PEACHTREE SHARED STREET
Over the years, Peachtree Street has functioned as the main street of Atlanta. While the street has some vitality, it does not enjoy the level of activity major streets in comparable cities. Peachtree Shared Street is a concept that focuses on three key elements: programmatic activity, physical development, and improved mobility. By transforming a half mile segment with a shared street design, we can leverage the activity in the surrounding buildings by inviting users to interact with and enjoy the public realm. Shared street design enhances the quality of public life while improving the safety and vibrancy of streets with high levels of pedestrian traffic.
Exhibition Road, London
Bell Street, Seattle, Washington
We looked at many case studies, including the activation on Bell Street in Seattle. Other approaches such as regular weekend street closures were design considerations. Although this wouldn’t work for Atlanta, there is a balance we can strike that can be seen in many cities around the globe. We like Bell Street’s flexible space for temporary vendors and weekend activation. London’s Exhibition Road is an example of a successfully implemented shared street. This model was our most comparable precedent due to its similarity in size, scale, and function.
WHAT WE LIKE
Activates our downtown: Programming and new development will help keep Downtown activated after typical weekday business hours and on weekends.
Encourage alternate transit: The design opens up the street to many modes of transit that will need to navigate the space equitably in order for it to function.
The street becomes a destination: Three blocks of Peachtree will be an iconic destination and a unique public space in our city.
WHAT WE ARE LEARNING
Exceptional design can make or break it: It is possible to exhaust all resources on street enhancements — but if we don’t get the details right, what’s the point? We want to get the biggest return on our investment in the public realm and believe it is achievable by demanding well designed architecture and attention to detail.
It takes a big shift in mindset: Like many cities, Atlanta is heavily reliant on cars. This design approach minimizes the priority on cars and allows other modes of transit to excel. This change may be uncomfortable to some at first, but it’s worth it.
There is an incredible push for and backing of the project: Based on feedback, there is momentum and support for this initiative. It is clear Atlantans want better streets.