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224 .REPORT: URBAN DESIGN PROCESS Mr. O'Connell said that the firm of Wallace, Rogers and Todd has been selected to provide plans for a Transit Center and other projects downtown. Mr. O'Cormell said that the work will be phased, and will have significant up-front public involvement. Mr. Jim Tolbert, Director of Neighborhood Development Planning, explained that twelve proposals were received in response to the request for proposals, and a selection committee, with representatives from downtown businesses and residential groups, staff and Council, chose Wallace, Rogers and Todd. The four phases are: 1) Reconnaissance (gathering of information'); 2) Conceptual design; 3) Construction plans and specifications prepared for the Transit Transfer Center, East end mall extension, 2~a Street mall crossing, 2na Street extension to Monticello Road, and 4th Street extension to Garrett Street; and 4) Final schematic plans' for the remainder of the project area, including West Main Street and all downtown side streets. Mr. Ignasio Bunster, representing Wallace, Rogers and Todd (WRT), explained that WRT is the lead team for the project. Mr. Bunster described their urban design philosophy and provided the time line for the project. Mr. Lynch asked if it would be possible to break the project into smaller pieces and go out to bid earlier, especially on projects such as the side streets. Mr. Bunster said that can probably be done if Council's priorities are known~ Ms. Richards noted that the Court Square plan is in place, which includes extension of side streets to the mall, and said she wants to make sure this plan is part of their planning and will be incorporated early. Mr. Tolbert said it is critical that the two plans mesh, and added that the First Amendment Monument will also be integrated into the plan. Ms. Richards said that one desirable thing not part of the Court Square plan is signage (historic walking tours, etc.), and she said it would be helpful if the RFP could include and promote that. Mr. Bunster said he feels they can do that. Mr. Cox said he is impressed with the team that will be working on the project. Mr. Toscano, a member of the RFP selection committee, said the committee believed that tbSs should not be just another study, but should result in designing of a building. Mr. Toscano said he hopes Council will continue with the Transit Center being their priority as well as the redesign of the east end of the mall which he feels can create a world class public space. Mr. Caravati asked that the public participation process be expanded upon, and Mr. Tolbert said a broad-based team will help identify focus groups and others who should be involved in the process. All general meetings will be open to the public, and there will be a communications team that will assure a constant flow of information to the public. Mr. Lynch said that he understands that before the 2~d Street crossing of the mall was allowed, that the mall was the longest pedestrian mall in the country, and Mr. Bunster said that is his understanding, and noted that even with the crossing, it still has the feel of a continuous mall. RESOLUTIONS: APPROVAL OF DESIGN/LOCATION OF JEFFERSON PARK AVENUE B~DGE PROJECT AND FONTAINE AVENUE PROJECT Mr. O'Connell explained that a design public hearing was held in January of 2000 on the Jefferson Park Avenue Bridge and Fontaine Avenue projects, and there is urgency to approve the bridge design because of its poor condition.