MMM was selected to provide civil engineering services for the rehabilitation of the City of Charlottesville’s historic Downtown Pedestrian Mall, originally designed by the renowned Landscape Architect Lawrence Halprin in 1973. The scope of services included design of construction plans and documents related to the rehabilitation process with careful attention to preserving the visual integrity of the original design including use of materials, scale, aesthetics and textures. As part of the project, the scope also included improved lighting, repairs to the existing fountains as well as the integration of modern conveniences like Wi-Fi, and power upgrades for mall outdoor cafes.

MMM completed an extensive process of public meetings and design charettes with all the various user groups and stakeholders who use the mall daily as well as preservationist who wanted to preserve as much as possible from the original design. MMM presented oversized presentation boards at these meetings and made all the feedback available via a project website. MMM also presented plans, materials and features to the Architectural Review Board for approvals. Throughout the design process, MMM worked with the original designer, who was in his early 90’s at the time, to ensure the design would be kept in harmony with the need for some modern features.

Design work included replacement / rehabilitation of the brick pavement, drainage, street lighting, overhead and underground utility adjustments, vehicular crossings, signage, and streetscaping to include furniture placement / installation. A sound phased construction plan was necessary to minimize disruption to operating businesses. The renovation construction was initialized on the west end of the mall and progressed eastward. Coordination with potential and pending private mall development was necessary.

MMM provided the City with the necessary plans, specifications, contract documents, and final applications for environmental permits. Plans and specifications included site work; earthwork; pavement design; storm drainage; utility designation, relocation, and upgrade; survey / platting; erosion / sediment control; maintenance of traffic; environmental permits; signing, pavement marking, and traffic control plans for vehicular crossings; lighting; street furniture to include trash cans, benches, and bike racks; preparation of presentation materials and graphics; and preparation and / or review of contract plans and specifications.

MMM also provided informational materials to assist the City in the preparation and the conduct of public hearings, including the creation of a regularly updated website to keep the public apprised of the rehabilitation’s status. The construction was completed in four months, and the project was brought in under budget.

The Mall is currently being inventoried with a Historic Cultural Landscape Report which will lead to submission for eligibility for the National Register of Historic Places.