Tolt Avenue/SR 203 Central Business District Improvements Carnation, Washington

In revitalizing the central business district of Carnation, Washington, the reconstruction of four blocks was designed to improve a variety of areas from stormwater and utilities to traffic signage and pedestrian wayfinding. As the prime consultant completing these extensive streetscape improvements, Otak led the design, community engagement, and development of a comprehensive construction sequencing plan to minimize disruption to existing downtown businesses.

A Revitalized Streetscape Emphasizing Pedestrian Connectivity and Low Impact Development

This federally funded project applies a community-character design theme that draws on the area’s history to deliver new streetscape amenities as well as a host of functional streetscape improvements. Unique metal cut-out panels used as banners on street light poles and incorporated into street furniture highlight this theme. The design for core blocks downtown focused on pedestrian connectivity and gathering spaces while underground stormwater quality treatment vaults placed beneath sidewalks function as root-storage, allowing for street trees to be placed within the dense business-district environment. Integrated adjacent to the planter areas are stormwater bioretention facilities creating natural balance with landscape plantings. Use of a depressed-curb intersection design at Bird Street opens the cross-street pedestrian corridor for future festivals and other street events.