form-based code project (alexander street)

Alexander Street“Moving People, Making Places”

Princeton, NJMay 15, 2010 1

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Alexander Street Corridor

Alexander Street“Moving People, Making Places”2

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Table of contents:

A - 1 Introduction ........................................................ 3 A - 2 Vision and Plan .................................................. 8A - 3 Form Based Code

A.3.1 .....Public Space Standards .......................... 10 A.3.2 ..... Thoroughfare Standards ........................ 12 A.3.3 ..... Building Standards ............................... 16 A.3.4 ..... Parking Standards ................................ 20 A.3.5 ..... Architectural Standards ......................... 22

A - 4 Circulation Plan ................................................. 24A - 5 Illustrative Concept ........................................... 25A - 6 Conclusion .......................................................... 28



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A-1 Introduction

SpringdaleGolf Club

Institute for Advanced Study

LawrenceApartments

HibbenApts.

Magie Apts.

PrincetonTheological Seminary

Princeton University

Turning Basin Park

Carn

egie

Lak

e

Commercial

Residential

Institutional

Proposed Arts & Transit Neighborhood

WaterParking Dinky Station

Legend

The Corridor � Alexander Street is one of the main corridors leading to

downtown Princeton � Due to its location along the rail line, Alexander Street

once functioned as a service corridor. While some service oriented businesses remain, today the corridor is mixed use, including office, commercial and residential uses. � Shallow wide lots isolated from each other by curb cuts

and to the surrounding areas by the Dinky Right-of-Way and the golf course.

Above: Aerial of proposed site for the Alexander Street BRT Station

Context Map


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A-1 Introduction

What Works1. Great views of the golf course, campus, and sur-rounding woods

2. Proximity to water and natural areas � Access the East Coast Greenway and D&R Canal

3. Nice curve in the road as one enters the Corridor from the South

From left to right: Old Graduate College tower across golf course, deer spotted near creek, and the bend in Alexander Street when entering Princeton.



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A-1 Introduction

What Doesn’t WorkPoor pedestrian environment

1. Disconnected sidewalks

2. Frequent curb cuts

3. No parkway to separate people from cars along some areas of the street

4. No consistent street wall or sense of enclosure � Variations in setbacks, parking located in the front of

some buildings

5. Wide Travel lanes encourage speeding

Under utilized land

1. Too much parking

2. Wide lots (up to 500’) create dead zones

3. Lack of parks for public use

Clockwise from top left: Make-shift pedestrian walkway; frequent curb cuts; lack of parkways; current buildings create dead zone; unused parking; and inconsistent street wall.


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A-1 Introduction

Main IdeaThe Alexander Street Corridor is a gateway into the town of Princeton as well as a destination for food, fun, and entertainment for families, students, residents, and visitors.

Design Principles1. Public Realm: Plazas and shared space that serve as the community’s living room.

2. Accessibility: Streets accommodate all users and modes. Connection to transit provides convenient access to places throughout Princeton.3. Diversity: A variety of building types, street types, public spaces and land uses.

4. Sensitivity: Respects the surrounding community and environment.

5. Destination: A mix of uses and activities that attract people of all ages and backgrounds.

From top right clockwise: Cafe in Washington D.C.; Wave Field in Ann Arbor, MI; Food Kiosks in Portland, OR; Book Market in Leiden, Holland. Source: Flickr 2010



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A-1 Introduction

Extra Street Width � Alexander Street is unnecessary wide. Its width

provides many opportunities for widening sidewalks, increasing on-street parking, implementing traffic calming programs, planting additional trees and reducing the heat island effect.

Above: Intersection of Faculty and Alexander

Proximity to Arts & Transit Neighborhood � Princeton University’s proposed Arts & Transit

neighborhood on the north end of the Alexander Street Corridor will create a public space that is a nexus of both campus and community life. The entire Alexander Street Corridor should share this vision.

Opportunities

Above: Rendering of community space in Princeton’s Arts and Transit Neighborhood. Source: www.princeton.edu


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VisionA-2The images below capture the general condition of the Alexander corridor and attempt to illustrate potential concepts for cre-ating a place that fosters community, creates a gateway into Princeton, and improves movement throughout the area for both pedestrians, bicyclists, and vehicular traffic. The letters correspond to locations on the site plan located on the following page.

Exis

ting

Prop

osed

The Helm Building parking lot could be lined with temporary uses similar to the food kiosks lining a parking lot in Port-land, Oregon shown in the picture above. Not only would food kiosks bring people to the area, they provide an opportunity for business owners who cannot afford space in downtown Princeton.Bottom image source: Flickr 2010

This intersection provides the essential foundation for what is needed to be the station stop on the new BRT line. It allows access to the graduate housing, D&R Canal, and will help the site reach its full potential to provide access to a wide range of services and goods not currently available. Bottom image: Train station and plaza at Forest Hills Gardens, Queens. Image source: Flickr 2010

Not only does the Dinky act as a barrier between Alexander Street and the surrounding area, rail tracks can be dangerous to cross, especially for children. Converting it to a busway would mean there would be additional space for bike and pedestrian paths, giving users numerous multi-modal options as well as reconnecting the community. Bottom image source: Jim Constantine

Princeton has a special sense of place and community. Placing a tower at the entrance to town would give residents and visitors the sense that they are entering an educational, cultural and commercial center as well as the site of world-renowned institutions.



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Site PlanA-2

LegendProposed shared spaceProposed buildings

Existing building

Proposed temporary uses

Parking and roads

Transit route

Existing residential


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Sha

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� Special paving such as scored concrete, stone pavers, brick pavers, or concrete unit pavers shall be used for shared space.

Public Space StandardsA-3.1In

form

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pace

� Shared space shall consist of special paving, such as scored concrete, stone pavers, brick pavers, or concrete unit pavers. � Shared space shall be located

near activity centers. � Bollards and/or planters

separate the shared space from the pedestrian only areas.

� Interactive space shall be separated from shared space by bollards and/or planters. � Water fountains and other

features characterize this space. � Interactive space is for play

and activity.

� Movable chairs and furniture shall be provided in informal space. � Umbrellas and/or trees shall

provide shade in this area.



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Park

Spa

ceBuf

fer

Spa

cePublic Space StandardsA-3.1

� Park space shall be primarily open lawn to accommodate various functions. � This space is characterized

by a lawn, benches, and ornamental flowering trees that define the edges of the space.

� Buffer space can function as wetlands, education and interpretive area, and wildlife habitat. � The buffer space can be

enhanced with a boardwalk and a path system to allow users to move through the space and to get closer to Carnegie Lake.


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Shared Space? NoCapacity Type* medium capacityDesign Speed* 35 mphPedestrian Crossing Time 8-11 seconds

Right-of-Way (ROW) Width 60'Curb Face to Curb Face Width 38'

Traffic Lanes 11'Bicycle Lanes NoneParking Lanes Both sides @ 8' parallelMedians None

Curb Height 6"Planting Strip (Parkway)

Landscape Type

Walkway Type

Curb Radius 15'Distance between intersections Varies *Refers to Automobiles

Application

Overall Widths

Lanes

Edges

Intersection Type

5' continuous along northbound side, southbound side same as existing20-30' intervals centered in tree pitsSidewalk, min. 6' on northbound side, keep path along southbound side

Thoroughfare StandardsA-3.2Alexander Street

(primary road)Shared Space? NoCapacity Type* medium capacityDesign Speed* 35 mphPedestrian Crossing Time 8-11 seconds

Right-of-Way (ROW) Width 60'Curb Face to Curb Face Width 38'

Traffic Lanes 11'Bicycle Lanes NoneParking Lanes Both sides @ 8' parallelMedians None

Curb Height 6"Planting Strip (Parkway)

Landscape Type

Walkway Type

Curb Radius 15'Distance between intersections Varies *Refers to Automobiles

Application

Overall Widths

Lanes

Edges

Intersection Type

5' continuous along northbound side, southbound side same as existing20-30' intervals centered in tree pitsSidewalk, min. 6' on northbound side, keep path along southbound side



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Lawrence RoadThoroughfare StandardsA-3.2

(shared space)

Shared Space? YesCapacity Type* Low CapacityDesign Speed* 15 mphPedestrian Crossing Time N/A

Right-of-Way (ROW) Width 70'Curb Face to Curb Face Width N/A

Shared Space 30'Bicycle & Ped Only 20'Parking Lanes No ParkingMedians None

Curb Height N/AGround Treatment SpecialBollard Treatment Lining shared space

Curb Radius 15'*Refers to Automobiles

Intersection Type

Application

Overall Widths

Dimensions

Edges

Shared Space? YesCapacity Type* Low CapacityDesign Speed* 15 mphPedestrian Crossing Time N/A


Shared Space 30'Bicycle & Ped Only 20'Parking Lanes No ParkingMedians None



Intersection Type

Application

Overall Widths

Dimensions

Edges


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BEAT (below Arts & Transit) StreetThoroughfare StandardsA-3.2

(access way/ secondary road)

Shared Space? YesCapacity Type*Design Speed* 10 mph (one-way traffic)Pedestrian Crossing Time N/A


Shared Space 14'Bicycle & Ped Only 6'Parking Lanes NoneMedians None



Intersection Type

Low Capacity

Application

Overall Widths

Dimensions

Edges



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BRTThoroughfare StandardsA-3.2

(separated busway)

Shared Space NoneCapacity Type Designated busway with

separated bicycle and pedestrian paths

Design Speed* 35 mphPedestrian Crossing Time N/A


BRT Lane 12'Bicycle Lane 6'Walking/Running Lane 6'

Median7' between bus and bicycle lanes

Curb Height N/APlanting Strip (Parkway)

Curb Height N/A

Ground TreatmentTextured material at crosswalks

Application

Overall Widths

Lanes

Edges

Edges

7' - 10'

Shared Space NoneCapacity Type Designated busway with

separated bicycle and pedestrian paths

Design Speed* 35 mphPedestrian Crossing Time N/A


BRT Lane 12'Bicycle Lane 6'Walking/Running Lane 6'

Median7' between bus and bicycle lanes

Curb Height N/APlanting Strip (Parkway)

Curb Height N/A

Ground TreatmentTextured material at crosswalks

Application

Overall Widths

Lanes

Edges

Edges

7' - 10'


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4-6 Downtown Mixed Use Master PlanOpticos Design, Inc.

Chapter 4: Form-Based Code

Property Line

Build-to Line (BTL)

Setback Line

Building Area

Building Placement

Build-to Line (Distance from Property Line)

Front 0'

Side Street 0'

Setback (Distance from Property Line)

Side 0'

Rear

Adjacent to NG Zone 8'

Adjacent to any other Zone 5'

Building Form

Primary Street Façade built to BTL 80% min.*

Side Street Façade built to BTL 30% min.*

Lot Width 125' max.

Lot Depth 100' max.

*Street façades must be built to BTL along first 30' from every corner.

Notes

All floors must have a primary ground-floor entrance that

faces the primary or side street.

Loading docks, overhead doors, and other service entries are

prohibited on street-facing façades.

Any building over 50' wide must be broken down to read as a

series of buildings no wider than 50' each.

1" = 15'-0"

Key

Sidewalk

Primary Street

Side

Stre

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BTL, Property Line

BTL,

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Property Line Street

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Town Core (TC) Standards

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Use

Ground Floor Service, Retail, or

Recreation, Education &

Public Assembly*

Upper Floor(s) Residential or Service*

*See Table 4.1 for specific uses. Ground floors that face the wa-

terfront shall be nonresidential and shall not include parking,

garages, or similar uses.

Height

Building Min. 22'

Building Max. 2.5 stories and 40'

Max. to Eave/Top of Parapet 35'

Ancillary Building Max. 2 stories and 25'

Finish Ground Floor Level 6" max. above sidewalk

First Floor Ceiling Height 12' min. clear

Upper Floor(s) Ceiling Height 8' min. clear.

Notes

Mansard roof forms are not allowed.

Any section along the BTL not defined by a building must be

defined by a 2'6" to 4'6" high fence or stucco or masonry wall.

Front BTL Decreases as one moves away from the intersection of Lawrence and Alexander.*

within 200' of intersection 20'within 300' of intersection 15'within 350' of intersection 10'beyond 350' of intersection 0-5'

Side Street 0'

Side 5'Rear 0'

Primary Street Façade built to BTL Building façades may step back a max. of 2' from the BTL for a max. of 25% of the building face along a block face.*

Side Street Façade built to BTL 30% min.*Façade Occupancy

Lot Width 125' max.Lot Depth 125' max.

Ground Floor Upper Floor(s)

**Exceptions are made for public space (i.e. plaza).Notes

Building PlacementBuild-to Line or BTL (Distance from Property Line)

*Porches, stoops, awnings, balconies, food carts and other temporary structures may project beyond the Build-to-Line.Setback (Distance from Property Line)


Building Form

75% min. of BTL is building face.**

Buildings shall be located at block corners.

All floors must have a primary ground-floor entrance that faces the primary or side street. Secondary entrances may be located at the rear and side of buildings.

UseService, Retail, & EducationResidential or Service

Loading docks and other service entries are prohibited on street-facing façades.Any building over 50' wide must be broken down to read as a series of buildings no wider than 50' each.

Front BTL Decreases as one moves away from the intersection of Lawrence and Alexander.*

within 200' of intersection 20'within 300' of intersection 15'within 350' of intersection 10'beyond 350' of intersection 0-5'

Side Street 0'

Side 5'Rear 0'

Primary Street Façade built to BTL Building façades may step back a max. of 2' from the BTL for a max. of 25% of the building face along a block face.*

Side Street Façade built to BTL 30% min.*Façade Occupancy

Lot Width 125' max.Lot Depth 125' max.

Ground Floor Upper Floor(s)

**Exceptions are made for public space (i.e. plaza).Notes

Building PlacementBuild-to Line or BTL (Distance from Property Line)

*Porches, stoops, awnings, balconies, food carts and other temporary structures may project beyond the Build-to-Line.Setback (Distance from Property Line)


Building Form

75% min. of BTL is building face.**

Buildings shall be located at block corners.

All floors must have a primary ground-floor entrance that faces the primary or side street. Secondary entrances may be located at the rear and side of buildings.

UseService, Retail, & EducationResidential or Service

Loading docks and other service entries are prohibited on street-facing façades.Any building over 50' wide must be broken down to read as a series of buildings no wider than 50' each.

Building StandardsA-3.3



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Ground Floor Service, Retail, & Education

Upper Floor(s) Residential or Service

Use

HeightBuilding Min. 2 stories & 25'Building Max. 5 stories & 70'Max. to Eave/Top of Parapet 35'Finish Ground Floor Level 6" max. above sidewalkFirst Floor Ceiling Height 12' min. clearUpper Floor(s) Ceiling Height 8' min. clear

Max. Height

Location

Tower Elements80', must be at least 1.5 stories above adjacent buildings.Tower elements are to be located at corners.

Expression Lines

Length

Block corners shall not have a lower height than any building on either Notes

Expression Lines

Full length of the façade

An expression line should delineate the division between the first story and the second story for all buildings along Alexander Street.

Block corners shall not have a lower height than any building on either block face.The tower element may exceed the maximum building height.

4-6 Downtown Mixed Use Master PlanOpticos Design, Inc.


Property Line

Build-to Line (BTL)

Setback Line

Building Area

Building Placement

Build-to Line (Distance from Property Line)

Front 0'

Side Street 0'

Setback (Distance from Property Line)

Side 0'

Rear

Adjacent to NG Zone 8'

Adjacent to any other Zone 5'

Building Form

Primary Street Façade built to BTL 80% min.*

Side Street Façade built to BTL 30% min.*

Lot Width 125' max.

Lot Depth 100' max.


Notes

All floors must have a primary ground-floor entrance that

faces the primary or side street.

Loading docks, overhead doors, and other service entries are

prohibited on street-facing façades.

Any building over 50' wide must be broken down to read as a

series of buildings no wider than 50' each.

1" = 15'-0"

Key

Sidewalk

Primary Street

Side

Stre

et

BTL, Property Line

BTL,

Pro

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Property Line Street

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Use

Ground Floor Service, Retail, or

Recreation, Education &

Public Assembly*

Upper Floor(s) Residential or Service*

*See Table 4.1 for specific uses. Ground floors that face the wa-

terfront shall be nonresidential and shall not include parking,

garages, or similar uses.

Height

Building Min. 22'

Building Max. 2.5 stories and 40'

Max. to Eave/Top of Parapet 35'

Ancillary Building Max. 2 stories and 25'

Finish Ground Floor Level 6" max. above sidewalk

First Floor Ceiling Height 12' min. clear

Upper Floor(s) Ceiling Height 8' min. clear.

Notes

Mansard roof forms are not allowed.

Any section along the BTL not defined by a building must be

defined by a 2'6" to 4'6" high fence or stucco or masonry wall.

Modern Tower Traditional Tower

Tower Elements should be placed at termination points and serve as locational references for residents and visitors



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Modern Types Traditional Types

Forecourt

Awning

Stepback

Forecourt Depth Width Awning Depth Width

Bldg. Height(in stories) 1 2 3 4 5

2.0 100% 80 - 100% - - -2.5 100% 75 - 100% 40% - -3.0 100% 75 - 100% 55 - 85% 10% -4.0 100% 100% 70 - 90% 50 - 70% 20%4.5 100% 100% 85% 55% 45%5.0 100% 100% 95% 75% 70%

Stoops and porches are not preferred in in mixed-use buildings.

Allowed Frontage Types

4' min., not to exceed width 6' min., 30% of lot width max.

10' max.

NotesBuildings should step down to the street. Conversely, massing should step back from the build-to line with increasing heights. This reduces the perception of height from the ground.Breaks in plane on the fronts and sides of buildings are preferred.

Building Size & Massing ( Stepback Standards)Ratio of each Story

Awnings shall only cover storefronts and openings.




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Shared Space

Interactive Space

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Food CartsRetail

Notes

Hours of operation should be the same as existing establishments in the area. Standards for trash removal need to be established with the Township.Seating should be made available by the vendors at a min. of 5 seats per establishment in adjacent parking stall or sidewalk.

Vendors need to obtain necessary permits. Stands & Carts cannot encroach on sidewalks or driving lane

DimensionsCarts and stands should be no larger than 2 parking stalls or 16-20' x 18'

Temporary Uses

LocationFirst row of parking stalls in Helm Building parking lot.

From left to right: Food carts in Portland, OR; Mobile Food 2010 in Los Angeles, CA; Book Market in Paris; Temporary Book & Beer Fair, Dublin. Source: Flickr 2010.



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Front Setback 30'Side Setback 0'Side Street Setback 5'Rear Setback 5'

Ground Floor Uses <3,000 sf Uses >3,000 sf 1 space/500 sfUpper Floors Residential uses 1 space/unit; .5 space/studio Other uses 1 space/1,000 sf

Parking Drive Width 15' max.

Front 12' max.Side Street 8' max.Rear 4' max.

Gallery Clearance HeightAwning Depth 10' max.Forecourt Depth Width

15' min., not to exceed width 20' min., 50% of lot width max.

EncroachmentsLocation

Allowed Frontage Types (see page ###)

1' min. back from curb line9' min. clear, 2 stories max.

Bicycle parking must be provided and in a secure environment.Parking drives are highly discouraged along Alexander Street and only permitted if there is no other option for access to parking areas.Utilize existing parking prior to building any new parking.

On corner lots, parking drive shall not be located on primary street.Parking may be provided off-site within 1,300' or as shared parking.

Notes

Parking Site RequirementsLocation (Distance from Property Line)

Required Spaces

No off-street parking required

4-7Downtown Mixed Use Master PlanOpticos Design, Inc.


Property Line

Parking Area

Key

Sidewalk

Primary Street

Side

Stre

et

Sidewalk

Primary Street

Side

Stre

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BTL,

Pro

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Parking

Location (Distance from Property Line)

Front Setback 30'

Side Setback 0'

Side Street Setback 5'

Rear Setback 5'

Required Spaces

Ground Floor

Uses <3,000 sf No off-street parking required

Uses >3,000 sf 1 space/500 sf

Upper Floors

Residential uses 1 space/unit; .5 space/studio

Other uses 1 space/1,000 sf

Notes


On corner lots, parking drive shall not be located on

primary street.

Parking may be provided off-site within 1,300' or as shared

parking.

Bicycle parking must be provided and in a secure environment.

Parking drives are highly discouraged along First Street and only

permitted if there is no other option for access to parking areas.

Q

Property Line

Build-to Line (BTL)

Setback Line

Encroachment Area

Key

BTL, Property Line

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Encroachments

Location

Front 12' max.

Side Street 8' max.

Rear 4' max.

Notes

Canopies, Awnings, and Balconies may encroach over the BTL

on the street sides, as shown in the shaded areas. Balconies

may encroach into the setback on the rear, as shown in the

shaded areas.

Upper-story galleries facing the street must not be used to

meet primary circulation requirements.

Allowed Frontage Types (see page 4-26)

Gallery

Clearance 1' min. back from curb line

Height 9' min. clear, 2 stories max.

Awning

Depth 10' max.

Forecourt

Depth 15' min., not to exceed width

Width 20' min., 50% of lot width max.

4-7Downtown Mixed Use Master PlanOpticos Design, Inc.


Property Line

Parking Area

Key

Sidewalk

Primary Street

Side

Stre

etSidewalk

Primary Street

Side

Stre

et

BTL,

Pro

pert

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P

S

T U

R

V

X

W

Parking

Location (Distance from Property Line)

Front Setback 30'

Side Setback 0'

Side Street Setback 5'

Rear Setback 5'

Required Spaces

Ground Floor

Uses <3,000 sf No off-street parking required

Uses >3,000 sf 1 space/500 sf

Upper Floors

Residential uses 1 space/unit; .5 space/studio

Other uses 1 space/1,000 sf

Notes


On corner lots, parking drive shall not be located on

primary street.

Parking may be provided off-site within 1,300' or as shared

parking.

Bicycle parking must be provided and in a secure environment.

Parking drives are highly discouraged along First Street and only

permitted if there is no other option for access to parking areas.

Q

Property Line

Build-to Line (BTL)

Setback Line

Encroachment Area

Key

BTL, Property Line

Q W

P

R

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X

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Encroachments

Location

Front 12' max.

Side Street 8' max.

Rear 4' max.

Notes

Canopies, Awnings, and Balconies may encroach over the BTL

on the street sides, as shown in the shaded areas. Balconies

may encroach into the setback on the rear, as shown in the

shaded areas.

Upper-story galleries facing the street must not be used to

meet primary circulation requirements.

Allowed Frontage Types (see page 4-26)

Gallery

Clearance 1' min. back from curb line

Height 9' min. clear, 2 stories max.

Awning

Depth 10' max.

Forecourt

Depth 15' min., not to exceed width

Width 20' min., 50% of lot width max.

Parking StandardsA-3.4



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Parking StandardsA-3.4

Type SizeOff-Street Space 9'x18' min.*Compact Space 8'x16' min.*

Notes

Parking Space Dimensions

Wider parking drives may be requiredto accomodoate emergency access.

* see Standard Vehicle Space Requirements below

Angle Space Width Space Depth* Space Length One-way Aisle Width Two-way Aisle WidthParallel 9' 9' 20' 12' 24'30° * 9' 18' 20' 12' N/A45° * 9' 20'6" 20' 14' N/A60° * 9' 22' 20' 18' N/APerpendicular 9' 18' 18' 24' 24'

Angle Space Width Space Depth* Space Length One-way Aisle Width Two-way Aisle WidthParallel 8' 8' 18' 12' 24'30˚ * 8' 15'6" 16' 12' N/A45˚ * 8' 17' 16' 14' N/A60˚ * 8' 18' 16' 18' N/APerpendicular 8' 16' 16' 24' 24'

Other Parking RequirementsMin. 15% of parking lot must be pervious or landscaped.

Shared drives are encouraged between adjacent lots to minimize curb cuts along thoroughfares.All Parking areas shall be screened by building or a 3'6" min. height hedge, wall, or fence.

Standard Vehicle Space Requirements

*Measured perpendicular to aisle

*Measured perpendicular to aisle

Compact Vehicle Space Requirements

For every two parking stalls there should be one bike parking space.

Notes

Wider parking drives may be requiredto accomodoate emergency access.

A max. of 60% compact parking spaces.


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Balconies Openings Caps

� Balconies can encroach into public space � They must be at least 7’ deep

� Vertical orientation are preferred � Horizontal orientation should

have vertical breaks that make up 40% of building face � Ground floor openings should

be larger than upper floors openings

� Allowable cap types include a pitched roof, parapet, and tower. � The cap shall be high enough

to screen the roof and any roof appurtenances from view of any adjacent building of similar height.

Architectural StandardsA-3.5M

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Bollards Ground Treatments Bike Facilities

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� Bollards should be used to de-fine the edges between pedestrian and shared space. � Bollards can be made of a

variety of materials including cast iron, steel, recycled plastic, concrete as well as planters. They can also be permanent or temporary.

� A variety of paving materials, textures and colors should be used to achieve a more attractive environment and to avoid large expanses of plain poured concrete. � Special paving in shared space

signals to drivers that they are entering a high pedestrian activity area.

� All developments shall be designed to accommodate bicycle travel, including the provision of bicycle parking. � Bicycle parking shall be located

in visible areas, with convenient pedestrian access to the sidewalk; and with shelter from inclement weather.

Material StandardsA-3.5


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Circulation PlanA-4

Pedestrian Bicycle Transit � Continuous sidewalks with a 5’

landscaped buffer along each side of Alexander Street separate pedes-trians from traffic. � The addition of park space and

a walkway links the residents of Magie and Hibben Apartments to shopping, recreation and jobs.

� A separated bicycle path along the BRT right-of-way provides safe access to the Princeton Junction Train Station and downtown Princeton. � The addition of bicycle parking

throughout the site enhances the existing bicycle sharing program.

� A BRT station along lower Alexander Street extends the acces-sibility to the greater community, including the Princeton graduate student family housing. � Frequent service connects the

area to greater Princeton and the region.

A major goal of the Alexander Street Corridor is to provide a coordinated system of pedestrian, bicycle and transit facilities to connect schools, shopping, and residential and recreational areas throughout Princeton. One of the core objectives of the circulation plan is the creation of shared space. The intent of shared space is to improve the quality of public space by integrating pedestrians, bicyclists and vehicles. Another objective is the creation of a safer, more accessible route to the Delaware & Raritan Canal.



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Illustrative ConceptA-5

Bird’s eye view of Lower Alexander Street Concept Plan looking north. Magie and Hibben Apartments are in the background.

Existing Conditions

Today Alexander Street is an under utilized and out dated service corridor that lays at the door step of Princeton. With the implementation of the proposed form based code (FBC) the Alexander Street Corridor has the potential of being a fully interactive piece of the community and serve as a gateway to Princeton.


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Illustrative ConceptA-5

Above: Businessmen grabbing lunch from the food kiosks along Alexander Street.

Left: Taking advantage of the change in elevation to create vistas.


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ConclusionA-6The focus of this document has been lower Alexander however, the form based code is intended to be implemented for the entire corridor in hopes of creating harmony with the Arts and Transit development proposal and serve as a gateway for Princeton. The intent of the form based code is not to prescribe uses, but to create the form for future development that stimulates community and interaction while fostering a sense of place. The illustrative concepts given in this document supplement the form based code by envisioning what development could occur, either in a traditional or modern environment. Using the existing right of way as bike, pedestrian and BRT access to Princeton connects many to lower Alexander, extending the vitality of an under utilized stretch of land which reflects the ultimate goal of moving people, making places.



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form-based code project (alexander street)

Education

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