Last year, the City of Glendale began exploring ways to transform Artsakh Avenue into the centerpiece of a "pedestrian-friendly Art & Entertainment District." A presentation from architecture and planning firm Studio One Eleven details two possible treatments.

Artsakh Avenue, formerly known as Maryland Place, spans two blocks between Wilson and Harvard Avenues. Following months of study and stakeholder outreach, Studio One Eleven has proposed two preliminary design schemes.

One-Way Shared Street Option

In this configuration, one lane of traffic would be removed along Artsakh, turning it into a one-way shared street. The reclaimed traffic lane would be used to extend sidewalk and pedestrian areas, including new plazas and outdoor dining areas placed strategically to activate storefronts.

The placement of the plazas would route southbound traffic in a weaving pattern known as a "chicane," which slows vehicle speeds, making the street safer for pedestrians. The street could also be closed in its entirety for special events through the use of bollards.

Plaza Option

Building off of a pilot program currently in place along Artsakh, new plazas would be installed at the center of both the north and south blocks. Proposed improvements include permanent landscaping, bollards, shade structures, and art pieces, as well as the removal of redundant curbs and medians.

Though the plaza would restrict vehicular movement along the full two-block corridor, access to existing parking garages would be maintained.

The report also recommends further improvements to the alley to create a more engaging environment for pedestrians, as well as new signage, and upgrades to three east-west alley ways that connect Artsakh with Brand Boulevard.

Moving forward, a traffic study and cost estimate will be conducted for the project. Refined plans from Studio One Eleven are scheduled to be presented to the City Council in Summer 2019.