City of Tucson Downtown Infrastructure Improvements Project: Scott Avenue

City of Tucson, Downtown Infrastructure Improvements Project, project started August, 2008;  Scott Avenue construction completed May, 2009

Client Program / Project Description. The Scott Avenue Segment is Phase 1 of a larger plan to revitalize downtown Tucson with infrastructure improvements to support private development and the addition of a modern streetcar and associated streetscape improvements.  The goal for Scott Avenue was to create a safer, more pedestrian-friendly and inviting, day and night “strolling street” to link the modern streetcar and existing parking garages to the Temple of Music and Art, Scottish Rite Mason’s Cathedral, and the Children’s Museum (Carnegie Library) and other landmarks.  The street must function well for existing businesses and accommodate future development.  Redevelopment is indeed underway.

Three blocks of Scott Avenue, a historic and present-day arts and cultural district received infrastructure and streetscape improvements including:

• Wide sidewalks, street trees, street furniture and intermittent parallel parking bays; demolished concrete was crushed and reused in planting areas.
• Energy-efficient, street and pedestrian lighting; white light for good color rendition
• Native and drought tolerant tree, shrub and accent plant palette.  Signature Sonoran desert species were utilized to showcase diversity.
• Water harvesting/stormwater mitigation: curb cuts to recessed planting basins.
• Solar-powered gateway features illustrating the historic and cultural significance of Scott Avenue with images and text.
• Public art that adds a twist to the story of Scott Avenue.
• Upgraded “Presidio Trail” markers: glass aggregate pavers and solar powered paver lights.  A segment of the historic, walking Trail passes through the project.

WSA Scope and Role. The streetscape design concept was produced in concert with WSA and associate design firm Ten Eyck Landscape Architects.  WSA collaborated with the civil and traffic engineering team members in preparing design development and construction documents.  Travel lanes were reduced to 11 feet, light poles are 16 feet in height to illuminate faces well, water harvesting basins are set back from curbs to keep from saturating the pavement base course.  WSA also provided construction administration.

Project Team

• Client: City of Tucson
• Design Team:
  • Stantec Consulting, Lead
  • WSA, Landscape & Hardscape Design
  • Ten Eyck Landscape Architects, Inc., Landscape Design Associate Firm
  • Kittelson & Associates, Signing & Marking
  • Hines Irrigation Consultants, Inc., Irrigation Design
• Construction contractor and delivery method: Design-Build