Aesthetics:

Urban design treatments are being incorporated into the planning and construction of the Armour Road/Highway 210 and Front Street interchanges. 

These treatments are intended to establish a visually consistent aesthetic character for the river crossing corridor while also complementing the surrounding community context.  The angular shapes reflect the design influence of the Christopher S. Bond Bridge.  The results are anticipated to establish a sense of arrival for travelers using these interchanges to enter the highway corridor and surrounding areas. 

Sound Walls

Sound walls provide an opportunity for visual unification of the corridor. These sound walls are visible from both the community side and the interstate side, and therefore must relate to the highway and surrounding neighborhoods. An aesthetic theme of movement and sound is being repeated throughout the corridor. On the highway side, form liners are being used to create a dynamic pattern that resembles a graphic equalizer display. The “frequency bands” have a smooth finish that will contrast with the overall rough texture of the wall. On the bands, surface-mounted colored tiles are placed as accent pieces. The community side of the sound walls are textured to compliment the visual character of the surrounding area and soften the concrete walls. Colored tiles are installed on this side of the wall as well. Click on this link to view the sound walls in the corridor.
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Front Street Interchange

The structure for the Front Street bridge has been crafted to incorporate angular shapes reflective of the nearby river bridge.  The retaining walls surrounding the bridge abutments on either side of this interchange will incorporate a complementary angular pattern.  Horizontal banding on the support columns provides additional visual interest.  Low angular walls visually connect these columns to the ground surface, creating planting beds for massings of ornamental grasses.  Bands of textured concrete are also incorporated to enhance the ground plane underneath the bridge. Bridge girders at this interchange will be painted blue to match the River Bridge. Click on the link to view a a rendering of Front Street beneath the highway. Click here to view animation on how this Single Point Urban Interchange will operate.

Columbus Park

In conjunction with the enhancements proposed throughout the corridor a new gateway marker has been designed for the Troost Avenue entrance to Columbus Park.  Interstate 29/35 defines the eastern boundary of Columbus Park, known to many as “the City’s first neighborhood”.  Drawing from building materials and patterns found on nearby structures, the marker lends an identity to this ethnically diverse community. To view a rendering of this new gateway marker.