Surface Materials & Paving
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The primary connective network of pathways for pedestrian movement throughout downtown is provided by sidewalks, crosswalks, public spaces and alleyways. Collectively, these pathways, along with vehicular streets and parking lots, serve as the floor of the downtown.

Sidewalk dimensions, construction materials, surface appearance, color and texture are among the basic design factors which should be considered in the design of the downtown floor. Today, endless yards of concrete and asphalt are used as the primary paving material of downtown walks, streets and parking lots. By varying the materials, the floor not only alerts the motorist to the presence of pedestrians, it also adds a pleasant experience for pedestrians

Guidelines:

  1. Surface materials should be integrated into an overall design concept for the downtown. Their selection should be coordinated with the choice of street furniture, signs, and the buildings themselves.

  2. Points of conflict between vehicles and people, such as crosswalks, alleys, and parking lots, should be clearly identified with changes in paving materials, colors, textures, and/or grade.

  3. Materials used for sidewalks and other pedestrian areas should have a safe, even, slip-resistant surface.

  4. Where street furniture occurs, sidewalks should be wide enough to accommodate it as well as pedestrian movement.

  5. Paving schemes should be somewhat consistent throughout the downtown. If the existing scheme is altered at some point in the future, the new pattern should relate to the buildings as well as the street area.