Company:

City of Dana Point Public Works Department

Status:

Awarded

Awarded:

Community Improvement Project of the Year

Additional Files

Additional Information

PCH/Del Prado Street Improvements

Project Location:

Dana Point Town Center Lantern District

Project Description:

The project design for PCH called for right-of-way improvements necessary to return from one-way to two-way operations and resurface the roadway for the Dana Point downtown area eight block couplet. Along with the traffic signalization, striping, and signing modifications, the project included drainage improvements, new bus stop cutouts and traffic-related modifications to the gateways at Blue Lantern and Copper Lantern. The traffic signal improvements included two new signals, one at Ruby Lantern and one at a new intersection between Blue Lantern and Ruby Lantern, and modifications to other traffic signals for two-way travel.  Several attractive landscaped medians, parkway trees and bulbouts were also included.  Some public on-street parking was relocated. A two-lane left turn lane was constructed on southbound Golden Lantern at PCH. New Entry monuments including an archway and banner poles herald entry at each end.  New vehicular and pedestrian way finding signage, parking directional signage, and banners are included.
The project design for Del Prado also included the return of two-way operations along with more extensive roadway, on-street parking, streetscape, and gateway improvements. The program of physical improvements included not only meet the traffic calming and functional requirements of two-way operations but also help establish a more viable retail district and encourage infill of vacant and underutilized lands to create a vital mixed use center for the City rebranded as the “Lantern District”. The design is also intended to enhance the pedestrian experience (by widening sidewalks while retaining on street parking between Blue Lantern and Golden Lantern), reflect the unique coastal environment and create stronger linkages to the natural features of the landscape along the bluff and other destinations such as the marina. The many detailed improvements include historical street lighting, historical markers and monuments, historical lantern street sign replicas, street furniture, improved water quality BMP’s, medians, bulbouts, brick crosswalks, bicycle lanes, bicycle lockers, interpretive signage, etc. 
The only way to appreciate the number of construction elements accomplished within the scope of this project is to scroll through the pictures located at https://www.hightail.com/download/ZWJYV282a0Q0b0R2WnRVag

Project Justification:

The complexity of the civil right-of-way design was significant. There were 144 existing properties located along the eight blocks of this two avenue couplet.  Project design required individual evaluation of each entry doorway and integration of curb drainage, sidewalk drainage and ADA accessibility at every location. Temporary or permanent right-of-way acquisitions were required at 19 locations where detailed interface grade and access work was necessary on private as well as public property.  The unique acute angle intersections at both ends of the couplet were quite challenging and integration of traffic calming chicanes, transit cutouts, pedestrian crossings, bike lanes, and traffic circulation changes made this quite a unique project. Two unique structural elements, the outsized banner poles and suspension cables and the historic archway both presented architectural and structural engineering integration as well as installation challenges.
The number and detail of the project elements is significant.  Completely newly designed way finding, interpretive and directional signage as well as 1920’s historical elements including light poles, historical markers, lantern street sign replicas, ceramic monuments, sidewalk scoring patterns and concrete stamping required fabrication and placement throughout.  The pictures shown in the project scope dropbox download are indicative of the quality of the end result.
Each phase of the $20M project was delivered on time and under budget with no construction related safety accidents. 

Special Circumstances:

Because this revitalization project was constructed while businesses were operating, Public Works conducted extensive outreach including forming a construction task force with local merchants to discuss trade-offs in access, parking and construction scheduling. The City also joined with the Chamber of Commerce to develop a comprehensive business outreach and assistance program.  Elements of this program included construction schedule eblasts, special lighted directional and parking signage, the “Mama says” digital sign humor campaign, constant pedestrian and vehicular access, retained parking on at least one side of the street, special banners, balloons, digital business recognition, free newspaper advertising, shop Del Prado incentives for weekend getaway drawings, social media assistance, etc.  Constant communication with each of the business owners to keep apprised of what was happening next retaining entryway access was maintained.  The Chamber of Commerce recognized the City and the City Engineer for the outstanding management of this project.

Project Attachments:

Please download the number of construction elements accomplished within the scope of this project andscroll through the pictures located at https://www.hightail.com/download/ZWJYV282a0Q0b0R2WnRVag

Award Citation::

For exceptional design and construction management of a complex and comprehensive urban downtown revitalization street and right-of-way and transportation circulation project.  Particular challenges included right-of-way grade access for drainage and ADA, structural/architectural integrated entryway elements, business interface and comprehensive historical and themed signage fabrication and installation.

Suggested Award Summary:

This project was honored for exceptional design and construction management of a $20M complex and comprehensive urban downtown revitalization street and right-of-way and transportation circulation project. The complexity of the civil right-of-way design was significant with the 144 existing properties located along the eight blocks of this two avenue couplet.  Project design required individual evaluation of each entry doorway and integration of curb drainage, sidewalk drainage and ADA accessibility. Temporary or permanent right-of-way acquisitions were required at 19 locations where detailed interface grade and access work was necessary on private as well as public property.  The unique acute angle intersections at both ends of the couplet were quite challenging and integration of traffic calming chicanes, transit cutouts, pedestrian crossings, bike lanes, and traffic circulation changes made this quite a unique project. Two unique structural elements, the outsized banner poles and suspension cables and the historic archway both presented architectural and structural engineering integration as well as installation challenges.