Project Delivery Leader:
Jason Williams
The Project
The Town of Blacksburg has sustainability at the forefront of its capital projects and, as part of this commitment, partnered with the Institute of Sustainable Infrastructure to pursue the Envision Rating System for the Draper Road Streetscape project. The Envision framework supported a stakeholder‑driven design process focused on creating a vibrant, safe, and inclusive streetscape that reflects community needs while advancing sustainable transportation, smart lighting, and environmentally conscious construction practices.
The Draper Road Streetscape project includes a range of pedestrian‑focused design improvements along Draper Road between College Avenue and Roanoke Street, with additional sidewalk enhancements extending east to Lee Street. Key features include widened sidewalks, upgraded street lighting, and downtown streetscape elements designed to improve walkability and enhance the overall pedestrian experience. Improvements also strengthen connections between Kent Square Parking Garage and College Avenue through an eight‑foot‑wide pedestrian walkway with brick banding, consistent materials, and cohesive streetscape furnishings.
The project explored opportunities to increase downtown vibrancy through outdoor dining accommodations for existing restaurants and evaluated traffic operations, including the potential conversion of all or part of Draper Road to a one‑way street. These strategies aim to balance accessibility, safety, and economic activity while creating a more people‑oriented public realm.
Public engagement was a cornerstone of the project. RK&K led a robust stakeholder outreach program that included multiple in‑person and virtual open house sessions to ensure broad participation. Engagement efforts emphasized inclusion of students and staff from nearby Virginia Tech, providing valuable insight into how a transient population experiences downtown Blacksburg. Stakeholders were presented with design options and invited to share feedback on elements such as sidewalk width, pedestrian plazas, bicycle accommodations, crossing enhancements, and potential dining and social spaces. Feedback and recommendations were documented through a project flipbook to guide final design decisions.
To complement the streetscape improvements, RK&K designed a new Draper Road Comfort Station on Town‑owned property near College Avenue, Market Square Park, and the downtown entertainment district. The facility includes two ADA‑accessible, unisex restrooms, along with seating, shade structures, bike parking, wayfinding signage, and landscaping. Designed with durable materials such as concrete and steel, the comfort station balances functionality, durability, and architectural character, supporting a lively and welcoming downtown environment.
The Town of Blacksburg has sustainability at the forefront of its capital projects and, as part of this commitment, partnered with the Institute of Sustainable Infrastructure to pursue the Envision Rating System for the Draper Road Streetscape project. The Envision framework supported a stakeholder‑driven design process focused on creating a vibrant, safe, and inclusive streetscape that reflects community needs while advancing sustainable transportation, smart lighting, and environmentally conscious construction practices.
The Draper Road Streetscape project includes a range of pedestrian‑focused design improvements along Draper Road between College Avenue and Roanoke Street, with additional sidewalk enhancements extending east to Lee Street. Key features include widened sidewalks, upgraded street lighting, and downtown streetscape elements designed to improve walkability and enhance the overall pedestrian experience. Improvements also strengthen connections between Kent Square Parking Garage and College Avenue through an eight‑foot‑wide pedestrian walkway with brick banding, consistent materials, and cohesive streetscape furnishings.
The project explored opportunities to increase downtown vibrancy through outdoor dining accommodations for existing restaurants and evaluated traffic operations, including the potential conversion of all or part of Draper Road to a one‑way street. These strategies aim to balance accessibility, safety, and economic activity while creating a more people‑oriented public realm.
Public engagement was a cornerstone of the project. RK&K led a robust stakeholder outreach program that included multiple in‑person and virtual open house sessions to ensure broad participation. Engagement efforts emphasized inclusion of students and staff from nearby Virginia Tech, providing valuable insight into how a transient population experiences downtown Blacksburg. Stakeholders were presented with design options and invited to share feedback on elements such as sidewalk width, pedestrian plazas, bicycle accommodations, crossing enhancements, and potential dining and social spaces. Feedback and recommendations were documented through a project flipbook to guide final design decisions.
To complement the streetscape improvements, RK&K designed a new Draper Road Comfort Station on Town‑owned property near College Avenue, Market Square Park, and the downtown entertainment district. The facility includes two ADA‑accessible, unisex restrooms, along with seating, shade structures, bike parking, wayfinding signage, and landscaping. Designed with durable materials such as concrete and steel, the comfort station balances functionality, durability, and architectural character, supporting a lively and welcoming downtown environment.
Client
Market
- Municipal
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