Connective Corridor

To determine the best ways to begin developing the Connective Corridor, the University called on experts in the fields of architecture, engineering, and urban planning.  In 2006, a competition was held to seek potential designs for the (then merely conceptual) Connective Corridor endeavor.

Four design teams composed of landscape architects, urban planners, civil engineers and other design professionals were asked to participate in the design competition.  They were chosen by a selection committee of community representatives and design experts. Below are the 10 key design considerations that each team was asked to examine in their proposals:

1. Transportation

The teams were asked to propose a plan for developing a unified bus route, along with dedicated bike lanes and other amenities to enhance and encourage pedestrian traffic in the city.  Teams were asked to develop concepts to provide walkers with enough visual character and diversity to pique their interest and sustain it throughout the route.  Other enhancements would include streetscape improvements (e.g., curb, sidewalk, lighting, and greenspace) and pavement improvements where required.

2. Lighting

As a functional element, lit pedestrian areas should help illuminate the Corridor and provide users with a greater feeling of safety.  As an urban work, the illuminated route should be a highly visible symbol, having the ability to grow and mature.  An additional, overall lighting strategy should be explored to further ensure a better lit, safe, and enjoyable downtown community.

3. Technology

Creative incorporation of technology was encouraged to find new ways to exchange information and interact with the City’s culture scene.  As a project partner, Time Warner Cable is looking for new ideas to incorporate their technologies in ways that will make the Corridor an interactive experience in many unique ways.  

4. Art and Culture

Syracuse’s many offerings in the arts and culture are a vital component to the project.  The Corridor should provide the opportunity for people of all ages and backgrounds to interact with the existing art and cultural venues throughout the district.  In addition to linking the various arts institutions along its length, designs for the Connective Corridor should anticipate future cultural additions to the city.

5. History

The City of Syracuse is rich in American history. Syracuse was a major stop along the Erie Canal, and its residents played significant roles in the movements to abolish slavery and advance women’s rights. Teams were asked to draw on this history in the development of their proposals.  

6. Infrastructure

Interstate 81 was specifically singled out during the community input sessions as a canvas for some form of artistic improvement, thereby reducing its impact as a barrier between the University and downtown.  While I-81 is critical to the transportation infrastructure in the area, the dark underside of the elevated highway was considered to be a safety concern and reinforces the perception of the highway as a divide.  Creative solutions to this problem were encouraged.

7. Streetscape Improvements and Maintenance

Street furniture and other cosmetic improvements can do a lot to change one’s perception of a place.  Wayfinding signage to navigate about the Corridor may be helpful.  Street furniture including bike racks, bus stops, benches, planters, trash receptacles, light poles, benches, playground equipment, should all be explored and proposed as appropriate. Consideration shall be given to the maintenance of all proposed streetscape improvements. These elements shall be durable products, which can stand up to harsh winter weather conditions and salting, and require minimal maintenance.

8. Green Space

The design of the Corridor must support green spaces and allow them to grow.  Green spaces in urban environments have certain limitations and they need to be factored into the design of the new Corridor.  Existing parks and new pocket parks need to be carefully orchestrated so that they maximize the green experience of the corridor.  Creating sustainable landscapes is important, particularly in an environment impacted by snowy winter weather.

9. Programming

The need to supplement physical improvements with new programmatic activities along the Corridor should be considered.  Outdoor light shows, live performances, and film screenings in the parks, art exhibitions are just some of the activities cited by community members during the focus groups.

10. Seasonal Variation

Central New York is characterized by long, snowy winters.  Designs need to be inspiring and exemplary at all times of the year (although they may have seasonal features) and can not depend solely on elements that may lie buried under the snow cover.  Likewise, what ever is proposed needs to be able to stand up to the harsh environmental conditions, like extreme freeze-thaw cycles and salting, that come with winter weather.
Each team was given eight weeks to develop design concepts that demonstrated their vision for the Corridor. The designers were asked to look at Syracuse with a fresh eye to demonstrate where they think opportunities for improvement may exist, as well as how to make the most of the various resources and assets available in the city.  The proposals were exhibited for four weeks before each team presented their vision to the community in a public symposium at the Everson Museum. 

On November 1, 2006, Syracuse Mayor Matthew J. Driscoll announced the selection of Field Operations with CLEAR as the winner of the competition.  Their vision, entitled the Syracuse L, focused on creative approaches to transforming existing public spaces into vibrant social areas.  Their vision also emphasized the importance of public transportation as a valuable tool in shaping a positive identity for the city, with attractive lighting and bus stops and pavilions doubling as social gathering spaces at key locations along the Corridor.

“What makes the Field Operations team most intriguing is that they recognize the Connective Corridor can be more than a transportation strategy, says Driscoll. “They see it as an opportunity for new, focused development along the entire route that runs from Armory Square, through downtown, up along East Genesee Street and into the heart of the Hill.”

Since the competition, local engineering firm Barton and Loguidice has been partnering with CLEAR to carry forward the transportation elements of the project, funded by $5.8 million in federal highway funding provided to the City of Syracuse.  Preliminary design is expected to be completed in Fall 2009, and final design completed in Summ 2010 with construction expected along East Genesee Street in 2011.

The urban design and landscape architecture firm Olin Partnership is also partnering with Barton and Loguidice to implement a $20 million New York State-funded project to focus on lighting, wayfinding and other design interventions at key locations along the Corridor.   Design work is expected to begin in Summer 2009.

Design Competition Selection Committee:

Kathleen Joy Callahan is an at-large member of the Syracuse Common Council, and is chairperson of the Economic Development and Environment Committee. She is also an attorney and president and CEO of Mackay Services, Inc.

Tim Carroll is city operations director for the City of Syracuse. He previously served as director of communications for the Metropolitan Development Association, and director of communications for Syracuse Mayor Thomas G. Young.

Maxine Griffith is vice president for Government and Community Affairs for Columbia University and an experienced architect and urban planner. She formerly served as executive director of the Philadelphia City Planning Commission and assistant deputy secretary for Housing and Urban Development in Washington, D.C.

Marilyn Higgins was vice president for Economic Development for National Grid, where she was responsible for attracting business investment and jobs in Upstate New York. She is now vice president for Community Engagement and Economic Development for Syracuse University.

John Renock is senior vice president of corporate operations for the Central New York Regional Transportation Authority. He is responsible for special projects and construction, having managed projects to find energy-efficient and clean-air alternatives to public transportation. He is also responsible for fleet and facilities and Centro service in a three-county area.

Mary Robison, P.E. is City Engineer for the City of Syracuse and has worked in the Department of Engineering for almost 17 years. She has been city engineer for three years and was previously Division Engineer in the Design and Construction division.

Van Robinson is an at-large member of the Syracuse Common Council, and is chairperson of the Neighborhood Preservation, Downtown & Metropolitan Planning Committee. He is also past president of the Syracuse/Onondaga County Branch of the NAACP.

Marilyn Jordan Taylor is partner-in-charge for Urban Design and Planning for Skidmore, Owings and Merrill, LLP, and is chair of the Urban Land Institute, a Washington, D.C. based nonprofit organization dedicated to responsible leadership in the use of land to enhance the total environment.

Competition Advisor:

Casey Jones is principal in JonesKroloff, a New Orleans-based design consultancy that assists architect selections and design projects for public and private organizations.