EASTON, Pa. — Centre Square’s southeast quadrant is set to be spruced up to make use of space in its corner, adding some décor and tackling issues linked to public dining.
Representatives from landscape architecture, planning and art business Omnes on Wednesday presented Easton City Council with several options for the area, showcasing a fresh look focused on making that part of Centre Square more appealing to pedestrians.
Easton Public Works Director David Hopkins told council Omnes was hired to turn the property into a “really cool public space” that could accommodate additional recreation, while addressing issues related to outdoor dining at nearby eateries.
“There's this huge expanse of paving; we really want to activate it and make it a beautiful public space."Omnes Principal Laura Stedenfeld
Omnes Principal Laura Stedenfeld said the revamping project would install a circulation path for walking between outdoor dining areas in the quadrant, with several usable features in the open space.
“There's this huge expanse of paving; we really want to activate it and make it a beautiful public space," Stedenfeld said.
"We are keeping all the recently installed paving, trees and lighting poles that are in there, and we're looking at other ways where we can put layers of programming on top of it to make this feel more alive here."
Pathways to success
The 8-feet-wide circulation path would improve pedestrian traffic and rectify a tight squeeze at the walkway between a light pole and the corner edge of Pearly Baker’s Alehouse at 14 Centre Square, Stedenfeld said.
According to data collected by Omnes, the average outdoor dining space in the area of Lehn’s Court is about 194 square feet.
Omnes’ proposed space allocation would allow for increased outdoor dining space, with an establishment such as Rivals Sports Bar eligible for up to 575 square feet — more than double their current area.
“Our proposed dining standards are basically that the owner must maintain a clear pathway of eight feet in front of outdoor dining areas for circulation throughout Lehn’s Court."Omnes Landscape Designer Carson Fisk-Vittori
Omnes Landscape Designer Carson Fisk-Vittori said Omnes referenced New York City’s outdoor dining programming to develop the concepts for the plan.
“Our proposed dining standards are basically that the owner must maintain a clear pathway of eight feet in front of outdoor dining areas for circulation throughout Lehn’s Court,” Fisk-Vittori said.
“And in terms of the actual space of the outdoor dining, the outdoor dining area can extend from the outermost edge of the front of the building where the facade meets the ground as long as it does not conflict with the eight-foot clear path requirements.”
Beauty through benches
Fisk-Vittori also discussed some of the site elements that would “make this a special place.”
They included overhead string lights “which could be really festive and inviting,” clearly delineated pathway markers under the dining areas, lit benches, native seasonal plants and dividers between restaurants.
The dividers could be partial physical barriers between each restaurant, or a distinct marker between the areas.
“We thought there could be a beautiful arch, kind of highlighting Lehn’s Court."Omnes Landscape Designer Carson Fisk-Vittori
“We thought there could be a beautiful arch, kind of highlighting Lehn’s Court," Fisk-Vittori said.
"It could be mounted on one side of a building, but it could also just be on poles on either side. And then there is also the opportunity to integrate lighting as well, which could be really great."
The core concept for Lehn’s Court involves one 20-foot double-sided “rough and ready” curved bench and two 10-foot benches near the traffic circle, 79-inch mobile green aisle benches and 71-inch lean green circular benches that can also fit a small tree in the unit.
The last two bench types also can be moved with forklifts to accommodate space for festivals.
The second concept includes three double-sided benches made up of six 79-inch modules placed back-to-back to create three seating areas in the middle of the court’s open space, two 138-inch circular benches with under-bench lighting closer to the traffic circle, and several 79-inch mobile green aisles split between seating and plant space.
'Some great ideas'
Councilman Frank Pintabone raised a question about Pearly Baker’s Alehouse encroaching on the city’s right of way in Lehn’s Court with a fence, which would be an issue for the Omnes plans.
Mayor Sal Panto Jr. said the owner has not sought permission for that structure.
"My dream is to see in Centre Square people picnicking and having a lot of fun; things like that, almost like what you see at the Public Market, especially in that new back area."Easton Councilwoman Crystal Rose
“He doesn’t have permission to be there. He has to get a permit from city council,” Panto said. It was said the issue would be handled shortly.
Omnes was receptive to council's questions, with Stedenfeld saying the team could “Frankenstein” elements of either plan together if the government officials wanted.
Council members were particularly fond of the flexible nature offered by both plans, which would allow let them convert the space during special events and festivals.
“I love the idea of those round wooden benches and the flexibility," Councilwoman Crystal Rose said.
"My dream is to see in Centre Square people picnicking and having a lot of fun; things like that, almost like what you see at the Public Market, especially in that new back area.
“So I think both signs are really cool. I think you guys have some great ideas.”
Panto said council would decide at its next meeting, or the one after.
