The city of West Hollywood has debuted the Sunset Experience, a pilot program designed to improve walkability and activate the pedestrian realm on the Sunset Strip. The city worked with the Gehl Studio on the project which consists of three interconnected installations: painted and bollard-protected curb extensions at four intersections; a parklet in front of Book Soup; and “connective sidewalk trail” treatments including public art, wayfinding, and sidewalk seating.
The bright red curb extensions are located at Sunset/San Vicente, Sunset/Larrabee, Sunset/Holloway/Horn, and Sunset/Sherbourne. Tightened corners are designed to make drivers slow down as they are turning, and the extra protected space decreases the crossing distance for pedestrians. The project also includes a painted pedestrian refuge island at Sunset and Holloway.
The parklet, which was the location of a project launch celebration on December 4th, is the first in West Hollywood, following the installation of parklets in other L.A. County cities includingLong Beach, Los Angeles, Huntington Park, and Santa Monica. In addition to the parklet, the Sunset Experience also includes a small sidewalk seating area on the north side of Sunset between Larrabee and Horn.
According to Garen Srapyan, Associate Planner at the city of West Hollywood, the project was conceived based on “City Council direction to evaluate how the street, streetscape, and public spaces of Sunset Boulevard are faring and identify opportunities for making sure the Boulevard remains a creative, active, and inviting place for all of its residents and visitors.” The City Council allocated funding for the project. Srapyan explains that over the next six months the Gehl Studio “will conduct surveys that are based on [Danish architect and urban designer Jan Gehl’s] proven ‘urban quality criteria’ for what makes a successful public place." The metrics, which are both qualitative and quantitative “focus on how people can use the space, how long they stay, how comfortable the spaces are for users, and whether there were opportunities for interaction and an array of activities.”
Following the pilot, the city will review the results and decide whether the installations will be modified, removed, or made permanent. A Streetlife Action Framework plan will also be written, which will include recommendations for further improvements along Sunset Boulevard in West Hollywood.
The recently installed 1.25-mile long bikeway spans Lincoln Park Avenue, Flora Avenue, and Sierra Street - it's arguably the first new bike facility of the Measure HLA era