The Old Water Tower Gets a Plaza to Stand On J2 Engineering and Environmental Design, LLC ?EUR? Stephen Kelly, Editor The view to the northwest of Water Tower Plaza in Gilbert, Ariz. reveals the new outdoor dining area, the refurbished 120-foot tall tower and illuminated water walls. The top of the water tower is lit by ?EUR??,,????'?????< |
The objective: Gilbert, Ariz. wanted to develop a three-quarter of an acre parcel of land in the town?EUR??,,????'?????<
 The mirror-like granite floating sphere (Kusser Fountain Works, Germany) clearly reflects the runnel above it and the nearby water tower.
The Problem: There was a decade of data and design initiatives for this tract of land, including, count ?EUR??,,????'?????< Design Challenge: Address the dominating presence of the water tower and relate its stature and scale within a relatively small space against a backdrop of an existing active commercial area that surrounded the plaza, included restaurants, retail shops, a theater and a transit center.
 Recycled glass pavers (Wausau Tile, Terra Paving Type 9) under the water tower reflect the shadow pattern cast by the tower?EUR??,,????'?????<
Public Consensus A major challenge was gaining consensus from the citizens on a single vision for the plaza. Often, regional cultural icons are deemed disposable when their usefulness as functioning elements are no longer viable. The water tower holds an immense sentimental significance to residents and business owners in Gilbert?EUR??,,????'?????< The team?EUR??,,????'?????<
 Prior to restoration this was the view looking east: fenced off land, overhead power lines and dilapidated light posts.
Virtual 3D
 An overhead runnel drops water onto the floating sphere. The polished sphere (4?EUR??,,????'?????<
Design Elements
 For over a decade, design initiatives (five master plans) were put forth to develop the three-quarter of an acre parcel in Gilbert, Arizona?EUR??,,????'?????<
The social aspect of conversing, people watching and quiet contemplation is strongly encouraged on the plaza through the use of permanent seating, seat walls, turf berms, and moveable seating and tables. One of the main driving forces behind the development of the site was diversity of seating to foster social interaction and respite. From an economic vantage, the creation of an open space within the heart of downtown was designed to accommodate larger crowds.
 History Revisited This before image shows the old adobe pump house, Gilbert, Arizona?EUR??,,????'?????<
Water Features
Scaling the Plaza
 The runnel is reflective of the tower?EUR??,,????'?????<
Challenges This small site was full of interesting and intricate above and belowground features and linked to a web of underground utilities. Rendering these complexities understandable and constructible was one of the major tasks undertaken by the team, starting from consensus on design and extending to the grand opening.
 The hydrant-like elbow pipe, a remnant of the old water works, used to have a valve on the end for fire crews. Repurposed, it now spouts Muhlenbergia capillaries ?EUR??,,????'?????<
Sustainability The water features continually recycle water through a series of filters so that there is minimal water loss. The turf areas use a combination of underground drip emitters and water harvest swales that eliminate overspray and runoff of irrigation water. These social, economic and sustainable considerations demonstrate the commitment of Gilbert to the highest level of design and responsiveness to its citizens. Historic structures can enhance a sense of place and provide a point of civic pride when preserved and celebrated. These aspects resonate throughout this urban plaza. The plaza accommodates a sitting public to enjoy the cooling and relaxing effects of shade and the sounds of water. The plaza lends itself to multiple uses, from theatrical performances and minstrels, to arts and crafts fairs and street performers. This central gathering space is spurring redevelopment throughout the Gilbert Heritage District. Restaurants and retail shops to the east and south surround the plaza. A recently constructed transit center to the west offers true multimodal influences. A new theater and restaurants to the north have been built. Also, the project provided power, water and sewer extensions for the redevelopment of Liberty Market Restaurant. This project is the beginning of a series of connected urban plazas, pocket parks, pedestrian corridors and open spaces within the downtown area that will provide a vital link connecting residents, visitors and commuters to emerging mix-used developments.
Exceeding Expectations Photographers are holding photo shoots for graduations, prom pictures and engagement photos. In short, people are coming to the plaza and really enjoying the refurbished space. About the Firm
The Project Team |
