B Street is the primary connector between Downtown and Winton Parkway and by extension, between Downtown and Highway 99. In this regard, B street can be thought of as both a ‘gateway’ to Downtown for residents and visitors, as well as an opportunity to connect Downtown to the Workplace District and growth area to the west.
Urban Fabric
B Street is envisioned as a walkable corridor where buildings are located near to the back of sidewalk to help shape the public streetscape environment. New residential, civic, and commercial development supports the community’s vision for an attractive and pedestrian-oriented environment that uses it’s valuable land to create an attractive ‘face’ to the city for residents and visitors.
Land Use
B Street Corridor should be comprised of a range of complementary land uses: Multi-family residential, civic, cultural and live-work are encouraged. Professional offices, medical and dental services are appropriate. Commercial and retail uses should be conditioned so that they do not compete directly with Downtown businesses for tenants and customers.
District Structure
Development in the B Street Corridor should protect and enhance the pedestrian friendly conditions that support a range of residential and commercial uses
Buildings should be located near to the back-of-sidewalk and shall have their primary entry oriented toward B Street.
Building should not be oriented toward surface parking areas.
Parking should be located to the rear and side of buildings. Curb cuts should be limited to support pedestrian activity. Where possible, parking areas should be shared among multiple users to maximize efficient use of land, reduce development costs, and maximize return on investment.
Access to ground floor commercial space should be achieved using formal entries fronting onto B Street. Access to upper story uses may occur through a lobby and/or enclosed stair.
Residential buildings in the B Street Corridor shall be designed at a scale appropriate to the corridor. Recommended building types include multi-plex buildings and row-houses.
Parking areas shall maintain a significant tree coverage and shall be illuminated using pedestrian-scaled lighting.
Private Development Guidelines
Site development standards and guidelines should encourage new investment along the B Street Corridor. New development should look to complement adjacent development types to reinfornce the streetwall in favor of pedestrian activity.
Public Development Guidelines
The B-Street Corridor streetscape shall be designed to support desired new investment while creating a safe and attractive pedestrian environment. Traffic lanes, on-street parking, bicycle lanes, and generous sidewalks should be complemented by large open-habit street trees, pedestrian-scale lighting, and street furnishings including benches and trash recepticles to enhance walkability.
