thinc design collaborated with SGL Planning and Urban Design Consultants to develop a streetscape plan and urban design guidelines for Southampton’s historic downtown. Proposed enhancements include travel lanes, a variety of parking options, planted medians, signage and wayfinding, and upgrading the current site furnishings. There was a strong focus on enhancing the entrance to the downtown, and improving key public spaces including the Town Hall, Coliseum, and a few alleyway connections. The design process included meeting with town Staff and a working group of local residents and business owners. The team hosted two public consultations, in addition to walking tours of the downtown. The public consultation sessions were designed to present options and receive feedback on all proposed enhancements. Over the summer of 2014 a pilot project was implemented at one of the intersections downtown to narrow the roadway to reduce the crossing distance for pedestrians. Implementation was divided into eight sections of work, with each section a portion of a downtown street. The work is organized into stages allowing the downtown to continue to be open for business during construction.
