CHARACTER & PHYSICAL CONDITIONS As discussed in the previous section (Commercial Center), the existing parcels that represent the visual introduction to the east Sunrise neighborhood need to change. There is room in the public right of way for gateway features, however, unless the private parcels are upgraded and/or change use substantially, there will not be adequate impacts to truly improve the tired and dated perception of the area. Aesthetically pleasing entryways will create a strong sense of pride and begin to change the image of the area. This is imperative to prompt private investment to occur. The private parcels also present a tremendous opportunity to reposition this area as an up and coming neighborhood with a distinct character. The retail strip center and standalone parcel anchoring the gateway can either be renovated or upgraded, or they could be completely redeveloped into higher and better uses. For the purposes of this plan, the conditions and recommendations will look at both options. In the meantime, it is still recommended to show sample entry or gateway features to the community to begin dialogue on preferences related to gateway design features and imagery.
REGULATORY CONDITIONS
The two private properties that frame the gateway deserve a distinct assessment for redevelopment and design options on both the public right of way, and the private parcels. Existing site designs and configurations on the privately owned parcels are driven from decades old development patterns that promoted large surface parking areas along major corridors, in this case, Sunrise Boulevard. The parking conditions even enable cars to park directly facing Sunrise Boulevard with no buffer or transition to the sidewalk for the parcel east of Sunset Strip. It also appears that the surface parking areas, including some of the residential properties behind the commercial, are not well maintained creating a blighting effect. The impact is amplified due to the massive amounts of asphalt. The opportunity exists for the city to position this area as ripe for redevelopment and apply certain incentives to renovate or completely redevelop the existing buildings, and to attract new development to vacant parcels. A targeted approach to the redevelopment of the parcels combined with an in-house economic point of contact could attract interested development partners. Although there are major development opportunities on the large parcels closer to Sunrise Boulevard, it’s not likely the smaller vacant parcels along Sunset Strip will convert to successful retail or mixed-use until there are upgrades on the gateway sites. Action needs to be taken to ward off incompatible uses that won’t contribute to repositioning the area as up and coming. A zoning in progress should be considered if existing zoning allows for these uses that are identified under the recommendations section. MOBILITY CONDITIONS There are sidewalks that wrap the corners of Sunrise Boulevard on both sides of Sunset Strip enabling people to easily walk from the main Boulevard down Sunset Strip. The actual crossing of Sunset Strip is less defined however, even though there are crosswalk markings. The large royal palms give a stately entrance on the west side and in the median, however it feels lopsided when looking north since there are only shade trees on the east side of Sunset Strip. As part of the gateway design, the physical crossing can be designed to maximize pedestrian crossings. However, it is not anticipated that the right of way would need to be reconfigured in any significant way to improve mobility and access. IDENTITY & BRAND CONDITIONS The biggest deterrent to east Sunrise is the image upon entering the area on Sunset Strip at Sunrise Boulevard.
W W Sunset Strip at Sunrise Boulevard existing crosswalk. Opportunity
to improve crosswalk
with textured/ colored pavers
SUNSET STRIP GATEWAYS
65 | EAST SUNRISE IMPROVEMENTS MASTER PLAN
Made with FlippingBook - Online catalogs