate areas banners
could also be mounted on street
light standards.
Banners should be 4' -4" by 14'-
8" long and manufactured of
synthetic materials for durabili-
ty.
Seasonal Li ghting /Decorations..
This element is recommended to
bring additional seasonal spirit
to the city. Provisions for
glitter lighting in the trees will
be provided by duplex outlets at
the base of the trees.
BIKEWAY PLAN
Introduction
The Bryan- College Station area
has a high amount of bicycle
traffic in comparison to other
similar sized cities due to the
large number of TAMU
students and faculty who find
bicycling as a feasible
transportation alternative. As a
result, the City of College
Station has initiated a program
to provide for an organized
system of bikeway facilities.
Because of the close nature of
the Streetscape Plan and the
bicycle system this study will
not only recommend design
guidelines for the various paths,
lanes, and routes that traverse
the city but evaluate the existing
routing and make recommenda-
tions for specific improvements
to future routing.
Definitions
A bikeway is a trail, path, part
of a highway shoulder,
sidewalk, or any other means
specifically marked and
assigned for bicycle use. Bike-
way facilities are further classi-
fied as bike paths, lanes, and
routes.
Bike Path - a facility complete-
ly separate from auto traffic and
within an independent right -of-
way or within the right -of -way
of another facility.
Bike Lane - a facility where
part of the roadway or shoulder
is striped, signed, and marked
for exclusive or preferential
bicycle use and where vehicle
parking is not permitted.
Bike Route - a facility designat-
ed by signing to help make the
motorist aware of the presence
of bicycles which share the
right -of -way with motor vehi-
cles.
Bikeway Location Criteria
Bikeway facilities are planned
and located to integrate with the
existing City street and Park
system. The facilities are stra-
tegically located on primarily a
demand basis to minimize their
numbers and to provide a bike-
way to a certain areas or neigh-
borhoods within the City.
Important criteria used in deter-
mining bikeway location are:
• Safety. Existing street
width.
• Existing and potential de-
mand for use.
• Continuity and directness.
• Spacing. Relationship to
other bikeway facilities.
• Location of schools and
other public facilities frequented
by bicycle riders.
• Location of linear parks and
greenbelts.
Bikeway Design Criteria
There are numerous design
criteria to consider in establish-
ing bikeways in College Station
such as bikeway widths, sight
distances, and intersection
treatment. The width of a
bikeway depends on the classifi-
cation of bikeway, the edge
conditions, and maneuvering
allowance. Stopping sight
distance for bicycles is general-
ly not a problem since roadway
alignment usually has been
designed to accommodate auto
speeds equal to or greater than
bicycle speeds. Intersection
treatment is very important as
statistics indicate that about
two - thirds of bicycle /vehicular
accidents occur at intersections.
The following design criteria
for bike paths, lanes and routes
were adopted by the City of
College Station and taken from
College Station Streetscape Study - Page 71
• A PATH G4 �EPAR4TEA
PAW Al/To 7X4?P/c PREFEGf .L r
/N THE Acioui .'YT of Rir1I
LONCRETE
PAd /N4
E `EDE57•PW
to' MIMMUMINIPThi
I D�S1?�E 2� FLANTEP
f'a '!‹.E ; 47/1 r s EPARiiT /oN
t
Figure 41 - Bike Path
5'
ewe MNE
Page 72 - College Station Streetscape Study
I/O pgAXW B/KE 5/oe)
• A, /'iTH WHERE P1PT of :we ,eav[Ui4r
7e S//OVLDER /5 57X/PEP., - /y.UED,
ANO APIRKED fo,C KCLOS /' -
PREf 77AL B / -YGLE ' ✓SE RND
C'Heee k$N/cte PLfK1/4 NoT
PERM777.SO
Figure 42 - Bike Lane with Divider
the AASHTO Guide for
Development of Bicycle
Facilities.
Bike Paths
Typical layouts for bike paths is
shown in Figures 39 and 40
taken from the AASHTO Guide
for Development of Bicycle
Facilities. Figure 41 shows a
two -way bike path which is
completely separated from auto
traffic. Such a facility should
have a minimum paved width of
10 feet and a desirable width of
12 feet plus a 2 feet graded
width on each side. A width of
10 feet would allow
maintenance and emergency
vehicles to utilize the path.
Bike Lanes. Bike lanes in the
City of College Station must be
developed as one -way facilities.
Two way bike lanes are not
permitted because:
• They require unconventional
turns at intersections.
• They are conducive to
having bicyclist go the "wrong
way" and to weave across
traffic to bike in the proper
lane.
• They require that bicyclist
travel in a direction opposite the
adjacent auto lane.
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
t
Typical bike lane design and
layout is illustrated in Figures
42, 43, and 44. A one way
bike lane at the curb requires a
minimum of 5 feet measured
from the face of the curb
(Figures 42 and 43). A bike
lane on a street with no curb
and gutter should also be a
minimum of 5 feet outside the
auto lanes (Figure 44).
Bike Routes. The placement of
signing is the only physical
design criteria that needs to be
considered for bike routes.
Bike route identification and
directional signs will be located
on identified routes as deemed
appropriate by the City Traffic
Safety Superintendent or his
duly appointed representative.
Bikeway System
The master plan for the College
Station Bikeway system is
shown on Exhibit 14. Major
elements of the plan are as
follows:
• Extension of the existing
system into more recently
developed subdivision of
southern College Station
utilizing bike routes along major
thoroughfares such as
Longmire, Deacon, Rio
Grande, Welch, Rock Prairie
Rd.
• Future bikeway connecting
neighborhood nodes east of the
East By -Pass tying into
Highway 30 to the north and
Lick Creek Greenbelt to the Pass
south. Drive
Creek
• future dedicated Bike Paths south.
located in the Wolf Pen Creek,
Bee Creek, and Lick Creek
linear parks strategically
connect adjacent neighborhoods
into these linear parks. This
would also allow emergency
and service vehicular access
into these areas.
• Future Bike Path in the utility
easement eat of the East By-
Sr u_ -fie
M/N
B /KE LANE
Figure 43 - Bike Lane on Curbed Street
Marge vEH /c%f
LANES
connecting University
to the north with Lick
Wilderness Park to the
n
roc , �, co)
I .I
Figure 44 - Bike Lane on Non - Curbed Streets
j 5M /N
/3 /KE LANE
College Station Streetscape Study - Page 73
��z
LEGEND
�
FUTURE BIKE PATH
BIKE LANE
H BIKE ROUTE
FUTURE BIKEWAYS
SCHOOLS
PARKS
/-c - LI — �1
/yY ,% ) - 1
f L1_
I
I
j
-
y
_ •I II •
r
J � t-
NORTH 0 1200 2400 4800 7200
•
4
1
BIKEWAYS PLAN
COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS
STREETSCAPE PLAN
NEWMAN JACKSON BIEBERSTEIN, INC.
PROTOTYPICAL PLANS OF STANDARD AREA TREATMENTS
Prototypical plans have been
developed for the following
elements and conditions within
the city:
• City Portal - three types
• Major Arterials
• University Drive and Texas
Avenue
• Minor Arterials
• Collectors
• Streets crossing Floodplains
and Parks
• Typical Intersection Medi-
ans
• Special Intersections
• Major Intersections
City Portals
As was mentioned
previously, entries into the
city have been identified as to
importance and prototypical
plans reflect this hierarchy.
Type One Portals. Type
One Portals are the most
prominent entries to the city
and are located at the
intersection of Texas Avenue
and Highway 6 By -pass,
University Drive and the
Highway 6 By -pass and Univer-
sity Drive and FM 2818.
The University Drive portals at
the East By -pass and FM 2818
involve overpasses and large
expanses of open space within
which to develop the portal. It
is recommended that the over-
passes be utilized by placing on
them a sign blade that announc-
es the name of the City and
points the direction to College
Station. Plantings of large
evergreens, masses of crape
myrtle and wild flowers in large
drifts complete the portal.
Refer to Figure 44 and Exhibit
15.
Because of the configuration of
the Texas Avenue /Highway 6
interchange, a modified
arrangement is recommended in
which the sign blade occurs at
ground level north of the inter-
change. Planted with masses of
evergreens and flowering trees
this entry sign will come into
view as the motorist passes
beneath the overpass (north
bound) or exits the by -pass
(south bound). Refer to Figure
46.
The Highway 30 (Harvey Road)
and Highway 6 By -pass inter-
section should also be consid-
ered a Type One Portal because
of the nearby location of Post
Oak Mall. Because of the
configuration of the overpass,
signage design and placement
should be similar to the Texas
Avenue /Highway 6 portal.
GOLLE4E
STATI N
Figure 45 - Type One Portal
College Station Streetscape Study - Page 77
i .
•
0
METAL pha
( tax Y /)
_AZZE're
5
..'1-011/EX
Page 78 - College Station Streetscape Study
■
JAW,
40
cars pf College Station
T ice —
NOAT.
z I
j /
21.RAPIA/C A•ac'h."43
4V cA+769)
A' 2 AUER .X
:If
1,4>ze tvEf4leteN
L-El/ATIgN
Figure 46 - Type One Portal Modified - Texas/Highway 6 By-Pass
- /,P,.1 11 7 7 4
1.(11.r..." .01
:40. '
A /4
ca COLORS (,tat Awocw)
Ar.AFF,kirrri-e
VIEW SOUTH CITY GATEWAY
F.M. 2818
PLAN CITY GATEWAY
SCALE: F - 20' -0'
k .1
1_ C.
iseSn4041
etifp-A.,2 64455
City of College Station
L.Atas Cv1,
77 ClzsFE
•
-P - ••-
■••..•
;
•
44.44=44.#44.41
CITY GATEWAY AT
UNIVERSITY DRIVE /
FM 2818
COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS
STREETSCAPE PLAN
NEWMAN • JACKSON • BIEBERSTEIN, INC.
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE • URBAN AND DEVELOPMENT PLANNING
Type Two Portal. The follow-
ing intersections are identified
as Type Two Portals:
• East By -Pass and Emerald
Parkway
• East By -Pass and Southwest
Parkway
• Texas Avenue at Bryan
City Limit
• South College Avenue at
Bryan City Limit
These portals are comprised of
a low profile sign panel announ-
cing the name of the city and
are located on the right side of
the roadway as motorists ap-
proach. Immediately around
the sign are low plantings of
groundcover and seasonal color.
Bordering each R.O.W. in
locations where no existing
trees conflict would be rows of
large evergreens with informal
groupings of flowering trees.
In instances where a median
occurs at the portal, (Emerald
Parkway and East By -Pass) the
sign panel shall be located in
the median and be backdropped
with large evergreen trees.
Refer to Figures 47 and 48 for
illustrations of Type Two
Portals.
PLAN
Figure 47 - Plan Type Two Portal
LEN67H VA ./E5 PER
-- PL- 5/7E
Figure 48 - City ID at Type Two Portal
cif, of ; '<3
College Station
- (,/X, ere eosE
, + ^Fr�4/ ,AGE
Or( �oCS C BL0E / Mh�N)
. 1 '- '°'•' °'n.r %'- A
College Station Streetscape Study - Page 81
•
cur Mv4felJ7RT1E
certmeT k4 JG'N /PGt
MC/ OP /e rar+ Ter —
a cote (NaT Tb Ea"'C
3•/ Store)
9c. /wee p
L/1
—Ger oagratD if
L PG
o/i '4v SA 4RI179/c
9TEec i
ANAL cam
APRA/ (/P (?47
.. w ier,WRXA atoPfc
11 MRruNr
F.M. 2818
PORTAL TYPE 2
COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS
STREETSCAPE PLAN
NEWMAN JACKSON BIEBERSTEIN, INC.
1
1
1
Type Three Portals. These
portals are so designated be-
cause of the nature of their use
and the amount of traffic pass-
ing through the intersection.
Three areas about the City have
been identified as Type Three
Portals:
• Holleman Drive and South-
bound Service Road of the
East By -Pass
' • West Luther Drive and FM
2818
• Wellborn Road at the Bryan
City Limit Line
1
These portals will consist of
vertically oriented sign markers
located in planting areas of low
shrubs and seasonal color.
Bordering each R.O.W. in
locations where no existing
trees conflict would be rows of
ornamental trees (Bradford
Pear). Refer to Figures 49 -51.
1
•
Figure 50 - Plan - Type Three Portal
Figure 49 - Portal Marker Figure 51 - Cross Section - Type Three Portal
College Station Streetscape Study - Page 85
Major Arterials
Major arterials within the City,
with the exception of the Spe-
cial Streets of University Drive
and Texas Avenue, shall receive
street tree plantings as indicated
by Figure 50. Trees shall be
planted in loose informal
arrangements with a density of
one tree per twenty -five (25)
lineal feet of frontage. Two
ornamental trees may be substi-
tuted for one shade tree. Shade
trees shall be selected from the
group of trees listed in Figure
52.
Special Arterials - University
Drive and Texas Avenue
University Drive and Texas
Avenue public R.O.W. shall be
planted with Water Oaks in the
at a spacing of 60' -0 ". The
Texas Avenue area fronting
Texas A &M University shall be
planted with Live Oaks. This
formal planting is recommended
to provide a visual unifying
element in these areas of varied
commercial uses. In areas
where existing overhead utilities
conflict with large canopy tree
placement, smaller ornamental
trees (tree yaupon) will be
planted at 18' o.c. as a tempo-
rary measure until the utilities
can be relocated and the larger
trees installed permanently.
Reference Figure 53.
Page 86 - College Station Streetscape Study
Pao TP / 5,4,,4 � 7REE PER
PLANTED /N
.8 , TRCC: F2,4N7ED
LODSEL7 /1teA , feivi;AGE-
ARNAMENjAL mrtS N24Y
aE `OBT/TurEO Foe
semoe
Figure 52 - Major Arterials
SGT` 7i Fe?nA a,ev' A .
GPxP A
CHAR ELM. gel> 8t
LIVE 44K . 7REE rAwa'V
W /AK EO ELMJ. 4445.4 E
WATE5 &4/. 504AO
TEXAS P/STAeile. Pte' aw MkIV
Pnr 04c. fl W7,rgGV
Mvelz 94K
REP
C .1-0C /.V TRee
7REe %4UPO.V
/8 0 ° O.G .
•
(Y&1 7KEES 7 /44.-
me,e,qtAD ur7L /rigs
ARE PLAceo
UNDe Pa'No)
Figure 53 - Special Major Arterial
University Drive and Texas Avenue
a
OYiKHE,,ID PaveR UT/L/T/ES
College Station Streetscape Study - Page 87
Minor Arterials
Along minor arterials it will be
required in commercial areas
that the landscape reserve be
planted with a loose and infor-
mal arrangement of trees with a
density of one tree per 32 lineal
feet of reserve. Two ornamen-
tal trees can be substituted for
one shade tree. In residential
areas along minor arterials it is
encouraged that large canopy
trees be planted in loose ar-
rangements in the front yard of
residential lots. Plants shall be
selected from the list shown in
Figure 54.
Collectors
Collectors occur mostly in
residential areas. It will not be
required to landscape collectors
however property owners are
strongly encouraged to plant
large canopy trees and orna-
mentals in loose informal ar-
rangements in the front yard.
Refer to Figure 55.
Figure 55 - Collector
Page 88 - College Station Streetscape Study
RaNT ,
rARD
• ,C4 7 /AL ,PPert0
7R es SHALL ee PLANrEO
/,v,f eASUAL AQR4A EMENr
/c/r// /N THE FRavr T-cO.
• Gm- f,,ME,R(GAL ,°RaP51
TX555 SHALL
'N A LASUAL .4RRA+C
W/7N /N NE LIWD5!1PE 2e:14 0,1E.
J
< <HADE ''REE °QOM 4 G•
SHAPE'RE£S /f,VAMEN;AL
.:, ELM RED .°9l/O
OAK RE: �'A„7 V
9AL3 GY ° Rff _RA bA,oOL
W'U.. (' -'t "'f.AR
TEXAS ° "5'a° T REE .4A. °ENy
";5T ;arc
4-
Figure 54 - Minor Arterial
r�
Streets Crossing Floodplains
and Parks
In many instances about the
City, thoroughfares cross linear
parks and floodplains in which
mature, native vegetation exists.
In these instances it is
recommended that the tree
planting occurring on that
particular thoroughfare be
blended into the informal,
natural feel of the parkland.
Refer to Figure 56. This is
particularly important in the
case of the special streets of
University and Texas Avenue
where formal rows of oak trees
have been recommended as
street tree plantings.
Where thoroughfares are wid-
ened across floodplains, requir-
ing expansion of bridges and
culverts and necessitating re-
moval of existing vegetation to
complete construction, such
areas should be re- vegetated
using native material in masses
that blend into the existing
character of the remainder of
the floodplain.
Figure 57 -
e _
I
Figure 56 - Streets Crossing Floodplains and Parks
Typical Intersection Medians
In order to give an additional
r.,- _asure of traffic separation as
well as visual importance to
specific intersections about the
city, it is recommended that
medians be introduced as shown
by Figure 57. The existing
street cross section would make
a transition to a fourteen (14)
foot width median beginning
approximately 325 feet from the
intersection. A four (4) foot
EXfsT cuRb
Garb
' -
"'Lai/EX/AZ, TREE //y
Typical Intersection Medians
_
PROY/DE L4V: /NGA NA/ID
AN!) 50F7431 TREES cf `GroD
°IM5 1V.^ °44f9 44faSS ALL
ART6tAL- ANO r'?LLKZX5
14'
/ MEO /,W /WO
T X4 /AV cuP43
STAFET5
median would separate on -com-
ing traffic from the left -hand
turn lane. Medians would be
landscaped as shown in the
prototypical plan with ground -
cover, low growing shrubs,
flowering ornamental trees and
large canopy trees.
OUT ; Res
College Station Streetscape Study - Page 89
Special Intersections
This study has identified two
special intersections of major
symbolic importance that should
receive special design treatment
of enriched paving. Texas
Avenue and University Drive
and Texas Avenue and George
Bush Drive should receive
CONCRETE PAYED+
(ggavArea+eP.t7T ')
en catC.
special emphasis because of
their location with respect to the
City and the University.
As indicated in Figure 58 these
two special intersections shall
be paved with a heavy sandblast
finish concrete with trowelled
banding radiating from a center
Page 90 - College Station Streetscape Study
Figure 58 - Special Intersections
of concrete pavers. A circular
band of pavers ties the
intersection together and
provides visual relief from the
heavy use of concrete. Special
insets of fractured face concrete
pavers will add detail and fur-
ther visual relief to the intersec-
tion,
1
1 1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
Major Intersections
Other intersections have been
identified about the city that,
because of their significance,
should receive special emphasis
beyond the standard street
intersection. These intersec-
tions are:
• Texas Avenue and Fm 2818
• Texas Avenue and Harvey
Road
• University Drive and Tar -
row
c.-9c)ceM
✓/r— LANE
J 011,1 Cl =O CIO 00 0000=GGL=
Er .E r - 71`.fi/
.ate-" .4' t
+ NEe
• Fm 2818 and Wellborn
Road
• FM 2818 and George Bush
Drive
As Figure 59 illustrates, these
intersections should be
developed to a lesser degree
than the special intersections.
A circular form of concrete
pavers will occur in the inter-
section itself with the field of
pavers done in a herringbone
pattern bordered by a four (4)
foot strip of pavers laid in a
POMP
u
c66
2
2
5iiimnsma
Figure 59 - Major Intersections
iuuu,
contrasting pattern. Crosswalks
will be defined by bold rectan-
gles of white paint. The name
of the City will be placed within
the crosswalk zone at the far
left lane of each intersection
point.
Where existing vegetation or
structures do not conflict, a 150
foot long double row of red
crepe myrtle shall further define
the corners.
C oiiege
Station
1 r LiNZ
',1111111110(c- ke
C)3
as
pa iNTEp �1
GONCETE P4 ✓ER
(NEKPJN,eaNE ?AT,TE7e
College Station Streetscape Study - Page 91
SPECIFIC AREA PLAN RECOMMENDATIONS
Four specific areas were identi-
fied by City Staff at the incep-
tion of this study in an effort to
"test" the streetscape guidelines
and criteria as well as to give
design direction to important
visual areas of the City:
• The Northgate Area
defined as the 300 and 400
blocks of University Drive
northward to Church Street
• The Eastgate Area at the
intersection of Texas Avenue
and Walton Drive
• Texas Avenue from
University south to D ominik
Drive
• The City Entry location at
University Drive and FM 2818
The following plans and narra-
tive describe the major propos-
als and recommendations for
each special area.
Northgate
The Northgate area has been a
traditional student "hang out"
for many years with student
oriented service establishments
comprising the bulk of the land
use, There is always activity in
this area resulting in conflicts
between pedestrians, vehicular
traffic, and service vehicles.
The recommended modifications
Page 92 - College Station Streetscape Study
to this area are illustrated on
Exhibit 17 and address the
following major concerns.
• Organize and increase
amount of parking.
• Minimize conflicts between
pedestrians, service vehicles and
privately owned automobiles
• Provide additional patron
congregating points
Major elements of the plan are:
• Realignment and redevelop-
ment of Patricia Street into a
pedestrian oriented service
corridor. Through traffic would
be prohibited however vehicular
access to parking areas at the
rear of the Texas Aggie Book-
store and Two Pesos Restaurant
would be allowed.
• Opportunity to create and
develop rear entries into the
business establishments and an
enlarged patron congregating
area at the rear of the three
major night spots in the area.
• Complete redevelopment of
all parking between University
and Church. It is recommended
that the City take control of
these areas and install meters or
other appropriate control devic-
es. All parking areas should be
paved and striped. Recom-
mended reconfiguration pro-
vides for thirteen additional cars
in the area.
• Provision for clear avenue
of pedestrian circulation from
parking to business establish-
ments.
• Clustering of dumpsters
into two specific locations to
allow for more flexibility in
developing amenities along
Patricia Street.
• Introduction of special
lighting and other amenities
such as site furniture and plant-
ing that give character and
identity to the zone.
oiN
Q
VARSITY SHOP
PATRICIA ST.
NORTH G /0 70
r
Oi`RK N
n
PARKING QUANTITIES
Existing Spaces: 213 spaces
Proposed Parking: 226 spaces
PIZZA ■ BURGER BOY
7 ELEVEN
THE DELI SHOP
JMP 7 -
r
J
(4Ne5 aR *NU-
i77-1-1.15
PT
ECN",NE5
DIXIE
CHICKEN
7,EK
CHURCH ST.
T
p 5FP4`/1r-e.
DUDDLEYS
DRAW
pAWr.RRNF TREE
5100E 7.
COW HOP
UNIVERSITY DR.
Or
F` Air
ttIr
— MAW SYXpe 57T L 774 -t r, Eu- /s
ti
17411
P7M7/AK
TEXAS AGGIE BOOKSTORE
N7
. 377 , EC7 7
RESTAURANT
r
ON THE DOUBLE
LOUPOTS
G
c_,
— ,A/RCO //.W7
— Orf?E7 71 EE
ABM STEAK HOUSE
PHOTO SHOP
HOLICK'S
NORTHGATE
PILOT PROJECT
COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS
STREETSCAPE PLAN
METHODIST CHURCH
UNIVERSITY
EOOKS ORE
NEWMAN • JACKSON • BIEBERSTEIN, INC.
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE URBAN AND DEVELOPMENT PLANNING
•
ROBINS
CLINIC
TEXCOMM
MED /aM S4,UD5LAST
C AJC?t7E
9/KE PATH
LOA!
1/01Zc
St1RG13
D•AAric•Ee GeWC. PAVER
OUND
TOP
Ca/C .E TE PALER '
(HHzK /N pSONE PATTERN)
ON & COMPANY
(PLUMBING)
EASTGATE
PILOT PROJECT
COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS
STREETSCAPE PLAN
NEWMAN JACKSON BIEBERSTEIN, INC.
ECM
SNE_L r
im - L
'NEV RON
P1 n
BOMBAY
BICYCLE CLUB
EXXON
BCS
BICYCLES
MOBIL
BOOS A&M IA ORAPRICO
ROBIN
CLINIC
TEXCO
101110 W
TEXAS A &M
ENTRY PARK
ERB
UN
ON & COMPANY
(PLUMBING)
WINGS'N
MORE
RESTAURANT
UNIVERSITY
FLOWERS
ITS
TOURS & TRAVEL
77'a C54PEMYRTIS
WIDE HIKE AND dIKE f7H
(h'EF: 9 URE 1.
FIRE STATION
EMFJ
SZD
Awe S, /Ms
= Bo
Em T
111W
TEXAS AVENUE
PILOT PROJECT
FROM UNIVERSITY DR, TO DOMINIK DRIVE
COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS
STREETSCAPE PLAN
NEWMAN • JACKSON • BIEBERSTEIN, INC.
vr mcAeB Attoi recrVRe BRBAN AND BBVBLOeMENT PLANNING
Eastgate Park at Walton
Drive and Texas Avenue
The Eastgate area has for years
portrayed a stepchild image to
that of the grand ceremonial
drive into Texas A &M Univer-
sity. While the public green
spaces east of Texas are gener-
ally well maintained, the insta-
bility of the commercial area
has given the area an image of
neglect and shabbiness.
The plan for Eastgate (Exhibit
18) recaptures additional
greenspace by eliminating the
free right turn lanes off Texas
and Walton. This facilitates the
creation of a larger open space
that is more in scale with the
intersection. A grass berm five
feet in height on either side of
Walton provides additional
focus to eastward views from
the University. Additional
plantings of large canopy trees
and crape myrtle further define
the area.
A sidewalk traverses the area
lined with benches and beds of
groundcover and seasonal color.
Banner staffs line the walk with
banners that graphically relate
to seasonal activities or special
events.
The Walton Drive median is
redeveloped with low ground -
cover and ornamental trees.
Paving in the intersection of
Texas and Walton is recom-
mended to be enriched through
the use of sandblasted concrete
and concrete pavers as indicated
on Exhibit 18. A circular form
of concrete pavers and a five
pointed star fill the intersection.
College Station Streetscape Study - Page 95
Texas Avenue from
University Drive to
Dominik Drive
This special project area fronts
entirely on the east border of
Texas A &M University and has
for years contained a mixture of
land uses from residential near
the intersection of George Bush
to public and institutional and
retail /commercial. This variety
of uses, coupled with a lack of
screening controls on parking,
has resulted in a mixed image
along this important thorough-
fare from pleasant on the south-
ern end to harsh and cluttered
on the north.
The basic thrust of this pilot
project has been to provide a
streetscape treatment that unifies
the images of the uses on the
east side of Texas and provides
an appropriate image to the
University on the west. Refer
to Exhibit 19. The following
are the major recommendations
of that plan:
• Installation of Live Oak
street trees on the east side of
Texas at 60' -0" O.C. to unify
the various land uses along the
thoroughfare. Where R.O.W.
width and existing conditions
allow, this should be a double
row to further reinforce this
eastern edge.
• Require consistent screen-
ing of parking with plant mate-
rial within the commercial and
public /institutional land uses.
• Provide a sidewalk along
the east side of Texas for pedes-
trian only. It is recommended
that this walk be at least six (6)
feet in width but that final width
be determined by anticipated
pedestrian volume.
• Relocate all utility lines
behind the commercial estab-
lishment in alleys or easements,
or place them underground.
• Redevelop Eastgate Park
into an important public focal
space at the Main Entrance to
Texas A &M University.
• Encourage TDHPT to
minimize southbound left turn
movements along Texas.
• Encourage Texas A &M
University to develop a hike/ -
bike trail in an informal free
form alignment along the east
frontage of the campus as part
of the east edge renovation
outlined in the Campus Master
Plan dated April 1990.
College Station Streetscape Study - Page 99
City Entry - University
and FM 2818
This pilot project provides the
first image of entry to the City
for those motorists approaching
from the west and from the
north and south utilizing the
west by -pass.
The basic concept of this pro-
ject has been to utilize the
overpass and its surroundings as
much as possible in developing
this portal so that the scale of
the entry is appropriate related
to its surroundings. Refer to
Exhibit 15 for this project.
The major recommendations of
this project are:
• Placement of sign blades on
the overpass announcing the
name of the City and which also
graphically point the direction
to College Station.
• Planting masses of ever-
greens and ornamental trees to
provide further definition of this
space as a portal.
• Planting of broad drifts of
wildflowers to add color and
scale to this portal.
College Station Streetscape Study - Page 105
IMPLEMENTATION
• LANDSCAPE COST SHARING PROGRAM
• EXISTING ORDINANCE REVIEW AND REVISIONS
Page 106 - College Station Streetscape Study
3
3
3
1
1
1
1
1
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
t
C
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
i
1
f
1
1
1
t
Introduction
The impact of the streetscape on
the overall environment of
College Station is substantial.
The actions required to achieve
the implementation of the pro-
ject are equally impacting on
the City, its economic context,
and the administrative policies
and process now controlling the
development along thoroughfare
corridors, The action of this
study alone implies an admini-
strative understanding of the
need to alter the quality of the
streetscape environment. Pub-
lic /private committee reviews of
this study indicates their recog-
nition of the significance of this
type of improvement to their
operations and property value,
Throughout the design process,
care was given to not only
installation costs, but to the
ongoing cost and ease of main-
tenance. Thus much of the
proposed design may be imple-
mented through the ongoing
redevelopment process. How-
ever, should the timing for
implementation be advanced to
take advantage of today's lower
costs, more extraordinary mea-
sures would be essential,
Funding Options
Landscape Cost Sharing
Program. Of vital importance
to the implementation of
streetscape improvements is the
identification of appropriate
funding sources.
Although hampered by process-
ing time and a loss of project
control, the State Department of
Highways and Public Transpor-
tation (SDHPT) has a Land-
scape Cost Sharing program
that could provide a portion of
the funding of improvements
along the state highways that
pass through the City.
This program classifies land-
scape projects as:
• Highway Landscape Pro-
jects - Those projects which,
after installation, give the visual
impression of belonging to the
highway route rather than being
an extension of adjacent private
property. The State will fund
up to 50 percent of the total
cost of this type of develop-
ment.
• Pedestrian Landscape Pro-
jects - Those projects which
give the impression of being an
extension to adjacent private or
public property outside the
highway corridor. The State
will fund up to 50 percent of
the cost of the material only,
These types of projects are
subject to other restrictions
based on location, nature of the
design, etc.
City portals at the Highway 6/
East By- Pass /Texas Avenue
interchange, East By -Pass/
University Drive, and FM
2818 /University Drive should
be eligible as Highway Land-
scape Projects while the balance
of the streetscape improvements
to University and Texas (i.e.
Northgate, Eastgate, and Texas
Avenue) would be classified as
a Pedestrian Landscape Project.
Every effort should be made to
facilitate public /private coopera-
tion in implementing this plan.
In many instances, the speed
with which the private sector
can proceed will reduce a pro-
ject's cost by minimizing unnec-
essary delays. On the other
hand, the authority of local
government may permit the
accomplishment of certain
improvements which cannot be
completed in the private sector.
Evidence of increases in eco-
nomic value due to streetscape
improvements exists now in
other cities which have imple-
mented a plan. Dallas, Addi-
son, the Las Colinas section of
Irving, Plano, and Coppell all
claim varying degrees of in-
crease of economic value due to
the positive effects of a street -
scape program. Clearly this
evaluation should focus not only
on the value to the automobile
user and the pedestrian user,
but also the value to the com-
munity at large, to the pedestri-
an and to the abutting property
owner.
The streetscape redevelopment
College Station Streetscape Study - Page 107
must be viewed as an opportuni-
ty to achieve design continuity
with a focus on economy and
efficiency of maintenance.
Clearly it offers the chance to
eliminate the clutter of the
present environment, to facili-
tate new projects, to reassure
citizenry and the property own-
ers of the potential return value
of their investment.
Capital Improvement
Programs. This is the primary
avenue of funding capital
improvements for the City.
Development under this method
might be two to three years
away. The proposed bond
program might provide full or
matching funds, depending on
the type of program. Since
bonds required voter approval,
it will be essential to gain
support of the citizenry for this
type of improvement program.
Candidate projects for a bond
issue could be:
• Northgate Improvements
• Portals to City
• Eastgate Park
Joint Development. The City
should continue to explore ways
to implement a project jointly
with a developer of a large tract
bordering a potential streetscape
project such as University
Drive. Potential projects to
consider with TAMU are:
Page 108 - College Station Streetscape Study
• Eastgate Park
• Intersection Improvements at
Texas Ave. and George Bush
Drive; Texas Ave. and
University Drive and
Wellborn Road and George
Bush Drive.
Non - profit Fund. Under the
direction of either the private or
public sector, a non - profit fund
could be set up to receive funds
from concerned individuals,
organizations or institutions
which would be directed toward
streetscape improvements within
the City. By having an ongoing
administrative mechanism,
donations to such a fund could
be actively sought and
encouraged on a regular basis.
Reimbursement to Private
Sector. There are established
precedents in other cities to
indicate that where a private
developer wished to precede the
City in developing in the public
R.O.W. according to the
prescribed guidelines, the City
with guarantee return of
investment when funds become
available.
Incentive Zoning. Though this
avenue is open to the City
currently, careful control is
needed to assure the right
exchange of value. The intent
of the program is to allow
developers additional flexibility
in their projects, but only if
additional streetscape amenities
are included in their plans.
Here the City could also require
a percentage of construction
costs for art objects in the
trade -off program. This method
gas been used in other cities.
however the demands and
guidelines for the streetscape
amenities were not specific
enough to guarantee quality
development for pedestrian
usage. The City needs to
carefully evaluate the
recommendations to assure
compliance with the intent to
gain significant pedestrian
benefit.
Tax Increment Financing.
Other cities have used this
financing method with success
on various improvement
projects, but it has yet to be
applied to a streetscape
program. It involves
designating a certain area as a
tax increment district. Tax
revenues from that area which
flow to the taxing bodies are
frozen at the current level for a
specified number of years.
As new development take place
within that district, the
additional tax revenue generated
by those projects is allocated to
pay off bonds that were issued
to finance public improvements
in the district. In this manner,
both the public and private
sectors and the pedestrian
benefit, and the streetscape is
enhanced in a coordinate
manner at the present time.
Special Assessment District.
This idea can take many forms,
either as a governmental unit or
as a private unit. The intent of
the unit is to recognize the
common goals, the unique
requirements and special
treatment required to maintain
desirable levels of
improvements. The district
may be set up for capital
improvements or simply for the
purpose of funding special
operating requirements.
Existing Ordinance Re-
view and Revisions
The success of the Streetscape
Plan and Guidelines and criteria
will, in a large part, be
determined by how well City of
College Station policies and
ordinances are written to
encourage and direct their
implementation. The
ordinances ought to reflect the
philosophy, and the goals and
objectives of the City
Leadership regarding the image
of its thoroughfares and
commercial areas. To that end
the sections of the existing
Zoning Ordinance pertaining to
Parking and Landscaping were
reviewed and the following
revisions /additions to the
ordinance are recommended:
1. Parking requirements
stipulate a minimum eight foot
(8') raised buffer between
public R.O.W. and parking.
No other criteria or guideline
addresses buffer strips or
landscape setbacks. This tends
to encourage parking out to
property lines in commercial
areas.
It is recommended that the
landscape reserve (buffer strip)
requirements at site perimeters
be increased from 8 foot
minimum to 24 foot minimum
at major and minor arterials.
Existing trees located in these
landscape reserves will be
required to be preserved and
areas of reserves that have no
trees will be landscaped as
follows:
• Major Arterials - One shade
tree (min 4" cal.) per 25 lineal
feet of landscape reserve. Two
ornamentals may be substituted
for one shade tree. These trees
should be loosely spaced in an
informal arrangement.
• Texas Avenue and
University Drive - Place Water
Oaks (min. 4" cal) at 60 feet on
center. Where overhead
utilities conflict, small trees
(tree yaupon, minimum 8' -10'
ht.) will be planted until utilities
are placed underground.
• Minor Arterials - Provide
one shade tree (min. 4" cal.) or
two ornamental trees per 32
lineal feet of landscape reserve.
In return, lessen the
requirement for interior parking
area islands and related
landscaping as further explained
below.
It will be a requirement to attain
300 points for every 50 lineal
feet of landscape reserve that
exists on a property.
2. It will be a requirement to
screen surface parking from
major and minor arterials
through the use of the
following:
• Planting Screens
• Berms
• Structural Screens
Parking requirements also
dictate specific guidelines
concerning placement and
configuration of interior parking
islands to encourage landscaping
and break up large expanses of
paving. It is recommended that
more flexibility be allowed in
parking area design and
landscaping by modifying this
requirement in the Parking
Requirements section of the
Zoning Ordinance as outlined
below:
• To give some additional
control over tree densities in
parking areas, require parking
spaces to be located no further
than 75 feet from the trunk of a
College Station Streetscape Study - Page 109
large canopy tree.
• In lieu of requiring a raised
island of 360 square feet for
every 15 spaces on interior
parking rows allow a raised tree
island of 36 square feet (6' by
6').
3. Require screening of off -
street loading areas, dumpster
locations, and utility connec-
tions from public streets and
residential adjacencies.
4. Drop the requirements and
'Points - Awarded' for shrubs
and groundcover.
5. Incorporate into landscape
ordinance a set of soil' require-
ments that stipulate minimum
acceptable standards for soil
depths, dimensions, and basic
composition.
6. Require an automatic sprin-
kler system for all required
screening and street tree instal-
lation. Recommend 100 feet
minimum spacing rather than
150 feet for hose connections.
7. Allow point credit for
special amenities:
• Use of enhanced paving at
vehicular paved areas
• Use of permeable enhanced
paving
• Use of enhanced paving at
pedestrian paved areas
Page 110 - College Station Streetscape Study
• Use of plazas, fountains,
ponds, and seating areas.
8. Require for use of street
trees that:
• Extend along a minimum of
80% of the total street
frontage of a lot.
• Are spaced no more than
60 feet apart.
• Rework paint allocation on
existing and new trees in order
to encourage existing tree pres-
ervation. See new recommen-
dations in Table Two below.
CURR PT. PROP PT.
ITEM NAME SIZE ALLOCATION ALLOCATION
Unprotected Existing Canopy Tree 2' -14.5' cal. 35 I 15
Protected Existing Canopy Tree
Protected Existing Canopy Tree (barricade
I' of radius for each l' cal)
TABLE TWO
COLLEGE STATION LANDSCAPE ORDINANCE
POINT ALLOCATION TABLE
New Canopy Tree (containerized or boxed)
New Canopy Tree (balled and burlapped)
New Canopy Tree (cont. or B &B)
Non Canopy Tree
min 5 gal & l gal
Shrubs for Dwarfs
Groundcover
Special Amenities • Enhanced Paving
Plazas, fountains, ponds. etc.
Notes:
• Require a 12 month time
frame to bring existing non-
conforming developments into
compliance with the revised
landscape ordinance when there
is a property ownership change
or a building permit application
for any modifications to proper-
ties located on major or minor
arterials.
9. Modify the current
requirement pertaining to
visibility triangles in Section
Eight of the Zoning Ordinance
to restrict placement of
vegetation in a triangular area
formed by the intersection of
2' -4.5' Cal. 50 50
pis. vary
Min 4' cal. 0 -300 200 -30(Y
Min 4' cal' 200 200
Min 4' cal.' 75 100
1 -3' cal.' 75 50
Min 5'-6' ht. 40 40
10
10/100 sf
0
0
0
0
300'
50'
I. Current ordinance requires a min. 4.5' barricade and grants points in a graduating scale downward
based on size of tree. Revision would require a minimum barricade of 1' for every I' of tree
caliper. Points awarded would be based on tree size.
2. Current ordinance requires a 3.5' cal. min. Revision would make minimum size 4' cal.
3. Use of tree smaller than 4' would require special approval by Zoning Official and should only be
proposed when conditions preclude use of larger trees.
4. 300 points would be awarded when at least 25 percent of all outdoor vehicular pavement area on
the lot consists of enhanced paving.
5. 50 points is awarded for each one percent increment of lot area covered by publicly accessible
special pedestrian facilities and features such as plazas, covered walkways, fountains, lakes and
ponds.
two streets or the intersection of
driveway or alley with a street.
The current requirements call
for a setback of twenty -feet
from intersecting property lines.
Proposed modification would
measure the setback from curb
or paving intersection points
with a 20' setback for
street /driveway /alley and a 45'
setback for street intersections.
Streetscape Maintenance
Responsibilities
Unless there is a commitment of
both the public and private
sector to maintain the
improvements recommended by
this study, then the long term
benefit to the citizens by the
program are never going to by
realized. In that regard, it is
important to outline
maintenance responsibilities of
the streetscape elements clearly
so that both public and private
sector understand their
respective responsibilities. The
following are recommendations
as to the general responsibilities
of each:
Public Responsibilities
• Maintain all improvements
(softscape and hardscape)
occurring in public parks (i.e.
Eastgate Project, etc.) and in
medians.
• Maintain all light fixtures,
banners, and other special
amenities occurring on City
property.
• Maintain all softscape
improvements and State
Highway interchanges for
minimum of 24 months.
• Maintain all special amenities
(i.e. portal graphics, special
paving, benches, irrigation
systems, etc.) on State
R.O.W.
Private Responsibilities
• Maintain all softscape and
hardscape improvements
including irrigation occurring
within the specific properties
and within the public R.O.W.
bordering the specific
properties. Required
landscaping must be
maintained in a healthy,
growing condition at all times.
The property owner is
responsible for regular
weeding, mowing of grass,
irrigating, fertilizing, pruning,
and other maintenance of all
plantings as needed.
• Maintain all required parking
and dumpster screening.
• Maintain all interior lighting,
signage, and special amenities.
College Station Streetscape Study - Page 111
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
SOIL NAME
Axtell Fine Sandy
Loam
Crockett Fine Sandy
Loam - 1 to 3% Slope
Crockett Fine Sandy
Loam - 3 to 6% Slope
Edge Fine Sandy Loam
-1to3 %Slope
Edge Fine Sandy Loam
- 3 to 8% Slope
Gowen Clay Loam - 1
to 3% Slope
Gowen Pine Sandy
Loam - 3 to 8%
Slope
Gullied Land
Houston Hunt Clays - 3
to 6% Slope
Lufkin Fine Sandy
Loam - 0 to 1% Slope
Lufkin Fine Sandy
Loam - 1 to 3% Slope
Lufkin Edge Complex -
1 to 3% Slope
Lufkin Edge Complex -
3 to 8% Slope
Ochlockonee Fine
Sandy Loam - 0 to 1%
Slope
Tabor Fine Sandy
Loam - 1 to 3% Slope
Labor Loamy Fine
Sand - 1 to 3% Slope
Wilson Clay Loam - 1
to 3% Slope
SYM
Aa
Cc
Cd
Ea
Eb
Ga
Gb
Gd
Hb
Lc
Ld
Le
Lf
Oa
Ta
Ta
Wb
APPENDIX "A"
SOILS DESCRIPTION
DESCRIPTION
Light colored soil of low productivity occuring on gently sloping upland near the
Brazos River. Natural vegetation consists of scrubby hardwoods and
bunchgrass.
Crusty soil occuring in gently sloping upland. Moderately fertile and responds
well to fertilization.
Similar in profile to Cc, but more susceptible to erosion due to thin surface
layer. Low permeability and promotes rapid runoff and resultant erosion.
Light colored acid soil of poor productivity. Low natural fertility, but responds
well to fertilizers. Droughtiness restricts productivity.
Thinner surface soil than Ea, unsuitable for cultivation and poor for pasture. Its
most practical use is woodland pasture.
Gray, slightly acid clay loam occuring in floodplains and along local streams
made up of sediments washed from nearby uplands.
Similar to Ga occuring in small irregular areas that are flooded once or twice a
year in Spring. High natural fertility.
Consists of areas severely cut by gullies; has no economic value and most areas
have no vegetation.
Fertile, moderately productive clayey soil occuring in uplands. The soil erodes
easily and its natural fertility is moderately too high.
Moderately fertile, crusty, claypan soil occuring throughout the area. Since
compact claypan is impervious to water plants scoffer during the hot, dry
weather.
Similar to Lc except much more susceptable to erosion.
Similar to Lf with low natural fertility and tendancy for droughtiness. Occurs
mostly in southern parts of the area.
Highly erodable claypan soil unsuitable for cultivation. Low productivity, but
supports shade and ornamental tree growth.
Productive, well drained, bottomland soil occuring along small local streams.
Native vegetation is dense cover of oak, elm, hackberry, and ash.
Pale brown, slightly acid fine sandy loam of moderate to low productivity.
Native vegetation consisting of scrubby, hardwood forest.
Pale brown, slightly acid loamy fine sand responsive to fertilizers and good
management. Drought resistant.
Moderately productive loamy soil occuring in upland areas. Natural fertility is
moderate and soil leans toward droughtiness.
The list of plant materials, located in the Appendix of this report, should be used in future
development. The plant materials included should comprise the major components of landscape
development. Since these materials serve a specific function, any variance would tend to weaken
the overall design intent.
The plant materials suggested are only those which are considered native or which have proven
satisfactory for the College Station area. Careful consideration has been given to selection of
plant materials which are considered easy to maintain, generally free of insects and disease, and
relatively hardy for this area. Plant materials shown in the list should also be considered for
private development, but should not be viewed as the only plants acceptable for use.
COMMON NAME
TREES
Shade Trees
Small Trees and Small Flowering Trees:
APPENDIX "B"
RECOMMENDED PLANT PALLET
SCIENTIFIC NAME
Bald - Cypress Taxodium distichum
Cedar Elm Ulmus crassifolia
Chinese Tallow Tree Sapium sebiferum
Golden Rain Tree Koelreuteria paniculata
Jerusalem Thorn Parkinsonia aculeata
Leyland Cypress Cypress Leyandii
Live Oak Quercus virginiana
Post Oak Quercus stellata
Shumard Oak (Red) Quercus shumardi
Sweet Gum (use with soil Liquidambar styraciflua
modifications)
Texas Pistache Pistacia texana
Water Oak Quercus nigra
Willow Oak Quercus phellos
Winged Elm Ulmus alata
Lacebark Elm Ulmus parcifolia
Chaste Tree Vitex agnus- castus
Crab Apple Malus (species)
Crapemyrtle Lagerstroemia indica
Evergreen Pear Pyrus kawakami
Ornamental Pear Pyrus calleryana
Small Trees and Small Flowering Trees:
cont.
Hawthorn
Loquat
Manzanillo Olive
Possumhaw
Redbud
Shrub - Althea
White Eastern Redbud
Yaupon
SHRUBS
Aucuba
Burford Holly
Cleyera
Dwarf Burford Holly
Dwarf Chinese Holly
Elaeagnus
Euontmus
Fraser's Photinia
Indian Hawthorn
Japanese Ligustrum
Juniper Sp.
Pittosporum
Pomegranate
Pyracantha (not to be used near
pedestrian areas)
Viburnum
Wax Ligustrum
Yaupon
GROUND COVER
Bigleaf Periwinkle
Confederate Jasmine
Creeping Juniper
English Ivy
Hypericum
Japanese Starjasmine
Liriope
Monkey Grass
Purpleleaf Honeysuckle
Crataegus (species)
Eriobotrya japonica
Olea europaea manzanillo
Ilex decidua
Cercis canadensis
Hibiscus (species)
Cercis canadensis Alba
Ilex vomitoria
Aucuba (species)
Ilex cornuta Burford
Cleyera Japonica
Ilex cornuta burfordi nanaa
Ilex cornuta 'rotunda'
Elaeagnus macrophylla
Euonymus colorata
Photinia fraseri
Raphiolepis indica
Ligustrum lucidum
Dwarf juniper
Pittosporum tobira
Punica granatum
Pyracantha (species)
Viburnum (species)
Ligustrum japonicum
Ilex vomitoria
Vinca major (vinca minor too)
Trachelospermum jasminoides
Juniperus (species)
Hedera Helix
Hypericum calycinum
Trachelospermum asiaticum
Liriope muscaria
Ophiopogon japonicum
Lonicera Japonica 'chinensis'
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
VINES
Boston Ivy
Carolina Jessamine
Fig Ivy
Trumpetcreeper
Wisteria
Parthenocissus tricuspidata
Gelsemium sempervirens
Ficus pumila
Campsis radicans mme. galen
Wisteria sinensis