PEDESTRIAN COUNT REPORT

Transcription

1 PEDESTRIAN COUNT REPORT FY downtowntempe.com

2 Overview Downtown Tempe is the Valley s only true walkable, urban environment. Located in the heart of the metropolitan area, Downtown Tempe is the home of two of Arizona s top des na ons, Mill Avenue and the Tempe Town Lake. Downtown Tempe features a rac ons, events, arts, sports, retail, dining, leisure, housing, major corpora ons, hotels and more. Daily pedestrian traffic in Downtown Tempe is primarily represented by: Over 4 million city wide visitors (Tempe Tourism) Approximately 31, employees located within one mile (CoStar) 19, residents within one mile (CoStar) Almost 6, students, faculty and staff at the neighboring ASU main campus (ASU Office of Ins tu onal Analysis, Fall 214) Downtown Tempe Authority is the private, nonprofit organiza on that manages the Enhanced Municipal Services District and is responsible for the vibrancy and excellence of the cultural, lifestyle, and commerce experience in Downtown Tempe. If you have any ques ons or need addi onal informa on regarding this Pedestrian Count Report, please contact Kate Borders, Execu ve Director, at (48) or kate@downtowntempe.com. Purpose The Downtown Tempe Authority conducts quarterly pedestrian counts to analyze the amount of pedestrian traffic within specific areas of Downtown. Pedestrian Count Reports will be compiled a er each quarterly count is conducted and will compare the current data to the previous years. The purpose of this report is to: Assess the condi on of pedestrian ac vity in specific areas Iden fy areas that need con nued ac va on to draw more foot traffic Create an informa on source for planners, developers, and brokers Assist in recruitment and reten on of retail and office businesses in the area

3 Methodology All pedestrian traffic counts for this study were determined by manual coun ng of individuals walking in any direc on past a designated observa on point (see map for specific loca ons). Pedestrian counts were recorded in one hour intervals at each loca on. Pedestrian counts were conducted at nine loca ons throughout Downtown. Loca ons Data was collected from nine loca ons for this report. Rio Salado & Mill 3 rd St & Mill 5 th & Mill 7 th St & Mill University & Mill 5 th & Forest 5 th & College 7 th & College University & College Collec on Times Pedestrian counts were conducted on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday during four shi s: Breakfast, 8am 9pm A ernoon, 2pm 3pm Lunch, 11:3am 12:3am Dinner, 6 7pm Report Timeframe This report represents the quarterly pedestrian counts of Fall 215. The counts were recorded November 2, 4, 6, 9, 11, and 13. Fall 215 counts are compared to Fall 214. Gender The Fall 215 pedestrian counts were recorded by gender; male or female.

4 Important Notes The graph en tled Time of Day: Quarterly Review will display the four most recent quarterly counts collected. The Time of Day graphs for all 9 loca ons include the data from Fall 215 only. The Historical Records graphs for each of the 9 loca ons were created from Fall 214 and Fall 215 data only.

5 Map of Pedestrian Count Collection Locations Rio Salado & Mill 3 rd & Mill 5 th & Mill 7 th & Mill University & Mill 5 th & Forest 5 th & College 7 th & College University & College

6 Summary Downtown Tempe con nues to display strong pedestrian ac vity. Since 212, there has been a tremendous influx of ac vity and development. Numerous restaurants, residen al developments, and offices have moved to Tempe. The expansion and growth of ASU s presence outside of campus into Downtown Tempe has brought more pedestrians to all areas of downtown. The Mill Avenue corridor has always been a popular des na on with its many restaurants, bars and shops. College Avenue has seen a huge boom in development and will con nue to a ract more pedestrians. The addi on of three collec on loca ons to the east of Mill Ave is an acknowledgement of the growth and developments in downtown. As the area con nues to a ract new businesses, residen al developments, and restaurants, more people will engage with Downtown Tempe. Time of Day: Quarterly Review Beginning in June 214, pedestrian counts are now being conducted quarterly. Winter 215 had the highest pedestrian ac vity followed by Fall 215. In general, is the highest trafficked me of day followed by a ernoon, and then dinner, while the breakfast count resulted in the smallest collec on of pedestrian ac vity. Time of Day: Quarterly Review Winter 215 Spring pm 3 pm, afternoon Summer 215 Fall

7 Gender The Fall 215 collec on counted 2,723 males and 13,831 females when all nine sites were combined. This is a ra o of 1:1 1/3 females to males in Downtown Tempe, or a difference of 33%. Pedestrian Counts by Gender male female 1 Summer 215 Year to Year Growth This graph compares Fall 214 to Fall 215. Fall 214 reported 33,417 pedestrians from the nine collec on sites. Fall 215 reported 34,554 pedestrians, which is a 4% increase in pedestrian ac vity. Fall 214 to Fall 215 Growth Fall 214 Fall215

8 Rio Salado Pkwy & Mill Ave Recorded on the southwest corner Most pedestrian traffic at this intersec on is generated from Tempe Beach Park, the offices on Rio Salado Pkwy, and the US Airways building as pedestrians travel into the heart of Downtown Tempe. This report does not include special event days which bring heavy foot traffic to this area. The assump on is that specific event data collected by the City of Tempe includes more accurate a endance data for those special event days. A mixed use development is currently slated for the lot at the southwest corner. Rio Salado & Mill Time of Day 23% 7% 32% 38% 2 pm 3 pm, afternoon Time of Day for Rio Salado & Mill showed the highest pedestrian traffic at (361 pedestrians, 38%) and a ernoon (33 pedestrians, 32%) followed by dinner (218 pedestrians, 23%) and breakfast (72 pedestrians, 7%). 5 4 Rio Salado & Mill Historical Record Mon Wed Fri Fall 214 Fall 215 The Fall 215 count at Rio Salado & Mill had a total of 954 pedestrians. This is a 9% increase from Fall 214 which had 872 pedestrians counted during the same collec on mes.

9 3 rd & Mill Recorded on the southwest corner 3 rd St & Mill serves as one of the gateways into Downtown Tempe. The intersec on contains the Mill Avenue Light Rail stop and is adjacent to 3 parking garages, 2 surface parking lots, 2 occupied office buildings, the Tempe Mission Palms Hotel, and many retail and office businesses. A new restaurant opened just north of this corner and another one is under construc on. 3rd St & Mill Time of Day 21% 2% 1% 49% 2 pm 3 pm, afternoon Time of Day for 3rd & Mill showed the highest pedestrian traffic at (1,92 pedestrians, 49%) and dinner (812 pedestrians, 21%) followed by a ernoon (766 pedestrians, 2%) and breakfast (47pedestrians, 1%). 3rd & Mill Historical Record Fall 214 Fall 215 Mon Wed Fri The Fall 215 count at 3rd & Mill had a total of 3,95 pedestrians. This was a 6% increase from Fall 214 which had 3,79 pedestrians counted during the same collec on mes.

10 5 th & Mill Recorded on the northwest corner One of the busiest intersec ons in Downtown Tempe, this corner mainly features 2 3 story buildings with mul ple retail and restaurant uses and some office space in top floors. 5 th Street serves as a throughway to the ASU football stadium and campus, City Hall, Tempe Mission Palms Hotel, Tempe Transit Center and the Tempe Municipal Court. Longevity of the retail uses at this corner contributes to the consistency of the pedestrian traffic. 5th St & Mill Time of Day 28% 28% 1% 34% 2 pm 3 pm, afternoon Time of Day at 5th & Mill showed the highest pedestrian traffic at (1,723 pedestrians, 34%) dinner (1,441 pedestrians, 28%) followed by a ernoon (1,416 pedestrians, 28%) and breakfast (5 pedestrians, 1%) th & Mill Historical Record Mon Wed Fri Fall 214 Fall 215 The Fall 215 count at 5th & Mill had a total of 5,8 pedestrians. This is a 12% decrease from Fall 214 which reported 5,765 pedestrians during the same collec on mes.

11 7 th & Mill Recorded at the southwest corner The intersec on of 7 th & Mill has seen a tremendous influx of restaurants in the last few years. The northwest corner is now occupied by Zipps and the northeast corner houses Steak N Shake and Slickables. The southwest corner has been successful for Mellow Mushroom Pizzeria and some second story office tenants despite the vacant lot on the southeast corner. 7th St & Mill Time of Day 38% 21% 16% 25% 2 pm 3 pm, afternoon Time of Day at 7th & Mill showed the highest pedestrian traffic at dinner (1,432 pedestrians, 38%) and (934 pedestrians, 25%) followed by a ernoon (774 pedestrians, 21%) and breakfast (598 pedestrians, 16%). 2 7th & Mill Historical Record Mon Wed Fri Fall 214 Fall 215 The Fall 215 count at 7th & Mill had a total of 3,738 pedestrians. This was a 13% decrease from Fall 214 which reported 4,263 pedestrians counted during the same collec on mes.

12 University & Mill Recorded at northwest corner University & Mill is at the southern end of Downtown Tempe with University a major arterial street. The pedestrian count observa on point is located in front of a popular restaurant and is adjacent to two office buildings, one sandwich shop and a city bus stop. The northeast corner has a vacancy that is awai ng arrival of a new restaurant. The southwest corner includes CVS and Chick fil A. The intersec on has lost one full service restaurant that was situated on the southeast corner. University & Mill Time of Day 28% 15% 31% 26% 2 pm 3 pm, afternoon Time of Day at University & Mill showed the highest pedestrian traffic at the a ernoon (1,232 pedestrians, 31%) and dinner (1,135 pedestrians, 28%) followed by (1,62 pedestrians, 26%) and breakfast (612 pedestrians, 15%). 2 University & Mill Historical Record Mon Wed Fri Fall 214 Fall 215 The Fall 215 count at University & Mill had a total of 4,41 pedestrians. This was a 14% increase from Fall 214 which had 3,472 pedestrians counted during the same collec on mes.

13 5 th & Forest Recorded at the northwest corner The loca on selected for this count is the crosswalk at the southwest end of the Transit Center. The crosswalk connects to the southwest corner of 5 th St & Forest. The Transit Center is the public transporta on hub for the City of Tempe. It is home to a Metro Light Rail stop, a city bus stopping point, and a stopping point for the free Orbit circulators. It is immediately adjacent to the City Hall parking garage, the Tempe Municipal Court and City Hall. New merchants in the area include the Residence Inn Marrio and ground level shops at the Transit Center such as Tea 2 Go and Bicycle Cellar, with a retail vacancy under lease. The light rail stop is heavily used by students going to the northwest end of the ASU Main Campus. 5th & Forest Time of Day 18% 25% 28% 28% 2 pm 3 pm, afternoon Time of Day at 5th & Forest showed the highest pedestrian traffic at (532 pedestrians, 28%) and a ernoon (532 pedestrians, 28%) followed by breakfast (488 pedestrians, 25%) and dinner (354 pedestrians, 18%). 5th & Forest Historical Record Fall 214 Fall 215 Mon Wed Fri The Fall 215 count at 5th & Forest had a total of 1,96 pedestrians. This was a 12% decrease from Fall 214 which reported 2,169 pedestrians counted during the same collec on mes.

14 5 th & College Recorded at southwest corner This corner is comprised of a coffee shop and a brewpub. It sits to the southeast of the Transit Center and opposite the University House, a large residen al building for students, which has ground floor retail vacancies. 5th St & College Time of Day 28% 24% 23% 25% 2 pm 3 pm, afternoon Time of Day at 5th & College showed the highest pedestrian traffic at dinner (661 pedestrians) and (575 pedestrians) followed by a ernoon (557 pedestrians) and breakfast (538 pedestrians) th & College Historical Record Mon Wed Fri Fall 214 Fall 215 The Fall 215 count at 5th & College had a total of 2,331 pedestrians. This is a 5% decrease from Fall 214 which had a total of 2,437 pedestrians counted during the same collec on mes.

15 7 th & College Recorded at the southwest corner 7th & College is very well traveled, thanks to the comple on of ASU College Ave Commons with retail, classrooms, and mee ng space. Across the way is the parking garage for Fulton Center, a student book center at the southwest corner, and the southeast corner has a strong fast casual restaurant presence with coffee, pizza, two sandwich shops, and Asian. 7th & College Time of Day 18% 33% 15% 34% 2 pm 3 pm, afternoon Time of Day at 7th & College showed the highest pedestrian traffic at (1,877 pedestrians, 34%) and a ernoon (1,859 pedestrians, 33%) followed by dinner (991 pedestrians, 18%) and breakfast (826 pedestrians, 15%). 25 7th & College Historical Record Mon Wed Fri Fall 214 Fall 215 Fall 215 reported 5,553 pedestrians. This is a 2% decrease from Fall 214 which reported 5,657.

16 University & College Recorded at the northwest corner This corner is at the southern end of the district and boasts a strong presence of ASU students, faculty, and employees. The counts were taken in front of the Catholic Newman Center. To the northeast sits the ASU Fulton Center and to the south is ASU s campus. University & College Time of Day 31% 13% 19% 37% 2 pm 3 pm, afternoon Time of Day at University & College showed the highest pedestrian traffic at (2,613 pedestrians, 37%) and the a ernoon (2,162 pedestrians, 31%) followed by breakfast (1,324 pedestrians, 19%) and dinner (947 pedestrians, 13%) University & College Historical Record Mon Wed Fri Fall 214 Fall 215 The Fall 215 count at University & College had a total of 7,46 pedestrians. This was a 28% increase from Fall 214 which reported 5,73 pedestrians counted during the same collec on mes.

17 At a Glance This table represents the number of individuals counted at each loca on for a total of twelve separate, one hour counts. Loca ons are listed in order of highest to lowest pedestrian counts from Fall 215 with their percent of change from the Fall 214 count. Of the nine loca ons, four reported an increase in pedestrian traffic; the other 5 loca ons showed a decrease. Rank Loca on # of pedestrians 1 University & College 7,46 2 7th & College 5, th & Mill 5,8 4 University & Mill 4,41 5 3rd & Mill 3,95 6 7th & Mill 3, th & College 2, th & Forest 1,96 9 Rio Salado & Mill 954 % change +28% 2% 12% +14% +6% 13% 5% 12% +9% NOTE: Total sales for the Downtown Tempe Enhanced Services District (as reported by the City of Tempe) have shown an increase when comparing Fall 214 to Fall 215. Specifically, total sales increased an average of 8.26% from Oct/Nov/Dec 214 to the same period in 215.

18 Future Considerations With more retail and restaurant opportuni es and development throughout Downtown Tempe, it will be necessary to add more collec on loca ons as needed. The addi on of the three loca ons on College Ave is important because it recognizes the growth of downtown as a whole. The numbers collected in this report do show a slight drop in pedestrian traffic in the Core 6 loca ons, which is basically comprised of the Mill Avenue corridor. Future reports will indicate how growth on College Avenue may impact Mill Avenue, which will determine if there is overall growth or internal cannibalizing. The FY reports will demonstrate two years of consistent data points for comparison purposes. By conduc ng quarterly counts, the Downtown Tempe Authority will be able to assess pedestrian traffic during all mes of the year, not just the perceived busier seasons. There has always been the belief that summer months see the greatest decline, yet there were no summer pedestrian counts to support this claim. When Arizona State University is not in session, this has an obvious impact on the local business community. Therefore, the Summer count should always be conducted when ASU is not in session. Likewise, the Spring count should not be conducted during ASU Spring Break, etc. Currently, all pedestrian counts are conducted during the week. Just as more collec on loca ons are added, it is worth considering the addi on of more coun ng opportuni es to include weekends and late evenings.