Five Points Intersection

Five Points Intersection

A Gateway to the City
Gateway Through the City

Presented
Presented by: by:

The Drachman
The DrachmanInstitute
Institute
College
College of of Architecture
Architecture and Landscape
and Landscape Architecture
Architecture
The University
The Universityof of Arizona
Arizona
Corky
CorkyPoster, Director
Poster, Director
Ariel Fisher, Student
Primary Contributors:
Ariel Fisher, student & Katie Gannon, staff

Table Of Contents
Introduction
Purpose
Scope
Goal, Objectives and Process

Analysis
Project Context
Neighborhood Context
Zoning
Land Ownership
Land Use
Vegetation
Water Harvesting
Existing Conditions
Approaches
Exposure
Assets
Concerns
Proposed Conditions
Proposed Sidewalk Sections
Proposed Structure

Final Design Proposal

Final Concept: Gateway Walls with Draped Arches
Stepped Wall
Simple Wall
Solid Wall
Gateway Locations
Proposed vegetated Areas

APPENDIX
Design Inspiration
Gateways and Monuments
Design Features
Design Materials
Concept Generation
Monuments
Gateways
Community Feedback
Preliminary Design Concepts
Arcoiris
Draped Arch
Gateway Walls


 Introduction


Purpose
The intersection of 6th Avenue, Stone Avenue,
and 18th Street, commonly known as the Five
Points Intersection, is undergoing a facelift and
beautification process. The street is being repaved,
sidewalks replaced, and new traffic signals installed
to redirect traffic along the existing roadways. 6th
Avenue south of 19th street has already benefited
from similar renovation efforts, and the difference in
appearance is dramatic.

The Five Points Business Coalition has additionally

proposed to distinguish the intersection as a
gateway feature. The members of the coalition
approached the Drachman Institute with the
challenge of designing a gateway feature that will
highlight the site.

The Five Points Intersection is a point of interest for

a number of reasons. Aside from being one of the
main avenues into downtown from South Tucson,
it is also located at the juncture of four historic
neighborhoods: Armory Park, Barrio Viejo, Barrio
Santa Rosa and Santa Rita Park.

The configuration of the intersection also adds to its

unique quality. The intersection is bordered on all
sides by a diversity of businesses and landowners.
The design studies that follow seek to integrate
heritage, design, transportation and landscape to
celebrate this intersection.

Introduction 
Scope
The scope of this project includes the
intersection of 6th Avenue, Stone Avenue,
and 18th Street. The extents of the analysis
will include the four surrounding historic
neighborhoods and Stone and 6th Avenues
north and south of the intersection.
Issues to be addressed at the intersection
include building and sidewalk deterioration,
side street parking on 18th, lighting, and
street side and sidewalk vegetation.

Stone 6th

18th

22nd
 Introduction
 Project Goal
To create an iconic gateway feature for the intersection of
6th, Stone and 18th which speaks about the history of the
area while encouraging people to stop and experience the
space and acting as a gateway to downtown Tucson.

Objectives
Speak about the history of the area and the association
with historic preservation neighborhoods nearby.
Facilitate public use of the space through creation of
shady areas which mediate the extreme temperatures of
the heat island
Create a gateway feature that increases awareness of
the area while providing a transition to the urban center
of Downtown.
Encourage development and beautification of
surrounding properties in order to form a cohesive
commercial center
Create a local destination for residents of surrounding
neighborhoods

 Introduction Introduction 
 Community Design Process
Four meetings and presentations were held with The Five Points
Coalition.

This project reflects the values and of the community and

responds to their vision for the area.

Key community ideas for the Five Points Gateway include:

Recognize the historic districts that meet there.

Improvement appearance and use of the existing Cezar
Chavez Park
Streetscape improvements, including landscape & lighting
A Physical gateway
Restoration of iconic gasoline station
Recognition of history of family businesses.

 Introduction 
Feedback From Community Meetings:
Residents like the idea of a gateway across entire street.
People wish to make strong reference to neighborhoods.
Original idea was for the buildings to form the gateway
feature.
Removal of the billboards would improve the overall
appearance of the intersection.

Challenges:
Confined back-of-curb space restricts the construction of
large built features.
A large vertical feature could interfere with the sight lines
to street signals and businesses.

Ideas
Vertical Gateway feature framing the intersection from all
five points.
Unique feature on each corner.
Traditional street sign motif.
Traditional lamp posts to hold signs.
Incorporated shade feature into corner feature.
Sculptural feature with narrow base
Incorporate shape of intersection into design.

Design Process Introduction 

 Analysis

10
Neighborhood Context
This intersection lies at the juncture of four
neighborhoods, two of which, Barrio Viejo
and Armory Park, are City of Tucson historic
preservation districts.
The site lies between South Tucson and
Downtown, and is commonly used as a route
into Downtown.
Businesses on the site represent a diversity of
commercial, residential and social functions
which form the foundation of a rich cultural
center.

Barrio V iejo
Viejo
B arrio Armory Park
Armory P ark

BBarrio
arrio SSanta
anta
R os aRosa Santa
S anta Rita
R ita
Park
P ark

Analysis 11
 Zoning

The Zoning around the Five Points areas is

primarily general commercial, with residential
areas within half a block on the east and
west. to the east and northeast lie historic
preservation districts, while to the west high
density residential areas.
MAIN AV

ONE A

TH AV S 6TH AV
C-2
HC-1
V

H0-3
S STON
E AV

C-1
S MAIN AV

S STO

S 6TH AV

HC-3 HR-3
AV NE
S MAIN AV

S
ST
O
N

S 6TH AV
E
AV

S 6TH AV

O-3
S 10TH AV

C-3
R-3
S 6TH AV

R-2
S 10TH AV

S 6TH AV
S 10TH AV

12 Appendix 12
C-1 Local C ommercial:
HQ3 O
G eneral and Intensive C ommercial:
C-2 Local
R etail Ccommercial
ommercial:with wholesale,
nightclubs, bars, amusement
HQ3 O
enterprises.
G eneral and F ull automotive
Intensive uses,
C ommercial:
C-3 limited manufacturing
R etail commercial withand
wholesale,
residential
nightclubs, permitted.
bars, amusement
enterprises. F ull automotive uses,
HC-1 Historic P reservation District
limited manufacturing
Historic Preservation District
and
residential permitted. P
HC-3 Historic P reservation District
P
H0-3 Historic P reservation District
R3
HR-3 O ffice: P rofessional and semi
Historic P reservation District
professional office R3
O-3 O ffice: P rofessional and semi
Medium Density R esidential:
professional office
High Density R esidential: A partment
R-2 Houses: single-family
Medium Density development
R esidential:
permitted
High Density R esidential: A partment
R-3 P arking: O ff street parking at or
Houses: single-family development
below grade
permitted
C2
P P arking: O ff street parking at or
below grade
C2

Appendix 13
 Land Use

While the ownership is diverse, the number of

land uses represented by the different proper-
ties is limited to five. The main land uses along
the intersection are commercial and residen-
tial, with single areas for parking and park use.

CommercialCommercial
Commercial 2
1 Commercial
ResidentialResidential (Medium Density)
(Medium Density)

2 Residential (Medium Density)

Residential (Medium Density)
Residential (Low Density) 1
Residential (Low Density)
Residential (Low Density) 4 1
3 Residential (Low Density)
Park
Park
Park 1
Civic4 Park

Civic
5 Civic
Parking

3
1
5
1

1 3

14 Analysis
 Land Ownership
There are twelve different owners of the land
within one block of the Five Points Intersection
alone. This, with the addition of the four
historic neighborhoods, leads to an increadible
diversity of interests and backgrounds. This
diversity can lend personality to the intersection
and increase the richness of hte area.

EPPERSON THOMAS WALTER JR

1 & DOROTHY ANN JT/RS

10 R&A Developments LLC

2

SANDOVAL NOE C JR & ARLENE

1 3 R JT/RS
1
MORENO DINO S & MORENO
8 4 MICHAEL A JT/RS

2 HAWK JOHN
5
9
RUE RICHARD & LUPE TR
6

JUSSEAUME ROGER J
7
5
7 SUAREZ FAMILY LIMITED PART-
12 8 NERSHIP

COFFEE & TEA CO LLC

8 9

PRIMAVERA FOUNDATION INC

6 10
11
SOCIETY OF ST VINCENT DE
3 11 PAUL

11 COY MYRIAM
12

Analysis 15
Vegetation
There are a number of areas where
vegetation could be introduced to the site.
These are shown below. Many of these areas
are on both public and private land, so they
would need to be implemented with the
permission of the appropriate government
organizations and land owners.

16 Analysis
Need for Vegetation
Vegetation is essential to human
comort.
Mediates urban heat island effect.
Promotes pedestrian circulation in the
area
Water harvesting ensures vegetation
survival.

Analysis 17
Water Harvesting Techniques
These images depict water harvesting
efforts in Portland, Oregon.
With curb cuts and sunken planting
areas rainwater can be harvested
from the streets
A version of this type of water
harvesting feature could be
introduced to the site.

18 Analysis
Water Harvesting Techniques

These are examples of water harvesting

measures being enacted in Portland,
Oregon.

Analysis 19
Challenges of Water
Harvesting Features:
Because we experience
such dramatic high water
events, the proposed
vegetated water retention
basins would need to
be combined with a
conventional drainage
system to prevent flooding.
These pictures show the
water harvesting feature
at the new College of
Architecture and Landscape
Architecture building off
Speedway on the University
of Arizona Campus. The
2007 monsoons completely
filled the feature,
demonstrating the large
quantities of water which
may fall during a single
storm event in Tucson.

20 Analysis
EXISTING CONDITIONS

Analysis 21
Approaches
The main approach to this intersection is along
6th from the south. Because 6th becomes a
one way street at this intersection, the vehicular
approach from the north is along Stone. After
road improvements 6th will become a two way
street, so an approach from the north is also to
be considered

Secondary approaches to the intersection

are from the east and west along 18th Street.
These approaches are important because they
are the main approaches to the intersection on
foot from street parking along 18th Street.

22 Analysis
Exposure
Currently the Five Points Intersection is almost
entirely exposed to the extreme sun and
temperatures of Arizona summers. This makes
the area almost uninhabitable for pedestrians
during half of the year.

Analysis 23
Assets

Five Points has a number of assets which can

be used to create a unique and stimulating
space. These include the following
Historic gas station: This building, while
currently in disrepair, could be restored and
become a focal point of the intersection
Proximity to prominent neighborhoods:
Historic Photograph
The relationship of this intersection to well
known historic and cultural neighborhoods
allow for a variety of influences that will add
personality to the space.
The unique form of this intersection: This
unusual configuration of spaces creates a
foundation for creative use of space and
iconic forms in the landscape.

24 Analysis
Coalition Concerns
There are some areas of the
intersection which are in need of
mediation. These include:

Run down appearance of

buildings: This condition, while
unfortunate, can in many cases
be mediated with something as
small as a fresh coat of paint.

Lack of streetscape
improvements: As mentioned
before, while this situation is
currently problematic, it also
provides an opportunity for
the intersection to develop a
unique identity.

Analysis 25
Coalition Concerns
Vacant lots around site: These
spaces tend to attract litter and
loitering. On the other hand, they
provide opportunities to increase
the green space around the
intersection by creating a
network of pocket parks.

Unattractive fencing and lot litter:

This condition is not too prevalant
around this intersection, and can
be mediated through the use of
wrought iron fencing instead of
chain link, or the use of screening
shrubs to camouflage a fence.
Lot litter is a basic condition
which can be mediated by
basic maintenance or, when
unavoidable, by more shrub
screens.

26 Analysis
Coalition Concerns
Lack of vegetation: This is one of the
main contributing factors to the heat of
the intersection. 6th Avenue south of 19th
Street has a uniform planting palette of
oaks, and north of 17th Street is lined by
dense older trees. This one neglected
space is in need of vegetation. In one
space street side mesquites have been
planted. A unified planting palette along
these lines would enhance the aesthetic
of this intersection substantially.

Analysis 27
 PROPOSED CONDITIONS

28 Analysis
 Proposed Sidewalk Sections
The Five Points Intersection is about to undergo a major
physical transportation renovation. The new proposed sections
along Sixth and Stone Avenues are important because they
dictate the available locations for the proposed gateway
features.
12.1 Feet of
concrete sidewalk
with no soil buffer

6th Avenue north of 18th Street

6 Feet of concrete
sidewalk with 3.6
feet soil buffer

6th Avenue south of 18th Street

14 to 20 feet of
concrete sidewalk
with not soil buffer

18th Street

12.1 Feet of
concrete with no
soil buffer

Stone Avenue North of 18th Street

Analysis Analysis 29
Proposed Structure

(NE Corner of 18th Street and 6th

Avenue. Laos Family, Owner, The
Architecture Company, Architects)

NORTH
LOOKING
SOUTH
EAST
1

5-Points Gateway Plaza

the

architecture
company
2525N.
Silverbell
Road
Scale: 1
:
1 TAC
Date:
#: 05138
12/28/2006
Tucson,AZ85704
520-622-4506
4:05:23PM 520-620-6097fax

SOUTH
LOOKING
WEST
1

NEW LANDSCAPINGCOMPATIBLE
WITH
EXISTINGIN
DEVELOPMENTZONE.

45'
-
0"
FUTURE
1/2
ROW
5-Points Gateway Plaza
39'
-
8
1/2"
ROW the

architecture
company
C-3 HC-3 Scale:
1 1/2"
= TAC #: 05138
2525N.
Silverbell
Tucson,AZ85704
Road

CONCRETE
APRON. Date: 12/28/2006 520-622-4506
1'-0" 4:06:29PM 520-620-6097fax

REMOVE
CORRUGATED
METAL
SHED.
CROSS
WALK. ENCLOSEDBRICK
DUMPSTER.

HR-3

EXISTING1
AVENUE

NEWLANDSCAPING STORY
COMPATIBLE
WITHEXISTING BUILDING
IN
DEVELOPMENTZONE. PROPOSED
2-STORY
OFFICE
/
RETAIL
BUILDING.
(CONTRIBUTING
ARIZONA

EXISTING
LIGHT
POLE. HISTORIC)
AVENUE

PROPOSED
RETAIL
USE
SIXTH

REMOVEEXISTING
SIDEWALK.

EIGHTEENTH
STREET

C-3

1' 10'
0 5' 20'

SITE
PLAN
1

30 Analysis
5-Points Gateway Plaza
the

architecture
company
2525N.
Silverbell
Road
Scale:
1"
=10'-0" TAC
Date:
#: 05138
12/28/2006
Tucson,AZ85704
520-622-4506
4:04:41PM 520-620-6097fax
Final Design Proposal

Preliminary Analysis 31
Final Concept: Gatespan with Corner Walls

A physical gateway
spans and frames each
roadway at the Five Points
intersection, combined
with gateway walls to form
monumental features that
cross and frame the street.

Gateway walls
incorporate lights poles.
Flags/signs attach to the
poles ane are illuminated
at night.
.

32 Final Design Proposal

Northeast corner of 6th Avenue
and 18th Street

Final Design Proposal 33

34 Final Design Proposal
 Final Design Proposal 35
The following are examples of gateway walls.
Each a blank slate, with options for cladding, color, and art
left to the discretion of the surrounding neighborhoods and
the Five Points Coalition.
Each Feature incorporates a version of the Five Points Theme
or Symbol, be it historic or neighborhood-based.

Truss for 6th Avenue Arch: Engineered

Steel Truss

Cables for Draped Arches: Steel Cable

Panels Between Cables: Enamel-Glazed
Steel Plates
Lighting Between Panels: Christmas
Icicle Lights

Light Poles: Steel or Aluminum

Light Fixtures: Globe fixtures Oriented to

Match Existing Traditional Lamp Posts

Banners: Plastic Banners to Announce

Seasonal Events

Wall Base: Concrete Masonry Unit Base

with Cladding on Surface

36 Final Design Proposal

 Wall Variations
Solid Wall
Palette of surfacing options for the wall
feature
Stamped Tile
Sandstone
Brick Patterning
Wall may be solid with art placed on the
surface

Final Design Proposal 37

Wall Variations

Simple Wall:
Palette of surfacing options for the wall
feature:
Blue Plaster
Brick
Large Tile
Wall inset may be glass or a piece of two
dimensional art.
Glass may come in a number of colors.
Shown here in yellow.

38 Final Design Proposal

Wall Variations

Stepped Wall:
Palette of surfacing options for the wall
feature:
Rose Plaster
Small Tile Mosaic
Flagstone
Wall inset may be glass or a piece of two
dimensional art
If glass, the feature may be lit from within
and etched with art

Final Design Proposal 39

Vegetation Locations

The introduction of vegetation would

improve the intersection by mediating
the heat island effect and making
a more comfortable pedestrian
environment. There are a number
of areas where vegetaton could be
introduced.

40 Final Design Proposal

Native desert plants
of the smaller
planting areas which
might not receive as
much water.

Final Design Proposal 41

 Proposed Vegetated Areas:
Retention basins on the west corners of
18th street and 6th Avenue would hold
large amounts of water. Recommended
vegetation would all be desert adapted,
so it would require little to no water after
the first year.

42 Final Design Proposal

Appendix

Preliminary Analysis 43
 Design Inspiration

44 Appendix
 Gateways and Monuments
Gateway features can be expressed through
a number of styles. These range from small
scale to grand, and from traditional to
contemporary. The following are a number
of interpretations of a gateway:

Oxbridge Home Zone:

Lowestoft, Suffolk, Uk

Ames, Iowa Shrub Hill, Worchester, MA

Kirkhill, UK

Marbury Arch,
Norhtwich, UK

Appendix 45
Glendalough, County Wicklow, England

Aukland City, New Zeland

Solana Beach Design District,

San Diego , California

Durham,
North Carolina

Highland Parlk, Des Moines, Iowa

46 Appendix
Features

Appendix 47
 Wrought Iron

48 Appendix
Adobe

Appendix 49
 Mosaics

50 Appendix
Murals

Appendix 51
 Early concepts:
Five Monument Points
This concept involves creating a
series of monuments which would
be located on each of the corners
of the intersection. These markers
could relate to five periods of
history of the area:
Native American
Spanish Missionary
Mexican Territory
American Territory
Statehood

52 Appendix
Five Neighborhood Points
This concept proposes a number of gateway
features which would cross the street and
frame the intersection. These gateways would
relate to the neighborhoods surrounding the
intersection.
Barrio Viejo
Santa Rosa
Santa Rita
Armory Park
Downtown

Appendix 53
 Arcoiris

54 Appendix Preliminary Design Concepts

Preliminary Design Concepts Appendix 55
Draped Arch

View North from South 6th

Avenue

56 Appendix Preliminary Design Concepts

Prelininary Design Concepts Appendix 57
Gateway Walls

Corner of 6th Avenue and Stone Avenue

58 Appendix Preliminary Design Concepts