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Project Description
Gonzaga University
West Boone Pedestrian Mall
Boone Avenue between
Pearl and Astor, Spokane, Washington
Date of Completion:
2007
Purpose and Context:
Over time as Gonzaga University expanded; the need for a corridor
linking the west-side of the University with Ruby Street and the
recently constructed Kennedy Housing project became evident. The goal
was to create a safe, pedestrian friendly corridor that was identifiable
with Gonzaga’s history and identity. Fire access was required—yet the
University wanted a dedicated pedestrian circulation system that would
connect with the primary spine running east-west through campus. The
design team assisted the University with the vacation process of Boone
Avenue. What was once a busy two-way street is now a bustling
pedestrian mall spanning 2-blocks from Pearl Street to Astor Street.
Qualities of Good
Urban Design:
The West Boone Mall is separated entirely from the fire lane and
vehicular traffic by a wide planting bed. Contrasting colored pavers
further distinguish pedestrian spaces from vehicular circulation.
Gonzaga University’s identity is mirrored in the red, herringbone paving
pattern found throughout the campus. Historic symbolism and Gonzaga’s
identity is further punctuated by massive granite pilasters that create
gateways to the mall at key entry points. These lichen covered
pilasters were originally part of St. Aloysius Cathedral and are a
shining example of age-old craftsmanship and re-used materials in the 21st
Century. The mall also integrates basalt cobbles originally used as
part of the rail system around the University at the
turn-of-the-century. These cobbles were integrated into the ground
plane to guide users into the mall and enhance their wayfinding
experience in a rich, textural way.
Preservation of the large London Plane trees lining the north edge of
the mall was another objective the design team accomplished. These
trees provide shade and comfort to people using the benches and bike
racks adjacent to the mall. At the same time these massive heritage
trees filter pollutants, reduce erosion and the heat island effect,
while assisting the hydrologic cycle.
An unintended, but positive outcome of the project has been refocused
attention on the front entrances to the historic homes lining the West
Boone Mall. Originally the front door of these homes was located along
Boone Avenue. Over the decades, as the University acquired these homes
and converted them into classroom buildings the back door became the
primary entrance. This stands to reason because parking for these
facilities was located behind the houses and we are traditionally an
automobile focused society. However, now that the mall has been
constructed and a pedestrian friendly environment exists, the focus has
shifted back to the front door once again. |
