Saturday, April 27, 2024

Avenue of Heroes Pilot Street Project Approved by Design Review Commission

The final proposal for Coronado’s Third and Fourth Street Neighborhood Pilot Project on 4th Street from Alameda Blvd to I Avenue was presented for approval at the Design Review Commission Hearing on August 22. Several public forums were held in April to solicit input and answer questions.

Conceptual design, Avenue of Heroes Neighborhood Lighting and Street Improvements along Third and Fourth Streets. Image: ktua, Design Review presentation

The first phase of this project will showcase the Blue Star Memorial Highway, which honors the armed forces. Four banners will be attached to new light standards on both sides of the street. These banners will be rotated every six months, and then families will have the option of having their loved one’s name engraved on a brick in the decorative plaza under the light poles. Additional bronze plaques may be used for military events or incorporate the history of Coronado. Small decorative blue stars will also be incorporated in the sidewalk design. (see renderings in document below)

Click here to view the 8/22 Design Review Commission presentation

To speed the process for this pilot program, striping to create a bulb out effect will be placed on corners to help pedestrians and calm traffic. Eventually, traditional bulb outs could be used if allowed by Caltrans, which requires block by block approval.

The goal is make this area more walkable with better lighting and calmed traffic. The pedestrian level lighting on the poles will illuminate the sidewalks and streets. Additional trees and foliage will be added to enhance the aesthetic. For future blocks, where there are transit stops, trash cans and benches will be incorporated.

During discussion of the project, the Design Review Commission members asked additional questions, with Commissioner Dorothy Howard recusing herself, and Commissioner McElroy requesting that the bollards be lighted or not used. They also debated the size of the blue star in the middle of the intersections, which was specced out for 20 feet in diameter, but comprised at 17 ½ feet to be more aesthetically pleasing. The star will be two-tone crushed glass to add dimensionality. The project, which was designed by KTU+A, was approved and will now go to Caltrans for approval.

Open the Design Review KTU+A presentation here

For questions or more information, check the City website or call City Engineer Ed Walton at (619) 522-7383 or email at [email protected].

Video and renderings by KTU+A



Jennifer Velez
Jennifer Velez
Jennifer fell in love with Coronado as a teenager while visiting a college friend. She vowed that someday she would make it her home, and that dream has recently become a reality. Fast forward through completing college with a BA in Journalism, Public Relations and Communications, she then went on to work with a variety of clients. She also taught Journalism and coordinated fundraising for her children’s school, and was a staff writer for San Diego Family Magazine and contributed to other parenting publications. Have news to share? Send tips, story ideas or letters to the editor to: [email protected]

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