Fort Collins has strict regulations for so-called "big box" stores -- those that
are 40,000 square feet and larger. (If my memory is correct, the Waremart at
the Palouse Mall is about 40,000 square feet and WalMart is twice that size.)
Stores that fall into that category here must:
* provide multiple entrances.
* allow only 50 percent of the parking in front of the building.
* design the buildings to minimize the boxy appearance (I'm not sure how this is
enforced -- probably through some kind of design review.)
* promote a pedestrian-friendly environment by including "gathering places" such
as plazas and fountains.
The local paper reports that developers of a new shopping center that will
include a Home Depot and Circuit City are challenging the parking rule. They
want to put 65 percent of parking in front, 32 percent on the side and 3 percent
in back.
Since the trend in retail seems to be mega-stores, it's probably just a matter
of time before someone like Target or Home Depot wants to open a Moscow store.
Wouldn't it be wise to have some design regulations in effect *before* they're
needed?
I'd welcome responses from people on the list who have experiences in other
places with attempts to regulate large retailers and make strip developments
more attractive.
--Kenton
Kenton Bird
Department of Journalism
and Technical Communication
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, CO 80523-1785
Phone: (970) 491-5986 Fax: (970) 491-2908
e-mail: KBird@vines.ColoState.edu