Jefferson Community & Technical College Downtown Campus 109 East Broadway Louisville, Kentucky 40202
Introduction Jefferson Building, 1921 Bravura has developed a Physical Development Plan to evaluate and update the use of the Jefferson Community and Technical College s Downtown campus facilities with the integration of future needs. One of the primary goals of this plan involves the evaluation and recommendation of site considerations for the proposed Allied Health Building, along with the urgent and growing need for student and faculty parking options on the Downtown Campus. Additionally, the Planning Team will test the six-year plan for JCTC and access the possible modifications with current needs for the campus. Planning Process Over the past months, Bravura s planning and design team has studied the JCTC Downtown Campus with a range of constituents. The general phases of the study include: Analysis Planning Goals and Objectives History Visioning Issues Context and Site Analysis Existing Building Inventory Exploration Guiding Principles Planning Strategies Framework Plan Future Campus Buildings Finalization Concepts and Strategies KCTCS 6-year priorities Refinement and Adoption of comprehensive, unified set of ideas that comprise the master plan. These steps were performed in concert with the JCTC faculty, staff and administration as well as state representatives. These groups provided valuable input and evaluation during each step of the study process. Bravura wishes to thank all who participated in the preparation of this Physical Development Master Plan. DT 1
JCTC - DOWNTOWN CAMPUS MASTER PLAN JCTC DOWNTOWN CAMPUS Mission Jefferson Community and Technical College (JCTC) is a comprehensive, public, two-year college providing students a wide variety of study programs including allied health, business, engineering and information technologies, general education transfer courses, and trade and industry technologies. JCTC offers twentyseven Associate in Applied Science, Associate in Arts and Associate in Science curricula, including degree, diploma and certificate programs, along with baccalaureate studies for transfer to senior colleges and four-year universities. In addition, continuing education, job training, distance learning and other related services are available to strengthen the existing workforce and enrich the lives of the community at large. JCTC Downtown Campus Map The JCTC system had an enrollment of over 15,500 students in 2007. The downtown campus currently serves over 6,000 students, with a goal of 8,500 students by 2010. According to published information, the student population in 2005 was 54 percent female, 14 percent African-American, and 3 percent Asian or Hispanic 75 percent work at least part-time, 19 percent have a degree or other credential. The average age was 26. DT 2
Analysis History Jefferson Community and Technical College (JCTC) is a multicampus, post secondary institution with its primary facilities located in Louisville, Kentucky. Founded in 1968 as Jefferson Community College (JCC), the downtown campus was originally operated by the University of Kentucky. Over the next three decades, JCC expanded to include locations in southwest Jefferson County, Shelby County, and Carroll County, before joining the state-wide Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) in 1998. The downtown campus remains the largest of the system s sixteen colleges. In 2005, JCC and the Jefferson Technical College merged, creating Jefferson Community and Technical College. In 1964, the University of Kentucky Board of Trustees formed the Community College System, and in 1965 voters approved a bond issue allowing the City of Louisville to acquire a site for a downtown campus. In 1966, the former Presbyterian Theological Seminary complex (cir. 1903-1908) at First and Broadway was purchased and converted to classroom and office use. The two-year college officially opened in 1968 with approximately 800 students. In 1972, the Hartford Tower, a twelve-story classroom and laboratory building, was constructed just north of the Seminary Building, at First and Gray Streets. 5 4 Enrollment continued to increase and in 1975 the three-story Vocational Technical Institute (VTI) was opened along Chestnut, between First and Second Streets. Also opened in 1975 was Phase I of the Learning Resource Center (LRC), housing Library and classroom functions. Phase II of the LRC was completed in 1978, visually connecting the Hartford Tower on the east side of First Street with the VTI facility to the north. JCTC purchased the Baldwin United Building on the corner of First and Broadway in 1984. Now called the Broadway Building, it is used primarily for administrative and academic affairs. During this period the main surface parking lot was expanded to include the southwest corner of Second and Broadway. In 2000, the Jefferson Educational Foundation purchased the multi-story Portland Building, located diagonally across Broadway. Referred to as the Jefferson Educational Center (JEC), the former hotel was remodeled and leased back to the college and serves as a student affairs and maintenance operations facility. In 2003, Phase I renovation work was completed on the original Seminary Building. Upcoming Phase II work is expected to begin in 2007 and includes restoration of the historical interiors. Also in 2007, plans for a major allied-health classroom facility were proposed. 7 3 1 2 1. Hartford Tower 2. Jefferson Building 3. Broadway Building 4. Learning Resource Center (Library) 5. Vocational Technical Institute (VTI) 6. Jefferson Education Center (Portland Building) 7. Brown Theater 6 N DT 3 Existing building inventory and site plan, 2008
JCTC - DOWNTOWN CAMPUS MASTER PLAN Previous Master Plans The original Campus Development Master Plan was introduced in 1966, and was based upon a maximum enrollment of 6,000 students requiring a total of 660,000 square feet. The plan anticipated the immediate need for a second building, the Hartford Tower, on land adjacent to the Seminary Building. For the main campus along Chestnut between First and Second Streets, the plan laid out a straightforward internal courtyard design with five academic buildings placed around the perimeter. Anchoring the courtyard and facing the Hartford Tower, was a major student activity center. At that time, commercial structures occupied the south end of the block, preventing the courtyard plan from extending to Broadway. This original plan was followed by revisions in 1974 and 1991. Subsequent construction of the VTI Building and the LRC were generally consistent with the recommendations of the 1966 plan. Student parking, however, was not adequately addressed in either plan. Ultimately, the critical need for student parking curtailed the completion of both the student center and the Second Street classroom building. Instead, surface parking became the core of the campus, effectively severing the vital pedestrian connection between east and west. Regrettably, the current building layout leaves the campus without a major outdoor gathering space or a central student center. recommended a student center opposite the Hartford Building. Although limited below-grade parking was suggested to replace the existing surface parking, the proposal fell far short of satisfying the actual parking requirements. In 2002, a Landscape Development Plan was completed. Rather than re-examining the long-term physical layout of the campus, the study inventoried existing landscaping and site amenities, and recommended practical, short-term improvements. New standards for site furnishings, landscape treatments, signage and lighting were proposed to enhance the appearance and function of the existing parking area and the overall campus environment. Lack of funding has kept major elements of both the 1996 and the 2002 Plans from being implemented. Today, the demand for parking remains the primary challenge to future growth of the JCTC downtown campus. An updated Physical Development Plan was prepared in 1996 that re-evaluated the various influences that could effect future development. It presented a broad framework that established general guidelines for phased growth, but remained adaptable to program changes. The final plan extended the original courtyard concept south to Broadway with a ring of three-story classroom buildings around the perimeter. The plan also Original Campus Master Plan, 1966 DT 4
Visioning Issues The Planning Team conducted a campus-wide Visioning Session on December 4, 2006 for the purpose of collecting ideas, opinions, needs and strategies for the future programmatic and physical growth of the Downtown Campus. The compiled comments of this session guided the Planning Team towards a comprehensive needs assessment, and created the framework plan for the future physical development of the campus. Many of these comments became Guiding Principles, applicable to all five campuses. Additional Planning Team meetings were held to clarify issues and propose alternatives. A final presentation was given to JCTC President, Dr. Anthony Newberry, the Division Chairs, and faculty members on April 24, 2007. The critical issues addressed during this session are presented in descending order of recurrence and consensus. Parking Present situation is difficult for students, faculty and visitors and limits long-term growth. There is an immediate need for adequate and convenient parking. Initiate a comprehensive campus parking study to quantify the demand and action plan. Technology Currently inadequate and outdated. Upgrade technology and make it more reliable. Enhance its use and availability. Cultivate a campus image of high-tech services. Learning Principles/Interaction Implement student-centered (learning vs. teaching) principles and philosophy. Provide gathering spaces, lounges, study areas and flexible classrooms. Create opportunities for student interaction, independent learning, group work, elearning, and multicultural understanding. Provide more exterior landscaped gathering spaces. Updated Learning Areas Facilities are currently outdated and not very visually stimulating. Modernize learning areas and renovate, update and redecorate existing facilities. Improve access to buildings. Provide helpful and attractive signage. DT 5
Visioning Issues JCTC - DOWNTOWN CAMPUS MASTER PLAN Student Service Areas and Amenities Current student services are inconvenient and not user friendly. Consolidate student affairs and activities into a Campus Center. Improve customer service. Consider admissions, assessment, counselors, orientation, mentoring, financial aid, intervention, academic support, library, resource center, recreation, entertainment, student activities, cafeteria/cafe, technology center, common meeting rooms, social activities, one-stop registration. Create a catalytic space for campus users. Downtown Interaction Promote opportunities for community interaction and partnerships. Downtown is a positive and unique influence and environment for the campus. Foster greater community involvement in campus activities. Create a recognizable sense of place for the institution. Make the campus more unified and more welcoming. Maintain a safe environment and promote the perception of security and safety. Faculty Development Provide facilities for faculty and staff development. Foster more interaction and communication between faculty members. Reduce duplication of programs and processes. DT 6
Analysis Site Analysis The core of the Downtown Jefferson Community College campus is bounded on the north by West Chestnut Street, on the east by Interstate 65, on the south by Broadway, and on the west by Second Street. The Jefferson Educational Center is located on the southwest corner of Broadway and Second Street. Classes for the College s Theater Arts Program are currently held at the Brown Theatre Building, on the corner of Fifth Street and Broadway. Significant features surrounding this urban campus include the Holiday Inn to the south, the Crescent Center condominium complex to the west, and the YMCA and Community Health Building to the north. The College is located one block east of St. Francis High School and two blocks east of the Louisville Free Public Library. High-rise office and residential buildings are located northwest of the campus, and a hospital/medical complex is located on adjacent property northeast of the campus. Pedestrian Circulation Consistent with its urban environment, streets and sidewalks surround the JCTC downtown campus on all sides. Students, visitors, faculty and staff comprise the majority of pedestrian activity. These groups are found primarily along the perimeter sidewalks, traversing through the main parking lot, and casually gathering around building entrances and drop-off zones. The student population is highest during morning classes, but decreases dramatically in the afternoons and evenings. Few classes are in session on Fridays, leaving the buildings and parking lots largely vacant. On-campus parking is limited; many commuting students park on the streets or in nearby garages and walk to class. Others utilize public transportation or ride sharing. Bicycle use is thought to be minimal. Gray Street offers a direct connection to the Medical Center, and it is expected that foot traffic will increase as more students attend off-campus courses or seek part-time employment at one of the nearby hospitals. Students JCTC Downtown Campus, looking northeast also frequent off-campus restaurants and businesses such as the McDonalds, the YMCA, 4 th Street Live, and the Louisville Public Library. Pedestrian movement is heavy at all major intersections and parking driveways, creating potential conflicts with vehicles. With its wide roadway and confusing signals, the Broadway/ Second Street crossing to and from the JEC Building, is considered particularly dangerous. To minimize the conflicts across Broadway, many of the JEC academic functions could be relocated into a future building on the main campus. Similarly, the random, mid-block crossings from the main parking lot to the Hartford Tower and Jefferson Building represent a significant hazard to both pedestrians and vehicles along First Street. The Master Plan will recommend that these crossings be controlled and clearly marked. The internal campus walkway system is often under-sized or missing altogether. Students are required to cut through the parking area to reach the buildings. Socializing often takes place in and around the parked vehicles. Some sidewalks and paths are in need of maintenance and are challenging to those with disabilities. The location of benches and tables are often not conducive to studying or socializing. Student services and amenities are dispersed throughout campus and difficult to locate. Pedestrian circulation within the campus forms a strong triangular pattern across the main parking lot. Students move north-south from parking to the LRC and VTI buildings. A partial concourse or spine links the LRC Building and the sunken courtyard of the VTI Building. Diagonal movement is heaviest east-west between the LRC, across First Street to the Hartford Tower/Jefferson Building; and to a lesser degree connects the Hartford Tower with the Broadway and JEC buildings to the southwest. These important circulation patterns will be used to inform and guide the recommendations of the Master Plan. DT 7
JCTC - DOWNTOWN CAMPUS MASTER PLAN Vehicle Circulation Four major streets border the downtown campus: Broadway to the south; Chestnut Street to the north; First Street to the east; and Second Street to the west. During peak periods, when commuter rush hour and class sessions coincide, traffic can be especially heavy. Congestion at intersections and parking entrances leads to backups, and pedestrian safety becomes a major concern. Broadway is a primary six-lane east-west connector serving the southern portion of the CBD. Limited on-street parking is permitted, with TARC bus stops near First Street. Because of its width, Broadway carries a large volume of commerce and commuter traffic throughout the day. Second Street is a major five-lane north-south commuter connector into the CBD and across to Indiana. On-street parking is not allowed. The main student parking lot, along with an existing faculty lot, is entered and exited mid-block on Second Street. Grid lock is common during rush hour. is lightly traveled. The signal light is used primarily by crossing students. Metered on-street parking is permitted on both sides of the street. Parking spaces along First and Gray are typically occupied when classes are in session. Generally, college traffic moves in a counterclockwise direction around the campus. Students using northbound Interstate 65 exit onto Brook Street and turn westbound onto Broadway or Gray Street to enter campus. The nearest exit from southbound I-65 is at Jefferson Street, four blocks to the north. North and southbound Interstate 65 is elevated as it passes adjacent to the east side of the campus. Access to I- 65 is limited, and its imposing bulk creates serious environmental issues. Southbound traffic leaving campus can pickup I-65 from First Street, south of Broadway. The northbound I-65 ramp is off of Liberty Street. Chestnut Street is a secondary four-lane eastbound connector with ramp access to southbound I-65 just east of First Street. Onstreet parking is prohibited, but TARC stops are frequent, with a direct connection to the JCTC Technical campus on Eighth Street. First Street is a four-lane southbound commuter street flowing away from downtown. Several entrance ramps to southbound I-65 are available south of Broadway. Metered on-street parking is permitted on both sides of the street, but a designated student drop-off is not present. A popular TARC bus stop is located near Broadway. The convenient transfer service to Broadway adds to the already crowded intersection. Gray Street is a minor four-lane east and westbound street that terminates into First between Broadway and Chestnut. Except for its proximity to the medical campus, Gray Street Context Analysis Site Circulation DT 8
Analysis View of main student parking area looking southeast. The center of campus is dominated by asphalt and automobiles. Parking The main student parking area is accessed from Second Street and accommodates approximately 580 vehicles. It extends north from Broadway, between First and Second, visually dominating the southwest corner of campus. The driveway into the lot is narrow, making left hand turns dangerous. Parking requires a permit, although the entry gate is typically not operating and the attendant booth is unoccupied. The lot reaches capacity quickly on most weekdays; forcing students to circle until a space is found, or leave the lot to search for on-street parking. The existing asphalt lot is poorly organized with minimal landscaping or site lighting. Students leaving the lot may exit back onto Second or onto First Street. The single, gated driveway to First Street discharges directly across a crowded sidewalk and between parked vehicles. View of Second Street showing the Crescent Centre housing development and recent streetscape improvements. The parking area is entered from Second Street. Faculty, staff and visitor parking is confined to three small lots around the main campus. The primary visitor and faculty parking lot is accessed from westbound Broadway, directly west of the Broadway Building. This lot contains only about 17 standard spaces. Maneuvering is difficult due to the constricted drive lanes. Directional signage for visitor parking is inadequate, and there are no information booths or kiosks. Connected to the visitor lot with a gate, is a dead-ended 38 space faculty lot. Another 80 space faculty lot near the VTI Building will be reduced by the future Allied Health project. A remote 29 space dead-end faculty lot is located near the corner of Gray and First Streets. Additional faculty and visitor parking is available in the JEC garage across Broadway. Approximately 132 student spaces are currently being leased under I-65, with another 100 spaces provided by Norton Hospital. The potential for off-campus expansion exists primarily to the west across Second, northwest at Chestnut, and to the south across Broadway at the Holiday Inn. Surface parking may also be available south of the JEC Garage. The Master Plan will recommend the acquisition of these properties, if available. Other off-campus sites for building or parking expansion will be identified on the conceptual site plan. Long term, the construction of nearby student housing, and better mass transit options will have an impact. View of southbound traffic on First Street. Serious conflicts exist between pedestrians and vehicles. DT 9 Parking will remain a priority for the future growth of JCTC, underscoring the need for a comprehensive parking analysis to study future demand. Clearly, improvements to the existing circulation and parking configuration are required. Structured parking provides opportunities to effectively consolidate and manage these issues. Equally important, valuable land would become available for new campus buildings and public open space.
JCTC - DOWNTOWN CAMPUS MASTER PLAN Contextual Analysis The JCTC Downtown campus occupies two and one-half city blocks located just south of the CBD. Its high density urban environment is unique among the system campuses. Traffic, noise, and lack of green space are a few of the many issues facing the college. The Master Plan will evaluate the external influences that may impact the design of the campus and suggest approaches to guide future development. To the south, Broadway offers an expansive, formal edge to the campus. Traditionally, building facades are set back from the curb to accommodate the twenty-four foot wide sidewalks, used during civic events. Building heights are typically higher, consistent with the scale of a grand boulevard. The threestory Broadway Building, acquired to provide college administration offices, violates this set-back by crowding the corner at First Street. Without other JCTC buildings along Broadway, the public face of the campus has become the sprawling student parking lot. The primary corner at Second and Broadway lacks the proper signage suitable for a campus gateway. Located diagonally across Broadway, the Jefferson Educational Center (Portland Building) is a seven-story building housing student services, faculty and facilities management offices and other quasi-educational organizations. The remodeled building, a former hotel, is isolated and disconnected from the main campus, forcing students to cross busy Broadway. On the west side of Second Street, a two-story McDonalds has become a surrogate student center. Other buildings on Broadway include a Holiday Inn, a gas station, fast food franchises and a small strip retail center. To the west, Second Street presents a quieter image to the campus. A 1990 s mid-rise condominium tower with a threestory townhouse component establishes a definite street edge. Future campus buildings should respond with a similar setback, building height and massing. Recent streetscape improvements, including landscape buffers and benches provide a pleasant experience for the pedestrian. A defunct parking structure, along with other surface lots, should be considered as potential sites for a future garage. With the proposed Louisville arena within walking distance to the north, a jointly operated publicprivate garage is conceivable. Context Analysis Campus Concept DT 10
Analysis The north side of campus on Chestnut Street is dominated by the brooding three-story VTI classroom building. With its dark glazing, concrete exterior and hidden corner entrances the building is not easily recognized as part of the campus. As with the other major pedestrian corners, better signage is needed. Generous landscaping, however, softens the façade and entry plazas. Across Chestnut Street, taller buildings, like the YMCA hold the street edge. The east side of campus is the most problematic. First Street bisects the college, physically separating the Hartford Tower and Jefferson Building from the LRC and VTI Buildings, and putting pedestrians and vehicles at risk. Rather than dividing the campus, First Street should be envisioned as entering and passing through the campus. Pedestrian movement should take precedent over vehicles, reinforcing the strong east-west circulation patterns. Existing hardscape treatments surrounding the Hartford Tower are in various states of disrepair. The struggling street trees and planters offer little visual relief, and in fact hinder connections with the street. Noisy, dirty and unsightly, Interstate 65 is a formidable presence along the eastern edge of the campus. For the area around the elevated Hartford tower plaza, the Master Plan will recommend a combination of screen walls, landscape buffers, and building expansion. The freeway does offer direct views into the center of the campus, however. The 12-story Hartford Tower can be seen for a considerable distance from both directions. Building signage should be encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity. Broadway Building crowds the sidewalk edge, blocking views of the impressive stonework. The building could also benefit from a proper entrance on the north façade. The recessed south-facing courtyard, although suffering from neglect and an inappropriate redesign, remains one of the few semi-private open spaces available. With the main student parking lot as its focus, the campus is fragmented, disorganized, and lacks a sense of arrival. Future campus buildings should be built to the street edge, adding density, and defining the college boundaries. Student activities and amenities should be centralized and inviting. Replacing surface parking with landscaped open space will create larger common areas for students to gather and socialize. Improved walkways, furnishings and signage will make circulation across campus more direct and pleasant. Overall, the current JCTC Downtown Campus lacks a sense of identity and cohesion, both internally and externally. The Master Plan will address these issues and propose methods to: 1. Consolidate and connect campus buildings, parking and services to promote better interaction between faculty and students. 2. Create a safe, open learning environment that presents an attractive, identifiable campus image to the community. The Jefferson Building is recognized as the jewel of the campus. Recent restoration efforts have given new life, and new uses, to the former seminary building. With its decorative collegiate gothic architecture, the building displays a strong, iconic presence to the community. Regrettably, the adjacent North South West DT 11
JCTC - DOWNTOWN CAMPUS MASTER PLAN Context and Site Analysis Summary 1. The geographic perimeter of the main campus property should respond to and enhance the urban character of its edges. 2. Any new buildings on Broadway should be respectful of view corridors to the Jefferson Building in terms of setbacks and spatial crowding. 3. Access from across First Street and from the Hartford Plaza should be enhanced. 4. Parking is in great demand. Areas for future parking need to be identified. Main student parking lot, looking southeast 5. The campus and surrounding context is urban in density and scale. 6. The campus has no established hierarchy of pedestrian circulation paths. 7. The existing campus architecture should function as an edge of the interior campus open space. 8. Community spaces within the buildings are needed to promote student, faculty and staff interaction. Hartford Tower plaza, looking southwest Aerial view of First Street DT 12
Analysis Existing Building Inventory 7. Brown Theatre 6. Jefferson Education Center Admissions Records Payments Dean s Office Student Services Financial & Assessment Offices Facilities Management Business Fiscal Planning Human Resources Theater Arts (located off-campus on Broadway between 3rd and 4th Streets) 5. Vocational Technical Institute Allied Health Business Health Music Art Child Care Cafeteria DT 13 4. Learning Resource Center Library Reading Labs Seminar Rooms
JCTC - DOWNTOWN CAMPUS MASTER PLAN 1. Hartford Tower Social Sciences Math Natural Sciences Bookstore Auditorium 5 2. Jefferson Building Conference Center (Proposed) English Communication Language Arts 4 1 2 7 6 3 3. Broadway Building Senior Administration Academic Services English Languages Communication Existing building inventory and site plan, 2008 N KEY 1. Hartford Tower 2. Jefferson Building 3. Broadway Building 4. Learning Resource Center 5. Vocational Technical Institute 6. Jefferson Education Center 7. Brown Theater DT 14
Analysis Jefferson Building, 1921 The Jefferson Building Originally constructed in 1903, the building once known as the Seminary Building, is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In 2003, Phase I renovation work was completed on the east and west wings. The work involved interior remodeling of classrooms, faculty offices and support spaces. Building systems were also upgraded and the limestone facade was cleaned and repaired. For Phase II, the Commonwealth hired a preservation consultant to assess the needs and costs of restoration and preservation of original artwork and architectural details. An architectural/engineering team evaluated the center section of the building, including: the chapel, refectory, lobby, and second floor library. Work proposed includes: the addition of an elevator, improvements to HVAC, electrical, lighting, security, sound and video systems, and egress and ADA remediation. The goal is to adapt the center section for use as a Conference Center, available for use by both the college and the public. The planned renovation will reinforce the college s goal to acknowledge and enhance the significance of the Jefferson Building as the preeminent campus icon. 1903 1966 1967 2003 2006 Jefferson Building Timeline Building plans developed by Louisville architect, William J. Dodd. Construction completed in 1909. In the early 1960 s, the Kentucky General assembly authorized the formation of a state-wide community college system. The City of Louisville approves the purchase of the Seminary Building, formerly the Presbyterian Seminary, for the location of the Jefferson Community College. Louisville architecture firm, Lewis & Henry completes the building s renovation. The college opens its doors to approximately 800 students. Phase I Renovation - Classroom renovations in the east and west wings of the building. Phase II Renovation - Design Documents are prepared for the renovation of the building s center section. DT 15
JCTC - DOWNTOWN CAMPUS MASTER PLAN Jefferson Building courtyard, 2008 Jefferson Building courtyard, circa 1938 The exterior building courtyard, modified during a building renovation in 1969, should be redesigned in a manner compatible with the original 1909 concept. The redesigned courtyard should feature a simple, formal plan in keeping with the documented historic walkways and landscaping. Proposed Jefferson Building Courtyard Plan, 2007 DT 16
Analysis Hartford Tower Sited on an elevated plaza along the east side of First Street, Hartford Tower is the second building to be added to the JCTC Downtown Campus. The 12-story building provides offices and classrooms for Social Sciences, Math and Natural Science programs. Located directly behind the Jefferson Building, Hartford Tower shares a major utility tunnel that begins north of the building at street level and spans the lower level. Additionally, the lower level supports a maintenance facility, and lecture hall. The building s entry is elevated above street level and is surrounded by a concrete paver plaza that is adjacent to the north facade of the Jefferson Building. The first floor lobby is surrounded by three walls of glass on the east, south and west sides and is used mainly as an informal gathering place for students. Plans are in development for a redesigned building entrance on the west side with improved access to the west plaza and street. A new north entrance is also proposed for the Jefferson Building. The Master Plan recommends a new landscaped exterior arrival plaza that would link the two entrances, create more greenspace, and present an attractive, welcoming campus image to the street edge. The existing plaza, on the east side of Hartford Tower is harsh and uninviting. To better utilize the space, the Master Plan Guidelines recommend a one to two story building addition in this location. On the upper level floors, major renovations to classrooms and lab facilities are anticipated. Included in this renovation are: exterior window and roof replacement, new floor coverings, improvements to lighting and sound, renovation of elevators, HVAC improvements, information technology improvements, interior and exterior signage and security systems. 1971 2003 2006 Hartford Tower Timeline The second building on the campus provided additional classrooms in a 12-story building. Phase 1 Renovation - Finishes to Lab Spaces, HVAC upgrades. Phase 2 Renovation - Design Documents are prepared for the renovation of classrooms and lab space. Proposed Hartford Tower Plaza Plan, 2007 DT 17
JCTC - DOWNTOWN CAMPUS MASTER PLAN Existing Hartford Tower plaza SOUTH FIRST STREET Proposed Hartford Tower Plaza Plan, 2007 DT 18
Analysis VTI Building, looking southwest Vocational Technical Institute The Vocational Technical Institute (VTI) building currently provides lab space for Allied Health programs that will be relocated into the new Allied Health facility on adjacent property. Once the Allied Health building is completed, space within the VTI Building will be renovated and updated to be utilized by other instructional programs. Renovations to this facility would include: HVAC, plumbing, electrical systems; structural repairs to the catwalks due to material settlement; abatement of asbestos-containing adhesive material used in sections of the building; and upgrades to bring the building into compliance with current life safety, building code and ADA guidelines. 1975 VTI Building Timeline Construction Completed Plans for the Early Childhood Education Program located in the basement of the VTI Building include: renovation of 8,000 SF of existing space devoted to this program; 1,000 SF of general classroom space to be converted for use by this program; and expansion of the outdoor playground area. Food services and student lounge areas are located on the lower level of the building and have access to an exterior courtyard on the building s south side. The lower level courtyard is also accessible by stairs connected to upper level terraces. This area is expected to be significantly remodeled as part of the Allied Health Project. DT 19
JCTC - DOWNTOWN CAMPUS MASTER PLAN LRC Building, looking northeast Learning Resource Center The Library is located in the Learning Resource Center. Needed upgrades and renovations to the building include: Roof replacement, HVAC and ductwork upgrades, electrical upgrades, flooring, doors and hardware replacement, and asbestos abatement. The Master Plan recommends that the Library be relocated to a new student center. Developmental and resource activities would continue to operate in the building. Long-term, the existing building could provide valuable expansion space for the growing allied health programs. Ultimately, the north half of the campus could be dedicated exclusively to health-related sciences. 1975 1978 Learning Resource Center Timeline Phase I Construction Completed Phase II Addition Completed LRC Building, looking southeast DT 20
Analysis Broadway Building, looking north Broadway Building The Broadway Building currently houses senior administrative functions including the Office of the President, the Office of the Provost, and Academic Affairs. The Master Plan recommends that any new buildings along First Street be set back from the street edge to improve the site lines of the Jefferson Building and open views into the center of the campus from Broadway. Ultimately, this will require the demolition of the Broadway building, assigning a new classroom building and book store to this site. Administration functions currently housed in the Broadway Building would relocate to the Jefferson Building. English, Language Arts, Communication programs would be located in a new building on this site. 1983 1984 Broadway Building Timeline Building leased from Baldwin United Company Building purchased by KCTCS Looking west along Broadway DT 21
JCTC - DOWNTOWN CAMPUS MASTER PLAN The Brown Theatre Building The College s Theater Arts program is located offcampus, in the Brown Theatre Building, on Broadway between Third and Fourth Streets. The Master Plan recommends relocating this program to the main campus. Jefferson Education Center Formerly known as the Portland Building, The Jefferson Education Center is owned by the Jefferson Community College Education Foundation, Inc. The 122,000sf building provides facilities for Business and Financial Planning, Fiscal Planning, Student Services, Admissions, Human Resources, Facilities Management and offices, and includes a 245 space parking structure. JEC Building, looking south 2000 Jefferson Education Center Timeline The Jefferson Education Center purchased by the Jefferson Community College Education Foundation, Inc. Both the building and parking structure need renovation to be brought into compliance with current building code and accessibility standards. Hazardous material abatement is necessary, and HVAC, plumbing and electrical systems require upgrading. Also needed is a flexible information technology system designed to accommodate future advances in communication technologies. Once the rehabilitation is complete, the JEC Building can be used for administrative and support services, as a parking garage, or a combination of both. DT 22
Exploration Planning Strategies The issues summarized in the Visioning Session are a recap of comments from Faculty, Staff and Administration of JCTC and KCTCS. These comments became the basis for exploration of the potential impact of future development on the Downtown Campus and led to the creation of specific Planning Strategies. The results of the Visioning Session, together with an analysis of the current campus environment and site constraints, including pedestrian and vehicular circulation, existing facilities, and surrounding urban context, the Planning Team was able to identify six Guiding Principles for the Master Plan. Guiding Principles Jefferson Building Acknowledge and enhance the significance of the Jefferson Building as the preeminent campus icon. Integrate East and West Integrate the east and west sides of the campus across First Street. Strengthen the existing diagonal circulation patterns and view corridors. Connectivity Consolidate and connect campus buildings, parking and services to promote better interaction between faculty and students. Urban Edges Respond to and reinforce the existing urban character around the borders of the campus by considering setbacks, building heights, and access points. Defensible Exterior Spaces Create a safe, open learning environment that presents an attractive, identifiable campus image to the community. Image and Presence Create an atmosphere of learning and pride. DT 23
Guiding Principles JCTC - DOWNTOWN CAMPUS MASTER PLAN Jefferson Building 1. The historic Jefferson Building should be celebrated and enhanced as an important icon of the institution. 2. Any new buildings on Broadway should be respectful of view corridors to the Jefferson Building in terms of setbacks and spatial crowding. 3. Access from across First Street and from the Hartford Plaza should be enhanced. Integrate East and West 1. The Jefferson Building and the Hartford Tower should be more visually and functionally integrated with the campus development west of First Street. 2. Create site development features to visually span First Street. 3. Create a diagonal spatial relationship to the north campus buildings and concourse. 4. Create a diagonal spatial relationship to any Broadway development. 5. Visually emphasize the campus boundaries from Second Street to Interstate 65. Connectivity 1. The relationships of buildings, parking, and site features should promote and enhance the easy and informal interaction between the students, faculty and staff. 2. Consolidate student services and amenities in a central and accessible location. 3. Provide adequate interior and exterior interactive spaces throughout the campus. 4. Establish identifiable paths for connecting components. DT 24
Guiding Principles Urban Edges North Consider maintaining the green frontal setback on Chestnut Street with additional plant materials. Improve the college signage at building entrances to create a sense of identity. South Consider a green frontal setback for any development facing Broadway, similar to the Jefferson Building. Because of the width of Broadway, consider building heights of four floors or more. East Develop ways to minimize the noise and visual distraction of the elevated interstate highway. Strengthen the relationship between the JCTC Campus and the Medical Center Campus. West Any new construction on Second Street should establish an urban edge along the campus perimeter. To relate to the scale of the neighborhood, building heights of forty feet or less are recommended. DT 25
JCTC - DOWNTOWN CAMPUS MASTER PLAN Defensible Exterior Spaces 1. The relationships of buildings, parking, and site features should allow for broad visual perception of any interior or exterior unsupervised spaces and give all campus users a sense of personal security. 2. Visual relationship between adjacent streets and campus public spaces should be maintained and enhanced. Avoid blind areas. 3. Landscape features, building features, and site lighting should be designed to promote personal safety standards. Image and Presence 1. Create an atmosphere for Learning and Pride. 2. Presents an identifiable college campus image. 3. Promotes a sense of pride of place, a personal sense of belonging, and a unifying institutional identity. 4. Create a sense or order, convenience, and responsiveness for the campus users. Campus Structure and Site Strategies Summary 1. Identify edges and claim boundaries as part of the campus. 2. Improve pedestrian environment. Visually reinforce pedestrian crossings along First Street. 3. Create a signature feature or space that encourages student gatherings and enhances the college experience. 4. Create a strong public image for the college along Broadway. DT 26
Framework Plan Future Campus Buildings Allied Health Building One of the main goals of the Master Planning process was to evaluate and make site recommendations for the location of a new Allied Health Building. Major considerations in siting the new facility included: displacement of existing parking spaces; proximity to the Vocational Technical Institute, logistical and visual relationship to the Medical Center; proximity to existing and planned college resources and facilities; location for connections to central steam supply; and potential disruption to other campus facilities during construction. Bravura evaluated three locations within the existing surface parking lot between First and Second Streets, and north of Broadway to Chestnut Street. Site Options for the Allied Health Building Option A Positive Factors 1. Good logistical and visual relationship to the Medical Center. 2. Moderately convenient to the existing Vocational Technical Institute. 3. Minimal disruption to other campus facilities during construction. 4. Good proximity to existing and planned common college resources and facilities. Negative Factors 1. Parking Displacement: 146 spaces. 2. A new campus facade on Broadway is delayed until future phases are implemented. 3. Too remote for actual connections to the existing Vocational Technical Institute. Site Diagram Option A Option B Positive Factors 1. Provides a fresh new campus facade on Broadway. 2. Moderate disruption to other campus facilities during construction. 3. Moderate proximity to existing and planned common college resources and facilities. Negative Factors 1. Parking Displacement: 115 spaces. 2. Logistically and visually remote from the Medical Center. 3. Logistically remote from the existing Vocational Technical Institute. 4. Too remote for connections to central steam supply, increasing utility costs. Site Diagram Option B 5. Potentially requires demolition of the existing Broadway administration building. DT 27
JCTC - DOWNTOWN CAMPUS MASTER PLAN The final recommendation (Option C) locates the Allied Health Building within close proximity of the Vocational Technical Institute, and within moderate proximity to existing and planned common facilities, while providing a good logistical and visual relationship to the Medical Center. Even though the option to present a new campus facade on Broadway is delayed, the relationship between the Allied Health Building and the VTI offers the advantage of shared resources; good proximity to the central steam supply, reducing utility costs; and the smallest displacement of existing parking spaces. Recommended Site for the Allied Health Building Future Allied Health Building, 2008 Recommended Site Option C Positive Factors 1. Good logistical and visual relationship to the Medical Center. 2. Convenient access to the existing Vocational Technical Institute. 3. Good potential for connection to the central steam supply. 4. Moderate proximity to existing and planned common resources and facilities. 5. Smallest displacement of parking: 85 spaces. Site Diagram Option C N Negative Factors 1. A new campus facade on Broadway is delayed until future phases are implemented. 2. Potential disruption to existing Vocational Technical Institute during construction. DT 28
Framework Plan Future Campus Buildings Student Center The framework plan indicates a site for a Student Center centrally located on the campus facing the Hartford Tower.. Siting the facility in this location reinforces the integration of the east and west sides of campus across First Street, and strengthens the existing diagonal circulation patterns and view corridors. The Student Center will function as the nucleus of campus activities, creating opportunities for social events, independent learning, group work, elearning, and multicultural understanding. The relocation of the Library, the addition of a theater or lecture hall, and a student commons with food services and coffee shop, will all promote better interaction between faculty, students and the community. N Student Center View of proposed Student Center and Campus Green DT 29
JCTC - DOWNTOWN CAMPUS MASTER PLAN Education Center (Student Services) The framework plan recommends constructing a facility that would consolidate student affairs into a campus center that would offer testing, registration, advisory, administration support, and financial aid processing in one building, possibly relocating these services from the Jefferson Education Center. Utilizing a triage approach to services is expected to greatly improve student retention at the downtown campus. The prominent location on the corner of Second Street and Broadway provides a facility that would define the critical southwest corner of campus and present the first point of contact for many students and visitors. Education Center Classroom Buildings The framework plan recommends replacing the aging Broadway Building with a new classroom building. Senior administration functions would be relocated to the Jefferson Building. English, Language Arts, and Communication programs currently taught in the Jefferson Building would be transferred to the new classroom building. To allow views of the venerable Jefferson Building, the new building is set back from the corner. A new bookstore would occupy the ground floor of this important entry to campus. Additional academic, classroom or lab space could be located in a series of new buildings along Second Street. Depending on the future parking needs, some or all, of the buildings could include a multistory parking garage. Classroom Building Maintenance Facility The 2007 JCTC Strategic Needs Analysis for Capital Projects identifies a need for a 3,600 SF Maintenance Facility to store, maintain and coordinate the maintenance equipment for the Downtown Campus. Since there is no dedicated facility for storage, inappropriate space is currently utilized by necessity. A free-standing facility would enhance the efficiency of the maintenance program and provide a specific place for shipping and receiving. The framework plan suggests a location on the north side of Gray Street in the triangular area bounded by the interstate ramp, First Street and Gray Street. Maintenance Facility DT 30
Framework Plan Future Campus Buildings Parking The framework plan identifies potential parking sites and offers a flexible solution to the urgent need for adequate student parking. A rehabilitated JEC Building could be adapted and expanded for use as a larger parking garage. Many of the current student service functions would be relocated to a new building on the corner of First and Broadway. Portions of the ground floor could remain as administration offices or leased to retail tenants. Depending on the demand and the availability of nearby properties, the master plan also recommends a garage along Second Street. Combined with future academic buildings, such a location offers convenient access to the campus on land already owned by JCTC. Other opportunities for securing adjacent parking facilities with shared stakeholders should be investigated. The property on the corner of Chestnut and Second Street, and mid-block between Second and Third Streets could become available for JCTC parking. The City of Louisville and the Parking Authority of River City (PARC) may have an interest in partnering with the college on both of these campus sites. Main student parking lot Potential sites for structured parking N DT 31