Which design concept are you most drawn to?

Idea 1: The diagonal path through the park is extended through the northeast (Hargett and McDowell) and southwest (Martin and Dawson) corners to create more direct entrances into the square; the brick walls are removed. The northwest (Hargett and Dawson) and southeast (Martin and McDowell) corners stay the same, and new planting further buffers these entrances from traffic.

Idea 2: The northeast corner (Hargett and McDowell) shows planted islands to create a shaded entry plaza with a stronger connection to the public entrance to the new City Hall. The northwest (Hargett and Dawson) and southwest (Martin and Dawson) corners take on a similar approach but are less emphasized as gathering areas. The brick walls are removed.

Idea 3: The northeast (Hargett and McDowell) and northwest (Hargett and Dawson) corners show porous, meandering entrances into the square around large, planted islands that protect existing trees. The southeast (Martin and McDowell) and southwest (Martin and Dawson) corners and brick walls stay the same.

Note: All options include ‘bumping out’ curb lines to improve pedestrian safety. The SE corner (Martin and McDowell) will remain unchanged, so that we can protect the existing mature tree.

Idea 1: Slightly expanded terrace with new two-sided benches that engage the memorial and the park; the memorial remains in place with names incorporated into paving, benches, or the edge of the terrace, providing more space for names.

Idea 2: A central crossroad with some seating that can serve as a pause. The circle is diminished with larger gathering spaces accommodated elsewhere in the square. The memorial is relocated to a new dedicated space within the square.

Idea 3: An expanded circle creates a civic terrace with a variety of seating for different group sizes. A new central water feature is flexible to accommodate other uses in off seasons, like a public art display or very small performances. The memorial is relocated to a new dedicated site elsewhere in Raleigh.

Idea 1: The overall organization of the square’s pathways is very close to what exists today, with small tweaks to improve its widths and function, including emphasizing the northeast/southwest diagonal path with open corner entrances, and expanding paths to include small areas for seating throughout.

Idea 2: The circle path is emphasized as a ‘place’ to be by expanding the path where there is flatter topography to create a range of spaces for seating and gathering and keeping it narrower in other areas to allow for more individual and quiet moments.

Idea 3: The existing circle path stays but is incorporated into a meandering ‘garden walk’ that allows for a quieter circuit through flowering and seasonal planting. This experience is contrasted with the expanded gathering terrace in the center.

Idea 1: Small terraces and furnishing zones are incorporated along wider sidewalks, extending the experience of the square out to its edges and across Hargett and Martin Streets.

Idea 2: Along Hargett Street, furnishings and gathering areas are incorporated into corner plazas with planted islands that create more connection between the inside and outside of the square and the new City Hall.

Idea 3: Small ‘pocket’ terraces are incorporated into the north edge of the square, while broader ‘civic steps’ create a new space on the edge of the square along Martin Street.

Idea 1: The East and West edges along McDowell and Dawson Streets include new planting and a layer of new street trees that form a light buffer to create a more serene park experience. The ground plane of the park is primarily open (a mix of open lawn and a shade-tolerant groundcover) in response to existing shade and sun conditions.

Idea 2: Planted islands preserve with shrubs and groundcovers protect existing trees and create space for new trees within the circle path. Drifts of seasonal shrubs and groundcovers further buffer the circle path, while allowing for open views across the square and to the edges.

Idea 3: The square’s planting is more layered from outside to inside: with loose, planted edges on all sides, a zone of open flexible lawn, a more intricate garden walk, and an open center.

Note: Existing, mature trees are protected and designed around in all schemes.

Idea 1: Flush Street – A curbless street with a special material treatment prioritizes pedestrian safety, creating a seamless connection between the square, furnishing areas along the sidewalk, and the facing block (like the new City Hall or adjacent shops/restaurants). This design accommodates vehicles, buses, and loading/drop-off for day-to-day use, and provides the flexibility to shut down the street for occasional public events.

Idea 2: Chicane – A chicane is a traffic-calming feature that creates a curved path for vehicles, encouraging slower speeds and improving safety for all. This design provides added space for street tree planting and gathering areas.

Idea 3: Mid-Block Crossing – A raised mid-block crossing facilitates mobility and slows traffic. Bump-outs at corners and mid-block provide space for a widen sidewalk and a zone for street tree planting.

Note: A bikeway on Martin Street is compatible with all options.