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2026-013 Denton Womans Club Building Lease
December 05, 2025 Report No. 2026-013 INFORMAL STAFF REPORT TO MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL SUBJECT: Denton Woman's Club Building Lease EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: The City currently holds a 99-year lease agreement with the Denton City Federation of Women's Clubs for use of the land beneath the Denton Woman's Club Building, located at 610 Oakland Street within Quakertown Park. The lease was originally executed in 1927 for a total of$1.00 for the full term and is set to expire in August 2026.The Women's Federation has recently approached the City to express interest in renewing the lease. BACKGROUND: The Denton Woman's Club Building is owned and operated by the Denton City Federation of Women's Clubs. It is located within Quakertown Park, a site that was historically a Freedmen's Town before being converted into a city park in the 1920s. The City of Denton has designated several local landmarks within the park, including the Denton Woman's Club Building and the O'Neil Ford Civic Complex. The Civic Complex encompasses the full boundary of the park and includes Ford-designed civic structures and landscapes. The Woman's Club Building was constructed by the Federation, a nonprofit organization founded in 1913, as a gathering space for civic, cultural, and educational activities. Over the years, it has hosted numerous events and meetings that have contributed to the civic life of Denton. In September 2022,the City Council held a work session following a two-minute pitch on how the City could commemorate former residents of Quakertown. Several ideas were discussed, including: • Terry Avenue sidewalk installation • Memorial markers • Use of the Woman's Club Building as a museum space • A healing or sculpture garden • A "living museum" concept City Council directed staff to incorporate a memorial into the Downtown Master Plan, now formally known as the Design Downtown Denton plan. The Design Downtown Denton plan, adopted in September 2024, includes a key vision element focused on the redesign of Quakertown Park. This vision acknowledges the park's layered history as a Freedmen's Town and its transformation into a public space. While the plan seeks to honor this heritage and adapt the park for contemporary community use, it does not include any proposed changes to the Woman's Club Building (see Exhibit 1, Section 2A). December 05, 2025 Report No. 2026-013 DISCUSSION: The Women's Federation has formally approached the City to request a renewal of the lease. In response, City staff are conducting due diligence, including evaluating fair market value, lease terms, and working collaboratively with the Women's Federation to explore a range of renewal options. At this time, City staff do not intend to bring forward alternative uses for the building. Instead, City staff will present lease renewal options for City Council consideration,which may include: • In-kind use of the facility • Rental revenue sharing • A reduced lease footprint • Shorter lease terms City staff will bring these options forward during a work session in February 2026. If City Council is interested in City staff exploring other uses for the land or building outside of a renewed lease with the Women's Federation, please notify City staff by December 15, 2025. ATTACHMENTS: 1. Design Downtown Denton Plan STAFF CONTACT: Christine Taylor Assistant City Manager Christine.Taylor@cityofdenton.com (940) 349-7889 REQUESTOR: Staff Initiated STAFF TIME TO COMPLETE REPORT: 1 hour PARTICIPATING DEPARTMENTS: City Manager's Office, City Attorney's Office, Parks and Recreation, and Development Services �� I I I I � I I w� -�cc11ry:� a w► �' • • Adopted on September 17, 2024 .r wwwwwwww- Ip - - ■ mend collaborative Acknowledgements • Design Downtown Denton represents the vision and efforts of hundreds of passionate residents, business owners,developers, city staff,and city officials. In conversation with all of these groups,you see love for Denton and a desire to see Downtown continue to grow as a welcoming environment full of entertainment and prosperity for current and future Dentonites.The team learned much from our dedicated stakeholders and wanted to extend a heartfelt THANKYOU to everyone who contributed to • this plan! • DENTON City of Denton City Council Advisory Croup Cameron Robertson,All Gerard Hudspeth This group of residents and Project Manager stakeholders supported the Mayor project by coming to regular Sean Jacobson Vicki Byrd meetings and giving us great Assistant Project Manager District 1 feedback. Thankyou! Tina Firgens,AICP Brian Beck Alexandria Valdez Planning Director District 2 John Williams Gary Packan Paul Meltzer Brandy Pope Parks and Recreation Director Mayor Pro Tem; District 3 Brittany Foster Scott McDonald Joe Holland Desmond Moore Development Services Director District 4 Hannah Raby Keisha Cyriaano Brandon Chase McGee Melissa Lenaburg Assistant Planning Director At-Large Place S Molly Carter Pastor Don Lee Hayley Zagurski Jill Jester Assistant Planning Director At-Large Place 6 Peggy Riddle Ken Willis Brittany Sotelo Meredith Butler Economic Development Director City Manager's Office Maya Landgrebe Farhan Butt Sara Hensley Rob Ramirez Deputy Director of Transportation City Manager Frances Punch Cassey Ogden Jessica DeRoche Chandrakanth Muruganandham Assistant City Manager City Traffic Engineer Seth Morgan Christine Taylor John Bramblitt Chris Escoto Assistant City Manager John Cartwright Park Planning Manager Frank Dixon Colleen Fitzpatrick Assistant City Manager Park Project Coordinator Kristen Pulido Main Street Program Manager 2 DESIICaIN DOW N70W N DIEN70N mendN CATALYST URBAN P L A N N I N G NELSON • Nvc,nnRo Mend Collaborative Nelson-Nygaard The Catalyst Group Planning, Design and Public Jackson Archer Market Research/TOD Strategy Engagement MobilityLead Paris Rutherford Zakcq Lockrem,AICP Sam Ergina Market/TOD Strategy Lead Project Manager Mobility Support Michelle Bright, SITES AP Principal-in-Charge Todd Austin A ` Deputy Project Manager post Oak Preservation William Fulton Group Sandy Meulners-Comstock, Historic Preservation Economic Development/ PL,q Implementation Strategy Resources Historic Resources Lead Lead Designer Ellis Mu William Fulton, FAICP Founder/CEO Kennedy Rauh Rachel Alison Designer Preservation Associate Olivia Halsne Designer 'L T� Jude Landry Graphic Designer We wanted to extend a huge thank you to Jude Landry for developing the brand, logo, and hero graphic for this project! DES11G I DOWN70WN DEII 70N 3 Table of Contents Acknowledgements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 ExecutiveSummary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . i Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ii Community Engagement. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iv Community Priorities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .v Recommendations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .vi Implementation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .xi Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Engagement Process. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 Community Priorities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 Recommendations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 0 11 Better utilize Downtown Denton's Street Space . . . . . . . . 22 1A Rightsizing and 4/3 Conversions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 1B Pedestrian Priority Routes and Denton Chill Streets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 1C Improve Bike Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 1D Improve Transit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 6 21 Build a Network of Improved Public Spaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 2A Quakertown Park Master Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40 2 B Activate Vacant Lots . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 0 2 C Utilization of Alleys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 4 2D Utilization of Underutilized Streets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 2E Create a New Park in Southern Downtown. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68 2F Improvements to the County's Historic Park. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70 2 G Develop Public Art Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72 4 DES11GIN DOW N70W N DEN70N 31 Target Development to Build on Downtown's Character andAssets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74 3A Develop Southern Downtown. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76 3B Encourage Downtown Living. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78 • 3C Strengthen Historic Preservation Opportunities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80 • 3D Public Realm Design Guidelines and Zoning Recommendations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82 3E Explore Opportunities for Transformative Projects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92 • 41 Promote Nightlife, Music, Events, History, and Art. . . . . . 94 • 4A Utilize Policy and Regulations to Support Music and Nightlife . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96 4B Develop a Performing Arts Center. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98 4C Expand Programs to Support Small Businesses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .100 4D Expand on Downtown Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .102 4E Modify and Expand on Economic Development Tools. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .104 4F Establish a Downtown Brand. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .112 4G Establish a Public Improvement District . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .114 Plan Implementation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116 Implementation of Economic Development Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .118 DESIGN DOWN70WN DEN70N 5 i M ,s r� e \��+► s l� it �'' �� � �—�l_ fj4t AL 4 f V� Overview Design Downtown Denton is a strategic blueprint for the next decade aimed at enhancing the vitality and character of Downtown Denton. This plan addresses key areas such as parks, housing, mobility, and historic preservation. Developed over a year with extensive community input, it provides a comprehensive guide for decision-making and resource allocation, ensuring that Denton's downtown remains vibrant, resilient, and responsive to the needs of its residents and businesses. Why Plan? How will the plan be used? The primary purpose of updating the plan The Design Downtown Denton plan is used for Downtown Denton is to ensure that it by city officials, developers, businesses, remains relevant and effective in addressing and residents as a comprehensive guide for the evolving needs and challenges of the decision-making and development. It provides community.This update, conducted every a policy and regulatory framework to support ten to fifteen years, allows the city to adapt desired growth and development, outlines to growth, incorporate new demographic, actionable strategies to achieve the goals of the economic, and environmental data, and engage plan, and engages the community in ongoing the community in shaping the future of their and future projects.The plan also helps city. Denton has experienced significant growth, prioritize investments and allocate resources and the updated plan reflects current and effectively to maximize impact and benefits future demands. Regular updates provide an for the community. By updating the plan every opportunity to integrate new data and address ten years, Denton ensures that its downtown emerging challenges, ensuring that Downtown remains vibrant, resilient, and responsive to the Denton continues to thrive. needs of its residents and businesses. Project Schedule The plan was developed over a year in four phases: Understand, Envision, Act, and Adopt. Each phase built upon the previous one, starting with understanding the current conditions and community needs, envisioning strategies for improvement, acting on refining these strategies, and finally, seeking official adoption by government bodies.This structured approach ensured that the plan was comprehensive, data-driven, and reflective of community input. 0. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 . . . . . . . . . . . . .0. . . . . . . . . . . . . .0 Understand Envision Act Adopt June-Sept 2023 Sept 2023- Feb 2024 Feb 2024- May 2024 June 2024-Sept 2024 Goal:Understand key Goal:Create a vision Goal:Document Goal:Facilitate issues, challenges, and and community a clear path to adoption by relevant previous plans affecting priorities based implementation. regulatory bodies. the study area. on community feedback that guide approaches to recommendations. DEVC71N DOWN70WN DEN70N ii T 'Ijl -;4M4 t DOwNiOWN DfNiON ... -_-. MRSS 8 RECRFAII 071] n n DENTON — • l IYC.yrYl.Dwr�Y�rr��Owww�/Ir - - www' rAYrwwK rrwyrsw.r..w a w.r.r AYwa.awre awwa W W w. � 't�� 7LI]u..bnm y�CewrswEft � �yr�_;cuiae.na..Den pR c..tret ff'1�6i n!r- Vv. � Community Engagement The primary goal of our community engagement was to create a collaborative environment where residents, business owners, and city officials could share theirvision for Downtown Denton's future. Our inclusive and v iterative process ensured every voice was heard.We used a variety of online and in person ' = - activities to: • Understand the Community: Gather 1•� insights through surveys,workshops, and direct conversations to grasp the unique needs and desires of Dentonites. :. • Envision Together: Develop and refine _ strategies that align with the community's aspirations for a vibrant, inclusive, and prosperous downtown. , • Act Collaboratively: Prioritize and detail actionable steps,working closely with stakeholders to ensure the feasibility and community support for each initiative. • Adopt and Implement: Present the plan .� to governing bodies, revising as needed to reflect the commu nit 's feedback leadingto °? y T� official adoption and execution. ;w i0n Our period of dialoguing with the public included fun and engaging pop-up events that allowed us to hear from a wider variety of people. DESIGN DAWN40WN DEN70N iv Design Downtown Denton to be a more walkable, beautiful, and fun destination for shopping, working, learning, and recreation that also serves as a hub of opportunity, welcoming all Dentonites. Cultivate a vibrant and diverse residential community. Preserve and expand the distinctive local businesses, foster a strong sense of community, and safeguard the historic and artistic character while promoting growth and development. Community Priorities Based on analysis of conversations with community members a vision statement and community priorities were developed. Throughout the plan,these priorities are represented by a pie. Each recommendation fulfils at least one of these priorities: • Arts, Entertainment,and Events: Enhance • Parks and Public Spaces: Create a network public art, music initiatives, and festivals to of green spaces with amenities like gardens enrich the downtown area's cultural scene. and play areas, and add more trees and • Bike and Pedestrian Mobility: Improve landscaping. walkability and bike safety through better • Retail and Commercial Development: streetscapes and connected routes. Invest in local businesses, increase housing • Cultur Promote diversity and inclusion options, and preserve historic landmarks to by acknowledging history, celebrating boost economic growth. local culture, and connecting Downtown to - c^-F^+• Improve the perception of safety Denton's colleges and universities. by addressing homelessness concerns, • Housing Development:Address rising designing streets to support outdoor events, rents and housing affordability by defining key pedestrian corridors, and increasing housing supply, mixed-use enhancing sidewalk maintenance developments, and various residential Traffic and Transit: Improve roadway options to foster a vibrant community. safety, enhance parking availability and management, and expand bus and bike routes to reduce parking demand and improve downtown accessibility. Recommendations In response to the extensive community input novel approach aimed at improving comfort and collaboration among local stakeholders, and environmental resilience by optimizing Design Downtown Denton proposes a shade and walkability.The plan advocates for forward-thinking vision for revitalizing improving links to vital destinations, thereby Downtown Denton. The plan emphasizes bolstering economic growth and encouraging enhanced walkability, improved public eco-friendly transport options. Collectively, spaces, and sustainable development that these initiatives are designed to cultivate a preserves the area's unique character. The welcoming atmosphere for all modes of travel, following recommendations were informed by thereby elevating the livability of Downtown thorough stakeholder engagement, feasibility Denton. assessments, and best practices research, aimed at maximizing Downtown's potential Rightsizing and 4/3 while addressing current challenges. The 1 Conversions recommendations are grouped into four categories. Pedestrian Priority Routes 1. Better Utilize Downtown's Streetscape 113 and Denton Chill Streets Improving the use of Downtown Denton's streets is essential for fostering a safer, more inclusive, and lively city core.The plan C Improve Bike Connections emphasizes the transformation of street space to prioritize pedestrian experiences. The introduction of`Denton Chill Streets' is a 11) Improve Transit ? ` a . J A rendering of a Chill Street. Image Source:Mend Collaborative DESSGIN DOWN70WN DEN70N vi University Dr �]P r ❑L' j u Q 1r r North Pecan Creek r� m 40 It Z i i Extended Bicycle Routes - '-' `� i Lnnnq Linden Dr i - _� ��•��' r to -N :V1 � "•• � ' Broadway St > -- 71 m --- p ■ Panhandle St Y m - ` - • ,�.• y Egan St I U c - �r - •. r - �}•mulfYnnwn••••nnnuwu•uunn•4unnnn•6nnnnnunnunuu141111uunnu q.4• •� i Congress St y:•' unuuu•►• - -, • I Parkway St ?u//�liylnllunlnnln- i Arrows Indicate Conclitio r • •••uuuu� N----- i Greg St s - McKinney St y E i E Oak St FTTIA _ E Oak St U. I W Hickory St r E Hickory St 1 Mulberry St • Sycamore St _ Chestnut St am , i r 1111111111......1111••I II E Prairie St Prairie StCAE m > E �, a w • .. 3- m "Pecan 4 Highland St I u - - • 10 - - - J Fred Moore Maple St Park Eagle Dr Mill St ds, vll DEYGN DOW X70W N DEX70X • • • 2. Build a Network of Improved Public Spaces Quakertown Park The revitalization of Downtown Denton's 2AMaster Plan public spaces is pivotal for enriching residents' lives and stimulating economic prosperity. The plan emphasizes transforming new 23 Activate Vacant Lots and existing parks and public spaces into dynamic hubs that bolster social engagement, wellness, and cultural activities.The strategy 2 C Utilization of Alleys includes leveraging these enhancements to draw visitors, enhancing the local economy and prioritizes environmental stewardship. Utilization of A key element of this vision is the redesign 21D Underutilized Streets of Quakertown Park, acknowledging its layered history as a Freedmen's Town and Create a New Park in Southern its evolution into a city park.This plan seeks 2 Em Downtown to honor the park's heritage while adapting it for contemporary community use.These enhancements are notjust for recreation and Improvements to the aesthetics but are integral to the collective 21F County's Historic Park health and prosperity of Denton. 2C7 Develop Public Art Plan f 1 « OV71 3 a• t \I A rendering of the proposed new plaza adjacent to the Square. Image Source:Mend Collaborative DESIGN DOWN70WN DEN70Nviii 3.Target Development to Build on Downtown's Character and Assets Emphasizing development is pivotal for ensuring Downtown Denton grows with the City Develop Southern 3A Downtown while also preserving its distinctive character and assets.The updated approach focuses on fostering a vibrant community by introducing Encourage Downtown a mix of housing options that cater to various 33 Living demographics,thereby promoting Downtown living and economic prosperity.The plan 3CPreservation Strengthen Historic underscores the importance of preserving Opportunities Denton's historic charm through strategic infill and civic investments,while also expanding open spaces for public enjoyment.Affordability Public Realm Design remains a key concern,with actions aimed at 311) Guidelines and Zoning ensuring housing accessibility for a diverse = population.The preservation of historic sites is Explore Opportunities for strengthened, and design guidelines are refined 3 FM Transformative Projects to ensure new developments complement Denton's architectural heritage.These measures are designed to bolster Downtown Denton's appeal as a place to live,work, and visit, contributing to its sustainable growth and preserving its historical and cultural legacy. k�, k oil e 9. °'fie 6• A Historic Square District and Chill Street on the Square. Image Source:Mend Collaborative ix (D(FSSGIN DOWN70WN DEN70N 4. Promote Downtown's Nightlife, Music, Events, History,and Art Promoting Downtown Denton's unique nightlife, music, events, history, and art -•- assets is essential for the City's cultural and - economic vitality.The updated plan emphasizes the importance of supportive policies and regulations to foster a vibrant entertainment environment that attracts talent, investment, i and visitors.The City's music and nightlife are key to its allure, drawing patrons and bolstering local commerce. Establishing music venues, - bars, and events enrich the cultural fabric, making Downtown an appealing hub for both locals and tourists. By leveraging economic —_ development tools,the city can encourage entrepreneurship and economic stability. � Additionally, celebrating Denton's historical A school dance group performs on the Courthouse Square as part - of Hispanic Heritage Month.Image Source:Mend Collaborative and artistic heritage through various initiatives can strengthen community bonds and pride. These efforts will maintain Downtown Denton's 4 A Support Music and Nightlife reputation for cultural offerings and energetic G�4 ambiance. Concentrating on these elements, the City aims to craft an unparalleled and Develop a Performing unforgettable experience for all. A4 3 Arts Center Expand Programs to Support Small Businesses Expand on Downtown Events 41D Expand on Economic - : - A E Development Tools Establish a Downtown Brand Many Denton businesses foster community with unique and fun 4F outdoor spaces.Offering support to these businesses can help them continue to flourish. Image Source:Mend Collaborative Establish a Public A4 Gimprovement District DESIGN DOWN70WN DEN70N x Implementation ems• i S Be//St New development in southern Downtown. Image Source:Mend Collaborative Overview of Implementation Approach Stakeholder Roles and Responsibilities The successful realization of the Downtown Effective implementation requires collaboration Denton plan hinges on a well-coordinated among various stakeholders: implementation strategy.This phase is critical . City Government-Will lead the effort by for translating the vision and recommendations providing regulatory support,funding, and into tangible outcomes. Strategic execution oversight. ensures that the initiatives are carried out effectively, fostering a more vibrant and • Private Sector and Developers-Will be key sustainable downtown. partners in executing development projects, contributing to public realm improvements, Key Implementation Steps and adhering to updated guidelines. To ensure systematic progress,the • Community Involvement- Continuous recommendations have been prioritized community engagement is vital for based on their potential impact,feasibility, maintaining public support and ensuring and alignment with the community's needs. that the projects meet residents' needs and A phased rollout will be adopted, starting expectations. with high-priority projects that can deliver immediate benefits.This phased approach allows for careful monitoring and adjustments as needed, ensuring that each step builds on the success of previous efforts. xi DEYGN DOWN70 N DEN70N Next Steps The immediate actions involve initiating high- We all invite priority projects that can quickly demonstrate the plan's benefits.This includes starting with stakeholders to join us key infrastructure improvements, updating in this transformative zoning regulations, and launching incentive journ _ programs for developers. Long-term goals will be achieved through continued investment in participation, whether public spaces, fostering cultural activities, and throughfeedback, ensuring ongoing community engagement. Milestones will be set to track progress and investment, or active make necessary adjustments along the way. involvement, Conclusion to the success The Downtown Denton plan represents a this plan.. comprehensive vision for a thriving, inclusive, we can create a and dynamic urban center. By focusing � on better utilizing street space, improving downtown Denton public spaces,targeting development, and � that not - - promoting cultural activities,the plan aims to enhance the quality of life for residents and the needs of • - but visitors alike.The commitment to this vision also paves the way reflects the community's aspirations and the city's dedication to sustainable growth and for - brighter, more development. sustainable future. work togetherto turn this vision into reality, ensuring that downtown Denton thrives for generations to comee �� fir►' �� DESIGN DAWN40WN DEN70N xii ei 4 ke l y &McNEI L' �7 i - Denton Square District Introduction The Downtown Denton Master Plan requires an update to guide the next 10 years of Downtown's • growth priorities, including parks and open space, parking, housing, mobility, connectivity, and the preservation of existing neighborhoods and historic resources.The updated plan, Design Downtown Denton, covers the area bounded by Bell Avenue to the east, Carroll Boulevard to the west, University Drive to the north, and Eagle Drive to the south (a map of the study area is available on page 12).This plan outlines actions and recommendations that will build on Downtown's assets, highlight its history and character, and make it an even more enjoyable place to live.The plan was developed in four phases.The first three phases, understand, envision, and act,were completed over g months in 2023 and 2024.The Design Downtown Denton Advisory Group,twenty residents and stakeholders appointed by City Council, came together at each stage to provide valuable feedback on the progress of the plan and the needs of the community.The plan was adopted by City Council on September l7 2024. Phase 1: Understand To understand Downtown Denton's existing into the future. Based on community feedback culture,wants and needs,the City and in the Understand Phase, a vision statement project team examined the data on Denton's (see page 3) and key priorities (see page 4) demographics, housing,transportation and were created.These priorities were a guiding more for a high-level assessment of conditions force behind the projects, program and actions in Downtown.This analysis was merged with recommended to address them. on the ground observations from first-person Phase 3:Act experience in Denton,walking the streets, exploring Quakertown Park, and visiting bars, Phase 3 continued the refinement of restaurants and shops. Most importantly, strategies that began in the Envision Phase, extensive time was spent gathering feedback moving the community closer to consensus from business owners, city officials and on the strategies and how they might be residents who shared their time and ideas prioritized given available time and resources. in contribution to this project.The data, Recommendations were then developed to observations and engagement results built a level of detail that the next steps could be a "Case for Action"that allowed project goals taken toward creation of the full plan and and strategies to be fully developed in the next implementation. phase. Phase 4:Adopt Phase 2: Envision After completing the Downtown Plan, it must In phase 2, draft strategies to address the wants be approved by relevant government bodies. and needs in Downtown Denton were studied, Consultants and City Staff will presentthe draft refined and developed in the Envision phase to boards, commissions, and other regulatory of the project. Projects, programs, and policies bodies, making necessary revisions following were considered as pathways to improve the Planning and Zoning Commission and City conditions that most concerned Dentonites Council meetings to move the plan closer to and would help support the growth of Denton official adoption. DESIGN DAWN40WN DEN70N 9 •� •ter r. •� •'` �Nbm • • I. Ar OMD Li �1 l vs / ♦ s a. DCT N — 'c ♦ Ce L Develo Servic r � ! 'a.ammloti It dMW r . J Project Schedule 0 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .0 Understand Envision Act Adopt June-Sept 2023 Sept 2023- Feb 2024 Feb 2024- May 2024 June 2024-Sept 2024 Goal:Understand key Goal:Create a vision Goal:Document Goal:Facilitate issues, challenges, and and community a clear path to adoption by relevant previous plans affecting priorities based implementation. regulatory bodies. the study area. on community feedback that guide approaches to recommendations. Project Vision During the Envision Phase, the project team synthesized information to create community priorities, breaking them into refined actions to guide final recommendations. Setting an overall vision for Downtown Denton was crucial before moving forward. Based on hundreds of hours of engagement, data collection, and conversation,the following vision statement was developed to steer Design Downtown Denton and its proposed actions toward the desired future for Downtown Denton: Design Downtown Denton to be a more walkable, beautiful, and fun destination for shopping, working, learning, and recreation that also serves as a hub of opportunity, welcoming all Dentonites. Cultivate a vibrant and diverse residential community. Preserve and expand the distinctive local businesses, foster a strong sense of community, and safeguard the historic and artistic character while promoting growth and development. In a joint committee meeting in December 2023, Denton's City Council and Planning and Zoning Commission approved the vision statement that was developed by the Advisory Group as the guiding principles for Design Downtown Denton. DEWC71N DOWN70WN DEN70N 11 , h� 41 m N N re > c E 1 5 a o H i w u d i i L 0 C Z U - J cUniversity Or 2 � , North Pecan Creek b Ft Westway St __,_ Emery St j Cordell St -- Crescent St oIQa U' ° k) Linden Or Broadway St a 1 { , ------- ----------------- i;, _. !] -- Panhandle St Egan St I Paisley St GAI O N � Congress St 4 L Ip • E Parkway St LL i � McKinney St Denton County ' Pecan Creek mftgg • ---- Greg St h. -""f , i E McKinney St Oak St ' E Oak St 04 , � �2 W Hickory St r; ! E Hickory St Mulberry St -'""-- " Downtown Denton Transit Center Sycamore St _ E Sycamore St University of Chestnut StNorth Texas c . 'Y • E Prairie St Prairie St , z_ Pecan 4 Highland St A".�'- --- ...- - - ENT,ff, . . Maple St w o ❑ �� , Eagle Or Morse St Study Area Map a Mill St o , w ' Downtown Denton Study Area as Outside Study Area `` ; U -t O :� - -- . . • _ j _.moo =y Im Ole r . .. ,.: w - �I r Design Downtown Denton Study Area: • Extends from Eagle Drive at the south to University Drive to the north, and from Carroll Boulevard on the west to Bell Avenue and Mingo Road on the east. • There are three institutions of higher education within or dam' adjacent to the study area - University of North Texas, North �. Central Texas College, and Texas Woman's University. • It includes the Denton Square District home to the Denton County Courthouse and other historic buildings, City Hall -44 and other City facilities, Quakertown Park, and is adjacent to the Greater Denton Arts Council and the Downtown Denton Transit Center. • At the time of this planning process the City was undergoing the Southeast Denton Area Plan to assure that future improvements reflect the residents and community members wishes and recommendations between the two plans are coordinated. c. c- -mac 3 •o �.n� �.n^ ^\ -. - MappingActivity on Parking Day Engagement Denton ites had several opportunities to share their vision for the future of Downtown. Over the first • three project phases, ideas and recommendations were drafted based on what the community shared with the project team and then the recommended proposals were brought back to the community members to be changed and refined. It was critical to the success of this project that community members were involved throughout the process and approved of the changes that could impact them where they live,work and play. yy, .i�'i � ✓ III �IYQ J �' • MW A • r 1`G�� � ��o. � r T• a F _ - _ 1 S � DESIGN DAWN40WN DEN70N 15 Engagement • We brought the Denton community together throughout the planning Engagement Events process for a series of fun and informative pop-up events with September interactive activities for all. In the vibrant and engaging atmosphere • at these events, all voices could be heard while celebrating the 9/9 Arts and Autos unique spirit of Denton. By incorporating interactive stations, creative 9/14 Advisory Group #1 • workshops, and engaging displays,we not only gathered valuable 9/15 Parking Day feedback but also fostered a sense of community involvement and excitement about the future of downtown Denton. 9/15-17 Denton Blues Fest • Engagement Activities 9/28 National Night Out October 1'TREE e - �% 10/6-8 Denton Arts and Jazz Festival 10/7 Quakertown Park Visioning Workshop 10/12 Twilight Tunes Community Local Business Community Ideas 10/19 Twilight Tunes Priorities Survey Map (At pop-ups November and online) 11/16 Advisory Group #2 "_ R,w,uo w„ �" �+ • mot.; December a; Vic' '► 12/5 Design Downtown 1 g '® ` Denton Visioning X. Workshop ■ — y� 12/6 Joint Committee _---------------------• Workshop Imagine the Future Loves and Needs Children's 12/19 -1/15 Online Survey of Quakertown Park Visioning Activity Activities April "b► _ ti 1 '' 4/16 Advisory Group #3 4/17 Quakertown Park Design Workshop May ram. kA -CeLi 5/9 The Feedback Finale 5/10-6/1 Online Feedback Parks, Open Space Downtown Parks Redesign Carroll Finale & Public Amenities and Trails Network Boulevard 16 DIESIIC7N DOW X70W X DEX70X Several themes were established through an "i analysis of the hundreds of comments received during events, activities, surveys and online - interactions. Some residents told stories of their experiences in the park system, others s_ • expressed their ideas for how to address �` s ' • parking issues in Downtown. Some of the most • �� -may common topics we heard were: • SPELD • .M„ Bike and Pedestrian Mobility 25 Enhance walkability, expand protected bike • lanes, and close some streets to vehicles for events and gatherings. - "Downtown is the best area of Denton because it's the only place where one can walk around, have a picnic, shop, and drink without a car!" Parks and Public Spaces Expand network of parks and public spaces, add trees and landscaping, program underutilized areas. � "Invest in more trees. Trees are important to cool the area, and also bring wildlife and r happiness to people." Retail and Development Invest in local businesses, increase housing, and protect historic landmarks. _ "Work with economic development to help bring businesses that would make West side _� r streets destinations, such as a coffee shop." �J Arts, Entertainment,and Events Develop visual brand for Downtown area, bring • new activities to Downtown, encourage and support artists, public arts, and art venues. "The large murals on some of the downtown buildings is wonderful. 1 would love to see more of that. However, it needs to be quality art and maintained." - DESSGIN DOD N70WN DEN70N 17 Community Priorities Community Priorities were developed based on conversations with community members and analysis of the development opportunities and assets in Downtown Denton.The Advisory Group provided direction and feedback on the draft priorities, leading to the final version presented at the Joint Workshop on December 5th. Arts, Entertainment Parks and Public Space and Events Bike and Pedestrian Retail and Commercial Safety and Mobility Development Culture Safety © Housing Development ® Traffic and Transit Arts, Entertainment and Events AE1 Create a marketing brand for the Downtown area, and use that brand to tie Downtown to the surrounding community. AE2 Encourage and promote public art and music initiatives and festivals. AE3 Build on current successes by adding new activities and events, especially for children and families. AE4 Support the addition of interactive art, music, sculptures, and lighting to create engaging spaces. AE5 Explore the addition and improvement of a variety of music and art venues, stages, and theaters. Bike and Pedestrian Safety and Mobility BP1 Enhance walkability by improving our streetscapes, including sidewalks, lighting, landscaping, and crosswalks. BP2 Implement safety measures at dangerous intersections. BP3 Connect key areas, including the universities,the Square and the transit center through public realm improvements and infill development and through a common Downtown brand. BP4 Promote a safer environment for cyclists by expanding protected bike lanes, bike parking, and trails. BP5 Regularly close side streets for public events and community gatherings. Culture C1 Foster increased diversity and inclusion through the acknowledgment of history and increased opportunities for all Dentonites. C2 Protect/continue to embody what people love most about the feel of Denton: community pride, welcoming atmosphere, and historic scale. C3 Celebrate and connect Downtown to Denton's colleges and universities. C4 Highlight the Downtown culture within the broader Denton community and county. 18 DESIGN DOWN70WIN DEN70N Housing Development H1 Address rising rents and housing affordability through increased housing supply, mixed-use developments, and more residential options to foster a vibrant local community. H2 Provide more housing options Downtown, establishing a variety of housing stock that will appeal to many different residents' needs. Parks and Public Space PSi Create a network of green spaces and public parks with amenities such as community gardens, picnic areas and kids play areas. PS2 Add more trees and landscaping in public spaces to provide shade, and improve aesthetics. PS3 Build outdoor amenities like public seating, restrooms,water fountains, and more. • PS4 Find ways to activate underutilized areas, such as alleys,vacant properties, and sidewalks. PS5 Preserve the view corridors and viewsheds of Downtown including the Courthouse-on-the-Square and the Morrison Milling silos and sign. Retail and Commercial Development RC1 Invest in areas around the Square to improve business and housing variety, public safety, and overall aesthetics. RC2 Improve public space to encourage foot traffic and inspire building upkeep. RC3 Emphasize the historical significance and preservation of historical assets within the Downtown area, including expanding local, state, and national designations. RC4 Promote and protect the local business community, including those businesses beyond the Square. RC5 Fill empty storefronts and vacant lots with unique local shops and food and beverage options. Safety S1 Improve perception of safety by partnering with service providers to address homelessness concerns and needs. S2 Design streets with infrastructure to enable street closures and to support outdoor events. S3 Define key pedestrian corridors and improve their streetscapes, shade canopy and lighting. S4 Improve maintenance and cleanliness on sidewalks. Traffic and Transit TT1 Improve roadway safety for motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists by implementing traffic closures on certain streets and during events, as well as exploring road rightsizing and traffic calming initiatives. TT2 Improve parking availability and management by upgrading lots with trees and landscaping, adding wayfinding signage to and from parking to destinations, using paid parking as a management tool, and considering the construction of a public parking garage in the Downtown area. TT3 Enhance accessibility to Downtown and reduce parking demand by expanding and improving bus and bike routes to the transit center and other key destinations. DESIGN DAB N70W N DEN70N 19 Recommendat ions Design Downtown Denton presents a vision forth e future of Downtown Denton where local government, businesses, developers and community have taken collaborative action to change policy and develop public and private facilities that will: • making downtown more walkable and accessible,with improved management of parking and mobility, and a focus on prioritizing all forms of transportation, • Build a network of improved public spaces providing Dentonites with _ beautiful places to relax, play, and reflect, all within a short distance form - their homes. • . . . . . . . . by - - _ — preserving existing structures while building compatible housing, parks and retail that invite new families to make Downtown Denton their home, • and • • u4UP rs • . . AkAr-m--g i• through branding and advertising that tells the story of Downtown Denton's history , and culture while promoting its future, programs that provide support for artists and musicians, and projects that create new venues, events and _ entertainment. The recommendations that follow each category are based on careful review of wants and needs expressed by local stakeholders, discussions on the feasibility and management of potential actions with city staff and developers, as well as research into the best practices for resolving challenges and taking advantage of opportunities to build on Downtown's current successes. - - I 1 --------- -- _ s aw rt.00 ... ALISTSONKLESP _ f�' �r .ar �•� — pill ,s _�S�r�- • Ads so: - — 9.0 •a ymu�l 660 mu- v�cw� `i i ■� P � Do- � t E IL AAL ' �{�..�+• - ' _� -, !'«!- � ,ice•-✓. -_ • wl 0 • EE HICKORY Oakland Street Better utilize Downtown Denton's Street Space Ct Ct Why is this important? The largest single amount of land that is owned and maintained N by the City of Denton within Downtown is the right-of-way. Using Downtown's streets as a catalyst for creating a safer, more accessible, and vibrant urban environment is essential. Prioritizing CO walking and biking by rightsizing streets and improving street design will improve traffic flow and safety. Creating "Denton Chill Streets", a new type of street that prioritizes shade, walkability, and comfort in the public realm, will improve quality of life and climate resilience. Improving transit routes will additionally create connections between Denton's most important destinations. Together, these measures will support economic development, promote sustainable transportation, and enhance the overall quality of life in Downtown. What are we attempting to accomplish? Enhance Safety Improve Walkability Reduce Urban Heat I � Create a more secure and Expand pedestrian priority Design streets to prioritize inviting environment for routes and create comfortable shade,walkability, and comfort pedestrians, cyclists, and paths to make Downtown for pedestrians and to improve drivers alike. Denton more enjoyable. climate resilience Downtown. Image Source:Bike Denton Image Source:Mend Collaborative Image Source:Mend Collaborative IDES11GIN DOWN79WI1N IDEN70N 23 Rightsizing and 4/3 CD 1A Conversions K Downtown Denton is made up of a variety of 0 street sizes and widths. While maintaining 1A Priorities Served the flow of traffic and avoiding congestion A are important city mobility goals, a healthy downtown must have a strong balance between Bike&Pedestrian A maintaining sufficient capacity for car traffic BPI and supporting street elements that allow for Safet 10 safe and comfortable walking and biking. This S2,S3 A� Traffic&Transit balance in street configuration makes getting TT1,TT2,TT3 to and moving around Downtown Denton safer and more convenient for people and facilitates community participation through a pedestrian- See the community priorities on page 18 for more information. friendly environment. Case for Action examples of oversized streets in Downtown � Narrowing streets can encourage people to Denton.Traffic capacity for streets was derived cross the wide streets around downtown that from the 2022 Mobility Plan.Wider streets currently create boundaries between Downtown incentivize speeding.The design of streets and its surrounding neighborhoods and the can impact drivers' speed more than the wide streets within Downtown that make it hard posted speed limit.Wider streets mean longer to move between destinations. Downtown will be crosswalks and more time that pedestrians must more uniformly enjoyed by those walking, biking spend crossing the street.A narrower street and looking to enjoy Downtown and patronize improves safety conditions. businesses if those barriers are reduced. Proposed Actions Streets in Denton don't all fit neatly into street Adjust the width of streets to make type categories. Streets that are oversized Downtown Denton more walkable, safer, have more lanes than are needed to carry and make it simpler to move between theirtypical dailytraffic. Rightsized streets neighborhoods using any mode of have enough lanes to carry their typical traffic. transportation. Carroll Boulevard, Elm Street, Locust Street, Bell Avenue, and McKinney Street are some Implement 4-3 conversions, a common approach that creates room to add 4-3 Conversion pedestrian and bicycle capacity without impacting vehicle throughput. Instead of being confronted by the potential barrier of a wide, intimidating four-lane road, a 4-3 conversion transforms a low-traffic street with 4 car lanes into one with 2 car lanes and tt a center turn lane. I BE-FORE • Prioritize the community and capacity needs for all modes of transportation. 24 DESIGN DOWN70WIN DEN70N I Rebuild McKinney Street and Bell Avenue On McKinney Street and Bell Avenue, build a 4-3 conversions can help these streets create pedestrian-dedicated sidewalk on one side and a shared use path on the other. Both the A connection where they currently divide the Ct community. McKinney Street currently is sidewalk and shared-use paths should have A a barrier between Quakertown Park and buffer zones separating areas for walking K Downtown,while Bell Avenue divides Downtown and biking from the road. F.. from the Denton County Transit Center and McKinney Street does not have a standard N Southeast Denton. amount of right-of-way throughout N • On McKinney Street east of Locust Street Downtown.As such, some blocks may and Bell Avenue, move curbs inward to require a different design.Where right- create a narrower street that features one of-way is limited, pedestrians should be co 11-foot lane in each direction with a 10-foot prioritized over the inclusion of a turn lane. center turn lane. Streets Downtown should include clear sidewalks and a planted buffer from traffic • On McKinney Street west of Locust Street, whenever possible. narrow the street to feature one 11-foot lane in each direction. For all cross sections,turn lanes at intersections may be modified as called for by the situation. For example, no center turn lane would be required if left turns are not allowed. In this case, adding a right turn All public realm recommendations lane at the intersection may be desirable. must be evaluated against past approvals and funding received, which may impact the final design. A dedicated left turn lane has been shown to create more efficient traffic flow and reduce overall 1 congestion,even when paired with the removal of dedicated through lanes. should become a McKinney Street and 5-3 conversion east of Locust Street. 0 0 Building Bvuding �'IOIIEiA@ Fxo=Ve& Travel8t.�1 lid e• •- PTravel edeaGiirn Use Path Lane TUM Law Lane T Zone �10 —g'- 6O' East McKinney Street Proposed Typical Cross Section DESIGN DAWN40WN DEN70N 25 y - a W Bell Avenue 0 & should become 4-3 conversion. Ct F+• et ABulding sown" Frontage "•"•g A &Shared F%di6i_ Use Path Threwh zo A� eo' n Bell Avenue Proposed Typical Cross Section CD Rebuild Carroll Boulevard • Convert inner vehicle lanes to 10.5 feet Carroll Boulevard came up frequently in public and outer lanes to 12 feet to support bus engagement as a major barrier between throughput. Downtown Denton and UNT, and neighborhoods • Enhance medians with tree planting and left to the west- including the Oak-Hickory and turn cutouts. = West Oak Area historic districts. Carroll does • Implement warning signage that warn not carry a volume of traffic that requires its vehicles to yield to pedestrians and cyclists wide cross section. Furthermore,there are at all intersections within Downtown and numerous large, commercial parcels that could along pedestrian and bicycle priority routes. be redeveloped.A redesign of the street and reduction of lanes creates space for extended Widen sidewalks, construct behind-the-curb sidewalks, bike facilities, and space for trees and protected bikeways, and create buffer zones other planting, including an improved boulevard between sidewalk and bikeway on both sides space. of the street to support street trees and other sidewalk amenities such as benches, planters, light posts, and bike racks. VA .quo 0 00 Building Building Frontage& - Frontage& Pedestrian • • Pedestrian Through - - - - Zone -- -- Through Zone �8.5'� < ioo• I Carroll Boulevard Proposed Typical Cross Section 26 DESIGN DMIN17O N DEN70N Case Study: Lancaster Boulevard W Redesign in Lancaster California "�'`` •' 1"' A The transformation of Lancaster Boulevard ' 17.4 --�-�" `"�- K in Lancaster, California, from a mundane _ er thoroughfare to a vibrant pedestrian hub has M sparked significant economic growth and community revitalization.With an investment of $11.5 million,the city embarked on a streetscape l renovation project that yielded impressive cCr results.Within four years, private investment ,cr soared to $130 million, and the area generated ' $273 million in economic output. Before.Image Source:Congress for New Urbanism A The makeover saw a reduction in automobile � `� space in favor of pedestrian-friendly features such as off-street parking and a wide,tree-lined central promenade. Despite initial skepticism, �- t � the project garnered widespread success,with tax revenues nearly doubling between 2007 and 2012. The revitalized downtown area now boasts 48 new businesses, contributing to the creation of 802 permanentjobs and 1,100 construction positions. Moreover,traffic accidents decreased After. Image Source:Congress for New Urbanism by nearly one-third,with injuries dropping by 67 percent by 2013. �1 Key to the project's success was its design that accommodates large crowds for events like street festivals.The boulevard's success has -�been recognized with awards, including the US Environmental Protection Agency's Smart r ; Growth Achievement Award. _# The project's funding came from the localE redevelopment agency, signaling a commitment . to eliminating blight and fostering job creation. • '=� - Lancaster's success serves as a blueprint for Image Source:Tamara Leigh Photography other communities seeking transformation through smart urban planning and collaboration between the public and private sectors. Source:Congress for New Urbanism DESIGN DAW N70W N DEN70N 27 Pedestrian Priority Routes CD 13 and ]Denton Chill Streets K Community members and stakeholders consistently laud the walkability of the Denton 3A Priorities Served c,' Square District. However, this pedestrian- a friendly environment is confined to the Bike&Pedestrian ED B P1 K immediate area around the square and fails to Parks&Public Spaces A extend as a cohesive network linking essential PS1,PS2,PS3, PS5 '�^��;1 & N destinations and institutions. Moreover, CommercialRC2, RC4, RC5 Denton's location in North Texas means it experiences hot temperatures for much of S2,S3 the year, exacerbating the need for shade for Traffic&Transit pedestrian comfort. Community priorities TT1,TT2,TT3 support pedestrian friendly districts and prioritizing cool, walkable routes to expand the See the community priorities on page 18 for more information. pedestrian network into and around Downtown Denton The Case for Action What are Chill Streets? Currently there is a lack of adequate Chill Streets prioritize features that tree canopy coverage around Downtown make the air and surface temperatures Denton's Historic Square District, a shortfall of downtown Denton cooler and are particularly pronounced as it falls short of situated along sidewalks, pathways or the recommended 40% canopy density for trails adjacent and/or parallel to streets, adequate cooling. Properly installed tree canopy that are designed to serve residents and awnings can help reduce peak summer who walk, bike, and use transit. These ambient temperatures by 2-9°F and can keep public realm features include natural surface temperatures 20-45' F cooler than and engineered shade, vegetation beds, similar unshaded urban materials.The proposed green stormwater infrastructure, and actions support the pedestrian network by light, reflective paving materials. Chill creating a district that prioritizes pedestrians Streets, at a minimum, should prioritize through improved and increased sidewalks, a shade coverage target for pedestrian routes connecting public spaces, and by routes of 30% coverage as measured developing the Denton Chill Streets program. during the hottest times of the day. Chill Streets should aim for 40% or more shade coverage at the hottest times of the day from tree canopy or awnings. Engineered shade features such as awnings may have a higher percent coverage depending on how the feature is installed. 28 DESlIGN IDOW X70W X DEX70X University Dr d North Pecan Creek------------ �❑ 1 pp Z MAP LEGEND �I '4 A Chill Streets G o ,.., Pedestrian Priority Routes 1 pPedestrian Priority Routes (D 6 ? N Pedestrian Priority Areas n ' co K 8 New Crosswalks �, J ` cr e• i a D , � A Linden Dr ill M N o ' A V ova O0 E H c Broadway St ° w u A (�,g Yam,,, ---------------- -------------- o �� rV --- V J - O Panhandle St L Egan St I U Congress St \a r w c Parkway St .) d ' r , j� • rr i I LL -- cKinney St - l Greg St ❑ — ' W Oak St 4 L E Oak St ; W Hickory St E Hickory St 14 Mulberry St E Sycamore St u Chestnut St i � � - •_ _ • E Prairie St Prairie St Pecan 4 - Highland St — , ------ - Fred Moore ,PC L Park A Maple St Eagle Dr Mill St O � ' �dsO IDEWCA [DOWN70WN DEN70X 29 Proposed Actions W Develop a Denton Chill Streets Program: j • Undergo a geographically located tree K inventory for Downtown. j • Set the parameters of what defines a Chill N Street in Denton, and identify and designate o streets as Chill Street. ACreate standards for Chill Streets that can A be applied to public and private properties ^� cr and include strategies such as: � Broad-leaf trees along sidewalks, _1 7 Prioritize broad-leaf trees. • Vegetation beds and/or green stormwater infrastructure, ' °� • Awnings in areas that do not have tree wells and vegetation beds, • Light, reflective paving materials, Shaded benches, seating areas and bike racks, and bus stops. • Wayfinding that directs people to parks, cooling stations,water fountains, and water features • New pedestrian crosswalks • Expand the Downtown Design Guidelines (refer to recommendation 3D:Public Realm Design Guidelines and Zoning Where space is available, include green stormwater features. Recommendations)to include strategies for keeping pedestrian priority areas and routes cool and comfortable in the heat of the summer. A • Create a streamlined process for the permitting of development features that -; contribute to additional shade coverage or public realm cooling design. • Focus Chill Street improvements along t Hickory Street, Sycamore Street, Elm Street, Locust Street, Oakland Street, Exposition Street, and within Quakertown Park. a_ • Coordinate with DCTA to define specific bus stop design standards specific to identified The City should incentivize awnings and tree canopy coverage to Chill Streets. create a comfortable experience. 30 DES11GIN DMIN17O N DEN70N Develop tree planting and maintenance program with local organization(s)to — _ promote planting trees on private property A — T What is a Pedestrian Priority K j District? The Pedestrian Priority District is the area of Downtown where streets will cn prioritize pedestrian comfort, even in T areas where the available right-of-way requires trade-offs between modes. CO) V a Prioritize lighter color concrete or paving where possible. A Create a Pedestrian Priority District: • Use the Square as a core, defining the boundaries as Oakland Street and McKinney Street(north), Prairie Street (south), Bell Avenue (east), and Carroll Boulevard (west), and extending south _ — - to support new development in the zone suggested in recommendation 3A. • Follow the design guidelines in recommendation 3D. Develop and Improve Pedestrian Priority Routes (See map on page 29): �. Follow the design guidelines in recommendation 3D to create Pedestrian Prioritize locating benches in shaded areas and around green Priority Routes: space. • Between the universities and the square, • Between parks and public spaces, • Between City cooling stations, • To the Downtown Denton Transit Center (DDTC), and • To regional park trails. Upgrade pedestrian infrastructure, ? !� including crosswalks, along Hickory Street, Sycamore Street, Elm Street, Locust Street, Oakland Street, Exposition Street, Prairie Street, Oak Street,Austin Street, sections of Carroll Boulevard and within Quakertown Prioritize connecting and communicating about hydrating stations. Park. DESIGN DAWN401i N DEN70N 31 r Z a h Broad-leaf Trees Building Awning (in background) Shaded Bike Lane Light Concrete or Paving Materials - �-� Raised Bike Lane �"`* .�r•'"R r i' Native Plant Beds r 32 ICI ; N IDOWX l 0Wl i t EN7?•.1 1 q1jIWITW_p4W 10 PF.L r S , AN Ot 7. 'Ir iFi, t i y Elm Tree 1 Shaded Seating ice\ 4 Silva Cells or Structural Soils I �% Shaded Sidewalk •a M W Improve Bike Connections •oe Building out protected bike infrastructure will further enhance Denton's mobility networks 1C Priorities Served to improve safety and accessibility for those who ride bikes. Recent projects in Denton have co created pieces to a network, but a more cohesive ,y Bike&Pedestrian m and connected set of routes with further BP1 m C* investment and planning can better separate bicyclists from cars - an important next step in C2,C4 Traffic&Transit nn encouraging biking in the Downtown area. Safe TT1,TT2,TT3 biking connections will create a more inclusive environment for all modes of transportation, as well as for the range of skills and experiences See the community priorities on page 18 for more information. people have with biking in Denton. Case for Action Downtown Denton has made recent progress Extend the curbs along this network so put bike to ace h s towards creating a bike network, most recently that there is enough p P through the Mobility Plan,which has identified infrastructure behind it, taking cyclists out areas of need for new bicycle infrastructure of the street and further separating cyclists throughout the City. While projects like the E from car traffic. Hickory Street bike lane have been completed, Develop Expanded Protected Bike Network many gaps in the network remain, and there is a disparity between the existing bike Update the Mobility Plan to recommend construction of a larger network of protected infrastructure and the safe and comfortable bike infrastructure needed to encourage riding and behind-the-curb bike lanes that allows a bike for all levels of riders. Destinations such bicyclists to reach major destinations like as Downtown Denton Transit Center(DDTC), DDTC and the DCTA Rail-Trail, as well as University of North Texas (UNT),Texas Woman's University Drive,with minimal exposure to University(TWU), and Quakertown Park are car traffic. close to Downtown, but the route between them Update Denton Development Code (DDC) is not always comfortable. and Criteria Manual to only implement sharrows* and non-protective infrastructure Proposed Actions where there is not ROW available for Build Behind-the-Curb Priority Network protected bicycle infrastructure. Prioritize • Focus City funding and construction efforts safety and quality of important routes over to prioritize bike lanes that connect to UNT, quantity of less protected infrastructure. Denton Square,TWU, and Quakertown Park. *road markings showing a biker with two arrows above it used to indicate a shared lane environment for bicycles and automobiles 34 DIEYGN DOW N70W N DIEN70N University Dr - Ga D F1 pw- � 1 - - i North Pecan Creek------------- p•p Z 1 to MAP LEGEND IL :........e K 1- c7(_� - Priority Bicycle Routes ......""••.,, ■ ■ ■ ■ Extended Bicycle Routes 11 + C`�Ar . ram❑ � � ��1 N 1 - Pedestrian Priority Areas _ s •� N ----------- Linden Or Broadway St r > £ 3 f6 o I _ W t) �` --1 C -__ -------------� Panhandle St � ` Egan St j v t j • j:IL J anuosin-Gengress-St nnnn.nnu. .....nn..6 vote.....evil...I........Q........»....unuu.u.. • ••• Parkway St}....• ' -i n •....n n.Ismail., y , Priority Bicycle • �. LL -� McKinney St f ---- Greg St - 1 F Oak St .......'.E Oak St t 1 E W Hickory St P E Hickory St So Mulberry St Sycamore St F: E Sycamore St T; Chestnut St i "����•������������������ E Prairie St Prairie St �T a tn a m Pecan 4 _----- Highland St ---- - .- lJ.l J - �� ,. ' Fred Moore Park•, Maple St Eagle Dr Mill St , DEWCA DOWN70WN DEI1 70N 3 a I D CP Improve Transit K A transportation system that improves si CP connectivity across all modes of transportation 1D Priorities Served improves accessibility for all of Denton's residents and visitors. While the Denton County CO Transportation Authority's (DCTA) GoZone and transit stops provide public transportation to C* Downtown Denton, its services and its stop Traffic&Transit (A TT1 'rt designs can be barriers to ridership. With n changes to bus stop amenity considerations, routing, frequency, and scheduling service design, the rider experience can be improved, providing more opportunities for new riders, and See the community priorities on page 18 for more information. increasing the ability for people to move around Denton and across DCTA's expansive network. Case for Action Proposed Actions � Downtown Denton should work together Downtown Denton is itself a key destination with DCTA to improve or include bus stop within Denton that should be accessible by amenities such as lighting, seating, and modes other than driving. Most bus stops in the shade within Downtown to make transit Downtown area lack basic amenities to provide service a safer and more comfortable those waiting with a place to sit or shade from experience. Enhancing bus stops at high the sun. Currently, Denton Connect bus routes ridership locations with the inclusion of real- lack stops in key residential locations that time scheduling information can help transit make walking to the nearest bus stop infeasible riders know when the next bus is coming. for many Dentonites,while limited routing schedules make it difficult to enjoy Denton's The City should partner with the DCTA night life car-free. While DCTA is currently on increasing the frequency of buses, making adjustments to increase frequencies expanding hours of operation, and adjusting and add stops to the Denton Connect routes routes to improve connections between by Fall 2024, continuing to improve the transit Downtown and key destinations throughout network in Denton,which will provide access the City. DCTA should continue to evaluate to Downtown Denton for those who cannot or the GoZone on-demand service to improve choose to not drive. service delivery and ensure the GoZone is complementary to the Denton Connect fixed-routes bus service. 36 DES11GIN DOW N70W N DEN70N W — - N co ^V A A DCTA Transit Bus Source:2005-2024 Community Impact Newspaper Co. Build Out Bus Stops Enhance Transit Service • The City and DCTA should update bus stop DCTA and the City should continue to seek design standards to ensure all stops have an regular public feedback regarding transit element of shade,whether from street trees, service frequencies and service delivery to adjacent buildings, or a dedicated shelter. understand the ongoing health of the transit • DCTA should consider updating bus stop network. design standards to ensure bus stop DCTA should continue to prioritize increased amenities are sensitive to the surrounding frequencies and expanded service hours for land use, neighborhood, and street context. existing and future routes into Downtown. Downtown bus stops could benefit from DCTA and the City should continue to work amenities such as benches, lighting,trash together to identify areas for GoZone service cans, real-time scheduling information, delivery in Downtown to enhance the overall bicycle racks, and maps or other wayfinding transit network.They should continue to information. evaluate the GoZone on-demand service • The City and DCTA should coordinate on bus origin and destinations to identify potential stop locations to ensure that all bus stops fixed-route service adjustments and new are accessible to all by connecting them routes. to the greater pedestrian network using Review the current Mobility plans to crosswalks, sidewalks, and curb ramps. ensure that the Downtown Denton Transit • DCTA should consider enhancements to the Center(DDTC) serves as a transit hub for DDTC to better meet the needs of pedestrian Downtown Denton by including it as a key and bicyclists. point along Denton's bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure networks. DESIGN DO1i N701i N DEN70N 37 u ild N tw rh n.,. f Impr v ,, d Pulblil* c SP c s Ali a �_. - + "�'-,, -�,•f'c+ ;�' ter,-� '`�:�:�:: "� .., d ._ ..... —�� __ _ — - �— '=tom"' Z-%�•f� Build a Network of Improved Public Spaces Why is this important? • Enhancing parks and public spaces will elevate both the quality of life and economic vitality of Downtown Denton. ' Activating vacant lots and utilizing alleys and underutilized streets will not only improve pedestrian safety but also make Downtown more attractive to residents and businesses alike, bolstering economic growth. New and improved parks will provide central gathering places for residents, boosting community cohesion and serving as a catalyst for development while enriching the cultural landscape, fostering creativity, attracting visitors, and enhancing the overall vibrancy of Downtown Denton. What are we attempting to accomplish? Enhanced Fostering Featuring Public Spaces Development Denton Hist t Yr, S d •4 � I Create vibrant gathering areas Leverage improvements in Prioritize the preservation and to enrich the overall urban public spaces to stimulate unearthing of Denton's rich experience. economic activity. heritage and cultural identity. Photo Source:Discover Denton Photo Source:Mend Collaborative Photo Source:Mend Collaborative IDES11GIN [DOWN79WN IDEN70N 39 Quakertown Park Mastoo-v Plan • At 32 acres, the vast greenspace that is Quakertown Park is a distinctive and unique Arts&Entertainment component of Downtown Denton. Historically AE2,AE3,AE4,AE5 • a Freedmen's Town before being converted to Bike&Pedestrian • a city park and later containing O'Neil Ford- BP1 designed civic structures and landscapes, C2,C4 • Quakertown Park holds layers of history and Parks&Public Spaces story within its pastoral landscape. Today, the PS1, PS2, PS3,PS5 park is host to a variety of community events, RC2, RC4, RC5 civic spaces, and day-to-day activities, which this plan intends to continue to support. This S2,S3 plan aims to reveal and provide education and See the community priorities on memorialization of the park's history while Page 18 for more information. TT1,TT2,TT3 envisioning the next generation of park services. thers = This plan for Quakertown Park addresses four - c�5t5t d`' �i key goals: �o • Recognize the Past - � • Reestablish Natural Waterways • Reconnect to Downtown* 6 • and Reflect Downtown Today _---- By realizing these goals through implementable actions outlined in this plan, a vision for park / improvements, connections, and storytelling can be achieved. — — — Quakertown Park boundary *See Recommendation 18 for larger context of pedestrian routes Roadways and chill streets that connect with Quakertown Park. c r --.- Quakertown Park is a pastoral landscape that is a unique feature of Downtown Denton. Image credit Mend Collaborative. 40 DIEYGN DOW X70W X OIEX70X Recognizing the Past: A Position of their decision to settle in Denton. Constructed in Understanding 1878,the Denton Colored School, later renamed Recognizing the past involves telling full the Frederick Douglass School, occupied the histories and acknowledging injustices.To make corner of Terry and Holt avenues (near the a case for action and outline proposed actions, present-day Denton Senior Center).Although it telling the documented and oral history that we was a segregated school that received second- • know so far of Quakertown Park is necessary to hand supplies from the Whites-only schools set a frame of reference. in the district, Frederick Douglass provided important educational access to Black children What is now known as Quakertown Park was in Quaker. historically home to the freedmen's town of Quaker. Established by freed Black people in Quaker continued to grow throughout the late the 1870s, Quaker quickly became a thriving nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. In community with homes, businesses, churches, addition to the school, Quaker was home to and a school. In the face of adversity and commercial shops and restaurants, lodges for segregation, Quaker grew into a vibrant, self- men's and women's social organizations, and reliant town within a town,with residents several churches. Residents included Dr. E. building a strong community that supported D. Moten,the first Black physician in Denton; each other through mutual aid and cooperation. Henry C. Bell, an early principal of the Frederick Douglass School; Ford Crawford,who owned Beginning in the 1870s, groups of families a grocery store; Bert Crawford,who owned a � arrived in Denton as part of the wave of freed mortuary;Anthony Goodall,who owned a cafe; Black people relocating to urban areas after and Henry Taylor, a gardener and landscaper the full abolition of slavery in 1865. Like many whose park-like yard contained rare and notable freed Black people in the Reconstruction era, white lilacs. they prized education and its potential to create a better future for their children.The City's promise to construct a dedicated free public school for Black children played a major role in Masonic Lodge.Image Source:Denton County Office of Ford Crawford store. Image Source:Denton County Office of History&Culture History&Culture DESIGN DAWN40WN DEN70N 41 l 7 Members of the House of Ruth,a women's organization, Residents Joe and Alice Skinner shortly after their marriage in photographed circa 1910. Image Source:Denton County Office of 1913.Image Source:Denton County Office of History&Culture History&Culture In the 1910s,White city leaders began their property outright or have the city move discussing the forced removal of residents their houses and other buildings close to the from Quaker.The College of Industrial Arts new school in southeast Denton. (present-day Texas Woman's University)to the The decision to displace Quaker sparked north of Quaker saw their proximity to the Black anger and resistance from its residents. community as an obstacle to expansion and Black leaders protested the forced removal initiated the movement for displacement.White of Quaker, arguing that it was an act of racial business leaders, civic organizations, and City discrimination and a violation of property officials joined in support and began promoting rights. Quaker resident Will Hill filed a lawsuit the idea of replacing Quaker with the City's against the city, but eventually dropped the first public park, disguising racist motivations suit out of fear for his family's safety. Quaker behind Progressive-era improvements. residents were threatened if they tried to resist After the Frederick Douglass School displacement or tried to move into established mysteriously burned down in 1913,the City built White neighborhoods, and most ultimately had a new school three years later in the southeast little choice but to leave their Quaker property part of Denton, a less than desirable area and move to southeast Denton or leave the city located over a mile away from Quaker and well altogether. away from the city center. In 1921,the City voted By 1923, approximately sixty Quaker families to approve a bond issue to purchase the land had been displaced and over seventy buildings, occupied by Quaker and turn it into a park. including homes, churches, and businesses, Quaker residents were given the option to sell had been moved or demolished.What had been a robust town became vacant land. 42 DESIGN DOWN70WIN DEN70N ■ While White city leaders promoted the creation In the 1960s,the City hired famed Texas of a city park as justification for the removal of architect, O'Neil Ford,to design a master plan Quaker,the area remained largely vacant for for the park,which would later become Civic decades.The Denton Women's Club, one of the Center Park.As part of the park, Ford designed early supporters of a city park, constructed a a swimming pool with a sunbathing bank built building along the east side of Oakland Street in into the landscape,the present City Hall with • 1928, and the City constructed the Emily Fowler a front landscaped courtyard,the Civic Center, Public Library to the south of the Women's Club and an addition to the library. In the late 1970s, •. in 1949. the Denton Senior Center was constructed in the park, designed to mimic Ford's original building designs. azs :v WIT RS a — - I I —i - _ _� • •� .iiG v ,� .e „7 HE X ��.s r eat WIYHfafiS • •t:S_CC_�:R49C , ( 8 S >; i = G a CM '1Cl w Y *011 u � a W W m Y P w R ro' MOLT uu�� CG77 • u u FloC/TY OF DENTON v� - oil �f 212 `I .(n. J � it •���.r n..n !'ILJI' 9 G 4-nii ij 4f KINNEV .Y -- .. '= E kmnhy 6 A; :.� Image source: 1927 Sanborn map,Library of Congress Image source: 1949 Sanborn map,ProOuest DESIGN DAWN40WN DEN70N 43 l� In 2006,the park was renamed Quakertown The Case for Action Park in recognition of its history. City of Denton The destruction of Quaker has had a Landmark Markers,Texas Historical Markers, lasting impact on its residents and their and informational wayside signs have been descendants. It not only resulted in a loss of installed, a start to documenting the history of homes and businesses, but also disrupted Quaker and its residents. the establishment of generational wealth The City of Denton has designated several and shattered a close-knit community that local landmarks within the park, including a had endured decades of segregation and Quakertown marker,the Denton Women's Club discrimination. Furthermore,this history and building, and the O'Neil Ford Civic Complex, its impactwas largely untold for decades.While which encompasses the full boundary of the recognition has begun within the city and its park as well as the Ford-designed buildings institutions, additional action is needed. within the park. Note:The removal of the senior center and the pool at Quakertown Park reflects previous planning efforts and any final decisions will be made in the context of future public engagement associated with the design of the park. If these facilities are removed from the Quakertown location,the program will be replaced elsewhere in the Denton Parks and Recreation system. jo .jo _ 1 ' _ I 1 Circa 7 965 Master Plan,designed by O'Neil Ford. Image Source:Denton County Office of History&Culture 44 DESIGN D0WN70WN DEN70N Overall Concept Plan for Quakertown Park Parking 0 Existing Civic Center Loading 0 Event Staging Parking(see action 2A.20) Withers St. 0 Public Parking Lot(see action 2A.20) 0 Reconfigured Library Parking(see action 2A.19) Supporting Structures • 0 Event/Convention Building with Underground Parking ° (see action 2A.31) 0 Mixed Use Hotel/Retail wrap around Public Parking Structure 031 (see action 2A.17,2A.20,-4.21) ' 2 0 Retail and Restaurant Hub with Plaza(see action 2A.17,2A.9, •' 2A.21,2A.29,2A.30) 0 City Hall Expansion with Underground Parking a . (see action 21. 2A.20, .25) 0 Park Support and Public Restroom Building(see action 2A.9) 0 Park Cafe/Beer Garden and Bike Rental Buildin women g Club (see action 2A.22) f Outdoor Civic Event Space 0 Park Entry Plaza(see action 2A.17,2A.22,2A.30) 0 Historic Bridge Plaza(see action 2A.22, 2A.26,2A.29,2A.3o) ® Civic Center Event Plaza(see action o• ' '° 2A.22,2A.26,2A.30) V �/ 0 Existing Nook at the Library )rary Historical Monument O 0 Quaker Historical Monument (see action 2A.1) Creek 49 Quaker History Walk(see action 2A.4) Gvic m Quaker Terry Avenue Monument Center Walk(see action 2A.4) 0 Quaker White Lilac Monument ` m trill Garden(see action 2A.5,2A.6, - 2A.11) m Quaker Remembrance Monument (see action 2A.2,2A.3) Play ` z m Playground ��. ® Exploratory Nature Play Area ' Flexible Lawn Space E. McKinney t 0 Welcome Lawn(see action 2A.27) �� v 0 Main Amphitheater Lawn(see action 2A.23,2A.27) n 0 Community Event Lawn(see action Connections 0 E McKinney Raised Park Crossing (see action 2A.17,2A.18) " t E. Oa = 0 Treetop Raised Boardwalk(see ��' it, m action 2A.28) �r .•,• a -&.aa, I North Scale 1"=300'0" 0 New Wide Bridge(see action 2 ) Nature and CommunitySpace p ace Proposed Tree 0 New Pecan Creek Trail(see action 0 Wetland Garden(see action 2A.11,2A.12,2A.16) • 2A.28) Existing Tree m Exploratory Creek Crossing(see action 2A.14) 0 Widened Crossing at Historic Bridge Q Proposed Building (see action 2A.28) 0 Creekside Seat Walls(see action 2A.14,2A.29) 0 Widened Pedestrian Park Entrance 0 New Western Park Entrance and Denton Writers Walk(see 0 Existing Building (see action 2A.22) action 2A.19, 4.26) ® Land Bridge over Pecan Creek(see 0 Naturalized Creek Edge(see action 2A.10,2A.11,2A.14,2A.15) action 2A.28) m Amphitheater Grove(see action 2A.11) ® Pedestrian Park Entrance with Park Gateway(see action 2A.28) 0 Interactive Water Sculpture and Sunbathing Hillside (see action 2A.8,2A.24) m Stepped Creek Edge-Temporary Creek Pooling Area (see action 2A.10,2A.14,2A•15) 0 Main Amphitheater DESIGN DOWN40WN DEN70N 45 Alternate Concept Plan for Quakertown Park Library o� o d St. Oak�an U •�� pecan Creek • City Hall • O c coney t. '# o L Oak St. aaya �� �� ,���:i_: i� �• �, 1 North Scale 1"=300'-0" 0 Secondary Raised Pedestrian Crossing O Proposed Tree 0 City Hall Event Lawn Existing Tree 0 City Hall Event Plaza 0 Proposed Building 0 Reconfigured Civic Center Parking Lot Existing Building 0 Pedestrian Pathwaywithin Parking Lot In the event that the full vision for Quakertown the lawn and City Hall's Courtyard, providing Park as visioned on the previous page isn't able a space for vendors to set up and people to to be realized on the southern end of the park rest under the shade of the courtyard's mature with the addition of a City Hall expansion and canopy.A small community orchard provides a new Event/ Convention building, an alternate, buffer from the adjacent property and a fun way less development-intensive option is provided for people to engage with the landscape. above. The Civic Center's parking lot can be In this alternate option,the lawn in front of the significantly reconfigured to provide for more existing City Hall is formalized into an event green planting areas and a buffered pedestrian lawn where stages can be set up for concert route through the lot. events.A small public plaza is added between 46 DESIGN DOWN70WIM DEN70N Event Set Lip Plan for Quakertown Park Quakertown Park is host to may of the City's most exciting and well-attended events. It is important that any new improvements in the park provide for stage/performance • space, as well as for vendor space.This ' event set up diagram illustrates areas that have been identified in the concept plan where these activities can occur on event f • days. The alternate concept plan on the previous • page provides for additional events ace. pg p p r 0 ! �I T North Scale 1"=300'-0" Open Lawn for Stage or Performance Vendor Space DESIGN DOW N70WN DEN70N 47 Quakertown Park I As a beloved and historic space in Denton,Quakertown Park is a busy space. The concept presented in this report builds on I y' - K '^ O • • • • • • •. • fie_. EL i I a day-to-day basis,considers revenue generation,restores natural waterways and creates a more (D0, - intentional human connection to nature,and importantly p. 0 _ history of Quaker. (D � a �'.: to— dim , Alp Land Bridge M!MM.,_r _`� v New Park Bridge /Aair Amphitheater Park Support Building r �♦ ^` Main Amphitheater Lawr Park Cafe+ Beer Garden y " Y -• Park Bi Public Restrooms r� r Playground Public Plaza Interactive Water Sculpture , - - bl ^Il iDOWIl70 ,/II [D III II "\ 47- Morrison's Corn Kits Mill aw '� _ ` '�' Wells Fargo Tower .o Q+ Civic Cent m Treetop Walk City Hall Playground Wetland Garden Nature Play Area Emily Fowler Library •� c _ �- .Interpretive Bridge Crossing Public Plaza Quakertown Rememberance Monumeno, � • ��_ � v 1. Woman's Club Historic Bridge ke Rentals Terry Avenue Monument Walk Interpretive Lilac Garden C kk- Creekside Seating " Quakertown Monuments ICI : ^II I� .! ,illy '�Il UI III III . . i Proposed Actions Park Design Actions: The history of Quaker is both a testament to the The park should contain multiple resilience of Quaker residents and a reminder monuments to represent the history of of the systemic racism Black communities Quaker throughout the entirety of the park. continue to face today.This history should > � Monuments throughout the be well-represented in the future plans for park can vary in size and impact, but ones • Quakertown Park to encourage reflection on closer to the park edges should be highly the past and help inform a more equitable visible from outside of the park to draw future. Representation of this history should visitors in. For example, size and/or lighting be designed in close collaboration with the could be used to create visual impact and Black community of Denton, especially the draw people in. descendants of Quaker residents. » The Frederick Douglass School The following recommendations reflect was an important catalyst for the comments from a series of listening sessions establishment of Quaker and should be and discussions with the Black community and commemorated with a monument. descendants of Quaker residents held in the >> � Names of the Quaker spring of 2024. Recommendations demarcated residents who were displaced should be with a numerical label can be directly cross- commemorated in a monument.Additional � referenced with the Overall Concept Plan for research may be necessary to ensure all Quakertown Park on page 35 and example displaced residents are included. images. >> � Physical locations of at least some buildings, including churches, stores, and residences, should be commemorated Intermediary Actions Prior to the Start of along the 'Terry Avenue"walk.This could be Construction of Park Improvements: through markers/signage and/orthrough The City should establish plans, procedures, and physical representations of buildings. funding for future archaeological investigations >> Consider how monuments will interact with in sensitive areas likely to experience ground the current use of the park. For example, disturbance in future redevelopment work.Test monuments installed flush with the holes and/or remote sensing, such as ground ground may not be practical, especially penetrating radar, could be utilized to inform during events with hundreds of visitors future planning. walking and park vehicles driving across Additionally,the City should encourage and the grounds. facilitate further oral history interviews with The park should contain informational Quaker descendents.These oral histories should signage throughout that tells an accurate, be recorded,transcribed, indexed, and placed authentic story of Quakertown. in a public repository at UNT,TWU, or the Baylor Institute for Oral History. Descendents of Quaker have also expressed desire for the City to identify a permanent interior space for an exhibit on Quaker.The City should begin identifying where an existing building can support this, or if a new space should be created. 50 DESIGN DAW N70W N DEN70N • Landscaping should be utilized to reflect the history of Quaker. » White lilacs should be incorporated as a design motif to commemorate Quaker resident Henry Taylor's garden. ••■•■r,� 4" • » � Landscaping should incorporate native or adapted plants that bloom in �� goal •■ all seasons to represent the perpetually 1•� iiiiijand resilient Quaker community. _ » A healing or tranquility garden _ should be incorporated to provide visitors • with a place to reflect and rejuvenate. • The City should establish dedicated funding for ongoing maintenance of monuments and markers/signage. :. • The City should consider creating a — permanent exhibit within a new or existing — -- building to display artifacts and documents, play oral histories, and show the future Quaker documentary.The proposed new The Smokey Hollow commemoration "spirit houses"in Cascades civic structures in the park could contain a Park in Tallahassee,FL and the ghost houses at Franklin Court permanent exhibit while providing space for in Philadelphia are examples of how buildings can be physically represented.Image sources:Architect Magazine,National Park rotating exhibits. Service 1 1 URAI 1 1. y WbN ET r' r rw. j rr" ;ry •sr I< R •..IN1WAU1 .EUEr ILA MATw` ME ! i: � , 1 IL KT- t. IN THE WCMX' n _ _ r �7 1' •1: ROC 873 mOI MOW - 1 I+1 r Z Memorial Art Gallery of the University of Rochester- 'Argentum: Interpretive signage with etched glass/plexi panels can be used Double-Positive"Image by J.Adam Fenster to reference the historic built landscape.Image source:National Park Service DESIGN DAWN40WN DEN70N 51 Historic Preservation Actions related to Programming Actions: Development Opportunities: 0 Create an annual event that commemorates • = Revise and clarify the local Quaker, similar to the Tulsa Black Wall Street landmark designation of Quakertown Park to Legacy Festival. limit it to the O'Neil Ford-designed buildings . Create guided and self-guided tours that • and landscape features that remain intact: tell the history of Quaker. Creating and City Hall &courtyard leading tours could be an opportunity for Civic Center partnership between the City of Denton and • » Sunbathing Hillside at the current Civic the Denton County Office of History and Center Pool Culture. Emily Fowler Library General shape of the creek Initiate an Artist-In-Residence program that works with the City, specifically • • • Generate design guidelines for new within Quakertown Park and throughout construction in the park that protectthe Downtown on installations regarding the historic character. New construction should: commemoration of Quaker.The Artist- » Be compatible in materials and massing to In-Residence will advise on major City the historic buildings initiatives, lead their own artistic and i » Avoid touching the historic buildings or, curatorial projects, and have dedicated if necessary, use a visually lightweight workspace within a space in or near hyphen to connect to the historic building Quakertown Park.This program will work to Retain the City Hall courtyard fulfill artistic story-telling about Quaker until Retain viewsheds of the primary elevations and beyond the realization of permanent of the buildings artistic monuments are realized. • Require archeological monitoring for any new construction that will lead to ground disturbance in areas suspected to have _ Quaker-era or Native American below ground resources. • • Remove excess concrete and 4 re-naturalize the creek to align with the original O'Neil Ford design for the park, which followed the natural contours of the creek bed and took advantage of existing topography for vistas and pathways. The 2024 Black Wall Street Legacy Festival in Tulsa, OK is a "series of free events and programs in May commemorating the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. The event is led by survivors and descendants, with the intent of sharing truth,inspiring hope,and extending tradition": Image and Quote Source:The Black Wall Street Times 52 DESIGN DOWN70WIN DEN70N ■ Reestablishing Natural Systems: The In a similar capacity, natural creek edges offer Case for Action ecological and aesthetic benefits that concrete Overtime,the natural systems in Quakertown creek edges do not.The organic shape and Park have been neatly hemmed into a tidy, diverse vegetation of natural creek edges well-manicured, and efficient park landscape. provide vital habitat for many plant and animal Unfortunately,the landscape of the park species, fostering biodiversity and supporting • today is a departure from sustainable land local ecosystems. In contrast, concrete creek management practices, and reduces the edges increase water temperatures, accelerate •. already fragmented natural habitats of many water flow, hinder the movement of wildlife, and beneficial plants and animals. do not support natural vegetation. Naturalized creek edges absorb excess water during heavy Expanses of tidy lawns, often perceived as rainfall, reducing the risk of flooding and • quintessential features of human-inhabited erosion, and help keep water cool. landscapes, carry significant ecological drawbacks.Their vast expanses disrupt natural Natural landscapes also contribute to the systems by displacing native vegetation, scenic beauty of parks and green spaces, reducing biodiversity, and altering soil enhance recreational opportunities, and composition.Traditional lawn care practices, promote community well-being. By restoring such as frequent mowing and fertilization, natural spaces in Quakertown Park,we can contribute to environmental degradation by safeguard ecological integrity, mitigate flood polluting waterways and harming beneficial risks, encourage a deeper human connection insects and wildlife. Lawns also have no effect to nature, and enhance the overall resilience of in slowing water movement in large storms, and our landscapes.The Overall Concept Plan seeks can exacerbate accelerated stormwater flow. to "unhem" some of the edges of these systems, reestablishing a more natural function to the park's ecologies. Pow Non-natural creek edges lead to dangerous maintenance Large expanses of lawn have their place in event areas, routines on steep slopes and increased erosion.Image by Mend but there are many opportunities to introduce more natural Collaborative landscaping for visual interest and ecological health in the park. Image by Mend Collaborative DESIGN DAWN40WN DEN70N 53 Proposed Actions • Vegetation improvements in the park will increase flora and fauna diversity and contribute to an improved park experience for visitors: • Increase areas of natural vegetation " in the park with native plant beds of shrubs, perennials, and trees. • Implement Green Infrastructure strategies, such as rain gardens or bioswales, Clover lawns can function as traditional mown lawns but also in areas of the park where water frequently provide ecosystem services.Image from Outsidepride. • collects or swales toward the creek. • Create areas of native pollinator habitats in areas of the park that are less - actively used to support pollinators that have been observed in the park, such as butterflies, bees, and moths,with native plant beds and pollinator lawns.These areas could occur on the grounds within the park, or on green roof installations on buildings Natural plant beds can frame spaces and enhance the beauty of within the park. the park. Image from Frank+Grossman Contractors. Naturalizing the creek edges in strategic locations will contribute to improved water quality, assist in mitigating extensive flooding events, and provide scenic areas for people to '- gather and explore: • Remove the concrete channel within the central portions of the park and restore the ' creek edges in both branches of Pecan Creek with a variety Of strategies: Areas of seating outcropping from a naturalized creek edge Gabion baskets or stepped edges allow people to connect to nature. Image of Park"Taubenloch"by can provide ways for people to sit along the Uniola. creek edge and relax along a more natural shore. ,4 �►i • Reduced slope and naturalized 'p s planted will provide habitat for flora and fauna, and can provide critical breeding habitat for water species. • ' Slow down stormwater and treat it where it falls by building rain gardens or naturalized channels where water naturally Naturalized creeks provide areas of habitat and increased rests or flows through the park toward Pecan ecological function and visual interest.Image of La Rosa Creek. Reserve Stream Daylighting by Boffa Miskell. 54 DESIGN IDOWN70 DIPIM DEN70N ■ Reconnect to Downtown: The Case for Proposed Actions Action 4M Create an intentional park entrance Today's connection to the core of Downtown for travelers using the East McKinney Denton from Quakertown Park is difficult to and Oak Street corridors. Create a raised, navigate,with unclear access routes into the expansive crossing for pedestrians and • park, safe routes along accessible sidewalks, bicyclists over East McKinney Streetjust and a visual barrier to the park due to large east of Oakland Street, stretching the park expanses of unprogrammed lawn space and over McKinney to create an intentional, parking lots. Close to 50% of the park edges welcoming entrance to the park on the • are drive entrances or parking lots. Quakertown southern edge. Park is a respite in the City, a place to cool down, Implement improvements along • to engage in recreation, and to gather with streets connecting to the park from the community. For such an incredible resource Downtown core, allowing for safe and so close to Downtown, Quakertown Park is accessible routes for pedestrians and missing a "grand entrance"; a sense of arrival bicyclists to navigate between the two in a welcoming green space that some of the spaces. best parks provide. Due to the size of the park, there is opportunity to create various entrances • Create an intentional park entrance depending on the direction park visitors are for travelers coming from the Locust Street corridor by converting the parking lot behind traveling from or what their intended targeted use within the park is. the library into park space.This would create a welcoming and intentional entrance into For Quakertown Park to become a seamless the park from the west.The current library part of Downtown Denton, it needs to be parking would then need to be relocated reconnected at its edges and along main across Oakland Street to the vacant city- downtown arterials with safe and accessible owned lot at the corner of N Austin Street pedestrian routes, clear bike routes, and by and Oakland Street. repurposing parking areas for added park space. • ' • Reduce the amount of surface r street parking that occupies the edges of the park by removing areas of surface parking and creating structured parking across East M c Ki n n ey Street. w ju Aachen Station Square in Belgium. Image and design by HH+F Architekten Hentrup Heyes+Fuhrmann DESIGN DAWN40WN DEN70N 55 Reflect Downtown Today: The Case for Proposed Actions Action Creating development opportunities within the Quakertown Park has been a vital place for park and near the park will expand the vibrant community gathering, civic activities,festivals, commercial activity in Downtown through the and daily park use for decades. Updating park: • Quakertown Park's features and amenities for Extend Quakertown Park across • modern uses is crucial to ensure thatthis valued East McKinney Street, connecting the park public space remains relevant, accessible, and to a new development of commercial and enjoyable for the Denton community.As societal public spaces south of the park.This new needs evolve and urban landscapes change, development area should: parks must adaptto meetthe diverse demands » Establish a connection between park and of their users. Integrating contemporary downtown features such as sustainable landscaping, » Be a transition between downtown and accessible amenities, and customized facilities park(and vice versa)with commercial that better serve park users of today will not (restaurant/retail), permanent market only enhance the overall appeal of the park space for a farmer's market, and open but will also foster a sense of inclusivity and public spaces. well-being among park visitors.With the overall >> Feature a centralized public plaza within vision of the future of Downtown Denton � the new development area that creates proposed to enhance downtown into a vibrant, a visual connection to Quakertown Park dynamic place that enriches the quality of life for gathering, seating, landscaping,food for residents and visitors alike, Quakertown trucks, and water play. Park should be considered a key component of >> Provide temporary programming, such as achieving that vision. food truck spaces, pop up splash pads, pop up vendor markets, or chalk events. Anchor the corner of Bell and McKinney with a mixed-use building with restaurants - or retail facing the park and wraps a parking structure for public parking. „ > Install temporary bollards to close East McKinney for special events, such as the Arts and Jazz Festival. • Build buildings and facilities within the park to support cafes, bike rentals, and pop-up or food truck spaces to activate — different areas of the park and create commercial activity in unique spaces. • Create a policy to prioritize or incentivize Ithaca Commons is a pedestrian-friendly linear plaza flanked programs and opportunities for Black by restaurants and retail,flexing between vibrant day-time Dentonites to have primary access to activities and exciting evening and night-time programming. Image Credit Sasaki. commercial and/or incubator spaces within City-owned spaces at or near the park (intent to right historic damages where displacement removed generational wealth opportunities for this community). 56 DESIGN DOWN70WIN DEN70N Raised Pedestrian • Crossing - Commercial Building -_ -NI • Linear Pedestrian- � Only Plaza Wrap Mixed-Use with Rooftop Amenity Space r Commercial Building Structured Parking with Underground I_ Parkin �T 40 2 . ICI ; �I I I• .! �/I II� '�I I UI I II.!I I Many facilities in Quakertown Park have reached Design the park with the intention of a point in their lifespan where they either require accommodating for large events in a more significant facility updates, renovations, or new organized and intentional manner, including: facilities in order to meet modern uses and Creating more intentional spaces function properly.The Overall Concept Plan for performance areas and stages, including • recommends: a new main amphitheater and several open • Relocate the Senior Center lawn areas for temporary stages. elsewhere in Denton, creating a new state- . ; Updating circulation routes to • of-the-art facility for seniors and turning this alleviate congestion and make the park safer area of Quakertown Park back to green park for larger gatherings, including adding a space. third bridge over Pecan Creek near the Civic • Re-vision the Civic Pool to an Center and "exploratory" creek crossings interactive and artistic spray feature, play between City Hall and the Library and where area, and community sunning hill. the creek branches converge. • Expand City Hall to the south to ' Design seat walls throughout the provide much needed space for city staff in a park near areas where vendors will regularly modern facility while preserving the existing set up to provide concealed yet convenient O'Neil Ford building. places forvendors to hook up to power and Update the landscaping around the water for events. Civic Center and the Emily Fowler Central ' Adding open plaza spaces that can Library to provide more outdoor space for be easily occupied by vendors during events. activities and events at these facilities. These spaces should be paved in brick or concrete, have adequate space for vendor booths/tents and visitors, and provide utility hookups such as power.When not used for vending,these spaces can be occupied by ;�r�►��!' �� �rz, w cafe tables and chairs for use by park users. Build a new event or convention building adjacent to the Civic Center.This building should have underground parking to accommodate for its users, as well as Civic Center guests and general park users. The interactive and artistic fountain in Klyde Warren Park in Dallas excites kids with shooting jets,fantastic water shows,and provides a cooling and pleasing environment. Image Credit OTL. 58 DESSGIN D0WN70WN DEN70N J • I N yJ Ti -i4 l fir,... -�< +i{ • A�_ i;a j + NN' cT� w y .+ III Moore Square in Raleigh,NC was designed to allow for flexibility + - of spaces for different programming. There are permanent structures for vendors in the park, with plenty of park seating The Fayetteville Festival Park Performance Pavilion is a beautiful during casual park days,but also areas where these spaces sculptural piece of architecture when not in use,and provides can be converted to pop-up vending for events and festivals. a stunning experience for audiences while in use. Image credit Images from Moore Square Market and Landscape Architecture Clark Nexsen. Foundation. Concrete seat walls within the park landscape can be clever A new bridge like this one in Barnes Park,Sunderland, UK, will ways to provide park seating,but double as utility hook ups for alleviate heavy traffic in the park,increase safety during events, vendors during events. Image credit Architonic. and add touch of modern flare to the park. DEYGN DOWN70WN DEN70N 59 iiiiiiiii■ 3 Activate Vacant Lots Downtown Denton has several underutilized • or vacant lots.Activating these parcels offers Arts&Entertainment opportunities to enhance the public parks AE2,AE3,AE4,AE5 and open space network, combat extreme temperatures through additional greenspace, C1,C2 • Bike&Pedestrian and increase economic opportunity within BPI, BP3, BP5 Downtown through events. Initial low-cost Parks&Public Spaces improvements such as trees, planters, and PS1, Ps2, Psi, Ps4 benches will enhance comfort.As Denton grows, � RC3 strategic plans and guidelines for additional pocket park spaces should be created for public s2,s3 and private development. See the community priorities on ttic de Transit page 18 for more information. TT1 The Case for Action As Downtown is further developed,vacant and Other underutilized or private parcels around underutilized parcels should be identified to Downtown could become pocket parks build the parks and open space network and that offer public amenities and integrate support economic development goals.The public art to enhance the overall Downtown vacant lot on the Square has the potential environment.The proposed actions focus on to enhance the downtown public realm and the identified parcels (See map below) and offer connect the Square to other active areas considerations that can be applied to other Downtown such as Austin Street. properties around Downtown. This map shows existing and proposed open space and identifies vacant lots that could become temporary or permanent pocket parks,expanding the network of parks and open space Downtown and supporting economic development. — • i i i 118 N Locust Street (Lot on the Square) E J McKinney St © ri f LJ Q 206 E Oak Street © 179 E Hickory Street ESQ 1 , I E Oaf O321 E Hickory Street o Ll E Hickory St © ❑ — • 427 E McKinney Street E Sycamore St U� LU o . � C�l ..A �o _ 60 DIESlIGN DOW X70W X DEX70X BYA The vacant lot on the Square should be acquired and designed as a day- to-night community space,providing accessible ramps,pop-up vendor spaces,performance space,and clear views of the courthouse. ` I� P • Proposed Actions General Recommendations for Lot Activation: Activate the Lot on the Square: • Develop guidelines for pocket parks within This lot has been identified as a potential future Parks and Open Space plans. catalyst project for Downtown improvements, • Create a Lot Activation Policy to support integrating Chill Streets and Pedestrian Priority Routes in Recommendation 18. See pages 62 the temporary activation of privately- and = publicly-owned lots to enhance vacant space and 63 for the full vision. until they can be developed. • Purchase and develop the parcel as a multi- • Add trees for shade and/or planters to use public plaza. combat rising temperatures in summer. • Cater the space to support markets • Seek public input for amenities, considering and temporary events that will support benches,water fountains, pet waste stations, economic activity by integrating vendor restrooms,trash cans, etc. booths. • Work with the Public Arts Committee to • Extend the plaza across N Locust Street, identify opportunities for temporary or towards the courthouse,through a mid- permanent artworks. block, raised crosswalk. • Integrate developed branding and • Integrate a stage and terraced seating for wayfinding to distinguish public spaces, see events,working with existing grade changes Recommendation 4F. across the site. • Use this connection to develop an ADA- compliant pedestrian network east from the Square. • Create space for outdoor cafe seating and _ work with local restaurants and/or create opportunity to support food trucks or pop- up cafes. Extend design improvements along Austin Street, adding trees, bollards, and flexible Temporary planters, umbrellas,and cafe seating transform a event space to ensure cohesive activation. corner lot in Philadelphia,PA.Source:NACTO DESIGN DAWN40WN DEN70N 61 1 K - o _ Loll our (A , \vj 1.1 I' it - 1♦ ! ��+�^. i Plaza Views Frame the Courthouse Extende 1• Rooftop Cafe Extension s i 1149111j .- Patio Seating F _ _ Accessible Ramp MM Artistic Paving Austin Street Sidewalk Extended lei 11 le l ICI Call The Plaza on the Square The Plaza on the Square is an identified catalyst site to activate vacant lots Downtown(see Lot 1 identified on page 46.)This public space partners with local businesses and the City to offer flexible vendor booths,a performance stage,a gathering lawn,and a rooftop cafe that can be utilized • from day to night. The new plaza highlights views of the courthouse and offers safety features for pedestrians such as bollards and raised crossings. Other design features such as an ADA accessible • r ramp,murals,artistic pavers,and street trees create a fun,unique,and accessible space for the community to enjoy year-round. - Murals f - - UENTO ,: 3 s � DESIGN DOW N70W N DEN70N 63 Utilization of Alliey#, - Denton has several alleys that are underused or feel unsafe to walk through. Enhancing these Arts&Entertainment areas offers an opportunity to improve the AE2,AE3,AE4,AE5 perception of safety, beautify them and connect them to the Downtown pedestrian priority - C1,C2 district. To activate these alleys, improvements Bike&Pedestrian Y p BR, BP3, BP5 should focus on lighting, seating, paving and Parks&Public Spaces plantings to enhance comfort and create a PS1, PS2, PS3,PS4 sense of place for pedestrians and businesses. RC3 Initial, low-cost activations could include hosting events and adding lighting and art to S2,S3 the walls and pavement. See the community priorities on page 18 for more information. TT1 Case for Action .0 Alleys like Oakland Street and Beer Alley, with their connections to businesses and o entertainment, can be transformed to better W Z suit pedestrian mobility, promote safety and + provide summer shade.Throughout the plan, o ' efforts are being made to support enhanced U walkability and pedestrian facilities. Proposed alley improvements will create inviting corridors, Q Li offering convenient access from the Square W Oak St a �LA' and Quakertown Park to Hickory Street and off 77p� li!� - site parking. W Hickory St a OO IND� ` Cleaner, more vibrant streets will improve the 01.E M Q u perception of safety Downtown. These alleys t } can become active streets supporting Denton's W Sycamore St [ � arts culture and enhancing infrastructure. Enhancements like outdoor cafe seating, courtyards, plazas, overhead structures with shade, and private nooks will create small :' enjoyable spaces, and boost business visibility, helping them thrive. Mid-block through-alleys without connections to businesses, such as between Mulberry Street and Hickory Street east of Carroll Boulevard, can be improved through minor lighting, wayfinding and aesthetic improvements to improve safety and better integrate these Beer Alley - pathways into the pedestrian network. 64 DEYGN DOW N70W N DEN70N Proposed Actions • Establish partnerships with alley-adjacent property owners on maintenance, events, and -" closures. z= • Develop strategies to integrate operational needs of alleys including service and emergency vehicle access,trash and waste Lighting Gateway • disposal needs, and parking/vehicular access. Typical times for services outlined in the ;; 1+ • closure plan will also be posted on regulatory signs near alleys. ■ i T 3 • • When possible, reduce two-way vehicle access to one-way in order to prevent congestion, safety issues and potential damage to alley and mew features when vehicles pass one Events Plantings another. Design alleys to give priority to pedestrians and non-motorized vehicles, thereby ensuring vehicles operate at safe speeds f� r • Install removable/retractable bollards installed near entrances of alleys to alert _ vehicles to temporary closures. • Raise the alleys to curb height to remove Art Pavers distinction between pedestrian and driving space while making it easy for necessary • Overhead strand lighting can add vehicles to operate close to businesses. some attractive lighting to the space complementary to well-spaced pole- or wall- • Adding trees and plantings clearly identify mounted fixtures that illuminate the alley. alleys as pedestrian spaces by providing a human scale element that provides color and Wayfinding signage should be added at ends texture to the space.Trees in alley spaces of alleys to show distance and direction to should be placed in areas near seating to destinations at the opposite end integrated with Downtown branding. provide shade. • Integrate a variety of outdoor spaces within • Alleys should be immediately recognizable as the alleys including outdoor cafe seating, pedestrian environments at the entry point courtyards, plazas and private nooks. Seating with a gateway sign or structure and pavers should be accommodated along alley differentiating it as a primarily pedestrian corridors in the form of dispersed benches space. surrounded by planting or in plaza/courtyard • Activation Pilots: Install low-cost settings. Moveable chairs and tables should improvements to lighting and public art, and be considered where possible, as well as seat- host events to improve the perception of walls in public spaces. alleys. DESIGN DAWN40WN DEN70N 65 utilization of underutilized Streets Denton Square is an anchor for retail, • restaurants, and cultural venues, but some Arts&Entertainment streets surrounding the Square are quiet, AE2,AE3,AE4,AE5 primarily used for parking, utilities, and a few businesses. There is an opportunity to transform C1,C2 • these spaces, often called mews streets, to be BP Pedestrian more pedestrian-focused and develop a plan to Parks&Public Spaces use these streets for temporary events. Small Ps,, Ps2, Psi, PS4 improvements could be made to improve the RC3 pedestrian experience and begin to activate the space.As Downtown Denton grows, a S1,s2,s4 strategic plan should be developed to activate See the community priorities on underutilized streets as public spaces. Page 18 for more information. TT1 The Case for Action Streets like Pecan,Austin, Walnut, and Cedar are Mews Streets are public right-of-ways that prioritize located near most of the Downtown activity, but pedestrian and bicycle use,but accommodate vehicles in have few business entrances and lack the street small numbers and at low speeds for local access such as infrastructure to support pedestrian traffic. loading,services and deliveries,and on-street parking. There is an opportunity to beautify these mews streets, focusing on the pedestrian network experience, and safety, and suggest minor around the Square, and use these streets to improvements to infrastructure to support hold events.These proposed actions focus on these spaces for events.All improvements must improving the pedestrian experience along follow the Denton Square District Standards and mews streets through beautification, climate Guidelines. w McKinney St Activated Mews Q Pecan St {gyp � • �l r E Oak St CCU CiD E Hickory St in ° Walnut St This map identifies Cedar Street, Pecan Street,Austin Street,and Walnut Street as the TI F • recommended Activated Secondary Streets. The four streets of focus are located within . the Historic Denton Square District and the identified Pedestrian Priority District. 1 • 66 DIES C7N IDOW X70W X DEX70X Proposed Actions ` r • Consider reducing parking on the mews ` t streets by limiting parking to permit holders, such as local business owners or vendors during temporary events. • • Identify loading areas for business owners, _ _ • performers, event vendors, and delivery and maintenance vehicles. —z • Redesign Cedar Street and Austin Street to �' support events. Reduce the street width and �— make traffic one-way on Cedar and Austin. Paving details can create interest and distinguish space along • Collaborate with Downtown groups to streets.Source:Karavan,Landezine develop a plan for temporary street closures 'ref and schedules for programming. gal • Consider raising the street and/or adding ali; '►� chicanes, offset curb extensions,to calm traffic speeds. (See Illustration.)' • Add electrical outlets every 50 feet for I� vendors and performers in areas identified for special events. • Add retractable/removable bollards across the ends of streets identified for special events to protect visitors. Temporary street-wide installations.Source:Claude Cormier • Consider purchasing and stocking Landscape Architecture, Landezine temporary street elements such as water stations, portable restrooms, seating, and portable shade that can be added to make events more successful. • Add trees and plantings to provide necessary shade and improve the climate experience. • Install pedestrian-scale lighting to increase safety.This could be through typical light poles, street-wide string lighting, or through .� artistic lighting installations. • Work with the Public Art Committee to integrate public artworks throughout, considering murals,temporary installations, and small details like pavers and street Chicanes are offset curb extensions that reduce speeds and elements throughout the design process. increase public space along corridor.Source:NACTo DESIGN DAWN40WN DEN70N 67 Create a New Pasch in iuthescn Downtown By dedicating a large central open space as a • community park and incorporating a range of activities and amenities, the southern downtown Arts&Entertainment redevelopment area can become a vibrant and AEz,AE3,AE4 inclusive destination.Activating the park's � edges, repurposing historic buildings, ensuring C1 Parks&Public Spaces safe access, and creating a comfortable PS1,Ps Psi, Ps4 • microclimate will all contribute to a dynamic and welcoming urban park that serves the RC community year-round. S� The Case for Action See the community priorities on page 18 for more information. A centralized green space in Southern Downtown can serve as an anchor to catalyze • Establish a robust tree canopy over the park proposed development and economic to create a comfortable, shady microclimate opportunities. As the central hub of the proposed development area, this park can serve within the park. Prioritize planting large the community, host events, provide recreation shade trees that shade 40% of the park surface. and play opportunities, and foster community connections. Provide safe and accessible park entrances and crosswalks by installing signed or Proposed Actions signaled crosswalks at surrounding street Dedicate a large central open space in the new intersections, and reviewing existing ADA southern downtown redevelopment area as a compliance in the area. community park that achieves the following: • Provide a robust range of activities in the park to encourage all day,year round use such as an open lawn space, a hammock grove, a playground, an interactive water feature, a performance stage, an amphitheater(see bullet below), and a cafe. Hammock groves provide fun,comfortable seating options. • Activate the edges of the park by creating Source:James Corner Field Operations a performance stage area and shaded amphitheater to host events and concerts. • Convert the historic Zoom-Zooms building into a cafe with an outdoor patio. • Provide food truck hookups on the western side of the park. Amphitheater seating carved into the sloping landscape. Source:Frederik Meijer Gardens&Sculpture Park 68 DIESlIGN IDOW X70W X DEX70X 1 I - Hammock -�+�► ,� o Grove ` Petrified Wood Cafe* 4 �+ m 01 Cafe Patio Open Lawn = `Street ' w � 'Landscaping Interactive Y Fountain w � � Water Wall , Trellis _= Food Truck Parking Swings i Y 1 w Play Area s � .= • • ��` haded Gras � Street �lAmphitheater ( ' Landscaping idewalk;0 4. Sidewalks Performance Stage Pedestrian Paseo J i 111 s • es' jw I Improvements to the County's Historic Pasch • Denton County's Historical Park located on • Mulberry Street and Carroll Boulevard is : an important historic landmark and open • space in downtown featuring multiple • structures depicting historic life in and C1,C2,C4 around Denton County. The Historical Park Parks&Public Spaces features the Bayless-Selby House museum PS1, PS2,PS3, PS4 and the Quakertown House museum, as well RC3 as a Welcome Center. Future plans include renovating the Taylor Log Cabin and the Woods S1 House, adding to the park's attractions. The space also currently hosts various community See the community priorities on page 18 for more information. events, including farmers'and community markets, live music, and storytelling sessions. The Case for Action Currently, the layout of the Historical Park and how it connects to the downtown can be improved and there are opportunities to collaborate on historical programming, and to assist with preservation policy updates. The County Historical Park is directly adjacent to Carroll Boulevard,a busy roadway in downtown that acts more as a barrier to the park. 70 DIESlIGN DOW N70W N DIEN70N Proposed Actions Collaborate with the County on Historic Park Improvements: • Collaborate on wayfinding and messaging forthe Historical Park. ��e/iIWL , y.a • I T Y • Work with the County on improvements to C O M Ma the Historical Park especiallywith howthey relate to the public realm and surrounding ' V% ' city context. /, • J� • • Work with the County on the relocation of ` ` • �- • the community market to keep the market /\ in the Downtown area, potentially being The Community Market currently uses the space on weekends. relocated to the new park in Southern Downtown. Assist with Preservation Policy Updates: • Ensure that the City's Historic Preservation Officer is involved with future policy updates Collaborate on Programming and Storytelling: • Collaborate on rotating exhibits between _ the Quakertown homes in the Historical Park and the future exhibit space within Quakertown Park.The Denton County Office of History and Culture can aid in Updates to the Park may require relocating the market. the preservation of archival materials, and rotating exhibits can help connect the Quakertown homes in the Historical Park to their original locations within Quakertown Pa rk. • Collaborate on guided and self-guided walking tours that tell the story of Quakertown.Tours could include a walk from Quakertown Park to the Quakertown homes in the Historical Park. , a Prioritize exploring opportunities to collaborate on storytelling. DEYGN DOWN70WN DEN70N 71 C7 Develop Public Act Plan Developing a public art plan for Downtown Denton will allow the City to further define the cultural and historical characteristics of the Arts&Entertainment downtown, utilize future development as an AE1,AE2,AE4 economic opportunity, and continue to exhibit the unique local talent with its community C1,C2,C3,C4 and tourists. Denton has made steady and Parks&Public Spaces PS4 successful strides to prioritize public art over 44 the last two decades. The Public Art Policy, Si,S3 established in 2007,, was last revised alongside the creation of the Public Art Committee in 2013. See the community priorities on page 18 for more information. In 2016, a Public Art Master Plan was adopted. These documents have guided Denton's artistic identity and led to programs like the Artscapes Mural Art Initiative, which activated available The Case for Action spaces by adding murals around Denton to � Downtown Denton is a vibrant home of iconic help beautify the city and minimize graffiti.A murals, sculptures, and monuments. With downtown-specific public art plan would allow the recent designation of the Original Denton the city to develop a modern identity, working District(ODD) as a cultural district by the Texas with the historic character and new public Commission of the Arts in 2019, there is an and private development to create a cohesive opportunity to implement public art strategies environment through public art placement, alongside public and private development material choices, colors, art form, and more. Downtown, highlight cultural and historic resources, and set the tone for public arts in Denton.The City can use the boundaries of ' the ODD to strategize public art placement, set goals, and implement policies that work with developers and the Denton Square District. The Public Art Committee, City staff, and other interested stakeholders should work XL together to review established documents Public Art Policy(2013), Denton Public Art Master Plan (2016), and Denton Square District Standards and Guidelines (2019) - and consider opportunities for revisions to these documents, or a create a new public art plan specifically for Downtown Denton. Mural on the former SCRAP Denton building at Prairie and Bell by Mick Burson,removed in 2021. Image Source:Mick Burson 72 DIEYCalN DOW N70W N IDIEN70N Proposed Actions Actions for the Public Art Plan: • Review established documents relating to public art in Denton and develop a new public art plan or revise existing documents. • • Identify a new boundary, like the Original , Denton District,to prioritize improvements. , • Specify projects or locations of interest • such as neighborhood branding, gateway Sculptures in the Carroll Boulevard Art Trail.Image Source:Al monuments, or sculpture walks.These Key,Denton Record-Chronicle • could be high-traffic areas or under-utilized corridors. "or • Develop a public space material palette for POW each area as well as for local and national w historic districts.This could limit colors for or i murals within certain blocks, and define functional elements like bollards and wayfinding. • Implement an annual temporary art installation program in Quakertown Park. d This could be developed as its own event or fir. coincide with other Denton festivals. Increase Diversity,and Strengthen Andy's Bar Mural by Dan Black. Image Source:Independent Community Impact and Education: Venue Week • The Public Art Committee could set specific goals to increase diversity like holding seats Other Actions: for student representation, local artists, and Establish a Commitment to the Environment art educators and providing an honorarium. or Sustainability clause that would define • The City could develop a statement preferred materials for permanent work committing to equity in the arts - and prioritize projects that use recycled or highlighting the importance of creative recycle-able materials. expression and addressing inequities within • Develop an inspirational Public Arts Ideas the Denton and regional arts communities. List that contains examples of sculptures, • Set goals to diversify artists represented in benches, gateways, lighting, paving details, the Denton community and develop a list of planters, and more. pre-qualified artists. • The city could implement a Percent-for- • Expand upon local partnerships to support Art program or a Public-Art-in-Private- underrepresented communities. Development policy,which would require • Continue to work with the Greater Denton a percentage of the overall project budget, Arts Council to work with emerging artists. often 1%,to go towards public art. DESIGN DOWN40WN DEN70N 73 Target evelopment o Bul • on owntowifs Character and Assets 11 1 YIn4 1 '�; .`' � FIRST PEOPLE'S JEWELERS — � ': -� •lY � -�—� �[_ �rem � [ ��[ — f , , ��' � Denton Square District Target Development to Build on Downtown's Character and Assets Why is this important? y Capitalizing on successful floodplain mitigation efforts and the strong market, Denton has opportunities for d redevelopment. With an aim to accommodate the city's growth, these projects seek to bolster the area's vibrancy 0 while preserving its historic character through targeted infill, civic investments, and new open spaces. Encouraging 0 downtown living through the addition of residential units further fosters community growth and economic vitality, complemented by affordability actions. Finally, strengthening historic preservation efforts and updating design guidelines to ensure quality development. What are we attempting to accomplish? Redevelopment New Residents High Quality Development I � I � �. � �� � \ III•'" 0 � , i C /1 ! Develop and expand the Encourage downtown living Strengthening guidelines to Southern Downtown area. to accommodate Denton's preserve Denton's unique Image Source:Catalyst Group forecasted growth. character. Image Source:Catalyst Group Image Source:dallasfarmersmarket.org 3ADevelop Southern Downtown The projects aimed at mitigating the floodplain 3A Priorities Arts&Entertainment south of the Square have been successful, AE3,AE4,AE5 removing approximately24 acres from the Served Bike&Pedestrian Ct flood zone. This achievement opens up new BP1 dopportunities for development that were C2,C4 previously impractical. These newly available Housing 0 areas can now host private redevelopment H1, Fi2 as well as public improvements. Southern Parks&Public spaces � p p PS1, PS2, PS3, PS5 I3 Downtown also presents an opportunity to Retail&Commercial `t expand the Downtown, supporting Denton's RC2,RC4,RC5 present and future growth. Southern Downtown safety S2,S3 can accommodate significant development that See the community priorities on Traffic&Transit complements the historic Square. page 18 for more information. TT1,TT2,TT3 The Case for Action An in-depth analysis of the financial conditions 1: throughout Downtown Denton was conducted, examining land values, ownership complexity, tax base trends, and infrastructure.This analysis l aimed to identify areas where development might be most feasible.The findings revealed � .- that, largely due to the complexity of ownership and existing infrastructure challenges, much of lop! II Downtown will require partnerships to advance lo 0 development.These partnerships could focus on projects such as public realm or utility III improvements, as well as other types of public 11 11 investments like new parks,which can stimulate 1,1 further development. Additionally, an analysis of the market for new development was conducted, providing a ten-year forecast.This forecast indicated the market viability for358,000 additional square feet of retail space,with over 500/6 dedicated .i L to food and beverage, and the capacity to absorb nearly 50,000 square feet of office space.The approximately 24 acres of newly developable land south of the square offer a prime opportunity for this type of development, Development precedent imagery from around north Texas. all while preserving the historic character of the Image source:Catalyst Group square. When redevelopment occurs,plans for the public realm should be required to follow the guidelines lyf (recommendation 3D Public Realm Design Guidelines) and any project proposed should be required to include Ire establishment of Chill Streets where prescribed (recommendation 18 Pedestrian Priority Routes and Denton Chill Streets).e Mixed-Use A� Residential • 5� Aj dp/ A +� cr PSf rd'r'P 'a.►w _ 0 3 O !Y 3A q • 2 - St 6 Mixed Office/Apartments s BeU St Legend 0 Proposed residential+mixed use buildings 0 Proposed civic building 0 Existing buildings Proposed Actions 4. New Open Space: Create a new open space Encourage the redevelopment of Southern in Southern Downtown that complements Downtown with the following intended results: the historic Square. Maintain and create retail pavilion buildings, provide gathering 1. Mixed-Use Redevelopment:Two-block and event spaces, including a new stage, infill combining residential, restaurant, and and serve as a central anchor feature for the small commercial space. southern Downtown district. 2. Targeted Infill:Small retail and 5. Townhomes:Targeted infill of for-sale restaurant spaces to complement existing townhomes on underutilized land within development and streetscape. existing development. 3. Civic Presence: Place new office/residential 6. Loft-Office Development: Mixed-use loft- mixed-use buildings and a performing office development with maker spaces at arts facility(or alternate site for City Hall or ground level. County offices) along with a public parking structure on each end of the park for a strong civic presence. 3 Encourage Downtown Living y Adding residential units and additional housing options within the heart of the city will 38 Priorities Served 0 continue to grow Downtown's role as a thriving Cy community where people live, work, and play. Setting a specific housing goal will encourage oa diverse mix of residents, foster a lively street C4 life and support local businesses. Moreover, it Housing H1,H2 cD will contribute to the revitalization of Downtown, Retail&Commercial Ct breathing new life into historic buildings and RC1 encouraging new construction. Ultimately, the addition of residential units Downtown will enhance the overall quality of life for residents while bolstering the economic and cultural See the community priorities on page 18 for more information. vitality of the city as a whole. The Case for Action Proposed Actions Denton has grown quickly throughout its Set a goal of encouraging an additional existence, and the next decade will be no 1,500 units constructed Downtown within the different. An analysis of the city's forecasted next ten years.Assuming an average of 1.8 growth revealed a potential gain of more people per unit(The average household size than 21,000 additional residents, including a in the United States is currently 2.6 people significant demand for infill development. per household, but Downtown's nationally In addition to potential new residents, research average between 1.2 and 1.9.),these 1500 has also identified a need for more housing that units would enable Downtown to house is affordable. In Downtown and the adjacent approximately 2,700 new residents. areas, over 40% of renters are spending more Set a further goal of 500 of those units being than 30% of their income on housing. affordable to assist the city in achieving its housing goals. 10.1% 8.1% Downtown Housing Need: —"qql Anticipated 10 year market forecast Rental- Market/Affordable 37.256-1 Rental - Up Market Rental- Luxury Market Rental-Senior and Assisted Living Ownership- First Time Buyers • • Ownership- Move Up/Family Buyers Ownership- Empty Nest/Move Down Buyers Ownership-Senior Flats Source:Catalyst, ESRI, NCTGOG 78 DES11IG l DOW X70W X DEX70X Zoning and Regulatory Actions: Affordability Actions: • Ensure the types of units produced should • The City should consider density and height represent a variety of housing types that bonuses for the provision of affordable meet diverse housing needs. housing. • The majority of the Downtown area is • The City should encourage the utilization of currently zoned R3, R7, or Mixed Use Affordable Housing Tax Credits. Districts.All of these districts allow for Ct The City should encourage "unbundling" townhouse or duplex development, as of parking in larger apartment buildings, d well as Accessory Dwelling Units.The City while also reducing parking requirements, 0, should allowtri- and fourplexes within all allowing residents to save money on their Downtown districts. units if they choose not to utilize a parking • The City should take actions that will spot. Ct encourage additional development of The City, in collaboration with the "Music Accessory Dwelling Units within Downtown, Friendly Board" and local organizations including pre-approving standard ADU such as DMAC, should seek opportunities plans,waiving fees, or creating grant for affordable "Culture Bearer" housing and opportunities. live/work spaces for artists and musicians. • In combination with Recommendation 3A, This could be achieved through partnership larger scale, mixed use development should with national organizations such as be targeted for southern Downtown. Artspace. • Opportunities for residential conversion of existing buildings, especially historic buildings, should be explored. • Parking requirements for multi-family housing should be reduced. • Provisions for shared parking between multiple developments strenthened by _ raising the percentage of parking that can °Sp . be provided above 50%when other tools, . such as 'unbundled' parking or shared micromobility are also in use. - - '.xi p �� • The City should work with residential developers to build shared public-private parking garages. I k NNW f Townhouses are desirable housing types for first time homeowners and empty-nesters due to the ease of upkeep, and are good transitions between denser districts and historic neighborhoods. Image source:Al Generated Strengthen Historic Preservation Opportunities y Preserving historic resources is crucial for sustainability, providing affordable housing, 3C Priorities Served m supporting small local businesses, and retaining Ct G the character that makes Denton unique. By 1D C Arts&Entertainment continuing to strengthen and expand existing AE2,AE3,AE5 1D historic preservation tools, the City of Denton can thoughtfully adapt and develop the cz,c4 o downtown area to meet current and future Parks&Public Spaces PS4 Ct needs while retaining the historic character that Retail&Commercial the community connects with and loves. RCS,RC4 The Case for Action The City of Denton has a history of successful See the community priorities on page 18 for more information. preservation efforts and has a robust foundation of existing historic preservation tools. However, and/or a grant program could include general relief funds, rent stabilization, and due to the ongoing growth of Denton, historic structures downtown are facing increasing business assistance (see Recommendation development pressure. Preservation provides 4C Expand Programs to Support Small development opportunities that make economic Businesses).The cities of Austin and San sense and protect community identity.The Francisco both have legacy business p programs with examples of these incentives. proposed actions support and strengthen the 2019 Denton Historic Preservation Plan. Offer additional incentives, such as fee Proposed Actions reductions for Building Permits and Consumer Health Permits for owners and Strengthen Local Grants and Incentives: tenants of eligible historic properties.This • Focus on education and advocacy to could further incentivize preservation and increase use of the existing local property adaptive reuse as well as support business tax exemption programs. activity in the historic downtown area. • Conduct an audit of the existing programs to Offer incentives for the retention of historic- examine what is working orwhat might need age buildings throughoutthe downtown area adjustment. or the city, regardless of whether they are • Create a local historic district tax exemption designated,to prevent wholesale demolition program and explore additional local district of historic resources as development designation opportunities to increase pressure continues.The Preservation Bonus the number of properties eligible for tax and related Sustainability Bonus in the exemption without individual designation. City of Austin's current HOME initiative are strong examples of such an incentive. • Offer additional incentives or create a grant program for legacy businesses to help As recommended in the 201g Historic preserve cultural institutions. Incentives Preservation Plan, contract with a local architecture firm to offer free or reduced fee 80 OESSC7N DOWN70WN DEN70 ll facade and storefront improvement design Explore additional opportunities for assistance for owners of eligible historic conservation districts beyond those properties.This could bolster the existing identified in 2O19. facade improvement grant program and Enact View Protections for the Denton County help ensure that work aligns with historic Courthouse and Morrison's Corn-Kits Sign y preservation best practices and local design K guidelines. Study public view protection policies for the most significant lines of sight for the Denton Ct Promote Historic Tax Credits(See table below) County Courthouse and the Morrison's d • Focus on education and advocacy to Corn-Kits sign as recommended in the 2O19 increase interest in Historic Tax Credits Historic Preservation Plan. o (HTCs). Update&Strengthen Design Guidelines: • Explore and promote additional state and 0 • Conduct an audit to examine what is working C* national designation opportunities to or what might need adjustment in the increase the number of properties eligible Denton Square District overly. for HTCs as identified in the 2O19 Historic Preservation Plan. • As new local historic districts and conservation districts are created, develop Create Conservation Districts: a single design guideline document with • Conservation Districts can be used to tailored chapters for each district for ease of recognize and preserve areas that contain use. distinctive historical, architectural, cultural, . Update mural guidelines to ensure or aesthetic significance but that might lack alignmentwith preservation best practices sufficient integrity to qualify as a historic without stifling creativity. district.The City of Denton has included Enact accumulative penalty guidelines, such eligibility provisions for historic resources as stop work order fines,for property owners within historic conservation districts in that are not in compliance with the design its tax exemption program for historically guidelines. significant sites, but the City does notyet have designated conservation districts. • Consider adoption of a vacant building policy that creates maintenance • Create conservation districts for the requirements and fines building owners Downtown areas identified in Figure 7 in the who do not maintain or secure their vacant 2O19 Historic Preservation Plan. building. Historic Tax Credits ..................................................................................................................................................................... ..: Chill : Req'd Investment Time Applies to Value : Eligible Lases Street : Designation : Threshold Limit Texas Franchise OR 25% Yes Income NR, RTHL, $5,000 None Insurance QREs producing or SAL Premium Tax non-profit ..................:..........................:..............:..............:..........................:.......................:.........................:.............. : Federal Income Tax 20% No Income NR =to value of 2 or 5 GREs Producing building years ..................:..........................:..............:..............:..........................:.......................:.........................:.............. : NR=National Register of Historic Places;RTHL=Recorded Texas Historic Landmark;SAL=State Antiquities Landmark DEWC7N DOW N70W N DEN70 l 81 Public Realm Design Guidelines and Zoning y Recommendations cQ Developing design guidelines for downtown Ct Denton is essential for several reasons. It 3D Priorities Served G ensures a pedestrian-friendly environment Bike&Pedestrian B P1 that encourages walkability and accessibility, M 0 promoting a vibrant and active streetscape. The c1,C2 guidelines serve as a framework for creating ® Parks&Public Spaces spaces that cater to the diverse needs of the PS2,PS3 `t community, fostering inclusiveness and a sense Retail&Commercial RC1,RC2,RC4, RC5 of belonging.Additionally, design guidelines help to direct development towards public realm S1,S2,S3,S4 projects that serve the public good, such as Traffic&Transit installing street trees, wide sidewalks, lighting, TT1,TT2,TT3 and bike racks, enhancing the overall quality of See the community priorities on page 18 for more information. life in Downtown Denton. The Case for Action guidelines to reflect the addition of new Downtown Denton's Denton Square District guidelines OR create an entirely new design has established guidelines to preserve its guidelines document for Downtown Denton. unique character. However, as Downtown Consider bringing back a revised version of Denton continues to evolve and grow,there is a the Streatery/Parklet program which allows recognized need for these guidelines to extend businesses to turn parking spaces in front of beyond the historic square to encompass other their business into an eating or park area. parts of downtown. One crucial aspect that Reinforce developer commitment to public these expanded guidelines should address is realm improvements: the incorporation of"Chill Streets" to combat the heat that characterizes much of the year in Create simple and streamlined process for ROW use permitting to simplify development North Texas. process. Proposed Actions • Create or expand developer incentive Strengthen and Expand Downtown Denton's program for installing and enhancing public Public Realm Design Guidelines: realm improvements. • Utilize downtown study area map (p. 4)to 0 Develop use and maintenance agreement for develop boundaries for the new design private property establishing requirements guidelines. for utilizing public ROW, including • Develop process for updating the landscape stewardship of trees and vegetation. requirements, design criteria manual, and the Denton Square District standards and 82 DESSCaIN DOW N70W N DEN70 ll IIIIIIIIII� IIIIIIIIIIII■ Update Downtown's Zoning: • Examine rezoning the MN parcels along • Rezone SC districts along Carroll Boulevard Carroll Boulevard to MD In coordination with and University Drive to MN. the implementation of recommendation 1A. • Examine rezoning the MN parcels south of . Consider exceptions to the City's short-term the square to MD to stimulate development rental policies Downtown, until a hotel is y south of Downtown. MD zoning allows developed. K higher development and has less required parking,which corresponds with the plan's Disallow surface parking as an allowable use Ct goals of encouraging walkable places and within the Downtown area. d shared parking. However, as both Mixed- 0 Reduce parking requirements for all uses 0, Use Districts have identical standards within the MD zoning district and encourage for"Building Height in Transition Areas," shared parking arrangements, or create a building height restrictions on parcels fee-in-lieu for parking that can be spent on Ct adjacent to parcels zoned R7will not be expanding public garages. impacted by this change. Allow up to fourplexes in all residential MAP LEGEND zoning districts within the Design Downtown Rezoning Area Denton study area. ■ Overlay Residential(R7) I � - Public Facilities(PF) Mixed Use Neighborhood (MN) I - Mixed Use Downtown Core(MD) McKinney St Greg St i I W Oak St • _ ■ E Oak St I W Hickory St ■ _ . E Hickory St Mulberry St a Sycamore St • E Sycamore St Chestnut St £ w N 3 E Prairie St Prairie St ; o aFred Moore J Pecan 4 Highland St I �� ---- - --------- Maple St 'r • Eagle Dr Denton's current zoning map,with the area proposed to be examined for rezoning as MD outlined. Source:Denton Development Services GIS Hub,https://development-services-dentontxgis.hub.arcgis.com/ DESIGN DOW N70W N DEN70N 83 .....................................'........'........ Design Guidelines Table ....................................................................................................................................................................... Outside Denton In Denton Square Site Element Chill Street Square District District ............................................................................. .......................................... .............................................. Building Where possible building Building primary Where possible building SID Entrances primary entrance must entrance must face the primary entrance must (D Ct face the street or other street or other public face the street or other public spaces spaces*, prioritize on public spaces (D the Square (D 0 .................................. ..........****........... ........... Pedestrian 5' minimum**,shall 8' minimum,shall 8' minimum,shall comply (D Sidewalk comply with the most comply with the most with the most recently Ct recently adopted ADA, recently adopted ADA, adopted ADA, PROWAG PROWAG, and FHWA PROWAG, and FHWA and FHWA standards standards standards .................................. ........... ........... Furniture Zone 4' minimum 4' minimum 4' minimum Depth ................ .......................................... .............................................. Tree 6' minimum, use Silva 8' minimum, use Silva 8' minimum, use Silva Planting Bed Cells or structural soil Cells or structural soil Cells or structural soil (Configuration systems if installed sub- systems if installed sub- systems if installed sub- may vary) grade below paving grade below paving grade below paving Large Tree 30' minimum-40' 30' minimum-40' 30' maximum on center Spacing maximum on center maximum on center between trees, prioritize (Deep Shade/ between trees between trees broadleaf trees, if space Broadleaf) allows prioritize double - Elms row,alternate planting - Maples - Honey Locust - Ginkgo(male) .................................. .......................................... .......................................... .............................................. ADA=Americans with Disabilities Act,PROWAG=Proposed Right-of-Way Accessibility Guidelines, FHWA=Federal Highway Administration 84 DESIGN DOWN70WN DEN70N ......................................................................................................................................................................... Design Guidelines Table .................................................................................................................................................................. .....: Outside Denton In Denton Square Site Element Chill Street Square District District ..................................:..........................................:..........................................:.............................................. : i Medium Tree i 15' minimum on center, i 15' minimum on center, i 15' maximum on center, Spacing depending on species depending on species depending on species, K (Dappled Shade/ prioritize planting Ct Narrowleaf) medium/small trees with C • Desert Willow perennial vegetation • Buckeye planted under p • Redbud • Golden-ball Lead-tree cCt • Myrtles .................................. ..........................................:..........................................:..............................................: Perennial 6' minimum width 6' minimum width 8' minimum width, Planting Bed prioritize perennial vegetation areas with medium/small trees ..................................:..........................................:..........................................:..............................................: Green Sized and graded for Sized and graded for Sized and graded for Stormwater the micro watershed the the micro watershed the the micro watershed the Infrastructure feature treats feature treats feature treats, prioritize (Rain Garden) these features :..................................:..........................................:..........................................:..............................................: Dark Sky Evenly spaced along Evenly spaced along Evenly spaced along Compliant block taking into block taking into block taking into Pedestrian account tree canopy, account tree canopy, account tree canopy, Lighting the City and developers the City and developers the City and developers (12/14' high) should coordinate and should coordinate and should coordinate and consolidate utilities consolidate utilities consolidate utilities ..................................:..........................................:..........................................:..............................................: Dark Sky Evenly spaced along Evenly spaced along Evenly spaced along Compliant block, coordinate and block, coordinate and block, coordinate and Bollard Lighting consolidate utilities consolidate utilities, consolidate utilities (4' high) prioritize bollard lighting in parks and plaza spaces :........................................................................................................................................................................ Dark Sky Compliance: Lighting that is certified dark sky compliant restricts the amount of upward-directed light, minimizes glare, reduces light trespass, and reduces light pollution. Daytime Denton Square District and Chill Street with a go foot ROW on the Square and 80 foot ROW. K csa (D ct Cy (D C (D O (D ct i J O_ l0, .00 9, A .100 a re 6• ! , b 6 a O d 4r sit�a� 0\Y `pe�< \rg /O 6 A/d QStr e2 Qede ed&Fa< 6 \\e`Q�<`ti a S' N ,oy�x* Agra// �f��4e�d� 1e Q\arIMA Qa�a O<`Je�ar Or/�e<a�e eiAara 4/dt�oh 86 DESSCaIN DOW X70W X DEX70X cation Referenc Nighttime Denton Square District ••foot POW on the Square . :• foot POW. pt LQ Ct Ct 93 I/ . J ......................................................................................................................................................................... Design Guidelines Table .......................................................................................................................................................................: Outside Denton In Denton Square Site Element Chill Street Square District District ..................................:..........................................:..........................................:.............................................. : y Bench/Table 4/block face 4/block face,sited to 4/block face,sited in the Seating match the character of deepest shade Ct the historic district G cD q :..................................:.......................................... ..........................................:................................... ...........: M p Bike Racks 8 spots/block face or 8 spots/block face or 8 spots/block face or larger facilities(referto larger facilities(referto larger facilities,site in tD the 2023 Denton Design the 2023 Denton Design the shade where possible `t Criteria Manual for Criteria Manual for (refer to the 2023 Denton location standards) location standards) Design Criteria Manual for location standards) ..................................:..........................................:.......................................... :..............................................: Waste Bins 2/block face 3/block face, prioritize 2/block face branded trash bins :..................................:..........................................:..........................................:..............................................: Hardscape Utilize ADA surfaces Utilize ADA surfaces, Utilize ADA surfaces, prioritize pavers that prioritize light colored contribute to the materials where possible historic character such as brick ..................................:..........................................:..........................................:.............................................. : Wayfinding/ Sited at busy 1-2/block face, prioritize Sited at busy intersections Signage/Map intersections or branded features or important public important public institutions and civic institutions and civic spaces, directs people to spaces parks,cooling stations, water fountains, and water features :..................................:..........................................:..........................................:..............................................: Murals Murals size varies On facades fronting Prioritize murals that depending on location on the Square, murals depict chill street trees or may not cover more nature motifs than 25%of the total facade,a mural on a separate panel must be mounted so as to prevent damage to the wall behind the panel* ..................................:..........................................:..........................................:.............................................. : 88 DESIGN DOWN70WN DEN70 ll Chill street at future development on corner of S Elm Street with a 60 foot ROW(one-way biking). H K 0 Ct C 0 d 0 0 z 0 0 Ct 1, e10 Ae F4~n�t4rP A/a,Q f a0,91 2One Qed QaCa\\e\P \ �% O . Aa~a//e/ a�00 Aark; aoe �9 IDEYGN DOW N70W N DEN70 II 89 Design Guidelines Table ....................................................................................................................................................................... Outside Denton In Denton Square Site Element Chill Street Square District District ............................................................................. .......................................... .............................................. Outdoor Events Varies Provide accessible Varies SID electrical outlets Ct(D on street corners to support events (D ........... ...... ....................... .......................................... .............................................. tD I- : Utilities Underground/overhead Underground/overhead Underground/overhead 0 Z utilities consolidation, utilities consolidation, utilities consolidation, install grease traps Install grease traps insure utilities do Ct internally for new internally for new not co nf I i ct with tree buildings buildings canopy, install grease traps internally for new buildings .................................. .......................................... Shade Structure Placed to prioritize Placed to prioritize Placed to prioritize (see below) weather protection for weather protection for weather protection for - Awnings pedestrians pedestrians,see below pedestrians, prioritized in - Canopies guidelines for shade areas where street trees - Sails &Other structures are not feasible Structures .................................. ..................................................................................... ............................................... References: *2019,THE DENTON SQUARE DISTRICT:Standards and Guidelines **2023, Denton Design Criteria Manual Shade Structures: - Must not be torn,frayed, ripped,faded,or stained, • Awning,canopies, balconies and other covered-projected soiled or dirty.When not specifically addressed by this types of building features must comply with the ordinance,provisions of the City of Denton property following: maintenance code shall apply. • Must be consistent in height with similar covered- - Must not have convex or dome frames. projected features on adjacent or adjoining buildings. - Colors of such building features must enhance and • Must be mounted in locations that do not obscure complement the building to which they are attached, rather than overwhelm the building scheme.Colors ornamental features over storefronts,such as rooflines,arches,and banding. must not call more attention to the projected-covered building feature than the building. • Must not exceed the width of the sidewalk. - The frame structure of such building features must be • May encroach partially into the public right-of-way,but finished to match the metal storefront system color or require completion and approval of a City of Denton the fabric color of the associated projected-covered Right-of-Way Use permit/application. type of building feature. - Historic existing awning hardware should be repurposed where possible. 90 DESIGN DOWN70WN 0EN70N Public Right-of-Way Outside Denton Square In Denton Square District/ :: Encroachment Element District Chill Street ............................................................................ ...................................................... Permanent railings for dining Unobstructed pedestrian Unobstructed pedestrian areas walking is maintained (5' min), walking is maintained (8' min), must not exceed a maximum 4' must not exceed a maximum 4' from ground level* from ground level* (D Ct Temporary Seating and Unobstructed pedestrian Unobstructed pedestrian Cy Tables walking is maintained (5' min) walking is maintained (5-6' min) ...................................................... 0 Temporary Signage Unobstructed pedestrian Unobstructed pedestrian walking is maintained (5' min) walking is maintained (5-6' min) (D .......... .......... ............... ...................................................... ...................................................... 0 Ct Temporary Sales Tables & Unobstructed pedestrian Unobstructed pedestrian Racks walking is maintained (5' min) walking is maintained (5-6' min) .......... .......... ............... ...................................................... ...................................................... Temporary Planter or Divider Unobstructed pedestrian Unobstructed pedestrian walking is maintained (5' min) walking is maintained (5-6' min) ............*..............*.............. ....... ...................................................... L Temporary Decorations Temporary holiday lighting is Temporary holiday lighting is permitted, must be removed permitted, must be removed and not harm trees or and not harm trees or vegetation vegetation .......... .......... ...... ....... ...................................................... Temporary Load Zones Site loading zones as close to Site loading zones as close to the talent entrance as possible, the talent entrance as possible, coordinate with City Streets coordinate with City Streets department to get a loading department to get a loading zone parking spot zone parking spot ........................................................ Queuing for Ticket Purchases 4'from building face, 4'from building face, Unobstructed pedestrian Unobstructed pedestrian walking is maintained (5' min) walking is maintained (8' min) .........................................................: .............................................................................................................. References: *2019,THE DENTON SQUARE DISTRICT: Standards and Guidelines **2023, Denton Design Criteria Manual DEWC71N DOWN70WN DEN70N 91 Explore Opportunities for Transformative Projects y Design Downtown Denton seeks to emphasize cQ Downtown Denton's existing strengths as a 3E Priorities Served 0 strategy for economic development and quality U of life. Building on the recommendations Arts&Entertainment (D AE5 C for new development(3A and 3B)and the oimprovement of public spaces discussed in C4 Chapter 2, there are a number of buildings or Parks&Public Spaces cD program types that would enhance Downtown's Psi cCr strengths. The programming recommended - Retail&Commercial g p 9' g RC1, RC4,RC5 here seeks to build on Downtown's walkability, Traffic&Transit the community's entrepreneurship, and to TT2 celebrate Denton's relationship with music and the arts. See the community priorities on page 18 for more information. The Case for Action to encourage off-street parking by allowing Through the Design Downtown Denton process, free parking in garages and paid parking on the community members have expressed a desire street. New developments, such as develop in for several new amenities. For private investors, southern Downtown and around Quakertown these are uses that have been identified as Park should be encouraged/incentivized desirable and would be supported by the to build shared parking garages instead of community. lot parking. Amend the DDC to significantly increase the percentage of required parking that Proposed Actions can be provided through shared parking, and Public or Shared Parking streamline the approval process. There is a perception that parking in Downtown Public Market Denton is limited. However, the findings of Downtown Denton currently has numerous the 2024 Downtown Denton Parking Study opportunities for smaller vendors to have suggest that the greater issue may be with temporary space, including a wide variety of the management and visibility of parking. events and festivals.The city is recommended As Downtown continues to develop, shared to pursue creation of permanent locations for and public parking will become an even vendors that would allow the incubation of new more important component of the overall business ideas that could grow and relocate development strategy. Parking, including new into brick-and-mortar establishments. Special public or public-private parking garages, should programs to support minority- and women- be located and managed so that people are owned businesses could also be facilitated. encouraged to park on the edges of Downtown, allowing the Downtown core to emphasize its historic walkability. Parking should be managed 92 DIES GIN DOW N70W N DEN70 ll Hotel Music and Art Venues There is a strong desire for at least one In coordination with recommendation 4A, Downtown hotel,whether a major hotel brand or developing a larger music venue (1,000-2,500 independent boutique.This would also create attendees)would allow Denton to compete for an opportunity to partner with the University of larger national acts. H North Texas' hospitality program. K cQ 0 Ct Case Studies: Desired Downtown Amenities d d { r PUBLIC ALL-DAY0-2 FIRS FREE EVENINGS FR:E GARAGE In this example in Fargo,ND,parking is well signed and cost is The Palace Theater in St. Paul,MN is a 2500 person venue that managed to encourage shoppers to park off street. Image Source: attracts national touring acts. Image Source:Mend Collaborative Mend Collaborative -r / t . V The Dallas Farmer's Market includes both permanent and The Cantilever Hotel and Distillery in Ranier,MN has a unique temporary vendor space. Image Source:dallasfarmersmarket.org program.A 20 room hotel is anchored by a distillery and restaurant.Several wellness based companies also rent space. Source:Mend Collaborative IDEWC7N DAWN17OW N DEN70 II 93 Promote Nightli" fe MUSIOC9vents lil* story, and Art -NNW 1-4 arm Dan's Silver Leaf STEEI 8PM SAT�UEBE SIS TER E THUR 2 TONS OF SUN L ' ON iNE YEIIOW�ARTBPM PRI MIKE AND THE B jACK MELODY 3PM WEOSUNNYISWEENEYR8PME8PM MOONPIES DU09PM _ c i0;i � Promote Nightlife, Music, Events, History, and Art Why is this important? Implementing policy and regulations that bolster music and b nightlife in Downtown Denton is vital for enriching its vibrancy 5 and stimulating economic development. By enacting supportive Ct regulations, the City can cultivate a thriving entertainment ecosystem, attracting talent, investment, and visitors whileCt nurturing a distinct sense of place. Music and nightlife are integral to Downtown Denton's identity, drawing visitors, supporting local businesses, and fostering community cohesion. Live music venues, bars, and events contribute to the area's cultural richness, making it an inviting destination for residents and tourists. What are we attempting to accomplish? Cultural Vibrancy wa Small Business Economic Support Development ��— PC DC 4 c . Foster live music, festivals, and Foster entrepreneurship and Utilize economic development the arts, enriching the area's economic resilience. tools to ensure successful identity and sense of place. Image Source:Mend Collaborative implementation. Image Source:Mend Collaborative Image Source:Mend Collaborative IDESlIGN DOWN70WN DEN70N 95 A4AUtilize Policy and Regulations to Support Music and Nightlife Leveraging policy to advance music and nightlife is crucial for enhancing Downtown 4A Priorities Served b Denton's vibrancy and economic growth. By Arts EEn�tE5tainment implementing supportive regulations the city 5 Bike&Pedestrian o can foster a thriving entertainment ecosystem. BP1 ct o Strategic policies not only attract talent and c' investment but also cultivate a unique sense C2,C4 Ct Z of place, making Downtown Denton a dynamic Park s&Public spaces Q destination renowned for its music and nightlife Retail&Commercial scene. RC1, RC4 S1,S2,S3,S4 The Case for Action See the community priorities on Traffic&Transit page 18 for more information. TT1,TT2,TT3 Music and nightlife are vital to Downtown Denton's vibrancy and identity.They attract Hire a "Nightlife Mayor" visitors, support local businesses, and foster a sense of community. Live music venues, bars, In the long term, once additional events and and events contribute to the area's cultural venues are added to Downtown hire a "Nightlife richness, making Downtown Denton an inviting Mayor"who would be tasked with supporting destination for residents and tourists alike. nightlife in the City through the proposed At the same time, Denton's position within Public Improvement District(Recommendation the Metroplex means that many musicians 4G).This new role would serve as a support to and artists move to other areas in region after businesses that are open after the hours,when experiencing success. Recommendations City offices are typically closed. that strengthen Denton's music-related Support Historic Music Venues infrastructure, support local musicians and In partnership with the Music Friendly Denton businesses,foster cultural diversity, and help Task Force,the city should update policies to keep musical talent in Denton can be a key relating to issues such as code compliance and economic development strategy for Downtown. fire systems to support historic music venues, Proposed Actions especially as Downtown's residential population grows.An "Agent of Change" policy would Join Sound Music Cities protect historic venues from noise complaints The city should join Sound Music Cities and from new residential neighbors. take advantage of their resources. Sound Music Support the addition of additional music Cities works to support and promote vibrant venues music ecosystems in cities worldwide. Sound Music Cities also provides resources and Incoordination with Recommendations 3Eand guidance to cities aiming to develop and sustain 48(Explore Opportunities for Transformative thriving music scenes, helping them recognize Projects and Develop a Performing Arts the economic, social, and cultural benefits of a Center)and Recommendations 2A and 2E(the robust music industry. Quakertown Park and Southern Downtown Park 96 DESIGN DOWN70WN DEN70N concepts)work to establish opportunities for closures for outdoor performances on a more music venues in Denton, including a regular basis. Limited street closures will venue that accommodates 1000-2500 people, help to accommodate more outdoor musical which is a larger venue than currently exists, performances. and one or more new outdoor stages that would Create housing support for culture bearers allow Denton to compete with other areas of the Incoordination with Recommendation 3B, Metroplex in attracting larger acts. ,b partner with local and national organizations 0 Ensure Public Realm Improvements and to design policies to facilitate the creation of 5 Streetspace Management benefits musical Ct affordable living opportunities for for musicians G performance and artists, including live-work spaces. In coordination with public realm E. Ct Recommendations 1B, 2B, 2C and 2D, redesign K some streets to support limited street o s* rT A jazz performance at Steve's Wine Bar. Image Source:Mend Collaborative 1DESIIC N DOWN70WN DEN70N 97 3 Develop a Performing Arts Center As established in recommendation 4A, building on the Denton's reputation as a center for the 48 Priorities Served ro music and the arts is an important component 0 0 of Downtown Denton's economic development Ct strategy. Establishing a performing arts center 0 in Downtown Denton would si nificantl n g Y Arts&Entertainment enhance the cultural landscape of the city, AEz,AE3,AE5 Ct providing a centralized venue for a diverse array C4 of artistic expressions and a point of connection between university programs and Downtown. Such a center would serve as a vibrant community hub, attracting both local talent and See the community priorities on page 18 for more information. renowned performers, thereby fostering a rich cultural exchange. The Case for Action Proposed Actions Denton boasts a rich and vibrant history of Establish a state-of-the-art performing musical performance, dance, theater, and film, arts facility in Downtown Denton, utilizing thriving both at its universities and through public investment as a catalyst for further the city's robust festival culture. Research, development. interviews, and public engagement have . Include versatile performance spaces, revealed that various arts organizations need rehearsal studios, and exhibition areas office and rehearsal space. Many organizations to accommodate various art forms, from could expand their programming from annual theater and dance to music and visual arts. festivals or events to more consistent,year- round activities if proper spaces were available. Offer both market-rate and below- round new performing arts center would serve as market-rate office space and establish a hub for existing organizations and provide relationships with existing organizations, a valuable resource to enhance Denton's arts including those promoting Denton's scene.This center would not only boost the festivals and the universities' arts and local economy through increased tourism music programs. Develop partnerships and business opportunities but also cultivate with resident organizations to ensure a deeper appreciation for the arts among the center hosts a range of events and residents. educational programs throughout the year. 98 IDESSvIN DOWN70WN IDEN70N N,✓ � 1'�!�, -S.�"..gam_ _ __� Ki II __ Ij �. Ct ..�1 Ct i . Denton's festival's successes are driven by local performers. A school dance group performs on the Courthouse Square as part Image Source:Mend Collaborative of Hispanic Heritage Month. Image Source:Mend Collaborative Case Study: Midtown Arts and Theater Center Houston (MATCH) The Midtown Arts and Theater Center Houston (MATCH) is a dynamic cultural hub located in the heart of Houston's Midtown district. �_.. It serves as a versatile performance and ` exhibition space, catering to a wide range of , - artistic disciplines, including theater, dance, music, and visual arts.With its state-of-the- art facilities, MATCH provides artists and ' organizations with flexible venues that include multiple theaters, rehearsal spaces, galleries, and meeting rooms.The center fosters a vibrant !! community atmosphere, supporting both «. emerging and established artists while offering the public access to diverse and engaging cultural experiences. i Source:Midtown Arts and Theater Center,Houston DESIGN DAWN70WN DEN70N 99 Expand Programs to Support A4 C Small Businesses In the Design Downtown Denton process, stakeholders emphasized the importance of 4C Priorities Served small, local businesses to the City's identity. 50 Proposed actions include expanding Downtown AE5s&Entertainment cot Reinvestment Grants, establishing a program Bike&Pedestrian 0 to help business owners purchase their Safety&Mobility n BP1, BP5 c buildings, and creating a 2% loan program Ct LceUuu a%.cunrnercial for new and existing businesses.Additionally, forming a "Small Business Benefits District" is RC1, RC2, RC3, RC4,RC5 recommended to offer non-traditional benefits. S1,S2,S3,S4 These initiatives aim to prevent chain stores from dominating, support existing businesses, See the community priorities on page 18 for more information. and enhance ownership access for minority- and women-owned enterprises, fostering economic To preserve affordability,establish a program resilience and continuity in Downtown. to assist business owners in the purchase of The Case for Action their buildings Throughout the Design Downtown Denton Research has shown that one of the most public engagement process, one of the effective ways for small businesses to ensure clearest messages from stakeholders was long-term real estate affordability is through the importance of small, local businesses to building ownership. Empowering small business Downtown Denton's character and identity. owners through grants, low-interest loans, or Downtown Denton boasts a variety of locally loan guarantees with community banks creates owned, unique businesses that would make the opportunities necessary for businesses most cities envious. Stakeholders also expressed to secure their premises, ensuring long-term a strong desire to prevent Downtown from stability.The City should work to provide being taken over by chain stores,to ensure education and training for small business that existing small businesses can thrive, and owners on negotiating a right of first refusal in to expand access to business ownership for their leases.This would offer them a fair chance minority- and women-owned businesses. to buy their properties before they are sold, preventing displacement and preserving the Proposed Actions character and diversity of the local economy. Expand the use of Downtown Reinvestment Additionally,the City should include a grading Grants criteria for building owners who receive City Downtown Reinvestment Grants,funded by the funding or grants to encourage a right of first TIRZ, have benefited Downtown businesses refusal to be included in lease agreements.This seeking fagade improvements and utility will assist small business owners in purchasing upgrades.With expanded TIRZ funding (see their buildings, allowing them to build equity, recommendation 4E),the city should proactively reinvest in their operations, and contribute more identify locations and business sectors to assist. effectively to the local economy, promoting economic resilience and continuity. 100 DESIC7N DOWN70WN DEN70N Establish a 2% Loan Program A low-interest loan program for new and existing businesses will expand investment in Downtown small businesses.The program should include flexibility in the uses of funds, including: • Building construction ^r: t1UR ; ro • Interior improvements o .• . NES ' : • Lighting,windows and doors � � C.O�- gNo o • Roofing, plumbing and electrical t � Ct • Mechanical systems and air conditioning • Sustainable building improvements ' t Ct • Masonry repairs and other fagade improvements o • Repairing or replacing of cornices, entrances, doors,windows, decorative �> details and awnings ` • Architectural design services for plans and specifications • Landscaping • Building identification/signage Programs such as a loan program and a small business benefit • Handicap access improvements district would help to alleviate the challenges faced by small • Streetscape costs local retailers. Image Source:Mend Collaborative • Purchase of machinery and equipment • Leasehold improvements • Installation of a fat, oil, and/or grease interceptor system ("grease trap") Loans could utilize a 10-year repayment schedule and would include credit requirements, c though these could be waived or modified if Y the proposed business owner belongs to a historically underrepresented group of business owners, including minority,women, and veteran- owned businesses. Establish a "Small Business Benefits District" The City will partner with the Economic Development Partnership and Denton Main ` Street Boards to create a "Small Business � Benefit District"that can provide non- traditional benefits to small businesses such as lower insurance rates,joint purchasing, and consolidated back-of-house functions. Many Denton businesses foster community with unique and fun outdoor spaces.Offering support to these businesses can help them continue to flourish. Image Source:Mend Collaborative DESIGN DOW N70WN DEN70N 101 Expand on Downtown Events Downtown Denton thrives with a dynamic event calendar that enriches the community and 4D Priorities Served b adds the area's cultural landscape. From lively � festivals to intimate gatherings, these events Arts&Entertainment � AE3,AE4 Ct serve as vibrant magnets, drawing people from 1D all walks of life to experience the city's unique C1,C2,C4 n 0, atmosphere. Beyond merely entertaining, these Parks&Public Space Ct 0 gatherings foster a sense of belonging and PS4 K pride among residents while also attracting S1,S2,S3 visitors, injecting energy into the streets, and Traffic&Transit bolstering local businesses. By welcoming TT1,TT2 people of diverse backgrounds and interests, See the community priorities on page 18 for more information. Downtown Denton's events not only enliven the area but also contribute to its identity as a thriving cultural hub. The Case for Action Proposed Actions Various organizations coordinate events of Continue to Develop a Tiered Approach for different sizes within downtown Denton. For Permitting Different Sized Events: example,the Denton Mainstreet Association . Align tiers with permitting timelines, allowing orchestrates Twilight Tunes on the County for shorter timelines for smaller events. Courthouse lawn in spring and summer.The City of Denton hosts large-scale events around Develop a tool to determine tier level and the Square and in Quakertown Park year- provide specific permitting guidelines per round. Additionally, Denton's Black Chamber tier- Similar to the City of Austin's Special sponsors an electrifying blues festival.These Events Permit Process. events are further supported and promoted Streamline the Event Permitting and Planning by Discover Denton, operating under Denton's Process Chamber of Commerce.There are opportunities to streamline and organize the event hosting ' Update and simplify the Right-of-Way use process, enabling a greater number of events permitting process. to reach and benefit a broader spectrum of • Update the requirements for the Traffic community members. Control Plan for road closures, including showing example plans. • Update the requirements in Event Parking Plan for road closures, including showing example plans. • Offer educational workshops on the Denton event permit process to community groups and members. 102 IDESSvlxl OOWN70WN IDEN70N • Create Downtown parking plan for larger events that includes clear mapping and signage identifying available public and private lots,which lots are paid or free, and other relevant information. • Develop noise ordinance for outdoor music hd K pop-ups or venues. o • Hire additional staff to work a forecasted o growing number of events in Denton. `' r .. ' G n Collaborate with Partners to Expand Downtown - r. Ct Events: • Continue collaborating with downtown _ �s 0 partners to bring exciting events to the city at multiple locations and times of year. • Coordinate with Downtown Denton's branding effort(refer to recommendation 4D Establish a Downtown Brand Denton's Holiday Lighting Festival is an event that brings huge Recommendation)to promote and market crowds and balances multiple stages,activities,performances, events. and partners Image Source:Mend Collaborative. r ` 4k I t I'OI1Q �I�lfllt)Q ' F X I I F R t W07 The Denton Blues festival held in Quakertown Park,by the Denton's Day of the Dead Festival is a free,family-friendly event Denton Black Chamber of Commerce,brings fantastic music, held outside on the streets of Denton complete with live music, large crowds,stages and food trucks into the park. Image dancing,arts,and food. Source:Mend Collaborative. Image Source:den tondayofthedeadfes tiva 1.com OEWC N OOWN70WN IDEN70N 103 Modify and Expand on Economic Development Tools Denton employs a variety of economic development tools to enhance its Downtown 4E Priorities Served b area,yet many of these tools remain 5 underutilized or are not applied with a clear strategy. Some resources available to the Ct 1D city are not utilized at all, leading to missed C1,C2 n opportunities for growth and improvement. To Retail&Commercial C address these challenges, it is crucial to explore RC1, RC3 how these tools can be used more effectively s4 and strategically. By expanding, sharpening, and combining these economic development tools, Denton can ensure a more robust and See the community priorities on page 18 for more information. successful implementation of its vision for Downtown. The Case for Action The Catalyst Fund, designed to support A review of Denton's existing funding sources economic development initiatives citywide, revealed that several key economic development currently has a balance of$4.3 million and funds tools are in place but have not been extensively entrepreneur tech, expansion, and job-based utilized. grants. The Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ) Finally, Historic Tax Credits offer an annual retains incremental increases in property property tax exemption of up to 50% on tax revenue within a designated district, designated buildings with up to $10,000 in accumulating a balance of$3.5 million and qualifying improvements or restoration, but only generating $1 million annually.These TIRZ two properties downtown currently utilize this funds support Downtown Reinvestment Grants, exemption according to the city database. providing up to $200,000 peryearto reimburse downtown businesses in building improvements Proposed Actions such as roof and foundation repairs, new signs The City of Denton should expand economic and awnings, and utility and fire suppression development opportunities in the following upgrades. areas. 380 Agreements offer tax rebates or grants Existing Funding Sources to be Modified: for new construction aimed at economic Tax-Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ) development.TIRZ revenue was used to provide The current TIRZ covers a limited area, though grant funds for such an agreement with the it is now generating almost$1 million peryear in Railyard project, now complete. revenue and has $3.5 million in current funding reserves. 104 IDESC7N OOWN70WN IDEX70X University Dr , •• QP❑ �4 d i •• i al i North Pecan Creel• 0 �. Z m 1 -------------•• ' J. 1 r• _° '1 •• O 1 0�j O 1 • I 1 MAP LEGEND •�i t ` _ •, �• cfl or ' 1 Existing • • • • • . Proposed `• n❑ 1 K • O ------ 0• • • ` 0• fl �` O Ct ---------- �•r �f Proposed TIRZ Boundary. 6. •• to fn W Ct Linden Dr �•� =m_ Broadway St 1 c•• • n `2 ;:•• • • cYa i ___ \ U•• :-• � �•••••• ••iii••�• / Panhandle St ` ,,� •• • ' .` "' • • •w ....,•- • f Egan St IU • �� • • • • U • • �i Congress St a • _ &e a s e• ` • r Parkway Sf +, • to 1 E _ • i� •'- 2 O • U. - -- - ---- : Greg St S � L� L 1~ �--�L � I Oak St • E Oak St ease W Hickory St 110. • _ _ E HickorySt Mulberry St --- • �• L— Sycamore St •••'• E Sycamore St i i Chestnut St • •Prairie St ej m E Prairie St • .,. i > • a • JA, Pecan 4 Highland St .0000 16 • ' --- , 1Pu E - • Moore 0 Park Maple St w o • Eagle Dr , Mill St • • s • � Oi. • DESIGN [DOWIIVI70WN iDEX70 5 •••� • 1 The TIRZ should be expanded. Now that the housing and other new construction Downtown, infrastructure bond has passed and PEC-4 using funds from an expanded TIRZ and will likely be constructed without TIRZ funding, possibly from the Catalyst fund. the City should, as part of the TIRZ expansion, Historic Tax Credits create a new TIRZ plan identifying priority projects including: The City should inventory historic significant b sites Downtown and, based on business and 0 1. Incentivizing downtown housing residential opportunities that exist, prioritize 5 construction. buildings that need improvement and could 0 Ct 2. Building out streetscape and public benefit from the Historic Tax Credit and reach 0 realm improvements to improve public out to relevant landowners.The Designated Ct seating areas, pedestrian safety, more Sites or Historically Significant Tax Credits pedestrian-oriented intersections, and should be used where appropriate. Such efforts bicycle facilities. could complement Downtown Reinvestment 3. Consider areas of Southeast Denton Grants and/or 380 Agreements involving to include in the expansion per the specific businesses located in historic Southeast Denton Master Plan. structures. TIRZ revenue has been used to fund Downtown Catalyst Fund Reinvestment Grants and 380 Agreements. The citywide Catalyst Fund has a balance This funding should continue and expand if the of more than $4.3 million.The catalyst fund TIRZ expands, but such funding arrangements is intended for major projects of citywide should only be executed if doing so serves a importance.A portion of the Catalyst fund strategic goal in implementing the Downtown can used to encourage the Entrepreneur plan —that is,the City should be proactive rather Tech Program, establish 380 Agreements than reactive. and direct business assistance for startups in Downtown Reinvestment Grants the Downtown, especially those that serve a strategic Downtown goal such as supporting Downtown Reinvestment Grants,funded by diverse local food and beverage establishments, the TIRZ, have benefited a few Downtown preserving Denton history and culture, or businesses seeking fagade improvements and recruiting tech companies downtown in utility upgrades. In some cases, however, a grant partnership with Stoke. to a property owner has prevented the city from providing another grant to a tenant business on Texas PACE program the same property.With expanded TIRZ funding, Under Texas law, property owners are able to the City should re-evaluate current TIRZ policies obtain low-cost capital for energy and water and proactively target catalyst projects. conservation improvements that are paid back 380 Agreements by a property assessment.The City should partner with the Texas PACE Authority to provide 380 Agreements offer tax rebates or grants this opportunity to property owners Downtown for new construction aimed at economic as an additional incentive to improve their development. Only two 380 agreement have been executed Downtown (Railyards and Fine property. Arts Theater) using TIRZ funds.The City should expand the use of 380 Agreements for both 106 0ESsC7N DOWN70WN DEN70N New Funding Opportunities: New Market Tax Credits Qualified Hotel Project Tax Rebate New Market Tax Credits are federal tax credits A Qualified Hotel Project permits the rebate for investments in development projects of state hotel and sales tax for hotel that is located in qualifying communities by qualifying connected to meeting space of 10,000 square entities (Downtown Denton qualifies).These feet or more. Denton became eligible for this are typically non-residential projects.The City hd benefit as a result of legislation in 2023.As should identify high-priority mixed-use or non- o part of the East McKinney project,the City residential projects that might qualify for New 5 should consider including a boutique hotel and Market Tax Credits and identify a qualified entity C meeting space thatwould qualify for the rebate, to help bring NMTCs into the financing picture 0 as both would increase foot traffic Downtown. for important Downtown projects. Ct A different location could be considered forthe HUD Section 108 Loan Guarantees K hotel and meeting space; but the meeting space o HUD Section 108 loan guarantees are low- may be more desirable if located close to City cost, flexible loans for economic development Hall. available to CDBG recipients from private Parking Benefit District lenders. Loans are guaranteed by the federal If the pending parking utilization study shows government.The City should identify critical that some areas have more parking demand Downtown projects that could qualify for than supply,the City should create a Parking HUD 108 loan guarantees and identify CDBG Benefit District that would administer paid recipients that could assist in bringing this parking in those areas and use the funds to financing mechanism into key deals Downtown. manage the parking and pay for ped/bike Private and Philanthropic Funding facilities and street redesign.The Parking Philanthropic and foundation funding is Benefit District should be part of a larger, increasingly used for park and open space comprehensive parking management effort that improvements.The City should explore includes all publicly owned (or managed) on- opportunities to expand Philanthropic funding street and off-street parking Downtown. for major projects. Affordable Housing Tax Exemption The City recently established a Public Finance Corporation eligible to own land on which affordable housing is built,thus providing such projects with a property tax exemption.The City's PFC should aggressively seek developers to build affordable housing Downtown, especially given the recent passage of the $15 million affordable housing bond.Among other things,this would provide greater incentives for constructing housing Downtown — even market-rate housing, as the PFC law allows mixed- income developments.Although the PFC law has been controversial (and subject of considerable discussion in Denton),the Iawwas tightened up in the last legislative session. DESIGN DOWPN70WN DEN70N 107 Bundling Economic awareness, and operational improvements.This Development Tools Together has been further supported by the Bipartisan As valuable as each individual economic Infrastructure Law, making more funding development tool is,the use of tools together available for projects and programs that improve can create a powerful set of incentives to pedestrian and bicycle safety and access, a high implement the goals of the Downtown Master priority for Downtown Denton. oPlan.This was done recently for the Fine Arts Strategies like nesting active transportation 5 Theater,which received a grant from TIRZ elements into larger project applications can Crevenue through a 380 agreement as well as an increase the competitiveness of projects. Historic Tax Credit. In the future, a Downtown For example, building intersection safety property owner could, for example, seek a improvements into highway or street corridor Downtown Reinvestment grant for fagade and projects can be attractive to application sidewalk improvement, a Historic Tax Credit evaluators seeking to fund multimodal projects to maintain an historic building, and a PACE that establish connections well beyond the financing to upgrade energy and water systems. project boundaries. A developer might be able to bundle different tools in a similar fashion.The City should create Federal Resources a menu of tools and incentives that can work USDOT- Reconnecting Communities and together— one menu for current Downtown Neighborhoods (RCN) Grant Program property owners, one for current downtown business owners, and one for prospective Type: Non-competitive Fund Uses: Planning, Capital, and Operations Downtown developers. The RCN Grant Program combines two Land Banking discretionary grant programs:the Reconnecting Communities Pilot(RCP) and the Neighborhood Land banking should be used as a strategic Access and Equity(NAE) program.These tool to acquire, manage, and repurpose vacant, programs are available for planning, capital, abandoned, or underutilized properties to and regional partnership projects that focus on stimulate economic development. Utilize addressing gaps in the transportation networks, land banking to ensure that land is used in specifically those that have affected historically ways that best benefit the community, such disadvantaged communities.The outcomes as for affordable housing, green spaces, or for projects that receive funding from this commercial projects that meet plan goals, and program are those that improve access to key to assist with land assembly that will allow larger destinations, foster equitable development and scale projects to move forward in areas with restoration, and redesign highways to remove divided land ownership. barriers to community connectivity. Active Transportation USDOT-Safe Streets and Roads for All Funding Opportunities (SS4A) Grant Program There are a variety of programs at the federal Type: Non-competitive and state levels that administer funding through Fund Uses: Planning, Capital, and Operations TxDOT and NCTCOG and are designed to The SS4A Grant Program is a discretionary address improvements to active transportation program that funds regional, local, and Tribal through infrastructure, education and projects and programs that aim to prevent 108 DESsC7N DOWN70WN DEN70N roadway deaths and serious injuries. SS4A FHWA- Congestion Mitigation and Air Grants fall into two buckets: a Planning and Quality Improvement(CMAQ) Program Demonstration Grant, and an Implementation Type: Non-competitive Grant. Planning and Demonstration Grants Fund Uses: Planning, Capital, and Operations fund strategies that prevent roadway deaths and serious injuries, including a comprehensive The CMAQ Improvement Program is a non- safety action plan,which is needed to apply for competitive long-standing grant program that hd an Implementation Grant. aims to improve air quality and reduce traffic o congestion, particularly in areas of the country 5 USDOT- Rebuilding American Infrastructure Ct that do not attain national air quality standards. o with Sustainability and Equity(RAISE) Grant Examples of CMAQ projects include signal 0 Program coordination, intersection improvements, park- Ct Type: Competitive and-ride facilities, sidewalks, non-recreational K Fund Uses: Planning, Capital, and Operations bicycle and pedestrian facilities, and transit 0 Previously known as TIGER and BUILD, RAISE investment, among others. Many of these grants are available to fund the planning, project types directly apply to specific mobility pre-construction, and construction of public hub elements and related local infrastructure. transportation projects, intermodal projects, TxDOT distributes CMAQ funds to local MPOs, and roadway projects, among others.The grant and government entities are eligible to apply. covers 80% of project funding in urban areas FHWA-Surface Transportation Block Grant and 100% of funding for projects in rural areas (STBG) and for planning grants in Areas of Persistent Type: Non-competitive Poverty. Fund Uses: Planning, Capital, and Operations FHWA-Active Transportation Infrastructure The STBG Program funding is non-competitive Investment(ATIIP) Program — a formula is used by FHWA to apportion Type: Competitive STBG funds to each state.The funds are then Fund Uses: Planning, Capital, and Operations sub-allocated to NCTCOG from TxDOT using The ATIIP Program is a new competitive a population-based formula.Transportation grant program that supports construction Alternatives, or bicycle, pedestrian,transit, projects to provide safe and connected active and other small-scale multimodal projects, transportation facilities in active transportation are required to make up 10% of STBG funds. networks or active transportation spines. STBG funds are intended for public roadways Networks are defined as facilities that where bicycle and pedestrian improvements, connect destinations within a community transit connections, and other mobility hub or metropolitan region,while spines are improvements can be supported. facilities that connect between communities, State Resources metropolitan regions, or states.The grant Most state funding is through the Texas program is split into two types of grants: Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and is Planning and Design and Construction grants. allocated for tolled and non-tolled highways. To be eligible for a Planning and Design grant, However,TxDOT and the Texas Commission planning and design costs must be at least on Environmental Quality(TCEQ) offer a $100,000 and to be eligible for Construction few funding programs eligible for active grants, construction costs must be at least$15 transportation projects in Texas. million. DESIGN DOW N70WN DEN70N 109 TxDOT-Transportation Alternatives Set- aside (TA) Program Type: Competitive Fund Uses: Planning and Construction The Transportation Alternatives (TA)Set-Aside o Program and its predecessor programs are ocompetitive funds meant to support stand- Ct alone bicycle and pedestrian projects.The 94 TxDOT-administered program addresses Cplanning and construction of bicycle and pedestrian improvements that improve mobility options for active transportation modes. TxDOT- Education and Safety Grant Programs Type: Non-competitive Fund Uses: Education and Safety As part of TxDOT's Highway Safety Plan, federal grant funding is available to a variety of organizations and levels of government for implementation of education and safety programs that reduce fatalities, injuries, and crashes.These non-competitive funds are available only for strategies that help educate, monitor, and report on bicycle and pedestrian safety. TxDOT-Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Type: Competitive Fund Uses: Planning, Capital, and Operations The SRTS program is a comprehensive competitive grant program that provides funding for planning, development, and implementation of projects and programs that improve safety, comfort, and access for children grades K-8 to get to school to walk or bike to school.This includes education and awareness campaigns,traffic, fuel consumption, and air pollution reduction. 110 DESIGN DOWN70WN DEN70N Ilk J. It 1 mmm low I p I • P uT APPLIANCE \El Us SALES i s V *im,y ioni.� r norms•- Establish a Downtown Brand Downtown Denton boasts a vibrant identity deeply rooted in its arts and music scene, rich 4F Priorities Served b history, unique architecture, and quirky charm. o This distinctive personality is reflected in the Arts&Entertainment AE1,AE2,AE3,AE4,AE5 A lifestyle of Dentonites, who celebrate their Bike&Pedestrian n community through art, merchandise, and BP1 events. To enhance Denton's reputation as an z exceptional place to live, work, shop, play, and c1,cz,c3,c4 A learn, a cohesive brandingstrategy is essential. Gail&commercial gY RC1, RC3 This brand should effectively communicate Traffic&Transit Denton's unique character to visitors and TT2 potential new residents while help them See the community priorities on page 18 for more information. navigate to their destinations and discover what Denton has to offer nearby. The Case for Action Proposed Actions Downtown Denton has multiple iconic Release an RFQ to develop a brand landmarks such as the Denton County strategy and design including logo, colors, Courthouse,the Morrison's Milling sign, and wayfinding, and signage led by local artists the Campus Theater, unique businesses for with input from Economic Development and food, drink and shopping, and the historic Downtown Stakeholders. Branding should Quakertown Park.These landmarks should be be colorful,vibrant and attractive, being easily identified as Downtown Denton and help consistent with the personality of its people, provide a cohesive and singular sense of place. events and businesses. Right now that cohesion is lacking, due to a 0 Use branding in wayfinding signage that deficiency of visual connection between these directs to businesses, universities, parks and landmarks.Visitors to Beer Alley may not feel historic features throughout Downtown. they are within walking distance of the Square. A cohesive brand marked by signage, banners, Identify pathways and trails that can have and wayfinding can support walkability by plaques, signage, or other features that tell connecting these unique features in one area. the history and story of notable groups and Branded Wayfinding positioned in key parking features of Downtown Denton and their areas can also help people move more easily impact on the city, such as: between their car and desired destinations. 0 Black Americans • Native Americans • Music History • University History • Growth of Denton History • Public Art Walk 112 IDEWC71 l DOWN70WN IDEN70 I • Develop a policy for branding requirements Logo and Design Examples specifying limitations on the use of branding elements such as logos, slogans, copyrighted designs, and other brand Revealed Revea Re,,,—,,- features. • Integrate the branding of visual components with the Public Art Plan, Denton Square o District, and other design standards and i WORL -FAMOUS O guidelines. . BEAU UAL` Ct • Review the brand guidelines annually with 0 Economic Development and Downtown �� ��_ 5. Stakeholders to ensure consistency as SAO K • �' JOSE Downtown develops. ® • + ♦W ft d. • Update Sign Ordinance, and banner and signage programs. • Develop unique branding for Quakertown Park and surrounding blocks, highlighting • the historic park. • Integrate University branding into — wayfinding and banners, highlighting UNT Wayfinding Examples along Hickory and Sycamore Streets and TWU along Bell Avenue and Locust Street. llti • Look for funding for improvements from Texas Commission on the Arts,which identified the Original Denton District as a ME cultural district in 2019. PAVILION PARK A,. Existing Branding &Wayfinding lid Banners Examples 1 1own BUSINESSES - 00 Now Existing wayhnding is not part of a cohesive brand for Downtown Denton and does not provide enough clear and specific information to support businesses or walkability. Image Source: Mend Collaborative IDESlIG [I [DOWN70WN IDEN70N 113 Establish a Public 7 Improvement ]District Successful Texas downtowns typically maintain a wide variety of organizational tools, each 4Cx Priorities Served 0 with different statutory abilities and funding 5 mechanisms that can be utilized in tandem to 0 C achieve an overall vision for the community.A Arts&Entertainment 0 Public Improvement District(PID) is a special AE1 Idistrict created by a city or county to fund public Q t'^mmercial K improvements and services within a designated RC1, RC2, RC3 O-r-tv area. Establishing a PID would provide s,,s4 Downtown Denton with a more robust set of tools and dedicated funding to finance projects that enhance the downtown area's quality of See the community priorities on page 18 for more information. place. The Case for Action Proposed Actions Downtown Denton currently has Denton Main PIDs are established through a petition Street,which is a part of a state and national process initiated by property owners, followed Main Street Program, a Texas Cultural District, by formal approval from the city.At least 50% and a Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ), of the property owners within the proposed each providing valuable assets for implementing district, or the owners of 50% of the land Design Downtown Denton. However, due to within the proposed district, must sign the Denton's population growth,these tools do not petition.This requirement ensures significant offer all the statutory abilities that a growing city support among the property owners who will be of Denton's size may need. affected by the PID before it is created. Given Three types of Texas districts were analyzed Downtown Denton's small lot sizes and variety of for Downtown Denton: a Public Improvement ownership,this is no small task.While this report District(PID), a Municipal Management District provides a goal for the area to be contained (MMD), and a Municipal Development District within the PID,the process of acquiring (MDD).While each of these entities is similar, signatures may alter the final boundaries of the their establishment processes and funding district. sources vary slightly.An MMD would allow the The city should begin by approaching large use of sales tax for economic development but landowners. It is important that the city has would require reallocating funds from DCTA, ready information regarding the amount of making it less preferable. PIDs and MMDs are additional taxes that individual owners would very similar, but ultimately, a PID was identified pay, the cumulative amount of funding that as the candidate that would provide the city with would be generated, and the activities that could the greatest amount of control. be funded through the district.The city should consider utilizing the same board structure for the PID as is used for the TIRZ, allowing for better coordination in their actions. 114 1DESIIC7 V DOWN70WN IDEX70 I University Dr 11 DGcF° r. 1 N 1 J`p > 1 North Pecan Creek------------ Z i 1 C I 1 0 C C] 1 1 ' . , ` MAP LEGEND Proposed PID Boundary GG I_ 1 1 1 O Ct '--------- • \ Ct A - O M / LLJ ---------"-'-------------`� lyC m.I J * O ~.r.,,• U �f Panhandle St � Y - • Egan St j 1 - • 5 1 � • 1 I d Q Congress St a _ •� 1 , Parkway St • - 1 LL r+ 1 McKinney St •••s-ss::•••*••• Greg St • • 1 Oak St • 1' E Oak St ; �•••• •• 1 • W Hickory St • E Hickory St 1 44 Mulberry St • I E St Sycamore • SY camore St 1 • Y q i^ �•••• ••••••••••••••••••�.• . . . . . ,� Chestnut St �j [] c= E Prairie St i i► Prairie St N l of 1 � •a it C (D • m Pecan 4 -iFa=-u�'• Highland St ° I . . . . . .• ,Ipo E❑p H � . • . Maple St Lf_ C • • � - qM • • Eagle Dr �••••• . Mill St O • DESIGN DOWN40WN D ill 115 Plan Elm% MAAdlft&AAdlft& 0 I.K.S.Lplementation Win F11 1 IS , _ R LL 1i i i 1 ���■ 5 4rF fi a 1114D TON i All as I an111 I Sri Plan Implementation Introduction The Downtown Denton Master Plan requires a refresh to steer growth over the next decade. This update focuses on enhancing parks and open spaces, parking, housing, mobility, connectivity, and preserving existing neighborhoods and historic sites. The new plan aims to leverage Downtown's strengths, honor its history and • character, and create an even more enjoyable living environment. The recommendations and actions outlined in the plan need thoughtful implementation and prioritization. This will help the City make decisions on actions to take to further the goals of the plan. Prioritizing Bundling Unlocking Funds Actions Incentives .,�3 T LEi LCJL IN - -- J caf6A J - Prioritizing what Exploring opportunities to Unlocking funds such as tax should happen first. bundle incentives. rebates for qualified hotels. Image Source:Wikimedia Commons Image Source:Mend Collaborative Image Source:Wikimedia Commons IDESlIG [I DOWN70WN DEN70N 117 Implementation of Economic Development Tools Implementing Denton's new Downtown Master This portion of the implementation section Plan will require the City to move quickly to prioritizes the economic development tools establish additional revenue sources, and new identified in the Design Downtown Denton Plan and expanded programs to use that revenue and articulates steps required to use those to move Downtown forward. In addition, tools effectively in order to implement the plan expenditure of funds for implementation of over the next several years.The City does have the plan must balance three different types of a number of other economic development tools projects: available citywide that might also be used, Construction and maintenance of including a sales tax rebate on construction • public infrastructure and public realm materials, utility improvement reimbursement, improvements and a reduction in electrical demand charges. • Incentives for business owners Department K- ---------------- • Incentives for property owners and Development services Ds .................................................................................. developers : Parks and Recreation PR :.....................................................................:...........: Economic Development : ED Prioritizing policy Recommendations Engineering Services : ES Streets Division SD Policy-related recommendations also were ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••........................... . ......••• prioritized based on whether other projects : Real Estate RE .. .....Esta..................... Capital Improvement Projects ; CIP : are dependent on that particular policy action. ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••........................••••• ......••••• Public Improvement District PID A timeline range was assigned to the policy Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone TIRZ recommendation.The below table shows this in :•••••••••••••••••.•.••••••••••••••••••..............................• ......••••• : Main Street Association MSA moredetail. :.....................................................................:...........: Greater Denton Arts Council GDAC .....................................................................:...........: Denton County Transportation Association DCTA ................................................................................... Policy Recommendation Lead Timeline Department(s) 4E I Expand TIRZ ; ED Year ...................................................................................................................................: 4Gc I Establish a PID Mm ED Other Recommendations Are Dependent On These ..................................... 3B I Encourage Downtown Living ED, DS, PID,TIRZ ............................................................................................... ................................... : 4A I Utilize Policy and Regulation to Support Music and Nightlife* ED, DS, PID ...............................................................................................:..................................: : 4C I Expand Programs to Support Small Businesses ED, DS, MSA, PID,TIRZ ............................................................................................... . Year s 3D I Adopt Public Realm Guidelines and Zoning DS Recommendations ...............................................................................................:..................................: 4E I Expand on other Economic Development Tools ED ...............................................................................................:..................................:....................................: 3C I Strengthen Historic Preservation Opportunities DS Complete As :... . 3E I Pursue Opportunities for Transformative Projects ; ED, PID, RE Opportunities Arse ........................................................................................... ............................... O 4D I Expand on Events PID,MSA, PR :...............................................................................................:..................................: : *4A I Hire Night Major ED, DS, PID ..................................................................................................................................:....................................: 118 DESIGN DOWN70WN DEN70N Priority 1 (Year 1) The top priorities focus on establishing additional revenue sources and clarifying how those additional revenues will be used. Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone: Public Improvement District Boundaries, Revenue,and Use of Funds The City should also move quickly to create a The Downtown Plan calls for an expansion of Public Improvement District(PID)for the core the boundaries of TIRZ#1.Along with the TIRZ part of Downtown. expansion will come an increase in revenue The City should: and a need to create a new Project Plan that identifies eligible projects and allocates funds Determine the boundaries of the PID • among different purposes. (which must win the support of both most property owners and most of the assessed The new Project Plan should include: value inside its boundaries). • Expanded boundaries - phased approach . Develop PID revenue projections for the if applicable coming years. • Clarification of timeframe (longer . Determine what activities can be paid for timeframe) with PID revenue.Activities that might be • Projected revenue covered by PID revenue could include: The City should also clarify use of TIRZ funds, a. Ambassadors/safety programs considering the following questions: b. Marketing and events a. Will TIRZ funds still be used for Downtown c. Public realm maintenance Reinvestment Grants and 380 Agreements? Catalyst Fund b. Will TIRZ funds be used for a new low- interest loan program? The City has recently revamped some of its economic development incentive revenues c. Will TIRZ funds be used to incentivize into one fund called the Catalyst Fund.The private development and if so how? Downtown Plan recommends setting aside a d. What public realm improvements and certain percentage of the Catalyst Fund for public infrastructure will be paid for with Downtown projects.The City should determine TIRZ revenue? what percentage of the Catalyst Fund should be e. How should TIRZ revenue be divided among set aside for Downtown and what those funds all these goals? should be used for, perhaps focusing especially on the Entrepreneur Tech Program. If Catalyst f. Should the City bond against TIRZ revenue? Funds citywide are intended to support major projects,the City may want to consider using the Downtown Catalyst Funds to incentivize large private development projects that will "catalyze" transformation of Downtown. DESIC7N DOW N70WN DEN70N 119 Catalyst Projects - clarifying and detailing the prioritized • Initial Planning and Underwriting development concepts, and communicating the opportunity to the marketplace. With this The Downtown Master Plan includes a series as context,the following outline may be used to of catalytic developments that have been advance such developments. identified due to their strategic locations and • ability to generate synergies in use and activity Identify any city-controlled obstacles that may"seed"the larger plan goals. These impacting the potential implementation of include new development that better connects each project, and devise strategies for how downtown to Quakertown Park across McKinney the City can remove said obstacles Street,forming stronger urban gateways Prepare simple vision statements for each between Carroll Blvd and the downtown square catalyst project with supporting technical area through urban infill,forming a southern data including what the City is willing to development district on the land reclaimed out do in order to remove potential obstacles, of the floodplain around the new park space, this should include a simple financial gap forming a connection from the Square eastward analysis through the current vacant parcel, and infill Identify existing land owners within development around the Wells Fargo tower. each catalyst project area and arrange Many of these projects require private meetings to discuss their potential interest investment through the commercial real estate in participating in such implementation, industry to be implemented, and some of either as principal,through land these developments may have an economic transaction, or in partnership with a gap between present market conditions and developer the City's desired outcomes that must be filled Research similar projects in the North for the private development marketplace to Texas region that have been implemented advance. There are common areas where the within the previous 10 years, and build a list various implementation tools available to the of the developers that completed this work, City can be utilized to help close such gaps with the goal being 5-10 developers per including the partial funding of shared parking project type garages,the funding of required infrastructure and streetscape enhancements around key Hold informal discussions with these private developments, and writing down the developers to present the information cost of particular uses the City desires where prepared on the projects deemed well- appropriate. suited to their experience, and gauge their interest in advancing forward with the City To advance such projects,there is initial economic development work the City should do Identify 2-3 projects and coordinate which includes prioritizing the developments, meetings between related willing land- ownersand developers 120 DESIGN DOWN70WN DEN70N Priority 2 (Year 1-3) Priority 2 items focus on setting up longer-term revenue sources and setting up or highlighting tax-related incentives that individual property owners can take advantage of independent of the City. Denton will still need to maintain and move forward the funding mechanisms mentioned in Priority1. Property Assessed Clean Energy(PACE) Parking Benefit District The PACE program allows property owners As part of the Downtown parking management access to low-cost financing for energy and effort,the City should create a Parking Benefit • water conservation improvements.The city District that will collect revenue from the paid should make an agreement with the Texas parking spaces that are created.At least part PACE Authority to set up the opportunity for of that revenue should be returned to the Downtown property owners. Given the Economic Downtown for use there. Development Director's experience with the Small Business Benefit"District" PACE program,this could be a Year 1 priority if the ED Department has the capacity to execute One innovative idea that emerged from the it. Downtown Plan process was an informal "district"that would allow small businesses Historic Tax Credits downtown to obtain such benefits as lower The City has two generous Historic Tax Credit insurance rates, common back-office HR and programs that few Downtown property owners payroll services, and so forth. Possibly with a have taken advantage of- one focused on nonprofit partner,the City should pursue the "designated" historic structures and the other creation of such a "district" for the benefit of focused on "significant" historic structures.The Downtown businesses. City should promote the use of both Historic Tax Catalyst Projects - Project Selections Credits Downtown, especially in combination with other possible incentives and programs. Work with the private development teams Affordable and Mixed Income Housing Tax established during the underwriting phase to explore specific needs to advance, including Exemptions the potential filling of reasonable economic The City recently established a Public Facilities gaps in order to finalize these developments for Corporation,which will allow the City to implementation. partner with developers on affordable and mixed-use development projects by providing a property tax exemption.The City should identify developers and projects that could take advantage of this opportunity as part of the effort to add 1,500 housing units Downtown in the next decade. DESIC7N DOW N70WN DEN70N 121 Priority 3 (3+Years) Priority 3 items focus on very long-term efforts, such as efforts that facilitate private development projects that will take several years to come to fruition. Use of City Land Qualified Hotel Project The City's land on McKinney Street is an Denton desires a boutique hotel Downtown. extremely valuable economic development If such a hotel is located within 1,000 feet of asset, allowing the City not only to incentivize meeting space totaling 10,000 square feet or new development if necessary but also, as more, it can qualify for state sales and bed tax • landowner,to identify and direct specifically rebates.The City should consider including a what type of development is desired. In hotel in the McKinney Street redevelopment and combination with the Quakertown Park plan using the Qualified Hotel Project tax rebate as and possible relocation of City offices,the part of an incentive package to make the deal City should use City-owned land strategically work. to incentivize the most important desired New Market Tax Credits development. Due to the proximity of the park and municipal facilities,the City may consider New Market Tax Credits provide private the following strategies to accomplish the vision businesses and developers with equity by offering tax credits that can be sold to private for this area set forth in the Downtown Plan. investors.The tax credits are only available in • Explore the economic benefit that certain disadvantaged locations, but Downtown the contribution of land to a private Denton qualifies.The funds can be used for a development that achieves the public wide range of projects, including retail, market- goals outlined in the Plan rate and affordable housing, office buildings, • Explore the use of a shared parking and community facilities.Although most entities garage that serves both public and private offering tax credits are community development uses in order to reduce the cost of both entities, local governments can qualify.The City development types of Denton should qualify as an entity offering • Explore the use of the implementation New Market Tax Credits and identify the projects tools identified in this section to achieve best suited to use such tax credits. the desired development type and quality HUD 108 Loan Guarantees for this strategic location The City should identify critical Downtown projects that could qualify for HUD 108 loan guarantees and identify CDBG recipients that could assist in bringing this financing mechanism into key Downtown deals. 122 DESIC7N DOWN70WN DEN70N Proactive Implementation Efforts Developers as well could benefit from bundled In the past,the City has taken a largely incentives, especially as the City seeks to demand-responsive approach to incentives redevelop its own property along East McKinney for Downtown improvement, often using Street and/or encourage development in the economic development incentives in isolation southern part of Downtown. from one another. For example,the Downtown For example, if the City pursues major Reinvestment Grant program has funded one- redevelopment along East McKinney, it could off improvements based on applications from bundle together a wide variety of incentives, property owners and business owners. including TIRZ funding for public improvements, Where possible the City should take a more city land at a below-market price for a parking proactive approach to economic development, garage and private development, Qualified Hotel bundling incentives together to increase the Project tax rebates for a hotel in close proximity likelihood that the Downtown Plan's goals will be to meeting space, and New Market Tax Credits achieved.This bundling can be done differently to provide low-cost equity for either commercial depending on the different entities to which the or residential parts of the project or both. incentives might be targeted including current In southern downtown,TIRZ funds and New Downtown business owners, startup business Market Tax Credits could be combined, possibly owners, current Downtown property owners, and with additional financing from the city's developers seeking to add new buildings and Catalyst Fund, in order to make a project work. spaces to Downtown. In either case,TIRZ funds and Parking Benefit For example, current Downtown property owners District funds could be used for public realm seeking to upgrade their older buildings might improvements that would complement private bundle a Downtown Reinvestment Grant, an development. Historic Tax Credit, and a PACE energy and In each of these efforts,the City would be taking water conservation upgrade. a more proactive role than it has historically Similarly, current Downtown business owners utilized to see the Plan goals realized. And might bundle a Downtown Reinvestment Grant, while such proactivity may include providing a low-interest loan (under a program yet to be economic gap funding, it may also simply created), and participation in the informal Small take the form of the City brokering ideas and Business Benefit"District"that could reduce relationships between private interests around a operational costs. desired common goal. DESIC71N DOWPN70WN DEN70N 123 I� I� I� Prioritizing Project Recommendations Department _ The recommendations were prioritized by: : Development services : DS .....................................................................:...........: Parks and Recreation PR • The level of community support, Economic Development : ED The overall cost, and ..................................................................:...........: • Engineering Services : ES .....................................................................:........... : • Whether the recommendation depends on : Streets Division SD ......................................................................:............ or catalyzes another project. Real Estate RE ..................................................................................: Capital Improvement Projects ; CIP • The below table outlines this in more detail and ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••........................••••• ......••••• Public Improvement District PID assigns a timeline range for each of the projects. Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone TIRZ .....................................................................:...........: Main Street Association MSA :.....................................................................:...........: : Greater Denton Arts Council GDAC : .....................................................................:...........: Denton County Transportation Association DCTA ................................................................................... Project - - _ Timeline 1: Department(s) 28 I Create New Park on the Square PR, RE Years 1-5 ...................................................................................................:..................................: : 18 I Pilot Denton Chill Streets CIP,DS, ES ............. ......... ........................ . Re-stripe Bell and McKinney SD, DS .................................................................................. ............................. : 2G I Develop a Public Art Plan for Downtown PR ................................................................................. .... ............................ : 1D I Improve Transit ■ DS,DCTA ................ 2A I Initiate Implementation of the Quakertown Park Plan PR ................................................................................................................. ...... 2D I Complete small improvements like lighting,trees and art DS,ES ........................................................................................................................ 4F I Branding and Advertising,Wayfinding Plan and Historic PID,MSA,PR Interpretation 3A I Develop Southern Downtown ED,DS, RE Years 6-10 :..................................................................................................:..................................: : 1C I Improve Bike Connections DS ..................................................................................................:..................................: : 2C I Improve Utilization of Alleys PID,PR :..................................................................................................:..................................: : 28 I Other Pocket Park Improvements PR, PID ..................................................................................................:..................................: : 1A I Rebuild Carroll Boulevard CIP,DS, ES, PID,TIRZ :..................................................................................... .............:..................................: : 2D I Redesigns that upgrade streets for closures for festivals CIP,DS, ES, PID,TIRZ and events ..................................................................................................:..................................: : 2E I Develop a new park in Southern Downtown PR, RE .................................................................................................. .....................................................................: 2F I Partner with County to improve Historic Park DS Years 11-15 ..................................................................................................:..................................: : 48 (Develop an Arts Center ED,RE,CIP, PID,TIRZ, GDAC ..................................................................................................:..................................: : 41D I Gateway Monuments PID,TIRZ,DS, PR ..................................................................................................:..................................:..................................: 124 DES5C7N DOWN70WN DEN70N cD 5 m :s ct l7 Y i w. 41 �i'� t �I;, � E -� >-..� �w.*.�nuras �.f f AY•.''J.•. �� ' ., r}`� n r MT t It I -IMA mmmwm� "now • y'\ � 0 Try Implementation of Economic ---------------------—---- ------------------------- Development Tools -------------------------- -------LMIL-1--------------- ubiic ------------------------- Priority Revenue Source Clean&Safe TI: Public Public Realm Ambassadors Infrastructure Improvements r001 TO, ........... . . ...................... ................... ....................... ....................... ........ ............. TIRZ 1 Tax Increment .................... ...... ........ ....................... ..................... .......... 380 Agreements 1 TIRZ Downtown Reinvestment TIRZ Grants Low Interest Loans 1 TIRZ ........................................ ...... Public Improvement Property Assessment District ................................................. ............... ........................................ Catalyst Fund 1 Variety of citywide sources ................................................ ........................................ ....................... ....................... ....................... PACE 2 Property Assessments ................................................ ........................................ ....................... ....................... ....................... Historic Tax Credits 2 Property Tax Exemptions ................................................ ........................................ ....................... ....................... ....................... Affordable Housing Tax 2 Property Tax Exemptions Exemptions ................................................ ........................................ ....................... ....................... ....................... Parking Benefit District 2 Parking revenue ................................................ ........................................ ....................... ....................... ....................... Small Business Benefit 2 Business Owners District" ................................................ ........................................ ....................... ....................... ....................... City Land 3 City Land Equity • ................................................ ........................................ ....................... ....................... ....................... Qualified Hotel Project 3 State Sales and Bed Tax Rebates ........................................ ....................... ....................... ....................... New Market Tax Credits 3 Federal Tax Credits ................................................ ............... ........................................ ....................... ....................... ....................... HUD 108 Loan Guarantees 3 Community Development Block Grant Funds ........................................ ....................... ....................... ....................... Tax Abatement(Ch-312 of Existing :Tax Abatement the Texas Tax Code) ................................................ ........................................ ....................... ....................... ....................... Sales and Use Tax for Existing :Tax Rebate Construction ................................................ ........................................ ....................... ....................... ....................... Water/Wastewater Utility Existing Reimbursement Line Fund ................................................ ........................................ ....................... ....................... ....................... Economic Growth Rider Existing Reduction in electrical demand charge ........................................ ....................... ....................... ....................... Tourism Public Existing Property Assessment Improvement District ......................................................................................................................................................................................... 126 DESIC7N DOWN70WN DEN70N Tool Location and Purpose Existing Private New Private ................................................. ........... ..... ..................... Support for Support For Support for ' Incentivizing Incentivizing ; Support for Existing Downtown Commercial Residential New Commercial New Housing Startups Based Businesses Property Owners Property Owners Development Downtown ................................:........................... ..:.............................:........................... ..:.......................:....................... ..... ................................:...............................:.............................:..............................:.......................:....................... ....: ................................:...............................:.............................:..............................:.......................:........................... : ................................:...............................:.............................:..............................:.......................:........................... : • ................................:...............................:.............................:..............................:.......................:........................... : ................................:...............................:.............................:..............................:....................... :...........................: • ................................:...............................:.............................:..............................:....................... :...........................: ................................:...............................:.............................:..............................:....................... :...........................: • ................................:...............................:............................. :..............................:....................... :...........................: ................................:...............................:............................. :..............................:....................... :...........................: ................................:...............................:............................. :..............................:....................... :...........................: ................................:...............................:............................. :..............................:....................... :...........................: • ................................:...............................:............................. :..............................:....................... :...........................: • ................................:...............................:............................. :..............................:....................... :...........................: ................................:...............................:............................. :..............................:....................... :...........................: ................................:...............................:............................. :..............................:....................... :...........................: • ................................:...............................:............................. :..............................:....................... :...........................: ................................:...............................:............................. :..............................:....................... :...........................: ................................:...............................:.............................:..............................:....................... :...........................: .......:................................:...............................:............................................................:.................................................... DESIGN DAWN40WN IDEN70N 127 DENTON