Sustainable design and construction were paramount to the interim use of the site, according to Susan Linsky, special assistant in the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning & Economic Development. "Before the demolition of the convention center, we recycled a lot of the building," she notes. "With the new use, we've incorporated several sustainable elements, including recycled glass in the walkways and the installation of a rain garden along the site's southern edge that will help filter water before it enters the city storm sewer system. Many of the plantings and other hardscape components will be transferred to other sites when further development occurs here."

Even the more practical elements of the site have been enlivened with plantings and vibrant color. Low fences marking the streetscape are constructed of steel grids that will accommodate a variety of vines, including Virginia Creeper and clematis. The parking lot, primarily located on the eastern side of the site, is emblazoned with bold painted stripes of fuchsia, purple, yellow, and blue. "There are many buildings surrounding this site," says Elliot Rhodeside, FASLA, who served as design principal for Rhodeside & Harwell, the landscape architect. "From up above, looking down upon the parking area and the artwalk, it will be like a painting that constantly changes??"with bright colors along the lot, cars constantly moving in and out, and people walking through."

Rhodeside & Harwell has completed many prominent commissions in planning, landscape architecture, and urban design throughout the U.S.