FOURTH STREET TO AQUATIC PARK STREETSCAPE

BERKELEY, CA

Subconsultant to Bellecci & 
Associates

This four-block streetscape project creates a unified pedestrian connection between the Fourth Street shopping district and Aquatic Park and the Berkeley bicycle/pedestrian bridge over Interstate Highway 80. Harris Design prepared design development documents that served as a master plan and provided developers with the City’s
requirements for private development.

Harris Design also prepared full construction documents for a two-block first phase construction project, including custom designed concrete seatwalls, monument signage, colored concrete paving, and bulb-outs. Permeable pavers were used to filter storm water and provide supplemental moisture to the street trees.  A theme celebrating the Ohlone people was developed in conjunction with the West Berkeley Neighborhood Committee. The theme has been expressed with basket weave patterns integrated into the pedestrian paving and seatwalls. The highlight of the project is the western-most block, which was developed as a plaza space to take advantage of the views afforded by the steeply sloping street. The design connects the streetscape with the Touchdown Park project and the Aquatic Park lagoon.

LAKEPORT DOWNTOWN IMPROVEMENTS

LAKEPORT, CA

Subconsultant to RAU & Associates

Harris Design led the urban design effort to arrive at a consensus plan for improving eight blocks in the downtown core of this small, rural city. The revitalization project creates a pedestrian-friendly environment for merchants, visitors, shoppers, tourists, and residents. Improvements include new street trees, low monument walls, benches, news bicycle racks and other site furniture, and new street lighting. A variety of sidewalk paving options were evaluated for cost effectiveness, durability, and aesthetics. Most of the sidewalks are being widened to provide a more gracious pedestrian environment. Locations of the new improvements were reviewed by affected individuals through a merchant and public outreach effort. The design helps reinforce Lakeport’s local identity with the inclusion of unique elements that tie in with the design character of the Old County Courthouse and Old Carnegie Library. The design incorporates “table” intersections that help slow traffic and create more seamless pedestrian street crossings. The design also includes a gateway treatment at the south end of the site that harmonizes with the adjacent Soper-Reece Community Theater.