Landscape Architect Articles

2016 Firms of the South: Jacobs10-04-16 | Feature

Jacobs
Atlanta, Georgia

Buckhead Green Vision Study, Atlanta, Georgia

The purpose of the Buckhead Green Vision Study was to determine the viability of a 9-plus-acre deck park over GA 400, between the Atlanta Financial Center and Lenox Road/Buckhead Loop. This study was initiated because of the Buckhead Community Improvement District's strong interest in improving and creating parks and open space in the Buckhead area. The Buckhead Green presents an opportunity for a great urban park in an area where open land is simply not available. The cost of assembling such a property, if it could even be done, would likely exceed $5 million per acre. In that context, construction of a highway deck is a realistic choice, albeit one that will require substantial private sector contributions for both construction and operations.

Swan Pond Restoration and Recreation Area, Kingston, Tennessee

Following a coal ash spill at its Kingston Fossil Plant, the Tennessee Valley Authority led recovery and restoration efforts for about 900 acres of land. Jacobs' role included enhancement of wetlands, restoration and creation of riparian areas and shorelines, and establishment of wildlife habitats. Recreational park design was integrated into the restoration design to encourage community use and enjoyment. The recreation area includes a rest station, boat docks and ramps, and an extensive trail system. Future improvements include a regional recreation park.

The Stich Urban Plan, Atlanta, Georgia

Jacobs created a master plan for 30 blighted acres of urban land in downtown Atlanta, Georgia, for the Atlanta Downtown Improvement District and Central Atlanta Progress. The project is situated on the main transportation artery in Atlanta, the region and the state "?u Atlanta's Downtown I-85/75 Connector. For over 50 years, the Connector has had a decidedly negative effect on the urban fabric and socioeconomics of Atlanta's downtown neighborhoods. The vision was to develop a 15-acre deck park over the interstate and spur economic development in the district. This would also re-establish the site as a pedestrian-friendly, world-class destination and leverage a direct connection to Downtown and Midtown Atlanta. A revamped urban neighborhood and deck park have formed a new front door to the Downtown, and made a stronger connection to the Civic Center MARTA station.

Rome Town Green + Riverfront, Rome, Georgia

A major component of the Rome Urban Riverfront Master Plan involves a shared parking facility, urban greenspace, and riverwalk plaza to replace an existing surface parking lot. This "Town Green" has become a true social center and grand public space in the city of Rome, featuring interactive fountains, an event lawn, a rain garden, terraced retaining walls, a boat dock, and boardwalk trail. These link Rome's Heritage Trails system and Broad Street's historic district to access and views of the Oostanaula River. Jacobs provided master planning, detailed design, permitting, and construction observation services.

Jacobs is one of the world's largest and most diverse providers of technical, professional and construction services for industrial, commercial and government organizations. The company employs 50,000 people in more than 30 countries around the world. Jacobs' Advance Planning Group offers land planning, site planning, urban design, regulatory control, landscape architecture, pre-design business strategies, and design services. It employs 25 licensed landscape architects nationally. The Atlanta office includes nine licensed landscape architects and a team of more than 30 designers, planners, facility programmers and urban design professionals.

As seen in LASN magazine, October 2016.