University Drive Gateway Current Conditions Analysis CHARACTER & PHYSICAL CONDITIONS The Sunrise Boulevard and University Drive gateways differ in two significant ways. From a design standpoint, University Drive has a four-way intersection with major traffic and activity on all four quadrants, whereas Sunrise Boulevard has a little relief from the congestion, hardscape and building mass with the canal and greenway running parallel to the street. Second, the parcels that anchor University Drive at Sunset Strip are not as deteriorated and integrate more seamlessly into the quadrant. The large strip center on University Drive does not offer the same type of redevelopment opportunities however, especially as a mixed-use project. The similarity is that both commercial strip centers have a profound impact on pedestrians due to the volume of cars that traverse the centers. This intersection also has some room on the public right of way for gateway features. Aesthetically pleasing entryways will create a strong sense of pride for this neighborhood as well and will begin to frame the street better. The private parcels at the gateway do not present the same opportunity to reposition the area or define it with a distinct character as those on Sunrise Boulevard. REGULATORY CONDITIONS The commercial properties that frame the gateway are zoned for commercial use and should remain as such. Like Sunrise Boulevard, the site designs and configuration on the privately- owned parcels are driven from decades old development patterns that promoted large surface parking areas along major corridors. Stand-alone buildings on the corner are a more recent development pattern, and by giving up parking spaces for “outparcels” the leasable space on the site increases which in turn increases the value of the site. The parking conditions enable cars to park directly facing University Drive with a tiny landscape buffer or transition to the sidewalk. MOBILITY CONDITIONS There are sidewalks that wrap the corners of University Drive on both sides of Sunset Strip enabling people to easily walk from the main Boulevard down Sunset Strip. The large royal palms in the median give a stately entrance. 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.
B. UNIVERSITY DRIVE GATEWAY University Drive Gateway Current Conditions CHARACTER & PHYSICAL CONDITIONS REGULATORY CONDITIONS MOBILITY CONDITIONS IDENTITY & BRAND CONDITIONS University Drive Gateway Vision University Drive Gateway Recommendations CHARACTER & PHYSICAL RECOMMENDATIONS REGULATORY RECOMMENDATIONS MOBILITY RECOMMENDATIONS IDENTITY & BRAND RECOMMENDATIONS
S S Sunset Strip Complete Streets at University Drive going towards Village Center. Opportunity to enhance as gateway entry.
S S Sunset Strip at University Drive large suburban strip center with parking along the street edge and bus stop missing shelter and bench. Opportunity to improve bus stop with shelter, bench, and community identity branding.
S S Sunset Strip at University Drive auto oriented streetscape. Opportunity to improve crosswalks and branding.
SUNSET STRIP GATEWAYS
69 | EAST SUNRISE IMPROVEMENTS MASTER PLAN
Made with FlippingBook - Online catalogs