Adaptive street design improves local infrastructure by developing pedestrian, bicycle, and traffic safety improvements quickly and at low cost. Temporary in nature, these designs can be easily changed in response to different outcomes. The goal is to install these changes incrementally and quickly, allowing rapid response to real-time concerns and safety issues while remaining adaptable to changing conditions.
The City recently launched its first adaptive street design project on Howard Street and will use feedback and data from this pilot project to inform the development of future adaptive street design standards and projects throughout the City of Spokane.
In this pilot project, the City rapidly created a public plaza with tables and chairs along Howard Street between Mallon Ave. and Joe Albi Way. The plaza sits at the north entrance of Riverfront Park by the Papillion Building and its restaurants, and across the street from the Spokane Arena Events Center, making it an ideal location for people walking through the area or visiting one of the nearby restaurants.
The plaza was made by temporarily converting the parking lane into a public seating area. The seating area is separated from car traffic by a protected bike lane that was installed at the same time. The protected bike lane enhanced the safety of the original bike lane and serves as a connection between Riverfront Park and the North Bank of Spokane.
Additional seating and features will be added incrementally to test different options and to address any feedback we receive.
Community members are encouraged to provide feedback on their experience using this public plaza by filling out a quick survey.
If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact wheelshare@spokanecity.org.
