3 / Downtown Vision
3.7 Gateways and Wayfinding
The purpose of Downtown gateways is to announce arrival to the Downtown Core while the neighborhood entries/gateways establish neighborhood bounda ries. Potential locations of Downtown gateways are shown in Figure 3-4. The gateways, in conjunction with the wayfinding signage program, will assist visitors in finding parking an d activity areas. Downtown gateways should invite entry and should be well-lit for nighttime visibility.
The Specific Plan also supports historic district gateways to highlight the entries into hist oric Murphy Avenue. Historic Murphy Avenue gateways are existing and located at the
Murphy/Evelyn intersection and the Murphy/Washington
intersection.
Downtown and Historic Murphy Avenue Gateways
Downtown gateways are recommended and should be
considered at the following locations:
Washington Avenue, east of Mathilda Avenue (highest
priority location);
McKinley Avenue, east of Mathilda Avenue;
Washington Avenue, west of Sunnyvale Avenue;
McKinley Avenue, west of Sunnyvale Avenue;
Frances Street, south of Evelyn Avenue;
Iowa Avenue, east of Mathilda Avenue; and
Iowa Avenue, west of Sunnyvale Avenue.
Gateway intersections should receive enhanced design
treatment, such as special crosswalk pavements, monuments, public art, and light poles.
The Historic Murphy Avenue Gateways are located at the
intersections with Evelyn and Washington Avenues. The design of the gateway features is consistent with the adopted Design Guidelines for the Murphy Station Heritage District.
Downtown Wayfinding Signs
Wayfinding signage is an identification sign system to direct motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians from major arterials into the Downtown. It would also direct motorists and cyclists to parking areas once they are in the Downtown area. Smaller pedestrian- scale signage would direct visitors to major destinations, such as Murphy Station Heritage Landmark District, the Caltrain Station, Plaza del Sol, and Redwood Square.
Examples of Downtown Gateway Features and
Intersection Design Treatment
Example of Wayfinding Directional Sign
Historic Murphy Avenue Ga
teway
Attachment 2
3.7 Gateways and Wayfinding
Downtown Specific Plan 2020 Page 3-19
FIGURE 3-4 DOWNTOWN GATEWAYS
Attachment 2
3 / Downtown Vision
Neighborhood Entries
Residential entries are marked with neighborhood markers that create subtle boundaries between the Downtown Core and the surrounding lower density residential areas. Their purpose is to limit unnecessary cut-through traffic and commercial parking.
Residential entry points should convey a sense of limited, “for residents only” access. These markers should be more subdued to conform to a quiet residential neighborhood. Design features could include curb bulb-outs at intersection entrances and signage markers announcing neighborhood identity.
Possible locations for neighborhood entries are:
Mathilda/Iowa on the west side of Mathilda;
Mathilda/McKinley on the west side of Mathilda;
Mathilda/Washington on the west side of Mathilda;
Iowa/Taaffe on the south side of Iowa;
Iowa/Frances on the south side of Iowa;
Iowa/Murphy on the south side of Iowa;
Sunnyvale/Iowa on the east side of Sunnyvale;
McKinley/Carroll on the east side of Carroll; and
Washington/Carroll on the east side of Carroll.
Neighborhood entries should have ne ighborhood input as to their location and design. These entries are dependent on local resident input, with their generalized locations depicted in Figure 3-5.
Neighborhood Entry Markers and
Landscape Treatments
Attachment 2
3.7 Gateways and Wayfinding
Downtown Specific Plan 2020 Page 3-21
FIGURE 3-5 NEIGHBORHOOD ENTRIES
Attachment 2