Santa Monica’s main tourist attraction since the 1980’s is about to get an overhaul. The Third Street Promenade is important to the economy of the city. Daily, crowds of tourists shop the three-block area which is closed to traffic. However, with competition from other area outdoor malls, Santa Monica wants to revamp the area.
Third Street Promenade Presentation
The Santa Monica Planning Commission presented the Promenade 3.0 report. This report detailed the current state of Third Street Promenade as well as ideas for its future. This report looked at the Promenade’s infrastructure, including:
- Paving
- Landscaping
- Utilities
- Artwork
- Street furniture
- Signage
It also looked at the usage:
- 75% of people using the Third Street Promenade are local to the area
- The area brings in a diversity of age and ethnic groups
- Most visitors arrive on foot, bike, or public transportation
- Peak foot traffic is at 3pm
Short-Term Plans
Based on this report, many short-term suggestions were made to enhance the Third Street Promenande. These include:
- More areas for gathering and informal seating
- Additional shade features
- Water features
- Furniture that is movable
- Game tables for public use
- Public art displays
- Pavilions
- Art, food, and drink festivals
Long-Term Plans
In addition to short term ideas, the commission made several long-term improvements.
- Dining areas
- Performance spaces
- Play elements
- Swings and hammocks
- Fireplaces
- Fitness spaces
- More gardens, planters, and tree replacement
- Elevated walkways
- Kiosks and pop-up restaurants
- Addition of green infrastructure
- Building up of alleys off the promenade
The Future
The design team will draw up three alternatives for the Third Street Promenade. These will be made available to the public through city forums during May and/or June. Beta testing will begin after the forums, and a final plan will be chosen this fall.
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