Cesar Chavez Plaza

Context and Case Studies

Cesar Chavez Plaza Context

The Plaza is the traditional civic square for Sacramento. However, its programmatic and physical relationship with other downtown venues is now more important than ever. The Downtown Urban Design Plan and Cultural and Entertainment District Plan identified a network of programmable open spaces including the Plaza,11th Street, St. Rose of Lima Park (pictured), and other public open spaces. The improvements to Cesar Chavez Plaza should reflect its programmatic role in the hierarchy of these public places.

Existing Programming and Events

Cesar Chavez Plaza is one of several locations in the downtown that is actively programmed. But, it is a flagship venue for a variety of activities and events that draw an estimated 130,000 visitors annually. The Farmers' Market and Concert Series draw the greatest number of people to the Plaza over the summer season. The Downtown Sacramento Partnership is the principal event coordinator for the Plaza. However, the City, State, and private organizations also sponsor events. Peak use of the Plaza is between May and November.

The Plaza is used for a variety of activities. However, the Plaza was not planned as an actively programmed venue. Events take place within the constraints of the existing walkway and landscaping patterns. Most activities spread beyond the narrow walkways on to grass areas. Crushed stone has been added where paved surfaces are inadequate. A temporary stage is set up on the north side of the Plaza for concerts. Power outlets were added as part of the new traditional lamppost installation but the Plaza is still underserved in terms of basic utilities.

Cesar Chavez Plaza Events:
WEDNESDAY FARMERS' MARKET: Wednesdays, 10AM-2PM, May 6-November 25
VIVA SACRAMENTO'S: Saturdays, 3PM-9PM, May 2, June20, July 18, and August 15
BATTLE OF THE BANDS: Sunday, 2PM-8PM, June 21
DOWNTOWN CONCERT SERIES: Fridays, 5PM-9PM, July 24-September 25
St. Rose of Lima Park Events:
SHAKESPEARE LITE: Fridays, 12PM-1PM, May 29-July 10
K Street Events:
THURSDAY NIGHT MARKET: Thursdays, 4PM-9PM, May 21-August 13
7TH STREET BLOCK PARTY: Thursdays, 4PM-9PM, July 2, July 9, July 16, July 23, July 30, August 6, and August 13
Other Venues:
TUESDAY FARMERS' MARKET: Tuesdays, 10AM-2PM, June 2-October 27, Roosevelt Park
CIGARS UNDER THE STARS: TBA

Existing Plaza Features

The existing Plaza has been a focal point for Sacramento for over 100 years. It is the principal civic square. The Coleman Fountain (pictured) and other monuments rest in the Plaza. There are a number of other infrastructure and and fixtures that are present. A partial list of these are below:

1. Furniture
2. Signage
3. Old City Plaza Plaque
4. Pony Express Centennial Plaque/Monument
5. William Coleman Fountain (pictured)
6. A.J. Stevens Monument
7. Trash Barrel
8. Mechanical Box (9th Street)
9. Mechanical Box (park center)
10. Temporary Stage
11. Cafe (pictured)
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Case Studies

As part of the planning process, some case studies from other places were prepared to examine the construction cost, programming, management, funding and design examples. These examples include Portland's Pioneer Courthouse Square, Braynt Park in NYC, Union Square in San Francisco, and Todos Santos Plaza in Concord.

Pioneer Courthouse Square, Portland, OR

Pioneer Courthouse Square is a amphitheater plaza that covers an entire block in downtown Portland. Developed in 1984, the plaza is has a $750,000 annual budget for a safe clean and active program. Half of the operating budget comes form the City, the rest is from sponsors and lease revenue. About $235,000 of the operating budget is for security. The Square is managed by a 501-c3 nonprofit corporation called the Friends of Pioneer Square. The Board includes 6 business, 6 citizen, 6 regional, and 1 public representative.

The Square was developed on the site of an old department store. The overall budget in 1983 was $7 million dollars, of which $2-1/2 million was for land acquisition. The City purchased the land and the construction budget came from a variety of sources including an UMPTA grant, Block Grants, City General Funds, business sponsorships, and the sale of brick pavers.

Date Constructed or Redeveloped: Completed in 1984
Size: 200x200 Portland City Block (40,000 SF)
Special Design or Development Features: Bookstore, Starbucks, Transit Office, Amphitheater, Fountain, Hardscaped Plaza
Development Cost: $7 million in 1983
Development Financing: City Purchased Site ($2-1/2 million), Sale of Bricks, Business Sponsorships, Block Grant, General Fund and UMPTA Grant
Site Context Issues: Faces Courthouse, Commercial District
Activity Programs:Active Year-around Calendar Managed by Friends of Pioneer Square

Source: Friends of Pioneer Square

Bryant Park, New York City

Bryant Park in NYC is a famous success story for restoration, revitalization and activation of a major plaza/park space. The Bryant Park Restoration Commission was founded in 1980 and embarked on a 14 year revitalization process that resulted in a public-private financing package of over $18 million. Finished in 1995, the park has been a catalyst for reenergizing Midtown's 7 million SF office core area. It is also the most often referenced success story for a BID in the Country.

Date Constructed or Redeveloped: Completed 1995
Size: 6 Acres (261,360 SF)
Special Design or Development Features: Cafe, Restaurant, Kiosks, Stage, Fountain and Monuments Restoration
Development Cost:
Basic Park Rehabilitation $5.9 M
Concessions, Monuments, Horticulture $9.8 M
Soft Costs $1.9 M
TOTAL COSTS $17.6 M
Development Financing:
Private
Grants and Donations$3.2 M
Bank Loans $4.2 M
BID $1.0 M
Private Venture Capital $4.0 M
Public
State $0.125 M
NYC Capital Funds $5.7 M
TOTAL $18.225
Site Context Issues: Midtown Manhattan District Location, 7 Million SF of Commercial Space Boarders Park, Historic Site and Forecourt to Library
Activity Programs: Bryant Park Restoration Commission's BID plans and manages a wide range of events

Source: Urban Land Institute

Union Square, San Francisco

Union Square is located in the heart of San Francisco's retail, hotel, and theater district. It has evolved with the neighborhood. Initially, the square was a grassy park in a residential neighborhood and later had several predominant churches facing it. After the 1906 earthquake, the area became a commercial district, first with hotels and then retail development. In 1903 the square was redesigned to accommodate the Dewy Memorial and a distinctive diagonal walkway system. The current Timothy Pflueger designed parking garage and plaza was built in 1941.

Currently, Union Square is being redesigned. The proposed plan lowers the garage roof so it is level with the street, increases the amount of programmable plaza area, includes added mechanical and utility services, and will use a nonprofit corporation for programming and management of activities. The construction budget for the plaza and garage is $15 million. The improvements are being funded with revenue bonds from the Union Square and Sutter/Stockton Garages. The garages are managed by Downtown Parking Corporation, a nonprofit management corporation.

Date Constructed or Redeveloped: To be Completed in 2000
Size: 132,000SF, 1,000 Parking Spaces
Special Design or Development Features: Large Flexibly Programmed Plaza, Outdoor Cafe
Development Cost: $15 million
Development Financing: Revenue Bonds from Union Square and Sutter/Stockton Garages
Site Context Issues: Site Slopes One Story, Crossing and Edge Circulation Patterns, Includes Surrounding Street Edges
Activity Programs: Nonprofit Corporation Programs Events

Source: San Francisco Planning and Urban Research Association

Todos Santos, Concord, California

The 1993 rehabilitation of Todos Santos Plaza revitalized Concord's historic town square. At a cost of $2.3 million, the design reinterpreted the tradition diagonal crossing plan form. It added a children's play area, fountain and stage to the plaza. Around the edge of the Plaza are traditional park furniture and fixtures reflecting the plaza's urban context. Utilities were including in the revitalization planning to accommodate festivals and other special events. Dramatic lighting for evening use also makes the plaza a romantic backdrop to downtown's commercial core.

The Plaza is a regular venue for the Music at Noon Program (Wednesdays) and the Market and Music Series (Thursdays 6:30-8:00 PM). There are a variety of other annual events including KidFest, Concord Art and Wine Festival, Halloween Parade, and winter holiday events.

Todos Santos Plaza is programmed and managed by the City of Concord Community Economic Development Agency. The annual budget for managing the Plaza includes $80,000 for promotion and $40,000 for maintenance. Maintenance is paid for through a downtown maintenance and improvement district. Promotion is paid for by the Community Development Department.

Date Constructed or Redeveloped: Completed in 1993
Size: 300x300 Downtown Concord Block (90,000 SF)
Special Design or Development Features: Fountain, Stage, Children's Play Area, Diagonal Pathways, Wide Sidewalks at Plaza Edge for Seating
Development Cost: $2.3 million in 1992
Development Financing: Redevelopment Agency-$2.3 million
Site Context Issues: Integral Part of Downtown Revitalization Program of Image Enhancement, Event Programming, and Economic Development
Activity Programs: Active Year-around Calendar managed by the Community Development Department
Regular Events: Music at Noon Program (Wednesdays), Market and Music Series (Thursdays 6:30-8:00 PM)
Special Events: May-KidFest, September-Concord Arts and Wine Festival, October-Halloween Parade, December-Tree Lighting and Santa Arrival, May-All-West Crafts Fair

Source: Hargreaves Associates, City of Concord

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