280 24 26018 https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/1996e6b67bb769e7aaed5dd1dee1e752.jpg 1133497bf208e20bfb31207d9778ce69 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Robert H. Merrill photographs Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Merrill, Robert H., 1881-1955 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1909/1950 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Robert H. Merrill papers (RHC-222) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource In Copyright Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-222 Description An account of the resource Photographs, negatives, and lantern slides digitized from the papers of engineer and archaeologist Robert H. Merrill. A Grand Rapids native, Merrill held an accomplished career as a civil engineer. He founded the company Spooner & Merrill, which held offices in Grand Rapids and Chicago. From 1919-1921, Merrill lived in China, working as Assistant Principal Engineer on a reconstruction of the Grand Canal - the oldest and longest canal system in the world. Merrill became fascinated by archaeology, and among other projects, he traveled to the Uxmal Pyramids in Yucatan, Mexico, with a research expedition from Tulane University. Merrill's photo collection includes images of his travels and projects, friends and family. Still Image A static visual representation. Examples include paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type Text to images of textual materials. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Merrill_EastmanAlbum_2_1909-1911_054 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1911-08-09 Title A name given to the resource Down from Pike Tablet looking north Description An account of the resource Black and white photograph showing a down-northwestard view from Pikes Peak Summit Plaque. Subject The topic of the resource Colorado Pikes Peak (Colo.) Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Robert H. Merrill papers (RHC-222) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource In Copyright Type The nature or genre of the resource Image Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource image/jpg Language A language of the resource eng Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Merrill, Robert H., 1881-1955 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Lemmen Library and Archives https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/54e961188ee19f64b80a9c339028574b.jpg 6ecc08ed068627ef9dd30b5114b8f52a Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource GVSU Concert & Event Posters Subject The topic of the resource Posters Events Michigan Universities & colleges--Michigan Description An account of the resource Division of Student Services provides programs, services, and environments that enhance the personal, social, and intellectual growth of undergraduate and graduate students at the University. Events including concerts were managed by the office of Student Life. Posters for music, speakers, poetry readings and other campuswide events are included. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Grand Valley State University. Division of Student Services Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/106">Student Services concerts, events, and posters files, (GV028-06)</a> Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2017-07-17 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/page/InC/1.0/?language=en">In Copyright</a> Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource image/jpg Language A language of the resource eng Type The nature or genre of the resource Image Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context GV028-06 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant 1963 – 1981 Still Image A static visual representation. Examples include paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type Text to images of textual materials. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context GV028-06_gove Title A name given to the resource Down Home Blues with Gove Scrivenor, September 28, 1973 Subject The topic of the resource Grand Valley State University Grand Valley State College Michigan Allendale (Mich.) Universities & colleges--Michigan Events Posters Description An account of the resource Down Home Blues with Gove Scrivenor, in the Grand Valley State Colleges Campus Center, September 28, 1973 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource image/jpeg Language A language of the resource eng Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/page/InC/1.0/?language=en">In Copyright</a> Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1973 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/106">Student Services concerts, events, and posters files, (GV028-06)</a> Type The nature or genre of the resource Image Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Lemmen Library and Archives https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/1c67416e0a432165d8847ef667dec50b.jpg 0f640cd27ce59371309af42e0c226835 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Faces of Grand Valley Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Grand Valley State University Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource University Communications Description An account of the resource A non-comprehensive collection of photographs of Grand Valley faculty, staff, administrators, board members, friends, and alumni. Photos collected by University Communications for use in promotion and information sharing about Grand Valley with the wider community. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1960s - 1990s Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived GV012-03. University Communications. Vita Files Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource In Copryight Subject The topic of the resource Grand Valley State University College administrators College teachers Colleges and universities -- Faculty Michigan Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. Special Collections and University Archives Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context GV012-03 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource image/jpeg Type The nature or genre of the resource Image Language A language of the resource eng Still Image A static visual representation. Examples include paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type Text to images of textual materials. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context DownsTom Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Grand Valley State University. University Communications Title A name given to the resource Downs, Tom Description An account of the resource Tom Downs, Board of Control 1974-1982 Subject The topic of the resource Grand Valley State University – History College administrators Michigan Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived University Communications. Vita Files, 1968-2016 (GV012-03) Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. Special Collections and University Archives Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource In Copyright Type The nature or genre of the resource Image Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource image/jpeg Language A language of the resource eng https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/ad6a921c5d5143c981bff683e62d7df2.pdf d2bbb0c749aa7471ee448166c8aa3d4d PDF Text Text - Harley Ellington Pierce Yee Associates, Inc. Archttecture Engineering Planning Interiors DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY DOWNTOWN ROYAL OAK MASTER PLAN A VISION AND STRATEGIC PLAN FOR THE FUTURE January 1994 Prepared for: The Royal Oak Downtown Development Authority Royal Oak, Michigan �I Harley Ellington Pierce Yee Associates, Inc. Archrtecture Engineering Planning Interiors t t- ~~ J,J Ff ~.. c p X ,1 W 1 -4 I.. rr 11 C, lW P. I t: ttif < ~.11 r !tl{iclfigan 1c.Ctuo DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY DOWNTOWN ROYAL OAK MASTER PLAN A VISION AND STRATEGIC PLAN FOR THE FUTURE January 1994 Prepared for: The Royal Oak Downtown Development Authority Royal Oak, Michigan Prepared by: • Harley Ellington Pierce Yee Associates • Development Strategies Inc. • James A. Claar I @Thi• Document Printed on Recycled Paper �Acknowledgements • • • • • • • • • Harley Ellington Pierce Yee Associates, Inc. would like to thank the following individuals tor their support and contributions to the project: Royal Oak Downtown Development Authority Thomas King, Chairman James Dobie, Vice Chairman William Baldridge, City Manager Barbara Bos Irene Koscien Lawrence Nichols Noel Peterson Jim Smith Robert Sterling Ilene Lanfear, Ex-Officio Member Royal Oak City Commissioners Pat Paruch, Mayor Dennis Cowan Jim Ellison Shirley Evoe Jim Johnson Tom Kuhn Nancy Pirslin Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce • • • • • I Jean Chamberlain, Past Executive Manager Anita DeMarco Goor, Executive Manager Herb Feyer, President Jack Wilson, V.P . Economic Development Tom Joilat, V.P. Membership's Sandy Stackhouse Johnson, President Downtown Merchant's Assoc . Royal Oak Plan Commissioners Philip Dondero Jim Farhat Rick Vincent Cliff Johnson Susan Carter Steve Weber Royal Oak Department of Community Development Chuck DiMaggio, Director Timothy Towing, City Planner I �I Acknowledgements ' I l I Other Participants I •I • • • • • •II •II • Rick Spears, President, First of America Southeast Michigan Ed LeFevre, President National Bank of Royal Oak Larry Goss, Burton-Katzman Development Co. Jack Hanna, Commonwealth Real Estate Group Jim Perry, Director Public Services John Ball, Director Public Safety Robert Vedder, Chairperson Citizens Advisory Committee Lori Stewart, General Manager, The Daily Tribune Bob Fox, Brass Ring Patsy Fulton, Chancellor, Royal Oak campus of Oakland Community College Dr. Stanley Harris, President, Board of Education Jim Fresard, Fresard Buick/Pontiac Sam Habennan, Habennan Fabrics Laurie London, Write Impressions Monique Lampe, Monique's Shoetique Jimmy Palazollo, Jimi's Lynn Portnoy Jeff Haynes, Vanderkloot and Haynes Vonnie Miller, Stagecrafters Dr. Richard Kurrash, Royal Oak Pastors Assoc. Millian Toms, Main to Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce Robert Ball, The Daily Tribune The Harley Ellington Pierce Yee Associates, Inc. and Development Strategies Inc. Team Includes: Jack Goodnoe, Director of Site Planning Wendy Fry, Landscape Architect/Site Planner Robert Balas, Site Planner Richard Ward, Market Analyst/Urban Planner Barry Hogue, Market Analyst/Urban Planner James Cloar, Downtown Management Consultant/Facilitator I �I I I I I • I -I I • •I •I • • .• de, Table of Contents Section THE VISION FOR DOWNTOWN ROYAL OAK 1 1-1 1-2 Past Visions Realized A Vision for the Future EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 2 Summary of the Master Plan MARKET DEVELOPMENT AND LAND USE STRATEGIES 2-1 3 3-1 3.4 3-12 3-24 3-27 Market Strategies A Framework for Downtown Growth and Development Redevelopment Parcels Surrounding Land Use Planning and DOA Revisions Development and Land Use Actions Summary URBAN PLANNING AND DESIGN I 4 Circulation and Access Parking Streetscape Orientation, Identity and Signage Parks and Plazas Paving, Furnishing and Landscape Lighting Buildings and Alleyways Urban Planning and Design Actions Summary ORGANIZATION, MANAGEMENT AND SERVICING STRATEGIES Page 4-1 4.5 4-8 4-9 4-12 4-16 4-20 4-22 4.34 5 Organizational Structure and Responsibility Cooperative Retail Management Promotion and Marketing Parking Security Maintenance Organization, Management and Servicing Actions Summary 5-1 5.5 5.5 5-6 5.7 5-8 5-10 BUILDING THE VISION - The Planning Process 6 6-1 INVENTORY AND ANALYSIS 7 7-1 Market Context Land Use Circulation Parking Streetscape Management and Service Provisions 7.3 7-10 7-25 7-27 7.37 7.47 �I I .•~-, Table of Contents Section Page Aerial View of the Downtown Plan 1 1-3 Organizing Concepts for Downtown A Framework for Downtown Growth and Development Urban Development Objectives Master Plan for Downtown Growth and Development Redevelopment Areas Parcels Redevelopment Area I Redevelopment Area II Redevelopment Area Ill Redevelopment Area IV Redevelopment Area V DDA Boundary Revisions and Future Study Areas Development and Land Use Actions Chart 3 3 3 3 3.5 3.7 3-10 3-11 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3-13 3-19 3-20 3-21 3-22 3-23 3-25 3-27 Circulation and Access Master Plan Parking Master Plan Orientation, Identity and Signage Master Plan Parks and Plazas Master Plan Core Area Master Plan Streetscape Development Phasing Lighting Improvements Phasing Plan Streetscape Design Concepts Urban Planning and Design Actions Chart 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4-2 4-6 4-10 4-13 4-17 4-18 4-21 4-26 4.34 The Role of the Downtown Coordinator Organization, Management Servicing Actions Charts 5 5 5-10 5,11 Existing Land Use Existing Multi-Family Housing Existing DDA and TIF Boundaries Special Study Areas Existing Circulation and Parking Existing Parking Utilization Study Public Parking Coverage Typical Royal Oak Sidewalk Design Existing Lighting Conditions Existing Management and Service Provisions 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7-13 7-22 7-23 7-24 7-28 7-31 7-36 7-41 7.43 7.47 , MAPS AND ILLUSTRATIONS I ' . ( �I I .• de, THE VISION FOR DOWNTOWN ROYAL OAK Creating the Vision I I I I I I ( I I • • • • • • • • 1' �THE VISION FOR DOWNTOWN ROY AL OAK I Past Visions Realized I I I I I I Past Visions Realized Royal Oak has a long history of serving its citizens, its neighborhoods and the surrounding communities as a traditional Downtown center; offering all of the necessary conveniences and amenities of a vital urban core. Housing was built tight to its borders. Walking to shopping areas was common and Main Street brought both residents and visitors into the Downtown. Long lasting commitments were made to the Downtown by building substantial architecture, by locating public and private institutions Downtown and by fostering independent businesses in the city. The proliferation of suburban destinations beyond Royal Oak, and the development of shopping malls contributed to drawing activity out of the heart of Royal Oak. In light of this, actions were taken by the city and its business community to restore and revitalize the activity and look of Downtown . Bold and cooperative initiatives were taken which: I Created one of Michigan's first Downtown Development Authorities (November 1976). I I Developed a substantial amount of senior housing near Downtown . Encouraged the Oakland Community College to locate in Royal Oak. Improved streetscapes throughout the ODA. Enhanced the civic area. Provided city funded parking decks. I I I I I Envisioned mixed use development at 1-696 to establish a presence at the new interchange, to provide new housing and commercial opportunities which promote and enhance Downtown, and to help make Royal Oak a regional destination once again. Cooperated with First of America to develop a new corporate headquarters in Downtown . Created a favorable atmosphere for independent retail and entertainment businesses. This long range vision and commitment to action has paid off. Vacancy rates are virtually zero, historic architecture is being restored and Royal Oak is known regionally for its friendly character and its unique variety of shops, restaurants and entertainment. Royal Oak has been well nurtured in its recent past, and has prepared itself well to step back and evaluate what the next steps should be. 1· 1 �I I I I I I I I I I I I THE VISION FOR DOWNTOWN ROY AL OAK A Vision For The Future A Vision for the Future The future for Downtown Royal Oak will be built upon its exciting combination of the traditional and the unique. A strong sense of it's past creates the foundation for change and enhancement. While a vital mix of activities, along with a freedom of expression will continue to give Royal Oak it's special flair and appeal as an alternative shopping and leisure experience. People will be drawn to Royal Oak as a Downtown that not only invites use, but offers something back to it's business, it's residents, and it's visitors. It will offer: New space for independent retailers in a pedestrian oriented storefront setting inspired by traditional Downtown characteristics. More housing in Downtown, and strong circulation linkages to surrounding residential areas. A variety of office development options including civic and corporate office space; and opportunities for new landmark buildings. A variety of new and revitalized public parks and plazas. The incorporation of public art in the Downtown area. Coordinated orientation and identification systems to make Downtown safe and easy to use; and destinations easy to find. The experience for the user will be a strong sense of having entered a city that is comfortable, lively and delightfully different. All ages will be equally at home; and this mix will be encouraged. Streets and open spaces will create a series of inviting places to stroll, meet, sit and enjoy the urban activity. There will be small, intimate places for private and spontaneous activity and large areas designed for organized events. It will be seen as a sociable and friendly city. Independent business will be encouraged to make tasteful, individual expressions with their property which use traditional forms , scale and details as their inspiration and as the measure of quality. Royal Oak has established a reputation as, and will continue to be, a city that is constantly refreshing itseH and reaching out to it's citizens and its visitors. Each of it's components has a distinct personality. These personalities will be allowed to be blended and strengthened to reinforce each other. Royal Oak will be a city that continues to take pleasure in it's growth; encourages diversity, promotes commerce, is both comfortable and invigorating to be in, and openly invites participation. The theme, or feeling of Downtown Royal Oak that will result from this plan will be one of respecting and encouraging traditional elements, both visual and functional, while encouraging creative and eclectic endeavors and expressions. 1·2 �- .• ~e, - - _.,. ... 11111 ----------THE VISION FOR DOWNTOWN ROY AL OAK Aerial View of the Downtown Plan SIGNATURE OFFICE BUILDING CIVIC CORRIDOR ALONG SECOND STREET AND MAIN STREET PEDESTRIAN CROSSINGS POST OFFICE PLAZA EXPANDED FARMERS' MARKET AND ACTIVITY PLAZA AMTRACK STATION AND TRAIN PLAZA -~ \_ SIGNATURE OFFICE B U I . ~ CONTINUING CARE RESIDENTIAL COMMUNITY .... LANDMARK BUILDING MUNICIPAL PARKING DECK w STOREFRONT STYLED RETAIL DEVELOPMENT L RAILROAD PARK AND FOURTH STREET CONNECTOR ~ - �• •I I I EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Summary of The Master Plan The Downtown Royal Oak Master Plan evaluates the Downtown's strengths, and its opportunities for positive growth and enhancement. It establishes a Vision for the future and recommends Strategies for: Market growth Land use and development Urban design enrichment Cooperative downtown management I The Vision is based upon extensive investigations that took place in the fonn of: I I I I I I I I I I I I Interviews with key individuals who represent the perspectives of business, government agencies and institutions in the City, and in the region (Section 6). Broad based and interactive workshop sessions for goal setting and problem/opportunity identification (Section 6). On-site observation and research regarding today's market factors , physical and functional conditions and the organizational structures affecting the operation of the DOA (Section 7). Guiding concepts for change, and recommendations for action, were established for each of the planning elements noted above and are summarized here. MARKET DEVELOPMENT AND LAND USE Royal Oak is well positioned for growth despite intense retail competition. The opportunities lie in expanding on the markets of eclectic and specially retailing , restaurants and entertainment along with selected office and residential development. In order to capitalize on these potentials the ODA should: Build upon its' success with destination retail , restaurants and entertainment businesses. Not seek or encourage large scale discount retail. Rather, it should promote store front styled retail development. Accommodate selected "hybrid" retail (such as Pier 1) in Redevelopment Area II. Improve and expand the Fanners' Market to a full time and year-round operation. Encourage additional office facilities for financial and medical institutions. 2·1 t �I EXECUTIVE SUMMARY •I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Summary of The Master Plan Create opportunities for additional, higher density housing adjacent to, and with-in, Downtown; including a variety of senior housing options. Pennit and encourage new and renovated second floor residential use. Six areas are identified for implementing redevelopment efforts to meet the above market potentials. (See Pg. 3 •13) To accommodate this, two areas will require expanding the current DOA limits eastward from Troy Street. Future planning studies should test the benefits and design of, higher density residential; 1. Between the Barton/Lafayette and 1-696 districts of the ODA, and 2. North and west of Main Street and Eleven Mile Road. URBAN PLANNING AND DESIGN The Downtown has, over time, made substantial improvements to the look and functional efficiency of Downtown. In order to reach its full potential, two broad issues need to be addressed through physical design. The east (Main Street and the Civic area) and west (Washington Street) districts need to be unified into a functional and visual whole. Underutilized parking must be made recognizable and inviting; and new parking must anticipate future business and civic development. To achieve the east/west linkage, across Main Street and the Railroad Corridor, the primary cross town connector streets of Second, Third and Fourth will be enhanced and reinforced. Additional identification and orientation systems (signage, landscape, streetscape and lighting) will signal these linkages and important public destinations, such as parking and City Offices. Pedestrian accommodations and public open spaces have been expanded. Actions to implement these plans include: Install special paving at high use pedestrian crossings. Enhance Third Street and improve the Center Street parking deck to encourage its use. Develop a comprehensive signage and gateway design plan. Enhance the Railroad ROW as a visual open space through Downtown . Install additional traffic lights and left tum signals at selected Main Street intersections. Develop Second Street as the Civic Corridor linking the City Hall area with the Post Office area; and thereby highlighting the community service aspects of Royal Oak. 2-2 �•I EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Summary of The Master Plan I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Enhance the Fourth Street corridor as the primary connector from Main Street to Washington Street across the Railroad tracks. Develop a centrally located open space in this Fourth Street corridor which uses the Railroad presence as its theme. ("Railroad Park") Develop a public events plaza in conjunction with an expanded Farmers' Market and reorganized surface parking. Develop detailed facade design guidelines and a design assistance program. Create future deck parking for the City Hall area and the Lafayette/Fifth Street area. ORGANIZATION MANAGEMENT AND SERVICING The accomplishments achieved under the current organizational structure are impressive and the system should remain intact. Additional cooperative efforts and operational efficiency would be enhanced by increased input by the Downtown merchants. The DOA should retain primary responsibility for coordinating Downtown economic development and the associated physical improvements. The City should continue to provide professional resources to the DOA as necessary for securing funding along with the administration of major physical improvement projects. The Downtown merchants should assume increased responsibility for providing additional, coordinated Downtown promotion and marketing activities, and for contracting selected maintenance services. As the demand and need for these activities and services increase the means for providing them should evolve from part time volunteer assistance to a paid part time or full time Downtown Coordinator. This individual will be the point person for guiding and assisting a cooperative retail management system between the Downtown merchants, the Chamber of Commerce, the ODA, and contracted services. The present system of funding operational costs should be refined to allow more revenues to be available for operational purposes. The DOA and the City should continue to be the primary service providers for Downtown. The present system of financing and building parking facilities should be retained. In addition to the many specific recommendations for improved parking utilization included in this report, a comprehensive Downtown parking management plan should be developed by a parking consulting firm . 2,3 �11111 I EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 11 Summary of The Master Plan I -I I i I I I i I I I I i I Detailed recommendations, for each of the planning issues are outlined in Sections 3, 4 and 5 and are summarized in chart form on the final pages of each section. The charts are an overview of: a) the actions to be taken, b) who should have central responsibility to initiate and coordinate these actions, c) what should be the sequencing for action, d) what are the options for funding these recommendations · and, e) a preliminary cost estimate for public projects which are likely to happen in the near-term. Phasing priorities are characterized as follows: 1. Near-term - activities that should be initiated within 1 to 3 years. 2. Mid-term - 4-10 years. 3. Long-term - 10 years and beyond. J r 2,4 �I MARKET DEVELOPMENT AND LAND USE STRATEGIES Market Strategies I I I I I INTRODUCTION The recommendations regarding land use and development strategies described in this section are based on both planning and market criteria. They are meant to be consistent with the "Vision" for Downtown described in Section 1, to be desirable and compatible with existing uses, and to be realistic in tenns of market potential for the type and scale of uses and development suggested. The recommendations focus first on market factors and market strategies which influence future land use. Then, the recommended types of development and redevelopment are outlined. Finally, the relationships between the Downtown plan and other critical planning areas are discussed. For each of these three strategic elements, the "why", "what" and "how• are described under the headings Analysis and Recommendations and Implementation. MARKET STRATEGIES Analysis I Downtown Royal Oak is well positioned within its surrounding retail market; there are an estimated 180,000 people within a three mile radius. However, competition for general merchandise retailing is intense and is led by the nearby regional and community shopping centers such as Northwood, Universal Mall, Oakland Mall and the Somerset Collection. Attempting to compete against these shopping centers and their national chain tenants for general merchandise comparison shopping is unrealistic. Consequently, Downtown Royal Oak has evolved into a core area that accommodates eclectic specialty retailing, restaurants, offices for financial institutions and small professional office tenants, and residential uses located on the periphery of the central business district. There exists no "anchor" store Downtown as is the case in a shopping center. To quote an observation made at one of the planning workshops "Downtown is the anchor" in Royal Oak. Relatively low retail rents have allowed a variety of creative entrepreneurial business ventures to be established, contributing to Royal Oak's popularity as an interesting, safe, urban shopping destination. But, just as market factors kept rents low in the past, market factors have begun to push rents higher in recent years as the vacancy rate for Downtown space has dropped to almost zero. The challenge is to take advantage of these market factors and to identify the types of additional businesses and uses that are desirable, compatible, and feasible Downtown . The objective is to fonnulate market strategies for retaining existing businesses and for accommodating new ones that provide an expanded mix of uses Downtown. I I 3·1 �MARKET DEVELOPMENT AND LAND USE STRATEGIES I Market Strategies I I I I Recommendations and Implementation 1. Downtown should build upon its success with destination retail and restaurants by the continued upgrading of existing businesses and by seeking to fill some of the specialty niches not presently represented . An example of these include a bookstore, toy store, delicatessen , news stand, or specialty foodstore. This should be accomplished by having a Downtown Coordinator actively seeking such businesses (see Page 5-2) and by the continued improvement of the physical environment as detailed in Section 4. 2. Large scale discount retailing (e.g. K-Mart, WalMart, etc.) should not be encouraged or accommodated in or near the Downtown area. There would be little, if any synergy or benefit to other Downtown businesses by accommodating this type of use Downtown . Customers making a shopping trip to a discount department store are unlikely to combine their trip with a visit to the specialty retail stores or restaurants Downtown . In addition, the large site requirements of a discount retailer is inconsistent with the scale and character of business Downtown. 3. The potential for attracting specific "hybrid" retail operations (e.g. Crate & Barrel, Pier I) does exist, especially if the density of residents in and near Downtown increases. In some communities these businesses have located in traditional Downtown settings and structures, though they may need 5,000 to 15,000 square feet of floor space. The market strategy recommends that these uses be accommodated on a selective basis since they can be compatible with and complement the existing specialty retail and restaurant establishments Downtown. To implement this recommendation and accommodate the space requirements of these businesses, as well as the expansion of new and existing smaller specialty retailers, the plan incorporates a designated Redevelopment Area II bound by Washington, Main, Fifth and Seventh Streets (see Page 3-14, #2). Another part of the market strategy underlying this recommendation is to provide opportunities for creating additional retail space by offering a "relief valve" for increasing retail space demand, thus helping to stabilize rising rents. 4. The Farmers' Market should be expanded to a full-time produce market as a part of the overall market strategy. This will offer another exciting retail component to Royal Oak that further differentiates it as an active , vibrant Downtown. Additional details on this recommendation and its implementation are outlined in item (4) on page 3-16. 5. Though the suburban Detroit office market is presently overbuilt, Royal Oak is well positioned as a location for office development. Therefore, the market strategy includes capitalizing upon the opportunity to develop new office buildings when demand materializes. The plan I I I I I I I I 3-2 �MARKET DEVELOPMENT AND LAND USE STRATEGIES Market Strategies I I I includes several specific sites to accommodate new office development (see discussion of Redevelopment Parcels I and V on pages 3-12 and 3-17). Target markets for new office development include administrative/ processing functions for medical and financial institutions. For smaller, infill office development, medical office and general office space users requiring 1,000 - 5,000 square feet should be targeted. 6. I I I I I I Increasing residential density in and around Downtown is an important recommendation of the market strategy and a key component of the plan. The opportunities for developing and redeveloping housing on the Downtown periphery will increase, particularly in the areas to the north of Eleven Mile Road and to the south of Oakland County Community College. This will provide a greater concentration of patrons to support additional retaiVservice businesses and will create more activity and -vitality Downtown - a desirable end in itself. The market for additional residential units has heretofore been untested due to a lack of new housing being introduced in the Downtown area. However, the residential units now being developed at 1-696 are providing a test market for new housing close to Downtown. If a strong residential market for medium density housing is demonstrated, additional housing development should be planned for areas within or adjacent to Downtown. The discussion on Surrounding Land Use Planning on pages 3-24 and 3·26 recommends potential locations for this type housing. It is likewise recommended as a part of the marketing strategy that residential uses continue to be permitted and encouraged above the first floor of Downtown businesses. I I I I 3.3 �I I I I I MARKET DEVELOPMENT AND LAND USE STRATEGIES A Framework For Downtown Growth And Development INTRODUCTION The urban design solutions for Downtown Royal Oak need to establish a physical environment to accommodate and actively promote the market objectives and the goals of the Vision for Royal Oak. The guiding concepts for unifying and encouraging growth and development throughout the Downtown are: 1) to link the Civic Center area and the Washington Avenue business district with, and through, the Main Street Corridor, 2) to establish new development and redevelopment opportunities for productive land use changes. ANALYSIS The Downtown has a strong history of public improvements that have created a foundation for continued enhancement of the urban environment. Regional access routes, which in the past drew traffic away from Downtown , have had the positive effect of helping to preserve the scale and character that makes Royal Oak so appealing. Because of this it was able to retain a feeling of a traditional Downtown . Today these regional routes help to provide good access revitalized and reemerging Downtown. The streetscape improvements have enriched this character. Building upon this foundation , the Framework Plan for physical development is aimed at achieving stronger bonds between the parts that make up Downtown and at the same time creating new opportunities to work, shop, live and recreate in the Downtown area. I The Downtown today is visually and functionally divided east from west by Main Street and the Railroad Right of Way. There is ambiguity about what is, or should be, considered the center of Downtown - Is it the Main Street area or is it the Washington Avenue area? How can they best be brought together for mutual benefit; and how can the use of Downtown be made increasingly convenient, comfortable and inviting? Characteristics which contribute to Royal Oak's success as an urban center today include: An active government and civic area (City Hall, Library, Farmers' Market, Post Office, SMART station and a future AMTRAK station) . A traditional Main Street thoroughfare. Unique specialty shopping and entertainment activities. Close-in residential areas; including a strong senior citizen component along with substantial new and proposed multi-family housing. A pedestrian-friendly (2 - 3 story) "store-front" streetscape with architectural diversity and historically significant buildings. Existing and potential public open spaces. Potential for land consolidation and redevelopment opportunities. 3.4 �I I I I I I I I I DEVELOPMENT AND LAND USE STRATEGIES The Organizing Concepts For Downtown i-;r,- ·- '"--•···--··-' c:·· \}JW/(lfl(",1T<r ~ -, , I r I I I I I I I Refer to narrative on page 3•4 3 • 5 �I MARKET DEVELOPMENT AND LAND USE STRATEGIES I I I I A Framework For Downtown Growth And Development The physical planning goals which the Framework Plan seeks to accomplish in order to realize the Vision for Downtown are: Enhanced unification of the Downtown, both visually and functionally to orient the user and make circulation easier (whether by car or on foot). Convenient, easy to find, and inviting parking facilities. A linked system of public open spaces and amenities to accommodate and promote pedestrian activity in the Downtown. Improved pedestrian safety at road and railroad crossings. Opportunities for land consolidation, and redevelopment to realize market goals and opportunities. I RECOMMENDATIONS AND IMPLEMENTATION 1. The Downtown plan needs to overcome the dividing effects of Main Street and the railroad; and tum these, instead, into unifying elements. This can be done by reinforcing the overlap and linkages between the two business districts and the civic center area. Each area should have its own personality, while sharing common elements. The key common elements are the circulation corridors and the points where they intersect. The primary intersections are where Main Street meets Second, Third and Fourth Streets. Fourth Street is especially important because it is continuous all the way through Downtown, running east and west. For this reason , Fourth Street should be enhanced to be the backbone that links Main Street with Washington Avenue. 2. The City and the DDA should assemble land for public use where Fourth Street, Center Street, and the Railroad ROW come together, in order to develop a "Central Park" area along this all important Fourth Street connector. The railroad has a powerful presence; both as an open visual corridor through the Downtown, and as a dynamic and kinetic element. When a train roars through Downtown, all cross town traffic stops. It demands attention . It is an exciting element that contributes to making Royal Oak unique and special, and needs to be enhanced and celebrated. The Fourth Street corridor and this railroad crossing/railroad park area, should be the new unifying feature of Downtown . It is common to the east and west halves of Downtown. It is dynamic, historically relevant, close to the Downtown's most central parking facility (the Center Street deck), and is located where existing and future open space and pedestrian linkages converge. It should become the primary internal orientation point for any one using Downtown. It needs to be made 3-6 �1111 I I I MARKET DEVELOPMENT AND LAND USE STRATEGIES A Framework For Downtown Growth And Development -~,'------l_J ~ ~ j - ' I , f ~NI ITT ~ D ' J □ LJ [h1, I' ' I I f c:J L . I l I 1 !I II LEGEND ==fltul~I ~ ll i i iI •-+i+-+- • ,--~- •r-="'f.~ = • ~ :s:...;,;..;;.. ----, T""'- ==.!' ~:;- - - r--- ~~~ • • 'O Jo I '1 Ji L I __ Otfce CSDlleNShutUe C80 oa, ...~ . PrlfNr'J' ' Secondary • p """'...._ ..._. . . . . .........___. I ~/Aelait Gt~/()pwi5oaotl Pur:ikL...andK«cM~, g C80 IOINcty At• 0-ow,lling Comoo,s ■ L !! N C ,,_.,,.. ·- c....... Coma""''°" ~ ~ • a'IICI Mfainl~ Erw•JtC4WMnl ---........ ~11.nh•torP\AiJOAft CArtWalk) ......._ ~ r At. . O ;:- L - -----.. • f.~ HlatoflC&lfy Sqlitcanl. ltfchl9etu,e ~ _,.,....,..,..,..,.,....,_,,,,,,,......,. ' DOWNTOWN STUDY for the CITY of ROYAL OAK DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY FRAMEWORK PLAN for Downtown Growth and Development F.c,24 1993 3.7 �1111 I MARKET DEVELOPMENT AND LAND USE STRATEGIES I A Framework For Downtown Growth And Development visible from both Main Street and Washington Avenue, through special streetscape lighting, furnishings , pageantry, and signage treatments. This area warrants special study to establish a Railroad Park Master Plan. The park should be both a leisure park and a railroad history park. The railroad "celebration· must be carefully designed as a part of the larger Fourth Street corridor so that it functions as an unifying landmark. The dominant visual impression should be the recognition of the corridor within which the railroad park is a special highlight. lntennodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA) funds are available for such projects ; especially when ROW and circulation improvements and historic elements are combined in one project. (See Parks and Plazas Page 4•12) 3. The topographic high point of the City is at the intersection of Washington Avenue and Fourth Street. This, in combination with the historic and attractive Washington Square building, makes this intersection an important destination and orientation point. Like the intersection of Fourth and Main, this intersection of Fourth and Washington should be reinforced as a pivot point that links Washington to Fourth, and Fourth to Main Street. 4. Secondary east-west linkages need to occur on Third and Second Streets. Enhancements to Third Street will invite and draw motorists to the Center Street deck. Streetscape and Plaza development on Second Street should be developed to tie the post office, the proposed AMTRAK station and the Library/City HalVFanners' Market area together along this "Civic Corridor"; helping to establish another east/west linkage across Main Street. This should be made a high priority for city participation in conjunction with private investments on Redevelopment Parcel V, and the AMTRAK site. 5. These linkage systems, discussed above (Items 1 - 4), should become the structure along which existing and new public open space occurs. This will help make the corridors more enticing and usable by pedestrians, while at the same time, enhancing vehicular circulation by defining critical connections and destinations. Physical design characteristics and priorities for creating these linkage systems are discussed in Section 4. (See Pages 4•2, 4-10 and 4-13) 6. Strategies for identifying the "gateways" into Downtown, and for developing "easy-to-find" parking facilities as destinations should be based upon this internal organizing framework of linking east with west. These strategies are discussed in Section 4. (See Pages 4.9 thru 4-12) 7. Downtown Royal Oak has distinct boundaries with healthy residential areas on most of its perimeter. This is wisely being reinforced with new residential at the 1-696 development area. As discussed earlier, business I I 3-8 �I DEVELOPMENT AND LAND USE STRATEGIES I A Framework For Downtown Growth And Development I I I I I uses are a priority for Downtown land. Residential development Downtown, therefore, should be focused on creating new opportunities, especially for senior citizens to live in and near the Downtown; and for the development and redevelopment of living units above first floor businesses. 8. Oakland Community College (OCC) is a key member of the Downtown community and is likely to expand its facilities over time. Its primary public face is to the south and future development should be south of Lincoln. This will locate the existing parking deck (which can be expanded vertically) centrally to an expanded campus. Lincoln can become more pedestrian oriented as an internal campus road; and the intersection of Lincoln with the •center Street• alleyway can become an identifiable campus center within Downtown. 9. Several opportunities exist on currently underutilized land for redevelopment, which will meet and create new market potentials and which will reinforce these physical planning strategies. Refer to discussions on REDEVELOPMENT PARCELS. (See Pages 3•12 thru 3•25) Site specific Urban Development Objectives and the Master Plan for Downtown Growth and Development which are based upon this Framework Plan are shown on pages 3• 10 and 3• 11. Detailed recommendations and implementation strategies for urban planning and design are discussed in Section 4. The research that established that the understandings of how Downtown works today is documented in Section 7. The Vision building process by which goals for Downtown's future was established, is documented in Section 6. I I I I �MARKET DEVELOPMENT AND LAND USE STRATEGIES Urban Development Objectives 1. Improve Parking Identification, Image, and Lighting 2. Expand and Enhance Civic Center Functions and Identity (Civic Corridor) 3. Extend Core Parking 4. Enhance Organizing and Identity Corridors 5. Circulation Revisions for Safety and Efficiency 6. OCC Campus Expansion 7. Encourage Small-Scale Commercial and Office Infill 8. Promote 2nd Floor Residential Development 9. Expand ODA / TIF to Accomplish Redevelopment Strategies 10. CBD Gateways Identification and Image Enhancement 11. Reinforce Fourth Street Connector 12. Expand and Enrich Civic Center Open Space 13. Create a Civic Center Based Events Plaza 14. Improve Service Alley-Ways and Establish Maintenance Guidelines 15. Clean-Up and Enhance Railroad R.O.W. View Corridor 16. Improve Pedestrran Awareness and Safety at Intersections (Roadways and Railroads) 17. Develop Special Street Lighting of Access Corridors for Safety and Identity 18. Selectively Update Streetscape Furnishings 19. Implement a Public Art Program 20. Provide a Clock Tower as an Orientation and Image Landmark 21. Celebrate Railroad Presence 22. Illuminate Historic Architecture 23. Promote Facade and Display Enhancements 24. Display Hours of Operation 25. Consolidate Residual Land for Greenspace System 26. Guide and Promote Flexible but Traditionally Styled Private Property Improvements 27. Initiate Market Based Development Strategies I. Signature Offices and Municipal Parking Deck II. Street Retail and Core Parking Ill. Continuing Care Residenti~ Community IV. Farmers Market and Civic Center V. Signature Office Buildings Refer to plan on facing page 3 • 10. b,; �.I DEVELOPMENT AND LAND USE STRATE GIES Urban Deve 1opment Obj ectlves □ I I l Cont,nu,ng Care Residential Com mun1ty [ ~v ,---- ;_~1l,~sJ~~======~=:'.::::5 Refertonarratlveonpag I e 4•9 - 4•25 I1 I (-Tr-=; OCCCa pus Expansion 3. 10 �DEVELOPMENT AND LAND USE STRATEGIES The goals of the Master Plan for Downtown Growth and Development are: 1) to create new opportunities for living, working, shopping and having fun in Downtown and 2) to insure that doing so is convenient and stimulating. Master Plan For Downtown Growth And Development I - -_ - Six redevelopment sites have been identified which provide workable and coordinated areas within Downtown for new offices, retail businesses and housing. DDA boundaries need to be expanded for portions of these areas. ~ ~ s...,...□ 1 : □. D~ Streetscape and open space enhancements will tie the Main Street and Washington Street areas together. Fourth Street will be enriched, as the primary east-west connector, by the development of a centrally located "Railroad Park. " This will become the symbolic, and pedestrian-friendly, "heart" of Downtown. Third Street will be the backbone for expanded and improved parking facilities. Second Street will be enhanced as the "Civic Corridor'' linking the City Hall, Library and Farmers' Market areas with the Post Office and the proposed Amtrak station. (} High image identification at key entry points into Downtown, along with special lighting, signage improvements and pedestrian paving at intersections will invite and guide those coming to Downtown. I ; ... . . 8 ' . @ . D CIVIC CORRIDOR REDEVELOPMENT PARCEL IV POST OFFICE PLAZA EXPANDED FARMERS'MARKET NEW EVENTS PLAZA NEW LANDMARK BUILDING NEW CIVIC OFFICE SPACE AND EXPANDED PARKING AMTRAK STATION THIRD STREET CONNECTOR TO CENTER STREET DECK TtURD STREET PARKING DECK RAILROAD PARK AND FOURTH STREET CONNECTOR REDEVELOPMENT PARCEL I SPECIAL PEDESTRIAN CROSSINGS ON MAIN STREET NEW OFFICE AND PARKING DECK \ REDEVELOPMENT PARCEL 11 NEW STOREFRONT RETAIL AND HOUSJNG WITH OFFICES ABOVE REDEVELOPMENT PARCEL 111 CONTNJUM OF CARE SENIOR HOUSING ~ I I! -- """"" Refer to narrative on pages 3•6 - 3•9 3 • 11 �• • MARKET DEVELOPMENT AND LAND USE STRATEGIES Redevelopment Parcels REDEVELOPMENT PARCELS • • • • • fl Analysis Downtown Royal Oak is a "built-out" traditional commercial business district in the sense that there remain no large, vacant sites available for new development. New land uses and physical improvements will, therefore, need to be integrated into the context of existing development in order to realize the vision for Downtown. The logical locations for accommodating larger scale new and/or upgraded uses are on sites within Downtown that are presently underutilized in terms of their development potential. Six such sites are identified in the recommendations which follow (See Page 3-13). For smaller scale development, renovation of existing structures and new infill development will be required . Recommendations and Implementation Downtown should continue as a mixed-use traditional urban core with retail , service , office and residential land uses in a medium density, pedestrian scale environment. 1. Designate the two block area bound by Fourth Street, Sixth Street, Lafayette and West as REDEVELOPMENT PARCEL I to accommodate a future signature office building developed in conjunction with a municipal parking deck (See Pg 3·19). The concept includes a three to four story off ice building (35,000 - 65,000 square feet) which reflects and compliments the scale and quality of the First of America office to its north across Fourth Street. A parking garage, with the potential for ground floor office space, would be constructed south of Fifth Street as a public City parking facility to serve the office development and to provide additional parking for expanded retail uses along Washington and Lafayette. The City's present system of issuing bonds for financing parking structures {as was used for the Lafayette Street garage) represents the most feasible method of implementing this recommendation . However, City participation should be contingent upon private investment since it is doubtful that construction of the parking garage could be justified economically without development of additional office space. The development of residential units in conjunction with the deck in addition to or in lieu of office space should be considered if the market allows. This area has been subject to soil contamination associated with past land uses in the area and environmental clean up may be a development cost associated with new construction on this site. The deck should be designed to be a two level deck at the north end, with office on the first floor, and step up to 4 levels on the south end. 3 · 12 �I •II • DEVELOPMENT AND LAND USE STRATEGIES Redevelopment Parcels - ······]•1••··············•·········•··· :.-{:}\\:? Ji!t!i \/). ·•·••··•·•1~~········ ·····••:::•~-?·•· .....,,_,_,___==~ = - { ·li?.;i;;i~~~~. ill< •, .. .i i !\: ~-\}?f{fi.t~~ ·-""' Refer to narrative on page 3•12 - 3•24 3 • 13 �I MARKET DEVELOPMENT AND LAND USE STRATEGIES Redevelopment Parcels It should have a landscape zone on the West Street side, and generous streetscape development on Fifth Street face. These features will maximize the deck's capacity while scaling down and buffering the structure in the areas which are presently residential in character and use. Streetscape improvements should be implemented in conjunction with the construction of the deck or designed to accommodate a future deck if installed in the near-term. No major improvement should be made which would need to be removed to construct the deck. NOTE: Streetscape improvements associated with all of the Redevelopment Parcels should be implemented as public/private joint ventures at the time of the parcel development. 2. Designate the five-acre site between Main, Washington Avenue, Fifth and Seventh Streets as REDEVELOPMENT PARCEL II to accommodate new retail development and surface parking (See Pg 3 • 20). As explained in the Market Strategies section, this redevelopment area could provide modem retail space configured for selected "hybrid" retail business, and for local retailers requiring expanded or upgraded space. Approximately 40,000 to 55,000 square feet of new ground floor retail space could be developed in Redevelopment Parcel II along with approximately 200 to 240 parking spaces. The City should require that 2nd and 3rd floor space be constructed on all new 1st floor commercial buildings. These upper levels should be either office or residential uses. New buildings should be of consistent scale with existing structures and should be brought out to the sidewalk to form a consistent urban streetfront setting. Parking should be located behind the structures as illustrated in the plan. This redevelopment should be achieved in two phases. The half south of Sixth Street will be Phase 1. Phase 2 will be north of Sixth Street. Sixth Street should remain open until Phase 2 is developed. Closing Sixth Street will encourage traffic to use Washington Avenue for access to this area; and will eliminate this railroad crossing. The building should pull away from the street at the intersections of Washington Avenue with Fifth and Seventh Streets, to create mini-plazas. The comer building should rise above the 2 - 3 story architecture of the retail space to create new landmark structures in conjunction with the miniplazas, as urban orientation points. The parking behind the building serves for convenient surface parking as well as an appropriate buffer to the railroad. Landscaping along the railroad should reinforce the railroad corridor as a part of the urban landscape, while softening and enhancing its appearance. A walkway outside of the Railroad ROW and within the parking area provides for a safe north-south pedestrian linkage from the new pocket park at Seventh and Main Street to the railroad crossing at 3 · 14 �MARKET DEVELOPMENT AND LAND USE STRATEGIES Redevelopment Parcels Fifth Street. This in tum provides a continuous link to the new Railroad Park at Fourth Street. Tree plantings in the parking lot should be placed to recreate the urban grid street pattern, and break down the expanse of parking . Sidewalks should be developed along this grid to create a streetscape atmosphere, and provide access to the stores. Stores should have rear entrances and internal connections to the mini-plazas on Washington Avenue. I Street and parking lot landscape improvements should be installed by the developer. The Railroad ROW connector walk should be a publicly funded project using Tax Increment Financing {TIF) and ISTEA funding. The City should require that any development be a minimum of 2.5 acres in order to have the development proposal considered in the southern (Phase 1) half of Redevelopment Parcel II. The minimal site consolidation required for the northern (Phase 2) portion of Redevelopment Parcel II should be 1.6 acres. Access to the surface parking should be from Washington Avenue and Seventh Street. The City should commit to assisting with the assembly of property necessary for Phases 1 and 2 and for purchase and improvement of that portion of Phases 1 and 2 dedicated to public parking. It is recommended that the City provide TIF financing for parking lot land acquisition and improvements. 3. Designate as REDEVELOPMENT PARCEL Ill the area included between Main, Troy, Lincoln and Sixth Streets plus the properties fronting the east side of Troy from Fifth to Seventh Street (see Pg 3 • 21). This 8.5 acre site should be considered for the future development of a "continuing care" facility for senior residents. The concept includes the provision of a continuum of living environments including independent living, congregate care, and skilled nursing care. This use would be consistent with the present elderly housing located on the site and could provide synergy between the Oakland County Community College campus across Main Street and the Civic Center Complex (City Hall, Library, Farmers' Market) two blocks to the north. Though this development concept would depend entirely upon private involvement, the City should be prepared to provide the necessary zoning and to assist in site assembly. The land immediately south of Redevelopment Parcel Ill remains in industrial zoning which would be incompatible with a continuing care facility. The city should, therefore , seek a higher and better use for this adjacent site (e.g. medium density residential or commercial) through a planning study and likewise consider rezoning the property to a use consistent with the plan . The concept plan links the existing high rise tower to new skilled nursing facilities with a common activities and dining facility. These new buildings should be residential in character with well landscaped, protected and/or 3 · 15 �• •■ • • • • •I •I I • • MARKET DEVELOPMENT AND LAND USE STRATEGIES Redevelopment Parcels enclosed activity areas. A mini park located at the comer of Sixth and Troy Streets provides an outdoor activity area and pedestrian link to the new independent living facilities east of Troy Street. The independent living facilities should be 2 - 2 1/2 story garden apartments type structures with individual yards. A generous open space buffer and walkway can link the facility to Main Street, Oakland Community College (OCC), and the Railroad ROW walkway system. DOA and TIF boundary limits must be expanded to include this redevelopment parcel. (See Page 3-25) 4. Designate the area bound by Troy, Knowles, Fourth Street and Eleven Mile Road as REDEVELOPMENT PARCEL IV. This area is intended to accommodate an expanded Farmers' Market operation, a civic events plaza immediately west of the Farmers' Market, infill office uses, and a Civic Office Complex on the southwest quadrant of the site to meet a number of City and/or County space needs (e.g. courts, holdover cells, offices). (See Pg 3·22) The City should obtain the existing Troy Street Office Building presently owned by Oakland County. The building should be removed and the site used as an events plaza in conjunction with the Farmers' Market. The City and County should work cooperatively to convert all or part of the 23,000 square foot Farmers' Market into a full-time public and/or private produce market. City and County CDBG funds should be considered for the funding of this recommendation. The redevelopment of the Farmers' Market is a very high (Near-Term) priority and should proceed with or without the purchase of the county office buildings. Purchase of the county office buildings by the City however would create an important incentive for a public/private joint venture for the development of the Farmers' Market and plaza. i New outdoor vendor stalls designed to be colorful and festive in character should be added for both expanded activity as well as an enhanced presence from Eleven Mile Road as a gateway to Downtown. For the same reasons, the comer at Eleven Mile Road and Troy Street should be developed as a flexible outdoor activity plaza for outdoor dining, leisure, and special events. New streetscape and City Hall plaza improvements can tie these areas together across Troy Street to create a multi-faceted series of civic event spaces. This will serve as a true terminus and hub for the civic corridor of Second Street. (See Page 4-17) It is also recommended that the City conduct a space needs analysis to evaluate present and future space requirements for its courts, police, jail, social services, administrative offices, and community meeting space. I I 3 · 16 �•I MARKET DEVELOPMENT AND LAND USE STRATEGIES Redevelopment Parcels I ■ These functions could be accommodated in a new civic office building. This would further reinforce the concept of a strong civic center extending outward from the City Hall and library site. I The new civic office building should be located at Troy and Fourth Streets to establish civic identity on this main east/west access road into Downtown. New and reorganized surface parking can be developed to support this new use. This parking area east of the civic office building, is also a potential future location for a city parking deck, if future office demand dictates. This civic office building should orient a face of the building and mini-plazas toward City Hall, and the Troy and Fourth Street intersection. Over the long term additional civic or private office space should be encouraged in this area along Troy Street, between Second and Third Streets. Landscape and streetscape improvements should be made as part of any building or parking construction. I •I Knowles Street should be reopened as a north south access to the expanded Farmers' Market/Civic Offices area. I •I DOA and TIF limits must be expanded to include this Redevelopment Parcel (See Page 3-25) 5. I I • • • • • REDEVELOPMENT PARCELS V are two separate sites, each particularly well suited for development of signature office buildings (see Pg 3 . 23). These two sites, one south of the Post Office and the other on Washington Avenue at Fifth Street, represent excellent infill office locations situated near existing and future garage parking, and benefiting from attractive streetscaping and public improvements. As such, they should be promoted for the types of administrative, medical support, and other office uses suggested in the previously recommended market strategies . f The post office area redevelopment building (Parcel V/north), should have a direct link to the Center Street parking deck. It should also be designed to architecturally complement, and "work with" the post office . With the development of this site, the city should initiate the development of a "Post Office Plaza" that accommodates the pick up and drop off functions of the post office, while creating a pedestrian-friendly plaza for public enjoyment. The Fifth Street redevelopment {Parcel V/south) is an ideal location for another landmark building as a terminus to Fifth Street. It should, however, be designed to be pedestrian-friendly on both its east and south faces, where it borders the Fifth Street Plaza . 6. The CBD business district zoning regulations should be revised to permit only retail uses on the ground floor of buildings fronting Main Street from Eleven Mile to Fourth Streets, on Fourth Street from Main Street to 3 · 17 �I I I I I I MARKET DEVELOPMENT AND LAND USE STRATEGIES Redevelopment Parcels Washington Avenue , and on Washington from Fourth to Seventh Streets. This could be accomplished with a zoning overlay district to the CBD for these segments. This is intended to reduce the possibilitY. of non-retail, office and similar uses from eroding the retail character of this strategically important part of the retail core. Retail uses would include businesses selling goods directly to the public and would include restaurants. Specifically excluded would be general, medical and clinical offices; professional offices; financial services; and business services. 7. The DOA and TIF boundaries should be expanded to include all of the area described in (4) above as Redevelopment Parcel IV including both sides of all streets listed as boundaries. likewise, the DOA and TIF boundaries should be expanded to incorporate those properties east of Troy described as a part of Redevelopment Parcel Ill• a. Phasing for Redevelopment Parcels I through V is predicated upon both market conditions and the priorities established by the DOA and other participants in the planning process. The phasing and priorities discussed below are expressed as "near," "mid" and "long" term, meaning, respectively, for projects undertaken in 1 - 3 years, 4 - 10 years, or 10 years and beyond . I •I • • • • • • • • • • Development of these office uses recommended for Redevelopment Parcel I, is dependent upon the next market cycle for suburban office development or upon the episodic opportunity presented by a corporate owner-occupant, as was the First of America Operations Center. Consequently, Redevelopment Parcel I is viewed as a mid or long-term development priority. Redevelopment Parcel II, designated for new retail development, should represent a mid-term development opportunity for the Phase 1 property on the south haH of the site, and a long-term opportunity for the Phase 2 property on the north haH. The continuing care uses identified as desirable and feasible in Redevelopment Parcel Ill may present the more immediate development opportunity. Though actual development of the site may be a mid-term prospect, the City should immediately begin to pursue potential developers of such facilities, and suggest the City's wiliness to provide assistance in assembling the site and establishing the necessary zoning. It is clear from the planning workshops, that the expanded operations of the Farmers' Market and the development of the adjacent Events Plaza are a high priority for Redevelopment Parcel IV. These should be considered near-term projects for the acquisition of the existing county office building and an early step in initiating the project. A small infill office development envisioned for Redevelopment Parcel IV would be a mid-term opportunity, and the larger scale civic off ice complex and parking deck would represent a long-term project. Development on the two signature office building sites identified on Redevelopment Parcel V would be market driven, and therefore, should be considered as mid to long-term projects in relation to the regional office market and other Downtown Redevelopment opportunities . 3 · 18 �Aerial View of Redevelopment Area I I I I I I I •I I I I I • • • •• • • , �I I I DEVELOPMENT AND LAND USE STRATEGIES Redevelopment Parcel I ■ I •I 3 - 4 STORY SIGNATURE OFFICE BUILDING (t, 35,000 - 65,000 S.F.) I I I • FIFTH STREET PARKING DECK (% 500 SPACES) TWO LEVELS FOUR LEVELS - - - - - - - - - , □ l {[ I Redevelopment Parcel I will provide substantial new office space. This will include expansion of the mini plaza at Fourth and Lafayette Streets, and extension of the Fifth Street promenade. A new parking deck will service the new office space on Redevelopment Parcels I and V-South during the day, and expanded entertainment and business activity at night. Refer to narrative on page 3 • 12 3 • 19 �I I I Aerial View of Redevelopment Area II I I I I I I I - I I I • •I • • • �I I I I I •I I I I • • • • • • • • - DEVELOPMENT AND LAND USE STRATEGIES Redevelopment Parcel II RAILROAD R.O.W. OPEN SPACE ~11=!700 MINI PLAZA -------~-+ti_, 11«--,,e PHASE 2 STORE FRONT RETAIL (15,000- 20,000 S.F.) ----1)"---i;;;;.:!!ti::::i~• 2..,.3 STORIES PLUS ) LANDMARK BUILDING ) CLOSE 6TH STREET @ 1- . w w a: t- R R CROSSING u, SURFACE PARKING -z< ------..-111!!!~ (200-240 SPACES) ~ PHASE 1 STORE FRONT RETAIL (25,000 - 35,000 S.F.) 2-3 STORIES PLUS LANDMARK BUILDING PRESERVED MINI P L A Z A - - - - - - - - - - MN PARK WITH PUBLIC ART New retail development will provide both small and large lease space while restoring the traditional store front scale to this area. Historically significant architecture will be incorporated into the development. Mini plazas and parks will be created for pedestrian activity. Landscaped, overflow parking will be located behind the stores. Circulation changes will provide safer, easier access to the area; and the railroad corridor will be enhanced with landscaping. Refer to narrative on page 3•14 3 • 20 �I I I Aerial View of Redevelopment Area Ill •I •I I I I I \ • • • • • • --~ - �I •I I I I I •I • • • • • • • • DEVELOPMENT AND LAND USE STRATEGIES Redevelopment Parcel Ill 2 - 2 1/2 STORY INDEPENDENT LMNG - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - " " " " GARDEN APARTMENTS *D[l:-L CONTNJING CARE _ _ _ _ _ ~ i L6 IFTH ___,.4-_~s::~~~l!!ft'~ RESIDENTIAL COMMUNITY r [ - 7 Senior housing within the Downtown will provide a •continuum of care• housing options ranging from independent living through skilled nursing. Open space, mini parks and pedestrian ways will link this residential community to the Oakland Community College, the civic area and the Farmers Market. Refer to narrative on page 3• 15 3 • 21 �•I Aerial View of Redevelopment Area IV I •I • • • \ �I II I I • • • • • • Ill" Ill II - DEVELOPMENT AND LAND USE STRATEGIES 1~ Redevelopment Parcel IV ifile.. P,::dL™9 I 0 ,b ~ AA. --- 50 100 200 400 EXPANDED FARMERS MARKET-----+---- ~-~-- J CIVIC EVENTS PLAZA - -- -----------. CIVIC CENT&R IDENTIFICATION ------1,,1,A-~m;, INFILL OFFICE SPACE (LONG RANGE) --------a11--rn~~~~t-'-ffll&--4! Lt: L L ""tL I: L- ... L. tt: ~ LC L.. CL..L L. '- 1.. L- L~ l:'- '- POTENTIAL FOR FUTURE 4 LEVEL PARKING DECK (350 - 400 SPACES) This expanded Civic area will include an enhanced and enlarged Farmers Market, an outdoor events plaza, new civic offices and improved parking to service this area. Streetscape enhancements will link this area to the civic corridor to the west, and will strengthen the recognition of the civic area from Eleven Mile Road. Refer to narrative on page 3•16 3 • 22 �I I I I I -I I I I DEVELOPMENT AND LAND USE STRATEGIES Redevelopment Parcels V 2-3 STORY SIGNATURE OFFICE BUILDING (!t 40,000 - 60,000 S.F.) AMTRAK STATION AND PLAZA LINK TO SECOND STREET I I I I I -I i - 2-3 STORY SIGNATURE OFFICE BllLDING (± 16,000 - 24,000 S.F.) OR LANDMARK BUILDING OVER 3 STORIES Redevelopment Parcel V-North will provide new office space along the civic corridor (Second Street). Public/private cooperation can make possible a new Post Office Plaza as an important terminus (along with the future Amtrak station and plaza) to the civic corridor. Improvements to the Center Street deck will insure the needed parking space. Parcel V-South creates new office space, and will be an important landmark at the end of Fifth Street, which will be reopened at Main Street to provide direct access to this important redevelopment area along Washington Street. Refer to narrative on page 3 • 17 3 • 23 �I I I I I • • • •I •I • • -II II II II MARKET DEVELOPMENT AND LAND USE STRATEGIES Surrounding Land Use Planning and DOA Revisions PLANNING CONTEXT Analysis The preceding market and land use recommendations have been limited to those areas encompassed by our study. However, it became clear early in the preparation of the plan that three other areas near the Downtown are important to the context of the planning and market strategies. The following observations and recommendations are intended to suggest how these three areas should relate to Downtown . Recommendations and Implementation 1. The first of these areas is the 18-acre site currently being redeveloped at 1696. The master plan for the site includes offices, a conference center and hotel, and residential development. The first phase of this plan, the new 124-unit Main Street Square condominium project is underway. This is certainly an important initial component to the 1-696 plan. But, it is equally important to the Downtown core in terms of increasing the surrounding housing density which translates into an expanded retail market and more Downtown activity. As suggested earlier, the Market Street Square condominium project will also serve as a test market for what will hopefully prove to be a growing demand for medium density housing in areas adjacent to the Downtown core . One marketing recommendation concerning the 1-696 project that was alluded to earlier should be elaborated upon here. The office and retail strategies for 1-696 and the Downtown core must be coordinated to ensure that they do not conflict. The market strategy for 1-696 should target corporate and speculative office development desiring interstate access and identity along with the scale and building height permitted as a part of the plan. In the Downtown core the market strategy should focus on administrative offices, medical-related offices, and smaller increments of tenant spaces in existing structures and in new office buildings at a scale and height consistent with the present urban setting. Retail uses at 1-696 should be limited to those directly supporting the office and hoteVconvention center uses to avoid their competing against the Downtown specialty retailing and restaurants. 2. l The second area that needs to be put into context vis-a-vis the Downtown core is the area between Main Street, Washington Avenue, Kenilworth and Lincoln Streets. This strategic area lies south of Oakland Community College and north of the 1-696 project. The north-south arteries of Main and Washington Avenue are primarily lined with retaiVservice uses with single family homes on the cross streets. 3 · 24 �I I I I I I I I I I II DEVELOPMENT AND LAND USE STRATEGIES ODA Boundary Revisions And Future Study Areas /// / // /// /// // EXPANSION FOR FARMER'S MARKET /CIVIC CENTER EXISTING DOA ADD TO TIF rn EXPANSION FOR INU~ CARE RESIDENIIAL COMMUNITY I I • • • • • • 3 • 25 Refer to narrative on page J I \\::d �I MARKET DEVELOPMENT AND LAND USE STRATEGIES I I Surrounding Land Use Planning and DOA Revisions The logical use for this transitional area would be higher-density housing (mid-rise apartments and condominiums} consistent with the plan previously prepared by the Oakland County Planning Department. With the exception of selected, existing high quality commercial establishments, no future commercial uses should be accommodated in this area. The potential for selective cross-street closures and cul-de-sacs could also be considered as a part of the site assembly process for residential redevelopment in this location. This may help reinforce this residential character in the neighborhood and reduce the amount of non-residential vehicular traffic. Increased density, quality residential development will be an asset for Downtown and will upgrade the appearance and quality of uses along this important link between 1-696 and the Downtown core. II I 3. A separate planning study should be undertaken to formulate a strategy for the 2-3 block area north of Eleven Mile Road between Main Street and the railroad. Though these blocks lie outside the Downtown study area, they clearly represent a site with redevelopment potential. They are also important because they represent highly visible entryways into Downtown. The opportunity for residential development on portions of these sites should be investigated along with other alternatives. 4. Presently, none of these three contextual planning areas are within either the DOA district or the TIF district. However, if further study and planning demonstrate a significant redevelopment and market potential, then these areas should be incorporated into the DOA and TIF districts and should be candidates for rezoning consistent with their planning uses. I -II II 111 3 · 26 II - --~~ -- -- -- - - - - - -- ---- - ~ ------- -- - - - - �~~~~~~--~-------··· .•~-, RECOMMENDATIONS FOR ACTION Summary ACTION RESPONSIBILITY PHASING PRIORITY COST FUNDING OPTIONS DEVELOPMENT AND LAND USE STRATEGIES - Area Ill. Continuing Care Residential Community Market/DDNCity 1 b b - Expand DDNTIF to Accomplish Redevelopment Strategies DDNCity 1 -- -- - Area IV. Farmers Market and Civic Center Market/DDNCity 1-3 a/b CDBG/c - Promote 2nd Floor Residential Development DDNCity 2 - -- - Area V. Signature Office Buildings DOA 2 b b - Planning for 1-696/Lincoln St. & Eleven Mile and Main St. City 2 $30,000 - $50,000 TIF - Area I. Signature Offices and Municipal Parking Deck DOA 2-3 a/b b/TIF - Area II. Street Retail and Parking Lot DOA 2-3 a/b b/TIF - Expand Residential Redevelopment North of 1-696 City/ODA 3 b b - OCC Campus Expansion OCC Board -- C C a. b. c. d. Cost to be determine by Mure design Private market will determine cost and/or funding Separate Institutional or municipal funding Annual cost without payroll costs BS cc CDBG ODA OM DNA u) • I\) --.j = = = = = = Bond Sales Chamber of Commerce Community Development Block Grant Downtown Development Authority Downtown Merchants Department of Natural Resources GF = General Fund ISTEA = lntermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act NEA = National Endowment for the Arts OCC = Oakland Community College TIF = Tax Increment Financing �I I I I URBAN PLANNING AND DESIGN Circulation and Access INTRODUCTION This section outlines specific planning and design recommendations for meeting the needs identified in the analysis work (Section 7); and for achieving the goals and objectives established by the Vision sessions and Framework Planning. (Sections 6 and 3 respectively). They focus primarily en enhancements to the public realm for improved convenience , safety and enjoyment. They are, at the same time, concepts which should be seen as guidelines to encourage private development to be sympathetic with , and supportive of the Vision for Royal Oak. CIRCULATION AND ACCESS Analysis Royal Oak is well served by arterial roads and highways. Eleven Mile, 1-696, and Woodward Avenue feed both Washington Avenue and Main Street as north/south connectors into Downtown. Main Street is the only major north/south regional connector through Downtown, and therefore, carries substantial traffic which is not using the Downtown as a destination. The need here, is to allow for convenient through traffic on Main Street, while making it more pedestrian-friendly and safe. • • The classic urban grid street pattern serves Royal Oak well to distribute traffic and create a traditional Downtown character, not found in suburban shopping malls or office complexes. The grid, however, is interrupted by the railroad tracks. This makes east/west circulation difficult in several areas. The recommendations are aimed at bringing clarity and order to circulation patterns for those not familiar with Downtown. Therefore, Fourth Street, as the only significant east/west through street, is central to establishing this needed organization. (See discussions of the Framework Plan on Pages 3.4 and 3-9) Recommendations and Implementation 1. Identify pedestrian crossing locations using special paving materials at high traffic and key orientation intersections; Main at Fifth, Fourth, Third, Second and Eleven Mile; Fourth at Washington; Lincoln and Washington , and on Troy where heavy pedestrian activity will occur between the Fanners' Market and the Civic Center. Similar special paving treatments should occur where surface streets cross the railroad tracks. These Right of Way improvements are eligible for ISTEA funding. 2. Acid coordinated and timed traffic signals on Main Street at Second and Third Streets. 3. Convert the two center lanes on Main Street to combined "through" and left tum lanes to facilitate safer, more convenient east/west access. Incorporate left tum signals at all lights on Main Street. 4·1 1 �• • • • • • • URBAN PLANNING AND DESIGN Clrculatlon and Access Master Plan 0 •GATEWAY- TO DOWNTOWN • - • PRIMARY EAST /WEST CONNECTORS 1111111 OPEN STREET/ NEW E/W CONNECTOR --- 8888 0 R !) [J fl Ii Q, / : -b_'., G r...J~'-- / , - CLOSED STREET , t-: SPECIAL PAVEMENT AT CROSSING f~. TRAFFIC SIGNALS WITH LEFT TURN SIGNA~S - TROLLEY SHUTTLE ROUTE p PRIMARY PARKING FACILITY s TROLLEY STOP ;.~ , r-1 p1 ~ _;:i ,-7 [ LJ, ; 1-::::-~,. □ TII •'11 ;11 111 I I • Refer to narrative on page 4•1 - 4•4 4 • 2 �URBAN PLANNING AND DESIGN • • • • Circulation and Access The first priority for a left tum signal is at Main and Fourth for traffic turning east and west from Main Street. Both items 2 and 3 should be high priority items because of their value toward enhancing the pedestrian use of Main Street, and facilitating easy crosstown vehicular maneuvers. Also, ISTEA funds and availability may diminish and these actions should be actively pursued today . The City should commission a traffic study to establish the details of recommendations 2 & 3. 4. Develop a combined vehicular and pedestrian plaza at the post office. The design should provide for efficient mail drop off, easy flow through patterns, short-term (15 minutes) pick up/drop off parking and pedestrian traffic safety features. This project could be jointly funded by the City/DOA (including ISTEA funds), the post office and the developer of Parcel V. 5. Open Fifth Street at the railroad ROW, and Seventh Street at Main Street. These are critical to the long-term unification of the Main Street and Washington Avenue corridors. This will be especially important with the redevelopment of Parcel II. 6. Sixth Street does not provide desirable stacking distance (resulting in stacking on the railroad tracks) for cars entering Main Street from the west. This segment of Sixth should be closed in conjunction with the completion of Phase 2 of Redevelopment Parcel II. 7. The urban grid street pattern should be reestablished in the Redevelopment Parcel II parking area. This should not, however, carry through as an exit/entrance on the north side, because of the proximity to the railroad. 8. Third Street should receive special identification treatments to assist visitors finding deck parking in the center of Downtown. This would include the street segments west from Main to the Center Street deck, and east from Main Street to the City Hall lot, and the future City Hall deck at Third and Williams. This segment will also provide access to the Farmers' Market lot, future Civic Center, and deck development. 9. Reinforce Lafayette Street as a Downtown access point (see Orientation and Identity Master Plan, Page 4-10) to encourage traffic into the Washington Avenue district from Main, past the First of America deck (for parking recognition). 10. Reinforce Troy Street as the access point into the civic center area to reduce the impact on Main Street for traffic coming into this area. 4.3 �• • • • • • • URBAN PLANNING AND DESIGN Circulation and Access 11. Develop a rubber tired trolley shuttle between Downtown and the 1-696 development. Link this to the SMART and AMTRAK depots, the Center Street deck, City Hall, and the senior housing complexes; as well as key Washington, Fourth and Main Streets locations. 12. Pedestrian linkage systems utilizing the sidewalks should be reinforced at street crossings as noted to promote easy street crossing by pedestrians, and to make them safer. The Fourth StreeVRailroad Park area should be the visual and functional center of the pedestrian circulation system; and the Civic Center/Farmers' Market Plaza should be the primary events area within this system . 13. Improvements should be made along the entire railroad ROW through cooperative efforts between private land owners, the ODA/City, and the railroad property owners. Landscape treatments should include attractive, low separator walls in lieu of chain-link fence wherever possible. Planting of trees, shrubs, and grasses should be designed to provide shade, visual buffering to parking areas and for seasonal interest. Walkways along the railroad ROW, should change materials to reflect the area they are passing through; i.e., concrete in parking areas, pavers at special park and crossing areas, and asphalt through secondary landscaped areas. 14. Reopen Knowles Street between Eleven Mile and Third Street for improved access and traffic distribution for the expanded Farmers' Market and Civic Center area . • 4.4 �• • • • • URBAN PLANNING AND DESIGN Parking PARKING Analysis Royal Oak parking facilities, excluding street parking, are largely underutilized. Detailed investigations indicate that most facilities averaged 40% - 70% utilization on weekdays and 40% - 95% utilization on weekends. The first choice is always street parking and surface lots are preferred over decks . City Hall lot is often 100% full on weekend nights, and the most popular second choices are the Hilzinger and Center Street lots (at Center and Second). At the same time, the Center Street deck was less than 25% full and the Lafayette Street deck (First of America deck) was less than 60% full at these peak periods. The problems causing low deck utilization are poor awareness of their availability to the general public, a low sense of security for the user, poor identification or understanding of intended users (First of America appears to be a private deck), poor understanding of rate structures and hours of enforcement; poor directional and identification signage and unconsolidated merchant parking programs and policies. Immediate improvements should address these issues: identification, deck appearance, and user-friendly use policies. With Downtown growth and development, two key locations were identified for new decks (based upon anticipated need); they are the City HalVEast Main Street area, and the Lafayette Street surface lot (to service entertainment activities). Increased activity in the Farmers' MarkeVCivic Office Center area will require better organized and additional surface parking, and ultimately may require a new deck if office activity in the civic center area flourishes. (See Parking Coverage Analysis map; Page 7-36) The following recommendations deal with physical planning and design; for parking policy recommendations , (See Pages 5-6 - 5-8). Recommendations and Implementation !I • • • 1. Provide more distinctive and more frequent parking orientation signage which graphically coordinates with a comprehensive signage master plan for Royal Oak. Consider mounting this signage in conjunction with the traffic signals on Main Street. Give the decks names that the public can relate to (such as the "Center Street Deck;" and change the First of America deck to the "Lafayette Street Deck"), and boldly display these names to help create a lasting identity and recognizable orientation mechanism. 2. Clearly identify deck locations and entrance points, using "super graphics,• pageantry, landscape lighting, better internal lighting and signage. Make the Center Street deck not only identifiable, but a true feature at the end of Third Street. Add a lighted glass stair tower at the Center Street deck as the visual terminus to Third Street. This will serve as identification as 4.5 �• • • • URBAN PLANNING AND DESIGN Parking Master Plan IDENTITY, APPEARANCE & LIGHTING IMPROVEMENTS NEW OR ENHANCED SURFACE LOT PRIORmES FUTURE PARKING DECK • • c:::) PARKING DECK ORIENTATION & IDENTIFICATION IMPROVEMENTS □ ADEQUATELY DEVELOPED EXISTING SURFACE LOTS N-NEARTERM M-MIDTERM L-LONGTERM ·-·- - --·--.! . ~---'.' Sherman 0r.Lt!ot ,I11,1 ii ii Lafayette Street I • Structiire ,1 "lj' ti-•--u 11 • Flrs:o;;,,1!'-rt lj )L~~;C;~ ig ,, 1·,L.. Lafayette Lot !I •I • -I 4.IK-.,_'fl _J.:._ ..... ., .. ..,_...,,...,.. Refer to narrative on page 4•5 - 4•7 4 • 6 �• • • URBAN PLANNING AND DESIGN Parking well as to insure the potential user that it is easy to use, and safe. Add specialty lighting to Third Street to accentuate the route to the deck from Main Street. Add perimeter lighting inside the deck in addition to the city proposed improvements. Limb up the existing trees to improve the visibility into and out of the deck. Supplement landscaping with ground plantings to soften and enhance the deck at the street level while maintaining good security sightlines. Incorporate landscape lighting to create a warm and safe appearance around the deck. 3. • Both the Center Street deck and the First of America deck (future Lafayette Street deck) need bold identification showing where to enter the deck and a clear indication that they are, in fact , open to the public. Note: Implement recommendations 1 - 3 as soon as possible . 4. Make the Center Street south stair tower more visible and approachable through long range planning that will incorporate it into Railroad Park. (See Section 3 - Framework Plan.) 5. Create a joint venture, public/private deck on Redevelopment Parcel I (mid to long-term action) . The need for this deck will be determined by the interest in office development for this area, the increasing activity of the theaters and restaurants, and the ability to encourage use of the First of America deck. 6. Create a joint venture, public/private surface lot in conjunction with Redevelopment Parcel II. This is both a mid and long-term action, dependent upon developer interest, and the phased nature of the project. 7. Extend the parking concept of linear lots behind the Main Street retail that has been started at the City Hall area. This means the development of the area between Williams and the alleys behind the Main Streets stores from Third to Fifth Streets for surface parking with the potential for deck development in the future. There is currently great demand on the City Hall lot on weekend evenings (See Parking Analysis, Page 7-31) because of the large number of the Main Street area destinations which are open evenings. This demand will also increase with the movie theater expansion north of Eleven Mile. This suggests that a deck to service the City HalVMain Street area may very likely be a mid-term priority. Development of this deck will require use of a portion of the Williams Street ROW (which today is generous and can afford to be reduced to accommodate a deck in this location). 8. Maintain the option to develop a parking deck east of Troy Street in conjunction with expanded Civic Office/Civic Center development in the future . 4.7 I �• •■ .• de, URBAN PLANNING AND DESIGN Streetscape STREETSCAPE • • •I • Analysis · Royal Oak has made substantial and consistent commitments to streetscape improvements since 1977. This has created a unity to the image of Royal Oak that has allowed for a pleasing freedom of expression by independent businesses. This image of specialized and individual architectural expression is important to the vision for Royal Oak and should be maintained. Scale of the streetscape and building facades is equally important to the traditional feel of Downtown. This is due in large part to the 1-3 story architecture and wide streets which create a pedestrian friendly scale and sense of openness on the street. Where buildings rise above this scale they become landmarks, such as the Washington Square Building, City Hall, the senior housing towers and First of America's offices. Contributing to this traditional feeling is the combination of large display windows with recessed entrances on the street level and smaller scale (often residential scale) windows on the upper floors. These characteristics should become models for any new development Downtown. The streetscape investments of the past have created what most cities only hope to have. What is needed now is to build upon this investment in three ways. 1. Add new signage and landmark elements to the existing streetscape to achieve the identification and orientation objectives established by the Framework Plan. (See Pages 3-6 thru 3-9) 2. Create new and enhanced pockets of open space; as in mini-parks and plazas, within the streetscape system . The streetscape needs to become a contributing component of a broader, enriched Downtown open space and plaza system. 3. Replace worn furnishings with updated styling and durable materials to freshen the look of the existing streetscape, to demonstrate a continuing commitment to positive change, and to reduce maintenance requirements . All future public improvements should focus on reinforcing the hierarchy and system of public space established in the Framework Plan . Key connecting corridors should appear distinctive and point the user to destinations, landmarks and orientation points. Open spaces should be frequent and linked together. This will make using Downtown easier, more inviting and safer. All future private improvements should recognize the existing scale and character and should be allowed individual expression within guidelines that reference traditional scale and integrity of execution. 4 -8 �• • • URBAN PLANNING AND DESIGN Streetscape Details for achieving these objectives are outlined in the following recommendations : Recommendations and Implementation • Orientation, Identity and Signage 1. Create a two level system of entry identification (gateways) into the Downtown. Primary gateways should be associated with Main Street. They should occur at Eleven Mile Road and Lincoln; with special treatments at Fourth and Main Street to signal having arrived at the entry point to the west side along Fourth Street from Main Street. Future designs for the 1-696 development area should incorporate a primary gateway identification "sign" which coordinates with these Downtown gateway "signs.• These primary gateways should be architectural and vertical in character and should be illuminated to create a substantial presence both during day and at night. They could also incorporate bold and simple identification signage, well integrated special events signage, logo graphics, bright yet tasteful color, and changeable pageantry in the form of flags or banners. Consider forms which reference traditional forms in creative ways. Use durable materials and avoid wood. Tailor a unified theme for these elements to the unique site characteristics of each location. Landscaping should be incorporated at the Lincoln Street and Main Street intersection. 2. The railroad overpass on Eleven Mile Road presents a special opportunity for a primary gateway. The bridge itself can become a "gateway". This could include artistic painting treatments incorporating identification and signage, special lighting and pageantry. Landscape improvements should be made in the immediate area surrounding the bridge. Designs for the painting of the bridge could be a competition. 3. Create secondary entry identification at: I • A. Lafayette Street and Eleven Mile to encourage east bound traffic to enter from the west and use the First of America (Lafayette Street) Deck. B. Troy Street and Eleven Mile to highlight the expanded civic center as a destination. The Farmers' Market improvements, including the Events Plaza, should all be incorporate to be a part of this visual identification of the civic center. C. Washington Avenue and Lincoln to pull visitors into the Washington Avenue District from the south and highlight the community college as a member of the Downtown. D. Points along Fourth Street in the form of mini-plazas associated with new architectural development as First of America has done. This would be a good opportunity to use art as identification. 4.9 �• • • • •I! • • • •••••••• ® L URBAN PLANNING AND DESIGN Orientation, Identity and Signage Master Plan IDENTITY AND ORIENTATION CORRIDORS PRIMARY GATEWAYS SECONDARY GATEWAYS PEDESTRIAN CROSSING IDENTIFICATION WITH PARKING DESTINATION IDENTIFICATION PARKING DESTINATIONS LANDMARK BUILDING OR OPEN SPACE ® FIRST OF AMERICA !I I I I. · I Refer to narrative on page 4•9- 4•12 4 • 10 �• • • • • • URBAN PLANNING AND DESIGN Streetscape 4. I • I I I I I I Develop a comprehensive Downtown signage system master plan which establishes guidelines for signage scale, messages, color and materials. Include the following in the Scope of Work: A. Concept designs for Gateway treatments, including "Visit Downtown Royal Oak" signs throughout the city on major entry roads. B. Parking orientation, identification, operational and special events information. C. Coordinated regulatory signage for parking, turning maneuvers, speed limits, etc. D. Detailed building signage guidelines incorporated into the city sign ordinance. E. Parks and open space identification and regulations. F. Historic and cultural interpretive information. G. Guidelines for sidewalk mounted "sandwich board" signage for restaurants. (These should be allowed but only after strict design, construction quality and placement standards have been incorporated into the city sign ordinance.) Note: The Orientation and Identity Master Plan on Page 4-10 establishes the Framework for this signage and identity system. 5. Illuminate historic landmark architecture at both the ground level and at the roofs for nighttime orientation. Offer financial assistance for lighting operation and maintenance costs, through the DDA, as a public Downtown streetscape amenity. 6. Celebrate the Fourth Street and Railroad Park area as the primary internal orientation corridor within Downtown. (See discussions on Page 3-6 , Item #2; and in Parks and Plazas, Page 4-12, #1) 7. Place a highly visible public clock within the Railroad Park. 8. Incorporate public art (with a well regulated selection process) into the streetscape and open space system to add another distinguishing feature to the character of Royal Oak. 9. Develop a Royal Oak/DDA logo which incorporates the Royal Oak tree logo. 10. Develop special lighting, signage and landscape treatments on Third Street west of Main to identify the path to the center street deck. 4 · 11 �URBAN PLANNING AND DESIGN •I I I Streetscape Consider a mini boulevard with innovative lighting design to act as a pointer to the deck from Main Street. This will reinforce signage and identification treatments for the deck itself (See discussions under Parking in this section , pages 4-5 thru 4-7). 11 . Place electronic infonnation kiosks in key orientation points. These should be designed to be walk-up interactive tenninals which can display location maps, businesses by type, restaurant menus, special events and theater infonnation, etc. A telephone should be incorporated into the kiosk design. At a minimum they should be located at the Center Street Deck/Railroad Park area, the First of America deck and Civic Center Plaza. 12. Develop a coordinated, Downtown-wide master plan for seasonal lighting, banners, decorations and flower planting. • Parks and Plazas I 1. Develop a public open space north and south of the intersection of Fourth and Center Streets including the area westward and north along the R.O.W Center Street deck to the Railroad R.O.W . This park, "Railroad Park", should: allow for leisure and respite for Downtown users, highlight the railroad as both historically significant and an exciting part of Downtown, and serve as the hub of an expanded linkage system along the Railroad R.O.W. Include in the park: A stage or gazebo for small events. Paved areas for small gatherings in conjunction with events. Private seating areas with benches or seat walls. Landscaping and seasonal displays. Electronic infonnation kiosk, telephones, and a clock .. Park lighting including special lighting to highlight the Railroad and for special events. Interpretive signage with historic and cultural infonnation regarding Royal Oak and the Railroad. I I I I The development of this park could be accomplished in two phases to facilitate its development. Phase I would be the purchase of the vacant property adjacent to this lot. with the abandonment of the Center Street ROW parking lot, south of Fourth Street. It will be necessary in this case to insure that all recommended improvements to the Center Street deck be made in order to guarantee convenient parking for this district. Phase 2 would require the acquisition of private land near the railroad for public benefit. This phased approach will provide enough time to help insure that businesses in this area are not unfairly affected in the transition. A combination of funding sources could be available for this work including ISTEA, Commerce Cultural Events, Endowment for the Arts, DNR recreation grants, TIF and Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) fund . 4 · 12 �I URBAN PLANNING AND DESIGN I •I Parks and Plazas Master Plan EXISTING PARK OR PLA2A OPEN SPACE SPECIAL STREET PAVING AT I •I II HOUSING PARK MAJOR PEDESTRIAN CROSSINGS PRIMARY CONNECTION ROUTES (EXISTING & FlITURE) FARMER'S MARKET PLAZA :, I CORE AREA SEE PAGE 4•17 I I I I I I I OCCPLAZAS Refer to narrative on page 4•12 - 4•16 4 • 13 �I I I I URBAN PLANNING AND DESIGN Streetscape 2. Develop a master plan for open space improvements to the railroad R.O.W. corridor its entire length through Royal Oak. 3. Develop a new Farmers' Market Plaza for outdoor activities and speciaVevents on the Oakland County office building site. Develop a detailed schematic design plan for this civic center open space that includes all public land associated with City Hall, the Library, the Farmers' Market and the old Second Street Row. This area should function as an integrated, multifaceted open space for both personal enjoyment and large events. It should be festive yet civic in character. I The entry area into the Civic Center from Main Street at Second Street should be reorganized to: Bring the Civic Center identification all the way out to Main Street in a bold and expressive manner. Allow long views into the Civic Center upon entering in order to see at a glance - the City Hall, the Library and the future Marshall Fredericks sculpture. Ease traffic access and circulation maneuvers into and within the area through better layout design. Provide better pick-up and drop-off functions. Soften the parking lot in front of City Hall to give the area a broader 'civic setting'. 4. I I I I I Develop detailed schematic design plans for Second Street to create an immediately identifiable "Civic Corridor". The master plan for this corridor is shown on Page 4-17. This should be designed to create a visual and functional linkage the entire length from the Farmers' Market (per #3 above) to the new AMTRAK Station. (Even if the connection to AMTRAK is only visual it should appear to be linked to the civic corridor.) This corridor will reinforce and enhance Royal Oak's "other personality" as an important governmental center. This is an important component of the Vision for Royal Oak as a complete, traditional Downtown. The design of the future AMTRAK station should follow the design themes established for the Civic Corridor and the Post Office Plaza. 5. Create a post office plaza as part of the Civic corridor, which improves post office circulation and pedestrian safety; including some short-term parking. This should be designed to coordinate with new office development to the south on REDEVELOPMENT PARCEL V. This could be a shared public/private improvement project. 4 · 14 �I I I I I I I URBAN PLANNING AND DESIGN Streetscape 6. Improve and expand the existing Fifth Street promenade in conjunction with the redevelopment of parcels I & V. The concept for this promenade should be to create a strong pedestrian linkage and leisure space for all of the existing and future activities between Washington and West Streets . 7. Mini-parks and mini-plazas should be developed at every opportunity. The First of America Plaza at Fourth Street and Lafayette Street is a good model for creating architecture which provides for space at a street intersection for public benefit. The building site of Redevelopment Parcel I should mirror this condition. New buildings in Redevelopment Parcel II should also include this feature at both comers on Washington Avenue. 8. Land consolidation of odd parcels near Main Street and the railroad could create unified open spaces of this important entry area into Downtown . Properly coordinated with railroad row treatments these parcels could enhance & upgrade views along the railroad corridor; turning odd panels of left over land into a pleasing vista through Downtown. 9. Oakland Community College should be encouraged to create unified and enhanced plazas for students as it grows over time. Southward expansion provides the opportunity to treat Lincoln and Center Streets as internal campus circulation ways. They could be designed to be pedestrian safe with the development of plaza like amenities for leisure activities at the edges; and could be closed to traffic for special events. 10. Redevelopment Parcel II should be designed to have protected and landscaped outdoor spaces for senior citizen activities. The comer of Troy and Sixth Streets should be a mini-plaza/park which links the skilled care facilities with the new housing east of Troy. 11. Coordinate all open space development with the Royal Oak Parks and Recreation Department 1993 Master Plan . 12. Create signage for a walking tour of Royal Oak highlighting historical and cultural features including landscape plant material labeling. Priorities for implementing the Parks and Plazas recommendations should be: Near-Term Railroad Park & Railroad Row planning; and phased improvements. Farmers' Market and Events Plaza planning; and phased improvements. 4 · 15 �I I I I I I I URBAN PLANNING AND DESIGN Streetscape Mid-Term Railroad Park continued implementation. Civic Corridor planning; and phased improvements. (City Hall entrance from Main Street should be the first priority on the civic corridor. Mini-parks and plazas in conjunction with private improvements on redevelopment parcels. Fifth Street promenade and Post Office Plaza in conjunction with private development of both Redevelopment Parcels V. a I I I Long-Term Land consolidation for mini-parks at Main Street and the railroad R.O.W. Civic Center Plaza redevelopment to link the Farmers' Market and Events Plaza with Main Street. Funding sources for these projects is detailed on the Action Chart on Page 4-32 and include the following: TIF and DNR for public parks and plazas, land acquisition , planning and improvements. ISTEA for improvements within transportation R.O.W.'s. Private contributions for plazas in conjunction with redevelopment. CDBG's and TIF for land consolidation . I I I I I I • Paving, Furnishing and Landscape 1. Implement current streetscape improvement grant requests (Priority 1) to complete streetscape improvements on Lafayette, Fifth and Sixth Streets using standard Royal Oak details. (Note: See Streetscape Development Phasing, Page 4-18.) 2. Develop a •core Area• Streetscape Design Plan (See Page 4 -17) which addresses the Framework planning goals for this important "heart• of Downtown which includes: a. b. The Second Street Civic Corridor The Third Street connector to the Center Street deck 4 · 16 �URBAN PLANNING AND DESIGN ENHANCED ENTRANCE PRIMARY GATEWAY (TO DOWNTOWN) SECONDARY GATEWAY (TO CIVIC CENTER) Core Area Master Plan TO CIVIC CENTER CIVIC EVENTS PLAZA POST OFFICE PLAZA l..____,, '----- EXPANDED FARMERS' MARKET SECOND STREET CIVIC CORRIDOR EXPANDED CIVIC CENTER PARKING ENHANCED CENTER STREET DECK THIRD STREET PARKING CORRIDOR RAILROAD R.O.W. ILDING NHANCEMENTS SPECIAL PAVING AT FOURTH STREET EAST/WEST CONNECTOR PEDESTRIAN CROSSING \ RAILROAD PARK AND NEW CITY HALL DECK CENTRAL OPEN SPACE NEW PARKING LOT /FUTURE DECK CORE AREA development seeks to unify and organize this northern portion of the Downtown along the east/ Street becomes the Civic Corridor, linking the public and governmental functions of the City together into an id w~~t st reets as they cross Main Street. Second 1 characterize this edge of Downtown. Enhanced and new parking facilities are developed al~ng the Third St e~ iabl_e whole._ New and expanded public plaz centrally located for the increasing business and civic activities. Fourth Street is enriched with additional lan;e com d or. This makes parking easy to find a~ order to create a visual orientation feature and image area within the city. The Railroad Park Will be a special f!~~ped ope_n spaces and pedestrian amenitie:~n Washington Street areas. ure th at is shared by both the Main Street and Refer to narrative on pages 4•8 - 4•21 4 • 17 �• • • • • • URBAN PLANNING AND DESIGN Streetscape Development Phasing ~:J CORE AREA EXISTING IMPROVEMENTS - UPDATING AS REQUIRED CP 1 (NEAR-TERM PRIORITY) 2 (MID-TERM PRIORITY) 3 (LONG-TERM PRIORITY) R. REDEVELOPMENT AREA IMPROVEMENTS (CURRENTLY COMMITTED PROJECTS) Refer to narrative on page 4•16 - 4•25 4 • 18 �• • • • • • • • • URBAN PLANNING AND DESIGN Streetscape c. d. 3. The Center and Fourth Street/Railroad Park area Main Street intersections at Second, Third, and Fourth Streets Implement Priority 2 projects in light of design concepts and phasing strategies from Item 2 above (mid-tenn projects). These may not be typical Royal Oak details because of the special identification needs of this core area . All other new streetscape improvements outside of the core area, and not included in Redevelopment Parcels, are to be long-tenn implementation priorities. Redevelopment Parcel streetscape improvements should be shared public/private joint ventures which meet the objectives of the Framework Plan and guidelines established by the City . 4. Develop special designs for road and railroad crossings, per the Framework Plan. These should include vehicular and pedestrian path designation, using special paving and bollard treatments to enhance vehicular/pedestrian separation, and to designate the railroad ROW . Create special lighting and pageantry to improve the recognition and safety of these crossings. 5. Perfonn an evaluation of current streetscape conditions in order to: a. Establish the level of flexibility allowed to private developers for miniplazas and mini-parks. b. Insure ADA confonnance. c. Incorporate the objectives of the Framework Plan for special corridor and gateway identification. d. Evaluate the durability characteristics and maintenance requirements of existing and proposed materials, and design details. 6. Develop a comprehensive and flexible set of guidelines for facade design and improvements which meet the objectives of freedom of expression, with traditional fonns. 7. Introduce a different species of tree(s) on Second, Third and Fourth Streets, between Main and Washington Avenue, to visually distinguish the Core Area. Consider Ash and lindens for this purpose and as replacements for failing Honey Locusts. 8. Establish and coordinate an auxiliary flower planting program. 9. Choose street fumishing which utilize recycled materials when of an acceptable appearance and quality. 4 · 19 �• • • • • • • URBAN PLANNING AND DESIGN Streetscape 10. Replace wooden street furnishings with furnishing made with colorful, durable, low maintenance and, where possible, recycled materials. 11. Use concrete pavers in favor of brick pavers for better durability, color consistency and ease of snow removal 12. Provide routine maintenance to all painted surfaces on street furnishings using durable epoxy paints. 13. Establish a City color theme that coordinates the proposed signage system with street furnishing systems and considers a bright yet tasteful color palette. 14. Remove unused concrete "kiosks,• or promote their use for special advertising displays. 15. Inventory the condition of existing street planting and furnishings. Replace failing or damaged trees, shrubs, flowers, benches and trash receptacles as soon as possible. 16. Continue to use the City's currently approved, side walk improvement details for both public and private improvements. (See Page 7-41) Lighting 1. Implement lighting improvements based upon the Lighting Improvements Phasing Plan on Page 4-21 . These priorities are based upon: a. b. c. d. The needs for an improved sense of security as identified on the lighting analysis. (See Page 7-43) Currently planned or funded streetscape improvement projects. The specific need for better identification, enhancement and a sense of security associated with the Center Street parking deck and the approach route to the deck. Coordination with streetscape improvement projects. (See Page 4-18) 2. Continue to use the pedestrian lighting fixture which is currently specified for streetscape improvements. This fixture should also be used for future lighting improvements along Main Street south to Lincoln Street. It should remain the standard for all areas of the DOA districts north of Lincoln including the Redevelopment Parcels. From Lincoln Street south repeat the "Georgetown" type fixture that is used for the "Crosswinds" residential redevelopment. 3. Relight the interior of Center Street parking deck (in conjunction with interior painting using a white or light colored paint) . Special attention should be given to lighting the interior walls in front of the parked cars for enhanced visibility in potential hiding places. 4 · 20 �• • • • • • I ~ URBAN PLANNING AND DESIGN Lighting Improvements Phasing Plan 1 NEAR TERM 2 MIDTERM 3 LONGTERM R • •II • Refer to narrative on page 4•20 - 4•22 4 • 21 �URBAN PLANNING AND DESIGN Streetscape 4. Light the exterior of the Center Street deck using a combination of landscape lighting and soft, carefully placed building lighting. Pay special attention to accenting the entry point to orient and attract the first time user. 5. Provide specialty lighting along Third Street between Main and Center Streets, using such sources as heavy duty bollards, runway lights, twinkle lights or other unique treatments. This is a critical orientation corridor to draw visitors to the Center Street deck. These treatments should be designed in combination with other specialty streetscape elements such as a planting median , special bollard treatments and/or special landscape planting, etc., to visually reinforce this corridor. 6. Require private developers to participate financially in, and coordinate the design of their street lighting improvements as part of Redevelopment projects with the city standards. 7. Encourage business owners to develop special building and window display lighting to supplement and to add accent and interest to the streetscape. 8. Encourage building lighting at the rear of buildings and in alleyways to highlight their business as well as improve security. 9. Continue and expand seasonal twinkle light displays. 10. Require cut off luminaries for pole lighting in areas not adequately lighted by pedestrian lights. • • •ii II • 11. Perform a detailed lighting study to establish specifications for parking deck and parking lot lighting improvements. Consider alternative light sources (such as mercury vapor and metal halide which give off light of different colors) to create a visual distinction that identifies parking areas as different from streets, and primary streets as distinct from secondary streets . . Buildings and Alleyways 1. Limit building heights to three floors for all new construction except for designated and approved "Landmark" buildings (approved by consensus of ODA, City, and the Planning Commission) . 2. Promote residential and office developmenVredevelopment above 1st floor commercial. 3. Illuminate historic and landmark architecture. (See Orientation and Identity Plan, Page 4-12) 4 · 22 �• • • • • • -• • • • •II ~ ~ II II URBAN PLANNING AND DESIGN Streetscape 4. Fonnally acquaint private property owners with the principles for private property enhancements and renovation outlined in this report. Provide ODA managed design assistance to property owners through a selected list of approved consultants and/or an Executive Design Consultant. Offer cost sharing incentives for these services as an investment in the public appearance of Downtown. 5. Encourage building facade improvements based upon the following principles (See Page 4•26) : Maintain the traditional, human scale of 1 - 3 story structures with large (open or pained) display windows on the street level and small single windows on the 2nd and 3rd floors . Create or reestablish recessed entrances for: additional display, protection from the weather, interesting building massing and relief , and a welcoming gesture in the architecture. Use durable, traditional materials. Favor stone, brick (painted or unpainted), painted wood, and solid metals. Avoid veneers, extruded or sheet metals, rustic woods, and plastics. Use awnings for: weather protection, projecting yet attractive signage, soft lighting effects, color, personalized graphics, and a traditional feeling. Favor traditional angular awnings. Discourage barrel awnings. Remove applied facades and restore to original fonn and materials when they are of good quality. Give definition to entrances, using awnings, lighting, along with special pavings and architectural treatments in recessed entrances. Create consistency of expression (i.e., do not treat upper floors differently than the street level facades) . Remember to accent the highest part of the building - it fonns the skyline and should not be forgotten . Consider the design of all elements; nothing should be an after thought, such as: weak sign supports, exposed wiring, or tack-on lighting . Reference traditional fonns found in the more historic existing buildings. These can be dealt with creatively, and need not be trite or imitative. A column, for example, can be very traditional or very modem and playful, while still referencing the historic column fonn. 4 · 23 �URBAN PLANNING AND DESIGN Streetscape 6. Improve alleyway appearance through physical design and/or ordinance control of the following: Dumpster consolidation and "dumpster banking" . Shared recycling and refuse compactors. Internal building containment of dumpsters. Required building condition improvements (special assessments and/or penalties). Clean up enforcement and penalties. Pavement and drainage improvements, especially paving at "threshold" to separate visually from sidewalk. Mandatory hose bibs at rear of buildings for clean up. One-way alley circulation for additional space to create visual screens as walls and/or bollards. Coordinated municipal lighting in alleys. Common light reflecting paint colors through the entire length of alley. and/or Faux building painting to create playful, mock building facades and/or Traditional style store names, or advertising painted on walls. • • •II II • Enhancements to rear entrances and doors (canopies, flags, signage, banners) , which will not obstruct truck traffic . Alleyway improvement should be coordinated with instructions on facade improvements through DOA sponsored seminars. The DOA should take the initiative to gain consensus among business owners, through the Downtown Merchant's Association, to work together to achieve these objectives; and the City should be responsible for diligent enforcement of maintenance and zoning compliance. A near-term priority for alley improvements should be the alley between Third and Fourth Street on the west side of Main Street. 4 · 24 �• • • • • • •1B • • • • • • •II -Ill • URBAN PLANNING AND DESIGN Streetscape Funding options for joint public/private property improvements to facades and alley ways include: CDBG funds for clean-up efforts, tax credits for historical renovation, ISTEA funds for R.O.W. improvements (especially if there are circulation efficiency and safety improvements or historic improvements), TIF monies for major capitol improvement projects, National Endowment for the Arts funding for public art, and CDBG funded low interest revolving loan funds . 4 · 25 �•••••••••••••••••• .,.., t.' ft(: URBAN PLANNING AND DESIGN Streetscape Design Concepts / ~" ( ')u~2n~ " l'e,ro- .,,,,,--~~=~~liqhti~ l'l nc, · rt,'n11ech,tt, ~.n r, I ~~~ I~~ ~,n'!> n~e..~.' k~~r'oor-~~ -Joy rt5tttntl~ ~ .d'f' OfJlOL . ~ ~,w~I stuled BWT\IJ~S ibr .~ I fyt~p-o Oh . lnCOYJ:Of~ Sjqr\ . ~ u= Mimic aYci,rl"ecl1Jrz,1 ~~t£-e~raw ..:.. ......~-n 1r~1mc; ':, . novi,re ~ "M ~( • ~ rol-c.oveY' VIOJ.6 . c~e d1SPJ8<.1~ \ · flovide.~t.tr.frl1' ~ ,nto ~ s wrfh rttfUldY'IVi I I '-.. 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IP.,P.Pl'I< I© ➔ - .IJ~vn?l/q_ tvlnt(lf rz,J,n~M1~9/)~ tJYtlflihl~ ''thhY'ff +~q_H,q~tir.c, . t· - /raJV1)1Y7'tlM ct~ fiu rn~~ df1 ~~ft/ '~vea tdnlh, 1a'f1m ptqn'? - JncorptH?/1M of- co/o ~, ~hric for:~ t¥>1~ 9[!;:,~, l/)ftr1~ b8nnev,,. - -~ ~ 9~re $~f,c idim~ fov- ••m~,~ rn s11n "dJ~pl249, 't - �-.--.-. • •««= • • • • • • ll W W • · • • • ■ .• , RECOMMENDATIONS FOR ACTION Summary ACTION RESPONSIBILITY PHASING PRIORITY COST FUNDING OPTIONS URBAN PLANNING AND DESIGN - Install Pedestrian Crossings on Main Street DDNCity 1 $155,000 EA. ISTENBS - Enhance Third Street - Main to Center Street DDNCity 1 $400/LF TIF ISTENCDBG/BS - Improve Railroad ROW DDNCity 1 $300/LF TIF/ISTENBS - Develop Comprehensive Signage & Gateway Design Plan City/ODA 1 $50,000 TIF/GF/CDBG - Install Additional Traffic Lights & Turn Signals on Main St. City/Eng. 1 $75,000 ISTENMDOT - Develop a Concept Design Plan for the Core Area including Railroad Park and Railroad ROW DDNCity 1 $30,000 ISTENDNR/TIF - Develop a Royal Oak/DOA Logo DOA 1 $4,000 TIF - Develop Detailed Facade Design Guidelines and a Design Assistance Program DDNCity/DM 2 $30,000 TIF/CDBG/GF - Develop Farmers Market Events Plaza DDNCity 2 $900,000 TIF/CDBG - Enhance Second Street as Civic Corridor DOA 2 a TIF/ISTENCDBG/BS - Develop Public Art and Alleyway Art Program ODA 2 -- Design Compet/NEA - Install Electronic Information Kiosks DOA 2 $150,000 Special Assessment - Develop Railroad Park DDNCity a. b. c. d. BS CDBG ODA • c,., ~ a Cost to be determine by future design Private market wlll determine cost and/or funding Separate Institutional or municipal funding Annual cost without payroll costs cc ~ 2-3 OM DNA = = = = = = Bond Sales Chamber of Commerce Community Development Block Grant Downtown Development Authority Downtown Merchants Department of Natural Resources GF = General Fund ISTEA = lntermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act NEA = National Endowment for the Arts OCC = Oakland Community College TIF = Tax Increment Financing TIF/DNR/CDBG/ISTEA �• • • • • • •p • • • • • • • • ORGANIZATION, MANAGEMENT AND SERVICING Organizational Structure And Responsibilities INTRODUCTION The City and the DOA have worked together to produce extraordinary physical improvements in Downtown Royal Oak. The streetscaping, parking decks and garages, and other physical changes that have been established represent major assets and investments. However, to fully capitalize upon these investments and the other physical improvements recommended in this plan, a similar commitment needs to be made to managing these assets and the operations and services provided Downtown. As suggested in the previous paragraph, the vision for Downtown Royal Oak is reflected in the plan's important land use, market, urban planning and design elements. The recommendations and implementation strategies described in the preceding sections have primarily addressed those physical and economic issues. In this section the focus shifts to the equally important programmatic elements of the vision and Downtown plan. First, recommendations for the organizational framework and responsibilities are given. Following those is a set of recommendations regarding cooperative retail management and providing Downtown services. Success inevitably leads to new problems and challenges, and this is certainly being recognized in Downtown Royal Oak. As daytime and evening employment, shopping, dining, entertainment and service activity increases, the efficient use of existing parking, security and maintenance resources has become more critical. Likewise, to remain competitive within the region and even within Downtown Royal Oak itself, merchants will need to continually upgrade their promotion, marketing, and management practices. These increased demands for providing services and improved retail management have led to our recommending a number of new or upgraded Downtown functions in this part of the plan. These functions logically can be distributed among three current organizations responsible for Downtown development and service: the City, the DOA, and the Chamber of Commerce and its Downtown Merchants subcommittee. However, as these recommended functions and others continue to expand and be implemented, the City and the DOA may see an evolving need for a different distribution of these responsibilities among the DOA, the City, and the Chamber of Commerce/Merchants. ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE AND RESPONSIBILITIES Analysis The present system of organization and responsibilities for Downtown functions fall into four general categories: a) Downtown promotion and marketing, b) economic development and physical improvements, c) service and maintenance and d) public policy. Promotion and marketing has primarily been the responsibility of the Greater Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce which allocates one-third of its resources to Downtown . The Downtown Merchants 5 -1 �■ • • • • •II II • • • • • • • ••• • • ORGANIZATION, MANAGEMENT AND SERVICING Organizational Structure And Responslbllltles Association, a Chamber subcommittee, also assists in this effort while the DDA provides financial support for several Downtown Chamber activities. Authority and responsibility for public policy (e.g. land use, zoning and planning) along with Downtown service and maintenance functions are vested in the City itself with input from various groups such as the Plan Commission, DDA, professional staff and citizens . Economic development functions including many of the physical improvements sucn as streetscaping, lighting, and redevelopment activities are coordinated through the DDA. The DDA is authorized to raise revenues and to finance public improvements through: 1) the Barton/Lafayette development district's special ad valorem tax levy and 2) through the incremental tax revenues captured by the tax increment financing (TIF) district. Another important asset to Downtown, the parking garages and lots, were developed and financed by the City Parking Authority. (Additional details of the present system are provided in Section 7 ( See Pages 7-47 thru 7-52). The accomplishments of these groups are quite impressive and reflect their foresight, vision, and commitment to the future of Royal Oak's Downtown. In many respects, the foundation for Downtown's success has been established by the improvements completed in Downtown and the redevelopment underway at 1-696. The following recommendations offer a strategy for effectively and efficiently building on this foundation by refining the structure and responsibilities for Downtown management and servicing functions. Recommendations and Implementation 1. The DDA should retain primary responsibility for coordinating Downtown economic development and the associated physical improvements including those recommended in this plan. City staff (Community Development) should continue to provide professional resources to DDA necessary for securing funding and administration of major physical improvements projects Downtown. The success of the combined City/DDA efforts in the areas of economic development and physical improvements indicates that their experience, skills, and financial resources of this organization should continue to be focused on this aspect of the Downtown plan. The Downtown Merchants Association should assume increased responsibility for providing additional coordinated Downtown promotion and marketing activities and for selected specialized services. As the demand and need for these services increase, the means for providing them should evolve from part-time volunteer assistance to a paid part-time or full-time Downtown Coordinator position described on page 5-5. In either case, the Downtown Merchants should direct these activities and functions . These expanded responsibilities should eventually include general oversight and coordination of Downtown promotion, marketing, business retention and attraction activities; oversight and administration of expanded Downtown maintenance activities, organizing a new Downtown security network, and other functions described below and in the section on Cooperative Retail Management. Funding for these expanded activities and services should 5 -2 �■ ■ • • • • •II • • ORGANIZATION, MANAGEMENT AND SERVICING Organizational Structure And Responslblllties be derived from a special assessment in the Downtown area or from a reallocation of a portion of the revenue generated by the present 1.8 Mil levy . 2. The present system of funding operational costs for the DDA should be refined to allow more revenues to be available for operational purposes . Presently, the 1.8 Mil levy generates approximately $78,000 based on the $43.6 million equalized value in the district. However, more than half of that revenue ($40,000} is captured by the TIF district which overlays most of the Downtown District. Consequently, the operations budget, under the present system, will not benefit from future increased investment and the resulting increased assessed values created in the Downtown area. Possible solutions to this anomaly could include: a} Allow the full amount of the DDA operational levy revenues to be used for operational purposes; b} allocate a portion of TIF funds for operating purposes; or c} impose a voluntary operating assessment on Downtown properties or businesses that would not be captured by TIF. The recommended solution would be to allow the full amount of the DDA operational levy revenues, including those captured by TIF, to be used for operational purposes. This would provide additional funds to be available for expanded maintenance, security, and marketing services required to properly serve the increasing needs to Downtown. 3. The DDA and the City should continue to be the primary service providers for Downtown. The exception to this would be that responsibility for landscape maintenance in selected areas could more appropriately be assigned to civic organizations or the Downtown Merchants Association. Alley maintenance and other supplemental service, such as additional special refuse collections, should be coordinated by the Merchants Association. By coordinating additional maintenance services, the merchants may be able to get reduced rates and/or improved service. 4. Public policy as reflected in zoning, sign ordinances, and other regulatory measures will, of course, remain a City responsibility. It is important to remember that the administration and enforcement of these public policy measures is carried out by city staff while the policy is formulated by elected and appointed citizens. It will be important for the DDA to continue to work closely with City officials and staff to ensure that these policies are consistent with and reinforce the Downtown plan. Likewise, the Downtown Merchants Association should assist in providing input to the DDA and City on policy formulation issues and should work closely with the City staff to help facilitate administration and enforcement of regulations effectively Downtown. 5. The present system of financing and building parking structures and facilities should be retained. The existing method of decision-making -- 5 .3 �• • • • • • •II • • • • • • ORGANIZATION, MANAGEMENT AND SERVICING Organizational Structure And Responsibilities the Staff Parking Committee and Citizen's Parking Committee making recommendations to the City Commission -- seems to operate adequately to address individual parking concerns and policy changes . However, a parking consulting firm should be hired to prepare a Downtown parking management plan . The plan is needed to evaluate the entire parking system and its various component parts and to make recommendations for physical and policy changes as deemed necessary. Implementation of this plan could be accomplished under the existing organizational structure . 6. The organizational structure that presently exists can be used to accommodate the anticipated new or expanded services and cooperative retail management recommendations. The distribution of these functions among the DOA, the City, and the Merchants Association/Chamber can be determined according to the objectives and resources of each organization. Included among the expanded functions that should be considered are: Coordinate Downtown promotion and target marketing (the Chamber would continue to provide overall area wide promotion for the Greater Royal Oak area and to sponsor major activities). Organize and implement a Downtown parking management system . Coordinate selected Downtown special events with the Chamber. Promote Downtown redevelopment sites . Direct and/or manage selected Downtown service functions such as landscaping maintenance and alley maintenance . Implement those elements of a Downtown cooperative retail management system agreed upon by Downtown merchants and the ODA . Organize specialized training targeted to Downtown businesses. Work to retain existing business and to attract targeted businesses and services Downtown . Implement a facade design and improvement program described in Section 4. Improve directional and business identification signage. Promote urban design to identify and unify Downtown business areas . Implement other programmatic recommendations of the Downtown plan. 5 .4 �•■ • • • • • ORGANIZATION, MANAGEMENT AND SERVICING COOPERATIVE RETAIL MANAGEMENT Analysis One of the recommendations in the market strategies section was that Downtown Royal Oak should not compete against the shopping malls for general merchandise, comparison shopping. Several participants in the planning workshops observed that Downtown is an "unman· and that unlike shopping centers with one or more "anchor• stores, in Royal Oak "Downtown is the anchor.• However, one of the great advantages that shopping malls have over retailing in most Downtowns is their centralized control and coordination of rents, parking, marketing, hours of operation, maintenance, landscaping, signage and appearance and design of the stores. In a traditional Downtown such as Royal Oak, with many privately - owned businesses and many landlords, these factors are much more difficult to control or coordinate. In fact, the creative, independent entrepreneurial talent that makes Royal Oak so interesting and successful for specialty retailing and restaurants makes it especially challenging to try to coordinate factors such as promotion and marketing, hours of operation, maintenance and design. The perceived optional hours of operation for the businesses may be very different due to different target markets and dramatic or eclectic store, display or signage designs used by these creative businesses. Yet, to varying degrees, coordination of these factors is important to the individual and collective success of Royal Oak's Downtown businesses. The following recommendations incorporate selected elements of a cooperative retail management system designed to enhance the function, appearance, and security of Downtown. Each contributes to the vision for Downtown and to enhancing the competitive position of Downtown retailers and other businesses. Recommendations and Implementation • Promotion and Marketing Promotion and marketing will become increasingly important to the continuing sustained success of Downtown as other communities and retail areas attempt to emulate Royal Oak's unique retail environment and mix of businesses. The following recommendations are offered as actions to ensure that Downtown retains its competitive advantage in the constantly changing marketplace: a. A Downtown Coordinator should be appointed by the Merchant's Association. This initially could be a part-time position. The Downtown Coordinator would be the "point person• for promotion and marketing, and for many of the parking, security, and maintenance recommendations discussed below. This would also include design and coordination of Downtown business retention, development and recruitment activities including incentives for attracting targeted businesses. 5.5 �• • • • • • • ORGANIZATION, MANAGEMENT AND SERVICING b. Design a standardized sign for Downtown stores and restaurants to list hours of business. One approach to this would be to sponsor a design competition through Oakland Community College with a prize for the winning design . · c. Coordinate and publicize business hours or encourage restaurants in close proximity to each other to do so. Encourage similar types of retail businesses to standardize hours and select the same night(s) for expanded evening hours . d. Designate employee parking areas and secure agreements with employers to provide free employee parking for using the designated areas. Compliance could also be encouraged by providing security escorts for employees working evening hours. e. Conduct small business seminars for Downtown retailers addressing advertising, window displays, and management topics. f. Assist in producing guidelines for facade design and improvements (see Section 4). g. Assist in improving directional and business identification signage (see Section 4). h. Expand special events programs and strategies to help spotlight specific groups of businesses in much the same way that "A Taste of Royal Oak" features the Downtown restaurants. • Parking Hire a parking management consulting finn to fonnulate a comprehensive Downtown parking management system. The key tasks in the preparation of the parking management system would include: a preliminary analysis based upon an initial site examination, review of background data and discussions with City/ODA representatives; a supply and demand study, a parking management study; and a final report with policy and actions to implement the plan (The cost estimated for preparing the parking management system is $6,000 - $7,000 for the preliminary analysis and $25,000 to $40,000 for the entire plan; some savings to this estimated cost may be realized because of the extensive inventory work done by HEPY as a part of the Downtown plan). The parking inventory and analysis work completed by HEPY (see Section 7) and the interviews and workshops conducted as a part of the plan identified a number of problems and issues related to Downtown parking including: a lack of spaces in selected areas such as the City Hall lot; perceptions of a lack of spaces in other Downtown locations; employees use of short-tenn spaces intended to serve patrons; uneven distribution of parking spaces in relationship to parking demand; some poorly lighted/remote or "unfriendly" spaces; 5-6 �■ ■ ■ •■ ■ •■ ■ ■ ■ • • ORGANIZATION, MANAGEMENT AND SERVICING confusion or uncertainty over the location, access, and public availability to some lots and garages. The existing lots and garages are valuable assets to Downtown and their use needs to be maximized. While a parking management system with strategic pricing and other components is necessary, selected immediate improvements can be undertaken as suggested below. a. Improve wayfinding to lots and garages with coordinated signage, lighting, and streetscaping. b. Provide a garage attendant at the Center Street parking deck until midnight. c. Rope off lower level spaces in the Center Street Garage until 10 A.M . to reserve them for customer parking. d. Provide parking tokens for short-tenn patron parking. e. Provide a security patrol on goH carts or bicycles for parking garages. f. Allow free parking in the Center Street deck after 6:00 P.M. g. Extend the street parking meter time to 9:00 P.M. and increase enforcement during this critical time. h. Encourage restaurants to offer valet parking, free of charge, in the parking decks after 6:00 p.m . i. Encourage merchants to require their employees to use deck parking in order to free up street parking for customers. j. Encourage merchants and organizations to print parking location maps on printed materials such as advertisements, menus, tickets and shopping bags . . Security Though Downtown Royal Oak is perceived as a safe environment for Downtown visitors, workers, and residents, there is concern that the increased nighttime activity and entertainment, along with the sometimes intimidating environment created by parking garages, may warrant extra attention to security. Participants in the Downtown planning process emphasized that the perception and image of Downtown as a safe, secure place to visit, live, and work is of critical importance. The following recommendations offer actions and strategies for implementing an increased level of actual and perceived security. 5 .7 �• • • • •■ • •■ ORGANIZATION, MANAGEMENT AND SERVICING a. Lighting should be improved in strategic areas such as the north end of the Sherman Drive parking lot, the Center Street lot, the Railroad lot and at several other specific locations identified in Section 4. (see Pages 4-21 and 7-43) b. Police on golf carts and/or bicycles should be used as a mobile patrol of parking garages, parking lots, and nighttime activity areas. c. The visibility of police should be increased based on strategies formullated cooperatively between the Police Department, the Downtown Merchants Association, and the DDA. d. A Downtown security network should be established to share information and resources between the Police Department and the Downtown businesses. The Downtown Coordinator should initiate this network that would include security workshops conducted by the Police Department and an information exchange network, such as a phone or fax chain, to keep Downtown businesses informed of security issues. e. Install a security box call system for areas perceived as being less safe or secure (e.g. parking garages). This would be undertaken only after additional study by and consultation with the Police Department which should be the first step in implementing this recommendation . ■ • • • • • • • Maintenance The present system of Downtown maintenance, as outlined earlier in this section and as detailed on pages 7-47 thru 7-52 in Section 7, should continue with the City Recreation/Public Service Department providing the majority of the manpower and resources. Three specific exceptions to this system are recommended below . a. The Downtown Merchants Association should contract directly for special alley maintenance using special assessment or other dedicated funds generated Downtown. b. Landscaping maintenance for selected streetscape improvements requiring seasonal maintenance and summertime litter and seasonal planting should be the responsibility of the Downtown Merchants Association. The estimated budget for this item could range from $5,000 to $10,000 depending upon the areas involved. This should also be an expense funded through a special assessment in the district. This is also a type of Downtown service that lends itself to assistance from local civic groups or merchants that will "adopt" a specific block or landscaped area to maintain. An "adopt-a-block" program should have a pre-established set of guidelines and/or commitments for participants prior to implementation. 5 -8 �• ORGANIZATION, MANAGEMENT AND SERVICING c. A coordinated alleyways improvement and maintenance program should be established through the Downtown Merchants and the DDA as outlined on pages 4•23 and 4•24. The city should assist with the necessary zoning regulation and enforcement to support these efforts. 5.9 �ORGANIZATION, MANAGEMENT AND SERVICING The Role of the Downtown Coordinator .- ---- -------7 City Commission I I I I City Manager ~---- -- Downtown Development Authority Chamber of Commerce DDA Executive Director Downtown Merchants Association City Services ' ----------- - - - - Downtown Coordinator Coordinator Activities Direct Responsibilities The Downtown Coordinator will be the "point person" for promotion and marketing, and for many of the parking, security, and maintenance recommendations outlined in Section 5. This would also include design and coordination of Downtown business retention, development and recruitment activities including incentives for attracting targeted businesses. 5 • 10 �• •••• .•~-, RECOMMENDATIONS FOR ACTION Summary ACTION RESPONSIBILITY PHASING PRIORITY COST FUNDING OPTIONS ORGANIZATION & COOPERATIVE RETAIL MANAGEMENT - Hire Downtown Coordinator OM 1 $35K- $40,000 - Standardize restaurant and retail business hours OM 1 - - Develop standard sign for listing hours OM 1 - Designate employee parking locations OM/City 1 - - Promote urban design to identify and unify business areas DDNCity 1 -- - Sponsor small business/retailing seminars OM/CC 2 $2,000 + Special Assessment - Establish guidelines for facade design and improvements DDNCity 2 $20,000 CDBG - Develop coordinated retail promotion/ marketing/advertising OM/CC 2 $6,000 .Special Assessment - Expand and coordinate special events programs and strategies OM/CC/City 2 $10,000 - Expand Farmer's Market to a full-time Produce Market DDNCC/City/County 3 a/b/c b/c - Create a retail retention and attraction program CC/City/OM 3 - -- b. Private market will determine cost and/or funding c. Separate Institutional or municipal funding d. Annual cost without payroll costs BS = = CDBG = ODA = OM = DNR = c.n ........• Bond Sales Chamber of Commerce Community Development Block Grant Downtown Development Authority Downtown Merchants Department of Natural Resources GF ISTEA NEA occ TIF = = = = = Design Competition (OCC) $1,000 a. Cost to be determine by future design cc Special Assessment/CC General Fund lntermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act National Endowment for the Arts Oakland Community College Tax Increment Financing -- EDC DDACC �•• ..... di.: RECOMMENDATIONS FOR ACTION Summary PHASING ACTION RESPONSIBILITY PRIORITY COST FUNDING OPTIONS PARKING - Hire Parking Management Consultant City/ODA 1 $25K - 40,000/d - Rope Off Spaces In Center Street Garage Until 10:00 a.m. ConsultanVClty 1 -- Provide Free Night Parking at Center Street Deck after 6 p.m. City 1 --- Improve Wayflndlng with Slgnage, Lighting and Streetscaplng (See Pages 4-10 and 4•22 for priorities by area.) ODA 1-2 a ISTEA/TIF Improve Lighting at Decks and Access Corridors (See Page 4•22 for priority by area.) ODA 1-2 a TIF - Strategically Price Parking/Establish Merchant Policies ConsultanVClty 1 . Utilize Tokens for Short-Term Parkers OM/City 1 --- --- . Provide Security Patrol for Garages OM 1 $18,000/d - Enforce Street Meter Parking Until 9:00 p.m. City 1 -- . . a. b. c. d. Cost to be determine by future design Private market will determine cost and/or funding Separate Institutional or municipal funding Annual cost without payroll costs BS cc CDBG ODA OM DNA (11 I \) = = = = = = Bond Sales Chamber of Commerce Community Development Block Grant Downtown Development Authority Downtown Merchants Department of Natural Resources GF ISTEA NEA occ TIF = = = = = General Fund lntermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act National Endowment for the Arts Oakland Community College Tax Increment Financing ISTEA/TIF .. Special Assessment .. �• .... ~ie RECOMMENDATIONS FOR ACTION Summary PHASING RESPONSIBILITY ACTION FUNDING OPTIONS PRIORITY COST ---- SECURITY - - Increase Visibility of Police (Including auxlllary police) City 1 Establlsh a Downtown Security Network City/OM 1 Improve Lighting of Primary Corridors (See Page 4-21 for priorities by area) DOA 1-2 Provide Mobile Patrol of Lots and Nighttime Activity Areas DOA 2 Install Security Call Box System City/OM 3 3 -TIF --- (See Parking) Special Assessment --- MAINTENANCE Continue Present System with the Following Exceptions: - Implement a Coordinated Alleyway Improvements Program (per 4-22) City/ODA/OM - Contract Directly for Increased refuse pickup OM Specialized Landscaping Maintenance Assumed by OM OM 1-3 a Special Assessment 2 $6,000 Special Assessment 2 -- Special Assessment a. Cost to be determine by future design b. Private market will determine cost and/or funding c. Separate Institutional or municipal funding d. Annual cost without payroll costs BS cc CDBG DDA OM DNA = = = = = = Bond Sales Chamber of Commerce Community Development Block Grant Downtown Development Authority Downtown Merchants Department of Natural Resources GF ISTEA NEA occ TIF = = = = = General Fund lntermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act National Endowment for the Arts Oakland Community College Tax Increment Financing (11 .... Co) ~ �• BUILDING THE VISION Interviews 1. WHAT ARE THE KEY STRENGTHS YOU WOULD IDENTIFY ASSOCIATED WITH ROY AL OAKS CBD? central location access to major thoroughfares, e.g. 1-75 and 1-696 cooperation among merchants reasonable commercial rents independent store operators safe/crime free friendly atmosphere, client contact with owners destination shopping and restaurants low vacancy rate good shopping destination, pedestrian scale, restaurants safe, interesting, urban experience good physical improvements so far as they have gone good mix of shops good programming of Downtown activities ambiance of area with distinctive shops (Noir Leather) fact that R.O. has a Downtown vs. surrounding communities local lending institutions there are few very large buildings (that are often difficult to find a tenant for in revitalized Downtowns 2. WHAT FACTORS WOULD YOU IDENTIFY AS BEING THE CBD'S MOST SIGNIFICANT SHORTCOMINGS , WEAKNESSES , DEFICIENCIES? need to improve streetscaping, especially on side streets need a plan to guide development 6 -2 �BUILDING THE VISION • •I Interviews parking seen as deficient, all agree better management and enforcement needed, some feel need more and better located parking need improved marketing, promotion need design/funding assistance for building and property improvement need improved lighting need increased foot patrols, R.O. police or private security no anchors stores (some felt this was not needed) no standardized business hours I Downtown needs a "theme" (fountains suggested) (others said it is not needed) railroad divide Downtown and R.O.W. is unattractive two "main" streets (Washington & Main) dilutes focus • farmers market poorly oriented and identified area between 696 and CBD a problem, link is critical "gateway" signage needed to identify CBD @ 696 and 4th/Woodward shuttle service from parking garages/lots needed, serving farmer's market and other CBD distributions pedestrian crossing, especially at unsignalized intersections on Main Street is a problem some tenants/owners don't keep up properties "arguing with success" among some who forget what Downtown was like years ago no continuity of building facades to suggest arrival in Downtown need better identification, entrances to side streets shift to TIF revenues to 696 a problem (heard both sides of this issue) 6-3 �BUILDING THE VISION •I Interviews absentee landlords may be a problem in terms of needed physical . improvements ·to properties "critical mass" of retail does not yet exist in Downtown in part because many of the shops are destination businesses I need public restrooms and telephones Downtown need Downtown information centers/location maps at strategic locations Downtown few buildings of architecturaVhistoric significance restaurants and funky shops have fickle patrons • • Woodward zips people through town without allowing them to Downtown core 3. HOW WOULD YOU CHARACTERIZE THE ROYAL OAK CBD POSITION OR ROLE VIS-A-VIS OTHER SUBURBAN COMMUNITIES' Downtown AREAS (IN TERMS OF RETAIL, OFFICE, RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT}? more destination retail in Royal Oak with galleries, specialty businesses, avant-garde shops versus comparison shopping, national chains, mall-oriented retail in surrounding communities restaurants have assumed a major position in metro area market and receive good recognition Downtown Royal Oaks is not a major player in the metro area office market; it is characterized more as a small, professional office location with the exception of the First of America banking operations center • Downtown residential development is generally limited to the peripheral areas; the only high rise developments are the elderly complexes at the north and south edges of Downtown ; unlike some surrounding communities, multifamily development immediately surrounding Downtown is single family of moderate scale ; a small amount of residential rental units are found above the ground floor retail space in the Downtown area . 4. FROM YOUR PERSPECTIVE, WHAT DEVELOPMENT TRENDS OR MARKET FORCES ARE NOW AFFECTING OR ARE LIKELY TO AFFECT THE ROYAL OAK CBD IN THE FUTURE? Birmingham rent increase may allow Royal Oak to attract tenants , but it may also ultimately drive up rents in R.O. 6 -4 �I BUILDING THE VISION Interviews I I Somerset Mall upgrade may hurt R.O. a bit, but will hurt Birmingham more (some felt Somerset Mall more of a threat) • • •I to some extent R.O has been insulated from statewide downturn in real estate markets; R.O. not a major player in the suburban real estate markets other regional mall upgrades likely will affect all retailers strip centers may increasingly become competition for R.O. Downtown retailers relatively few existing condominiums in R.O. may represent potential residential development in future if "critical mass" reached in Downtown R.O. it will help all development if hospital desired to get non-essential functions off campus could create demand for back office space Downtown also need affordable housing for Downtown employees (retail, clerical, service, etc.) • • 5. WHAT ROLE AND FUNCTION SHOULD THE CBD SERVE FOR THE CITY OF ROYAL OAK? FOR THE LARGER SUBURBAN METRO AREA? regional function still evolving; destination for specialty shopping/restaurants need some general and convenience retail for residents (only 1 or 2 mentioned this) Downtown as gourmet, service, social center for residents 6. IS THERE OR COULD THERE BE A MARKET FOR HOUSING IN THE ROYAL OAK CBD? FOR WHAT TYPE OF RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT? 1-696 may be test for housing market there is a general perception of demand for housing Downtown; many weren't sure what type Downtown condos most often mentioned product; townhouse scale 1- 3 story; $100,000 - $200,000 range; some mention of additional need for apartments 6 -5 �• • •I .•, do Interviews references to condos on Crooks Road (south of 13 Mile Road, 10 units, pre-sold) •I • •I •I •I I I I -I I BUILDING THE VISION target single, young married, empty nesters single family rehabs occurring on edge of Downtown area in past perceived as good housing market but not upper scale like Birmingham good schools an asset to residential development market may need City help in assembling sites of sufficient size for Downtown housing 7. WHAT TYPES OF RETAIUSERVICE BUSINESSES SHOULD BE LOCATED IN THE CBD? DO YOU BELIEVE THERE IS SUFFICIENT MARKET DEMAND TO SUPPORT THOSE TYPES OF BUSINESSES? quality book store, not chain like B. Dalton children's clothing, toys garden shops tool shops toys (adult and children's) other specialty shops like wood boats, womens full figure conference center (small) needed additional entertainment and recreation businesses shoe stores lighting gourmet kitchen more durable goods for residents selected national chain businesses okay if not too many (GAP, etc.) deli men's clothing 6-6 �■ I •■ ·•· Interviews don't need or expect an anchor, Downtown itself becomes the anchor sundries, news stand I lingerie shops 8. HOW WOULD YOU ASSESS THE DEMAND FOR OFFICE USES IN THE CBD? given present office surplus, its hard to justify more now, maybe in long-term I I • •I •I 'I I -I BUILDING THE VISION ~- larger offices or more offices Downtown would generate more daytime retail business demand for small office spaces exists - 1,500 - 3,000 sq. ft . there was a proposal for a Downtown incubator some demand for small offices on upper levels of Downtown, should reserve street level for retail lack of medical office space Downtown noted, quite a bit of small clinical space on Woodward R.O. not the same stature of business office address as in Southfield, Troy, etc . service center office like First of America great but few such opportunities 9. WHAT IS THE APPROPRIATE SCALE OR CHARACTER OF RETAIL RESIDENTIAL AND OFFICE DEVELOPMENT IN THE CBD (PEDESTRIAN ORIENTATION, HIGH RISE, "SMALL TOWN", ETC.)? ARE THERE OTHER COMMUNITIES YOU CAN THINK OF THAT ARE PARTICULAR GOOD OR BAD EXAMPLES OF THE CBD CHARACTER DESIRABLE IN ROYAL OAK? pedestrian/small town consistently the scale discussed as appropriate more intense development with high-rise residential, office should be sited at 1-696 few other examples offered, K.C. Plaza, Ann Arbor, Holland, Birmingham mentioned other "wannabes" such as Wyandotte 6,7 �■ I I I I I BUILDING THE VISION Interviews 10. ARE THERE SPECIFIC IMPEDIMENTS TO THE ROYAL OAK CBD ACHIEVING YOUR CONCEPT OF WHAT IT SHOULD BE? see comments #2 11. HOW WOULD YOU RATE PARKING, ACCESS, CIRCULATION IN THE CBD AND HOW DOES IT AFFECT THE AREA'S DEVELOPMENT AND/OR REDEVELOPMENT POTENTIAL? monthly parkers should be forced to use upper levels I I I I I I I II I I I a I shuttle needed from parking lots/garages to Downtown locations , shops, etc. enough parking, location is problem dual "main streets' a marketing problem street width good for traffic flow, bad for pedestrians 2 hour parking doesn't allow for lunch plus shopping control employee parking to provide more spaces for retail patrons put employees in farmers market and provide shuttle reopening of music theater will exacerbate parking problems better enforcement needed of existing parking rules better parking signage needed "hunting" for parking an unwanted adventure for most shoppers general consensus that number of parking spaces may be adequate but better management and enforcement, signage, etc. major problem 12. WHAT SHOULD ROYAL OAK'S CBD LOOK LIKE TEN YEARS FROM NOW? same scale better physical appearance more of the same but better coordination with Downtown, 1-696, and area between 6 -8 �I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I BUILDING THE VISION Interviews 13. OTHER RESPONSES - RANDOM TOPICS R.O. retaiVentertainment customers not looking for confonnity; must maintain diversity to retain such patrons development at 696 on long-tenn basis will help sustain Downtown R.O.; office, hotel, residential best at 696; need link between two areas marketing to Downtown ares, trade magazines say 4% of gross should be used for advertising; most R.O. retailers spend much less than that; professional marketing help for individual businesses needed Downtown does not capitalize upon the f anners market sign at Fourth and Woodward needed to direct motorists to Downtown, another electronic sign needed at 696 to announce Downtown special events don't allow attorneys and accountants to use too much street level space at the expense of retail can't have too many restaurants, liquor licenses may be the limiting factor, however streetscaping that has been done is good but needs to be expanded/improved should investigate medical office potential and improve City relationships with Beaumont Hospital railroad should be seen as a major physical planning challenge in planning efforts independence of Downtown retailers is a major strength, other side is that it is always a challenge to get "united front• with so many bright people with good but different ideas fountains should be a design element in Downtown concept of loft apartments could fit with Downtown image need to market R.O. "lifestyle" to attract Downtown residential market diagonal parking on Main should be an objective 6-9 �I I I I I I .• de, BUILDING THE VISION Interviews Downtown should be "for people" and residents , not just for specific groups as it is now must focus on "target areas• and do these areas well (physical improvements) in combination with other efforts (parking, management, marketing) I II a I I I I II I I I II I 6 · 10 �I I BUILDING THE VISION Vision Session I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Vision Session I In addition to the interviews, the City of Royal Oak and the planning team held a full day Vision Building Session to further identify and gain consensus regarding issues and goals for the development of the Downtown Master Plan. The HEPY planning team pro~ded reference plans and presented basic data for the purpose of orienting the Visioning Team to the limits and nature of the planning task. Jim Cloar lead the all day session and began by showing examples of, and discussing the ingredients necessary for achieving a successful Downtown. Richard Ward reviewed national and local market trends that will affect Royal Oak's business and economic vitality. Jack Goodnoe reviewed the physical characteristics of the DOA and its context that will impact future growth and development of the Downtown. The Visioning Team jointly and in small team sessions (four teams) established a consensus list of goals to be accomplished by the Master Plan. Each of the four teams was then given the opportunity to draw their own plan of what they thought the Downtown could and should be in the future. Presentation and discussion of the characteristics of each of these plans established common elements that will be key drivers in the development of a final physical and marketing master plans. The following pages are the results of the Vision Building Session. These are the characteristics that the Visioning Team identified as royal Oaks existing strengths. 1. Accessible to 696 2. Diversity of restaurants 3. Accessible to Woodward Avenue 4. Safe and crime free 5. Residential borders 6. ODA - source of funds 7. Population density 8. Diverse housing types and costs 9. Diverse retail clientele 10. Sound city government 6 · 11 �I I I I I I II I I I I I I I I I I I .•~-, BUILDING THE VISION Vision Session I 11. Fun place to be 12. Regional public transportation 13. Identifiable existing Downtown 14. Dedicated city population 15. Effective public and private beautification projects 16. 15 Years of progress in implementation 17. Good schools 18. Its age and maturity as a community 19. Churches 20. Cultural activities 21 . Young entrepreneurs 22. Metropolitan perspective and image 23. A few key historic family businesses 24. Diverse architecture 25. City administrators are supportive of Downtown 26. Antique shops 27. Active Chamber of Commerce 28. Surrounded by affluent areas 29. Special events 30. Manageable size 31. Population mix 32. Downtown banks 33. Outdoor cafes 34. Sophistication 6 · 12 �I I I I I I I I I I I I BUILDING THE VISION Vision Session I 35. 1-696 can provide support to Downtown 36. High standard of community values 37. Services to residents 38. Service clubs 39. Farmers market 40. Affordable retail rents These are the characteristics that the Visioning Team identified as Royal Oak's existing weaknesses. 1. Poorly distributed parking 2. Lack of hotels 3. Need for conference space 4. Tax base 5. Lack of Downtown park 6. Need for more multi-family housing 7. Meter vs. free parking 8. Not enough "linked" shopping 9. Need for more diversity of shopping 10. Rising rent rates 11. Absentee landlords 12. Lack of public transit to Troy and Birmingham 13. Inadequate inner city transit 14. Many individual buildings - appearance of storefronts and architectural conditions 15. Unattractive gateways 16. No defined cultural center 6 · 13 �I I I I I I I II II I I BUILDING THE VISION Vision Session I 17. Poor signage to Downtown from expressways and major arteries 18. Lack of unified streetscape 19. Lack of defined Downtown 20. Lack of cleanliness in alleyways and parking lots 21 . Renovation of old buildings is expensive 22. Lack of rental housing in or near Downtown 23. Railroad tracks are a divider 24. Lack of general maintenance - flower beds, etc. 25. Financing shortage for public and private improvements 26. Safety is taken for granted 27. No retail anchor 28. Spill-over impacts on neighborhoods 29. Conflict on city commission 30. Need to address both strengths and weaknesses 31 . Need for bed and breakfasts 32. No tie-in to 1-696 project 33. Tougher inspection needed for code violation 34. Abundance of homeless and vagrants and buildings that house them After establishing the strengths and weaknesses, the Visioning Tearn developed this set of guidelines for physical planning, market development and management strategies. 1. Stabilize, strengthen , and nurture the existing assets 2. Do not emphasize large commercial anchor 3. Respond and manage appropriate target mix of elements 4. Avoid trendiness 6 · 14 �I I I I I I I •II -II -I BUILDING THE VISION Vision Session I 5. Encourage independent shops as cumulative "anchor" 6. Retail should serve both the community and the Metro Area 7. Variety of patrons is a strength 8. Appearance needs attention to design, maintenance, cleanliness 9. Multi-family residential needed near Downtown 10. Better parking management required 11 . Broad base of special events 12. Improved mass transit to Downtown 13. Encourage and provide for cultural facilities 14. Create a productive linkage with the 1-696 project 15. Provide conference/meeting facilities In the group review of each of the four team's plans, these common characteristics emerged: Emphasis on a "center" of the Downtown linking its diverse sub areas. Need for more green space, more parks. The railroad tracks need to be buffered. Housing at the perimeter of Downtown should be stressed. Loft housing should be encouraged. Potential locations for cultural emphasis should be at the farmer's market and/or at OCC. The farmer's market should be more directly tied into the Downtown. Greater diversity of retail should be encouraged. Some new parking facilities may eventually be needed, but improvements should initially concentrate on management of existing facilities , including marketing, directional signage, strategic pricing and pennissible duration. I 6 · 15 �I I • • • • • • • BUILDING THE VISION Vision Session II Following the interviews and the Vision Building Session , and after additional research , the HEPY team established a summary of Royal Oak's assets, needs and goals that will be used to develop and test planning concepts in the next phase of work . ASSETS: 1. Location and access 2. Identifiable Downtown 3. Size, scale and density 4. Unique, fun, safe atmosphere 5. Created niche 6. Youthful and traditional 7. Residential neighborhoods NEEDS: 1. 2. Planned change and growth Novelty and interest with stability and depth Strengthened and unified image and identity 3. Parking resolution - quantity, location, management 4. Capture bypass traffic 5. Coordinated strategies (physical and market) with 1-696 development 6. Housing opportunities for living Downtown 7. Everyday services 8. New vision - proactive strategies for: Physical change Market approaches Management and promotional actions 9. Updated and expanded streetscape and improved linkages 6 · 16 �I II • • •I • • • • • • • •I - BUILDING THE VISION Vision Session II GOALS: 1. Appropriate scale and identifiable character 2. Systems to draw and accommodate traffic Downtown 3. Flexible and maturing market niches 4. "Hometown" Downtown with metropolitan flair 5. Appropriate and vital land use and market mixes 6. Enhanced variety, diversity and depth 7. People living Downtown 8. Healthy urban concentration with good linkages and amenities . 6 · 17 �•I • • I • • I I I I II II BUILDING THE VISION Vision Session II VISION SESSION II The Royal Oak Master Planning Vision Session II was held on February 24, 1993 to review the planning team's recommendations and allow the Vision Team to evaluate and offer their input to the recommendations. Priorities for implementing these recommendations were discussed. Following the Vision Session II, the planning team and Tim Towing met to review the findings and discuss the next steps to be taken. The Planning Team presented their recommendations as follows: Jim Cloar - Review of the guidelines for physical planning, market development and management strategies which were established in the Vision Session I; and review of the goals for the Vision Session II. Jack Goodnoe - Actions for growth and development (including DOA land redevelopment strategies). Richard Ward - Market strategies for economic vitality and redevelopment. Jim Cloar - Management and organizational strategies for the ODA. The Vision Team then met as review groups and offered their consensus decisions in the following Summary of T earn Comments and Recommendations. Team I Comments And Recommendations Primary discussions focused on parking needs. The Vision team was very pleased overall with the planning team's recommendations. Achieve a balance between surface and deck parking. Long-term versus short-term parking needs should be addressed. How do we organize ourselves better? How do we take the next steps? Royal Oak needs concrete recommendations regarding organization and management options. Royal Oak needs lessons on how to finance an implementing organization. Concentrate initial streetscape improvements in the core area. Expand the Civic Center in conjunction with the AMTRAK train station. Expand the Farmers' Market (tie-in the management of the Farmers' Market with the management of the ODA). Look at the area at the northwest comer of Main Street and Eleven Mile and its impacts on the DOA current and future planning. Need for gateways to be developed as a high priority. Have one full-time manager for the ODA. Get everyone to participate. II II 6 · 18 �I I • • •II • • • • BUILDING THE VISION Vision Session II Manager must aggressively maintain the vision of the Master Plan. We wish there had been more people here today (At the Vision Session) . Team II Comments And Recommendations The general ideas of the Master Plan are on target. The planning team recommendations followed the ideas of the previous Vision session . Development Area Ill can go right away, because there is a need for managed health care, a need for independent living; and this is the best available location in DOA for senior housing. Acquire the Oakland County Building for the Events Plaza. Civic Center idea is a good one. (What does the City Council want?) Don't move the RJ Coffee Shop . The Downtown is not warm and fuzzy. (Needs a friendly "central" park area.) The parking lot at Center and Fourth Streets represents a good opportunity for additional open space at the center of Downtown. (Possible move of RJ Coffee Shop to this location?) Be sure open spaces are where the people are; and where they will use them . Probably not realistic to close Sixth Street in the near future . Opening up Fifth Street and Seventh Street makes sense. Teams I And II General Discussion Current streetscape does not have enough impact. Make improvements with more 3-dimensionaVvertical elements. Parks Department now in the process of replacing damaged wood. elements. Need comments regarding recommendations immediately. Show more examples of how to get second floor retail. Need more "congestion" Downtown. (Expressed the desire for slowing traffic through the Downtown.) Recommend more traffic lights to enhance pedestrian activity Downtown. (Think of Downtown first, foremost as a pedestrian retail area; not primarily for pass-thru traffic.) Second floor residential adds a lot to the Downtown - encourage more. Balance the street parking and open lots with deck parking. All parking revenues go into a parking fund . Loft housing is allowed by current ordinances - encouraging loft housing is mostly an economic feasibility problem. Lack of loft housing may also be an awareness problem. How can we get some area of Downtown to be what it used to be, as a retail incubator? 6 · 19 �I I • • BUILDING THE VISION Vision Session II Consensus Priorities Hire a Downtown Coordinator to coordinate DOA needs and opportunities, and to implement necessary activities for growth and enhancement. (Establish a job description for this position.) Establish organizational options (in conjunction with management strategies). Improve Main Street intersections and the "core area" streetscapes (core area= Main to Washington between Second and Fourth). • Redevelop and enhance the 'Civic Center Area ;" especially the Farmers' Market and the Events Plaza . Actively promote the redevelopment of Areas I, II, and V (2). Allow for the redevelopment of Areas Ill and IV based upon market forces and programmatic needs of the Civic Center. I I I -I 6 · 20 �I INVENTORY AND ANALYSIS Overview INVENTORY AND ANALYSIS OVERVIEW Downtown Royal Oak has both the resources of its past urban development, and the vitality and spirit of positive change; which together create great potential for future growth. The Downtown has, in the past, served as a true neighborhood center. With the growth of Southeastern Oakland County along its interstate corridors of 1-75 and 1-696, Royal Oak now has the opportunity to enhance its role as a regional, as well as local activity center. Its continued success will depend on creating a framework for balanced and well integrated growth. To remain and grow as a healthy and exciting community hub, the Downtown will need to appropriately provide opportunities to live, conduct business, shop and recreate in ways that are mutually supportive. The opportunity also exists to build upon Royal Oak's feeling of a traditional city center, complete with historic architecture, a post office, a government center, and a library. It is surrounded by, and for the most part insulated from corridor development by healthy residential neighborhoods. The existing architecture, parking infrastructure and open space can be utilized to reinforce and promote activities of regional significance. A strong beginning in this direction exists today with the restaurant, specialty shopping, and entertainment businesses. Cooperative redevelopment efforts between municipal and private interests is well demonstrated by the First of America Operations Center and the 1696/Woodward initiatives. Open space and infrastructure both exist today which will support more of these types of efforts. Visual as well as functional unification of the Downtown needs to be achieved with growth and change. Main Street and Washington Avenue create two "Main Streets" that need to be made to work in hannony for their mutual benefit. Similarly, the Downtown and 1-696 development must be linked by mutually supportive land uses and unified public improvements. The streetscape improvements have done much to enhance and unify the appearance of Royal Oak. Entrances into the Downtown however are not well defined. More extensive and more unified image and identification efforts are needed to better orient and direct the user. In combination with reinforcing the streetscape development, this will serve to promote commerce and to enhance user comfort and safety in the Downtown . New public improvements and increased activity will in tum require better coordinated management and service policies. Parking polices need to be established and implemented that make use of the under-utilized parking decks while accommodating peak weekend demands. 7·1 �I !I • INVENTORY AND ANALYSIS Overview Future land use planning must give careful consideration to the parking issues of facility capacities and management policies. Hours of operation, promotional efforts, maintenance policies and physical improvements need to be coordinated by the City and the business owners. This inventory and analysis work details the existing conditions and the associated needs and opportunities of the market context, physical conditions, and the management and services provisions of Royal Oak. This was accomplished through interactive work and interviews with community leaders, the DDA, the Planning Department, and through extensive on-site research. These findings and conclusions form the basis for planning concepts and market and management recommendations . • • I a -I I I 7•2 �INVENTORY AND ANALYSIS Market Context INTRODUCTION The following description and evaluation of the Downtown market is distilled from our interviews with Downtown Royal Oak "stakeholders" from our review and analysis of real estate market data related to the general market area within which Downtown Royal Oak is located (the suburban Detroit metro market) and from additional research and interviews with development and real estate professionals active in the local and regional market. These are intended to provide an overall market context to assist in formulating and evaluating strategies to guide the uses, design, and management appropriate for Downtown Royal Oak. SUMMARY AND FINDINGS I I I I I I I Retail Market 1. The competitive environment for general retail in the Royal Oak market is intense. The competition is led by the regional and community shopping centers which surround Royal Oak (Universal Mall, Oakland Mall, Somerset Collection Crossroads Plaza and Beaumont Center) . 2. The upgraded Somerset Mall in Troy (officially the "Somerset Collection") will further intensify the competition between shopping centers for comparison shopping. The Somerset Collection has already contributed toward a reduction in retail rental rates in Downtown Birmingham . 3. Royal Oak is situated in one of the most densely-populated areas in the suburban market with approximately 180,000 people within a three mile area. 4. The likelihood of Downtown Royal Oak attracting or being competitive with the general merchandise establishments (primarily national chains) in the surrounding shopping centers is remote. 5. There is an estimated 325,000 to 375,000 square feet of retail (including restaurants) and service commercial floor space in the Royal Oak Downtown study area. This space is distributed among some 160 to 180 businesses. For comparison purposes, 325,000 square feet is similar in scale to the amount of retail space found in a community shopping center anchored by a discount retail store (e.g. K-Mart or Walmart) and discount drug store (e.g. Walgreens) and assorted other smaller retail tenants. Beaumont Center, for example, at Thirteen Mile and Woodward contains approximately 150,000 S.F. of space, including the recently expanded Kroger supermarket. In the case of Downtown Royal Oak, however, this 300,000+ S.F. is comprised of many small businesses, most of which occupy spaces of 2,000 S.F. or less. 7.3 �INVENTORY AND ANALYSIS • Market Context 6. The vacancy rate for Downtown retail and service commercial uses is extremely low, probably under 3%. This is lower even than the 4.7% vacancy rate estimated for Royal Oak as a whole (CB commercial, 1992 estimate) which is second only to Novi (2.7%) as the lowest of all suburban Detroit trade areas. While this unusually low vacancy rate is a positive indicator of Downtown retail vitality, it also is part of the reason underlying the increase in retail rentsin recent years. 7. The Downtown retail rent structure has gone from $4-$7 per square foot five years ago to $8-$17 per square foot today. Though this is still well below retail rents in Birmingham, it does suggest that marginal Downtown retailers may not survive if this trend continues; they may ultimately be replaced by businesses whose volumes can justify the higher rents. (Note: some concern was expressed in the interviews that professional offices such as lawyers and accountants or service businesses such as travel agencies and financial services might begin to dominate street level space at the expense of independent retailers who are the real "draw" for Downtown. 8. Comparison of primary market areas, market "capture" rates, and even, to some extent, vacancy rates between Downtown Royal Oak retailers and surrounding suburban retail centers can be misleading, and in some cases is meaningless. The reason is that many of Downtown's retail, restaurant, and service businesses are "destination" oriented establishments as contrasted with general retailers that compete for consumers based largely on competitive pricing and convenience. Some Royal Oak specialty shops (e.g. gift/card shops) may draw from a three mile radius primary market area while other Downtown retailers (e.g. galleries, restaurants) may draw from a regional or even national patronage base. This makes coordinated marketing and promotion efforts much more challenging than that required for general comparative retailing. 9. Downtown's success has been led by destination retail businesses operated by independent owner/managers and by the excellent collection of wellpublicized restaurants. This formula, with some upgrading, filling of niches, and perhaps addition of limited convenience retail, would appear to represent the retail strategy offering the best potential for Downtown. I I I I I I I I 10. There is likely to always be a relatively high turnover rate for the eclectic mix of destination retail, restaurant and specialty shops in Downtown Royal Oak. This is to be anticipated and understood as part of the area's continual development and evolution. Several factors contribute to the rate of turnover. 7.4 �I I I INVENTORY AND ANALYSIS Market Context First, there will usually be a percentage of businesses that will occasionally "move-up" into larger or higher quality space (the three increasingly larger Downtown locations of Patti Smith Collectibles is an example of this phenomena) within the Downtown. Second, Downtown is characterized by entrepreneurs whose experimentation, creativity, innovation, incubation, success and failures are possible in Royal Oak's Downtown environment. This level of risk-taking is not accommodated in a retail mall. Risk taking produces higher rates of failure than does established merchandising in a regional mall or retail strip center. But it is this type of innovative retailing, restaurants, etc. that differentiates Downtown Royal Oak from the regional malls and other suburban "Downtowns• in the Detroit area. 11. Though absorption of retail, restaurant, and service commercial space is difficult to track and quantify in Downtown Royal Oak, a reasonable estimate is that at least half of the existing businesses have been established or have relocated into Downtown space over the past ten years. This would represent perhaps 10,000 to 15,000 S.F. annually. Though the unavailability of space and increasing rents may act to suppress future absorption, the historic trend is a strong indication of the demand for this type of space Downtown. I I 12. The preferred optimum mix of retail uses Downtown may more appropriately relate to "what works" than to "what would be nice to have Downtown". Proven successes to date include quality restaurants mixed with destination retail and specialty shops. Some of the retail is targeted to the avant-garde and off-beat market which provides the interest and character associated with Downtown. A number of good ideas have been suggested for additional retail offerings that would complement the present mix. Among these are a good bookstore, children's clothing, and a deli. However, these are likely to only be attracted to and successful in Downtown if they, like existing establishments, can provide a differentiated product to a market of sufficient size to sustain them. Despite the desire to have convenience and general retail Downtown to serve Royal Oak residents, most people will opt to shop for general merchandise in a shopping mall or community shopping center. Downtown will not return to the "traditional" main street offering of general merchandise in the near future . Even limited convenience retail to serve the nearby residents and employment base requires a more dense concentration of patrons than presently exists Downtown. 7.5 �Ii INVENTORY AND ANALYSIS 'I I I I I I I I I I Market Context 13. In tenns of the destination retail market, Binningham is Royal Oak's primary competition and will probably continue to be, especially if the current disparity in rents begins to diminish. However, other communities can be expected to learn from Royal Oak's success and, as they try to emulate that success, Royal Oak will be challenged to retain its present position as a unique location for a safe urban shopping experience. 14. The proper complement of limited retail and entertainment uses at 1-696 will be an important factor in the continuing success of retail and entertainment businesses in the Downtown area. Specialty retail and entertainment cannot be sustained in both areas. Residential Market 1. There is a general perception that a market exists for additional Downtown residential units, but that perception has yet to be tested due to a general lack of new product supply being introduced in the Downtown area. 2. Recent purchase and rehabilitation of single family homes on the edge of Downtown would suggest a market for single family attached or similar infill housing products. However, the availability of sites for this type of development is limited. 3. Small scale condominium development (10-15 units) such as that on Crook Road has been well received in the marketplace. This type of product, at a similar scale in the Downtown area is considered by several residential developers to have market potential. This scale would also be consistent with existing development Downtown. Again, however, the availability of developable land at competitive prices Downtown is noted by developers as an impediment to condominium development. The potential condominium market in Royal Oak is perceived by the developers we interviewed to be in the $125,000 - $150,000 price range and primarily to be comprised of empty-nesters and to a smaller degree some young professionals without children. 4. Though economic conditions have precluded most large-scale apartment development in the region, there have been some exceptions. One of the most notable is the 225-unit Village Green development in neighboring Madison Heights. The project is comprised of studio, one and two bedroom townhouses renting for $530 to $805 per month; the lease-up on the units went quickly and presently there is a waiting list for units. 7-6 �INVENTORY AND ANALYSIS 'I Market Context I The market for this type of residential property is primarily young couples, unrelated singles sharing rent and a small percentage of retirees. This would suggest a potential market for apartment units of similar scale Downtown. It is doubtful, however, that a site of sufficient size (approximately 15 acres) could be assembled near the Downtown area to construct a 175-unit development, the size considered to be the minimum feasible scale for this type of residential product. 5. One well-regarded residential developer stated that the key to a successful apartment development in Royal Oak is to locate it within walking distance of Downtown. It was suggested that a high quality, higher density apartment development (e.g. 20 to 25 DU/acre) with under-building parking could possibly be successfully produced on an infill site in Downtown Royal Oak (basically utilizing a garden-type configuration). These units would primarily be targeted to empty nesters, corporate transfers, and single parents who do not want to invest in a condominium, but who desire spacious apartments and would be willing to pay 80-85 cents per S.F. versus typical garden rents of 75-80 cents per square foot. 6. Though a number of positive indicators suggest a potential market for additional residential products in and adjacent to Downtown, the lack of development sites is a problem. This is an issue that will have to be addressed as the Downtown planning process progresses. Office Market I I I 1. The present softness in the suburban office market makes it difficult to be optimistic about the potential for its development Downtown. Most knowledgeable real estate professionals believe there is still at least a two year supply of office space in the suburban market. The current suburban office vacancy rate is estimated at 20% (CB Commercial). However, our research and interviews revealed a demand for smaller spaces (1,500 to 3,500 square feet). To an extent this demand may be met by existing space and by conversion of upper level space above retail businesses (see previous concern over use of street-level space for offices). 2. Our interviews also identified an interest in attracting medical-related offices Downtown. This might be hospital related offices that are not essential to being on the Beaumont site or clinical offices which are in lieu of or spill over from many of those on Woodward. 7.7 �i I INVENTORY AND ANALYSIS Market Context I 3. Beaumont Hospital itseH currently utilizes a 70,000 square foot office building in Southfield (on Twelve Mile west of Greenfield Road) for their "financial services" processing functions. The hospital also has approximately 40,000 square feet of space in trailers and modular buildings on campus now to accommodate various support functions. Some of these functions will be relocated into pennanent space on campus when the present building program is completed. A representative of the hospital suggested that the institution will not be in a position to construct any additional new office/clinical space for 5-8 years, but noted that within about 5 years they may need another 40,000 - 50,000 square feet of nonclinical support space. 4. The trend to outpatient care would suggest that in the future there will be increased demand for non-institutional, off campus doctor/clinical office space in the suburban market. Royal Oak is recognized by medical professionals as a desirable address for a medical practice. 5. Several real estate brokers reinforced the observation that the market for medical office space near the Woodward/Thirteen Mile Road area is very competitive. Effective rents for medical office space range from $13 to $20 per square foot. The vacancy rate for medical office space with adequate parking is very low. The agents we interviewed acknowledged that there are really two markets in Royal Oak, the Downtown market and the Woodward/Thirteen Mile market. Those we interviewed said they get quite a few inquiries about Downtown office space, but the unavailability of space and lack of parking are the primary impediments to the existence of a greater medical office market Downtown. There is a perception that new medical office space Downtown ottering increments of 1,000 - 5,000 square feet would be well received in the market. 6. There is an estimated 110,000 to 130,000 square feet of tenant-occupied office space Downtown (this does not include owner-occupied space such as the First of America operations center). The Washington Square building represents the largest concentration of office space with approximately 60,000 square feet of leasable office floor area. 7. The desirability of increasing the Downtown employee population argues for accommodating additional office space , whether for tenanted buildings or for headquarters or operations centers for banks or other institutions. As in the case of residential development, however, assembling adequate office sites Downtown is problematic. 8. The demand for small office spaces would also suggest that the concept of a business incubator with shared clerical and office support facilities , could help nurture start-up businesses in a Downtown location. I I I I I I 7•8 �INVENTORY AND ANALVSIS I I Market Context 9. Available land for large scale office development is located at the 1-696 development site. As the present over supply of space is absorbed and economic conditions improve, it will become the obvious focus for future office development in Royal Oak. Downtown is unlikely to compete for the type of tenants that will be attracted to the 1-696 site and should, consequently, focus on small space tenants and more specialized office market niches such as medical-related uses or operations center uses as opportunities arise. I I I I I I 7.9 �i I INVENTORY AND ANALYSIS Land Use I LAND USE INVENTORY AND ANALYSIS The Royal Oak Downtown or Central Business District is well defined on the majority of its boundaries by stable single family residential neighborhoods. Small, two and three floor apartment units are scattered at the edges of the DDA with only small amounts of multiple housing units or second floor living in the Downtown. Two notable exceptions are the senior citizen high rise buildings at the perimeters of the DDA. (North Troy Street and south Main Street). I I I I I I I I I A mix of store front retail is clustered along the Main and Washington Street corridors and along the Fourth Street connector between these two main north/south corridors. The most significant revitalization efforts are centered in the Washington Avenue and Fourth Street area. Unfortunately the railroad creates a psychological, if not physical divider between the two "Main Streets" (Main and Washington) of the Downtown. The Fourth Street linkage will be important as a unifying element. Royal Oak has a good clustering of municipal facilities at Troy Street between Eleven Mile and Third Street. These include the City Hall, the Library, the Police Station, County Office Buildings and the Farmers' Market. Another civic place of high activity is the Post Office on Third Street. Another public center is the Oakland County Community College, Royal Oak Campus (OCC) which is both functionally and visually separated from the Downtown proper. The competition for parking between the OCC and the retail area to the north has been a conflict historically. The other "center• of the Downtown is the high point at Washington Avenue and Fourth Street, which is an entertainment center, as well as an emerging, up-scale retail area. The First of America Service Center, SMART and the proposed AMTRAK transit station also contribute to this area as a growing commercial and public activity area. It should be noted that the First of America development has dedicated land at Fourth and Lafayette to a "public plaza.• This is a precedent that is desirable and should be repeated with new Downtown development. These two "centers", the public center at Troy Street and the entertainment center at Fourth Street and Washington Avenue, need coordinated circulation and image (streetscape) systems to tie them together visually and functionally in every way possible. The land directly north of OCC is a poorly integrated mix of uses. An overall land use strategy is required for this area. The land is also important as a link between OCC and the Downtown. Car dealership storage and support facilities in this area are functionally inconsistent and visually undesirable at this entry point into the Downtown. 7 • 10 �i I I I B I I I I 'I I I I I I I INVENTORY AND ANALVSIS Land Use Underutilized land surrounds the senior housing at Sixth and Williams Streets, and in-fill uses could be planned that would support the existing senior housing facilities . Consistent with its basic mission, OCC has expressed the desire to provide outreach programs to the community. Its proximity to the senior housing provides many opportunities in this regard and a circulation linkage would be desirable. The I-696/Woodward parcel, which is planned for mixed use, will begin as a residential development. The first phase of this work is planned to begin in 1993. The existing land use between this I-696/Woodward development and OCC is mixed housing and commercial uses. In many cases it is of low or marginal quality. Although it is outside of the DDA study area this block of land will be critical to creating a mutually beneficial linkage between I-696/Woodward and the Downtown. Similarly, future uses and improvements along Main Street should serve to visually and functionally unify these two segments of the DDA. Restaurants are a current strength of Royal Oak. They are loosely grouped along the Main StreeVFourth Street/Washington Avenue corridors. This emerging "entertainment" district needs to be reinforced and encouraged. A key issue in the physical planning will be establishing where to accommodate the desired additional housing that will bring more people living within the Downtown. This desire was stated several times as a goal in the Vision Building Session. The market research, however, indicates that care must be given to the location, type, scale and phasing of additional housing. Most of Royal Oak's "open space" is in the form of parking lots and the railroad R.O.W .. It will be important in the concept planning to 1) be sure parking is utilized to its fullest, so as to not use open land unnecessarily, and 2) to carve out more useful and better connected open and green spaces. These spaces need to be made truly useable and inviting to pedestrians. The Farmers' Market is a vital part of creating public participation in the Downtown and should be functionally and visually linked to the Civic Center area. Re-use of the Oakland County facilities and land should be planned to support this link. More efficient use of the under-utilized Farmers' Market area parking should also be considered. It does and should continue to serve the Civic Center area to the greatest degree possible. Successful land use will be largely dependant on creating workable parking provisions and management strategies throughout the Downtown. See the Parking Analysis (Page 7•27 thru 7•36) . 7 · 11 �- INVENTORY AND ANALYSIS I Land Use I I Four key parcels of land have been identified as Special Study Areas on the basis that they have open or under-utilized land, inherent potential for more productive use and/or proximity to other uses that could foster mutually beneficial uses. They are shown on the accompanying Special Study Areas map. (Page 7-24) I I I I I I I I I I I ' r 7 • 12 �INVENTORY AND ANALYSIS Existing Land Use • • • • Refer to narrative on page 7 • 13 �Ii • •II • • • • • • • • • INVENTORY AND ANALYSIS Existing Land Use Index Existing Land Use MAIN STREET AND WEST 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21 . 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. 27. 27a. 28. 29. 30. 31a. 31 . 32. 33. 34. 35. 36. 37. * 38. 39. 40. 41 . 42. 43. 44. GM Used Cars SOS Shelter Under Construction (Dimitri Upholstery) Diamond Lincoln Mercury Body Shop Commercial Print Co. Barber State Fann Insurance Art & Antique Shop Russell Custom Printing Vacant Baptist Church and Day Care Diamond Ford Lincoln Mercury Dealer Lincoln Mercury Used Cars Mike's Coney Island Used Cars Anthony's Pizza and Ribs Liberty Drugs Ace Hardware (Hilzinger's) Rumor's Food and Bar Nutri Foods - Health Food Footprints - Birkenstock First Federal Bank Law Offices and Drive Thru Bright Ideas Furniture National Bank of Royal Oak/NBD Renoir - Women's Cloths Techline Furniture East/West Futons Mongolian Bar BQ Monterey LePanto Cinderella's Attic Moti Mahal Indian Restaurant Red Wing Shoes and Tailor Neon Image and Doug's Deco Design Off The Record First of America Car Dealer Used Cars Oakland Community College (OCC) - Royal Oak American Transmission Auto Conversions, Inc . Auto Upholstering and Glass Muffler Shop Auto Repair Donuts * Indicates building deemed to have value as LANDMARKS in the Downtown because of their historic significance and architectural interest, or other visual importance to the Downtown. 7 - 14 �•II ■ ■ II ■ •■ ■ • ■ ■ • • • • i(c= ·•· INVENTORY AND ANALYSIS Existing Land Use Index Existing Land Use MAIN STREET AND WEST 45. 46. 47. 48. 49. 50. 51. 52 . 53. 54. 55. 56A. 56B. 56C. 560. 57. 58. 59 . 60. 61. 62. 63. 64. 64A. 65. 66. * 67. 68. 69. 70. 71 . 72 . 73. 74. 75 . 76. 77. 78. 79 . 80. 81 . 82. 83. Party Store Car Wash George's Hair Cut/Barber Children's Resale Machine Shop Fast Food Oxford Oyster Bar Main Floor Covering Child Care National Bank of Royal Oak National Bank of Royal Oak Howie Stained Glass Gasoline Alley Barber Shop Faith Couture Noir Leather Chosen Books Bookstore Royal Oak Camera and Antiques Haberman's Fabrics First of America Under Construction Used Books Doll Shop Barber Royal Oak Post Off ice Peking House Clothing Shop Window Treatments Realtor and Unicom Grill Flower Shop Stamp Company Christian Science Reading Room Travel Agent Optician R.J. Coffee Shop Flower Shop Coney Island Hallmark Patti Smith Dave's Comics Vacant 7 · 15 �Ii • • • • • • • • • • • • INVENTORY AND ANALYSIS Existing Land Use Index Existing Land Use MAIN STREET AND WEST 84. 85. 86. 87. 88. 89. 90. 91 . 92. 93. 94. 95. 96. 97. 98. 99. 100. 101. 102. 103. 104. 1OS. 106. 107. 108. 109. 110. 111 . 112. 113. 114. 115. 116. 117. 118. 119. 120. 121. 122. 123. 124. 124A. 125. Art Deco Antiques Gayle's Chocolate Shop Lotus Imports Raupp Camp Fitters Gallery Shoe Repair Eyeglasses and Optician, and Billiards Shop and Bar Vacant (Oak Restaurant} NIA Design Company (FDA} Craft Shop and Boutique Unique Place Gifts Kite Shop Kyla's Restaurant Dos Manos - Latin American Crafts Karris Gallery Baskin Robbins Ice Cream Royal Oak Bakery Banos Restaurant Paint and Wall Paper Custom Jewelry Imports Hair Salon Dentist Dry Cleaner's Vacant Vacant Bowling Bar Pizza Surveyor Counseling Bike Shop Beauty School Beaumont International Medicine Vacant Dance School Body Shop Post Office-Shop Wendy's Office Greyhound and SMART Transit Station AMTRAK Les Auteurs Restaurant 7 · 16 �• • • • • • • • • • • .•~-, INVENTORY AND ANALYSIS Existing Land Use Index Existing Land Use MAIN STREET AND WEST 126. 127. 128. * 129. 130. * 131. 132. 133. 134. 135. 136. 137. 138. 139. 140. 141 . 142. 143. 143a. 144. 145. 146. 147. * 148. 149 . 150. 151 . 152. 153 . 154. 155. 156 . 157. 158. 159 . 160. 161 . 162. 163 . 164. 165. 166. 167. 168 . Madison's Restaurant Rene's Hair Shop Monique's Shoe Shop Les Sacsons Kitchen Shop/Women's Clothing Metro Music Cafe Royal Oak Music Theater LA Express Cafe Design Store Frame Store Card Store Gallery Gallery Optician and Hair Solon Hollywood Bodies Fitness Center Vacant Land Antiques and Jewelry Deli Sewing Store Furniture Store Prints Repeat the Beat (CD's and Videos) Office Machines Pronto Deli and Cafe Methodist Church Jimi's Ice Cream Clothing Jimi's Restaurant & Coney St. Mary's Credit Union Asia Trading Co. Resale Shop Hagelstein's Bakery Insurance Office Gallery Travel Agent State Farm Insurance Podiatrist Rent-It Shop Auto Repair McDonalds Office UAW/GM Recruiting Office Baldwin Theater (Stage Grafters) 505 Lafayette (Entertainment Agency) 7 .17 �•If • •II II II • • • • • INVENTORY AND ANAL VSIS Existing Land Use Index Existing Land Use MAIN STREET AND WEST 169. 170. 171. 172. * 173. 173A. 174. 175. * 176. * 177. 178 - 199. Child Care Gallery, Cafe, Elwin's To Go (Renovated Church) Payroll One Vacant Church First of America Vacant Land For Possible Future First of America Expansion Oriental Furniture Funeral Home St. Mary's Elementary School St. Mary's Church Land Uses South of Lincoln Street; not included in the study area of this report . MAIN STREET AND EAST 200. 201. 202. 203. 204. 205. 206. 207. 208. 209. 210. 211. 212. 213. 214. 215. 216. 217. 218. 218a. 219. 220. 221 . 222. 223. 224. 225. Royal Music Center Aquarium Shop Buick Pontiac Dealer Auto Parts Fine Food Contract Design Group Interiors Office Anny Recruiting Merchant's Warehouse (food & wine) Hair Salon Main Theater Main Theater Vacant Nugget Foods Main Exchange - Jewelry & Antique Mall LaFondue Antique's on Main Law Office Barney Black Beauty Supply Store American Pizza Cafe (coming) Royal Oak Tire Sweet Shop Walby's Wallpaper Mr. B's Pub Daniel Joseph LaRouche Garden Ornaments Chiropractor 7 · 18 �•II • • • • • INVENTORY AND ANALYSIS Existing Land Use Index Existing Land Use MAIN STREET AND EAST 226 . 227. 228. 229. 230. 231 . 232. 233. 234. 235. 236. 237. 238. 239. 240. 241. 242. 243. 244. 245. 246. 247. 247a. 248. 249. 250. 251. 252. 253. 254. 255. 256. 257. 258. 259. 260. 261. 262. 263. 264. 265. 266. * 267. Remodeling Carol James Gallery Tailor Household Finance Antiques Joes Anny Navy Consignment Boutique Hennan's Bakery Vacuum Cleaner Shop Italian Leather Incognito - Fashions & Art Office Field's Department Store Clothing Jewelry Field's Fashions H & R Block Cedar Market Noir Leather Discount Golf Rugs Michigan Bell Flower Shop Kitchen Design Antiques Rumors Vacant Napa Autoparts Billings Feed & Supply Shell Gas Station Erb Lumber B&B Collision Golf Club Repair Lenox Heating and Cooling Ye Olde Saloon Furniture Warehouse Tires Plus Holiday Market, Pizza, Video, Cleaners Goodyear Malibu Restaurant First of America Salvation Anny Thrift Store Lutheran School 7 · 19 �INVENTORY AND ANALYSIS Existing Land Use Index Existing Land Use MAIN STREET AND EAST * 268. 269. 270. 271 . 272. 273. 274. * 275. 276. * 277. * 278. 279. 280. 281 . * 282. * 283. 284. 285. 286. 287. 288. 289. 290. 291 . 292. * 293. 294. 295. 296. 297. 298. 299. 300. 301 . 302. 303. 304. 305. 306. 307. 308. 309. 310. Royal Oak Manor - Cooperative Housing Construction Company Office Engineer's Office Office Furniture Warehouse Bath and Design Senior Housing Oak Ridge Market Royal Oak Library City Hall and Police Department Office Church of Scientology Michigan Bell St. Paul Lutheran Church Fire Station Daily Tribune Collector's Emporium Comedy Castle Acom Post 1669 Medical Center Construction Company Industrial Building Fish Store Oakland Co. Building Farmers' Market Elks Professional Office Building Troy St. Antique Mall Auto Repair Chiropractor Answering Service Design Studio Office Office Bodyworks Gym 7 · 20 �Iii INVENTORY AND ANALYSIS Existing Land Use Index Existing Land Use MAIN STREET AND EAST 311 . 312. 313. * 314. 315. 316. 317. 318. 319. Bodyworks Gym Bodyworks Gym Hair Salon Power Plant Moving Company and Warehouse Marble Company WO Zobel Co. Myron Trucking Company Moving Company 7 · 21 �INVENTORY AND ANALYSIS M 11 ! 1 ' '1 -M ~ Existing Multl-Famlly Housing I i---------·-·7 i II II ~j I _,u _ L~ _ _j I 1 I el i □ □ D j , '·-... ··<> ~a&lbi 'I~ N M c.._;..= = Poet Office . ' L nil 001 E I ,------------,----,.---.... D -:. 111---,...-, :ffl~ ~ ...ll n ' - - - - - ~ C!::=:l '° .. I ,rr:: o =:1~ ~j~a09JLDJ~ = ~ ~ Ml~~:;::=:;-, \~·.~~ =r=w:IIT~ 'j[F~m~ru --__;I ~ JJim ~=~~·:'=-\t.,. !::::J~ === --== MUI.Jl-~ECOND STORY I i ~ O c~:~-1 -"'-""'"" ·. I/rl!~ ·7 g =::'..-':~--=u~M_!-~.!!.-" ooo,ooT- ~ Ir ~ = _=---; ~ = = __ D M ~~~ -~ ~ IT ,----l " DOWNTOWN STUDY for the CITY of ROYAL OAK DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY 1~ [ffi.., I :i J □ ,_____ --_&Jl [ I; M :... II r ) I~\ l' o~ \~_, 0 } 111--...Jl z .llmll ~► 7 ~ •! CllltJ LEOENO .. IIIUU'l-ftUaLY IIULD9tQ • !M i i i I I I L_C_ _ "l l r I ~7 I EXISTING MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL Refer to narrative on page 7•& 7 • 22 �INVENTORY AND ANALYSIS ____, '--------' o r;::;i I P I ~ fo ~ LEGEND 1111 BARTON LARIY~ TF DISTRICT t!Jlit~ •■- DDALIWTS Refer to narrative on page 7•10 7 • 23 �INVENTORY AND ANALYSIS Special Study Areas □ DOWNTOWN STUDY for the CITY of ROYAL OAK DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY g SPECIAL STUDY AREAS Refer to narrative on page 7•12 7 • 24 �INVENTORY AND ANALYSIS Circulation CIRCULATION INVENTORY AND ANALYSIS Royal Oak is well served by regional connectors. 1-696 to the south links Main Street to the greater metropolitan suburbs east to Lake Huron and west to Southfield, Novi and beyond . This is well recognized by the 1-696/Woodward development initiative. Woodward has and will continue to be a major north/south connector. This has been both a bane and a blessing historically. It has drawn economic growth away from the Downtown, but has also helped to preserve the small community based flavor of Royal Oak. Access to the Downtown from Woodward is along Eleven Mile Road and Fourth Street. The Fourth Street access has a very pleasing residential quality and should remain so. Fourth Street (Southbound from 1-75 only) and Eleven Mile Road also serve as the primary access routes to and from 1-75 to the east and therefore the main easVwest connector through Downtown . Main Street is the primary north/south corridor and serves as a secondary regional connector. As such it segments the east and west halves of Downtown. Parallel parking remains on Main Street and there is significant retail and business related pedestrian traffic. Pedestrian crossings however, are very difficult because of the width of Main Street and the lack of traffic lights at Second and Third Street. This street must be made more pedestrian safe and friendly to encourage participation in the business district and to help unify the eastern and western halves. The absence of traffic lights also creates very difficult and unsafe access onto Main Street from the side streets. The priority should be for the safety and convenience of those drivers and pedestrians using Downtown and not for through traffic. Planning for the convenience of through traffic should not take precedence over the need to accommodate and encourage commercial activity in the Downtown. The street layout of Royal Oak's Downtown is based upon a traditional urban grid layout; creating a generally well organized and readable circulation system . This fabric however is significantly impacted and in some cases negatively interrupted by the diagonal R.O.W. of the Grand Trunk Western Railroad. This is a double grade track through the DDA and can cause traffic delays and safety problems. Royal Oak residents and visitors have become accustomed to the crossings and many consider it part of the unique flavor of Royal Oak. It is a well used railroad line coming up to twelve trains per day and will continue to do so. It has the greatest impact on the easVwest traffic between Main Street and Washington Avenue. This accentuates the separation between the Main Street and Washington Avenue districts and discourages a good pedestrian link between the two areas. 7 · 25 �• • INVENTORY AND ANALYSIS Circulation It also creates a psychological barrier between the Third Street parking deck and the Washington Square district. Enhanced vitality of the Washington Square area and the Downtown in general will depend on creating pedestrian accommodations to facilitate these linkages in safe and attractive ways. The grid layout also breaks down in three other important areas; 1) at the intersection of Main Street, Seventh Street and the Railroad R.O.W.. Here future development needs to reorganize and accommodate both vehicular and pedestrian circulation . The Seventh Street dead ends are functionally and visually awkward, and pedestrians are at risk in this area. This area also serves, in conjunction with the OCC facility, as a "gateway" to Downtown and needs to be changed from a negative to a positive image area through roadway and landscape improvements. 2) The closure of Second Street, east of Main as a plaza provides for a more united Civic Center. In combination with the municipal parking lot however, it creates awkward access and visual orientation to the City Hall and Library. If the Farmers' Market takes on an increased role as a public activity center circulation for the larger "Civic Center" needs to be simplified and well coordinated. Visual orientation to each of the components needs to be improved in the process. 3) The elevated railroad grade west of Washington Avenue creates awkward diagonal road and parking layouts. Not much can be done to change this due to limited space and pavement structures. Consideration should be given, however, to routing, signage and landscape improvements that will help clarify circulation in this area. Also long range options should consider reorganizing traffic patterns as they exist at Eleven Mile. The railroad underpass in this location is a "natural" gateway into the Downtown along Eleven Mile Road. This should be capitalized on throughout the use of "gateway" graphics, signage, lighting and landscape treatments. There is no existing element or location that suggests a gateway to the Downtown from the east along Eleven Mile. One needs to be created and the Farmers' Market area offers the best opportunity for this to occur. Softer and lower scale entry definition should occur on Fourth Street at the DDA boundaries. Entry definition along Main Street from the north is difficult at the north end of the DDA. The intersection of Eleven Mile and Main is a better location to emphasize as a Downtown landmark and entrance point. Streetscape development has created good pedestrian provisions within the Downtown and improvements should continue. Phasing plans for pedestrian circulation needs to be coordinated with parking and land development strategies. A major problem with parking deck utilization is recognition and access provisions (vehicular and pedestrian), signage and graphic systems, pathways and lighting, and landscape need to be designed to delineate and accommodate circulation to and from the decks and parking lots. Streetscape development needs to improve the convenience, comfort and safety of pedestrians at street and railroad crossings. 7 · 26 �• INVENTORY AND ANALYSIS Parking PARKING INVENTORY AND ANALYSIS With the increasing popularity of Downtown Royal Oak as a business, commercial and entertainment center, the pressure to provide sufficient parking increases. Existing parking areas in the DOA can support a finite amount of increased land use before additional parking must be provided. To begin to understand the projected need for parking in Downtown Royal Oak, a quantitative and qualitative evaluation of parking patterns was conducted over a two week period in October 1992. The greatest pressure on parking occurs during special events such as the Festival or when the Royal Oak Music Hall and the Baldwin Theatre are hosting events simultaneously. Parking counts the theatre have not yet been possible due to the on-going renovation of the Royal Oak Music Hall. Peak times of parking use on weekdays are between 9:00 and 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 to 2:00 p.m .. On weekends, peak periods of use are after 4:00 p.m. (Friday or Saturday evenings), and between noon and 3:00 p.m. on Saturday. Actual survey days and times were: Friday, October 2, 1992 Saturday, October 3, 1992 Wednesday, October 7, 1992 7:00-9:00 p.m. 12:00-2:00 p.m. 9:00-10:30 p.m. and 12:00-2:00 p.m . The weather on all three days was clear and between conducive to shopping and outdoor activities. so· and 75• F, and fully Occupied parking spaces were tallied at each of the following parking lot locations: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. The The The The The The The The The Lafayette Street parking structure Center Street parking structure Sherman Drive surface lot Center Street surface lot Hilzinger surface lot City Hall surface lot Farmers' Market surface lot Lafayette surface lot Railroad surface lot Occupied street parking spaces were tallied on Main Street between Eleven Mile and Sixth Street; Fourth Street between West Street and Troy; Second Street between Center and Main; and Washington Avenue between the railroad tracks and Sixth Street. 7 · 27 �INVENTORY AND ANALYSIS • ,---- . • r I J LAFAY STREET STIIUCTUAE T-:> DOWNTOWN STUDY for the CITY of ROYAL OAK DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY 7 • 28 �• INVENTORY AND ANALYSIS Parking Parking spaces utilized were recorded as totals and percentages in table 4.1, Parking Conditions. Part of Table 4.1 includes a brief qualitative evaluation of the surface lots and parking structures in terms of the following criteria: Proximity to major destination points - Evaluation of parking areas that are a one, two, or three+ ~inute walk to major destination points such as a theatre, group of stores, or restaurants. Visibility/identifiability to the first time visitor - Evaluation of the ease by which visitors, particularly first time visitors, can find an appropriate parking area. Desirability - Evaluation of the degree to which a particular parking area may be preferred due to non-distance factors such as lighting, a sense of security, and ease of use. Lighting and a sense of security for the Downtown streets and parking areas were evaluated on Friday, October 9, 1992 between 8:00 p.m. and 12:30 a.m .. Ease of use is based on ingress and egress points, vehicle circulation, available parking spaces, etc .. Based upon this evaluation and the attached statistical analysis, the following was concluded: Parking during the week is readily available in the morning and afternoons in all locations, including parking structures, surface parking lots, and on-street parking. Weekend parking spaces during peak use times are more heavily utilized than weekdays particularly on Friday evening, but only reach 100% capacity at the City Hall lot and the Second Street and Washington Avenue lots. Street parking is available on almost every block during the week. On Weekend nights these spaces fill to near capacity. This may give the impression that no parking options remain in the Downtown area when in fact a number of spaces are available in the surface lots and parking structures. The parking structures are not heavily utilized most of the time. On weekdays the Center Street parking structure is filled on the first two and one-half levels and empty on the top levels , while the metered spaces at the Lafayette parking structure are largely unused. On weekend evenings the Center Street parking structure fills at the first level, but is virtually empty on all other levels. This may be due to a perception that this parking structure is unsafe. 7 · 29 �• INVENTORY AND ANALYSIS Parking Although the table on Page 7.31 indicates that the Lafayette Street parking structure reaches 51% of capacity on weekend evenings between 6:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m., we noted that the 141 available meter spaces gradually fill to near capacity as the evening progress toward midnight. The leased portion of this parking deck, 393 spaces , remain less than 20% filled at this time. The level of utilization of surface lots on weekend evenings seems to depend to some degree on the perceived level of safety in addition to the other factors of proximity and convenience. This survey was unable to assess the parking situation on the nights that both the Royal Oak Music Theatre and the Baldwin Theatre are open since the Royal Oak Music Theatre is closed for renovations. This study is not intended to be an extensive evaluation of parking in the Downtown. It is rather a reality check on perceptions of supply and demand. It is a snap-shot of peak demand periods, during good weather and after the start of the school season. It therefore represents an evaluation of capacity and worst case requirements. 7 · 30 �• • .• dc, INVENTORY AND ANALYSIS Parking Utlllzatlon Summary . . NUMBER .•:•:• PARKINO AREA srATISTICAL FINDINGS- . .·.·. •·• AND PERCENTAGE OF PARKING SPACES unUZED ·.OAPACllYNUMBER OF .· TYPICAL WEEK DAY 0-10 A.M, PARKIN() SPACE$ FRIDAY EVENING TYPICAL WEEK DAY .12·2 P,M. AVAILABLE SATURDAY &-9 AFTERNOON 12 • 2 P.M. I•· ::::: Lafayette Street Structure 141 Metered 393 Leased 22 Metered (16%) 208 Leased (53%) I 33 Metered (23%) 208 Leased (53%) VISIBILITY/ DESlfW3IUTY IPENflFIABIUTY fO •LIGHTING •••· FIRST TIME VISTOR •EASE OF USE Adequate/ Undesirable Poor Medium Desirable/ Adequate Fair Medium Desirable/ Undesirable Poor Low Yb P~OXlMlfi ~AJOR I••· DESTINATION POINTS :::: 1. QlJALITAtl'iE EVALUATION I 80 Metered (57%) 71 Leased (18%) 30 Metered (21%) 46 Leased (12%) 502 309 (82%) 330 (66%) 114 (23%) I 166 (33%) Sherman Dr. Lot 68 30 (44%) 30 (44%) 35 (52%) I 21 (40%) II 4. Center Street Lot 98 53 (82%) 62 (73%) 83 (98%) I 81 (95%) II Adequate Good Medium 5. Hllzlnger Lot 81 31 (38%) 46 (57%) n (95%) I 61 (75%) II Adequate Good High 6. City Hall Lot 227 71 (31%) 149 (66%) 227 (100%) I 152 (67%) II Desirable Fair High 7. Farmer's Market Lot ±3201 174 (54%) 159 (50%) 74 (23%) I 54 (17%) II Desirable for Farmers Market; Undesirable for other destination polntll Poor Medium-Low 8. Lafayette Lot 226 94 (42%) 144 (64%) 148 (65%) 90 (40%) 11 Adequate 9. Railroad Lot 50 41 (60%) 49 (72%) 53 (78%) 45 (66%) II Adequate Low 8 4 (50%) 6 (75%) 8 (100%) 8 (100%) II Deslrable Medium/low 11 . Main Street 62 19 (31%) 42 (68%) 57 (92%) 52 (64%) 11 Desirable Good High 12. Fourth Street 47 19 (40%) 29 (82%) 44 (94%) 32 (68%) 11 Desirable Good High 13. Washington Street 33 23 (70%) 30 (91%) 33 (100%) 30 (91%) 11 Desirable Good High TQtal W/QIJt l ~ Splil<;et 1863 89() Total with Leued Spaoes ~ 1098 ,. , 2. Center Street Structure 3. 10. Second Street c~ l 1109 C49'b>d 1311 .••• : t~> l . 009 tse:r r t\~ . (~) I #4 {53%) ::: (S0')6) I: sio: >r · (42'!,) 1 Free Parking In Farmer's Market Lot ..., • c;., ..... Refer to narrative on page 7•27 - 7•30 0-250' 251).500' 500'+ Medium = = = Desirable Adequate Undesirable �INVENTORY AND ANALYSIS __J - □- B g ;1 ____J □ I Parking Utlllzatlon Weekday AM 7 CJ Do ', □ I- □1, g \ '\ ·<·,·. ::~ Joff O:n ~ □ "----'-~ \C1~ ~~ - l I ]j : = = L--!.J 1- , tJII , ............__. I L E DD • ------ 1 1 i Library meter• - pace• I_.J ,,,,,,-, I WAIi CI Poll H-1-H) !l!::_, p teaaed r==i) ~ ~ ·/.;: :; :; ; ; :;: :;:.,., , DD _____, ~--LP . ~ 1--.J:==-= ""---~., ,_ i •.. , 0 28 - 50% UTILIZATIOH l'I I___ -l □ ~ 51-75%UTILIZATION 11 • 76-100%UTILIZATION c::J ~ 50 , . . 'Ko. ~ -~,r~~~~~ ] [ .r s 1□-·7 /~ 0 ~c_ -~ • ~ --[1'00 V ~~ 8 I 1 l l'-------1...1..1....r ~ ,-;, §~Li ~~=====1 .-- ~ □ jJI, m_ . □j=l□ ~J: w--- ~-----,- , - I ! irT'.iJ - - 110 0 ~ ' !a - ~ •~ ------== ____~ ~,~~ I=._ H □N: _ 25% UTILIZATION H • ~cc- , ,._.. _::_:: ~ i ~a□'[]OJOJ ~ ~-=-= ~~~~~ I J rr ,---, 11 f---! ~ Z d □ T I : i i □- □--= - --= ~ "' Qr-..:.._____ \\· ---------. l -- mi[ L Ii : /i \<, Weekday AM (9:00-10:00) DOWNTOWN STUDY for the CITY of ROYAL OAK DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY Refer to narrative on page 7 • 27 - 7 • 30 PARKING UTILIZATION 7 • 32 �INVENTORY AND ANALYSIS D0 Weekday PM ( 12:00- 2 :00 ) DOWNTOWN STUDY for the CITY of ROYAL OAK DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY Refer to narrative on page 7•27 - 7•30 PARKING UTILIZATION 7 • 33 �INVENTORY AND ANALYSIS Parking Utilization Friday PM LEGEND □ 0 - 25% llTILIZATION □ 211 - 50% llTILIZATION Friday Evening (6:00-9:00) DOWNTOWN STUDY for the CITY of ROYAL OAK DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY Refer to narrative on page 7•27 - 7•30 PARKING UTILIZATION 7 • 34 �INVENTORY AND ANALYSIS lioth metered - end lNHd -.ea =i L___--'-'J"f DD Saturday Afternoon ( 12:00-3:00) DOWNTOWN STUDY for the CITY of ROYAL OAK DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY Refer to narrative on page 7•27 - 7•30 PARKING UTILIZATION 7 • 35 �INVENTORY AND ANALYSIS Publlc Parking Coverage I JI. DOWNTOWN STUDY for the CITY of ROYAL OAK DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY r WALKING DISTANCES Refer to narrative on page 7 • 27 - 7 • 30 7 • 36 hn �INVENTORY AND ANALYSIS Streetscape Paving and Furnishings PAVING AND FURNISHINGS INVENTORY AND ANALYSIS Streetscape conditions contribute significantly to the perception of the health and vitality of Downtown Royal Oak. As part of this study, streetscape conditions were observed and documented in order to identify segments of the Downtown in need of attention , repair, replacement , or, perhaps style updating. Items such as lights, benches, pavement, trees, trash receptacles, billboards.signs, planters, walls and bicycle racks were observed and evaluated for their function , condition and style. To facilitate the discussion, the condition of Downtown Royal Oak's streetscape is described by the Phase number in which each area was implemented. Six phases of streetscape construction have been completed to date with several additional blocks of streetscape proposed for the future . The following is a description of each: Location: Construction in this phase took place on Main Street between Third and Lincoln, excluding the block between Fourth and Fifth ; Washington Avenue between Washington Square and Fifth; and on Fourth between Main and Washington Avenue. Condition: This phase of streetscape is in remarkably good condition considering that it has been in the place the longest. Hard elements such as concrete and brick parking, tree gates, concrete walls and planters, and street lights are generally excellent. Some of the wooden street furniture is showing signs of wear. Streetscape vegetation appears healthy; although flower planting maintenance is sometimes poor. Issues: More specific areas or issues to be addressed include: A study of the railroad crossing area on Fourth . Improvement of the visual appearance along the railroad tracks and buildings should be considered. Improvement of conditions and appearance on the west side of Washington Avenue near Fifth Street. Items that contribute to the poor appearance of the area include the deteriorating asphalt sidewalk, the temporary wooden wall, and the lack of street plantings. The consistent use of either brick pavers or concrete pavers for the special pavement bands. Fresh coats of paint for some of the light standards. 7 · 37 �INVENTORY AND ANALYSIS Streetscape Paving and Furnishings Pedestrian street lights and tree plantings between Downtown and OCC on Main Street. Utilization or removal of concrete "kiosk" elements . Location: Construction in this phase took place along Main Street between Eleven Mile Road and Third Street; Fourth Street and Fifth Street; and the Hilzinger lot. Condition: Most pavement and hardscape features are in good condition. Wooden benches and trash receptacles appear worn and somewhat outdated. Some of the concrete curbs at "bump out" areas are chipped. Street trees, consisting primarily of honey locust, appear acceptable, but may have reached their peak level of maturity. Issues: Replacement of street trees. Evaluation of wooden streetscape furniture and lights. Safe pedestrian crossings on Main Street. Location: Construction in this phase took place along Washington Avenue between Fifth and Seventh, and on Sixth Street between Washington Avenue and Lafayette. Condition: All streetscape elements in this phase appear to be in excellent condition. Issues: The use of concrete pavers in place of brick pavers on special pavement bands. Update of streetscape furniture and lights. The use or replacement of honey locust trees. 7 · 38 �INVENTORY AND ANALYSIS Streetscape Paving and Furnishings Location: This phase was implemented on Eleven Mile Road between Troy Street and the railroad tracks. Condition: All streetscape elements are in generally good condition . There is some pavement break-up by some of the round tree grates at the City Hall parking lot. Plant material appears healthy. Issues: Streetscape was placed only on the southern side of Eleven Mile Road. (ODA limit) Utilization of both concrete pavers and brick pavers for the special pavement bands. Most pavement cracking is occurring near the concrete pavers and the round shaped tree grates. Use of different style tree grates. Location: These phases are located in three separate areas: 1) near City Hall; 2) on Lincoln between Main and Washington Avenue, on Washington Avenue between Seventh and Lincoln ( the OCC area) ; 3) on Fourth between Washington Avenue and West Street, and on Lafayette between the parking deck driveway and Fourth (the Washington Square Area). Conditions: All streetscape elements near City Hall and the Washington Square area appear to be in excellent condition . The OCC area appears generally good, although the section along Lincoln lacks some of the streetscape elements found in other parts of Downtown Royal Oak. Issues: The use of both concrete and brick pavers for the special pavement banding. Streetscape is found only on the north side of Lincoln . (DOA limit). Minor additions and improvements along Lincoln Avenue near OCC. 7 · 39 �INVENTORY AND ANAL VSIS Streetscape Paving and Furnishings Completion of the streetscape in the DOA is scheduled for Fifth Street, Sixth Street and Lafayette Street in the next year. Streetscape development that will improve the R.O.W. between 1-696 and Downtown Royal Oak is proposed, and MDOT/ISTEA grant monies have been applied for. In general, all phases of the Royal Oak Streetscape are in very good condition. Streetscapes in the ODA are so uniform with respect to the design , use and condition of streetscape elements that there appears to be no distinction between the various districts within the DDA. This can lead to a lack of proper orientation within the ODA for the first time visitor. A hierarchy and distinction by use and area would enhance the "readability" of the Downtown. Lower maintenance and hardier materials as well as materials with strong winter value should be considered for replacement in stressed planting areas. Other considerations for future streetscape improvements should include the updating of lighting and site furniture styles, consistent use of pavement materials, expansion of streetscape elements to both sides of Eleven Mile and Lincoln , the potential replacement of some street trees and the creation of hierarchy and districts within the Downtown. 7 · 40 �INVENTORY AND ANALYSIS Streetscape Typical Royal Oak Sidewalk Improvement Detail ;--------10'------,------------ -----------------10'--- _I ----· 5' ----------4 5' - - - - - - L. A 5' SIDEWALK PAVING -DETAIL- Refer to narrative on page 7 • 37 - 7 • 40 S' L.--s 7 • 41 �INVENTORY AND ANALYSIS Streetscape Lighting LIGHTING INVENTORY AND ANALYSIS Lighting conditions in Downtown Royal Oak were qualitatively assessed on Friday, October 9, 1992 between 8:00 p.m . and 12:30 a.m . Areas that were evaluated include the area bounded by Eleven Mile , West Street, Sixth Street and Troy Street, plus the Farmers' Market parking lot. Evaluations were based on the quantity and quality of light at various points along streets and in parking lots located within the study area described in the parking inventory. The results are based on the judgement of two individuals (one male, one female) on a single night of observation. Attempts were made to evaluate conditions from several perspectives, including that of a single young female, or an elderly person who may feel more vulnerable. Other factors that can affect perception of light conditions include the number of people and level of activity on the sidewalk, number of cars on the adjacent street, openness of a parking lot due to a lack of cars or vegetation , distance to an area of shelter, light levels on an adjacent block, whether you are on the edge of a business or residential district, number of people you are with, time of night, and so on. Our analysis is, and we feel rightly so, qualitative and based upon an intuitive synthesis of human feeling of relative comfort and safety. The method for evaluation of lighting conditions included going to the perceived darkest point in a parking lot or street and noting the following: The relative darkness or lightness of the area, on a scale from no lighting to good lighting in the context of its surroundings The perceived level of security or safety one felt and the reason why The source and character of the light, i.e. cobra-heads, pedestrian lights, window lights, canopies, signs, etc. A light meter was used to record the light level at each evaluation point in order to provide a point of reference for light level evaluation. More than fifty points within the study area were evaluated in this fashion in order to develop zones of good, fair, and poor lighting. These results are displayed on Page 7-43 . As the analysis on page 7.43 indicates, most streets have lighting that makes them feel at least marginally safe. Major streets such as Main and Washington , which benefit from pedestrian level and signage light, have the best lighting, while side streets and residential streets possess fair lighting and sometimes poor lighting. Two significant blocks of Lafayette Street have very little lighting or are poorly lit. The City Hall parking lot and the Hilzinger lot are well lit and feel safe. 7 · 42 �INVENTORY AND ANALYSIS Streetscape DOWNTOWN STUDY for the CITY of ROYAL OAK DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY LIGHTING CONDITIONS Refer to narrative on page 7 • 42 7 • 43 �INVENTORY AND ANALYSIS Streetscape Lighting The Railroad lot, Washington Drive lot, and Center Street lot, on the other hand, are poorly lit and dot not feel safe. In fact , most lots or streets that are across from or adjacent to the railroad are poorly lit. The Farmers' Market lot and the Lafayette lot have fair lighting and feel marginally safe . The parking structures generally have good lighting. However, the top level of the Center Street structure contained lights that were not functioning and therefore did not feel safe. The variation of light levels within the Royal Oak DDA is acceptable as long as the user feels safe . Properly designed light levels of varying intensity can help to establish a hierarchy of the primary and secondary use districts within the DDA. Lower street light levels allow for the use of varied and creative individual lighting effects that can add character to the Downtown. The important thing is to create lighting effects and definition that increase the feeling of safety in the poor and fair lighting areas, regardless of whether they actually increase the light level. These lighting effects can include pedestrian scale lights that help define direction and movement through the DDA, and specialty lighting like that which is found on signs, storefront windows, canopies and marquees, which highlight destinations. Area lighting for parking lots need to be sensitive to light spill into residential areas. 7 · 44 �INVENTORY AND ANALYSIS Streetscape Facades and Signage FACADES AND SIGNAGE The "walls" of the Downtown Royal Oak streetscape are an especially eclectic blend of historic architecture , worn out renovations , along with unique and often daring, facade expressions . The scale seldom exceeds two stories which gives the Downtown a very approachable pedestrian scale. These low facades in combination with wide streets make the streetscape feel open with lots of sunlight. The streetscape tree plantings help to reduce the scale of the wide roads and separate people from cars . Most of the taller buildings are from previous eras which is advantageous because the most visible buildings are also the most attractive. Many store fronts have large display windows at the street level and "punched" or individual windows on the second floor. This gives a good sense of public and commercial scale at the street level; with human and residential scale above the street. This character gives Royal Oak its feeling of tradition and hometown quality. It is a strength and should be emulated. "Improvements" which have eliminated this quality from the architecture should be restored to reveal this characteristic. Traditional elements such as recessed entrances provide mini-points of refuge along the street and enhance display space. This gesture of invitation to enter is a positive retailing characteristic. Awnings are used extensively, and although they are somewhat over used or over stated, they have some very positive effects. They offer protection from the elements , they bring a human scale to the street. They offer opportunities for clutter free signage and lighting, and they provide color and individual expression. Many of the older buildings still have the original awning ports that could be renovated . Virtually all signage is building mounted or painted on the facade or awnings. This is very helpful in reducing streetscape clutter. There is a greater integrity of materials in the older renovated buildings which is desirable. Combining durable materials such as stone, brick and painted wood with the non-durable materials of sheet metals, raw wood, and veneers is unfortunate and should be discouraged. Many of the better quality, more attractively handled buildings occur along the Main Street, Fourth Street, Washington Avenue corridor, which reinforces this as an important link through the Downtown and a priority zone for redevelopment efforts. Specialty signage/advertising efforts in the form of movable items placed outside of stores adds special interest and should be encouraged within the limits of pedestrian safety on the sidewalk. Outdoor dining also enhances the pedestrian scale and interest on the street. 7 · 45 �INVENTORY AND ANALYSIS Streetscape Facades and Signage Individual building lighting (inside and outside), if well handled, is a good way to get light on the streets while producing special interest and defining destinations. New development projects should follow the lead of the First of America Operations Center development to provide outdoor gathering spaces along the side walk. These points of respite, no matter how small, enhance the livability of the urban streetscape. The scale and visual variety of Royal Oaks streetscape facades is a true asset. Freedom of expression, while maintaining integrity of building materials and human scale should be the guiding principals to preserve, enhance and recapture the Downtown's comfortable feeling. Landscape development on the streets should serve to unify the variety of storefront expressions that exist in Royal Oak. It should, at the same time, be designed to highlight buildings of enduring architectural significance as a special place within the streetscape. 7 · 46 �Ill • - INVENTORY AND ANALYSIS Management and Service Provisions INTRODUCTION The matrices for Downtown services , organization/management, and events were prepared based upon review of materials provided by the City and Chamber of Commerce. Interviews with city staff, department employees and Chamber of Commerce representatives were also added valuable insight into the inventories provided herein. The purpose of these matrices is to provide baseline information about Downtown services and management functions and to identify any "missing services or management functions that might be considered as we proceed to formulate strategies and plans for the area. Downtown SERVICE INVENTORY MATRIX RESPONSIBLE ORGANIZATION FUNCTION DESCRIPTION 1. Street Sweeping Once per month , Apr.- Nov. and special events; used to sweep sidewalks, then merchants swept to curb - didn't work City Recreation/Public Service Dept. 2. Christmas Tree Lights Installed Wed. before Thanksgiving; Chamber of Commerce provides lights, City provides labor & electricity City Recreation/Public Service Dept. 3. Snow Removal Merchants pay for sidewalk removal on a lineal foot basis; swept to curb and plowed to center of street City Recreation/Public Service Dept. (DDA budget item) 4. Tree Planting and Replacement City provides labor and material in CBD during summer season City Recreation/Public Service Dept. (ODA budgeted item) 5. Downtown Cleanup Alleys and sidewalks cleaned with City sweepers/trucks and volunteers; end of April City Recreation/Public Service Dept . 6. Litter Cleanup and Flower Bed Maintenance May-Aug. part-time workers for labor, Chamber provides barrel planters, Parks & Forestry provides plant materials ODA provides part-time employees 7. Special Events Support Assist in cleanup, provide picnic tables, for garage sale, etc. City Recreation/Public Service Dept. 8. Light Maintenance Year round maintenance and electricity for Downtown ornamental fixtures City Recreation/Public Service Dept. 7 · 47 �-JI -, - ~ INVENTORY AND ANALYSIS Management and Service Provisions FUNCTION DESCRIPTION RESPONSIBLE ORGANIZATION 9. Brick pavers in Downtown require continual maintenance City Recreation/Public Service Dept. 10. Litter Containers Maintain redwood trash containers and empty twice a week City Recreation/Public Service Dept. 11 . Police Protection Provided by City Police Dept. City Police Department 12. Special Patrols Currently not provided Downtown either by City Police or private security force Note: Auxiliary patrols are provided for selected special events Downtown by the Royal Sidewalk Maintenance Oak Auxiliary Police 13. Fire Protection Provided by City Fire Dept. City Fire Dept. 14. Ambulance Provided by City Suburban Ambulance Service (Contract) City 7 · 48 �INVENTORY AND ANALYSIS JI Management and Service Provisions ,a - -;I "--- FUNCTION DESCRIPTION 15. Parking City meters/lots/garages 16. Public Transportation None 17. Street Maintenance and Resurfacing As-needed basis (Eleven Mile is county maintained) 18. Refuse Collection One free pickup per week 19. Recycling Curbside recycling service RESPONSIBLE ORGANIZATION CBD Parking Committee makes recommendations on regulation of parking facilities to the City Council's Traffic Committee. The City Staff Traffic Committee likewise provides input to the City Council. The Parking Authority is created by state enabling legislation with the authority to issue revenue bonds. The City collects parking revenues and makes payments to the Parking Authority for the repayment of bonds (4th & Lafayette garage; Center Street Facility) City City (under contract to Laidlaw) City (under contract to Laidlaw) - - ~ 7 · 49 �INVENTORY AND ANALYSIS Management and Service Provisions -ill Iii Ill -Ill -JI JI - Downtown ORGANIZATION/MANAGEMENT INVENTORY MATRIX RESPONSIBLE ORGANIZATION FUNCTION DESCRIPTION 1. General Downtown /Retail Promotion and Marketing General literature and activities; 1/3 time donated to Downtown . Represent Downtown merchants interests and concerns Greater Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce (DOA provides financial support for some activities) . Downtown Merchants Organization is a subcommittee of Chamber Investment in Downtown physical improvements and infrastructure. Financing authority via TIF supports economic development in the Barton/Lafayette District. The following revenue sources are utilized: Downtown Development Authority and City 2. Economic Development a) 1.8 mill operating levy on $43.5 million assessed value produces $78,400 annual revenue of which $37,100 is available for operating budget and the balance is captured by the Barton/Lafayette TIF Plan ($40,800) and the Woodward/1-696 TIF Plan ($500) b) 63.8 mill operating levy on $22.6 million captured revenue produces approximately $1 .5 million annual tax increment revenue c) CDBG entitlement appropriation (annual) ~ ~ • ~ 7 · 50 �-,- INVENTORY AND ANALYSIS Management and Service Provisions RESPONSIBLE ORGANIZATION FUNCTION DESCRIPTION 3. Prioritize resource allocation, land use controls (zoning, etc.). With the exception of the small area north of Eleven Mile Road, most of the Downtown study area is within the "Central Business District" zoning district. The "Intent" and pennitted uses specified in the zoning ordinance for the Central Business District are consistent with the vision and functions desired for Downtown that have been identified in our interviews and workshops to date. However, except for the minimal off-street parking design standards (Section 314-6) and general site plan review provisions [Section 318(b)(7)] there are few perfonnance standards in the Central Business District regulations that address design, landscaping, and related issues that may be important to the implementation of the Downtown plan . City Varying levels possible None Public Policy 4. Coordinated Retail Management a. full-time manager b. cooperative programs (hours) (HEPY survey shows wide disparity in Downtown business hours of operation) c. target business recruiting/broker incentives d. design assistance (previously tried with limited success) e. facade improvement (no longer available) f. cooperative advertising 7 · 51 �INVENTORY AND ANALYSIS Management and Service Provisions Downtown EVENTS INVENTORY MATRIX EVENT DESCRIPTION/DATE RESPONSIBLE ORGANIZATION 1. Farmers' Market City/County joint owners; operated by County Indoor/outdoor market operating on weekends City 2. Outdoor Concerts Jun.-Jul on lawn in front of Library Chamber of Commerce/City 3. Garage Sale July Chamber of Commerce/City 4. Art Fair/Walk Run June Chamber of Commerce/City 5. Grand National Auto Race August Chamber of Commerce 6. Holiday Festivities Nov.-Dec. Chamber of Commerce 7. December Chamber of Commerce Taste of Royal Oak 7 · 52 � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Wyckoff Planning and Zoning Collection Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Planning & Zoning Center (Lansing, Mich.) (Organization) Wyckoff, Mark A. Description An account of the resource Municipal master plans and zoning ordinances from across the state of Michigan, spanning from the 1960s to the early 2020s. The bulk of the collection was compiled by urban planner Mark Wyckoff over the course of his career as the founder and principal planner of the Planning and Zoning Center in Lansing, Michigan. Some additions have been made to the collection by municipalities since it was transferred to Grand Valley State University. Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Michigan Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1960/2023 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/870">Planning and Zoning Center Collection (RHC-240)</a> Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/NoC-US/1.0/">No Copyright - United States</a> Subject The topic of the resource Michigan Comprehensive plan publications Master plan reports Zoning--Michigan Zoning--Maps Maps Land use--planning Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-240 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource application/pdf Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Language A language of the resource eng Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Royal-Oak_Downtown-Master-Plan_1994 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Harley Ellington Pierce Yee Associates Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1994-01 Title A name given to the resource Downtown Royal Oak Master Plan Description An account of the resource The Downtown Royal Oak Master Plan was prepared by Harley Ellington Pierce Yee Associates with the assistance of Development Strategies Inc. and James A. Cloar in January 1994. Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Development Strategies Inc (consultant) James A. Cloar (consultant) Subject The topic of the resource Master plan reports Royal Oak (Mich.) Oakland County (Mich.) Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/870">Planning and Zoning Center Collection (RHC-240)</a> Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/NoC-US/1.0/">No Copyright - United States</a> Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource application/pdf Language A language of the resource eng Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Lemmen Library and Archives https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/5abeff5984fa3024b0890230f65687c8.mp3 e221828cec22f875f83757f10f8b56a2 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Richard A. Rhem Collection Description An account of the resource Text and sound recordings of the sermons, prayers, services, and articles of Richard Rhem, pastor emeritus of Christ Community Church in Spring Lake, Michigan, where he served for 37 years. Starting in the mid 1980's, Rhem began to question some of the traditional Christian dogma that he had been espousing from the pulpit. That questioning was a first step in a long and interesting spiritual journey, one that he openly shared with his congregation. His journey is important, in part because it is reflective of the questioning, the yearnings, and the gradual revision of beliefs that many persons in this part of the century have experienced and continue to experience. It is important also because of the affirming and inclusive way his questioning was done and his thinking evolved. His sermons and other written and spoken materials together document the steps in his journey as it took a turn in 1985, yet continued to revolve around the framework and liturgies of the Christian calendar. Subject The topic of the resource Clergy--Michigan Reformed Church in America Christ Community Church (Spring Lake, Mich.) Religion Interfaith worship Sermons Sound Recordings Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Rhem, Richard A. Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/514">Richard A. Rhem papers (KII-01)</a> Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives. Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Kaufman Interfaith Institute Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/page/InC/1.0/?language=en">In Copyright</a> Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Sound Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context KII-01 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant 1981-2014 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource audio/mp3 text/pdf Sound A resource primarily intended to be heard. Examples include a music playback file format, an audio compact disc, and recorded speech or sounds. Event Trinity Sunday Series From Proclaimer To the One Proclaimed Scripture Text John 20:21-22, Rev. 5:6, Rev. 5:13 Location The location of the interview Christ Community Church, Spring Lake, MI Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context KII-01_RA-0-19920614 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1992-06-14 Title A name given to the resource Doxology Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Richard A. Rhem Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/page/InC/1.0/?language=en">In Copyright</a> Subject The topic of the resource Clergy--Michigan Reformed Church in America Christ Community Church (Spring Lake, Mich.) Sermons Relation A related resource Richard A. Rhem - An Archive of Sermons, Prayers, Talks and Stories: http://richardrhem.org/ Language A language of the resource eng Type The nature or genre of the resource Sound Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource audio/mp3 Description An account of the resource A sermon given by Richard A. Rhem (Dick) on June 14, 1992 entitled "Doxology", as part of the series "From Proclaimer To the One Proclaimed", on the occasion of Trinity Sunday, at Christ Community Church, Spring Lake, MI. Scripture references: John 20:21-22, Rev. 5:6, Rev. 5:13. Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Lemmen Library and Archives https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/3e71c310a43dd284b673f5344f70a591.mp4 9face28aa0326467b6877adcbc8236eb https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/690f375bf7333a45156f467964b5f284.pdf cab48289e5aee0022c25b9d3491944b8 PDF Text Text Grand Valley State University Veterans History Project Interview Mildred Jane Doyle Interviewer: Frank Boring Transcribed by Emilee G. Johnson, Western Michigan University Length: 57:00 Interview begins at 3:05 Frank Boring: Let’s begin with your name and where and when you were born. Mildred Jane Doyle: Well, my name is Jane, Mildred Jane, but I go by Jane, Doyle. My maiden name is Baessler. I was born in Grand Rapids. 1921, October 1921. Frank Boring: 1921? What was your early schooling like here in Grand Rapids? Mildred Jane Doyle: I went to what was then Lafayette School, it’s now Vandenberg Academy of Arts, I think. I went to grade school there and then I went to South High School in the 7th grade and graduated from South High School in ’39. And then I went to what was then Grand Rapids Junior College in 1940 and University of Michigan 1941 to ’43. Frank Boring: Now, at that time, as a girl, 4:05 how did you figure out that you were going to go to college, I mean, a lot of girls were either going to be married or else they’re going to be a teacher, or a nurse or something, what was the—how did you decide that you were going to go in to college? Mildred Jane Doyle: My parents, from the time I can remember, said that we were going to go to college because they never had. My mother went through the 6th grade and my father came from Germany and he went to correspondence school after he got to this country, and worked for the railroad and they both wanted us to, there were 4 of us, and they wanted us to have a good education. Frank Boring: So education was part of your whole [garbled] Mildred Jane Doyle: It was very important. Frank Boring: That’s wonderful. Did you know what you wanted to do when you went to school? Mildred Jane Doyle: No. Frank Boring: So they pretty much picked it out for you? �Mildred Jane Doyle: Well, my brother was an architect, and he went to the University of Michigan and I always admired my brother so much that I thought, that’s what I want to do. So I went there and went into interior design. 5:05 Frank Boring: Ok. All right. Now, you’re in college, studying interior design, but the war is brewing out there. Were you aware of what was going on in Germany and Japan during that period? Mildred Jane Doyle: Well, I was because in Junior College, I was talking engineering drawing at that time, so I could transfer to U of M, and the professor, or, the instructor in engineering class came in and told the class, which was all boys, I was the only girl in the class, that there was going to be a summer program to train pilots. See, that was 1939. And the war was already brewing in Europe, and so the United States, well the Air Force decided that they needed more pilots and so they started the civilian pilot training program. Frank Boring: Was this Army Air Corps? Mildred Jane Doyle: It was Army Air Corps at that time. Frank Boring: Cause we didn’t have an Air Force at that time. [garbled] 6:05 So you’re the one girl in all this class of guys, ok, and they’re offering this pilots thing, was there any reaction to you volunteering to get involved in, did they think you were nuts or something? Mildred Jane Doyle: I don’t know what they thought, I didn’t care, I wanted to do it. Frank Boring: Good for you! Mildred Jane Doyle: So I thought, oh this sounds great, I want to do this. Frank Boring: So what was the process of actually signing up for this thing? Mildred Jane Doyle: Well I had to go through the physical and when they first started the program, they said women had to be 5’4’’, the same height as men. And so I thought, well that lets me out, but I thought, “Maybe I can stretch 2 inches!” [laughs] So I tried to stretch and everything, but then they lowered it to 5’2 1/2’’, so I just got it. Frank Boring: Just got in. Yeah, my mom is 5’ 2’’ actually, so… [laughs] Mildred Jane Doyle: So I had to take the physical and then we had ground school training, and went out there, and we were split into three classes at the airport. 7:05 Frank Boring: Now, you’re still in school? �Mildred Jane Doyle: I was in junior college. It was the summer, summer of 1940. Frank Boring: Ok! So, where did you train? Mildred Jane Doyle: We trained at the airport in Grand Rapids. Frank Boring: In Grand Rapids? Mildred Jane Doyle: We had our ground training school at junior college. Frank Boring: Oh, ok. Ground school is mainly like school classes, that kind of thing? Mildred Jane Doyle: Yes. You have to have so many hours of ground school and pass the ground school test. Frank Boring: How many people were in a class? Mildred Jane Doyle: There were 30 altogether. Frank Boring: How many women? Mildred Jane Doyle: There were 3, but I was the only one that got my license. Frank Boring: That eventually passed? Three women out of the whole 30. Was there any kind of reaction from the guys, that you’re there? I mean, it’s so unusual! Mildred Jane Doyle: No, because I played in the band too. Frank Boring: Ok. Mildred Jane Doyle: And so, there were a lot of them from the band that were in that class. Frank Boring: Oh, ok! So you were accepted. Mildred Jane Doyle: I was accepted. Frank Boring: Oh, ok, I’m glad to hear that. Mildred Jane Doyle: And when I was in high school, I was an ROTC sponsor, so 8:05 I was accepted in that. I tried all these things [laughs] that sounded interesting! Frank Boring: An adventurous young lady. Oh my goodness! Ok, so ground school is pretty much classroom kind of stuff, all right. But now you’re getting into the actual training flying. Tell us about that—what is that experience like? Mildred Jane Doyle: Well, I had to get out to the airport and my parents didn’t have a car, so that was a little problem, but I found a way to get out there. I think probably the bus or the �street car, maybe, I don’t know what went out there at that time. But it was every day, we had flight instruction. And after 6 hours, we soloed, and there was 36 hours of flight. Frank Boring: What kind of airplane were you flying? Mildred Jane Doyle: It was a Piper Cub. Frank Boring: Oh, ok. One seat? Mildred Jane Doyle: Well, it was a tandem one, one in back of the other. Frank Boring: Ok, so the instructor would sit behind you. Mildred Jane Doyle: Yes. Frank Boring: You would then have to taxi and take off 9:05 and all the basic stuff first and eventually, you got a chance to solo. Mildred Jane Doyle: Yes. Frank Boring: What was that like? Mildred Jane Doyle: Oh, that was quite an experience! [laughs] But we had acrobatics too, we had an area where we would go out and do acrobatics and loops and we had to go through all those things in case of emergency, you know how to handle the plane. So I got my pilot license that summer. Frank Boring: That summer you’re living at home? Mildred Jane Doyle: Yes. Frank Boring: Ok, and you’re taking the trolley or however—a Mildred Jane Doyle: Yeah, I don’t remember how I got there, but I got there! [laughs] Frank Boring: That’s the important thing. [laughs] Mildred Jane Doyle: I might’ve walked there. [laughs] Just to get there. Frank Boring: The actual training base itself, was it like one airplane, two airplanes, twenty airplanes, how big was this place? Mildred Jane Doyle: Well, there were the two air services at the airport at that time, and there was Northern Air Service and Becker Air Service. And so there were twenty of them that were training 10:05 at Northern and ten at Becker. And so there was several planes but I think we only ever used one, I don’t remember. �Frank Boring: So the airport as we see it now, all our offices out at the airport, there nothing like that now… Mildred Jane Doyle: No, this was at the end of Madison Avenue. The old airport. Frank Boring: Ok, ok. All right. And so this was just, what kind of a runway was it? Mildred Jane Doyle: Well, commercial planes came in and the Ford Tri Motor came in. And I think there was probably United Airlines flight in. They were small, but, it was just commercially too. Frank Boring: Ok. Was there a building out there and hangars and things like that? Mildred Jane Doyle: There were two hangars. Frank Boring: Ok. Just two hangars. Mildred Jane Doyle: Two hangars. Frank Boring: Two hangars. Oh my goodness. Was there a tower or anything? Mildred Jane Doyle: Yes, there was a tower. Frank Boring: I’m just trying to visualize it, because I look at an airport today and you’re talking modern airport with the roads and all that. Mildred Jane Doyle: 11:05 It extended from about 28th Street, where Madison went just past 28th Street, I think. And from there over to about 42nd, 44th. It wasn’t too large but it was large enough for planes of that time period coming in. Frank Boring: Sure, sure. Was this an exciting time for you? Mildred Jane Doyle: Oh, it was. I loved it. [laughs] Frank Boring: We were talking before the interview and before we got on camera about how I had talked to so many pilots, I grew up in an airline family and pilots just have this excitement, they’re flying! They’re flying! Mildred Jane Doyle: Well, there were quite a few of them, fellows that weren’t in the program yet, they weren’t instructors but they were flying out there and they were barnstormers. Frank Boring: Oh my goodness. Mildred Jane Doyle: So I went barnstorming a few times with them too. �Frank Boring: You did? For those people who don’t know what barnstorming is, 12:05 explain what is barnstorming? Mildred Jane Doyle: Well, they would fly to some small field out in the country and anybody that wanted to go up for a ride, they take for a ride and then they would do some stunts and that type thing. Frank Boring: Because this is before television, this is before all that kind of mass communications that we have, so it was exciting for people to see somebody actually get into a piece of wood… [laughs] Mildred Jane Doyle: [laughs] canvas and wood. Frank Boring: Canvas and wood, and fly around. And you say you barnstormed? Mildred Jane Doyle: I went with them. Frank Boring: Oh ok. Mildred Jane Doyle: And I flew some with them, but I didn’t do any of the acrobatics because I didn’t have my license. Frank Boring: So, when did you graduate, I mean, get your pilot’s license? What year was that? Mildred Jane Doyle: Well, that was 1940 that I got my private license. Frank Boring: Right. Mildred Jane Doyle: And that was 35 hours of flight time. Frank Boring: What was the purpose of getting a pilot’s license? Mildred Jane Doyle: Well, so I could fly if I wanted to. Frank Boring: Yeah, but is there any kind of career idea here, or? 13:05 Mildred Jane Doyle: No, not really. Well, I kind of wanted to be an airline stewardess but at that time you had to be a nurse to be an airline stewardess. And I couldn’t be a nurse! [laughs] That was one thing I couldn’t do. So I thought, well, maybe I can fly instead. Frank Boring: Because, the reason why I’m asking, Jane, is there really wasn’t many options, it’s not like you could go fly for UPS or go fly for United Airlines at that time. Mildred Jane Doyle: There were a few women in the country who were instructors at that time, but not very many because when the war started, there were about 39 that had, or about �45 that had commercial licenses or instructor’s license. And that was in the entire country at that time. Frank Boring: So, once you had your pilot’s license, you’re still in school? Mildred Jane Doyle: Mmhmm. Frank Boring: What happened next? Mildred Jane Doyle: Well, then I went down to University of Michigan after that summer and you could, they had an advanced program down there but they wouldn’t let women 14:05 in it. Frank Boring: Even though you had a license? Mildred Jane Doyle: Even though I had a license. And in the advanced program, you’d get a commercial license. So, they had the Civil Air Patrol at that time, so I flew with the Civil Air Patrol to keep up my hours. You had to have so many hours a year. Frank Boring: What purpose, because, once again, people don’t know, what’s the Civil Air Patrol? Mildred Jane Doyle: It was a civilian group that was formed to, as observation pilots or rescue pilots and it still exists, the Civil Air Patrol. They did rescue work, looking for downed planes or something like that. Frank Boring: So this is almost like the fireman, these are volunteers, and you had to fly. So, something happens, maybe there’s a fire in a forest or something and you’d fly over to try and find people that may be on the ground? Mildred Jane Doyle: Yes, it was more observation. Frank Boring: Observation? Ok. Mildred Jane Doyle: And of course, I didn’t have a plane, 15:05 so I flew with anybody that would take me. [laughs] Frank Boring: What happened next? In terms of American, Pearl Harbor is looming in the distance here. Is that the next major thing that happened to you? Mildred Jane Doyle: Well, that’s, right after Pearl Harbor, that’s when I got a telegram from Jacqueline Cochran and she was looking for any women pilots in the country who were interested, that had a pilot license, for training. �Frank Boring: Ok, let’s not jump ahead too fast. Where were you and what was your reaction— how’d you find out about the attack on Pearl Harbor? Mildred Jane Doyle: I was in school at the time, it was a Sunday morning and I’d gone over to do some extra work over in the drafting room over in the College of Architecture, and while I was working there, someone came in and announced it. One of the other students had heard it on the radio, I presume. Frank Boring: Did you know where Pearl Harbor was? Mildred Jane Doyle: I knew where it was but I didn’t really know too much about it, 16:05 but I knew there was a Navy base there. Frank Boring: What was the reaction of the people around you? Mildred Jane Doyle: Everybody was just stunned because that was going to change mostly the men’s lives that were all there at school and a lot of them went right away or were drafted, well, they weren’t drafted but they signed up for the service. Frank Boring: So the school, and I told you earlier, I talked with Mary Jean Brooks, she was in college at the same time, it was like the whole college just disappeared, just the men, it was gone, is that what happened? Mildred Jane Doyle: Well, quite a few but then they brought in programs, the Navy brought in the program that, V-12 or something, they had programs that the men would come and take so many courses at the university. And I think that probably kept them going during the war. Frank Boring: Yeah. They were— Mildred Jane Doyle: Military programs. Frank Boring: Yeah, military programs came in. But it was a completely different environment. Mildred Jane Doyle: Yeah, it was. Frank Boring: What was your reaction to Pearl Harbor? 17:05 In terms of you, personally, how, obviously, you said the men were either going to be drafted or they had to join, how was your reaction? Mildred Jane Doyle: I was just stunned, I don’t know what my reaction was but I know it was quite an experience to hear that at that time, I think we all probably went home and turned on our radios to see what was happening. �Frank Boring: Yeah, yeah. You know, the vets, certainly, that I’ve talked to, that remember that day so vividly, as you have, their course was set, they either waited to be drafted or they said, I’m going to join, so there was this purpose. What about you? Where there options, did you think about options you had or? Cause you didn’t have to go. Mildred Jane Doyle: No, but they weren’t really taking women yet at that time, see. So as soon as I got the telegram that they were looking for women pilots, why, I wanted to do it. Frank Boring: Explain who Cochran was. Mildred Jane Doyle: Jacqueline Cochran was head of the WASP program, she had, 18:05 she was an old-time pilot. Frank Boring: Did you know of her before? Mildred Jane Doyle: I had heard of her. Frank Boring: Ok. Mildred Jane Doyle: And she had won the Bendix Air Race, which was well know. Frank Boring: Oh, it’s like the Grand Prix! That was big! Mildred Jane Doyle: Yes, and she had won that. That was in 1938, and then she was invited by Eleanor Roosevelt to come and meet she and the president, and then she at the time said that if there was ever a time that women pilots were needed, that she was sure she could get enough women pilots to serve. And so she sent out this telegram for those that were interested. And of course I responded right away. [laughs] But I promised my parents that I would finish college first before I went in. Frank Boring: Well let’s, I realize this was a long time ago and it’s difficult to dig through all those cobwebs sometimes but, 19:05 when you got the telegram, what was your reaction to that? Mildred Jane Doyle: Oh, I was thrilled, because I thought, here was my chance to really fly! And do something. Frank Boring: How old were you? You were about 20-something right? Twenty…? Mildred Jane Doyle: This was 1942. Frank Boring: ’42, ok, so… Mildred Jane Doyle: I was 21. Frank Boring: 21 years old. �Mildred Jane Doyle: Mmhmm. Frank Boring: And here’s this woman that you’d heard about, she won the Bendix and you got this telegram saying, are you with—what does the telegram actually say? Mildred Jane Doyle: Just if I was interested and wanted more information to respond to it and more information would follow. Frank Boring: So what happened next, what did you do? Mildred Jane Doyle: Well, I just waited and then finally I got the notice to go to Selfridge Field. Frank Boring: Wait a minute, you didn’t just wait 20:05 because you responded, right? [SKIP IN DVD] Frank Boring: Were you part of the first wave or the second wave or the third or? Mildred Jane Doyle: Well, right about in the middle. Frank Boring: Ok, ok. So women had already gone through this? Mildred Jane Doyle: Yes, every month there was a new class. And they had started in Houston because there wasn’t any place for them to go. And they say, we paid our own way there and there were no uniforms or anything. Frank Boring: Wow. Well, what did you wear? Mildred Jane Doyle: Well, then when we were there we wore these coveralls. Frank Boring: You talking about one of those, the zipper, you step into in one of those one piece things? Mildred Jane Doyle: Well there were no zippers, they had buttons. Frank Boring: Oh, ok. Mildred Jane Doyle: They were a coverall, a one-piece coverall. Frank Boring: Yeah, yeah. I know what you mean now. Mildred Jane Doyle: And the flight suits we had, it was November, you know, when I started training down there, and we flew open-cockpit planes. So our flight suits were the heavy leather ones with sheep lining and they were rather large too and the boots were large. Everything was large, helmets. Frank Boring: Like canvas? �Mildred Jane Doyle: No, it was a leather helmet. Frank Boring: Leather helmet, 21:05 ok. Covering the ears? Mildred Jane Doyle: Yeah. Frank Boring: Ok. All right, yeah, yeah. What were you flying? Mildred Jane Doyle: Well when we got there, we flew PT19s, which was the Fairchild’s. It was the first trainer and after about 4 hours in that, they brought in Stearmans which is the PT17. Frank Boring: Which is what the men were training in too. The Stearman, yeah. Mildred Jane Doyle: So we finished our primary training in Stearmans. Frank Boring: Now where were you staying? Mildred Jane Doyle: Well, there were barracks on the base, and we stayed there and ate there and we could get off for a few hours on the weekend sometimes. Frank Boring: Into Sweetwater? [laughs] The metropolis of Sweetwater? [laughs] Mildred Jane Doyle: [laughs] Well, there wasn’t much in Sweetwater. Frank Boring: Well, give me, let me try to understand the actual base itself. How many barracks were there, I mean, not an exact number, but, approximately? Two, three? Mildred Jane Doyle: No, maybe ten. But they were long barracks 22:05 with a courtyard in between. There were six of us in one room. And there was a little— Frank Boring: Stacked bunks? Mildred Jane Doyle: No, side by side. Then there was the bathroom in between and then six more on the other side. Frank Boring: Showers? Mildred Jane Doyle: There were showers, yes. Frank Boring: Ok, so there were showers, where did you eat? Mildred Jane Doyle: We ate in the mess hall. Frank Boring: So there was actually a physical mess hall. [garbled] just like you see in the military [garbled] slop, slop, slop? �Mildred Jane Doyle: Green beans, I never wanted to see another green bean again. [laughs] Even for breakfast, green beans. And then we had physical, PT, physical training. And ground school— Frank Boring: What was a typical day like? I mean, like you get up in the morning, explain how that whole day went. Mildred Jane Doyle: Well, we got up with the bugle call. And it was about 6 o’clock in the morning, the bugle call. And then we went to the mess hall and ate. And then it was divided 23:05 that one group would go to flight school and the other group would go to flight training. Now, we were divided into two groups and there were, let’s see, about 40 in my class, so 20 in each group. Frank Boring: And you were part of the, which part were you with? Mildred Jane Doyle: Well, alphabetically. So it went to the middle of the alphabet. So I was in one group, but like I say, one group would go to flight training while the other was in ground school, and the next week it would change, alternate. Frank Boring: Alternate. Mildred Jane Doyle: We had flight school in the morning, we had flight work in the morning, and then we had ground school in the afternoon. Frank Boring: I see. And sometimes vice versa? Mildred Jane Doyle: And sometimes vice versa. Frank Boring: What was the physical training like? Mildred Jane Doyle: It was calisthenics and push ups and chin—when you go like that [motions], [laughs] everything! Frank Boring: Was there a drill instructor? Mildred Jane Doyle: Mmhmm. Frank Boring: Male or female. Mildred Jane Doyle: Male. Frank Boring: Obviously 24:05 in the movies and TV, they’re screaming in your face. Mildred Jane Doyle: [laughs] It was sort of like that. Frank Boring: Was it? Ok. So they were really… �Mildred Jane Doyle: We had to go through the same training the cadets went through. It was the same program. Frank Boring: Was there any, and I know we’re talking about school here, but was there any indication that they were treating you differently than they were the men? Mildred Jane Doyle: Some of the instructors, they were civilian instructors that we had, and there were some of them that sort of resented that we were getting military training and they weren’t in the service. Frank Boring: Themself. Mildred Jane Doyle: Some people had problems, but if you didn’t get out of line, why, you were all right. Frank Boring: You pretty much just did what you were told to do. How did you put up with the physical, I mean, did you adapt ok and were physically healthy and, 25:05 it was hard but you could get through it? You’re tired at the end of the night? Mildred Jane Doyle: Oh, yes. And getting up in the morning, I’m not a morning person, so that was bad. [laughs] And then we had barracks inspection where you had to have everything just spotless. It was the same training. Frank Boring: It’s interesting because you’re civilians yet you’re being treated like you’re in the military. It’s basic training! Mildred Jane Doyle: It was, uh huh. And even after we graduated, we were still civilians, but we were under military orders. Frank Boring: At that time, did you get communication from outside, did you get newspapers, radio, did you know what was going on in the world? Mildred Jane Doyle: Not much, mostly through letter from home and that type of thing. Frank Boring: So you were communicating with your family? Mildred Jane Doyle: Yes. Frank Boring: Did you keep those letters? Mildred Jane Doyle: No. I didn’t. [laughs] Frank Boring: Oh! Don’t tell a historian that, not on television! All right. 26:05 Were you homesick? �Mildred Jane Doyle: Not really, I was too busy to be homesick. I was doing something that I liked to do. Frank Boring: Yeah, that’s what I figured. Mildred Jane Doyle: And I just kept in touch with my parents and knew what was going on at home, so. And they were thrilled that I was in it. Frank Boring: What about concern for your brother? Where was he? Mildred Jane Doyle: He was in the Pacific on a destroyer and his destroyer was hit, but he came out of it all right. Frank Boring: But there was still concern there. Mildred Jane Doyle: Yes. Frank Boring: What’s going to happen? Mildred Jane Doyle: Mmhmm. Frank Boring: You graduated. Was there a ceremony? Mildred Jane Doyle: Yes. Frank Boring: What was that like? Mildred Jane Doyle: Well, Jacqueline Cochran and General Arnold came. Frank Boring: [gasp] Hap Arnold? Wow! Mildred Jane Doyle: And we were presented our wings. And see, for the first few classes, Jacqueline Cochran bought the wings, the military, they wouldn’t even buy the wings for us. And so, 27:05 up until about 2 classes before mine, the wings were different for each class. When they started out in the Ferry Command, they had the gold bonnet, and after that the wings had the number of the class on it, but then it was a standard wing with a diamond shape in the center for the rest of the classes. And I can remember graduation very well because when Jacqueline Cochran gave me my wings, she said, “How did you get in here?” Because I was so short! [laughs] And one of the girls, one of my best friends, was one of my barracks mates was almost 6 feet tall and the two of us were around together most of the time, and they called us Mutt and Jeff! [laughs] But I kept trying to stretch. And when I’d fly I’d have to take 3 pillows with me. Frank Boring: Oh my goodness! That moment when Cochran pins on your wings, that had to be amazing. �Mildred Jane Doyle: It was. My parents had come too, from Grand Rapids, 28:05 they came down for the ceremony and they were there. Frank Boring: See the closest I can associate to that, was I made Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts and my father was the one that pinned on my medal and I will always remember that for the rest of my life, that moment where they just, and you’re just standing there and…you got your wings. Mildred Jane Doyle: See they would have a parade of all the classes, march by a reviewing stand, and the same as the cadets program. Frank Boring: Did Cochran make a speech? Mildred Jane Doyle: Yes. Frank Boring: It was a inspirational, you women are, I mean, what was the gist of it, what do you remember about it? Mildred Jane Doyle: I don’t remember. [laughs] Frank Boring: So what happened after graduation? Mildred Jane Doyle: Well then I got a flight back to, I happened to know a fellow that was from Detroit and he was stationed at a nearby air base. And so he got leave 29:05 and flew me back to Detroit. [laughs] Frank Boring: This is something unheard of today, there’s no way this could happen. But I’ve talked to other vets from this area who were pilots, one of whom he married his wife, flew her back to Grand Rapids before they were married, flew her back there and that really impressed her that he could fly her to Grand Rapids in his airplane. Mildred Jane Doyle: Yeah, we flew into Romulus and then I got the train home from Romulus. Frank Boring: Wow. Well, what were your options then, I mean, what are you supposed to be doing after you graduated? Mildred Jane Doyle: Well, I had orders to go to Freedman Field in Seymour, Indiana, there were 10 days, we had 10 days leave. And then I had to report to Seymour, Indiana, June 1. Frank Boring: And you got there by train? Mildred Jane Doyle: Yes. That was another train ride I remember. [laughs] Getting out and taking the cab back to the base and… �Frank Boring: Oh my goodness. Were you being paid during this period of time? Did you have a salary? Mildred Jane Doyle: Yes, we got $200 a month. We got the same, I think the same 30:05 as the officers got at that time. Frank Boring: 200 bucks a month during…that’s a lot of money, actually. Mildred Jane Doyle: Mmhmm. But see, we had to pay for our own lodging and everything, so— Frank Boring: Yeah, your expenses were not covered. Mildred Jane Doyle: Yeah, but we were in [garbled], but I was lucky cause I got to stay in the nurses’ quarters on the base. They didn’t know where to put me when I got there. Frank Boring: All men, it’s all men there. Mildred Jane Doyle: Well, there were two other WASPs there, but they were living in town. And so when I got there, they said if I wanted to live in the nurses’ quarters, I could live there. And so that was convenient cause then I could walk to the flight line. Frank Boring: Give us an idea of this base, cause it’s a big place? Mildred Jane Doyle: It was a good-sized base it was the Advanced 1 Training School. In fact, the field is still there and they have reunions now 31:05 for people who were stationed there to get to go back. Frank Boring: So these nurses, were they in training? Mildred Jane Doyle: No, they were nurses for the base hospital. Frank Boring: Hospital. So this is a pretty big base. Mildred Jane Doyle: It was a good-sized base. Frank Boring: All right, what was your daily routine like during that period. You’re living with the nurses, there’s three, two others… Mildred Jane Doyle: Two others. Frank Boring: Two others in town. Mildred Jane Doyle: We were all assigned to the maintenance hangar. So we did test flights. Frank Boring: So every morning you would go there to the flight line, and what did you do? �Mildred Jane Doyle: Well, there was usually a flight that had to be tested every day. And if there wasn’t, why lots of times there were other personnel from the base that had to be flown to one of the other bases or supplies or something and we’d do those flights. Frank Boring: What kind of airplanes are we talking about? Mildred Jane Doyle: It was the advanced one-engine AT-10 Trainer. Frank Boring: They’re still trainers. Mildred Jane Doyle: Yeah. Frank Boring: So even though you’re ferrying people to destinations around the area, 32:05 you’re still doing it in a trainer? Mildred Jane Doyle: Mmhmm. It was a good-sized trainer, it had the two seats. Frank Boring: Two seats. Somebody comes to the base and they need to fly to X, somewhere, and so you get an assignment saying you need to go here. How did you know how to get there? Mildred Jane Doyle: Well we had [garbled] and flight map and… Frank Boring: What are the maps like in those days, were you flying by landmarks? Mildred Jane Doyle: Mostly by landmarks, but during training, we did have instrument training. So I had an instrument license. We never flew actual instrument flights but we had the Link Trainer, so we got the instrument rating. The only radio communication was, at that time, was a beam. And you flew, it was either dot dash or dash dot and it you flew on the beam you got the solid signal. If you got off the beam 33:05 on the right you’d get another signal and on the left you’d get the other signal. Frank Boring: These are not open cockpit now, are they? Mildred Jane Doyle: No. Frank Boring: Now you have closed cockpit, ok. What were you dressed like at this time, what were you wearing? Mildred Jane Doyle: Well after we graduated, we did get a uniform. And we had to pay for our uniform. [laughs] It was a blue, they called it Santiago blue. And it was a jacket an d slacks and a skirt and a purse and a hat. Frank Boring: The slacks you wore when you were flying, and the skirt you wore when you were at formal things, like that. �Mildred Jane Doyle: Yeah. And one time when I was flying, I had to go to, Cincinnati, I think it was, and I had my slacks on. And I had a flat tire when I got up there, so I had to stay overnight, and they wouldn’t let me in the dining room of the hotel because I had slacks on. [laughs] And I said, “Well, this is a uniform, this is all I have.” And they said, “Sorry, you can’t eat in here.” [laughs] Frank Boring: I was just going to ask about that, yep. It’s amazing to thing about, that time, women in slacks. 34:05 Today, you know, we think about jeans and… Mildred Jane Doyle: Yeah, it’s casual apparel now. Frank Boring: But they wouldn’t let you in to eat because you had slacks on. There’s three of you, then at this base, basically doing the same types of things, right? You were talking about testing aircraft, what did that entail? Mildred Jane Doyle: Well if one of the cadets came in and said, you know, something was wrong with the plane, we’d take it up for a test flight and see what was wrong and then maintenance would work on it. And then after engine change, it had to have so many hours of slow time on the planes, and we’d do that. So we were busy, the three of us. Frank Boring: Was there any social life? Mildred Jane Doyle: Yes. [laughs] That’s where I met my husband. [laughs] Frank Boring: Ok, let’s get down to it, here. Well, what happened? Mildred Jane Doyle: Well, there really wasn’t that much social life on the base, except for 35:05 the married people that were on the base. But some of the married people would accept me very well and we would do things together. And they were friends of my husband’s so we would do things together. Frank Boring: Well, how did you meet him? Mildred Jane Doyle: Well, he happened to be a check pilot and I had to be checked out in the AT-10. [laughs] Frank Boring: You’re in your slacks and your uniform and you walk up to meet this guy you’ve never seen before. Mildred Jane Doyle: Well, I was supposed to be checked out by somebody else but he said, “Let me do it.” [laughs] Frank Boring: Oh, really? You realize, of course, I’m going to interview him and I’m going to get his side of the story. �Mildred Jane Doyle: So that’s how I met him and he said, you know, would you like to go out for dinner, and things like that, so. Frank Boring: Oh my goodness. How long was that period of time, it terms of your dating, you’re still at work and everything but now you’re dating, you’re going to dinner, movies, things like that? Mildred Jane Doyle: Mmhmm. 36:05 He had been an instructor for quite a few years so he had quite a few friends there. So we did quite a few things off the base. Frank Boring: Did you like him from the beginning? Mildred Jane Doyle: No, I was scared of him. [laughs] Frank Boring: Cause he was an instructor with experience. Mildred Jane Doyle: Cause he was so strict. I remember one time coming in for a landing and he cut the engines on me, you know, and I had to quick respond and he was a good instructor, very good. Frank Boring: That’s wonderful. I’m going to ask him the same questions, by the way. I know in my parents’ case, I talked to my dad about how he met my mom and how my mom…you know sometimes the stories don’t always sync up. Mildred Jane Doyle: Well, that’s it, I was walking down the road to the flight line, probably a week after I’d been there and he came along and wanted to know if I wanted a ride and I said, “No, I’ll walk.” [laughs] I wasn’t too sure at first. Frank Boring: How long was that period of time 37:05 where you were working…where’d you go next from there? Mildred Jane Doyle: I stayed there because the program ended then in December of ’44. This was June of ’44 that I went there, and September we got a notice that the program might be disbanded because the vote was coming up in Congress whether to make us part of the military and it didn’t pass, so the program was going to be disbanded in December. Frank Boring: What is W-A-S-P? Mildred Jane Doyle: Women’s Airforce Service Pilots. Frank Boring: But they were not considered a part of the American military. Mildred Jane Doyle: No. It wasn’t until 1977 that Congress approved legislation to make us part of…that gave us veterans status. And then it took two years after that, we were finally �discharged. [laughs] We hadn't been in the service but we got a discharge, 38:05 an honorable discharge. So it was a lot of politics going on at that time. Frank Boring: So technically you were in the military, if you didn’t get discharged, you were in the military for some 30 years or something. That’s amazing. How did you hear about the V-E Day, the Victory in Europe? Do you remember the Victory in Europe? The Nazis had been defeated. Mildred Jane Doyle: Yeah, I trying to think if that’s… I remember about Japan, but I don’t remember V-E Day. Frank Boring: Ok, but you were still there, you were still at that training base? [garbled] Mildred Jane Doyle: I don’t think so. When was V-E Day? [laughs] Frank Boring: May of ’45. Mildred Jane Doyle: See, the base was closed and I was 39:05 already out by then. Frank Boring: You were already out of the WASPs, ok. Mildred Jane Doyle: Yeah, I think we were out in Dodge City, Kansas at that time cause he was still in the service. Frank Boring: Well, did you get married at that time? Mildred Jane Doyle: I got married in August of ’44. Frank Boring: All right, so you meet him for the first time, he’s very intimidating because he’s this instructor, he’s very strict. Ok. But he’s dating you, he’s wooing you, did he pop the question there? Mildred Jane Doyle: Yeah. Frank Boring: Ok. So he asked for your hand in marriage. Mildred Jane Doyle: We got married there at the air base. And one of the other WASPs had met her husband there and they were supposed to get married that date and he outranked the other fellow, so they had to wait a week. [laughs] Frank Boring: Well what about your respective parents, his parents and your parents, they were not there, right? Mildred Jane Doyle: No. 40:05 They didn’t really approve. Frank Boring: Really? �Mildred Jane Doyle: No, they thought it was sort of hasty, but it was. Frank Boring: They were concerned because it’s just the military and you’re just meeting this guy, very short period of time. But you’re stuck together for how many years? Mildred Jane Doyle: Well, 61 now. So it worked. Frank Boring: It worked! Mildred Jane Doyle: It worked. It’s amazing, other couples I know too, at the same time, knew each other just a short period of time, they’re still together. Frank Boring: The experience, then, during that period of time, as a WASP there, did you go outside of there, or pretty much that was your military service was there? Mildred Jane Doyle: I got orders to go to Panama City, Florida, to B-26 training for tow-target. And it was just at the same time that I got the notice that the program was going to be disbanded. So instead of going to Florida, I had to turn right around and come back. We could resign. 41:05 And so, I resigned in October. And the program was disbanded in December. Frank Boring: Did you have any idea that you were part of, at that time, what we now know as the WASPs, ok, and there’s a lot of publicity about it, it’s part of American history now, did you have any idea that you were part of this ground-breaking, new, pioneer, all those kind of words that you probably never used back then, did you have any idea back then? Mildred Jane Doyle: No and it wasn’t really till, well, for 20 years afterwards, well 40 years afterwards, because it was from 1944 to 1977, when an article came out in the paper that the first woman pilot for the military was graduating from the Air Force academy. And that stirred things up, the WASPs got busy then, with the help of General Arnold’s son, he lobbied to get the legislation through that we were part of the military. 42:05 But for that 40-year period, nobody knew who the WASPs were, really. Frank Boring: Once you resigned from the program, you’re married, where’d you go from there? Mildred Jane Doyle: Well the base closed then in December too, the first of January, so from there, why, we went to Dodge City, Kansas. Frank Boring: Your husband? Mildred Jane Doyle: Yeah. Frank Boring: He was assigned there? �Mildred Jane Doyle: Yes. And then to San Antonio, Texas, and then Douglas, Arizona, because the war was ending then, in fact, when we were on our way to Douglas, Arizona, that’s when the Japanese surrendered. Frank Boring: You heard on the radio? Mildred Jane Doyle: Yeah, in the car. I think we were in Kansas then. Frank Boring: What was your reaction? Mildred Jane Doyle: Oh, we were just thrilled it was going to be over with. Frank Boring: Was your brother already back? Mildred Jane Doyle: I don’t remember. I don’t think so. 43:05 Frank Boring: Cause I’m just thinking the relief must also have been directed toward your brother’s finally going to get back. Well, what did your husband decide to do after V-J Day was, where did you go? Mildred Jane Doyle: Well, then he stayed in a while, then, he was in Japan after the war. Frank Boring: Oh Occupation of Japan. You stayed here? Mildred Jane Doyle: Mmhmm, I stayed here. I was all set to go over there but because he had no previous overseas experience, he was an instructor during the war, I’d get to the top of the list and then I’d go to the bottom of the list for dependents because others that had overseas experience were chosen first. Frank Boring: How long was he overseas? Mildred Jane Doyle: He was, oh, about 18 months…maybe a year, but it was quite a while. Frank Boring: Yeah. Where did you stay? Mildred Jane Doyle: I stayed at home with my parents. Frank Boring: And you communicated by letter? Mildred Jane Doyle: Mmhmm. Frank Boring: He didn’t keep any of those? Mildred Jane Doyle: No. [laughs] 44:05 Frank Boring: Oh! �Mildred Jane Doyle: I didn’t think about it at the time. Frank Boring: I know, I understand. When you stayed at your parents’ house, what did you do for livelihood, did you just stay there and you were…did you go to work or? Mildred Jane Doyle: I got a job around Christmas time, downtown in Grand Rapids. But then I had a child, one child so I stayed at home and helped them out. Frank Boring: Yeah. What about flying though? Mildred Jane Doyle: I went out to the airport to keep up my license. But I finally decided it wasn’t worth it because, unless I could fly for a purpose—just to rent a plane and fly to keep up, it didn’t, I did it for a while, but then I thought, well… Frank Boring: Was there any thought on your part to become a pilot commercially, or were there opportunities? 45:05 Mildred Jane Doyle: Not many opportunities, not around here. There were in California and areas like that where there were a lot of aviation enterprises but around this area there weren’t. Frank Boring: And you wanted to stay here. Mildred Jane Doyle: Mmhmm. Frank Boring: Because of family, because of…? Mildred Jane Doyle: Yeah, and well, when he came back from Japan, he got out of the service and stayed in the reserve and kept going to Selfridge Field once a month for training. Frank Boring: Well why didn’t you move back to where he lived? Mildred Jane Doyle: Well, there wasn’t anything over there. You ever heard of Cuba City, Wisconsin? Frank Boring: No. Mildred Jane Doyle: [laughs] That’s where he was from. [laughs] Frank Boring: Ok, not a lot to do in Cuba City. Mildred Jane Doyle: We were over there, he was looking for work over there around the Milwaukee area, but then one of my parents’ neighbors knew of an opening here, so we came back here and he worked for that company for 30 years. �Frank Boring: Wow. Ok, so you settled down, in Grand Rapids, raised a family. 46:05 When you were living your life as a wife, as a mother, your husband is working, were there ever thoughts of nostalgia for flying and all that? Mildred Jane Doyle: Very much so. Frank Boring: Yeah? Well, tell me about it. Mildred Jane Doyle: Still, as soon as I hear an airplane, I look up. But I always wished I had kept on, flying some. Frank Boring: There’s nothing like it, huh? Mildred Jane Doyle: No, that’s it. It’s just, when you’re sitting up there and looking down on everything, you’re in a different world. And it’s really, it’s a wonderful experience. I don’t care about flying commercially because they go so you can’t even see the ground at high altitude. And you know, cramped, it’s just a small plane flying around, it’s just a different feeling. Frank Boring: When the 1970s arrives 47:05 and the first woman was recognized, how did you find out about that and what was your reaction to it? Mildred Jane Doyle: There was an article in Grand Rapids’ paper, her picture was in [garbled] first woman pilot for the military. And I thought, that’s not right! We were all, all of us were part of that, really. We flew every military plane there was, the WASPs did, and even the B-29, some flew that. Frank Boring: Well, you saw this in the paper, your reaction, as you just stated was, wait a minute, this isn’t right. I mean, I’m sure you were happy for her. Mildred Jane Doyle: Yes. Frank Boring: Well what happened after? Mildred Jane Doyle: Well, shortly after that I started getting letters and petitions for signatures to make us part of the military, to recognize 48:05 us as having been pilots for the military. Frank Boring: And then soon afterwards? Mildred Jane Doyle: It took it quite a while, the Stars and Stripes newspaper kept, weekly, sending us issues telling us what was going on. And it took quite a while before it was finally approved. Frank Boring: I grew up on the Stars and Stripes, I know exactly the things that— �Mildred Jane Doyle: So, yeah, I saved all those. Frank Boring: Oh, wow, you do have those. Mildred Jane Doyle: I have those. I have a lot of other things, but not letters. [laughs] Frank Boring: Ok. All right, you are now forgiven. The process took a period of time, but once it was finally decided that, you know, they were recognizing you, what was your reaction to that? Mildred Jane Doyle: Oh, I was glad to be recognized. Cause then I got the discharge afterwards so… Frank Boring: Did you feel you were part of the military the whole period of time you were in? 49:05 Mildred Jane Doyle: While we were training and while I was at Seymour. Cause I say, you had to follow military orders and everything, so. Frank Boring: You know, a similar thing happened, I interviewed several nurses, they were Red Cross, they weren’t military, they were Red Cross. And then, finally, they were military nurses. And it’s, you know, you look back on that period of time, and then flash forward to now, and we take these things for granted today. Nobody, I don’t want to say nobody, but there just seems to be this forgotten part of the pioneers that were involved. And I know you never thought of yourself as a pioneer, but really, I mean, when you stop to think about it, you broke ground for people. You gave opportunities to people that are 20 years old today and have all these options, all these options. Mildred Jane Doyle: That’s it, they recruit women for the military now, where then, at that time, well, I think, the Navy, 50:05 the women work actually in the Navy, after a time they were considered part of the military. Frank Boring: Yeah, that’s what happened to Mary Jean. Did you follow the career of Cochran? Mildred Jane Doyle: Yes, because we had reunions and she was a part of the reunions. And then she even invited us all out to her ranch in California, for one of the reunions, it was out there. And she was a real pioneer in women’s aviation. Frank Boring: Well she was the public face of it, and as you say, she really pushed for it. Mildred Jane Doyle: There was Cochran and Amelia Earhart and Nancy Love, they were really the three [garbled] women pilots. But there was one way back before that, I know, I have a book, the history of women in aviation. And they started out 51:05 more or less as hanging from balloons and different things, you know, in circuses and walking wings and �that type of thing, but the first woman pilot got her license in about 1929, something like that. Frank Boring: Wow, yeah. These reunions that you refer to, the one where Cochran was at, what was that experience like? You’re amongst all these fellow pilots, you don’t know many of them or maybe you don’t know any of them, but you’re part of a common group, though. Mildred Jane Doyle: Well, those of us that were in the same class would sort of go to the reunions and stay more or less with the people from their classes. But then those that were stationed at different bases had contact with the others. And I know here in Michigan, there’s about eight in Michigan now. Frank Boring: Oh ok. I, because of my father, I’m very closely related 52:05 to the Flying Tigers, the Flying Tigers reunions, and I feel that sense of family, because they were part of a common experience, do you feel that way with your group? Mildred Jane Doyle: When you’re with them you do, that you’re all part of one big group. Frank Boring: And now that you’ve been recognized, now that the world knows what a WASP is and it’s in the books and whatnot, when you go to reunions now, is there more of a sharing of this experience, this feeling of belonging to this group? Mildred Jane Doyle: Well, that’s it, there’s fewer and fewer every year. And so the reunions are getting smaller. They still have the reunions every two years. I didn’t go to the last one in Washington. But, just a couple of months ago, it wasn’t an actual reunion in Washington but we were invited to come 53:05 go through the White House and I didn’t get to do that either. But you know, the group has stuck together, you know, and trying to carry on the legacy and there’s some that have really been promoting the legacy of the WASPs and trying to do things that they will be remembered. Frank Boring: They should be. And you know, we were talking before we actually started the oral history interview, that, so many of the vets that I talk to, they were, course, 20 years old, 18, 19, 22, you’re focused on what you’re doing, your world was falling apart around you, you had to do your part to make sure we have the freedoms that we have today. It’s, I guess it’s amazing to me because, I was one of the lucky ones that didn’t have to go to war. And you’re part of a story that will live forever. Let me ask you this: your experience 54:05 in the WASPs, in the military, and we’ll call it that because they finally recognized it in the 1970s, how did that shape you as a person? Mildred Jane Doyle: I get upset now with the protestors and people that disregard, well not disregard, but have no respect for the flag, and things that go on now, I think, they have �no idea what people went through to make the country as it is and to protest and do that type of thing, I get upset with them. Frank Boring: You raised a family. Did you instill into your children the values that you got from your parents, the education, for example, did you really stress to them the importance of education, 55:05 stress to them the importance of being who they are, to find their own voice. Mildred Jane Doyle: I think so, I have five children and one didn’t go to college, no problem there, but the others all did and they’ve all turned out very well. Frank Boring: Cause I was very impressed with the fact that when we first started this interview, you talked about your parents stressing education, stressing how important it was for you. And when you stop to think about the number of women of your generation whose parents basically said, get married, have kids, you want to be a nurse, all right, be a nurse, but they encouraged you to go beyond. Mildred Jane Doyle: I probably didn’t as much with my children, I don’t know, tried to but probably not as much as my parents did. Because it was really important to them. Because they said, when I got the notice to join the WASPs, they said, finish your education first and I said, I will. 56:05 Because I respected them for what they had gone through to put me through college. Frank Boring: Let’s go back to moments that you remember from the WASP period. We’ve gone chronologically through, we’ve kind of walked through, but are there any stories that kind of stick out for you? Things that happened when you were a WASP? Either on a flight or? Mildred Jane Doyle: I remember one flight, it was a cross-country, an extended cross-country flight, and it was in Advanced Training, we had to take a 500-mile cross-country flight. And it was from Sweetwater through Oklahoma and Arkansas and I think Louisiana and Mississippi, around that area. And course, we had our instrument training at that time, but we had never flown instruments 57:00 At 57:00, interview begins fast forwarding, then stops. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Veterans History Project Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Grand Valley State University. History Department Description An account of the resource The Library of Congress established the Veterans History Project in 2001 to collect memories, accounts, and documents of U.S. war veterans from World War II and the Korean War, Vietnam War, and conflicts in the Middle East and elsewhere, and to preserve these stories for future generations. The GVSU History Department interviews are part of this work-in-progress, and may contain videos and audio recordings, transcripts and interview outlines, and related documents and photographs. Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant 1914- Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/page/InC/1.0/?language=en">In Copyright</a> Subject The topic of the resource Afghan War, 2001--Personal narratives, American Iran Hostage Crisis, 1979-1981--Personal narratives, American Korean War, 1950-1953--Personal narratives, American Michigan--History, Military Oral history Persian Gulf War, 1991--Personal narratives, American United States--History, Military United States. Air Force United States. Army United States. Navy Veterans Video recordings Vietnam War, 1961-1975--Personal narratives, American World War, 1939-1945--Personal narratives, American Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Smither, James Boring, Frank Relation A related resource Veterans History Project (U.S.) Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-27 Language A language of the resource eng Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/455">Veterans History Project interviews (RHC-27)</a> Oral History A resource containing historical information obtained in interviews with persons having firsthand knowledge. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Doyle, Mildred Jane (Interview transcript and video), 2004 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Doyle, Mildred Jane Description An account of the resource Mildred Doyle was born in 1921 in Grand Rapids, Michigan and served in the Womens Airforce Service Pilots Corp. She became a pilot during college, and then was requested to serve in the WASP corp. She worked, after training, on Freeman Field in Seymour, Indiana as a test pilot and ferrying people around the area. She went home when the WASPs were disbanded, and served as a homemaker in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Boring, Frank (Interviewer) Subject The topic of the resource Oral history Veterans History Project (U.S.) United States--History, Military Michigan--History, Military Veterans Video recordings United States. Air Force World War, 1939-1945--Personal narratives, American Women Language A language of the resource eng Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/page/InC/1.0/?language=en">In Copyright</a> Type The nature or genre of the resource Moving Image Text Relation A related resource Veterans History Project (U.S.) Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2004-06-26 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context DoyleJ Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/455">Veterans History Project Collection, (RHC-27)</a> Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource application/pdf video/mp4 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Lemmen Library and Archives https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/ee64eb7041c99c44d613ac3dc3ce7549.mp4 f4a102244067968c454c570027afce85 https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/3900b3f503d07e8a96c255e00298f3d8.pdf 710bbfb821a2928d03816561c86952e5 PDF Text Text Grand Valley State University Veterans History Projects Richard Doyle (1:48:02) Back ground information (00:15)             Was born in Bellows Falls, Vermont on September 6th 1945 (00:17) He has lived his entire life in Vermont and still resides there. (00:26) He grew up in a relatively small town of 3,500 residents. (00:33) He attended high school and graduated in 1963. (00:43) He attended a Catholic grade school. (00:59) He attended a prep school after high school for a year in 1963 before attending the University of Vermont for 4.5 years (approx 1964-1969) (1:14) He Graduated from the University of Vermont in May of 1969 (1:27) He was a history major. (1:32) His mother was a hairdresser. (1:50) His father worked his first career on railroads and his second career in a machine shop. (2:00) His degree was awarded to him while in basic training. (2:44) He received his draft notice in January or February of 1969. (3:03) Basic Training (3:05)                After receiving his notice he went to Fort Dix, New Jersey. (3:10) He didn’t believe the army would waste his talents by placing him in the infantry. (3:20) 90% of his company was national guardsmen and after they finished their training they were going home. He realized that for him this would not be the case. (3:49) He received orders to undergo advanced infantry training. (4:43) He went to Fort Lewis Washington for his infantry training. (4:50) After his testing he was interviewed and offered an opportunity to attend Language school or a position in the Officer Candidate School. (5:00) He went directly from basic training to advanced Infantry training with no leave in between. (6:15) Advanced infantry training lasted 6-9 weeks. (6:23) In advanced Infantry training (AIT) there was much more running than in basic as well as educate in squad tactics checking for booby traps and more field problems. (6:50) In AIT he was also trained on TOWS, LAWS, and bazookas. (7:36) He was trained on the M14 in basic training but switched to the M16 for AIT. (7:48) After finishing training he was given a 2 week leave before being sent to Vietnam. (8:42) He was sent out to Vietnam from Fort Lewis, Washington. (4:08) All the men he saw in AIT were primarily draftees. (9:46) A very small number of the men he trained with received order to Germany. (10:16) � He attempted to apply for NCO school however he was unable to be accepted because his infantry score on his tests was too low. (10:40) Arrival in Vietnam (13:20)           He flew from Sea-Tac Airport in Seattle Washington, to Alaska, to Japan, and finally to Long Binh Vietnam. (13:50) The heat in Vietnam was overwhelming. (14:06) Being infantry he was immediately assigned for guard duty at Long Binh. This shift was often at night which led to him having free time during the day. (14:54) He still had to make formation to see where and when he would be assigned. (15:28) He was assigned to 1st infantry Division who at the time (October 1969) were headquartered in Di An and Lai Khe(15:40) He flew in a C-140 to Dau Tieng which was a headquarters. (16:11) Between Dau Tieng and Long Binh he was sent to Di An where he received some training. (16:40) While in Di An he was given 3-4 days of sniper training. This entailed training on the M-14 at extended distances and then with a scope. (16:53) He did not have a high enough score to go on from sniper school. (18:03) He was offered a job as a clerk but did not get high enough scores on his typing test. (18:53) Service in the Black Lions (the 2nd battalion, 28th infantry) (19:20)            He was assigned to the 2/28 Infantry. The Black Lions. (19:22) He joined the company while it was in the field. He was told to take his underwear and throw it away because it was useless. (19:48) They were staying at a very very small firebase. It had sand bag bunkers and mortar pits. (20:35) While stationed at this base the men took part in mine sweeping activity. This must be done every day. (22:10) At the time of his arrival, 1st infantry had been operating primarily against Viet Cong units. (22:22) The area in witch he was stationed was booby trap rich. (23:30) In the time he was stationed there, there was never a mine uncovered on the road. (23:50) There were several close calls with booby traps while out in the field. (24:27) One of their responsibilities was to set up perimeters around rice paddies so that the VC couldn’t steal rice. (25:00) One of his tasks also entailed covering a sniper who was set in a small tower. (25:55) Contact with the VC entailed occasional sniper fire as well as encounters with bunkers. (26:34) Clearing of a bunker (January 2nd 1970) (27:30)  His platoon leader was informed that something suspicious was found and he was eager for any action. (27:55) �       Shortly after investigating, there was a massive explosion. (29:03) 2 VC bunkers were found. When the platoon leader investigated the bunker he set off a booby trap. This explosion hit both the platoon leader and his RTO. (29:30) Being the first one on the scene, he saw the RTO first and when he turned him over to look at him he knew instantly that he was dead. (30:35) 10 days before this incident he was the platoon leader’s RTO. (31:37) The Platoon leader wasn’t killed by the explosion but he was unconscious. (31:58) By using the men’s shirts and 2 poles, a stretcher was made to carry the platoon leader back to a medevac. (33:16) This was his first encounter with death and injury in the war. (34:00) Service in the Black Lions (cont.) (34:50)     At this time, his unit was preparing to be taken out of Vietnam in late January of 1970 (34:56) He felt that every life that was lost after the president said the U.S. would pull out of Vietnam was a wasted life. (36:18) He, as well as many others, was told that his unit would be disbanded and that he was to go somewhere else. (36:48) This mentality crated a bond that lead to very significant friendships with soldiers he served with. (37:08) The Rubber Plantation. (37:38)      For Christmas, a party was held in this field where the men were given beer. (3 beers per person) (37:57) After the part was over the men were placed back in the field and he was placed into the jungle next to the [Michelin] Rubber Plantation. (38:27) Here he found a bunker complex that was 6-7 bunkers. They were very fresh. (38:35) He was assigned to 12 o’clock to 3 o’clock for a 100 meter sweep. (39:15) During this sweep he was required to cross a clearing. While in the middle of this clearing a machine gun began firing. This however was another group of G.I.s firing upon VC. (39:50) Service in the 2nd of the 2nd (41:05)       There was poor communication when assigning the men to other units. (41:04) He was sent to the 2nd of the 2nd which was a mechanized infantry battalion. (41:11) The foliage on the river banks [this relates to part of his service with 2/28] was very think right at the edge of the river and beyond that the terrain was composed of rice paddies. (42:16) When stopped at night half the men would be on the boat and half would be placed on land. (42:49) His assignment on the boat only lasted a couple weeks until a new unit rotated onto the duty. (43:15) He was treated as a new guy even though he was not when he was in the 2nd of the 2nd (43:50) �         He knew approx 3-4 men as who came with him from his former unit. (44:33) At night, a mechanized unit would send a man with a radio out 100 meters away from the unit and he and the new men from his former unit were often selected for this job. (44:55) In one occasion a personnel transport unit exploded and several men were injured. (45:40) A .50 Cal. Machine gun was placed on top of the armored personal carriers; the user of these always had to wear a flak jacket. (47:35) He stayed with the 2nd of the 2nd for about a month (48:08) While traveling to Di An and planning to turn in their equipment for use by the ARVN [South Viethamese Army], the company was pulled into a large field and unloaded all ammunition and supplies and placed it in a pile to later be collected. 2 men deployed a smoke grenade that caught the tall grass on fire and then caught all the ammunition on fire. This action resulted in his sergeant being struck by a stay round and dying. (48:20) The fire took a few hours to die down. (51:32) The armored personnel carriers were to be turned in at Di An. (52:11) There was a small award ceremony for the 2nd of the 2nd but he was not awarded anything. (53:00) Service in the 101st, Delta Company, 1/506 (54:00)                When he was sent to the 101st Airborne Division in late February of 1970. He had heard bad things about theunit and was nervous. (55:00) The men of the 101st were very pleased to see new men. (55:55) He was then sent to Camp Evans where he underwent a 1 week long training. Here they discussed booby traps, NVAs [North Vietnamese Army], and larger scale tactics. (56:30) He underwent this training after having 6 months in the field. This drastically changed his perception of the training. (57:33) He was then sent to Delta Company in March of 1970, who were in the field on a mountain. (58:33) They were very glad to have seasoned men joining their company. (59:50) In this company he made many air assaults from helicopters. (1:00:04) In the 101st he was assigned to Delta Company, 1st of the 506 Infantry, second platoon. (1:01:32) He was much more welcome in Delta Company than when he was in the 2nd of the 2nd. (1:01:51) After going Delta Company he was immediately flown out to the company’s position. (1:03:01) The Company did a lot of work in mountainous terrain. (1:04:16) In April of 1970 at 1:00 AM another platoon had satchel charges thrown into their perimeter. He and his platoon were called upon to aid the soldiers under attack. However when they arrived the satchel charges had stopped. (1:04:40) One of the soldiers in the platoon under attack had taken a hit in his buttocks. He believed that such wounds had been fatal. (1:07:05) A medevac was called in to take out the wounded man that night. However due to the weather conditions, it was very difficult for the men to be spotted. (1:09:20) Doyle and another soldier escorted two men carrying the stretcher with the wounded soldier outside the perimeter to a small hilltop above some of the fog so that they could signal the medevac. (1:10:40) �             When serving in the 2nd and the 28th he would often be set up in “ambush mode” set up on a line with some security going the other way. Claymores were often used as booby traps to warn of oncoming troops. (1:11:30) While in the First Infantry Division he was not allowed to have ponchos only poncho liners. However in the 101st he was allowed to have both. (1:13:26) Ponchos were believed to be very noisy and when wet would reflect light which could lead to giving away positions. (1:14:00) On his first night in the field with his squad in the 101st, the squad leader put a man on first watch whom he knew would fall asleep. This way, he would not wake up the next man, and they could all sleep all night. Doyle knew that this exposed the unit to attack, and complained to the platoon sergeant. (1:14:57) After bringing up the issue of men sleeping on watch it did not happen again. (1:17:35) The different terrain each assignment was stationed in also meant different missions. (1:18:00) The day after the satchel attack the 2nd and 3rd platoons had been hit by mortars. (1:18:54) The following day the platoon moved position. However they were once again attacked by sappers with satchel charges. (1:20:00) During this encounter he took some light shrapnel and his ears began bleeding. (1:21:40) Air support was called in; however, they were unable to spot their position so a flare had to be popped in order to signal their position. (1:21:59) The following day (April 10th 1970) so many men had been wounded that the company was extracted from the field and placed at Camp Evans. (1:22:42) After being regrouped, the company was sent to a Firebase Rakkasan. (1:23:40) Though his wounds were not very serious he was awarded a Purple Heart after this encounter. (1:24:02) Action at Firebase Ripcord (April 1970) (1:24:30)           He had been operated on twice already since being in Vietnam. (1:24:44) Both encounters had been for wounds that became infected and a separate infection of his underarm. (1:25:22) While at the Rakkasan, he suffered from an infection of his hand from cellulitis. (1:26:06) He was given penicillin pills which he knew were not strong enough to solve the problem but the doctor would not listen. When the condition got worse, he was sent back to Camp Evans. (1:26:20) While at Camp Evans he was put on bunker guard. He was given this duty in spite being so injured from his infection that he was unable to pick up a weapon. (1:27:00) The doctor again insisted on giving him penicillin pills instead of shots, so he decided to take pain pills instead of the penicillin. As a result, his hand became so swollen that he had to be medevaced to Phu Bai. (1:27:27) From here he was sent to several hospitals ultimately resulting in him missing 27 days of service. (1:28:00) While in the hospital his platoon had been involved in a large firefight on May 7th where 7 died. (1:28:20) In the battle, a lot of the men he knew and trusted were killed. This furthered the belief in the idea that he was unable to trust the people around him. (1:29:58) He returned to his platoon in May and received R&R in Bangkok in June of 1970 (1:30:30) �      When returning to his platoon on Firebase Kathryn in late June of 1970 he was offered the position of the liaison between the supply sergeant and the platoon. (1:31:34) In spite only having been in Delta Company for 4 months, he was now one of the more experienced men due to the loss of soldiers. (1:33:20) On July 20th 1970 he was sitting on the tarmac with all the supplies for Delta Company when the transport meant for Ripcord was shot down. (1:33:30) He felt a lot of survivor’s guilt as a result of this occurrence and powerless. (1:34:33) He moved a lot, depending on where Delta Company was stationed. (1:35:16) One of the most valuable things to have was a cold soda. (1:35:40) Completion of Duty (1:36:50)      When being sent back to the states he shipped out of Cam Ranh Bay on October 1st of 1970 and arrived in Fort Lewis. (1:36:53) He was still required to be in the army till May 1971 (1:37:35) He was then placed in a mechanized infantry unit (4th infantry)(1:37:47) He was first in his board which is how he came to be a Sergeant. (1:48:05) He won very many awards and honors while here, leading him to be sent to the promotion board. (1:39:36) Culture of Units (1:40:00)    Drug use was a big use as well as race. But drugs were less common on the field than in the rear. (1:40:25) There was a lot of self segregation (1:41:05) In the 101st race and drug use had been the least of all other positions he had. (1:42:38 Later service (1:42:58)        He wore his class A uniform to get a cheap flight, but after the plane took off he when into the men’s room and removed it. (1:43:05) 2 years and 2 months later (approx. 1972) he was offered a position with the M.P. which he agreed to if he was made a staff sergeant. (1:43:24) He was made a correctional counselor but after his unit was disbanded he was made a Platoon leader. (1:44:26) In June of 1993 he made Sergeant Major. (1:45:30) On September 11th 2001, he was scheduled to go to ground zero for 2 weeks. (1:46:05) He served on the planning of the invasion of Afghanistan. (1:47:00) He was involved in the setup of Guantanamo Prison. (1:47:10) � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Veterans History Project Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Grand Valley State University. History Department Description An account of the resource The Library of Congress established the Veterans History Project in 2001 to collect memories, accounts, and documents of U.S. war veterans from World War II and the Korean War, Vietnam War, and conflicts in the Middle East and elsewhere, and to preserve these stories for future generations. The GVSU History Department interviews are part of this work-in-progress, and may contain videos and audio recordings, transcripts and interview outlines, and related documents and photographs. Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant 1914- Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/page/InC/1.0/?language=en">In Copyright</a> Subject The topic of the resource Afghan War, 2001--Personal narratives, American Iran Hostage Crisis, 1979-1981--Personal narratives, American Korean War, 1950-1953--Personal narratives, American Michigan--History, Military Oral history Persian Gulf War, 1991--Personal narratives, American United States--History, Military United States. Air Force United States. Army United States. Navy Veterans Video recordings Vietnam War, 1961-1975--Personal narratives, American World War, 1939-1945--Personal narratives, American Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Smither, James Boring, Frank Relation A related resource Veterans History Project (U.S.) Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-27 Language A language of the resource eng Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/455">Veterans History Project interviews (RHC-27)</a> Oral History A resource containing historical information obtained in interviews with persons having firsthand knowledge. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Doyle, Richard (Interview outline and video), 2011 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Doyle, Richard Description An account of the resource Richard Doyle was born in Vermont and drafted into the US Army as he finished college in 1969. He trained as an infantryman and served in two different battalions in the 1st Infantry Division before being reassigned to the 101st. He served with D Company, 1/506 Infantry, from March until October, 1970 and participated in the Ripcord campaign. After returning from Vietnam, he stayed in the Army and eventually became an MP. He participated in the planning of the invasion of Afghanistan in 2001 and the establishment of the facility for Al Qaida prisoners at Guantanamo. Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource McGregor, Michael (Interviewer) Subject The topic of the resource Oral history Veterans History Project (U.S.) United States--History, Military Michigan--History, Military Veterans Video recordings United States. Army Vietnam War, 1961-1975--Personal narratives, American Afghan War, 2001--Personal narratives, American Language A language of the resource eng Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/page/InC/1.0/?language=en">In Copyright</a> Type The nature or genre of the resource Moving Image Text Relation A related resource Veterans History Project (U.S.) Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2011-10-06 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context DoyleR1277V Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/455">Veterans History Project Collection, (RHC-27)</a> Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource application/pdf video/mp4 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Lemmen Library and Archives https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/9ebf9e6a6b31f2ae64f40528ab57f1e0.jpg 31975b64a3e1d60bfa02a7fc013bab9f Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Douglas R. Gilbert Photographs Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Gilbert, Douglas R., 1942-2023 Description An account of the resource Photographs scanned from negatives and transparencies from the Douglas R. Gilbert papers (RHC-183). Douglas R. Gilbert (b. 1942) is an American photographer from Michigan. He was born in Holland, Michigan and is the son of Russell W. and Carmen (Andree) Gilbert. Gilbert earned a B.A. in social sciences and art at Michigan State University in 1964, an M.S. in photography from the Institute of Design at Illinois Institute of Technology in 1972, and a M.S.W. from Salem State College in 1993. He is married to Barbara (McDonald) Gilbert, and has three daughters, Robyn, Rachel, and Anne. Gilbert took a serious interest in photography at the age of fourteen. In 1963 he joined the staff of Look magazine in New York as the second youngest photojournalist in the magazine's history. As a Look photographer from 1964 to 1966, he photographed folk musician Bob Dylan, the Newport Folk Festival, Simon and Garfunkel, the New York City Financial District, the children and facilities at the Manhattan School for Seriously Disturbed Children. From 1967 to 1969, Gilbert did several shoots, including that of folk singer Janis Ian for Life magazine. After moving to Chicago, Illinois in 1969 to attend the Illinois Institute of Technology, Gilbert conducted notable photo shoots of business and political figure Lenore Romney, and pursued more personal and artistic photography, focusing on urban and rural landscapes in Illinois and Michigan. He then joined the faculty of Wheaton College, where he taught from 1972 to 1982. In 1993, Gilbert graduated from Salem State College, Massachusetts, with a Masters in Social Work, and later pursued a second career as a psychotherapist. Douglas Gilbert died in June 2023. Throughout his photography career, he pursued both freelance commercial work as well as artistic work. His art photography is characterized by its classic black-and-white format, and features people, places and objects shot great attention and sensitivity. Gilbert's works are held in the permanent collections of the Art Institute of Chicago, the High Museum of Art in Atlanta, The Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena, and the Grand Valley State University Art Galleries, as well as in numerous private and institutional collections. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1960-2011 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="%E2%80%9Dhttps%3A//gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/783%E2%80%9D">Douglas R. Gilbert Papers (RHC-183)</a> Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource In Copyright Subject The topic of the resource Photographs Photography -- United States Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections and University Archives. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-183 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Image Type The nature or genre of the resource image/jpeg Language A language of the resource eng Still Image A static visual representation. Examples include paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type Text to images of textual materials. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-183_I046-0032 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Gilbert, Douglas R. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1968-04-05 Title A name given to the resource Dr. Benjamin Spock, Memorial for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Description An account of the resource Black and white photograph of Dr. Benjamin Spock, American pediatrician and political activist, at the memorial rally that took place in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., in New York City's Central Park. In the photograph, Dr. Spock is standing on stage at the Naumburg Bandshell, an outdoor concert venue sitting along the Central Park Mall area of the park, and the American flag can be seen hanging from the bandshell wall behind him. The photographs taken by Douglas Gilbert on this historic day document New York's reaction to the news of Dr. King's assassination in Memphis, Tennessee, on the previous day. Scanned from the negative. Subject The topic of the resource King, Martin Luther, Jr., 1929-1968 Spock, Benjamin, 1903-1998 Central Park (New York, N.Y.) New York (N.Y.) Memorials--New York (State)--New York Black-and-white photography Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/783">Douglas R. Gilbert papers (RHC-183)</a> Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">In Copyright</a> Type The nature or genre of the resource Image Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource image/jpeg Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant 1960s Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Lemmen Library and Archives https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/a5343cd6115d24881d0bc673ee11001c.jpg b8e6d17bef2fa4ca25f5e39c5b28e041 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Douglas R. Gilbert Photographs Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Gilbert, Douglas R., 1942-2023 Description An account of the resource Photographs scanned from negatives and transparencies from the Douglas R. Gilbert papers (RHC-183). Douglas R. Gilbert (b. 1942) is an American photographer from Michigan. He was born in Holland, Michigan and is the son of Russell W. and Carmen (Andree) Gilbert. Gilbert earned a B.A. in social sciences and art at Michigan State University in 1964, an M.S. in photography from the Institute of Design at Illinois Institute of Technology in 1972, and a M.S.W. from Salem State College in 1993. He is married to Barbara (McDonald) Gilbert, and has three daughters, Robyn, Rachel, and Anne. Gilbert took a serious interest in photography at the age of fourteen. In 1963 he joined the staff of Look magazine in New York as the second youngest photojournalist in the magazine's history. As a Look photographer from 1964 to 1966, he photographed folk musician Bob Dylan, the Newport Folk Festival, Simon and Garfunkel, the New York City Financial District, the children and facilities at the Manhattan School for Seriously Disturbed Children. From 1967 to 1969, Gilbert did several shoots, including that of folk singer Janis Ian for Life magazine. After moving to Chicago, Illinois in 1969 to attend the Illinois Institute of Technology, Gilbert conducted notable photo shoots of business and political figure Lenore Romney, and pursued more personal and artistic photography, focusing on urban and rural landscapes in Illinois and Michigan. He then joined the faculty of Wheaton College, where he taught from 1972 to 1982. In 1993, Gilbert graduated from Salem State College, Massachusetts, with a Masters in Social Work, and later pursued a second career as a psychotherapist. Douglas Gilbert died in June 2023. Throughout his photography career, he pursued both freelance commercial work as well as artistic work. His art photography is characterized by its classic black-and-white format, and features people, places and objects shot great attention and sensitivity. Gilbert's works are held in the permanent collections of the Art Institute of Chicago, the High Museum of Art in Atlanta, The Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena, and the Grand Valley State University Art Galleries, as well as in numerous private and institutional collections. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1960-2011 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="%E2%80%9Dhttps%3A//gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/783%E2%80%9D">Douglas R. Gilbert Papers (RHC-183)</a> Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource In Copyright Subject The topic of the resource Photographs Photography -- United States Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections and University Archives. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-183 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Image Type The nature or genre of the resource image/jpeg Language A language of the resource eng Still Image A static visual representation. Examples include paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type Text to images of textual materials. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-183_I048-0041 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Gilbert, Douglas R. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1968-04-05 Title A name given to the resource Dr. Benjamin Spock, Memorial for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Description An account of the resource Black and white photograph of Dr. Benjamin Spock, American pediatrician and political activist, at the memorial rally that took place in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., in New York City's Central Park. In the photograph, Dr. Spock is giving a speech while standing on stage at the Naumburg Bandshell along the Central Park Mall area of the park, and a group of young men are seen standing behind him onstage in front of the large crowd. The photographs taken by Douglas Gilbert on this historic day document New York's reaction to the news of Dr. King's assassination in Memphis, Tennessee, on the previous day. Scanned from the negative. Subject The topic of the resource King, Martin Luther, Jr., 1929-1968 Spock, Benjamin, 1903-1998 Central Park (New York, N.Y.) New York (N.Y.) Memorials--New York (State)--New York Black-and-white photography Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/783">Douglas R. Gilbert papers (RHC-183)</a> Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">In Copyright</a> Type The nature or genre of the resource Image Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource image/jpeg Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant 1960s Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Lemmen Library and Archives https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/7cee98335b87375229e1981a3c129e10.jpg eb94577cccc9c7c80bfb9fe5efdd85bd Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Douglas R. Gilbert Photographs Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Gilbert, Douglas R., 1942-2023 Description An account of the resource Photographs scanned from negatives and transparencies from the Douglas R. Gilbert papers (RHC-183). Douglas R. Gilbert (b. 1942) is an American photographer from Michigan. He was born in Holland, Michigan and is the son of Russell W. and Carmen (Andree) Gilbert. Gilbert earned a B.A. in social sciences and art at Michigan State University in 1964, an M.S. in photography from the Institute of Design at Illinois Institute of Technology in 1972, and a M.S.W. from Salem State College in 1993. He is married to Barbara (McDonald) Gilbert, and has three daughters, Robyn, Rachel, and Anne. Gilbert took a serious interest in photography at the age of fourteen. In 1963 he joined the staff of Look magazine in New York as the second youngest photojournalist in the magazine's history. As a Look photographer from 1964 to 1966, he photographed folk musician Bob Dylan, the Newport Folk Festival, Simon and Garfunkel, the New York City Financial District, the children and facilities at the Manhattan School for Seriously Disturbed Children. From 1967 to 1969, Gilbert did several shoots, including that of folk singer Janis Ian for Life magazine. After moving to Chicago, Illinois in 1969 to attend the Illinois Institute of Technology, Gilbert conducted notable photo shoots of business and political figure Lenore Romney, and pursued more personal and artistic photography, focusing on urban and rural landscapes in Illinois and Michigan. He then joined the faculty of Wheaton College, where he taught from 1972 to 1982. In 1993, Gilbert graduated from Salem State College, Massachusetts, with a Masters in Social Work, and later pursued a second career as a psychotherapist. Douglas Gilbert died in June 2023. Throughout his photography career, he pursued both freelance commercial work as well as artistic work. His art photography is characterized by its classic black-and-white format, and features people, places and objects shot great attention and sensitivity. Gilbert's works are held in the permanent collections of the Art Institute of Chicago, the High Museum of Art in Atlanta, The Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena, and the Grand Valley State University Art Galleries, as well as in numerous private and institutional collections. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1960-2011 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="%E2%80%9Dhttps%3A//gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/783%E2%80%9D">Douglas R. Gilbert Papers (RHC-183)</a> Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource In Copyright Subject The topic of the resource Photographs Photography -- United States Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections and University Archives. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-183 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Image Type The nature or genre of the resource image/jpeg Language A language of the resource eng Still Image A static visual representation. Examples include paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type Text to images of textual materials. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-183_D031-0017 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Gilbert, Douglas R. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1963-01-25 Title A name given to the resource Dr. Irwin J. Lubbers, President of Hope College Description An account of the resource Black and white photograph of Dr. Irwin J. Lubbers, President of Hope College, who served as the college's seventh president from 1945 to 1963. Scanned from the negative. Subject The topic of the resource Holland (Mich.) Hope College Lubbers, Irwin J. (Irwin Jacob), 1895- College presidents Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/783">Douglas R. Gilbert papers (RHC-183)</a> Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">In Copyright</a> Type The nature or genre of the resource Image Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource image/jpeg Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant 1960s Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Lemmen Library and Archives https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/2aef80918ceb94d2904c328f3423a161.jpg d7ac69786ef193f88f8912a4f271216d Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Robert H. Merrill photographs Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Merrill, Robert H., 1881-1955 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1909/1950 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Robert H. Merrill papers (RHC-222) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource In Copyright Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-222 Description An account of the resource Photographs, negatives, and lantern slides digitized from the papers of engineer and archaeologist Robert H. Merrill. A Grand Rapids native, Merrill held an accomplished career as a civil engineer. He founded the company Spooner & Merrill, which held offices in Grand Rapids and Chicago. From 1919-1921, Merrill lived in China, working as Assistant Principal Engineer on a reconstruction of the Grand Canal - the oldest and longest canal system in the world. Merrill became fascinated by archaeology, and among other projects, he traveled to the Uxmal Pyramids in Yucatan, Mexico, with a research expedition from Tulane University. Merrill's photo collection includes images of his travels and projects, friends and family. Still Image A static visual representation. Examples include paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type Text to images of textual materials. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Merrill_LS00216 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource circa 1930 Title A name given to the resource Dr. MacCurdy at Abri des Merveilles, Sergiac Description An account of the resource Black and white lantern slide of Dr. George Grant MacCurdy working at Abri des Merveilles, Sergiac. Subject The topic of the resource Lantern slides Anthropologists Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Robert H. Merrill papers (RHC-222) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource In Copyright Type The nature or genre of the resource Image Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource image/jpg Language A language of the resource eng Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Merrill, Robert H., 1881-1955 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Lemmen Library and Archives https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/1455c6c7f92a4b3a021d827b2557d14b.pdf ed73ea1f400cfe9f1659cd91d3d74960 PDF Text Text Daft Oct. BY LAW(" 1'9~:- f >1 Ml. • • lt->e is ic"l cf wcrner>'s c-t- die 1s to fester _.rd 1e e eduiatiJr,resear a1-serv1ewl"ir gii1evlue,v11 lit and vc1 • t wor.en'a exper1cn1 e etfld let, 1 r, Y but c:~ ra <c '- -wi g t E Wcme, 'S mm t ee stru, tLre ha beer r:lr.ve per i err. JI 1e,; FY )QYaf'\. )f "'ft,,e Womer--'• _ .. ud1es ~xecut,ve cmmittee: w1l.1. be a u1 ver sty .1.eve.1 (CTUlLt e. -rhlti ),rmittee n,,e w:.E 1s the dec:1si )I"' maKt"lg c: )r.'"mittee fc.r tl-\e W :,en'• Stud.i.es ogram. T-ie W! E repYet:.erts the gc:vern,rg car· f r the pre._ am. T.._e wSE wi l rrview a1_ v1)te s11bm1tt&r' bv +:t,e suLcommittee The Womer--'s tud1es b1mc th.iy. Members, i tercst 1n i'lc..men's mandatcry f.:,r t"i se t'"le \.•k1me1 's [.tui es )t"I all reC)t'lrflen 3t ... cn Execu , e cm11 t+-ee will ,eet 1p wil be cper t > a 1 pei sc· w th n rtJdtes. em"'t rt.1 ip )I"' t e WE .a fa~ lt:y mef'lbers wl c.. teacti c..o~ ses f?r F-r ,gram. M•tT1be1 -sh ... ~ ~f t'"la WLEL .. s mprlsec_ .-,f faulty me,rbei •, staff personl"'el, ant.. st1de1ts n erested r, C: ve!c..p1 g strc;-J W,),ren's Stud es Pr,t.,"am. f;. le ,.)f tt,,e iec 0Yd1nator 1s tc cnvene the W [ rrutii 1 gs a,-.d tc -• .air these neet n,;s. fihe •1; respons ... ble fr_y set 1 ,ng tre •ge, ~a. 1 The wcrk tr.t.u1y student for the women~s st dies J..7CgYaim w ... 1 ... take tl-\e m,r--ute!i at e•c:h meetinQ. T·1ese will tt--e11 be typeo up and distY1 w. e0 t a 1 memb;r_ " t- e matl g .l . . . . . . Establ is, ln\l the W,men'• Studies Exet tive ,_,:nimittee at the u1 vers1ty :omm1t ee leve ah,)1-ld ~Yov1de 1nstit t1 >ra leg1t.1ma1 y t ) ':le..._ Jr; y but1cn cf fa'- l·y n-eml£Y wt-: pt t t:tme nt:) deve.1. ~01n t:._,e W1>man'• Studies Pre_,· am. Ir 1) daY t ) legiti.-iat:e and reward t.,e eflc-Yts ,)f w,,;,rrc~'s tud:e9. )mm1ttee mei.beY we •n a. )rger expe, t v )luntaYy p rt:i •pat1c ~ t >4 er g,>es r,,yewal" ~ed ~y t: e r,,1....-: ~uty. �The SUBCOMMITTEES of the WSEC will be: • 1. The Litrea,:h <.ommittee: This cc,mmittee will generate campus and community involvement in Women's Studies. The member-swill be l'esponsible fol' searching out and b1'1ng .. ng in spea.kers for the large event; i.e. International Women's M,:,.nth. In addition, they will try to create liaisons off-campus; i.e. shelters for battered women, Women's Resc,urce Center, W,:,men in Transition, etc:. 2. The Faculty Fol'um committee: This committee will take responsibility fc,r setting up and coordinating speakers for each semester: one or two speaker-s pel'" month. They will be in charge of making contacts, publi, izing the events, arl'"anging meeting l'"ooms, setting up electrcmics, providing l'"efreshments, etc. 3. The Curl'" icL1lum ,:ommittee: This ,:ommittee will be responsible for devising courses leading toward a viable minor; 1.e. courses should be offered in the proper sequence so a student can finish a minor in fc,ur years. One ,:,f the duties of the curYiCLtlum committee will be to review syllabi offel'ed by prc,spective teachers, another might be to seek c,L1t or recruit interested faculty. One of their future duties may be to develop a major in Women's Studies. 4. The FL1nding committee: This ,:c,mmittee will take responsibility fol' ferreting out pc,ssible soui-ces ,:,f incc,me: Not only tund raiseYs bLlt grant writing. All pc,ssible sour,:es of c,n-,:ampus income should be l'"eseal"ched and e);hausted; 1.e. the University Spea~,ers Bureau FL1nd. These subcommittees are established by self-selectic,n in consultation with the coordinator of the Women's Studies Program. This will 1nomote an intf::'rdisciplinai-y natui-e tc, the makeup of these committees. Subcommittee membei-s should be active within the W,:,men's Studies Prc,gram, Each subcommittee will submit a report with re,:•)mmendations to the Women's Studies Executive Cc,mmittee. The WSEC will then review all recommendations. Fc,llowing any discussic,n, the WSEC will vote on these recommendations. Recc,gnition by the greater university for faculty membership on these Women's Studies committees is necessar-y to legitimate the strur:tL1re of these committees as ,._,ell as the Women's Studies Program. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource GVSU Sexuality and Gender Flyers Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource The Rainbow Resource Center Women and Gender Studies Department Women's Commission Gayle R. Davis Center for Women and Gender Equity Description An account of the resource Digitized posters, flyers, event notices, and other materials relating to gender expression and sexuality at Grand Valley State University, with materials spanning from 1974 to 2019. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1974/2019 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Digitized from collections at the Rainbow Resource Center (formerly the Milton E. Ford LGBT Resource Center), Women and Gender Studies Department, Women's Commission, and Gayle R. Davis Center for Women and Gender Equity. Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource In Copyright Subject The topic of the resource Gender identity Gender expression Sexual orientation Women's studies Queer theory Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections and University Archives. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context DC-09 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource application/pdf Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Language A language of the resource eng Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context DC-09_SGF_WGS_1993_W.S.P.By-Laws.pdf Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Women's Studies Program Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1993-10 Title A name given to the resource Draft of by-laws and mission of the Women's Studies Program Description An account of the resource Draft of the structure and subcommittees of the Women's Studies Program Executive Committee. Written by the Women's Studies Executive Committee. Subject The topic of the resource Women's studies Committees By-laws Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Department Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">In Copyright</a> Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource application/pdf Language A language of the resource eng Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Lemmen Library and Archives https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/1c6ed4249b9175801ff1737e5b3f545d.pdf 75a7cdfda23d77109bfc4db09023f0ec PDF Text Text August 1992 Draft - Rationale for Relocating Women's Studies Program in Aciilldemic Resources and Special Programs Reorgiillnization of the university is under way. It is likely that this reorganization will involve restructuring academic divisions into a single division consisting of Arts, Humanities, Mathematics, Science and Social Sciences. It is 1mperat1ve that Women's Studies address the issue of where, in the academic bureaucratic structure, we most appropriately belong. This decision is directly related to the interdisciplinary natur~ of Women's Studies. In 1991, Women's Studies became an autonomous program. Two issues were raised at that time - the bureaucratic and administrative structure of the university and its relationship to Women's Studies and the interdisciplinary nature of the Women's Studies Pr-ogram. It is these same issues which mu1it once again be addr-essed in ter-ms of r-elocating the Women's Studies Pr-ogr-am. Dur-ing the end of Mar-ch, 1992, the Women's Studie1i Pr-ogr-am held a r-etr-eat. The purpose of the retreat was long range planning and development concerning the Women's Studies Progr-am at Gr-and Valley. At that time it w.as deter-mined that the mission of Women's Studies is to foster and promote education, research and service which give value, visibility and voice to women's experience and global contr-ibutions. We need to assess how reor-ganization will affect our ability to accompl 1sh this mission. At the retreat, institutional reorganization was seen as both an opportunity and as a threat to the Women's Studies Pr-ogr•m. We ar-e faced with two possibilities regarding r-eorganization: either becoming par-t of a large division which includes all nonprofessional academic units, headed by a dean who will be hired some time this year, or to become par-t of thv Ac.a.demic Resources and Special Programs division, headed by Dean Mary Seeger. This division includes other interdisciplinary programs such as: the General Educ at ion Program, the Honors Pr-ogr-am and International Studies. This committee recommends that the Women's Studies Pr-ogram become a part of Academic Resources and Special Programs. l,hth Dean Mary Seeger as our dean, it is likely that our program will become more visible within the academic structure and more valued by the institution. Dean Seeger has in the past been an advocate for women's Studi@s and it is likely that she will add to our credibility as an academic program. �As part of our discuss1on at the retreat we assessed both the 1,,1eaknesses and strengths of the Women's Studies Pro,;iram~ In considering the location of our Women's Studies Program, we must also assess how relocation w1ll affect these strengths and weaknesses. The strengths of the Women's Studies Program identified at the retreat that may be affected by relocation are: interdisciplinary involvement tenacity, endurance, perseverance visibility in terms of rising student interest annual speakers for international women's month Will relocation into one or the other situation help to increase these strengths with1n our program or w1ll it diminish these strengths? S1nce- women's Studies is an interdisciplinary program, location within a division that consists of other interdisciplinary programs seems an appropriate choice. This 1,,,1ill encourage further interdisciplinary involve.nent, one of the strengths already identified with the Women's Studies Progr-am, Visibility of Women's Studies in terms of raising student interest is also likely to be strengthened since we 1,,,1ill be located in a division where student services are central eg. academic resources, tutoring/adv1s1ng, and TRIO programs. Thus, relocation of Women's Studies as part of Academic Resources and Special Programs 1s likely to maintain the strengths of the program. Some of the 1,,,1eakness discussed at the retreat that are related to or may be affected by relocation include: low budget lack of physical space not being valued by the institution low visibility lack of faculty resources insufficient support staff not all departments r-epresented on advisory committee Will relocation into one or the other situations help to d1m1n1sh these weaknesses 1,,,1ithin our program or i..,ill it add to our disadvantages? Relocation of Women's Studies under Academic Resources and Special Programs is 1 tkely to diminish some of our 1,,1eaknesses. We have 1n the past encountered reluctance on the part of some faculty to become involved in Women's �;;:i)J Studies because i t was seen as ai{ program linked closel.J the social sc 1ence division. Because we would be located within a division sep•rate from the academic units from uhich our faculty are drawn, i t is likely that we would have increase d participation of interested faculty since we would no longer be seen as a program t ted to the soc 1al sciences. Therefore, the participation on t h e advisory committee of fac u l ty fr om all disciplines will be enhanced .. It is likely th-.t Women's Studies may be able to ob t ai n an office since all of the programs currently in this division are housed at one facility. It is unlikely th&t we wou l d gain thts resource if we were to become part of the larg e d1vis1on of Arts, Letters, & Sciences. Final 1 y, our presence as a part of Academic Resourc e s an d Special Programs means that our bud get needs will in all l i kel i hood be more adequate! y met. Being 1 ocated among proQrams that are similar to ours in terms of structure, eg. general education, honors , etc . where there are no faculty appointments, wil 1 help us compete ,nore effecti ve l y f or limited resources (,noney, facult y r esour ces and suppor t staff>. This has been a problem in the past when 1Je ha d to compete for these resources with units having faculty appointments. How will the fact that we are an 1nterd1sc1plinary progr a m affect our ability to function 1Jithin each of the reloc•t1on alternatives? Since Women's Studies is an interdisciplinary program, location within a division that consists of other interdisciplinary programs seems an appropriate choice. Are there other disadvantages or advantages connect e d with our choice of location within either alternative? � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource GVSU Sexuality and Gender Flyers Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource The Rainbow Resource Center Women and Gender Studies Department Women's Commission Gayle R. Davis Center for Women and Gender Equity Description An account of the resource Digitized posters, flyers, event notices, and other materials relating to gender expression and sexuality at Grand Valley State University, with materials spanning from 1974 to 2019. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1974/2019 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Digitized from collections at the Rainbow Resource Center (formerly the Milton E. Ford LGBT Resource Center), Women and Gender Studies Department, Women's Commission, and Gayle R. Davis Center for Women and Gender Equity. Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource In Copyright Subject The topic of the resource Gender identity Gender expression Sexual orientation Women's studies Queer theory Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections and University Archives. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context DC-09 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource application/pdf Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Language A language of the resource eng Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context DC-09_SGF_WGS_1992_RelocationRationale.pdf Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Women's Studies Program Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1992-08 Title A name given to the resource Draft of letter "Rationale for Relocating Women's Studies Program in Academic Resources and Special Programs" Description An account of the resource Letter written by a committee in favor for the relocation of the location of the Women's Studies Program. Subject The topic of the resource Women's studies Committees Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Department Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">In Copyright</a> Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource application/pdf Language A language of the resource eng Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Lemmen Library and Archives https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/d20680d2a416055c12ca553d7f91b347.pdf 2d934701fefafad49f7477472c725cba PDF Text Text Thursdays 6:00-7:30pm 1 credit, first 8 weeks Prof. Basiliere (CRN 27067 or 27134) Take this course if you're curious to learn about what goes in to being a drag performer, the cultural importance of drag performance, and the ways that drag performers do activist work! Questions? wgs@gvsu . edu � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource GVSU Sexuality and Gender Flyers Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource The Rainbow Resource Center Women and Gender Studies Department Women's Commission Gayle R. Davis Center for Women and Gender Equity Description An account of the resource Digitized posters, flyers, event notices, and other materials relating to gender expression and sexuality at Grand Valley State University, with materials spanning from 1974 to 2019. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1974/2019 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Digitized from collections at the Rainbow Resource Center (formerly the Milton E. Ford LGBT Resource Center), Women and Gender Studies Department, Women's Commission, and Gayle R. Davis Center for Women and Gender Equity. Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource In Copyright Subject The topic of the resource Gender identity Gender expression Sexual orientation Women's studies Queer theory Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections and University Archives. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context DC-09 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource application/pdf Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Language A language of the resource eng Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context DC-09_SGF_WGS_2018_Fall_IDS-WGS180.02_DragKings_Queens.pdf Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Department Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2018 Title A name given to the resource Drag Kings & Queens: Performance and Activism Description An account of the resource Poster of the IDS/WGS 180-02 class being offered in Fall 2018. A synopsis of the topic, name of the professor teaching and the days/times of the class are included. Subject The topic of the resource Women's studies Drag shows Political activists Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Department Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">In Copyright</a> Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource application/pdf Language A language of the resource eng Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Lemmen Library and Archives https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/8586a8128636ba77e02cb596eeec83cc.jpg 3582e13da7135a89c746de935d1a0196 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Robert H. Merrill photographs Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Merrill, Robert H., 1881-1955 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1909/1950 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Robert H. Merrill papers (RHC-222) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource In Copyright Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-222 Description An account of the resource Photographs, negatives, and lantern slides digitized from the papers of engineer and archaeologist Robert H. Merrill. A Grand Rapids native, Merrill held an accomplished career as a civil engineer. He founded the company Spooner & Merrill, which held offices in Grand Rapids and Chicago. From 1919-1921, Merrill lived in China, working as Assistant Principal Engineer on a reconstruction of the Grand Canal - the oldest and longest canal system in the world. Merrill became fascinated by archaeology, and among other projects, he traveled to the Uxmal Pyramids in Yucatan, Mexico, with a research expedition from Tulane University. Merrill's photo collection includes images of his travels and projects, friends and family. Still Image A static visual representation. Examples include paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type Text to images of textual materials. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Merrill_FilmPacks_11_003 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1937-08-05 Title A name given to the resource Dragon's Mouth Yellowstone Park Description An account of the resource Black and white photograph of a group of people standing next to the Dragon's Mouth at Yellowstone National Park (mile 17450). Subject The topic of the resource Yellowstone National Park Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Robert H. Merrill papers (RHC-222) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource In Copyright Type The nature or genre of the resource Image Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource image/jpg Language A language of the resource eng Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Merrill, Robert H., 1881-1955 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Lemmen Library and Archives https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/15801a4be6f5770758bbb1b5ffa9926d.jpg a1918b1b2df7df02ba1fb9954f004f85 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Douglas R. Gilbert Photographs Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Gilbert, Douglas R., 1942-2023 Description An account of the resource Photographs scanned from negatives and transparencies from the Douglas R. Gilbert papers (RHC-183). Douglas R. Gilbert (b. 1942) is an American photographer from Michigan. He was born in Holland, Michigan and is the son of Russell W. and Carmen (Andree) Gilbert. Gilbert earned a B.A. in social sciences and art at Michigan State University in 1964, an M.S. in photography from the Institute of Design at Illinois Institute of Technology in 1972, and a M.S.W. from Salem State College in 1993. He is married to Barbara (McDonald) Gilbert, and has three daughters, Robyn, Rachel, and Anne. Gilbert took a serious interest in photography at the age of fourteen. In 1963 he joined the staff of Look magazine in New York as the second youngest photojournalist in the magazine's history. As a Look photographer from 1964 to 1966, he photographed folk musician Bob Dylan, the Newport Folk Festival, Simon and Garfunkel, the New York City Financial District, the children and facilities at the Manhattan School for Seriously Disturbed Children. From 1967 to 1969, Gilbert did several shoots, including that of folk singer Janis Ian for Life magazine. After moving to Chicago, Illinois in 1969 to attend the Illinois Institute of Technology, Gilbert conducted notable photo shoots of business and political figure Lenore Romney, and pursued more personal and artistic photography, focusing on urban and rural landscapes in Illinois and Michigan. He then joined the faculty of Wheaton College, where he taught from 1972 to 1982. In 1993, Gilbert graduated from Salem State College, Massachusetts, with a Masters in Social Work, and later pursued a second career as a psychotherapist. Douglas Gilbert died in June 2023. Throughout his photography career, he pursued both freelance commercial work as well as artistic work. His art photography is characterized by its classic black-and-white format, and features people, places and objects shot great attention and sensitivity. Gilbert's works are held in the permanent collections of the Art Institute of Chicago, the High Museum of Art in Atlanta, The Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena, and the Grand Valley State University Art Galleries, as well as in numerous private and institutional collections. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1960-2011 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="%E2%80%9Dhttps%3A//gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/783%E2%80%9D">Douglas R. Gilbert Papers (RHC-183)</a> Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource In Copyright Subject The topic of the resource Photographs Photography -- United States Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections and University Archives. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-183 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Image Type The nature or genre of the resource image/jpeg Language A language of the resource eng Still Image A static visual representation. Examples include paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type Text to images of textual materials. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-183_D098-0031 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Gilbert, Douglas R. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1963-03-07 Title A name given to the resource Drama Class at Franklin School, Grand Rapids, MI Description An account of the resource Black and white photograph of a classroom of students during drama class at the Franklin School in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Scanned from the negative. Subject The topic of the resource Grand Rapids (Mich.) Classrooms Drama Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/783">Douglas R. Gilbert papers (RHC-183)</a> Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">In Copyright</a> Type The nature or genre of the resource Image Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource image/jpeg Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant 1960s Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Lemmen Library and Archives https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/bf7a9531a3543d3b514a9ec37991939c.jpg b7ce44447ff77f7858086aaf41a17864 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Douglas R. Gilbert Photographs Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Gilbert, Douglas R., 1942-2023 Description An account of the resource Photographs scanned from negatives and transparencies from the Douglas R. Gilbert papers (RHC-183). Douglas R. Gilbert (b. 1942) is an American photographer from Michigan. He was born in Holland, Michigan and is the son of Russell W. and Carmen (Andree) Gilbert. Gilbert earned a B.A. in social sciences and art at Michigan State University in 1964, an M.S. in photography from the Institute of Design at Illinois Institute of Technology in 1972, and a M.S.W. from Salem State College in 1993. He is married to Barbara (McDonald) Gilbert, and has three daughters, Robyn, Rachel, and Anne. Gilbert took a serious interest in photography at the age of fourteen. In 1963 he joined the staff of Look magazine in New York as the second youngest photojournalist in the magazine's history. As a Look photographer from 1964 to 1966, he photographed folk musician Bob Dylan, the Newport Folk Festival, Simon and Garfunkel, the New York City Financial District, the children and facilities at the Manhattan School for Seriously Disturbed Children. From 1967 to 1969, Gilbert did several shoots, including that of folk singer Janis Ian for Life magazine. After moving to Chicago, Illinois in 1969 to attend the Illinois Institute of Technology, Gilbert conducted notable photo shoots of business and political figure Lenore Romney, and pursued more personal and artistic photography, focusing on urban and rural landscapes in Illinois and Michigan. He then joined the faculty of Wheaton College, where he taught from 1972 to 1982. In 1993, Gilbert graduated from Salem State College, Massachusetts, with a Masters in Social Work, and later pursued a second career as a psychotherapist. Douglas Gilbert died in June 2023. Throughout his photography career, he pursued both freelance commercial work as well as artistic work. His art photography is characterized by its classic black-and-white format, and features people, places and objects shot great attention and sensitivity. Gilbert's works are held in the permanent collections of the Art Institute of Chicago, the High Museum of Art in Atlanta, The Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena, and the Grand Valley State University Art Galleries, as well as in numerous private and institutional collections. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1960-2011 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="%E2%80%9Dhttps%3A//gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/783%E2%80%9D">Douglas R. Gilbert Papers (RHC-183)</a> Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource In Copyright Subject The topic of the resource Photographs Photography -- United States Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections and University Archives. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-183 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Image Type The nature or genre of the resource image/jpeg Language A language of the resource eng Still Image A static visual representation. Examples include paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type Text to images of textual materials. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-183_D099-0033 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Gilbert, Douglas R. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1963-03-07 Title A name given to the resource Drama Class at Franklin School, Grand Rapids, MI Description An account of the resource Black and white photograph of a classroom of students and their teacher during drama class at the Franklin School in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Scanned from the negative. Subject The topic of the resource Grand Rapids (Mich.) Classrooms Drama Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/783">Douglas R. Gilbert papers (RHC-183)</a> Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/">In Copyright</a> Type The nature or genre of the resource Image Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource image/jpeg Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant 1960s Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Lemmen Library and Archives https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/2a6b2f670a603f48e8b0db785395c738.jpg 8cc61197a0a69c002bb84b9b013e60c8 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Robert H. Merrill photographs Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Merrill, Robert H., 1881-1955 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1909/1950 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Robert H. Merrill papers (RHC-222) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource In Copyright Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-222 Description An account of the resource Photographs, negatives, and lantern slides digitized from the papers of engineer and archaeologist Robert H. Merrill. A Grand Rapids native, Merrill held an accomplished career as a civil engineer. He founded the company Spooner & Merrill, which held offices in Grand Rapids and Chicago. From 1919-1921, Merrill lived in China, working as Assistant Principal Engineer on a reconstruction of the Grand Canal - the oldest and longest canal system in the world. Merrill became fascinated by archaeology, and among other projects, he traveled to the Uxmal Pyramids in Yucatan, Mexico, with a research expedition from Tulane University. Merrill's photo collection includes images of his travels and projects, friends and family. Still Image A static visual representation. Examples include paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type Text to images of textual materials. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Merrill_EastmanAlbum_3_1911-1915_76 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1913-08-13 Title A name given to the resource Draw Span Soulanges Canal Description An account of the resource Black and white photograph of the drawbridge span at the Soulanges Canal in Québec. Water damage is visible on the image, which was scanned from the negative. Subject The topic of the resource Bridges Canals Québec Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Robert H. Merrill papers (RHC-222) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource In Copyright Type The nature or genre of the resource Image Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource image/jpg Language A language of the resource eng Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Merrill, Robert H., 1881-1955 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Lemmen Library and Archives https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/d45edcd802bbb37a3bcffc7565429ce2.jpg 4d1129a27f9538582cd379ef2d7eeaff Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource U.S.S. Michigan Memorabilia Subject The topic of the resource United States. Navy Ships--Great Lakes (North America) Battle cruisers Description An account of the resource The name U.S.S. Michigan has been shared by 3 vessels in the United States Navy. The first U.S.S. Michigan was the Navy's first iron-hulled warship (1843-1949). It was renamed the U.S.S. Wolverine in 1905 and decommissioned in 1912; the U.S.S. Michigan (Battleship BB-27) along with her sister ship U.S.S. South Carolina was the first “all-big-gun battleships designed and built for the U.S. Navy; the third and current U.S.S. Michigan SSBN 727 is a Trident-class missile submarine launched in 1980. This collection focuses on the U.S.S. Michigan (Battleship BB-27), but includes articles, images, and memorabilia of all three vessels utilizing the name of U.S.S. Michigan. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Beasecker, Robert (collector) Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/475">U.S.S. Michigan memorabilia collection (RHC-48)</a> Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/page/InC/1.0/?language=en">In Copyright</a> Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Image/jpg Language A language of the resource eng Type The nature or genre of the resource Image Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-48 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant 1900-2002 Still Image A static visual representation. Examples include paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type Text to images of textual materials. Source <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/475">U.S.S. Michigan memorabilia collection, RHC-48</a> Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-48-USSM24 Title A name given to the resource Drawing of the U.S.S. Michigan Subject The topic of the resource Michigan (Battleship : BB27) Ships--Great Lakes (North America) United States. Navy Description An account of the resource Drawing of the U.S.S. Michigan by P. Merkulov, 2002 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2002 Type The nature or genre of the resource Image Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource image/jpeg Language A language of the resource eng Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/page/InC/1.0/?language=en">In Copyright</a> https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/d165c62d9df3ff785f0faf6ad8c5f4b7.jpg cfc57025f43a7d36d31e26a3a5f77e11 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Robert H. Merrill photographs Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Merrill, Robert H., 1881-1955 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1909/1950 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Robert H. Merrill papers (RHC-222) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource In Copyright Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-222 Description An account of the resource Photographs, negatives, and lantern slides digitized from the papers of engineer and archaeologist Robert H. Merrill. A Grand Rapids native, Merrill held an accomplished career as a civil engineer. He founded the company Spooner & Merrill, which held offices in Grand Rapids and Chicago. From 1919-1921, Merrill lived in China, working as Assistant Principal Engineer on a reconstruction of the Grand Canal - the oldest and longest canal system in the world. Merrill became fascinated by archaeology, and among other projects, he traveled to the Uxmal Pyramids in Yucatan, Mexico, with a research expedition from Tulane University. Merrill's photo collection includes images of his travels and projects, friends and family. Still Image A static visual representation. Examples include paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type Text to images of textual materials. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Merrill_LS00212 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource circa 1930 Title A name given to the resource Drawings of bison Niaux cavern Description An account of the resource Black and white lantern slide of Paleolithic drawings of bison from Niaux cavern. Subject The topic of the resource Lantern slides Drawings Cave paintings Archaeology Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Robert H. Merrill papers (RHC-222) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource In Copyright Type The nature or genre of the resource Image Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource image/jpg Language A language of the resource eng Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Merrill, Robert H., 1881-1955 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Lemmen Library and Archives https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/ebf8372ced3741e2f5179ad43a9607e2.pdf 7b83dbc41ee9e14e7c25455219585b08 PDF Text Text Dream On! From the sermon series: The Dream Text: Acts 10:34-35 Richard A. Rhem Christ Community Church Spring Lake, Michigan Easter Sunday, April 16, 1995 Transcription of the spoken sermon Throughout these long weeks, if you've walked this way with me, you've heard me say repeatedly that dreamers die. And that's a sad and tragic fact. Dreamers die. But, we've also discovered as we've looked at the dreamers that the dream, the vision, doesn't die. The dream doesn't die because the dream is rooted in the heart of God, and Jesus gave expression to that dream. Being confident that he was expressing the deepest intention of God, Jesus dreamed of another kind of world. Jesus dreamed of another kind of society. Jesus dreamed of a world that was a community, that was laced with compassion, a community that had no barriers, so that there was no inside and outside. There was no inclusion and exclusion. There were no lines drawn, but rather, a circle that embraced all God's children. This was Jesus' dream. And Jesus brought that dream to expression in a way that brought him to death, but in a way that has also enabled us to continue to dream on. If I were to ask you what was the central symbol of Jesus' ministry, what would you say? Well, I suppose because we're a part of the Christian community, you would say, obviously, the Cross is the central symbol of the Christian faith. And that's true. But it's also not true that the Cross is the central symbol of the life and ministry of Jesus in the days of his flesh. You know what it was? It was the Table. Table fellowship. You've heard me say many times in these past weeks, Jesus' ministry was marked by table fellowship. The meal was central in the ministry of Jesus. That sounds so innocent. It sounds almost innocuous. That doesn't really sound like something substantial enough to be the central symbol of the whole life and ministry of Jesus. Let me see if I can establish that from the scripture itself. Jesus had a vision of a different kind of world, a world in which there was no division, in which there were erected no barriers, and so in his life and his culture, for him to have a meal and to invite all comers was a radical statement. It was a statement of social protest. It was a political action. It was a religious act. It challenged the structure of the society of his day that was reinforced by the temple cult and was guaranteed by the occupying Roman power. That society was © Grand Valley State University   �Dream On! Richard A. Rhem Page 2   structured; there were custodians of the tradition; there were guardians of the law. They were the responsible and the respectable people of the society of which he was a part. They were all invested in that system that was able to demarcate very carefully who was in and who was out, who was pure and who was impure, who was given access, who was excluded. And for Jesus to have a meal with just anyone was, therefore, an action of protest. You might say, "Well, still, a table? A meal? Is this whole thing about with whom one eats?" And I want to say, "Yes." Because social protest and prophetic actions are that which become catalysts for transformation. You see, it was no big deal when Rosa Parks sat down in the front seat of a bus in Alabama. No big deal: just one black woman. Why didn't they simply disregard it? Why didn't they just let her have her nickel's ride and be done with it? But, you see, they couldn't. That is, those who were invested in maintaining the status quo of a society that was oppressive, of a society that was not founded in truth, of a society that denied the dream in the heart of God. For Rosa Parks to sit there had to be dealt with, or the whole system would become exposed. And isn't that precisely what happened? Was not that the action that became the catalyst for the whole Civil Rights Movement? Was it not then Martin Luther King who paid with his life, who led that people to call for their own rights and dignity in the human story? Just a black woman who sat in the front of the bus. Social action of protest, when the time is right and the Spirit of God moves, can change the world. Ask Robert McNamara. I really don't want to do a commercial for his book but Robert McNamara in a vibrant old age reflects, in retrospect, on the 60's. Do you remember the 60's? Well, some of you are young enough to have been a part of the 60's. And some of us are old enough to have been very angry with you! Wasn't it during the 60's that the world started to unravel? Wasn't it during the 60's, with flower children and hippies and young people marching on campuses, marching at the White House, and the Vietnam protest – wasn't that the time that our society began to unravel, to deteriorate, to degenerate? Aren't all of our problems now because there were some of you in the 60's who sat in and protested and maybe burned things? I think so. That's the problem, you see. In McNamara's book you'll see an elder statesman who looks back on the 60's, who in his interview with tears in his eyes, says, "I was wrong. We were wrong. Those of us that stood in the center of power, we were wrong. We were full of arrogance and pride so that we would not hear logical argument. We would not hear ethical appeal." And so now, in his vibrant old age, a very comfortable Robert McNamara says, "I was wrong. And we were wrong." I want to say, folks, they were wrong. And the kids are often right. Those of us who are settled and steeped and stuffy and stultifying - it is we who maintain repressive structures. It is we who defend with self-righteousness that which is, maintaining the status quo in a world that knows no justice and has no compassion and is not at all a community. We support and reinforce and perpetuate a world that continues to kill the dreamers. © Grand Valley State University �Dream On! Richard A. Rhem Page 3   Robert McNamara justifies his not criticizing Lyndon Johnson when he left in '67, though he himself was coming to understand that the war was wrong, because of protocol. This is what the good and the proper and those in power do they don't say anything. Unless you're a Dietrich Bonhoeffer, and then you raise your voice, then you act, then you see your government going in the wrong direction. You see the powers that be leading the world toward destruction and death, then you take your stand. You do your political thing; you act and you give your life. Jesus did what appears to be almost an innocuous, non-threatening, simple act setting a table and sitting with all sorts of people. And it is that action that is the very center of his ministry, which is the expression of a dream that could change the world. If you don't believe me, this afternoon take the Gospel of Luke and find that, more than any other activity, Jesus is at meal. He is at meal with sinners. He goes with those who invite him. He's going through a tax office one time and there is Levi, and he says to Levi, a tax collector who was on the outside, "Follow me." And the guy follows him, and Levi is so thrilled about it that he throws a party, and whom do you think he invited to his party? Others just like himself. And the leaders, the guardians, those who were invested in establishing and maintaining the status quo, grumbled at him. They said, "Look with whom he eats." If you go again to the 15th chapter of Luke, you will find that he was eating and drinking with tax collectors and sinners, and they grumbled at him, and he told a story - The Prodigal Son - which is really the story of the waiting father who waits simply weeping, watching, hoping, eagerly anticipating the return of all his children. That beautiful story comes because Jesus was eating with those with whom one ought not to eat. And in response to the grumbling, he told the story. Or, if you would go to the 14th chapter, you would find that he was willing, as well, to sit at table with the Pharisees, those who were devout and serious and deeply concerned and, when he sat there at table with them, he saw that they were vying for the top seats, for the best seat in the house. And he said, "Don't do that. In fact, when you have a feast, don't invite your friends and your relatives, don't invite the rich; invite the poor and the lame and the halt and the blind. Invite the people that'll never have a chance in the world to pay you back." And someone said, "Oh, my, wouldn't it be wonderful to break bread in the Kingdom of Heaven?" Jesus said, "You know what? The Kingdom of Heaven is resisted by those who have obviously received the invitation." And so, he tells the story of the lord of the house who sends his servants out into the highways and into the byways, out in the bush, out in the street, and he said, "Find the riff-raff of society and tell them to come in, compel them to come in because I want my house filled!" You think that the table wasn't central to Jesus? Do you think that was not the central prophetic act by which he embodied the dream, which was a dream rooted in the heart of God? That was it, you see? And throughout that Gospel, © Grand Valley State University �Dream On! Richard A. Rhem Page 4   he's always eating, drinking with somebody. He gathered with his disciples on the night on which he was betrayed, when the shadow of the cross hung heavily over him, and he took bread and he blessed it and he broke it and he said to them, "This is my body, and when you eat bread, remember me, and don't let the dream die." Is it any wonder, then, that on Easter eve the risen Lord, joining two disciples on the way to Emmaus, invited to come into their house as a guest, proved to be the host at the table, who took the bread and blessed it and broke it and shared it with them and was gone? Then they looked at each other! They said, "Did not our hearts burn within us? Oh, my God!" They said to each other, "He was made known to us in the breaking of the bread." It was in the breaking of the bread. Because that, Luke says, was the link, the hinge. The dream goes on, Jesus was saying. Luke was saying in telling the story - all those meals back there - they're not over! The meals continue to be the symbolic moment at which the world becomes community. And Jesus on the evening of the Resurrection once again came to table, broke bread, blessed it, gave it to them, and he was known to them. His presence, his power, his transforming, dreaming power was known to them in the moment of the breaking of the bread. The Gospel of Luke was written by Luke and so was the Book of Acts, and if you move on to the Book of Acts, you find that the Jesus movement was characterized by community, a community of the Holy Spirit, a community in which there was no human need; every need was ministered to. We are told that they went from house to house, breaking bread, singing hymns with great joy! That was what it was all about! It was about table fellowship! A meal that was the symbol of community laced with compassion. And if you want one more instance, there's old Peter. Peter would have thought that he understood. But, as a matter of fact, Peter didn't have a clue as to the dramatic dimensions of the dream. So, one noontime on a rooftop, he fell asleep and had a vision of a sheet or something like a magic carpet coming down and there were all sorts of animals. In the temple system that was a social system and a political system, as well, they knew which animals they could eat and which animals they weren't to eat. And the voice said, "Rise and eat." And Peter said, "Not me. I am a Jew. I stick to the tradition. I am observant. I have been obedient to the fathers of the faith. I have followed every prescription. No, I will not rise and eat." And a voice said, "Rise and eat." And Peter said, "I cannot." And the voice said, "Don't call unclean what I've made clean." And just then there was a knock on the door and there was a delegation from Cornelius, the Roman centurion, a military man from the occupying power, a Gentile, one from the nations. There were two kinds of people in Peter's world - Jews and those who were not Jews. The Chosen, the elect, the community, and the rest. Now here's one from the rest! © Grand Valley State University �Dream On! Richard A. Rhem Page 5   And behold, this guy is a dreamer, too, because when Peter finally cannot resist and goes to Cornelius' house, Cornelius tells him of a dream. He saw a bright and shining angel and the angel said, "Your prayers are heard. Your alms are received." Here's one from the outside whose prayer God hears, whose offerings God receives, and is blessed now with the presence of none other than Peter, and Peter says, "I shouldn't be here. This is against the catechism, against the Bible; this is against everything I've ever been taught; this is against the tradition. I am breaking the tradition. In breaking the tradition and going over this threshold, the whole tradition is shattered!" But he did it. And he told them the story of Jesus. He told of Jesus' mighty deeds and all that he did, and how he was crucified and raised and made manifest. And the Holy Spirit fell with power and they were drunk with God together! Peter, the Jew, follower of Jesus and Gentiles - they were all drunk with God together. Ah, do you believe me? The Table. This central motif for our life, this central image for the ministry of Jesus. To follow the way of Jesus is to take up the cross by embodying a ministry of inclusivity. Do you remember where we started in Lent? The first week, also around the Table? You remember, the meditation was "Retrieving the Memory: A Dangerous Dream." Do you remember that I pointed to the Table and I said, "Dear friends, there are Tables in Christian churches to which I'm not welcome." Do you remember? The Table, which Jesus used as a central symbol of community, has become in the Christian Church, a symbol of division. When the World Council of Churches tried to celebrate Holy Communion for the first time in Sweden, in the 50's, they could not have just one Table. The World Council of Churches had to set up three Tables. Some went to one room and some went to another room, and some went to yet another room! I want to ask you, where are you activists of the 60's? Why do you tolerate it? Why do we allow the Church and its ecclesiastical leaders, its arrogance, its dogmatism, its blindness, why do we allow it to go on? This Table, this Table that Jesus set in the middle of the world, inviting all, this Table has become once again the instrument of the old temple cult! This Table says to some, "You may come." And to others, "You're not welcome!" It is a scandal! A scandal of the Christian Church! And if there's a scandal in the Church, there's a scandal in the world of religions. Japan is on the alert because the fundamentalist Buddhist cult may attack again. And there are Israelis grieving because Muslin fundamentalists have once again struck with their terrorism, killing, killing. And tomorrow we may read of the retaliation of the Jewish fundamentalists, and we will read, as well, of the violent actions of American fundamentalist Christians. The scandal of the world of religion that has made this world dangerous, filled with violence, doing precisely that which denies the dream of Jesus, which he believed was rooted in the heart of God, that there be no inside and outside, no exclusion and inclusion. There is a scandal of those who, in the name of God, © Grand Valley State University �Dream On! Richard A. Rhem Page 6   while saying their prayers to God, continue to play God, saying who is in and who is out! It is a disgrace! But, it's Easter. And when we have admitted that scandal in the Church and in the world of religion, then let me go on to say that today is a bonus. You see, it was in the breaking of the bread that they recognized him and knew his presence. It was Luke's way of saying that now, post-Easter, the living Lord will be made known in the breaking of the bread. It was Luke's way of saying that this feast is not really a feast that focuses on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday. There is no day in all the Christian year when it is so important to celebrate this feast, which is really a feast, not of crucifixion, but of resurrection. This is a feast that says, Dream on! I know that there are those of you who are celebrating your first Easter since having loved and lost a while someone so dear. And right now you can't even think about the scandal in the Church or the scandal in the world of religion. Your heart breaks because of the loss you've sustained. But let me be very clear the Lord lives. We, too, shall live. And those who have moved through death have passed into light eternal. And for them all is well. All is well. But for us, the presence, the recognition, the manifestation of the living Lord does not come as we passively try to get through unscathed, hoping for heaven by and by. This is the insight of Bonhoeffer - for us who are still on the way, though we take up this cross, it is at this Table that we follow Jesus. And it is in the following of Jesus, living out the dream, embodying the dream that paradoxically we find communion with God. This is what Bonhoeffer learned - it is in joining God in His sufferings in the world that one finds oneself in the arms of God, communion with God. Recognition of the living Christ who is crucified and raised again - this comes to those who follow the dream, who follow the way, who walk in the steps, who risk, who commit, who dream and will not quit dreaming until the dream is realized in the eternal purposes of God. Dream on, believing that Easter assures us that all will be well and all will be well, and all manner of things will be well. Thanks be to God. © Grand Valley State University � https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/84a4ead8b5a208c4209468bcf1a368bc.mp3 c851d9247f23668272b4b4de99dd098a Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Richard A. Rhem Collection Description An account of the resource Text and sound recordings of the sermons, prayers, services, and articles of Richard Rhem, pastor emeritus of Christ Community Church in Spring Lake, Michigan, where he served for 37 years. Starting in the mid 1980's, Rhem began to question some of the traditional Christian dogma that he had been espousing from the pulpit. That questioning was a first step in a long and interesting spiritual journey, one that he openly shared with his congregation. His journey is important, in part because it is reflective of the questioning, the yearnings, and the gradual revision of beliefs that many persons in this part of the century have experienced and continue to experience. It is important also because of the affirming and inclusive way his questioning was done and his thinking evolved. His sermons and other written and spoken materials together document the steps in his journey as it took a turn in 1985, yet continued to revolve around the framework and liturgies of the Christian calendar. Subject The topic of the resource Clergy--Michigan Reformed Church in America Christ Community Church (Spring Lake, Mich.) Religion Interfaith worship Sermons Sound Recordings Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Rhem, Richard A. Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/514">Richard A. Rhem papers (KII-01)</a> Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives. Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Kaufman Interfaith Institute Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/page/InC/1.0/?language=en">In Copyright</a> Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Sound Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context KII-01 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant 1981-2014 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource audio/mp3 text/pdf Sound A resource primarily intended to be heard. Examples include a music playback file format, an audio compact disc, and recorded speech or sounds. Event Easter Series The Dream Scripture Text Acts 10:34-35 Location The location of the interview Christ Community Church, Spring Lake, MI Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context KII-01_RA-0-19950416 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1995-04-16 Title A name given to the resource Dream On! Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Richard A. Rhem Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/page/InC/1.0/?language=en">In Copyright</a> Subject The topic of the resource Clergy--Michigan Reformed Church in America Christ Community Church (Spring Lake, Mich.) Sermons Relation A related resource Richard A. Rhem - An Archive of Sermons, Prayers, Talks and Stories: http://richardrhem.org/ Language A language of the resource eng Type The nature or genre of the resource Sound Text Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource audio/mp3 application/pdf Description An account of the resource A sermon given by Richard A. Rhem (Dick) on April 16, 1995 entitled "Dream On!", as part of the series "The Dream", on the occasion of Easter, at Christ Community Church, Spring Lake, MI. Scripture references: Acts 10:34-35. Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Lemmen Library and Archives Community of Grace Divine Intention Easter Inclusive Table Fellowship https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/76e6bb7cda0796b95b552429aa18a1c3.mp3 02c9d352f6f22b4b59662aa846264dd5 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Richard A. Rhem Collection Description An account of the resource Text and sound recordings of the sermons, prayers, services, and articles of Richard Rhem, pastor emeritus of Christ Community Church in Spring Lake, Michigan, where he served for 37 years. Starting in the mid 1980's, Rhem began to question some of the traditional Christian dogma that he had been espousing from the pulpit. That questioning was a first step in a long and interesting spiritual journey, one that he openly shared with his congregation. His journey is important, in part because it is reflective of the questioning, the yearnings, and the gradual revision of beliefs that many persons in this part of the century have experienced and continue to experience. It is important also because of the affirming and inclusive way his questioning was done and his thinking evolved. His sermons and other written and spoken materials together document the steps in his journey as it took a turn in 1985, yet continued to revolve around the framework and liturgies of the Christian calendar. Subject The topic of the resource Clergy--Michigan Reformed Church in America Christ Community Church (Spring Lake, Mich.) Religion Interfaith worship Sermons Sound Recordings Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Rhem, Richard A. Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="https://gvsu.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/514">Richard A. Rhem papers (KII-01)</a> Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives. Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Kaufman Interfaith Institute Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/page/InC/1.0/?language=en">In Copyright</a> Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Sound Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context KII-01 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant 1981-2014 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource audio/mp3 text/pdf Sound A resource primarily intended to be heard. Examples include a music playback file format, an audio compact disc, and recorded speech or sounds. Event Pentecost Scripture Text Acts 2:17, John 20:22 Location The location of the interview Christ Community Church, Spring Lake, MI Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context KII-01_RA-0-19950604 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1995-06-04 Title A name given to the resource Dreams Don't Die Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Richard A. Rhem Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/page/InC/1.0/?language=en">In Copyright</a> Subject The topic of the resource Clergy--Michigan Reformed Church in America Christ Community Church (Spring Lake, Mich.) Sermons Relation A related resource Richard A. Rhem - An Archive of Sermons, Prayers, Talks and Stories: http://richardrhem.org/ Language A language of the resource eng Type The nature or genre of the resource Sound Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource audio/mp3 Description An account of the resource A sermon given by Richard A. Rhem (Dick) on June 4, 1995 entitled "Dreams Don't Die", on the occasion of Pentecost, at Christ Community Church, Spring Lake, MI. Scripture references: Acts 2:17, John 20:22. Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Lemmen Library and Archives https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/4b219805dd7a94a82fc604749c241daa.jpg ded601c0288b7a5adade49389c3b4610 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Robert H. Merrill photographs Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Merrill, Robert H., 1881-1955 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1909/1950 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Robert H. Merrill papers (RHC-222) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource In Copyright Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context RHC-222 Description An account of the resource Photographs, negatives, and lantern slides digitized from the papers of engineer and archaeologist Robert H. Merrill. A Grand Rapids native, Merrill held an accomplished career as a civil engineer. He founded the company Spooner & Merrill, which held offices in Grand Rapids and Chicago. From 1919-1921, Merrill lived in China, working as Assistant Principal Engineer on a reconstruction of the Grand Canal - the oldest and longest canal system in the world. Merrill became fascinated by archaeology, and among other projects, he traveled to the Uxmal Pyramids in Yucatan, Mexico, with a research expedition from Tulane University. Merrill's photo collection includes images of his travels and projects, friends and family. Still Image A static visual representation. Examples include paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type Text to images of textual materials. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Merrill_EastmanAlbum_3_1911-1915_024 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1912-07-15 Title A name given to the resource Dredge "Empire" 5522 looking west Description An account of the resource Black and white photograph of the dredge Empire 5522, taken by Robert Merrill looking west. Lettering is printed along the arm of the dredge reading, "Built by the Marion Osgood Company Marion, Ohio." Water damage is visible on the image, which was scanned from the negative. Subject The topic of the resource Engineering Dredging Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Robert H. Merrill papers (RHC-222) Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource In Copyright Type The nature or genre of the resource Image Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource image/jpg Language A language of the resource eng Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Merrill, Robert H., 1881-1955 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Lemmen Library and Archives https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/a9df0eab23fa25f26b631b590de9b3d4.jpg c76c93d2fe23d62ddc41aa76a5e681b3 https://digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/files/original/01b9b151cc50784773bcba82d5f9cc13.jpg e8ee285e629ca671e62cd98f9d8d3888 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Insel-Bücherei Series Description An account of the resource The German publishing company Insel Verlag was founded in 1899 by Anton Kippenberg in Leipzig. In its early years the firm only printed expensive, beautifully-produced volumes, until demand led to the publication of the more modest Insel-Bücherei series in 1912. Relatively inexpensive but with the same careful sense of design and typography, these smaller-format books reprinted shorter works from a variety of German, European, and world authors. The series numbers considerably more than a thousand titles and is still being issued. The Digital Collection contains the scanned covers of 140 titles held by Grand Valley State University Libraries. Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant 1904-1987 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seidman Rare Books Collection Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/page/InC/1.0/?language=en">In Copyright</a> Subject The topic of the resource Book covers Covers (Illustration) Graphic arts Publishers and publishing Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context DC-05 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource image/jpg Type The nature or genre of the resource Image Language A language of the resource ger Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2017-09-29 Still Image A static visual representation. Examples include paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type Text to images of textual materials. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context DC-05_IB0046 Title A name given to the resource Drei Fastnachtspiele Subject The topic of the resource Book covers Covers (Illustration) Graphic arts Publishers and publishing Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/page/InC/1.0/?language=en">In Copyright</A> Type The nature or genre of the resource Image Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource image/jpeg Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant 1913 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2017-09-29 Description An account of the resource Cover of Drei Fastnachtspiele, by Hans Sachs, published by Insel-Verlag, 1913. Insel-Bücherei Nr. 46 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seidman Rare Books. Insel-Bücherei. Z315.I5 B83 no.46 Language A language of the resource de Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Lemmen Library and Archives