Designers have began work on the first phase of the New York State-funded portion of the Connective Corridor project that aims to enhance transportation and lighting along the Corridor, including downtown Syracuse’s Civic Strip.

The Connective Corridor—an emerging signature strip of cultural development connecting University Hill with downtown Syracuse—is a complex project with multiple funding sources, including federal, state and private entities.  New York State pledged to provide $20 million toward the project, with the money provided through the Empire State Development Corporation and the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York.

This first phase in the state-funded portion of the project will extend the City of Syracuse’s design plans for improved transportation along the Connective Corridor.  In August, Syracuse Mayor Matt Driscoll advanced a conceptual plan that proposes the addition of bike lanes, street lighting and pedestrian improvements to the Corridor.

The state-funded project is being led by Syracuse engineering firm Barton & Loguidice, who is working with Olin Partnership, an internationally renowned design firm based in Philadelphia, Pa. Barton & Loguidice is also the lead engineering firm for the city’s federally-funded transportation improvement project along the Corridor.

There are five central components of this first phase of New York State’s-funded design work:

1. Develop a comprehensive lighting strategy with recommendations on different kinds of lighting and a cost evaluation; the goal being to develop an attractive lighting plan for the Corridor that also improves safety and security throughout the Corridor.
2. Identify a comprehensive way-finding and signage system that helps direct commuters, pedestrians and motorists; this would also provide an opportunity to visibly showcase various destinations, businesses, and cultural attractions along the Corridor by providing an easy way to know where the Corridor is and what’s available on it.
3. Design of two significant intersections or “nodes” along the Corridor to welcome commuters and visitors into the Downtown area, including:
   • Forman Park, in which the design team will develop a master plan that preserves the existing installations  of art work and monuments within a landscape that provides a more unified green space;
   • The “Link” between Armory Square and the Near West Side, with the goal to create a pedestrian-friendly area at the heavily traveled intersection of West and West Fayette streets.
   1. Working with property owners along the Corridor to create a property owners’ branding package that would enhance their properties and create a distinct identity for businesses and residents along the Corridor.  The branding materials could range from decals for windows, awnings to light fixtures, and possibly include guidelines for signage and plantings. The final ideas will be catalogued so that property owners can choose what works for their establishments. (This branding project is a pre-curser to a proposed façade improvement program that Syracuse University will launch in 2010, also to be funded by New York State.)
   2. To work with the City of Syracuse and other agencies to test and  receive approvals for new durable, sustainable materials to be used for construction of streets and sidewalks along the Connective Corridor.

Testing of new materials envisioned for the Connective Corridor in progress

New York State’s Department of Transportation recently installed new crosswalks at West and West Fayette streets by the Warehouse, using a new material that may become the signature crosswalk pattern along the Corridor.  “The DOT is pleased to have been a part of this pedestrian safety enhancement and welcomes future partnerships with the City of Syracuse and the Connective Corridor,” Gene Cilento, NY State public information officer. The crosswalk’s innovative template was designed by Joe Sisko, from UPSTATE: A Center for Design, Research and Real Estate at Syracuse University’s School of Architecture.

The City of Syracuse is also testing a new non-paint material for use in marking future bike lanes along the Corridor.  To test the durability of the material, the City created a crosswalk on Montgomery St. at Madison St. area near the John H. Mulroy Civic Center.

Funding from New York State for the Connective Corridor was secured with the assistance of Assemblyman William Magnarelli and the Governor David Paterson.