Issue link: http://townofcary.uberflip.com/i/791958
CHAPTER 6:SHAPE General Character This area consists of medium to high density mixed use development that accommodates offices, mul family buildings, townhomes, and some first floor retail. Eastern por ons of the subarea may also accommodate warehousing and light industrial uses. The North Academy subarea should redevelop over me, to have a highly connected network of streets, sidewalks, street trees and buildings located close to the street. Building Height Ideally 4-5 stories, but can go higher depending on context and suitability. Heights should step down where necessary to address adjacent structures with lower story roofs, or otherwise provide acceptable transi ons. Opportuni es • Streetscape improvements and increased street connec vity will reinforce cohesive downtown character • Redevelopment of aging proper es will improve quality of development and offer new housing and employment op ons • Use streetscape improvements to provide a be er sense of con nuity and connec on between North and South Harrison Avenue • Master planned mixed use and medium-density residen al for Jones/Gray/Boyd Street neighborhood, north of Chapel Hill Road • When Chapel Hill Road is widened, consider using street and streetscape designs that reinforce the special character of downtown, and that minimize the effect of the separa on between areas north and south of the road. Design solu ons should reflect downtown character and provide greater connec vity and linkage between the neighborhoods north of the road and development south of the road • Consider shared parking, and plan for new centrally located surface and structured parking to serve the subarea, while limi ng on-site surface parking. • Commercial warehousing area in eastern sec on of Subarea could be opportunity for "makers" district for light technical produc on, such as a brewery. • Site designs should reinforce use of transit • Enhance transit ameni es to support bus and rail users Vision for north aCadEmy: a PlaCE to liVE and work North Academy will be the focus for mid-rise employment sites and housing near jobs in central Downtown Cary. The North Academy subarea is envisioned as one of two subareas that are intended to accommodate the most intense pa erns of development and building heights in the Downtown, the other being the East Chatham subarea. To maximize the use of land in this area, buildings will front the streets, reinforcing the overarching downtown streetscape character, and provide mul ple op ons for living and dining proximate to work. The invi ng nature of the built environment, along with ac vi es on the sidewalk, will combine to create an interes ng and safe environment for pedestrians and bicyclists. Walking and cycling can become addi onal means of travel alongside the exis ng comprehensive network for cars. The use of crea ve design and vernacular architecture can create a unique sense of place for residents and workers, and help orient visitors to Town Hall and the Chamber of Commerce. Increasing the density of development in this subarea will bolster the downtown market and support exis ng and new businesses. The conceptual image shown here of the block surrounded by North Harrison Avenue, North Academy Street, and Chapel Hill Street illustrates one form that redevelopment could take in the East Chatham subarea. 156