ANALYSIS:
A key component of the North Beach Master Plan was to transform the Normandy Isles fountain area into a vibrant, pedestrian-oriented commercial district. The master plan states that the fountain area needed to transition from its current automobile-centric layout to better accommodate pedestrian activity and connectivity around the corridor.
Within this recommendation, the master plan highlighted transforming Rue Vendome into a pedestrian street to create a larger plaza connecting to the Normandy Fountain. The Commission approved this recommendation and moved to close this street and remove the on-street parking.
Staff permanently closed off Rue Vendome on Friday, March 31, 2018. Staff further contracted with the urban design firm, Street Plans, to create an art deco sunburst mural on the Rue Vendome. Additionally, Staff worked with Greenspace Management to block the sides of the street with planters and hung bistro lights about the plaza to increase visibility and activity. This activation was completed on April 7, 2018.
Since this closure, many of the surrounding businesses and restaurants have expressed interest in programming the space. Staff is working on creating a special events permit, that would allow small scale multiple use permit, that would allow individuals and businesses to program the space at a low-cost rate on a recurring basis.
Currently, the City hosts the First Friday event on Rue Vendome, which brings live entertainment to the plaza for the community at no cost. Additionally, Staff manages the vendor agreement for the farmers market which occurs every Saturday. Staff is exploring additional programming including a Sunday night movie series and a "Taste of North Beach" event that would highlight the various restaurants in the Normandy Isles commercial district, these programs would be subject to a budget allocation.
In the meantime, one time events are being programmed through the wedding/team building permit.