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Midtown Specific Plan Views From streets were assessed to define locations where positive views exist. . Streel fronlages were reviewed and nolated according to their posjtjve or negative appearance. Buildings that are not well mainlained and fronlages that are visually overwhelmed by a conFusion of signs are examples of factors contributing 10 a negative appearance. Positive factors include well maintained fronlages, buildings and setbacks, or mature landscaping along \he street. Based on the inventory review and field surveys, elements that s\rengthen or weaken Mkltown's visual qualities were identified and mapped. A discussion of the visual strengths and weaknesses or Midtown follows. Strengths Aestheflc Slreet Views The faclors that influence these views are tile architecturally sl;]nificant buildings along Civic Center Drive and the view easl on Eighth Street, which is lerminated by an attractive residential structure. Views along Bush Street are enhanced in the blocks that have mature slreet\rees on both sides of the street Sulkllng$ofCh.r.et~ These include the buildings Identified in the SUIVey of North Maln/Nolth Broadway Corridor, dated March 22, 1992 and prepared by the Historic Resources Review Committee. In addition, individuat struclures and groups of struclures that add to the character and scaie of vatious streets in Midtown are shown. MafUle Street Trees Bush ,Streel and Broadway have large numbers of malure streel \rees, although several blocks have only a few or none. Some at the east-west cross streets also have segments with mature slreeltrees, including Eighth Street, Tenth Slreel, and Wasllington Slreel. Open Space Several significanl open space areas make a posiUve conlribution 10 Midtown. These include the church at Tenth and Main and the financial institution at Main S~eel and Washington. Positive Street Image Exhibil 4 shows several street segments throughoul Midtown which exhibit an overall positive image due to the quality of landscaping, weU.mainlained and auractive building facades, and signage thai is in scale and character with the buildings. Weaknesses Large Expanses of Unser,ened Porlring The negalive impact from unscreened parking areas is exhibited primarlly along Sycamore Street and Broadway between Civic Center Drive and Tenth Street. Many of lhese parking lots lack landscaping that provides visual bunerlng. This lack of screening magnifies the adverse impacts of large expanses of parking. Nag.,ive Street Image A1sa shown on Exhibit 4 are various segments of Midtown's street frontages which are visually unattractive. This is due 10 a combinatioo of lactors, including vacant buildings, deteriorating buildings, unkempt grounds, loud colors, blank waDs. and unallractive signs. Chapter 2: Existinli>fl;l,igfijf.l(fti NS-:2649 ~age-f(j""of 52 15