It’s as if they didn’t want to upset anyone.
The draft designs for the permanent Forest Avenue promenade were unveiled last night – all two of them – and they were underwhelming.
A standing-room-only crowd at the Susi Q saw a Plan A, “Promenade Walk,” which didn’t look much different from the current street, and Plan B, “Forest Stroll,” a more interesting, curved design that seemed to get the most votes. To see the designs, visit this link.
People wrote comments on large printouts after a short presentation, which included some visuals of what the future of Forest might look like.
At best, it’s a start. There were a lot of written comments – everything from funding concerns to drainage questions.
RRM Design Group representatives tried to put a good spin on the work, calling it a “really exciting” project that will be filled with “magic.”
But amid the dull overhead lights of the Susi Q, everything seemed a little flat. Sure, there are fancier umbrellas with heaters, a play area for kids, better landscaping and new walkways. But there wasn’t any magic.
A new large main stage at the entrance off Coast Highway sounds nice, but it would completely block the ocean view.
The outcome was surprising, given RRM’s previous work with promenades. Perhaps the last Laguna Beach public meeting – filled with crazy rancor – scared them. It was September, and the meeting felt more like a hate rally.
There is still time to fine-tune the designs – or get much more ambitious and do something memorable. RRM and the city won’t be close to final until fall, at least.
In the meantime, we get one opportunity to make a signature statement in the heart of downtown Laguna Beach.
Let’s aim higher.
