Page 16 - Layout 1

LOBI0721.qxp_Layout 1 6/25/21 9:18 PM Page 14

Special Feature continued

The Overall • Create streets that are flexible and can accommodate a
wide scale and range of activities.
• Ensure the street's design and material components speak
Concept to the aspirations, cultural preferences and expectations of
the community.

The overall vision involves a strategy that starts by
The design of Las Olas Boulevard strives to create a street
understanding that Las Olas Boulevard is part of a larger city
where residents and visitors feel invited to share company, go
and has to integrate with other areas to become even more
for a stroll, and be comfortable in their community.
successful in the future.
As the major thoroughfare connecting Downtown Fort
Lauderdale and Central Beach, Las Olas Boulevard must Some general opportunities for enhancing the corridor include:
balance moving people efficiently through a variety of 1. A cohesive landscaping strategy that protects pedestrians
transportation needs, inclusive of pedestrian, bicycling, from the elements of the sun.
2. Improve the overall connectivity of the street network to
vehicular, and transit modes, with space programmed to
enhance the mobility of pedestrians, bicyclists, transit users,
safely accommodate alternative modes such as scooters when
and drivers.
they are present. Within the context of the network, Las Olas
3. Highlight the presence of pedestrians and cyclists while
Boulevard is the most direct route between Downtown and the
reducing the speed differential between modes of
Beach. Its centrality also places it within reach of transit, the
transportation, and improvements in line with Americans for
Water Taxi, and park facilities. The natural geography of the
Disabilities Act to facilitate a safer and more accessible
corridor also offers a number of opportunities for viewpoints
environment.
and gateway features at transitions, such as connecting with
4. Singular branding to aid in wayfinding to and from the
Riverwalk via Tunnel Top Plaza.
corridor to nearby intermodal transportation facilities, as well
Some general opportunities for enhancement were identified as communicating alternative routes to help drivers avoid
throughout the corridor, including: improved comfort with getting stuck in traffic.
shade trees, cohesive branding, connections to nearby
destinations, uninterrupted bicycle facilities, and wayfinding. Each segment within this corridor is different but contribute to the
continuous experience and visual identity of the street. Through
Embracing and creating a street that acknowledges these discussions, the identity of each area was brought forward:
opportunities will help:
• Emphasize the safety of all users in the design of 1. Downtown. This section of Las Olas will remain the
intersections. Prioritize safety of the most vulnerable users prestigious address and front door for office and residential
of the street. development that it aims to be. The streetscape of this area
• Provide well-designed bicycle facilities to ensure mobility should support a walkable downtown with ample shade and
and safety to provide a desirable environment that is seating, with considerations for how the corridor can create
comfortable, enriching and which encourages people to connections to the Riverwalk, Brightline, and SW 2nd Street at
prioritize biking as a primary mode of transportation. This the edge of the Downtown area.
includes continuity of pathways to provide better comfort
for bicyclists. (continued on page 16)

14 LAS OLAS BOULEVARD & ISLES