Issue link: http://townofcary.uberflip.com/i/791958
CHAPTER 6:SHAPE south aCadEmy subarEa Context The South Academy Subarea is located south of the railroad lines and the Central Chatham Subarea, and is centered around South Academy Street. Home to important historic structures and public, ins tu onal, and cultural arts anchors, the South Academy Area serves as Cary's cultural and historic center. This area encompasses important buildings and streetscapes that together create a unique sense of place for the Cary community. Issues and Opportunities The South Academy Subarea provides opportuni es to preserve and enhance the unique sense of place found in this part of downtown. The map on the next page, and the cap ons below iden fy several of the most significant planning issues and opportuni es for the South Academy subarea. 1 Streetscape Improvements The streetscape along South Academy Street and Dry Avenue between Chatham and Walnut Streets has been improved to enhance pedestrian spaces, upgrade sidewalks, and incorporate unique streetscape elements, landscaping, and u li es. These improvements will support the street as a se ng for street fes vals and other ac vi es designed to a ract visitors to Downtown Cary. New Downtown Park and Library A new Wake County Regional library is planned to be located diagonally opposite – and northeast of – the Cary Arts Center. Adjacent to the library, and facing Walnut and Walker Streets, sites are also being reserved for future infill mul story office, housing, or mixed-use buildings. All are planned to be served by a central public parking structure. Immediately north of the library site, a new Downtown Park is planned as a visual and focal point for downtown. This park will serve nearby neighborhoods and provide opportuni es for special cultural and community events. Opportuni es for Development of Proper es Lining the Park Several sites exist on the north side of the Downtown Park, fron ng onto East Park Street. There are opportuni es to create higher density residen al proper es that frame the new park and provide a rac ve housing op ons and park views for future downtown residents. 2 3 4 5 Former Library Site The current Cary Community Library site, located on S. Academy Street, is owned by the Town, and will become available for redevelopment a er the new regional library is completed. This prime site will provide a key redevelopment opportunity. Poten al Extension of Harrison Avenue to Kildaire Farm Road The Planned Roadway Widths Map in Chapter 7, Move, includes the poten al extension of S. Harrison Avenue to Kildaire Farm Road, south of Cary Elementary School, crea ng another north-south connector through Downtown Cary. The specific alignment for this street extension has not been determined. This street would open up infill development opportuni es for undeveloped land in this area. Historic Proper es The South Academy subarea is home to numerous historic structures and resources, both within the Downtown Cary Na onal Register Historic District (described in the "Core Issues" sec on at the beginning of this SPA sec on), and outside of it. Examples within the district include the Guess-Ogle House, and outside the district include the Ivy Ellington House. These sites should be protected, and adjacent redevelopment or infill should be sensi ve to the historic character, massing, and setbacks of these structures, to create a unified and context-sensi ve pa ern of development. 6 164