A meeting was held July 1 between Duda/Paine Architects, University administration and Student Body President Kelly Hook to discuss concerns regarding the architects’ Cates Avenue Master Plan.
The Cates Avenue proposal is part of the 2008 Student Life Master Plan (SLMP). This proposal includes several different projects, such as: Cates Plaza, New West Dunn Building, Student Health addition, Thompson Theatre addition, a pedestrian bridge and renovations to Talley Student Center.
According to Marycobb Randall, president of the University Student Centers Board of Directors, the construction for these projects will be staggered and gradually implemented over time.
“Some construction has already been completed. Obviously, more is to come as each project component is approved to begin construction,” said Randall.
Kelly Hook said one of main concerns with the Duda/Paine presentation was the loss of parking along Cates. However, Hook said University Transportation assured all attending the meeting that parking would not be an issue.
“I don’t think, at this time, [Cates Avenue] needs to be more pedestrian friendly,” said Hook. “I think there are several things that should, and will, take precedence. At this time, I don’t think we need to be messing with Cates Avenue. I don’t think the University feels that way either.”
Duda/Paine Architects published a year-long study on June 30 in which they identified 10 zones with current issues to pedestrians. These 10 zones are areas they are looking to solve in their master plan.
According to the Cates Avenue master plan, there are 275 parking spaces along Cates Avenue. The proposed changes would reduce parking to 86 spaces.
Marycobb Randall described the scope of the overall project as a long range design concept reconfiguring the ‘Student Main Street’ as a pedestrian-friendly campus street while still providing access for bicycles, service vehicles, transit, deliveries, and other general vehicular circulation and parking.
“This study will inform design solutions for Cates Avenue and Dunn Avenue related to the Talley Student Center Addition and Renovations project,” said Randall. “The traffic flow along Cates would decrease as Cates becomes more pedestrian friendly. Dan Allen Drive would remain active, as is. Morrill Drive will also remain as is, to my knowledge.”
Matthew Lanouette, a senior in parks, recreations and tourism management, said he already feels Cates Avenue is pedestrian friendly.
“There’s a lot of parking problems along Cates Avenue right now,” said Lanouette. “Any place that students could be around and hang out, I think is a good thing. Other than the few tables at Talley and the Atrium, there’s really no place to sit down, chat and hang out with friends.”
One place Lanouette said he sees as a problem is at Cates Avenue on the Carmichael Gym side.
“I think at the gym, the sidewalk is really narrow, so increasing the size would be helpful,” said Lanouette.
Another concern for Lanouette is the landscaping of Cates Avenue.
“I think if they’re going to expand the sidewalks, they should add in spots for trees and ferns, or at least remodel what is already there,” said Lanouette. “Cates Avenue needs to look more like the rest of campus, instead of some street in the middle of a city.”
Hook said the next meeting to discuss plans for Cates Avenue will be in August.
