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City of Varnell Downtown

Master Plan

A Great Place to Live, Work, Play and Grow

Whitfield County, Georgia an Archway Community

July 2011DRAFT

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction

Existing Conditions

Master Plan Wayfinding Signage Signage Program Informational and Interpretive Logo Concept Siting of City Hall Master Plan Concept One Concept One : Floor Plan Concept One : Design Elements Master Plan Concept Two Concept Two : Floor Plan Concept Two : Design eEements Common Design Elements Fostering Connection Establish Boundaries Uses Protecting Environmental Areas Setbacks and other guidelines Pedestrian connections Sidewalks Street Trees Public Art Planting Guidelines Funding Possibilities GDOT Transportation Enhancement Georgia Department of Economic Development Tourism Division Product Development Grant GDOT GATEway Grant Program

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INTRODUCTION

Peeples, the Mayor of Varnell along with members of the community met the Archway Partnership design team at the site in late April 2011 to discuss the scope of the projects. The scope of the projects was to create master plan with a focus on:

• Wayfinding Signage• Siting of City Hall and it relationship to the Senior Citizen Center• Pedestrian connections (i.e. Streetscape: sidewalks, lamps, trees etc.)• Grants/ funding.

1 http://www.cityofvarnell.com/files/Varnell%20Comprehensive%20Plan.pdf

The City of Varnell was established in 1835 and has an estimated population of 1,584 based on 2007 U.S. Census figures. Located in northern Whitfield County, south of Cohutta and west of SR 71, Varnell is predominantly residential with commercial uses oriented around the traditional town center and toward SR 71. The City’s commercial heritage includes the historic Prater’s Mill, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.1

According to the City of Varnell’s Comprehensive Plan the community of vision includes Varnell’s community vision includes:

• A community where development is guided by land use plans take into account existing/proposed utility infrastructure and the protection of watersheds• A community offering a variety of neighborhood connections such as sidewalks, greenway trails and bike lanes• A clean and aesthetically appealing community• Providing cultural activities and educational opportunities to both residents and tourists visiting the area• Development that is tied to the historic and rural character of the area

It is in that spirit that the Archway Partnership was approached by City of Varnell and its community members to prepare a master plan for Downtown Varnell. Dan

SCOPE:

•WayfindingSignage•SitingofCityHallanditrelationship totheSeniorCitizenCenter•Pedestrianconnections (i.e.Streetscape:sidewalks,lamps, trees etc.)•Grants/Funding

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EXISTINGCONDITIONS

This section provides information on the existing conditions of the study area. Exploration of existing conditions can allow for better understanding of the project’s context which can create a more successful design. The map below illustrates the project boundaries.

Information obtained from the Whitfield County GIS.

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MASTER PLAN

life for those who are current residents that call Varnell home and to those whom would like to call it home. Just as the Varnell Spring served as a catalyst for the development and growth of the town Archway’s hope is for the Downtown Master Plan to serve the same role.

ContextforOpportunity The City of Varnell lies in the crossroad, figuratively as well as spatially. The City of Varnell received a ranking in the Top10Best Place to Raise aFamily by MSN and Bloomburg. This award validated the community of Varnell with what many residents have always known; Varnell is a great place to live, play, learn and grow. Varnell is located just off of I-75 at a crossroads of the Georgia and Tennesse. This context of opportunity could be utilized to build upon the communities existing values to provide a higher quality of

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SignageProgram Typically, the primary objective of a signage program is to help people find their way through an environment, whereas effective wayfinding solutions often require more than signage alone. Clear, well-defined pathways and other visual cues, such as prominent landmarks, all aid, as do printed maps human guides. Key objectives; enable each person to form a mental map of a site or environment so the clearer the physical layout of a site, the clearer those mental maps will be. Wayfinding is an active process, requiring mental engagement and attention to the environment one is trying to navigate. Signage and other visual wayfinding cues can help people navigate their environment when there is no one around to ask. Placemaking is the explicit communication of information. Well-designed signage and environmental graphic programs not only fulfill their communication function of informing, directing, and identifying but also serve to enhance the aesthetic and psychological qualities of an environment. Environmental Graphic designs have a unique branding power. Harmony strategy, the visual characteristics of a sign program can reflect and reinforce the visual characteristics of a sites’ design or architecture to create a seamless, totally integrated identity (ex. new developments, major renovations). Using the imposition approach, signage can create or

impose a unique, singular identity on a site - an identity that’s completely independent of the site’s visual characteristics. This approach works well for existing sites that have disparate visual elements, such as cities, college campuses, and transportation networks, that can be linked together by the metabranding of the signage program.

A comprehensive sign system can make a town memorable. Informational kiosks with maps, rules, mileage and other pedestrian generators can provide enough information for someone to use navigate with little introduction.

A city identity is enhanced by having a consistent, unique logo or design that will help guide people. Gateways or entry markers at major access points to the city with identity information further augments the experience. They should be visually clear and distinctive while maintaining consistency with other sign features found in the city.

Clear, pedestrian-scaled, signs and markers will aid in wayfinding and separation of user groups. Signs should be consolidated to avoid clutter and sign fatigue. In addition to a city logo being posted on bollards, gates and at the trailheads, way-finding markers and signs should be placed at key decision points.

WAYFINDINGSIGNAGE

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InformationalandInterpretive Interpretive installations and signs enhance the city and/or park experience by providing information about the history, environment and culture of the area. Installations may provide educational information while creating a unique and memorable experience. Interpretive signs should use similar materials, forms and colors as other sign elements found throughout the location. The city currently has several of these signs but they could be expanded upon.

LogoConcept The City of Varnell logo is inspired by the Varnell Spring located in the heart of Downtown. This spring played an important role in the establishment of Varnell and continues to serve this role today as a landmark, gathering place, source of pride and provider of life for the community of Varnell.

LogoConcept

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CaseStudies:Asheville,NC $1,650,000 was recommended by Tourism Product Development Committee to fund a county-wide wayfinding in partnership with county officials and county wide cities and destinations. The Committee worked closely with North Carolina DOT on established design guidelines and encroachment process for sign located on DOT roads in the county.

CaseStudies:Greenville,SC At the gateway locations a visitor forms their first opinion of the city and begins to find their bearings. In each corner, a strong civic identity needs to be coupled with distinctive high quality architecture. Wayfinding frames the streets creating the vibrancy and active street life that defines downtown. The images to the right are a few examples of wayfinding and signage techniques seen in Greenville, SC


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4. Seek Grant and Other Funding Opportunities to Promote Sense of Place, Branding and Way-finding for the City of Varnell

• Actively seek grant funding and other financial support to promote the objectives identified above to further sense of place and identity for the City of Varnell

• Limit and reduce financial burden on property owners within the City, wherever possible, by seeking external funding for implementation

Recommendations for Wayfinding SignageandPlacemaking1. Promote a Sense of Entry to the City of Varnell

• Plan for and design placemaking and other signage that explicitly communicates information about the City of Varnell.

• Develop and review plans for placemaking with stakeholders and the public, including GDOT for consistency with established standards and final approval where appropriate

• Develop unique design elements that indicate where the City of Varnell begins and ends. Create a users profiles- design for all vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists

• Identify decisions points (siting), prominent locations for all forms of transportation

2. Create Branding for the City of Varnell• Create an easily identifiable brand that is aligned

with the goals of the City of Varnell• Design brands that will assist in delivering the city’s

uniqueness, economic development goals, cultural heritage, or geographical significance

• Continue and expand the informational and interpretive signage in the City, design of these signs should be follow the signage program

3. Create a Singular Wayfinding Signage Program for the City of Varnell

• Using the imposition approach, plan for a unique, singular identity for Varnell

• Review plans for wayfinding with stakeholders, the public and GDOT

• Design a standard iconic typology for all signage within the City

• Provide design and material guidelines for the installation of signage

• Use materials that represent the history and culture of Varnell.


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WayfindingSignagePossibilities

Gateway/EntrySignage

PedestrianandVehicularSignage StreetlightBanner

Gateway/EntrySignage

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SITINGofCITYHALL

an amazing opportunity of the new “city hall” to be its image. Following are two concepts for siting of the city hall and their possible layout.

SitingofCityHall Because city hall is an important public building in the city, it is important to make an impression. The architecture, location and scale of this new building on the civic campus can help emphasise the civic notion. The placement of city hall’s and how it relates to the historic Varnell house is also important. The historic Varnell house has a unique architecture that the proposed city hall building has to respond to. This site is a perfect location for the city hall as it lies at the junction of two major roads in the city, Highway 2 and Spring Street. This location will allow the city hall to act as a place making element to guide the visitors. Every city has its own image and the City of Varnell has

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sits towards southeast of the Senior Citizens Center. It has a view towards the retention pond and the surface run off stream from the parking areas. The retention pond at the northeast corner of the site captures and filters surface runoff from the parking areas.


ConceptOne This plan addresses the importance of the road junction by tilting the building towards the roads. This makes it more visible to those whom passersby and create a sense of arrival into the City of Varnell. Its placement also invites the pedestrians along both roads. The front area of the building can be used as a plaza. The pavilion

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ConceptOne:CityHallFloorPlan This layout of the city hall has compact spaces of work. The building footprint is 1820 sq.ft. It has a Mayor’s office (23’4”X12’), Manager’s cabin (10’4”X11’6”), reception area, movable/ convertible workstation area (10’4”X13’), conference room (17’10”X10’6”), strong room (8’X11’6”), cheif officers cabin (10’X11’6”), Workspace for officers, toilets, storage room and pantry.


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ConceptualElevation

ConceptOneViews

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PossibleDesignsfortheClockTower


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ConceptTwo This plan of the city hall addresses the junction of the streets as well as the setback line of the old Varnell house. Plaza at the Spring Street can be opened for residents and public

gatherings. It can also serve as a lunch area for the employees. Pedestrians can access the building from both the adjacent roads.

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ConceptTwo:CityHallFloorPlan The hexagonal reception and conference room is the main feature of this layout. Area of this footprint is 3100 sq.ft. The rooms in this plan are more spacious. It contains Mayor’s office (23’6”X14’7”), Manager’s cabin (12’X12’), Workstation areas, Strong room (12’X8’6”), Chief officer’s cabin (10’X10’), Officers workspace, Storage, pantry and toilets. The character of this building is similar to the historic Varnell House to fit into the context. Though there is a lot of use of glass for the conference room, the brick and cornices are similar to Old Varnell House.


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ConceptualElevation

ConceptTwoViews

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Plaza:

A plaza is an open urban public space that serves for various activities. It is a common feature in both the City hall concepts. This lo-cation of plaza at the intersection of two major roads will attract lot of residents to use this pub-lic space. Some shaded sitting areas in the plaza will encourage people to use this space. The pavement can vary from paving blocks to grass or combination. Use of Porous materials helps in percolation of water and hence increase the water table. Since the creek is close to the site, porous materials can be very helpful.


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CosteffectivePaviliondesigns

WelcomesignattheintersectionofHighway2andSpringStreet

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FOSTERINGCONNECTIONS

EstablishBoundaries Prior to undertaking any actions, an essential first step is to define the boundaries of the downtown. This step is necessary to focus the City’s efforts and set priorities in order to ensure that the goals of the Downtown Plan are met. The suggest boundaries below should be considered a start of the discussion; this process should involve a public process. This boundaries are somewhat based on the 1968 Varnell Charter Boundaries.

Fostering connections is more than sidewalks, its about connecting people to a place physically, spatially, aesthetically and emotionally. Types of uses, building setbacks, sidewalks widths, street trees, architectural detail like windows and more are just some of the characteristics of the built and natural environment that can affect the pedestrian experience. Some of the information below is adapted from “Designing Downtown” created by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs’ Office of Downtown Development in 2009.

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ProtectingEnvironmentalAreas Protecting environmental area like riparian buffers are extremely important. The City of Varnell has an asset that is unique, unlike many cities and towns in the area and that is the greenspace known as the Varnell Spring and Varnell House. This space would not exist if it had not been for the forethought of the city to maintain the park like setting. Beyond their historic significance these areas also serve as environmental areas providing an aesthetically pleasing atmosphere and

Uses Encouraging land uses that contribute to the pedestrian experience rather than detract is essential to the successfulness of Downtown Varnell. Uses that are auto-centric such as drive-thru restaurants, convenience stores and similar uses are not considered pedestrian friendly and should not be permitted with the downtown area or permitted but with standards that enhance the pedestrian experience. The City of Varnell should establish a list of permitted uses within the established boundary.

Highway 2

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they also serve a utilitarian purpose (aka flood prevention; water has to go somewhere). Other environmental areas through the downtown and beyond should be observed and protected (perhaps beyond the 25’ state buffer). Many towns and cities throughout Georgia are using these opportunities to construct greenways (multi purposes trails) that can more people, bicycles to and through the space. Varnell has the potential to do this as well, the network of environmental areas and the proximity to the downtown could provide an opportunity to generate the movement of people and opportunities for businesses to capitalize on this.

ExistingEnvironmentalArea

ExistingEnrionmentalArea

EnvironmentalAreasPossibility


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Setbacksandotherguidelines Don’t surround a new downtown building with parking. Such combinations may be suitable for a highway commercial strip, but not downtown. Avoid placing a low one-story building on a downtown block made up of tall two story buildings. Similarly, don’t place a tall building adjacent to buildings that are much lower in height. Such odd-height combinations may be more appropriate at non-historic edges of the downtown core. Standard corporate designs that might fit well into shopping centers and highway strip commercial areas are usually out of place in downtown. New buildings should look new; that is, they should reflect their own time, not some earlier historical period. A new building should “connect” in a visual sense with the older buildings around it. The new building should be of similar size, scale, and massing as its neighbors and it should have complementary architectural features. For example, cornice lines and window rhythms might be carried over. When constructing an addition to a historic downtown building, don’t simply copy the older structure. Aim for harmony, but not sameness. Building additions should be designed so that if they are removed in the future, the historic building is largely unaffected. For example, the exterior wall of the older structure might become an interior wall of the addition. If the addition is later removed, the old building still has its original exterior wall.

Keep historic building materials in place if at all possible. At least half of the first-floor façade should be composed of clear glass windows and doors.Windows of new buildings should be of similar proportions and size as neighboring historic buildings. Don’t use aluminum, vinyl, or plastic siding on downtown buildings.

Existing Structure

HistoricVarnellHouseUnderRenovation

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Maintain the existing building setback. Downtown commercial buildings almost always begin at the sidewalk.

Uniform setbacks create a pleasing “wall” along the street.

Avoid new buildings that are out of scale with their neighbors.

Because of their high visibility, downtown corners should have buildings on them and not parking lots.

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Pedestrianconnections(i.e.Streetscape:sidewalks,lamps,treesetc.) A pedestrian-friendly downtown environment allows vehicles but keeps them from being dominant. It may take a few more seconds to drive through downtown, but the entire community benefits. Streetscape designs should be oriented to providing pedestrian improvements while also reasonably accommodating vehicles. However maintenance is an important part of streetscape design and is often overlooked. For example, extensive planting beds may be attractive but someone must maintain them. People will walk substantial distances in downtown if their route is pleasant. In general, as they walk, they should pass by windows instead of blank walls, buildings instead of parking lots, and curbside-parked cars instead of rushing traffic. Parking lots should be behind downtown buildings, not in front.Where parking lots abut the street, they should be screened by low shrubs or low walls. The number of curb cuts should be kept to a minimum.Parking lots with more than ten spaces should have trees planted in islands to break up the asphalt-and-steel character of the lot. Trees also provide a measure of shade for the lot’s users. Some downtowns have no parks and few attractive green spaces. It is not uncommon to see a city square largely given over to parking. Look for places to add some grass and trees. An incremental approach to enhancing downtown walkablility can pay dividends over

time. Many small improvements can be more effective than spending big bucks on a few blocks.

DowntownPossibilities

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Sidewalks Sidewalks serve a number of functions besides easing pedestrian access to businesses. They provide a place to put street lights, trash receptacles, newspaper boxes, parking meters, utilities (above or under ground), benches, trees, and other items whether necessary or optional. They provide a place to walk for exercise (for example, a stroll after having dinner in a downtown restaurant). And they encourage neighborliness and community cohesion by providing a good place for citizens to meet and greet by chance rather than by appointment. In fact, sidewalks are so important they should be expanded wherever possible and appropriate. One common technique is to use “bumpouts,” a kind of extension of the sidewalk into the street. Often used at corners and at mid-block crosswalks, they provide space for trees where the sidewalk is too narrow. Large bumpouts can also create an area for benches, trash cans, and other “street furniture.” Bumpouts improve pedestrian safety by reducing the distance of street crossings.Consider squares of concrete with brick edges. Another option is a main walkway of concrete with a strip of brick between concrete and curb. For corners or areas that the community wants to emphasize, consider tinted, stained or stamped concrete. Concrete is the most common sidewalk material and is generally a good choice. Pavers, especially hexagonal pavers, are frequently found in Georgia’s downtowns. The best approach is to determine the material historically used on

the sidewalk and continue to use that. Where original materials still exist (granite curbing, for example), repair and preserve them. Avoid asphalt and pebble-surface concrete for sidewalks.

Varnell has large grass swales within the right-of-way (shown above in red). These swales can be enhanced to not only serve their utilitarian purpose but to add aesthetically to the downtown area. Many cities and towns are using this technique, sometimes known as green streets. The idea is for the swale to serve as a collector and conveyer of rainwater and runoff but to do so with plants that allow this system to still operate but enhance the area with their seasonal interest (similar to a raingarden or detention pond, shown below). This approach would not be appropriate everywhere.

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StreetscapeOptions

Streetscape Type ‘A’

Streetscape Type ‘B

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A Great Place to Live, Work, Play and GrowA Great Place to Live, Work, Play and Grow

StreetscapeType‘A’(withoutaSwale)SectionView

StreetscapeType‘A’(withoutaSwale)PlanView: 1.SidewalkwithBrickAccent6’min.

2.Crosswalk

3.StreetTreeswithTreeGrate

4.StreetLightswithBanners

5.GrassShoulder(widthvaries)

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StreetscapeType‘B’(withaSwale)PlanView: 1.SidewalkwithBrickAccent6’min.

2.Crosswalk

3.Swale(RainGarden)with Street Trees

4.StreetLightswithBanners


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StreetscapewithSwale StreetscapewithSwale

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• Bikeracks.Bike racks should be firmly attached to the sidewalk and placed so that the pedestrian path is not obstructed.

• Streetlights. These should be compatible with the his-toric character of the district in which they’re located. Avoid “colonial,”“gas lamp,” and carriage lamp styles in down-town. Lights should be spaced far enough apart that they provide adequate illumination for pedestrian safety but not more light than necessary.

• Crosswalks.Markings should be clearly delineated but not obtrusive. Bumpouts, extensions of the sidewalk from the corners, reduce the distance of street that must be crossed. On long blocks, midblockcrosswalks are often needed. Use brick pavers, concrete pavers (sometimes brick-colored), dyed and textured concrete or asphalt, or stone. Use paint if textured paving cannot be provided. (Note: DOT no longer considers standard brick to be acceptable for crosswalks.) Some cities have installed signs in the middle of crosswalks to remind motorists that pedestrians have the right-of-way.


Well-designed streets allow adequate space for pedestrians while organizing street amenities. Other street amenities include:

• Trashreceptacles. Should be durable and easy to maintain. For efficiency place them on corners.Two per intersection is generally adequate if they are placed di-agonally across the intersection. Do not place them next to the curb where auto bumpers can dent them.

• Benches. Should be durable. Strap metal benches, sometimes called “Bowery benches” are a good choice. Avoid bright colors; stick to black, green, dark blue, or neutral colors.

• Sidewalkdining.Where the sidewalk is wide enough and pedestrian flow is not hindered, sidewalk dining can add to downtown vitality. Be sure the dining area is well-defined.

• Merchandise.Store goods displayed on the sidewalk can sometimes be an asset, but the displays should be appro-priate and the sidewalk must be wide enough for shop-pers to pass by easily.

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StreetTreesPossibilitiesAcer rubrum –RedMapleCeltis laevigata –HackberryFraxinus pennslyvanica –GreenAshGingko biloba–Gingko(male,fruitless)Nyssa sylvatica–BlackgumPlatanus occidentalis –SycamoreQuercus hemisphaerica–LaurelOakQuercus lyrata –OvercupOakQuercus palustris–PinOakQuercus phelos –WillowOakQuercus shumardii–ShumardOakQuercus virginiana –LiveOakUlmus parviflora spp. –Chineseelm,lacebarkelm

UnderstoryTreesPossibilitiesAcer buergerianum–TridentMapleCercis canadensis–RedbudCornus florida ‘Cherokee Brave’– DogwoodsCornus florida ‘Cherokee Chief’– DogwoodsLagerstroemia indica spp. – Crapemyrtle

Street Trees Trees provide shade and greenery, reduce glare, and form a buffer from the street that gives pedestrians a measure of safety They can be used to help screen downtown parking lots while making the lots more pleasant places to be. They improve any downtown area. The most important considerations for growing large, healthy, and long-lived trees are the quality and quantity of the soil. Unfortunately, urban soils are typically terrible places in which to try to grow trees. The soil is often broken into small areas by buildings, paving, or excessive grading. Topsoil, if not entirely absent, has been highly disturbed. The soil is frequently contaminated with rubble or toxic materials and often it has been highly compacted during development. In many cases, it is composed of fill dirt or heavy clay subsoil rather than topsoil. It is estimated that up to 80% of all tree problems are soil related. The poorer the quality of the soil, the larger the prepared planting area should be, and the more the soil needs to be amended. Although different tree species are adapted to different soil types, most trees will thrive in conditions where the topsoil has a silty loam texture (a maximum of 27% clay) and a granularstructure. Such soils have pores or spaces between “crumbs” or aggregates which allow air, water, and roots to move through the soil. Street trees can help distinguish a place as significant, as well as help organize street amenities and parking.


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When deciding on a street tree keep the following information in mind:

• Deep-rooted tree species will minimize heaving of sidewalks.

• In general, trees that produce large amounts of fruits and seeds should be avoided on downtown side-walks.

• Trees should be located away from utility poles.• Crape myrtles are frequently used in Georgia’s

downtowns, but they provide little shade.• Bradford pear trees have been popular downtown

trees in the past couple of decades but they often split in freezing weather.

Also, because their foliage is so full, it tends to ob-scure attractive buildings.

• Tree wells should be large enough for the tree to grow and remain healthy for many years.

• Consider using several different species to create a pleasing variety of downtown trees.

• Street trees can be planted between parking spaces to provide both shade and small planting beds.

• The soil should have a high content of organic matter, about 5% by weight. It should also show

good water percolation and aeration, a moderately high water holding capacity, and a high nutrient con-tent. No herbicides or other contaminants should be present. The subsoil should permit good drainage. (This section was adapted from the Georgia Model Urban Forest Book, published in 2001 by the Geor-gia Forestry Commission.)

PublicArt Public art downtown provides an opportunity to add interest to the experience and, depending on the scale and form, can become an “event” in itself and serve as a public draw. Public art can be aesthetic or functional, doubling as sitting or congregation areas. Local artists should be encouraged to produce artwork in a variety of materials for sites along the trail corridor that reflect the communities in Hart County.

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Street Tree PalleteBotanical Name Common NameCanopy Trees

StreetTreesPossibilitiesAcer rubrum Red MapleCeltis laevigata HackberryFraxinus pennslyvanica Green AshGingko biloba Gingko (male, fruitless)Nyssa sylvatica BlackgumPlatanus occidentalis SycamoreQuercus hemisphaerica Laurel OakQuercus lyrata OvercupOakQuercus palustris Pin OakQuercus phelos Willow OakQuercus shumardii Shumard OakQuercus virginiana Live OakUlmus parviflora spp. Chinese elm, Lacebark elm

Understory TreesAcer buergerianum Trident MapleCercis canadensis RedbudCornus florida ‘Cherokee Brave’ DogwoodsCornus florida ‘Cherokee Chief’ DogwoodsLagerstroemia indica spp. Crapemyrtle

Planting DesignThree guidelines apply to all landscape plantings:

• Plants should be massed to create a bold appearance.

• Avoid using trees and shrubs with low branches where visibility is important, such as path and sidewalk areas. Large shrubs should not be planted next to walkway areas, so that pedestrian views are obscured. Good visibility is important for safety

• Maintain visibility at intersections. Identify sight triangles and maintain a low profile of planting in these areas. Avoid using any walls or fences over a height of 3’ to ensure vehicular traffic visibility.


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RainGardenPlantPaletteBotanical Name Common Name Canopy TreesAcer rubrum ‘October Glory’ October Glory Red MapleBetula nigra River BirchNyssa sylvatica BlackgumQuercus lyrata Overcup OakTaxodium distichum Bald Cypress

Low Evergreen ShrubsIlex glabra Inkberry

GroundcoverChasmanthium latifolium River OatsCrinum americanum CrinumDichromena colorata Whitetop sedgeEleocharis sp. Spike rushEquisetum sp. HorsetailIris fulva Copper IrisJuncus effusus Soft RushOsmunda cinnamomea Cinnamon FernZephyranthes atamasco Atamasco Lily

StormwaterPondPlantPaletteBotanical Name Common Name Canopy TreesAcer saccahrum Sugar MapleAcer rubrum Red MapleBetula nigra River BirchNyssa sylvatica BlackgumQuercus lyrata ‘Highbeam’ Highbeam Overcup OakSalix babylonica Weeping WillowSalix nigra Black WillowTaxodium distichum Bald Cypress

Deep WaterNuphur luteum SpattedockNymphaea odorata Fragrant Waterlily

Shallow Water BenchCarex sp. SedgesHibiscus sp HibiscusHymenocallis sp. Spider-LilyIris sp. Louisiana IrisJuncus effusus Soft RushPanicum virgatum SwitchgrassPeltandra virginica TuckahoePontederia cordata Pickeral PlantSaurus cernus Lizard’s tailThalia dealbata Thalia

Shoreline FringeAsclepias incarnata Swamp MilkweedCephalanthus occidentalis ‘Sputnik’ ButtonbushChasmanthium latifolium River oatsClethra alnifolia ‘Sixteen Candles’ Sweet PepperbushEleocharis sp. Spike rushItea virginica Virginia SweetspireLobelia cardinalis Cardinal Flower

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StormwaterPondPlantPalettecont.Botanical Name Common Name Shoreline Fringe cont.Onoclea sensibilis Sensitive FernOsmunda cinnamomea Cinnamon FernOsmunda regalis Royal Fern

Riparian FringeAndropogon virginicus BroomsedgeEupatorium coelestinum Wild AgeratumEupatorium fistulosum Joe Pye WeedHelianthus angustifolius Swamp SunflowerSorghastrum nutans IndiangrassVernonia gigantea Ironweed

Floodplain terraceAgarista populifolia LeucothoeCallicarpa americana BeautyberryIllicium parviflorum AniseSambucus canadensis ElderberryVaccinium ashei BlueberryViburnum dentatum Arrowwood Viburnum

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FUNDINGPOSSIBILITIES

• 20% match should be available at time of project selection

• Maximum Federal award for any project is $1 million

• Sponsors are encouraged to submit projects minimum $250,000

• 20% Match can be in form of in-kind services or donations

Helpful Hints: • Project must have transportation linkage• This is a reimbursement program NOT a

Grant• Projects must be ready to bid within 2 years

of project selection

Deadline:• Check website or contact the office for further

information.

GDOTTransportationEnhancement(TEProgram)http://www.dot.state.ga.us/localgovernment/fundingprograms/TransportationEnhancement/Pages/default.aspx

Eligible Categories (one or more of the following):• Provision of facilities for pedestrians and

bicycle • Provision of safety and educational activities

for pedestrians and bicycles • Acquisition of scenic easements and scenic

or historic sites including historic battle fields• Scenic or historic highway programs

including the provision of tourist and welcome center facilities

• Landscaping and other scenic beautification • Historic preservation • Rehabilitation and operation of historic

transportation buildings, structures, or facilities including historic railroad facilities and canals

• Preservation of abandoned railway corridors including the conversion and use thereof for pedestrian or bicycle trails

• Inventory, control and removal of outdoor advertising

• Archaeological planning and research • Environmental mitigation to address water

pollution due to highway runoff or reduce vehicle-caused wildlife mortality while maintaining habitat connectivity

• Establishment of transportation museums

Matching Requirements: • Projects are funded with 80% Federal TE

funds and a 20% local match by the sponsor (State agency, local agency, public authority or public university)

• 20% match is to be identified at time of application submission


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• Historic preservation projects (bricks and mortar) that add to the local tourism product portfolio;

• New product construction that adds to the local tourism product portfolio;

• Development of a comprehensive, well designed tourism directional signage program;

• Or any such project that may expand and strengthen local tourism product portfolio while meeting the department’s objectives of job creation and economic investment.

• Sustainable tourism product or program initiatives for the commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the American Civil War that are designed to generate visitation to Georgia during the nationwide observance of this significant period of American History - and beyond as expressed in contributions related to buildings, sites, battlefields, artifacts, infrastructure or the arts and humanities of the state of Georgia.

Helpful Hints: • Recipients: Chambers of Commerce;

Convention and Visitors Bureau’s; 5013c Non profits; historical societies; foundations, etc. may be the recipient of the funds. There must be a memorandum of agreement between the applicant and the recipient.

• Applicants: Only city, or county local governments or local authorities may make application for the grants on behalf of the recipient.

GeorgiaDepartmentofEconomicDevelopmentTourismDivisionProductDevelopmentGranthttp://www.georgia.org/SiteCollectionDocuments/Industries/Tourism/Programs%20and%20Services/2011%20TPD%20Guidelines%20Final%208.9.10.pdf

Eligible Categories:• Development or redevelopment of tourism

product relevant to Georgia’s unique cultural and heritage resources, including natural areas, archaeological sites, architectural and engineering achievements, cultural landscapes and diverse heritage sites or artifacts and new secondary product creation.

• Examples include, but are not limited to: • Commencement or build out of a project

resulting from pre-existing master plans, feasibility studies or market studies or a combination of all the above for the creation of primary tourism product (bricks and mortar);

• Development of unique secondary product representing Georgia’s Creative Economies such as unique retail/art or craft and is eligible for inclusion on the department’s Georgia Made Georgia Grown Products website: http://www.gamadegagrownproducts.org

1. That enhances the state’s identity and helps invigorate the economy by attracting tourists and/or

2. has the potential to create investments in the public realm building the value of the community’s tax base and promoting long term economic sustainability while capitalizing upon the natural fabric and culture of the state without exploiting it; &


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Matching Requirements: • The amount requested from the Georgia

Department of Economic Development may be up to $20,000.

• The state grant must be matched by either dollar for dollar cash; or 60% cash and 40% from in-kind donations.


information.


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GDOTGATEwayGrantProgramhttp://www.dot.state.ga.us/localgovernment/fundingprograms/gateway/Pages/default.aspx

Eligible Categories (one or more of the following):• Funds may be used only for landscape

plant material and its installation for the furtherance of roadside enhancement and beautification projects along state routes in Georgia.

• Grant recipients shall be required to provide perpetual maintenance of the beautification project.

Not Eligible : • Hardscape items such as paving, benches,

fences, flagpoles, signage, lighting, and fountains shall not be funded by this grant. Funding on a project shall be confined to softscape items such as landscape plant material and its installation, mulch, and sod.

• Planting at private developments, individual businesses, or in front of advertising signs that solely benefits and brings attention only to those businesses, developments, or signs.

• Annual plant material (seasonal color).• Median landscaping.

Helpful Hints:• The Grantee has a maximum of thirty (30)

months to complete the project from the date of the signed Agreement. Planting should be scheduled during the optimal time for the proposed plant material listed in policy.


information.

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Created and Complied by Deepali Pavnaskar and Leah Graham StewartSummer 2011

PROJECTDATASHEET

Project Name: City of Varnell Downtown Master Plan: Wayfinding, Siting of City Hall and Streetscape Design.

Location: City of Varnell, Whitfield County, GA

Description: Create Conceptual Downtown Master Plan

Archway Contact: Melissa Lu, Archway Professional Archway Partnership

Community Contacts: Jason Hall, City Manager City of Varnell Date of Initial Site Visit:

4.20.11, 2011, 6.24.11 (Presentation of Concepts), 7.12.11 (Presentation to Council)

Students Assigned: Leah Graham Stewart Deepali Pavnaskar Total Hours: 146 Estimated Cost: $20,148

Final Products: Report that consists of recommendations, illustrations and design concepts for the City of Varnell’s Downtown Master Plan.

Date Delivered: 7.12.11