Columbia Road Streetscape Improvements

Olmsted Falls, Ohio

The project involved development of a landscape enhancements package for Columbia Road, the main thoroughfare through the City of Olmsted Falls’ primary commercial district. Walking the length of the project’s focus area brought to light the very different nature of the two sides of the street—big box commercial on one versus boutique retail and local businesses on the other—as well as some of the maintenance conflicts typical of an urban streetscape. The goal, then, was to develop a comprehensive yet conceptual landscape scheme that could be applied flexibly where the need was greatest, land owners were likely to take ownership, and improvements could have the most effective impact. Preparing “typical” layouts also afforded the city the ability to add the enhancements gradually, as its budget would allow. Hand-drawn schemes and computer-generated renderings accompanied by cost estimates for each concept dictate a landscape design language that will unify the streetscape, creating rhythm, identity, and an improved aesthetic throughout.