For downtowners, this is the only photo that should go viral. There are a select few coffee shops and restaurants that are open during this winter storm. Enjoy it and stay safe!
Tag / Moore Square
Getting Started With The Downtown Bus Facilities Master Plan
A lot going on behind the scenes so here’s a lazy post. From a City of Raleigh press release,
The Raleigh City Council approved a contract today with Parsons Brinckerhoff Inc. to provide professional services with the Downtown Bus Facilities Master Plan. The project involves two phases, one associated with the Union Station Multi-Modal Facility and the second for improvements to the Moore Square Transit.
The first phase of the project is to determine the feasibility of relocating existing Capital Area Transit service facilities located in Downtown Raleigh to improve service and to align planning initiatives around the Union Station site on the west side of downtown Raleigh. The planned Raleigh Union Station will house Amtrak, Greyhound, high speed, regional, and light rail as well as an undetermined amount of Capital Area Transit service from its current location at Moore Square.
The consultant will focus on an analysis of the needs of Capital Area Transit system’s operational needs for Downtown Raleigh, a site assessment of multiple alternatives to accommodate the goals and needs of the bus system, a schematic design of both the site and facility, and an implementation strategy and schedule.
The second phase will focus on the upgrades to the Moore Square Transit Station facility. Designers will be asked to reconfigure the entire facility and its adjacent landscape, pedestrian, and operational spaces. The goal is to improve the physical character of the station.
The Council made an amendment to the contract with Parsons Brinckerhoff that requires the firm to involve them throughout the process.
New Seating and Space At The Moore Square Bus Station
Recently, construction has finished on some new walkways and seating areas at the Moore Square bus station. The fountains that used to go along the sidewalks of Blount Street have been bricked over and now have a few more benches. More amenities are always welcome at the busiest transit stop in Raleigh. As a frequent bus rider, I see the station being pretty busy at the rush hour times during the week.
In the future, the station will become a major compliment to Union Station so look out for more improvements.
Moore Square Redesign Cost and Dates
I just added a post about the Moore Square Redesign on Raleigh DLA’s blog. One quote I’d like to highlight to readers:
Estimated completion: Summer 2013 (funding dependant)
Funding is the big question mark but each phase is broken out and my guess is we’ll see a slow approach to this project. Remember, Moore Square is state owned land and they have a seat at the table as well.
There are many opportunities for public comments which I encourage everyone to participate in.
Moore Square Redesign; When and How Much?
Pic of the Week
I posted the concept plan for the Moore Square Redesign over at The Raleigh DLA site. This was the one that was used during the public workshops last week. Jump over and click the image for the full view.
Moore Square Concept Plan Released – Raleigh DLA
Moore Square Redesign Public Workshop Tomorrow
Tomorrow, September 9th, 2010, the city of Raleigh is hosting two workshops on the Moore Square Redesign. This workshop aims at getting your input for the draft master plan that is currently in the works. There are two sessions that you can attend:
- Afternoon session from 1-4 pm
- Night session from 7-10 pm
The workshop will be at Cobblestone Hall, which is located on Wolfe Street, or inside the historic City Market building. Registration is not required so show up to get more details on the project, give your feedback, and gawk at the interior of the City Market building.
You can see some of the winning designs from Chris Counts Studio on Flickr but the current design is slightly different then what you see there. If you take a look at the picture above, that is the model of Moore Square that was shown to us at the Public Leadership Group, which I am a part of.
A new feature for Moore Square will be the large lawn around the center of the square. According to their research, the design firm claims that there is a lot of green space in Moore Square already but with so many paths and mulch, the green space is cut up and divided into small sections. One large, grassy lawn would be more flexible and can allow visitors to take part in more activities.
The design also incorporates some small hills and/or smooth rocks on one side of the lawn. In response to comments about making the square more play-friendly for children, Chris Counts decided to go with a natural playground of hills and, what I’ll call, “natural obstacles” rather then a traditional playground of plastic slides and a jungle gym.
These, as well as more ideas for the square, are still up in the air and public comments are needed to help mold the Moore Square master plan. Tomorrow’s workshop should be a good one.
Weekend Exposure: Staring Contest
Staring Contest by dtraleigh, on Flickr
This photo of mine was picked as part of the Raleigh City Museum’s Portraits of Raleigh 2 digital gallery on display now.
Guest Post On Raleigh DLA
I’m representing the Raleigh Downtown Living Advocates in the Moore Square Public Leadership Group. I’ve thrown up a post on their website giving some history of the redesign and what is coming next. I encourage all readers to jump over to their site and also consider joining the DLA.
Link: Public Leadership Group For The Moore Square Redesign