Projects

City of Ann Arbor Downtown Development Authority - Library Lane Concept Plan

overview

Library Lane is a proposed new roadway between Fifth Avenue and Division Street located between William Street and Liberty Street where an existing surface parking lot currently exists.  The road is to be placed above a new underground parking garage. The City of Ann Arbor DDA hired The Greenway Collaborative, Inc. to develop a preliminary concept for the road.

It should be noted that this is not the proposed design for Library Lane.  The final design is being developed by others.  For more information please visit the DDA's website www.a2dda.org

Proposed Design Elements

The preliminary design concept for Library Lane is a "Complete Street" that is safe and comfortable for motor vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians.  It is also an attractive street appropriate for the District Library's intent to have the front door of the renovated library face onto Library Lane.

1.   A fountain placed between the District Library’s proposed new front entrance and the central stair and elevator access to underground parking deck.  The road curves around this element, slowing traffic and accommodating the informal mid-block crossings that are bound to take place.  

2.   The street is divided into two distinct segments.  The west end a European style mini-plaza which is a flexible space and could be closed and used for festivals, the east end is a more traditional street with on-street parking.

3.   The plaza area has informal movable seating and tables.

4.   The street may be closed off at the mid-point with the plaza area being used for special events while still maintaining access to the underground parking garage.

5.   Pavers are used to slow traffic and contrasting colors and textures are used to define different areas.

6.   The vents and stairs for the underground parking garage become sculptural elements.

TAKE A VIRTUAL TOUR IN GOOGLE EARTH

We used a 3D software to develop the vision for Library Lane. With Google Earth, you can view the 3D model and take a walk down Library Lane on your computer.  First, you must have Google Earth Installed on your computer (click Here for the free download)  Next, download the kmz files below; right click on the link, select "Save Target As" and specify where you would like to save the file on your computer. Double click on the file to launch the model in Google Earth.

Library Lane with Mixed Use Building 3D Model 29 MB kmz

*Please note that this is a large file and may take 2 minutes to show up in Google Earth when opened

Report for City Council Consideration

The report files are available for downloading.  These are PDF files.  For best results, right click on link, select "Save Target As" and specify where you would like to save the file on your computer.

Poster  33 MB PDF This is a 22" x 34" map.

Handout  1 MB PDF

City of Ann Arbor Downtown Development Authority

150 S. Fifth Ave

Suite 301

Ann Arbor, MI  48104

Susan Pollay

(734) 994-6697

Copyright © 2003 The Greenway Collaborative, Inc.
Last modified: April 01, 2008