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Forbes Library landscape master planLandscape Master Plan FORBES LIBRARY Northampton, Massachusetts Submitted to The Director and Trustees of Forbes Library by , Denig Design Associates, Inc. J Landscape Architecture 110 Main Street Northampton, MA 01060 j in association with Hayes Development Services 1441 Main Street 1, Springfield, MA 01103 March, 2002 INTRODUCTION Historic Background The history of the Forbes Library in Northampton, Massachusetts has been well documented. Consulting two noteworthy books on the subject - Lawrence Wikander's Disposed to Learn: The First Seventy -Five Years of the Forbes Library (1972) and Allison McCrillis Lockwood's No Ordinary Man, Judge Forbes and His Library (1994) — we learn that its landscape has evolved over time in keeping with institutional changes and development trends. Forbes Library was built on a four -acre lot in 1894, sharing the lot for a number of years with a private residence situated to the rear. As seen below, a semi- circular carriage way led to the Library entrance fronting West Street across from Smith College. A carriage way spur squeezed around the eastern edge of the lot and ended in a cul de sac at the residence. Midway to the residence, a turn- around at the southeastern corner of the Library provided, presumably, for deliveries. The western half of the lot fronting West Street as it curved southward remained undeveloped. i I r Co �j W � • � it SSU:Hp7jpN c -, Forbes Library Landscape Master Plan l INTRODUCTION A photograph from the late 1890's displays notable features of the Library's original landscape: a semi - circular concrete carriage way, a gently rising open lawn and a line of Pin Oaks set out by Arthur Watson along West Street. The Library is an impressive monument in this picture, below, complemented by simple, if somewhat stark, surroundings. "I O 1 _a A 1950's photograph published in Wikander's book of the same view shows the Library's front landscape much as it is today. Cars are parked along the eastern drive and excluded from the Library's front door by numerous bollards. The Library building itself is obscured behind the low -slung lower branches of the stately Pin Oaks. Forbes Library Landscape Master Plan 2 INTRODUCTION Forbes Library has undergone series of major building renovations in recent j years, aimed at both restoring historic architectural features and accommo- dating a state -of- the -art public library program. This Landscape Master Plan is a culmination of these improvements, aimed at envisioning Library grounds, which meet the high standards set by the newly renovated building. Program The Board of Trustees of the Forbes Library commissioned Denig Design Associates, Inc., Landscape Architects, to develop a plan, which would integrate the entire site into a functional and attractive landscape appropriate for the newly restored Forbes Library building. Included in this goal are three objectives: • Improve pedestrian access, circulation, safety and amenities; • Reduce the impact of automobiles on -site while providing more parking spaces; and • Develop implementation strategies. Landscape Requirements General landscape requirements guiding the development of the Plan include: • Preserve historic and positive existing features as deemed appropriate with special concern for the street-side Pink Oaks and other significant trees, • Accommodate multiple uses for the open space; • Provide for existing and future memorials; and • Create greater visibility for the Library. Pedestrian - oriented Requirements Pedestrian- oriented requirements guiding the development of the Plan include: • Comply with ADA standards for maximum accessibility; • Separate pedestrians from vehicular traffic as much as possible; • Provide ample and convenient walkways; • Accentuate orientation and access to the main front entry; • Provide access to the rear staff entry; • Protect pedestrians from snow falling from roofs; • Provide gathering spaces; • Provide seating, lighting, bicycle racks and other furnishings. Forbes Library Landscape Master Plan 3 INTRODUCTION Vehicular- oriented Requirements - Vehicular- oriented requirements guiding the development of the Plan include: • Locate the entry drive as far as possible from the Elm Street intersection; • Provide up to 80 parking spaces, including 4 accessible spaces, as required for ADA compliance; and • Provide a service area for refuse removal and deliveries; Implementation Requirements Implementation strategies should include: • Preliminary cost estimates; • Phasing; • Coordination with the City of Northampton DPW; and • Identification of funding resources. Forbes Library Landscape Master Plan 4 SITE ASSESSMENT Sound site planning is based on responsiveness to a program and the site for which it is intended. The previous section articulated the Trustees' program — their objectives and requirements - for Forbes Library's grounds. This section explores the physical, functional, historical and aesthetic aspects of those grounds. Context Near Northampton's downtown, but set off from it by South Street and topography, Forbes Library sits atop a rise near Smith College. The Library is surrounded by a variety of land uses. Its nearest neighbors are residential buildings to the east and west. Next is Smith College's new parking garage along the southwestern border. To the south and southeast are wooded slopes. Across West Street are an ensemble of Smith College's earlier buildings, set atop yet higher ground, and .a line of small commercial shops near the corner of West and Green Streets. A single crosswalk connects the Library to the shops. Access to Smith College is aided by a short flight of steps to campus, without benefit of a crosswalk. On- street parking is allowed only on the opposite sides of West Street. Underground cables in the western lawn area connect the Library to telephone and electrical services. An overhead wire crossing the lawn, an easement, connects the residential Smith College building to the City grid. Evaluation: The Library's location near, yet set apart from, downtown, and its mix of surrounding land uses are positive features. Two negative features are the dearth of safe pedestrian crosswalks and the overhead wire crossing the southern lawn. More crosswalks should be considered as part of the City's upcoming West Street improvement project. Forbes may consider re- negotiating the wire easement with Smith College in the interests of a clear open space. Natural Features Topography: The Library is situated atop a gentle rise, with slopes ranging from less than 1% to 25 %. Half of the site has minimal slopes under 5 %, at the northeast corner, within the building's immediate surroundings and 160' beyond the rear parking area. A third of the site has gentle slopes (5 -10 %), skirting the building along West Street and transitioning into steeper slopes to the rear. The remaining sixth constitutes slopes over 10% in a swathe along the eastern border. Vegetation: With the exception of shrubs and groundcovers flanking the main entry, vegetation consists of lawns and trees. The most notable trees are the mature Pin Oaks lining the West Street border. Several mature Oaks on the eastern greensward and near the service area appear to be of the same vintage. Forbes Library Landscape Master Plan SITE ASSESSMENT on site include: 1 Acer (Maple),1 Catalpa (Catalpa),1 Cercis (Redbud), 1 Crataegus (Hawthorn),1 Juglans (Walnut), 2 Malus (Crabapple), 2 Morus (Mulberry), 7 Pinus (Pine), 2 Prunus (Cherry),1 Pyrus (Pear),1 Robinia (Locust),1 Tsuga (Hemlock) and 1 Ulmus (Elm). These specimens are dispersed or loosely clustered throughout the eastern and southern portion of the grounds, leaving an open lawn to the west. Microclimate: Open lawns and dispersed trees allow for ample sun exposure from the south and west. Heavier tree cover and proximity to the wooded border reduces sun exposure to the east. The Library's main entry faces north, subject to less sun and northwest winter winds, partially mitigated by the ring of Pin Oaks along West Street. Portions of the building's immediate environs are subject to snow slides, depending on roof orientation and pitch. Most notable areas in this regard are along the entire western elevation, in the rear on either side of the central gable, and at the northeast corner. Evaluation: The Library ground's natural features are, by and large, positive. The gentle rise upon which the building sits is appealing without impeding accessibility. Accessibility is an issue, however, with slopes over 5 %. Walkways in such circumstances may require re- alignment, grading and /or railings. The Watson Pin Oaks and several other mature and healthy trees on site are a great asset. These require regular maintenance, nonetheless. Numerous other trees, however, are in decline or poor physical condition; these require removal or a more aggressive maintenance program, lest they become hazards. Snow slides are the other potential hazard on site, duly acknowledged by signage. Future development should be avoided in snow slide areas, obviating the need for signage. Access, Circulation & Parking Building Entries: Forbes Library's main entry facing West Street is clearly expressed by the rounded arch on the facade and by the semicircular walkway on the ground. This entry is singular: accessible, in compliance with ADA requirements, and access - controlled, in response to security necessities. The secondary Library entrance is to the Children Book Room at the northwest corner. This entry is a recent architectural after- thought, leading downward to a flight of stairs. The third Library entrance is for staff use, located in the southeast corner and inaccessible. Walkways: Pedestrians walk along the West Street sidewalk, from whichever direction they come, and arrive at the main entry via the former circular carriage way. This carriage way is only partially dedicated to pedestrian use at present, distinguished from vehicular use only by bollards. Both are surfaced with bituminous concrete. Pedestrians and vehicles intermingle at the driveway exit, as they do, in fact, almost everywhere else around the building. Forbes Library Landscape Master Plan 6 SITE ASSESSMENT Driveways: Passenger vehicles enter at the western end of the carriage way and circle around the building to exit near the northeast corner of the grounds. The driveway thus skirts the building on three sides. Parking: Parking is parallel along the right side of the driveway and angled or ninety degree in the rear, where the bituminous area widens. The rear parking area is ambiguously configured, however, frequently occasioning less efficient parallel parking there as well. Unofficial parking often occurs in other paved or compacted locations. Given the aforementioned variables, parking totals are difficult to quantify. The best estimate is a range of 60 -70 spaces. 'Service: Two dumpsters and a storage shed are located near the southeastern corner of the building, where the original service cul de sac, circling a now= mature oak, was located. Evaluation: Access, circulation and parking at Forbes Library have both positive and negative features. The one -way traffic circulation system with entry farther from the Route 9 intersection is a plus. So, too, ADA accessibility throughout most of the grounds. Though lack of accessibility for all but the main entry is a problem, it is not solvable by site improvements. The major site problems are pedestrian/vehicular conflicts prompted by lack of dedicated walkways and inefficient, unsightly parking. Both of these issues can be resolved with sound site planning. Special Features This final assessment category is a summary of sorts, identifying principal features of the Forbes Library grounds. The semi - circular entryway is a signature piece, featured in historic photographs as it changed from serving carriages, to Model T's and now to patrons on foot. This entryway is awkward at present, with its lowly bituminous surfacing, mixture of traffic control devices and inconveniences for pedestrians weaving among departing cars. Its curving form can remain, however, and its dedicated pedestrian use can be clarified. The "Watson Oaks" are another preeminent feature. Historic photographs have captured their growth as they have increasingly defined and buffered Forbes' street -side edge. These Pin Oaks' lower limbs have grown characteristically downward, however, screening more than framing the Library. Sound maintenance and selective pruning promise to insure their ongoing survival coupled with greater visibility. The western lawn has been part of Forbes' grounds from the start. At that time, it was most likely a leftover open space occasioned by the off - center placement of the new library building. Though increasingly valuable as foil to its increasingly urban context, this lawn has been severed from the Library, in Forbes Library Landscape Master Plan 7 SITE ASSESSMENT effect, by the parking -laden driveway and from West Street travelers by the Pitt Oak screen Thoughtful site programming, planning and design can celebrate this open sunny lawn as an integral part of Forbes Library's offerings to the Northampton community. Several memorials dot the Forbes landscape. Though varied in material, form and function, these memorials all communicate love, dedication and community service. Creative site planning and design is needed to provide for future memorials in a more unified way. Forbes Library Landscape Master Plan 8 \ J' ) ) 1 WIF FORBES LIBRARY r. / % C ONTEXT - - - -- C0MMERCIAL USE INSTITUTIONAL USE RESIDENTIAL USE ON- STREET PARKING ST S ® CROSSWALK ® UNDERGROUND UTILITY OVERHEAD UTILITY s % s� NATURAL FEATURE 0 % -5% SLOPES 5 % -10% SLOPES 10 % -20% SLOPES OVER 20% SLOPES TREES /WOODS ® FALLING SNOW ZONE is i Li/• / % C ONTEXT - - - -- C0MMERCIAL USE INSTITUTIONAL USE RESIDENTIAL USE ON- STREET PARKING ST S ® CROSSWALK ® UNDERGROUND UTILITY OVERHEAD UTILITY s % s� NATURAL FEATURE 0 % -5% SLOPES 5 % -10% SLOPES 10 % -20% SLOPES OVER 20% SLOPES TREES /WOODS ® FALLING SNOW ZONE J J �J J 0' FORBES LIBRARY a I ICJ `•\ ,, \� \\ `` \\ % u ACCESS, CIRCULATION & PARKING 2 BUILDING ENTRANCE DEDICATED WALKWAY O DRIVEWAY PARKING AREA SERVICE AREA LANDSCAPE MASTER PLAN Alternatives Exploration of alternatives is the third stage in Forbes' landscape master planning process. The Consultants prepared and presented three initial alternatives at this time, each of which responded to the goals and objectives of the program and to the opportunities and constraints of the site. These alternatives became the subject of lively debate among Board members. Two further alternatives responded to the Board's preferences and helped clarify the disposition of features of the final plan. See Appendix A for further information. Overview The final Landscape Master Plan presents a vision for the future of the Forbes Library landscape, which is both functional and beautiful. The Plan synthesizes many of the strongest features of the alternatives into a coherent whole. These features are shown in the following plan and axonometric view drawings and described below. Access Circulation & Parking Walkways: Library patrons will find walking safer and more pleasant with this plan A new 8' semi - circular walkway sweeps toward the entry, evoking historic conditions and accommodating access from divergent locations. The primary pedestrian entrance is aligned with the northwest (aka childrens) corner and the Green Street crosswalk. This entry marks the intersection of the two broad straight walkways linking patrons with parking areas. A 6' sidewalk parallels the building rear, collecting patrons leaving the parking lot and linking the staff entry. One -Way Drive: Vehicles enter near the southwestern corner of the property, swing behind the Library building and turn northward to exit near the northeaster corner, as they do now. The 12' bituminous driveway curves gently in the open landscape and straightens as it nears the building. It has granite curbing at strategic locations nearest the building and around the parking lot buffers. Parking: A maximum number of parking spaces is provided in this plan: 71 spaces in a double- bayed, 90 -degree parking area south of the Library and eleven 90 — degree spaces east of the Library. Four of the total 82 spaces nearest the Library entry are designated for handicapped usage. Service: A service area is provided near the southeastern corner of the building. Forbes Library Landscape Master Plan 9 LANDSCAPE MASTER PLAN Special Features Streetscape: The special identity of Forbes Library will be proclaimed along the West Street frontage by a period style ornamental metal fence with granite entry posts. A new, more durable sign will add further distinction and identity. . Entry: Library patrons will now arrive "in style ". A main entry gate at the northwest corner of the site will feature a small pavilion, marking the importance of the entry and orienting visitors. From here the walkway curves toward the Library entry, converging with another semi - circular walk along the way. This semi - circular walk draws pedestrians from other West Street entry points and evokes a significant historic feature. A rectilinear entry terrace fronts the Library's grand arched door, providing a fitting architectural foreground and a public gathering space. Granite sitting walls frame the terrace corners, tying them to the architecture, and offering much- needed seating for patrons.. . r � Entry gate & fence Promenade: In lieu of the existing driveway, a grand promenade will now span the length of the western fagade and forge a compelling link between the rear parking lots and Library entry. A large -scale masonry and wood arbor will . partially shelter pedestrians on their way and create a distinctive sense of place. Granite seating along the Library side will provide both rest and a vantage point overlooking the west lawn. This arbor presents a great opportunity for memorials, which can be marked discretely along its length, without any loss of aesthetic unity. Lighting. Light post fixtures will provide illumination for the Forbes site and conform to its development pattern Period styling will complement the historic architecture and site improvements throughout most of the site; simple functional fixtures will suffice for parking areas. Other forms of illumination at the entry gate and along the arbor will provide further distinction for these special features. A wash of light on the entry fagade may also be installed to dramatize the beauty of the Library building and maintain a nocturnal presence. Forbes Library Landscape Master Plan 10 LANDSCAPE MASTER PLAN Landscape The relocation of the entry drive and construction of rear parking areas will enhance the Forbes Library landscape immeasurably. Although the aforementioned special features — the fence, gateways, walkways, arbor promenade and lighting - are, in fact, an essential part of the landscape, this section highlights the living elements. Trees: All of the significant existing trees will remain after Master Plan implementation. The majestic Pin Oaks lining the West Street frontage will be limbed up, however, to open views to the building and otherwise carefully maintained to assure their continued longevity. New canopy trees will be planted along the drive and the parking lot island to provide scale and spatial definition. Several small flowering trees will provide spring color, texture and focal interest along the Library front. Lawns: Trees and lawns represent a classic formula for a park -like landscape, as envisioned here for the Forbes landscape. Turf grass will, indeed, cover all large and level - graded areas. The largest of these is what has been called here the West Lawn, created from re- claimed Library territory, hitherto cut off by the entry drive and parallel parking. This lawn spreads outward from the arbored promenade, promising multiple celebratory and other everyday uses. Other Plantings: Ground covers, perennials, ferns and bulbs will flourish in small, defined plant beds near the building and at the entry gate. These will provide seasonally changing color, focal interest and texture in spaces, which would otherwise be too impractical to mow. Summary Forbes Library has been transformed in recent years by a comprehensive campaign of building renovations. The improvements envisioned by this Landscape Master Plan are just as comprehensive, promising every bit as much to transform the use and perception of the Library's grounds. Forbes Library Landscape Master Plan 11 --� ------------------------ - - ---� \ i I I I / I I a - I \ J \ 2 / . 1 J 1 '�•,. -„ A �QIA y q � W �l__ ,��� + - •� � ���_ a x < CL W yt _z d v. 4 b .o .a b o - I \ J \ 2 / . 1 J 1 '�•,. -„ A �QIA may:: ,��� + - •� � ���_ a x r .t, a. SENSE L v d o� E a:e � me £S m li ° tl u �� O N N K Is! ■ M C L5 QD �i F� m 0O � pO lug J � �1 J J J J ,J J J J J J J i 0 0 .a y .y U a U a y a w