When envisioning a vibrant and functional community space, the design of the streetscape plays a pivotal role. Streetscape design goes beyond mere aesthetics, encompassing aspects of safety, functionality, environmental sustainability, and community engagement to foster the creation of a thriving downtown area. Our team works to blend the expertise of traffic engineers and landscape architects to design streetscapes that are not only visually appealing but also serve the long-term needs of the community.
Design Expertise
Crafting outdoor spaces that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing requires a deep understanding of various design elements. This includes the integration of green spaces, pedestrian walkways, street furniture, lighting, and other features that enhance the overall ambiance and usability of urban areas. Each element must be meticulously planned to ensure it contributes to the beauty and practicality of the space.
Community Planning & Engagement
Good streetscape design is not an isolated effort; it must seamlessly integrate with broader community planning initiatives. Effective designs align with surrounding architecture, transportation networks, and municipal infrastructure. Ensuring that streetscapes support and enhance long-term community development goals helps create cohesive and harmonious urban environments that continue to be well-loved into the future.
Public engagement is a crucial component of the design process. Facilitating community engagement sessions allows for the gathering of valuable input from residents, business owners, and other project stakeholders. This ensures that the final streetscape design reflects the needs, preferences, and cultural identity of the community. Engaging with residents not only enriches the design but also fosters a sense of ownership and pride among community members.
Environmental & Accessibility Considerations
Incorporating sustainable environmental considerations such as permeable paving, rain gardens, and native plantings improves stormwater management, reduces urban heat islands, and supports biodiversity. Commitment to sustainability ensures that streetscapes contribute positively to the environment while continuing to serve the community.
When planning a streetscape design, safety and accessibility must be considered as much as sustainability. Prioritizing features such as ADA-compliant sidewalks, crosswalks, and ramps allows the streetscape to be accessible to all users, including pedestrians with disabilities. Designing with safety in mind creates spaces where people can move freely and confidently.
Long-Term Maintenance Planning
A well-designed streetscape should be as easy to maintain as it is beautiful. Considering the long-term maintenance requirements of all streetscape elements, selecting durable materials, and designing low-maintenance landscaping features helps to minimize ongoing maintenance costs for the community. This ensures that the streetscape remains functional and attractive to support a thriving community for years to come.
Spotlight on Success: The Vicksburg Major Downtown Infrastructure Project
The Village of Vicksburg’s Major Downtown Infrastructure project began with the Village’s need to replace its aging 80-year-old water and sewer lines on Main Street. This major $9 million infrastructure improvement provided a unique opportunity to reimagine and revitalize the downtown area. Prein&Newhof’s team of engineers and landscape architects, led by Project Managers Jason Washler, PE, Mike Schwartz, PE, and Matt Levandoski, PLA, worked closely with Village leadership and a group of next-generation business owners to develop a plan that would transform downtown Vicksburg into a welcoming, pedestrian-friendly space.
The redesigned downtown now features one-way traffic on Main Street, on-street parking, wider sidewalks, and a central plaza area to encourage community gathering. Additional enhancements include refurbished pedestrian streetlights, redesigned traffic signals, charging stations, planter beds and pots, underground irrigation, street trees, enhanced crosswalks, and new right-of-way furniture such as benches, trash receptacles, bike racks, tables, and chairs. The revitalization of Oswalt Park further expanded the community gathering space, seamlessly integrating with the broader infrastructure improvements.
This multifaceted and award-winning project is poised to stimulate the local economy, attract a new workforce, and foster continued growth and development in Vicksburg. Alongside another major development at The Mill at Vicksburg, these efforts are set to ensure the Village’s prosperity and vibrancy for years to come.
We’re proud to have contributed to such a transformative project that exemplifies the importance of professional expertise and design in creating streetscapes that not only meet immediate community needs but also pave the way for future success.