Olde Towne Daphne

The City of Daphne, Alabama obtained a Transportation Planning Grant from the Eastern Shore MPO to be utilized for studies related to traffic, transportation, and mobility. With this grant, AQ Studios and Hall Planning & Engineering were engaged to perform a transportation and urban analysis study focused on the Olde Towne area. The goal of this work effort is to evaluate the traffic, transportation, and mobility issues as they relate to the Main Street corridor and provide recommendations that can guide decision-making and local investment.

AQ Studios and Hall Planning & Engineering traveled to Daphne to perform an initial walking analysis of the Olde Towne area. During this time, the design team examined and documented the urban context, land use, traffic patterns, architectural character of the area, and traffic and mobility patterns for all modes of transportation. Current parking patterns and challenges were also taken into consideration during this analysis.

Following the initial visit, the design team returned to Daphne to hold a three-day workshop in the fall of 2018 with the mayor, staff, and community stakeholders. This workshop gathered local perspectives on community character, opportunities, challenges, and possible goals as they relate to the urban environment and transportation issues in Olde Towne Daphne. It also allowed feedback from stakeholders that directly informed the strategies and recommendations outlined in this document. This uniquely retrofitted community will provide a full range of housing types, offer meaningful recreation and civic spaces, as well as generate critical economic development internally and for the surrounding area. Adopting the character of other New Orleans neighborhoods, the proposed density will promote walkability, infused activity, and fewer auto-dependent experiences.

The Mississippi River provides the setting for magnificent views that are articulated through the urban regulating principles outlined in our final product. In addition, the site is networked through a series of flexible green spaces, outdoor rooms, and community gardens.  The plan achieves a carefully considered urbanism with critical elements for revitalization, thus creating visions of an enhanced quality of life for all future residents.