Street to Square: What can the new Latham Square Plaza do for Downtown Oakland ?

The City of Oakland is a few days away from inaugurating  its very first street to plaza conversion at Latham Square where Telegraph Avenue begins, branching off of Broadway. The  project being almost a capstone to all the transformation that has happened in uptown Oakland along Telegraph Ave, making the city the 'Brooklyn' of the Bay Area. It closes off the section of the street that merges into Broadway, and is for now, planned as a temporary transformation. Amenities are not quite bolted to the ground. The city has brought in some movable planters, seating and bollards. It painted the asphalt and added a fancy sign (design drawings here). These temporary improvements are well designed, but I'm not quite sure what are the city's expectations of the plaza. What would make the city change it to a more permanent amenity
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Being a block away from my office, there is a sense of excitement in the office to see what comes of the transformation. Colleagues had some skepticism for the square being lively, as its just next to the City Hall plaza that has a few eating establishments, and way to many protests that keep it lively. Will City Hall Plaza keep crowds away from the new Latham Square. The existing surroundings of the plaza also don't quite elicit confidence that it would become an immediate hit. It is bound by either frosted glass  offices, or vacant storefronts. To top that the city nixed the idea of a food truck being part of the plaza. With only the Awaken Cafe just a few steps away, supportive businesses are hard to find around it. 

So the question that's been discussed in the office is - Will the new plaza be a big enough change to bring new businesses around it? Or, is the lack of immediate supportive businesses around it ultimately end this pilot project? One indirect effect that most in the office have already sensed is the reduction of traffic volumes on several blocks of Telegraph Avenue, as cars choose to turn of at 20th or 19th streets. Could this be the key impact of the plaza? Could these blocks see a widening of the pedestrian realm in the future, with cafe seating spilling on to on-street parking spaces? Would more clubs and restaurants open up along these blocks because of this? I plan to post monthly photos of the plaza and try and document any changes. So keep an eye out for updates. 


Comments

  1. UnknownAugust 15, 2013 at 8:33 AM

    I wish I was still working there to see the evolution of the plaza as peds get used to the space. It can go two ways, greater inhabitation, or an abandonment of space lacking in peripheral programming. I look forward to seeing your monthly photo updates that highlight the changes going on. Fingers crossed that all will find the space inviting and respite within downtown. I think ReBar did a pretty good job in creatively designing the space, allowing for flex uses and a character all it's own. Thanks for sharing! -PRace

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Bharat SinghAugust 15, 2013 at 10:09 AM

      First comment on my blog! Thanks Patrick. The office is excited about it. We even had one office lunch out there last Friday, a midst the construction.

      Delete
  2. LGVJanuary 8, 2014 at 12:19 AM

    I used to work in Downtown Oakland and my office used to face City Center. What used to be a bustling space during daytime would turn eerie after 6.00pm. Like you mentioned, adding in elements that attract pedestrians and also bring 'eyes on the street,' will be key to making the plaza successful and attractive. Would love to see more pics. Thanks ~ Lakshmi

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