EXISTING CONDITION Landscape Condition
Pearl Street Mall is a linear urban public space within the core of downtown Boulder, stretching for four blocks of Pearl Street - from 11th Street on the west to 15th Street on the east. The public space is defined by the north and south building facades of Pearl Street and follows the east-west axis of the downtown street grid. Pearl Street Mall is characterized by a consistent ground plane of brick paving, punctuated by nodes for community gathering that include a children’s play node with animal sculptures for climbing and an open space at Boulder County Courthouse. Each block includes some component of play, gathering or public art. Rows of linden trees line several blocks, periodically interrupted by areas of undulating topography, originally designed to add interest and as a nod to Boulder’s setting at the foot of the Flatirons. Custom-designed kiosks, light fixtures and signage are integral components. Views to the west are towards the Boulder Flatirons and western foothills. Pearl Street Mall continues today as a vital component of downtown Boulder. Pearl Street Mall was built as intended and remains largely intact from its completion in 1977. Original materials and features that remain include the consistent ground plane of brick paving and raised brick planters. Several original play and gathering nodes, objects, and small-scale features remain, including the Play Area and Bridge and Nature Forms nodes, Waterface Sculpture, Bicentenniary Paver, the Big Flower Pot, posting kiosks, flagpoles, 3-to-4 globe light posts and rectangular wood benches. Groves of mature evergreen and deciduous trees remain. Modifications after the period of significance include the removal of lawn areas, improvements to play nodes, tree replacements, and the addition of art sculptures. The lawn area on the westernmost block, the 1100 Block, was removed and replaced with seating and a split rock sculpture. The Play area and Bridge on the 1200 Block remain, although the crusher fines paving and bridge have been replaced. Three structures were added to the 1300 Block near Boulder County Courthouse - a food vendor facility, an information kiosk, and public restroom. At Boulder County Courthouse, the lawn area was reduced to expand Pearl Street Mall with the addition of light posts and shade awnings. The pop-jet fountain was added just west of the food vendor. The lawn area on the 1400 Block was removed and replaced by the animal play node and an electronic map. Small-scale features including bike racks, light posts, and wood benches have been replaced since the 1977 completion.
Figure 1-5. Planting plan of 1100 Block of Pearl Street Mall, 1976 (source: City of Boulder)
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