Desired Outcomes of the Downtown Precise Plan

Through a continuing community dialog, the Downtown Precise Plan is being developed to coordinate and orchestrate public and private investment in our Downtown to achieve the following results:

• Revival of the Heart of the City. The Precise Plan’s central goal is to restore Downtown as the indispensable hub of the City where a mix of diverse services, conveniences, experiences and lifestyle choices are provided in a way that honors Downtown’s rich history, while remaining appropriate to the social and economic conditions of life in the 21st Century.
  
  
• Network of great public places that encourage walking and lingering. Providing a network of great public places that connect to and complement Broadway, adjacent neighborhoods, transit and El Camino Real, will inspire people to walk and to linger in the center of the City. This network can also include improved linkages (vehicular as well as pedestrian) that can link the Downtown to the Bayfront.
  
  
• The choice of “convenience living”. A balanced and synergistic mixture of employment and a range of well-designed rental and for-sale housing types in close proximity to entertainment, restaurants, special events, shopping and public services that will be supported by and linked to public transportation, providing “car-less” access to other communities as well as to the San Francisco International Airport.
  
  
• Creation of the entertainment center of the Mid-Peninsula. The combination of the 20-screen cinema complex and the live performances offered by the Fox Theatre and the Little Fox cabaret position Downtown as one of the premier entertainment destinations of the Peninsula. This destination is supported by the opportunities inherent in the programming of both Courthouse Square and Theatre Way to be active year around with a variety of community events as well as a place for everyone to “hang out”.
  
  
• Creation of a modern workplace district and “vital center”. The modern workplace and “vital center” features settings that foster informal meetings and idea exchange that enhance creativity and productivity. When these settings are in close proximity to cafes, restaurants, meeting halls, art and cultural resources, a work district is created that the most sought-after employees prefer.
  
  
• Transit integration. The Precise Plan encourages the creation of a model of transit integration, featuring a convenient transit station on display in the center (rather than at the edge) of Downtown, seamlessly connected to Broadway, Courthouse Square, El Camino Real and adjacent neighborhoods. It is intended that it be so well integrated into the activity patterns, viewsheds and pathways of the district that the train become the primary mode of transportation chosen by the daytime and evening populations within walking distance of the station.
  
  
• Creation of a beautiful and memorable urban district interwoven with the City’s identity. The community intends to create a visually appealing and memorable urban district that is the primary iconic image that stands for Redwood City. The Precise Plan sets clear and detailed standards for quality design of the reuse and restoration of precious historic buildings and spaces as well as the careful design and construction of new buildings. The buildings will also help shape the spaces in-between into good places that can be remembered, where people are comfortably inside them, not outside looking at objects (even if the objects are attractive). A variety of community outdoor places, not necessarily suburban parks or open space, will be part of this place making and will accommodate all people comfortably, regardless of age, economic status or ethnicity. These community outdoor places may include the sidewalks and streets, parking lots and facilities, paseos and plazas, even privatized rooftops and courtyards, as well as Courthouse Square and Theatre Way.
  
  
• Provision of “just enough” parking and creation of a “park-once and walk” district. It is the goal of the Downtown Precise Plan to plan, manage and operate the overall supply of parking (both public and private) in a manner that will provide “just enough” parking at the right price to serve the needs of people living, working and visiting Downtown. In addition, it is important to organize the parking facilities in relation to downtown destinations and activities in a manner that will create a “park-once and walk” district. Facilities shall be well lit, aesthetically pleasing and well maintained as an important component of the overall network of community outdoor places.
  
  
• Creation of a district that is apparent, visible and accessible for both motorists and pedestrians. Directional signage and wayfinding programs that links individual places and destinations within Downtown together so that one moves freely and comfortably from one to another and links Downtown to adjacent neighborhoods and areas (such as the Bayfront) will enhance the experience of Downtown as a distinct and unique place that is comfortable and inviting everyone, whether in a car or on foot. It will also be a tool for building and reinforcing the identity of Downtown as the community’s “living room”—active, authentic, comfortable and welcoming.