The Greater Downtown overlay district standards for the Greater Downtown commercial and industrial corridors in the Rail and River Districts begin to implement goals of the Greater Downtown Plan to (i) improve the visual impact of development along the corridors; and (ii) promote higher quality architectural treatment and site design as new development and redevelopment occurs along the corridors. The visual features identified below define the concepts proposed along the corridors and, as implemented as new development and redevelopment occurs, will shape the desired character of the built environment. The features are grouped into three categories: architectural features; building materials; and streetscape and site design.
(Ord. 4572, 3-20-13)
(a) 
Facade Modulation and Roofline Variations.
The corridors can be improved through use of visually interesting architectural features that are designed to reduce mass and scale, including variation in the building form with recessed or projecting bays and variation in the rooflines.
(b) 
Facade Design.
Design details can be used to emphasize architectural features such as the modulation and roof line changes discussed above or other features such as entryways and windows. Facade design details that break up a facade and add visual interest include:
(1) 
Columns and pilasters that help break up a horizontal plane of a building or other site feature.
(2) 
Change of material such as on an exterior wainscoting panel.
(3) 
Accent colors that help define and/or accentuate architectural features.
(c) 
Defined Entry.
Many of the other architectural features above can be used to accentuate and define the primary entrance to a building, add architectural interest, as well as make the building more pedestrian- or customer-friendly.
(d) 
Window Sizes and Shapes.
The shape and sizes of windows used on a building break up the facade, provide visual variety and provide a pedestrian- and customer-friendly character.
(e) 
Awnings and Porticos.
Awnings and porticos are encouraged to help provide architectural interest.
(Ord. 4572, 3-20-13)
(a) 
Mix of Materials.
Variations of materials used on exterior facades break up large building forms and walls.
(b) 
Different Textures, Colors and Tones.
Use of different textures, colors and tones provide visual interest and can be used to accentuate architectural features.
(Ord. 4572, 3-20-13)
Streetscape features along the primary corridors within the Rail and River Districts in Greater Downtown also help establish the visual character of the corridors. Examples of the desired characteristics are illustrated below.
(a) 
Building Placement.
Buildings are encouraged to be brought forward on a site to the street or sidewalk.
(b) 
Landscaping.
Many of the streets within the Rail and River Districts do not have, nor are planned to have, a sidewalk. However, streetscape interest can be created through landscaping, encouraging use of xeriscape concepts.
(c) 
Streetscape Design.
An urban streetscape is desired that includes hard surfaces, tree grates and street trees. This design concept exists along some of the corridors in the Rail and River District. The urban streetscape along the street can be blended with the site design of the adjacent parcel so that on-site landscaping complements and enhances the existing streetscape.
(d) 
Detached Sidewalks.
Where possible, detached sidewalks are desired along the commercial and industrial overlay corridors and already exist along some streets. The park strip between the curb and sidewalk can provide the landscape relief for an abutting developed property.
(e) 
Outdoor Storage, Display and Operations.
Minimize the visual impact of outdoor storage, display and operations areas through placement on a site behind a building, to the rear of the property or otherwise screened.
(Ord. 4572, 3-20-13)