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Return to CalPERS Headquarters Master Plan Project Page
CalPERS Headquarters Expansion Master Plan
Workshop #8: Review of Preliminary Schematic Design Concepts
September 7, 2000
1. The design architects presented the concept of redesigning 4th Street so that a sizable courtyard or "urban park" between the two office wings is created. This space is intended to be open to the public, facilitate pedestrian traffic, and slow and/or limit vehicular traffic.
Three schemes:
- Alternative 1: Facilitates vehicular entry into plazas at 4th and Q and 4th and R Streets, but no through traffic.
- Alternative 2A: Facilitates one-way vehicular traffic through 4th Street (Southbound).
- Alternative 2B: Facilitates two-way vehicular traffic through 4th Street.
Discussion
- The attendees (approximately 30-35) unanimously preferred Alternative 1.
- The compelling reason is to maximize the space and quality of the urban park by closing the street to vehicular through traffic.
- There was a concern that an entry at 4th and Q Street would cause a traffic back-up. It was clarified that (a) the drop off occurs in a Plaza within the site, not on Q Street; and (b) this entry would primarily serve visitors as the main employee entrances are located on 3rd and 5th Streets.
2. Two lobby concepts for the Q Street plaza were shared with the community.
- Alternative 1: Connects the two wings with an overhead trellis and a two-level open-air skybridge. Underneath the trellis a transparent lobby serves as the entrance. This lobby may also serve as a public art gallery.
- Alternative 2: The lobby structure is more prominent and sculptural. The two-level skybridge between the wings. is enclosed.
- Preference was split. However the comment was made that Alternative 1 is more in the "spirit" of Sacramento.
3. The residential component of the housing remains a great interest to the community and was discussed
- A member of the community expressed his nervousness that the housing component of the project will not be developed. CalPERS reiterated its commitment to facilitating the development of the housing. The CalPERS project team has been working with Post Properties (a national residential developer and the developer of the Capitol Park by Post project) and their architects (RTKL) to ensure that the overall site plan and design will facilitate a successful mixed use development. Furthermore, CalPERS investment division has asked Post to conduct a feasibility study for the housing component of the project, as well as housing on R Street between 5th and 7th Streets.
- A member of the community asked if CalPERS is committing any money to the housing. Yes. The project is being developed in a way that is beneficial to the housing. Some specific elements include: the R Street entry plaza and courtyard spaces between the residential and office, the residential street frontage, designing and constructing underground residential parking, and making significant infrastructure improvements.
4. Landscape Presentation
- An overview of Hart/Howerton's involvement thus far in the project and general landscape characteristics and programming were presented, with emphasis on the streetscape. It was explained by the next public meeting there would be specific landscape approaches developed for the different areas.
- A physically challenged member of the audience voiced concerns of grade changes complicating accessibility and lack of curbs to define pedestrian uses from vehicular uses as elements to specially consider when designing.