VILLE PLATTE TOWN SQUARE mark shapiro and michael nius
PROJECT SCOPE
The purpose of this study is to define strategies for the renewal of the center of the town of Ville Platte, Louisiana. The study grew out of the desire on the part of the office of the mayor to study the development of a town square at the intersection of Main and N E Railroad Streets. Other considerations were the development of a bicycle path system, that could eventually connect to Chicot State Park, and improvements to the pedestrian environment of Main Street.
THE PROBLEM
As is the case in many small towns, the traditional concentrated core of AMain Street@, with it=s attendant shopping and civic activities, has been eroded by the advent of newer and more space consuming patterns of commercial activity along with the increasing accommodation of automobile traffic and parking. The focus of day to day activity has been removed from the traditional town center to the periphery. The main street in Ville Platte, as is true in most comparable towns, is now characterized by vacant store fronts and a slow but steady erosion of the built fabric of the town. The desire to speed up vehicular traffic as it passes through the center of town serves only to further erode the traditional sense of place. The institution of parallel one way traffic routes through town has resulted in Main Street not being a place of arrival and activity but merely a place to pass through as quickly as possible.
The attendant loss of identity that has resulted could be accepted as the inevitable result of progress. Nevertheless the citizens of Ville Platte desire that their town retain some memory of civic identity and focus. This is not only true for reasons of civic pride but also because of the economic benefits that could be gained from an active town center. The nearby location of Chicot State Park and other tourist attractions could be capitalized upon to provide a revival of commercial activity in the center of Ville Platte. The contemporary growth in Acultural tourism@ could be reinforced by Ville Platte being a pleasant and welcoming environment where there are things to do.
OVERALL STRATEGY
In order to promote the objectives of revitalizing the center of Ville Platte we propose three interlinked strategies. Although the three components of the plan would reinforce each other they do not depend on one another and could be carried out independently. The proposal for the town square has been developed in the most detail as it is the most important component.
THE TOWN SQUARE
The Town square is located at the intersection of Main Street and N E Railroad Street. It is bounded to the west by the railroad tracks and to the north by private property. The objective of the design approach is to provide a focus for civic and commercial activity in the center of the town. Activities envisioned for the square include informal uses such as sitting, eating lunch, strolling and just Ahanging out@ as well as more structured events associated with the Cotton and Smoked Meat Festivals, such as the crowning of the festival queens, opening ceremonies, musical performances, dances, craft shows etc. At times when the festivals are not occurring various performances, speeches and events such as a farmer=s market may occur. The design therefore proposes a number of elements that will support these activities and create a memorable and enjoyable place that will be identified with the heart of Ville Platte.
ARCADE
The northern edge of the site is marked by an open arcade which defines the limits of the square and provides a backdrop for the space. Although the arcade is a simple, open but roofed, structure, it accommodates several different activities, the least specific of which is to simply provide shade and protection from the elements. A raised area under the roof acts as a stage for performances of various kinds. At the end closest to N E Railroad Street a concession stand provides light refreshments and will generate revenue that could support maintenance. The enclosures at the opposite end of the arcade, nearest to the tracks, could house public bathrooms or if, this is not desired, storage and maintenance space. If a bicycle path is implemented along the railroad right of way, the arcade will also define an entry to the town square from the north.
CRAPE MYRTLE TREES
To the south, at the corner of Main and N E Railroad Streets, a group of sixteen crape myrtle trees provide a shaded area for sitting and a barrier from the bustle of Main Street.
RAISED PLANTING BED
The western edge of the site is defined by a raised planting bed. A line of poplar trees reinforces this edge and a curving wall provides seating. This element not only defines the space of the square but also acts as a barrier to the railroad tracks. At the end closest to Main Street the planting bed incorporates a modest fountain and dedication plaque that both extends the presence of the square to Main Street and masks traffic noise with the sound of splashing water. In addition to the seating wall loose metal furniture should be provided.
FLAG POLES
Three flag poles announce the entry of the square on Main Street and provide a vertical marker for the square in the context of the town.
STREET TREES
Four trees along N E Railroad Street form a permeable screen that completes the definition of the space of the square.
LIGHTING
Lighting is provided by fixtures incorporated into the fountain and the seating wall along the western edge of the site. The arcade will incorporate ambient as well as lighting for special events. Six light fixtures illuminate and emphasize the center of the square.
PAVING
Paving is loose laid brick with stone or pre-cast concrete accent strips. Less expensive combinations of materials could also be employed.
MAIN STREET TRAFFIC AND PEDESTRIAN IMPROVEMENTS
Traffic on Main Street could be slowed by returning both Main Street and Lasalle Street to two way traffic. Heavy truck traffic should be restricted to La Salle Street. Sidewalks on Main Street, between Stagg Street and Derouen Street, should be widened and improved and new street lighting and street trees provided. Building and land owners should be encouraged to maintain existing canopies or build new ones. When developed, buildings on any vacant sites should be built up to the sidewalk line in order to define the space of the street. Various incentive programs that will assure such private initiatives should be explored. Street parking should be retained and additional parking areas should be identified and developed close to Main Street. These strategies will make Main Street a place that will be pleasant to use and therefore encourage economic activity.
BICYCLE PATH
A bicycle path and linear park system should be developed along the railroad right of way. Initially It could extend from Lincoln Street to Pine Street. A second Phase could link it to the Civic Center and the high school. Ultimately a suitable route to Chicot State Park could be identified and developed. Such a system would not only promote safety and a pleasant amenity within the town but could ultimately become a draw for tourists who visit Chicot State Park.
CONCLUSION
This study is only a first step in defining the future of the town of Ville Platte. It is our intention that this study be understood not as a definitive plan but rather as an indication of what could be and a guide for a renewed vision of the town.