Calling the mall a "physical barrier" creating a wedge between Old Sacramento and K Street, the team from the national Mayors' Institute on City Design reported the mall should be refurbished into an open mixed-use facility of retail, housing and work space.
"It's conceivable that the type of retail and merchandise (there now) could still exist, but from our standpoint, it needs to be in a physical shape and form that's different," said Brad Cownover, a design expert with the U.S. Forest Service. "Right now it's an impediment, it's not the draw everyone wants it to be and it could be better."
The critique of the Downtown Plaza came during a presentation at City Hall based on the panel's three-day study of downtown. The group was a partnership of the National Endowment for the Arts, the American Architectural Foundation and the U.S. Conference of Mayors.
The panel interviewed several people who work and spend time downtown and were told of a few challenges, including that there is a perception that the area is "scary, unsafe and dirty." Another frequent complaint – especially within the development community – was that the city's permitting process has become cumbersome and confusing.
Researchers recommended that the city hold more events along Capitol Mall and address issues regarding panhandling. They also urged that downtown create a stronger link to the Sacramento and American rivers.
"It's kind of a tragedy when you can't access (the rivers)," said Betsy Jackson, who works with the urban design firm Urban Agenda.
City and downtown officials also were urged to invest in high-quality streetscape and storefronts, and to explore plugging more "green" spaces along streets.
On a broader scale, planners suggested that the city work toward building more mid-rise buildings instead of high-rises.
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