University Drive Corridor Existing Conditions Analysis CHARACTER & PHYSICAL CONDITIONS Like many sections of University Drive, this district consists primarily of commercial/retail space in a suburban pattern, with buildings set back behind large parking lots. This includes several long swaths of parking against the sidewalk making the pedestrian experience an intimidating one, especially from the high speed traffic on the roadways. The street is designed for cars to dominate the environment. This of course does not encourage pedestrians and bicyclists to traverse the area. Transit riders find a generally hostile environment waiting for a bus or trolley. Pedestrian connections from the residential areas of east Sunrise are limited, so accessing many of the businesses as a pedestrian or bicyclist is not a comfortable journey. There are very few blocks that provide a green buffer between the cars and the sidewalk, however that configuration is preferable to no buffer. The main uses along the corridor consist of large big box uses such as Home Depot and Supermarkets, smaller commercial uses such as barber shops and general office, and a large variety of food and beverage options including fast food style. The corridor has one large vacant site that is ripe for redevelopment (see Opportunity Sites section). At the north end of the district, a 6-story hotel is planned to be converted to an assisted living facility for seniors. A major waterway (canal) runs east-west in the northern portion of this district, but there are no recreational activities or businesses that take advantage of the view corridors. Of significance is the imbalance of green space to asphalt along the entire corridor. It’s very unlikely the lanes, or lane widths, will change in the next decade, nor will the commercial oriented uses change short term. In the meantime, creating a balance between asphalt and green/tree canopy is needed. There are very limited opportunities for full redevelopment of sites, but opportunities exist to develop outparcels in the large parking lots. ACTIVITIES Major corridors are not generally conducive to public gatherings like there are on small main streets. However, there needs to be a recognition that large parking lots and other venues offer opportunity for community interaction. One example is a hospital in Ft Lauderdale that uses the parking lot on busy US1 (Federal Highway) for a “pop-up” green market each Thursday from 3:00 – 7:00 PM. It activates the street and creates a sense of place and slows traffic. Of significance is the large cluster of diverse international restaurants. This can be capitalized on, not so much as an activity, but as a perceived sense of activity and brand. REGULATORY CONDITIONS Current zoning and parking regulations have permitted large sections of parking lots along University Drive to result in an almost abandoned look, with no outparcel development.
S S University Drive existing sidewalk and bicycle lane conditions not conducive for a safe and comfortable environment
S S Typical strip center at University Drive
S S University Drive looking north. This image shows that University Drive is a very wide street, that accommodates many cars, narrow bicycle lanes, with small sidewalks, with lots of space to park, and buildings at setback behind large parking lots
S S The Home Depot along University Drive. The home improvements store attracts a lot of people to the area. It would be enjoyable to provide that market with friendly and comfortable spaces
S S Local business along University Drive
S S Former car dealership along University Drive
COMMERCIAL CORRIDORS
73 | EAST SUNRISE IMPROVEMENTS MASTER PLAN
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