29 The Promenade
Emelia Lute
A new two-way bike path will serve commuters, visitors and families. The bike path will have raised buffers on both sides to separate people biking from people walking and driving, and it will include accessible traffic signals at pedestrian crossings to ensure a safe experience for all. People riding bikes on the existing Elliott Bay Trail near the Olympic Sculpture Park can join the waterfront bike path at Bell St, continuing down to join the existing Elliott Bay trail at S King St.
We are designing a unique all-gender public restroom that will be staffed part-time when open. It will be located on the promenade in a central location along the Waterfront between Union St and University St. The restroom is being designed with several key goals in mind. These include making it a welcoming, safe, and clean facility for users of all ages and abilities, accommodating families, and expressing the unique character of the Waterfront. The restroom is designed with 6 all-gender stalls with privacy for users in mind, while the architectural design allows for an open and airy feeling with natural ventilation. The project design phase will wrap up this year and we will begin construction in early 2024.
The current promenade represents a mixture of public and privately owned land. The information on this page will assist in identifying the status of a specific portion or promenade and whether it is owned and managed by the City of Baltimore or a private entity. The following maps provide a quick reference tool to assist in identifying this ownership information. All complete portions that are privately owned have a corresponding Promenade Easement agreement which outlines the public access the responsibilities of each party involved.
From 1859 to 1969 the old Vincennes railway line ran between Verneuil-l`tang, a town 60km outside Paris, and the Bastille. The Coule Verte was created from the portion of the Vincennes line that runs 2.8 miles eastward through the 12th arrondissement to the city limits at Bois de Vincennes Park. A first of its kind, the promenade was created from an elevated tramline build upon an arching viaduct.
Traversing high above the city streets, the promenade offers scenic views over the city and up-close perspective to some of its characteristic architecture, ranging from 1800s to modern. Down below, the renovated Viaduct des Arts houses galleries, artists workshops, small boutiques, and hip restaurants and bars. From this unique perspective you can look across, into, and down upon the buildings of Paris. Walking the Promenade Plante is a great way to see a behind-the-scenes slice of Paris.
The elevated portion of the walk extends for about a mile. Built upon a viaduct, it is a lovely walk all on its own. The promenade was designed to be a respite from the crowded and noisy streets below. Fragrant roses, tranquil reflection ponds, and sections of lush shade collaborate to provide a welcome urban retreat.
Here and there, the folliage opens up to allow for wide open spaces and expansive views. At some points, classic, multistoried buildings set upon the edge of the rail easment and elegantly frame the walk on the Coule Verte. At others, the path becomes very much a part of the built environment, even slashing through one modern, asymetrical design.
Urban art is infused throughout the walk on the Coule Verte. Inspired by their surroundings, the various pieces provide playful expressions to further interact with the park. Near the eastern end of the trail a in shaded nook two abstract metal sculptures also function as ping pong tables. At the start of the bike path a steampunk inspired piece incorporates curvilinear shapes and gears echoing biclycle components. Additonally, it reminds us of the train engines that used to rule these rails.
Illustrator Caroline Laguerre has several pieces along the walk on the Coule Verte. A series of three frescos decorate the alcoves of a residential building. Our favorite, Si,Si, La, Fa, Mi, is shown above. Their simple lines and primary colors are playful and fun. With a smile, they invite strollers to pause on the welcoming benches and watch the world go by.
To walk the Coule Verte you experience a diverse range of terrain and interesting things to see. After about a mile the elevated path reaches the ground and opens to allow for bikes. Then an arching suspension bridge spans over a quiet neighborhood park. Next the walk goes through cool tunnels accented with urban art and draping vines. After, sections with dense folliage give the sense of walking through a wood. Finally, there are stretches of quiet natural paths and verdant community gardens. It is one of the most diverse urban strolls to be found.
From the time before the Romans conquered the native Parisii in 52BC, Paris was a walking city. It was the only means common citizens had to move about. Over the ages, as the city grew, its streets and buildings developed around the center at le de la Cit in a dense, compact labyrinth. Even in 1610, when Paris was one of the largest cities in Europe, one could walk across it in about 30 minutes. Then, in the 1800s, public transportation based on railways was introduced. These affordable conveniences could carry residents from the newly created suburbs into the city for work, shopping, and culture. Like the arms of a starfish, urbanization began to reach out from the city center along the tracks of these transportation corridors.
Finally, in the 1900s, the automobile became an option for many residents. No longer dependent upon public transportation routes, housing began to grow out from the city center and metro stations and infill the regions between the established commuter railways. Eventually, some of these rail systems were no longer needed. In the 1950s-60s many were taken out of service. Now abandoned, the rails became a dumping ground and harbor for illegal activity.
The Coule Verte urban renewal project brought new life and community pride to what had become a run-down area. It is a walk worth doing. It has the intrinsic benefits of open air and exercise. Additionally, it is a good example of how modern Paris continues to recreate itself to provide for the well-being for its citizens. Forever a walking city, Paris is filled with places that nurture physical, mental, and community health.
Specification
24200 Series coated cast iron adjustable ALL-LEVEL Roof Drain, round pedestrian grate set in round anchored frame leveled on adjustable threaded rods, removable perforated stainless steel filter, concrete forming and retaining ring, large sump with wideflange and bottom outlet inside caulk connection.
Application
Used on promenade decks, plazas and recreational roof decks where foot traffic or light-weight vehicles will be present and drainage is required from the deck surface and all layers of construction below to the waterproof membrane. Large slotted grate provides ample free area for proper drainage and has narrow openings for pedestrian safety and for the interception of debris. The perforated outer ring serves as a form or retainer to hold the decking concrete, percolation layer aggregates, and insulation inplace and can be made to the required height. It is perforated for all level drainage. The removable interior stainless steel filter prevents aggregates from entering the drain and can be made to accommodate the thickness of the deck. The body has a deep sump for heavy flow, an extra wide deck flange for positive support and large bonding surface for liquid applied membranes.