By Eric Hoke, Design Director + Taylan Tekeli, Research and Design Assistant

8 min read The comments presented in the Plan Gallatin process were grouped into seven main categories, which is broken down below. Each section shows an example in Gallatin where these design issues are present. We provide case studies from around the world to show what types of solutions could be available.

*Map depicting the key areas of Gallatin, TN as identified by community members. Following maps zoom into each of these sections.*

The following issues were pulled from engagement and input from members of the Plan Gallatin process. The issues presented can be addressed by design solutions/urban design interventions.

The comments presented in the Plan Gallatin process were grouped into these seven main categories. Each section shows an example in Gallatin where these design issues are present. Case studies from peer cities and other examples from around the world were also called out to show what types of solutions could be available. Spaces that were highlighted in the Gallatin examples are shown with specific potential solutions in the end of each section.

1. Multi-family residential design and mixed housing design

How can we increase the need for more community amenities in a centralized area? Multi-family residential design and mixed housing designs would increase density without sacrificing neighborhood character.

Multi-dwelling unit buildings can disrupt neighborhood context. Designs that are “hidden” or “fit the existing character of the neighborhood” help integrate new housing into Gallatin’s neighborhoods. Increasing housing options in a specific area can also help to justify amenities for after school and childcare facilities, options for people experiencing homelessness, access to food resources and many other wellbeing needs.

V shape shows a perspective view of the following before/after image. Orange blocks represent rethinking buildings on the site shown in the following before/after image.

2. Green treatments and landscaping

A lot of concern that’s been expressed about more compact development has been the loss of the “classic yard.” How can green treatments and landscape design help to alleviate some of this concern?

Developing neighborhoods around centralized services and shared green spaces can help to alleviate concerns about lack of enough private gathering spaces. Creating housing centers around pocket parks, outdoor venues, or community assets can strengthen cohesion amongst neighbors. Even strategies like green buffers and parklets between roadways can serve as placemaking opportunities. Cohousing developments are often designed around a centralize a private green area that will create a public/private space for an entire development.

3. Gateway treatments or improvement

Currently most of the gateways into Gallatin do not provide a strong sense of place. How can gateway treatments strengthen civic pride and identity?

Orange dashed circles show potential locations for gateway treatments. The following before/after image shows an example of what these types of treatments could look like.

Gateway treatments are great opportunities in towns and cities for placemaking which is a multi-faceted approach to the planning, design and management of public spaces. Placemaking capitalizes on a local assets, inspiration, and potential, with the intention of creating public spaces that promote people's health, happiness, and well-being. The goal is to enhance characteristics and create notable physical boundaries that represent that this is a special moment for the community.

Images above show ideas for the intersection of Broadway and E Main St (key entrance point for people coming into downtown Gallatin from the west side of the city).

Gateways can reduce traffic and improve roadway safety and can be excellent applications for congestion or places that experience issues with speeding traffic. Roadway design is not always conducive for the volume of traffic that takes on. Often merging or multiple lanes of traffic can increase congestion in specific instances. More traffic lanes can also induce demand for that roads use. Creating efficient roadways in walkable areas can be the best solution on main thoroughfares. Also gateways can be moments where a road diet or lane reduction begins or ends. This can signal to drivers an important change in driving patterns and create traffic calming or a physical design to improve safety of streets.

The before/after image below looks at creating a gateway to Gallatin on the east side of town at E Main St and Hartsville Pike

4. Appropriate new development in historic context

How can the “small town feeling” of Gallatin, Tennessee be maintained?

With the development of the new Courthouse downtown, there’s anticipation and hope that other new developments will occur downtown. There is a need for this potential new development to fit the existing historic character.

Designing a walkable and centralized district that has mixed-use development in the downtown area can protect neighborhood characteristics. Many problems associated with this type of development may be losing the “small-town feeling,” larger buildings dwarfing smaller-scale architecture, and new architecture may not fit the feeling of existing neighborhoods.

One design Idea that can combat some of these fears is to focus development in more livable areas on what is often referred to as Missing Middle Housing, which is defined as a range of multi-unit or clustered housing types compatible in scale with single-family homes that help meet the growing demand for walkable urban living. Another form of addressing this issue could be supporting detached accessory dwelling in urban context. Detached accessory dwellings units are outbuildings that can add intentional housing to neighborhoods without dramatically changing its feeling.

V shape shows a perspective view of the following before/after image. Orange block represents rethinking buildings on the site shown in the following before/after image.

Increased housing demand can cause displacement of long time or lower income residents. In growing communities, it is critical for local economies to maintain a range of income to sustain a diversity of jobs in a thriving area. The Missing Middle developments that intentionally incorporate affordable housing can address gentrification and displacement issues. It is vital that this housing is accessible to transit or amenities such as grocery stores or employment sectors.

Creating buffers between higher and lower density neighborhoods can make for smoother transitions which can make new development feel list intrusive. Creating setbacks in architecture to better address existing buildings is another good transition strategy that can help to incorporate new building. Fluid streetscaping can also be a good way to enhance older development and segway to infill designs.

Often celebrating historic structures and repurposing deteriorating or dilapidated historically significant structures is sustainable solution to appropriate neighborhood infill development.

5. Downtown streetscape improvement, walkability, and connectivity

Walkability in the downtown area is mainly restricted to the few blocks in the historic downtown core. How can downtown Gallatin become connected and walkable beyond the historic core to bring the same downtown prosperity to the blocks off the Square? Also, how can connectivity be improved/provided to downtown from the opposite side of the railroad tracks (Blythe Ave area)?

Prioritizing walkable destinations and businesses in downtown will create a more vibrant livable downtown. Make sure that development is appropriately scaled by building active facades that are inviting and accessible. In site designs, prioritize the pedestrian experience and place parking behind developments. In pedestrian areas, limit curb-cuts to eliminate conflicts between vehicles and active transportation modes. Al fresco dining or sidewalk cafés can be successful strategies for enhancing activity in prioritized pedestrian zones.

More walkable neighborhoods often have less crime. Jane Jacobs, in The Death and Life of Great American Cities, refers to the concept of “eyes on the street” where the activity taking place in city streets keeps the movement and security of the street intact. When there are people present in a public space, it strengthens the space and inspires social cohesion. This may be achieved by programing efforts that maybe pop-up, temporary, or long term.

6. Rural Scenic Byway development

What type/design of development might be appropriate in these areas where it is important to preserve the rural character, viewsheds, and natural features?

Preserving natural environments can prevent development encroaching on natural areas and mitigate flooding. When creating new communities enhancing connections to natural assets should be encouraged. Centralized development in rural areas can also help to preserve open space. Often creeks are paved over to build parking areas or buildings. Uncovering and celebrating creeks can be good ways to control storm water in new building areas. In areas where land may be more available than urban places, energy storage and solar panels can be viable options to offset cost and limit carbon output. Also, consider electric vehicle infrastructure such as quick charging areas as public transportation is less likely to be an option.

7. River Access

Currently, connections to the Cumberland River are limited for recreational use and mostly accessible by marinas. How can Gallatin become better connected to its natural resources like the miles of water frontage?

The green line represents Plan Gallatin’s proposed Town Creek Greenway. Blue Lines are Civic Design Center recommendations for other enhanced bike routes that access the waterfront. The orange areas represent ideal locations for increased density that is closer to the water’s edge.

Enhancing connectivity to important natural assets can also improve infrastructure for general benefit. Improving greenway networks improves vitality and specifically supports walking, micro-mobility, and transit. Prioritizing housing on active transportation corridors that have greenways, sidewalks, bike lanes, or transit is a good way to incentivize walkable healthy neighborhoods. Important civic and natural assets such as parks and public spaces should be well connected by active transportation. In addition to the creation of the greenways, wayfinding along them is crucial to making these new active transportation routes accessible. This can also improve community identity as people can connect with names and places.

The before/after image below shows a perspective view from the location on the map above-labeled opportunity for water access. This view is from the west side of the bridge looking east towards the Cumberland River.

Other Considerations

While these seven Community Design Issues presented are representative of the key takeaways from the Plan Gallatin process, there are still other important considerations that should be reflected in design. The following thoughts are based on issues that many growing neighborhoods experience as well as the work of the Civic Design Center.

In many cases, there is no obvious way for residents to show government the issues neighborhoods are facing. It can often be difficult communicating with area leaders or departments. Setting up regular ways to notify community leaders of neighborhood issues can help to determine a governmental approach. Some potential solutions could be to create an online portal or mobile app, invest and strengthen neighborhood associations, or plan Design Forums with community leaders to address neighbors issues.

Transit should also be made as accessible as possible. Considerations such as shelters for bus stops, ADA accessibility, and sidewalks in proximity to transit stops should all be included in transportation planning. Streets are the principle public space of our communities. It is important to consider street equity, or space on streets for as many modes as possible, when creating a connected places.

Implementation Strategies

Pedestrian-friendly spaces have drastically declined in car centric areas. Now, public spaces often serve only one purpose or modality. This has impacted our ability to be creative about their uses. Through tactical urbanism, the Civic Design Center aims to work with neighbors to take back those spaces. Tactical urbanism involves temporary, low-cost projects to improve safety and beautify our streets while informing long-term permanent changes across the city. Tactical urbanism can be done quickly by community members while avoiding expensive construction costs and city bureaucracy. We encourage communities to start here if possible to experiment with new urban design ideas.

Addressing Community Design Issues in Gallatin