HomeMy WebLinkAboutCityCenter City of Oshkosh Riverfront Design Character Guildelines City of Oshkosh Fox River Corridor Riverwalk Plan and Design Guildelines 18
3.0 DESIGN CHARACTER
Figure 3.3B-1
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Riverfront Design Character Guildelines City of Oshkosh Fox River Corridor Riverwalk Plan and Design Guildelines City of Oshkosh 19
3.0 DESIGN CHARACTER
3.3B CITY CENTER AREA AND HOTEL ZONE
The City Center Area and Hotel Zone is located between the Oregon
and Main Street Bridges on the north shore of the Fox River, Figure
3.3B-1. The mixed-use area contains a former retail mall that was con-
verted to a mixed use complex with an emphasis on offi ces. A hotel
facility is located on the east side of the area adjacent to North Main
Street. Riverwalk components consist of concrete walk, boardwalk,
steel sheet pile, stainless steel or aluminum and wood railing, bollard
and pedestrian lights, landscaping, and fi xed docks.
Concrete Walk - The Riverwalk crosses Jackson Street at grade north
of the bridge and follows the slope south along the bridge foundation
to the River’s edge. Due to space constraints, a pile-supported board-
walk will be necessary, Figure 3.3B-4. The former step-down area near
the complex’s south entry plaza will be transformed to create an Ipe
wood plaza and area open to the river as shown on Figure 3.3B-1. The
Riverwalk portion of the boardwalk will be a pile-supported Ipe wood
structure with a 3 foot railing edge along the River, a 12 foot clear zone,
and a 1 foot curb along the north edge, for a total width of 16 feet, Fig-
ure 3.3B-2. Scoring and jointing of the walkway will consist of 4 foot
squares with a periodic 18 inch wide band to accommodate bollard light
placement. Along the parking lot the concrete walk is 8 foot wide with
additional 5 feet of boardwalk on steel pile to create 15 foot Riverwalk,
Figure 3.3B-3 and 3.3B-5. Planting should be considered to provide
a visual edge between public and private uses. Further east near the
hotel, the Riverwalk will need to navigate several feet of grade with
ramps and low walls. Creation of a safe setting using planter walls is
recommended in conjunction with the hotel restaurant’s revitalization.
The Riverwalk ties into the existing sidewalk system and crosses Main
Street at the fi rst intersection north of the bridge (Ceape Avenue).
Steel Sheet Pile – The existing edge of the City Center zone consists
of a sheet pile in poor condition. Replacement of the steel sheet pile
consistent with an edge comparable to that at the Riverside Park near
the Leach Amphitheater would be optimal.
Stainless Steel or Aluminum, and Wood Railing – All vertical edges
from the walk surface to the river along the Riverwalk are to have hand-
rails for public safety. Handrails consist of stainless steel or aluminum
tubes for post and structure elements and stainless steel cables for hori-
zontal midrails. Horizontal midrails should be designed to detract from
foot placement. The top handrail consists of wood placed at a slight
angle, 5 to 10%, for leaning and resting opportunities.
Landscaping – Additional landscaping and low walls to defi ne the plaza
area and enhance the Riverwalk is encouraged. Landscaping materials
should consist of native perennials and native canopy trees. Landscape
materials selected should require relatively low maintenance and have
the ability of survival in extreme conditions.
Bollard and Pedestrian Lights – The pedestrian light is to match the fi x-
ture used at the Riverside Park Leach Amphitheater. Pedestrian lights
are spaced approximately 75 feet apart. Primary function of the pedes-
trian light is to provide continuity of the Riverwalk with Riverside Park
as well as providing additional lighting to the walk. Primary walk light-
ing is to be provided by bollard lights located approximately 25½ feet
apart within the handrail system. Visually the bollard fi xture is to play
off the detail of the pedestrian fi xture and handrail design.
Fixed Docks – Docks are located along the north edge of the Riverwalk.
Recommended dockage consists of 6 foot wide head piers with 4 foot
wide fi nger piers. The head pier is accessed centrally at each pier sec-
tion to minimize placement of security fencing and gates. Each access
point is to have security gates. Security gates are to be designed inte-
grally with the Riverwalk handrail detail.
Figure 3.3B-5
Figure 3.3B-4
Figure 3.3B-2
Figure 3.3B-3