Amendment 0003 - PPI 89 BEAP Cherry Point 021721.pdf

BASE EXTERIOR ARCHITECTURE PLAN

FOR

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION

CHERRY POINT, NC

BASE EXTERIOR ARCHITECTURE PLAN

30 JANUARY 2007

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION

CHERRY POINT, NC

TABLE OF CONTENTS

TC-1

1.0 Executive Summary ......................................................................................................................1-1

1.1 Introduction ......................................................................................................................1-1

1.2 Image Survey ...................................................................................................................1-1

1.3 Visual Environment ..........................................................................................................1-1

1.4 Singular Aesthetic ............................................................................................................1-1

1.5 Base Design Guide ..........................................................................................................1-2

1.6 Implementation.................................................................................................................1-2

2.0 Introduction ...................................................................................................................................2-1

2.1 Purpose of the Base Exterior Architecture Plan Update..................................................2-1

2.2 Site Context......................................................................................................................2-1

2.2.1 Location...............................................................................................................2-1

2.2.2 History and Mission.............................................................................................2-1

3.0 Survey and Analysis......................................................................................................................3-1

3.1 Site Characteristics ..........................................................................................................3-1

3.1.1 Architectural Analysis..........................................................................................3-1

3.1.2 Circulation Analysis.............................................................................................3-1

3.1.3 Environmental Analysis.......................................................................................3-2

3.1.4 Land Use Analysis ..............................................................................................3-3

3.1.5 Utility Analysis .....................................................................................................3-3

3.2 Functional/Visual Districts................................................................................................3-3

3.2.1 Industrial/Flight Line Operations .........................................................................3-4

3.2.2 Administrative/Community Support.....................................................................3-4

3.2.3 Family Housing ..................................................................................................3-6

4.0 Visual Environment .......................................................................................................................4-1

4.1 Introduction ......................................................................................................................4-1

4.2 Industrial/Flight Line Operations ......................................................................................4-1

4.3 Administrative/Community Support..................................................................................4-2

4.4 Family Housing ................................................................................................................4-2

5.0 Implementation Priorities...............................................................................................................5-1

5.1 Introduction ......................................................................................................................5-1

5.2 Critical Development Areas .............................................................................................5-1

5.2.1 Industrial/Flight Line Operations District .............................................................5-1

5.2.2 Administrative/Community Support District ........................................................5-1

5.2.3 Family Housing District .......................................................................................5-1

TC-2

5.3 Implementation Priorities .................................................................................................5-2

5.3.1 Improvement Projects .........................................................................................5-2

5.3.2 District Priorities ..................................................................................................5-2

5.4 Design Elements Evaluation ............................................................................................5-3

6.0 Base Design Guide .......................................................................................................................6-1

6.1 Introduction ......................................................................................................................6-1

6.2 Architecture ......................................................................................................................6-2

6.2.1 General ...............................................................................................................6-2

6.2.2 Objectives ...........................................................................................................6-2

6.2.3 Architectural Character .......................................................................................6-2

6.2.4 Environmental Issues........................................................................................6-11

6.3 Roadways, Parking, and Pathways ...............................................................................6-14

6.3.1 General .............................................................................................................6-14

6.3.2 Objectives .........................................................................................................6-14

6.3.3 Roadway Construction......................................................................................6-14

6.4 Landscaping...................................................................................................................6-20

6.4.1 General .............................................................................................................6-20

6.4.2 Objectives .........................................................................................................6-20

6.4.3 Landscape Standards .......................................................................................6-20

6.4.4 Landscape Design Applications........................................................................6-20

6.4.5 Landscape Plant Selection ...............................................................................6-23

6.4.6 Landscape Maintenance...................................................................................6-23

6.5 Site Furnishings .............................................................................................................6-29

6.5.1 General .............................................................................................................6-29

6.5.2 Objectives .........................................................................................................6-29

6.5.3 Recycled Content Material Use ........................................................................6-29

6.6 Lighting...........................................................................................................................6-40

6.6.1 General .............................................................................................................6-40

6.6.2 Objectives .........................................................................................................6-40

6.6.3 Illumination ........................................................................................................6-40

6.7 Informational Signage ....................................................................................................6-46

6.7.1 General .............................................................................................................6-46

6.7.2 Visual Clutter.....................................................................................................6-46

6.7.3 Objectives for a Signage Program....................................................................6-46

6.7.4 Sign Categories.................................................................................................6-46

6.7.5 General Standards............................................................................................6-47

6.8 Commercial Signage......................................................................................................6-55

6.8.1 General .............................................................................................................6-55

6.8.2 Building Mounted Signage ................................................................................6-55

6.8.3 Freestanding Signs ...........................................................................................6-56

6.8.4 Banners and Flags............................................................................................6-57

TC-3

6.8.5 Individual Tenant Signage ................................................................................6-57

6.8.6 Lighting and Electric Power ..............................................................................6-57

6.8.7 Nonconforming Signs........................................................................................6-57

6.8.8 Temporary Signs...............................................................................................6-57

6.8.9 Direct-Applied Signage .....................................................................................6-57

6.8.10 Maintenance......................................................................................................6-58

6.8.11 Termination of Sign Permit and Sign Abandonment.........................................6-58

6.8.12 Commercial Sign Review..................................................................................6-58

7.0 Implementation..............................................................................................................................7-1

7.1 General ...........................................................................................................................7-1

Appendices

Glossary: Appendix A Summary of Base Design Guide: Appendix B Reference Documents: Appendix C Materials and Colors: Appendix D

SECTION 1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

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1.1 INTRODUCTION

The visual environment for Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Cherry Point plays a major role in forming the overall perception of the Air Sta-tion. When characterized by compatible archi-tecture, combined with good planning principals, roads, landscaping, attractive lighting, site fur-nishings, and signage, a positive image of the Air Station will be conveyed to military person-nel, dependents, and civilians who live, work, or visit the Air Station.

The Base Exterior Architecture Plan (BEAP) de-fines a clear design vocabulary to be used throughout the Air Station, providing specific standards to be observed in all aspects of de-sign. Compatible architecture is accomplished not only with buildings that are similar, but also through the use of common design forms, de-tails, materials, colors, site features, and street-scapes. The objective of the BEAP is to im-prove the visual quality of the Air Station by cre-ating a visually unified environment based on a sense of continuity. The primary design goal is to reinforce the positive elements of the Air Sta-tion, while concurrently directing future devel-opment of the Air Station toward a livable, at-tractive, and visually cohesive facility.

The Base Exterior Architecture Plan (BEAP) for MCAS Cherry Point is intended to provide guid-ance for the efficient and orderly development of the man-made and natural visual environment at the Air Station. The objective of the BEAP is to improve the visual quality of the Air Station by developing unified design standards for new construction, renovation, and maintenance pro-jects. These design standards will reinforce the existing functional and aesthetic assets of MCAS Cherry Point.

1.2 IMAGE SURVEY

A visual image inventory of the Air Station was conducted, with the primary purpose of identify-ing major architectural and site characteristics.

The visual character of the Air Station is com-prised of three districts that are major contribu-tors to the overall character of the Air Station.

These districts include industrial/ flight line op-erations, administrative/community support, and family housing. Each district is comprised of specific visual and spatial characteristics, such as unique buildings, open space areas, vehicu-lar and pedestrian corridors, and focal points.

Additionally, geographic boundaries such as the flight line, shorelines, marshes, or stands of trees augment the delineation of the image within these districts.

1.3 VISUAL ENVIRONMENT

The development of the visual environment of the MCAS Cherry Point has been influenced by several factors, including:

The Air Station's setting within a natural area of undeveloped waterfront property, dense tree stands, and abundant natural flora.

The traditional architectural styling of many of Cherry Point's significant structures.

The strong aviation image portrayed by the facilities present at the Air Station.

A development pattern that consists of a central core, with family housing areas and the Fleet Readiness Center, East, located on the peripheries.

The image exhibited by the Air Station is that of a medium-sized town. As such, the characteris-tics of a medium-sized town are the primary fo-cus of the Cherry Point visual theme. Site char-acteristics that support this theme are portrayed by the MCAS Cherry Point Master Plan.

1.4 SINGULAR AESTHETIC

Notwithstanding the existence of numerous functional districts, it is the premise of this Base Design Guide that a single set of exterior design guidelines be applied uniformly across the entire Air Station to better unify the visual environment.

The primary reason for this recommendation is that currently there are not clear visual borders between districts. Districts merge with other districts and there is little, if any, clarity between districts that would justify multiply design guide-lines.

By having a singular aesthetic guideline for the entire Air Station, application of the BEAP is simplified, visual unity is achieved, and the cost of maintenance is reduced due to simplification of materials, colors, and accessories.

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1.5 BASE DESIGN GUIDE

Specific design standards have been developed for the MCAS Cherry Point to aid in the imple-mentation of the visual theme for the Air Station (See Section 6 "Base Design Guide"). The Base Design Guide defines a comprehensive approach to maintaining and improving the vis-ual environment. It provides direction and assis-tance for the Air Station personnel and consult-ants responsible for the planning and design of new construction, renovation, and maintenance projects. Consistent application and use of the Design Guide will promote visual unity through-out the Air Station.

Design standards are provided for architecture;

roadways, parking and walkways; landscaping;

site furnishings; signage; and lighting. General descriptions, objectives, and specific design de-tails are provided for each element.

1.6 IMPLEMENTATION

Implementation of the BEAP by using the design standards defined by the Base Design Guide will help ensure success in designing and construct-ing excellent facilities at the MCAS Cherry Point.

The implementation section is used to facilitate the coordination and approval of design submit-tals. It discusses the design process, highlights the importance of site analysis, and describes the role of the BEAP Review Board. The BEAP Review Board is charged with implementation of the BEAP in order to insure compliance with its goals (See Section 7 "Implementation"). All fu-ture construction, renovation, and maintenance efforts for all projects shall adhere to the guide-lines in this BEAP and be approved by the BEAP Review Board prior to the completion of design.

SECTION 2 INTRODUCTION

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2.1 PURPOSE OF THE BASE EXTERIOR

ARCHITECTURE PLAN

The purpose of this Base Exterior Architecture Plan (BEAP) is to clearly define specific design standards for buildings, site development, and streetscapes that will serve to integrate the vis-ual character throughout the Air Station, while concurrently supporting the Master Plan as a key design component.

The BEAP will help ensure consistent quality design decisions by the commanding officer, planners, architects, engineers, maintenance staff, and residents throughout the development of all major projects. Through the use of an es-tablished Base Design Guide and Review Board, the BEAP promotes clear, concise com-munication between the MCAS Cherry Point as the client and the design professionals respon-sible for design development and implementa-tion.

The BEAP is applicable to the planning and de-sign of small projects, additions, renovations, and maintenance activities, as well as to all new Military Construction (MILCON).

2.2 SITE CONTEXT

2.2.1 LOCATION

MCAS Cherry Point is located in eastern North Carolina, approximately 20 miles inland from the Atlantic Ocean. The Air Station has a total of 13,127 acres and is bordered by the Neuse River to the north, Hancock Creek to the east, Routes 70 and 101 to the south, and Slocum Creek to the west. In addition, there are 837 acres at MCALF (Marine Corps Auxiliary Land-scaping Field) Bogue, 1,473 acres at MCALF Atlantic Field, and for the Auxiliary Bombing Ar-eas, 12,460 acres at Point of Marsh, 62 acres at Maw Point, 138 acres at Cat Island, for a total of 14,982 acres for all Auxiliary activities.

2.2.2 HISTORY AND MISSION

In July 1941, Congress authorized construction of a Marine Corps Air Station on the Neuse River in eastern North Carolina. Originally called Cunningham Field in honor of the first Marine Aviator, Lt. Col. Alfred A. Cunningham, it was later renamed Cherry Point after a local post office situated among cherry trees. MCAS Cherry Point has served as a training site and embarkation point for Marines since its commis-sioning in 1942. The current mission of the MCAS Cherry Point is to maintain and operate facilities and provide services and material to support operations of the 2d Marine Corps Air Wing (MAW) or units thereof, and other activities and units designated by the Commandant of the Marine Corps (CMC) in coordination with the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO). The Air Sta-tion provides facilities for the training and sup-port of the Fleet Marine Force (FMF) Atlantic aviation units. It is also designated as a primary aviation supply point and is host to the Fleet Readiness Center, East.

SECTION 3 SURVEY AND ANALYSIS

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3.1 SITE CHARACTERISTICS

Site characteristics are those man-made and natural features that dominate the visual envi-ronmental and contribute to the image of an area. Site characteristics which influence the Air Station are shown on Figures 3.1 and 3.2, and include landmarks, activity nodes, positive and negative views, edges, and overall visibility lev-els. Other site characteristics, such as architec-ture, circulation, environment, land use, and utili-ties are discussed below.

3.1.1 ARCHITECTURAL ANALYSIS

Construction of MCAS Cherry Point began in 1941 and facility construction has since contin-ued. Because of an active construction program and relatively consistent use of building materi-als, it is difficult to visually distinguish architec-tural eras. However, two architectural styles are evident at the Air Station: traditional and utilitar-ian. Traditional architecture is the predominant style throughout the core of the Air Station.

Characteristics of this architectural style include gabled roofs, brick exteriors, white trim, and col-umns. Older buildings, such as the Chapel and Headquarters, exhibit traditional architectural features. Buildings of industrial design are build-ings that are designed based on functional use.

Examples of such facilities include hangars, maintenance shops, and flight simulator build-ings that serve the industrial and flight line area of the Air Station. These facilities are typically very large scale with flat or gabled roofs and metal or masonry brick construction. Buildings within family housing areas reflect Wherry, Capehart, and contemporary styles. No single architectural style is common to all family hous-ing areas.

Chapel

3.1.2 CIRCULATION ANALYSIS

Ingress and Egress: MCAS Cherry Point has three primary external gates and one limited ac-cess gate. The Main Gate, located at Roosevelt Boulevard and Route 101, is open 24 hours a day and provides both vehicular and pedestrian access to the core area. The Slocum Road Gate accommodates most of the traffic arriving via Highway 70 from the west. Gate Six, located at Cunningham Boulevard and Route 101, is only open during peak hours and also provides access to the core area. The Capehart Gate is now open only to school buses serving the housing area and only during hours that buses are operating. It is located off Route 70 on Ca-tawba Road and provides access to the Nugent Cove housing area

Main Gate

All three primary entrances relay an appropriate "sense of entry" to the Air Station. The Main Gate, which receives the highest volume of use, has a brick-facade, a covered standing seam metal roof, formal landscaped entrance, and a welcome sign. The guardhouse at the Slocum Road Gate is constructed of brick and wood.

Roosevelt Boulevard leading away from the Main Gate is heavily landscaped. Cunningham Boulevard from Gate Six passes through the clear zone for Runway 5 and is surrounded by open space.

Vehicular Circulation: Vehicular circulation routes include primary routes which allow traffic to flow to ingress/egress points and to secon-dary routes which provide access to buildings, service areas, and parking. Roosevelt Boule-vard is the main route into the Air Station and provides access to all areas. Cunningham Boulevard, "A" Street, "C" Street, 6th Avenue, 3-2

Slocum Road, and Alexander Road are also primary routes of transportation, as shown in Figure 3.3. These routes are not only a means of on-site access but also provide a primary van-tage point from which people see the Air Station.

The secondary vehicular routes are 5th Avenue, "E" Street, "F" Street, Woodside Drive, 2nd Ave-nue, and Curtis Road. In general, the vehicular circulation system at MCAS Cherry Point does a good job of providing a clearly structured and consistent circulation system.

Roosevelt Boulevard

Pedestrian and Bike Circulation: The separation of pedestrian and vehicular circulation networks at the Air Station is often neglected, especially in the area of high density employment that occurs along "A" Street. Employees in this area walk to and from buildings, parking areas, and walk for exercise, in what is a vehicular-dominated envi-ronment that lacks well defined pedestrian pathways. Pedestrian circulation in the family housing areas consists of sidewalks or paths that connect recreation and support areas to housing. For example, a path through the wooded area between Slocum Village and the Marine Corps Exchange (MCX)/Commissary connects the two areas and separates pedestri-ans from the influences of automobiles and trucks. A large troop walkway, which also sepa-rate vehicles from pedestrian activity, exists within the BEQ area. Such walkways are impor-tant to the Air Station because of physical train-ing.

Bicycling is also used as a means of transporta-tion at the Air Station, although provisions made for bike traffic is limited. One bicycle path starts at the north end of the Lanham Housing area and extends northward, paralleling Roosevelt Boulevard. There is another bicycle trail that transverses Slocum Creek from Slocum Village to the MCX and Hospital complex. Another trail services Binder Oaks (NCO Capehart) via a second crossing of Slocum Creek and termi-nates at a bicycle trail running parallel with Roo-sevelt Boulevard. In other portions of the Air Station, bicyclist must compete with motorists and pedestrians on the street and sidewalk sys-tems.

Parking: Parking is an important element at MCAS Cherry Point because personnel rely heavily on vehicular transportation. The Fleet Readiness Center, East, (FRC, East) located on "A" Street, is the largest employer on the instal-lation and has the largest parking requirements.

"A" Street is paralleled by long, medium to large sized parking lots that are often located in poor relationships to the facilities they serve and the street system. Screening and landscaping of these parking areas is lacking, resulting in an unattractive monotony of parking area. The smaller parking lots that serve administrative and community facility areas are more visually pleasing because they have higher percentages of landscaped to paved areas, conform to natu-ral site features, and are better sited in relation-ship to the facilities that they serve.

Parking Along "A" Street

3.1.3 ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS

Topography and Climate: MCAS Cherry Point, located in the Coastal Plain Physiographic Prov-ince, has flat topography. Soil types, construc-tion suitability, and restrictions are defined in the MCAS Master Plan. The climate at MCAS Cherry Point is classified as humid subtropical.

Hurricanes often cause flooding and high winds when reaching the mainland. Average tempera-ture is 46.6 degrees in January and 80.2 de-

3-3 grees in July. The first freeze typically occurs in mid-November and the last freeze in mid-March.

The Air Station receives an average of slightly more than 55 inches of rain per year, 40 percent occurs between July and September. Snowfall is limited to one or two inches a year. Based on the 1986 Graphic Standards for Landscape Ar-chitects, MCAS Cherry Point is located in plant-ing zone eight. Prevailing winds are from the north in the winter and from the southwest in the summer.

Noise: Inherent to MCAS Cherry Point's mission is the generation of noise. All major noise sources are located along the flight line. Most family housing areas are located on the periph-ery of the Air Station thereby reducing the im-pact of the flight line noise. The impact of noise on the City of Havelock is reduced by utilizing Runways 23 and 14, which lead away from the City, and by maintaining flight paths over the Croatan National Forest and the Neuse River.

Noise conflicts often arise as off-base develop-ment occurs within the existing flight patterns.

MCAS Cherry Point has implemented an Air In-stallation Compatible Use Zone (AICUZ) pro-gram that is aimed at preventing encroachment of incompatible development, thereby providing a quieter, safer environment for the surrounding community.

Vegetation: One of the Air Station's most posi-tive environmental features is its abundance of natural pine and mixed hardwoods stands that surround the Air Station. These stands of lob-lolly pine, cypress, red maple, sweet gum, sour gum, long leaf pine, white oak, and red oak help to reduce the vastness of runway pavement ar-eas and provide visual contrast throughout the Air Station. They also provide pleasing aes-thetic scenery in family housing areas, along waterfront edges, and along the northern end of Roosevelt Boulevard. Cultivated landscape ar-eas adjacent to buildings are somewhat lacking.

Pine tree plantings, pine mulch, and azaleas around the Chapel and Headquarters Building provide good example of the Air Station's use of natural landscape elements. However, much of the Air Station lacks unified landscape features.

3.1.4 LAND USE ANALYSIS

Off-Base Uses: The area surrounding MCAS Cherry Point is developed with uses that include residential, commercial, industrial, public, and forested areas, as shown in Figure 3.4. To the north and east of the Air Station is the Croatan National Forest. Route 70, on the west, is de-veloped with commercial centers and residential neighborhoods. Public and commercial land uses are located south of the base, along Route

101. A limited amount of industrial development exists to the south of intersection of Routes 101 and 70. The overall character of off-base devel-opment is rural.

On-Base Uses: On-base land uses are defined by the mission at MCAS Cherry Point. The in-dustrial and flight line operations area contains the majority of those uses which are mission directed. The administrative and community support uses within the core area, are suppor-tive of the mission. Family housing areas, with the exception of the Lanham Housing area, are all located along the periphery of the base.

3.1.5 UTILITY ANALYSIS

Electrical and telephone systems are located above and below ground. In some areas, such as along "A" and 6th Avenue, overhead utility lines detract from the Air Station image. Water, sewage, gas, and steam lines are located below ground and therefore do not detract from the visual environment. The storm water drainage system consists of open swales and below ground drainage. The swales have a negative impact on the visual environment of the Air Sta-tion, as eroded ditch inverts are unsightly, and personnel crossing ditches destroy vegetation and contribute to erosion.

3.2 FUNCATIONAL/VISUAL DISTRICTS

Functional/visual districts are identifiable areas within the Air Station which exhibit distinct site or functional characteristics. The functional/visual districts for MCAS Cherry Point were estab-lished based on the functional use of land, the site characteristics associated with the area, and the overall image of the district. Each district has distinct characteristics which establish its identity. The districts relate closely to the inter-nal land uses because of the functional nature of the uses. Site characteristics contributing to the

3-4 various districts include: architectural style, building scale and mass, and landscaping.

The functional/visual districts identified for MCAS Cherry Point include: industrial/flight line operations, administrative/community support, and family housing. Each is shown on Figure 3.5.

3.2.1 INDUSTRIAL/FLIGHT LINE

OPERATIONS

The largest and most dominant district is the industrial/flight line operations district. This dis-trict includes the flight line and the core area bordering it, extending back to "C" Street and 5th Avenue. The flight line is composed of four active runways, two inactive runways, four Har-rier pads, and two parking aprons. The total area of pavement is approximately 2.28 million square feet. Predominant site characteristics, assets, and liabilities are described below.

Site Characteristics

Industrial architectural style.

Metal, brick, and concrete block building materials.

Medium to large building scale.

Gabled and flat roof lines.

Limited landscaping.

Combinations of on-street parking and large unscreened parking lots.

Overhead utilities along "A" Street and 6th Avenue corridors.

High visibility.

Numerous features that provide visitor orien-tation (runways, hangars, and water towers).

Two major activity centers (flight line and Fleet Readiness Center, East, complex).

The district is a vehicular, rather than a pe-destrian orientated environment.

Assets

The district's buildings generally have com-patible massing and architectural styles and combination of materials.

The water towers, hangars, and runways are site characteristics that provide orientation within the district.

The security lighting on the V/STOL facility, Building 4224, is a good example of attrac-tive placement and design of lighting.

View of Water Tower

Liabilities

Vehicle parking areas, inconsistent signage, and overhead utility lines dominate the streetscape along the "A" Street and 6th Avenue corridors.

Parking areas lack landscape screening and are located in poor relationships to the facili-ties that they serve and the surrounding street system.

The district lacks clear separation between vehicular and pedestrian circulation areas.

Site furnishings in the area are sparse and lack proper buffering from high intensity use areas.

An absence of an assigned motorcycle park-ing area adds to the visual clutter of the parking lots.

The signing system of the district lacks con-sistency of materials, color, and lettering styles. Existing color combinations of sign-ing are difficult to read.

The district is deficient in landscaping. Ex-isting landscaping requires high mainte-nance and is often not maintained correctly.

Entrance to the installation from the flight line (the Air Operations Building) lacks defi-nition.

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Buildings lack appropriate setback from streets.

3.2.2 ADMINISTRATIVE/COMMUNITY

SUPPORT

The primary administrative/community support district, bounded by Roosevelt Boulevard, "F" Street, 5th Avenue, and "C" Street, includes the majority of the administration, personnel sup-port, and troop housing for the installation. Rec-reation areas such as the golf course; ball fields;

the marina; the riding stables and catfish pond;

the officers' pool; the area around the MCX/Commissary; and the recreational and wa-terway areas of Slocum and Hancock Creeks, and the Neuse River are also included in this district. Site characteristics, assets, and liabili-ties are described below.

Site Characteristics

Traditional architectural style.

Red brick and wood building materials.

Small to medium building scale.

Gabled and flat roof lines.

Layout of the Bachelor Enlisted Quarters (BEQs) includes pine tree, azaleas, pine mulch, and pampas grass landscaping fea-tures in accordance with Antiterrorism/Force Protection (AT/FP).

Combinations of on-street parking and me-dium sized parking lots.

Limited overhead utilities and open drainage ditches.

High visibility within core areas, low visibility at recreational and waterfront sites.

Numerous features that provide visitor orien-tation (Chapel, Headquarters Building, BEQs).

Major activity centers include the main gate and the MCX/Commissary.

Assets

The traditional architecture style of many of the buildings in the district provides a strong unified image. Characteristics of this style include columns, brick building materials, light colored trim, and gabled roofs.

Natural landscape areas adjacent to water-front and recreation sites are visually attrac-tive.

Naturalized plantings of pine trees, pine mulch, and azaleas around the Chapel and Headquarters Building provide good exam-ples of cultivated landscape areas that use plantings compatible with the area's natural vegetation.

Pedestrian activity areas within the district contain site elements compatible with sur-rounding building materials.

Building materials of the Troopway are com-patible with the adjacent buildings and it provides direct access to the BEQs.

Buildings are adequately set back from the roads.

Headquarter Building

Liabilities

Parking lots at the BEQs lack adequate plantings resulting in an unattractive setting at architecturally noteworthy facilities.

Signage lacks consistency of material, color, and lettering.

The TEQs and the recreation/ballfield area lack pedestrian connections. The MCX and the BEQs also lack pedestrian connections.

The lack of sidewalks in some areas creates unsafe pedestrian circulation.

Landscaping at the entrances of several of the BEQs detract from the architectural character of the entrances.

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Pedestrian walkways are often undefined and incomplete. Examples include paths along Roosevelt Boulevard and "E" Street.

The district lacks screening for dumpsters and other visually negative site elements.

Landscaping of the BEQs provides no relief from the rigid development of the area.

Unscreened Dumpsters

3.2.3 FAMILY HOUSING

Family housing is the most widely scattered functional/visual district within the Air Station.

This district includes five types of housing: sin-gle-family, duplexes, apartments, and town-houses. Staff Noncommissioned Officers' (SNCO) Capehart Housing, Officers' Capehart Housing, Other Public Quarters (OPQs), and General Officers' Quarters (GOQs) comprise the single-family housing areas. Duplex housing is predominating in the Slocum Housing area.

Townhouse units exist within the SNCO and Of-ficers' Townhouse areas. Two main apartment areas exist at the BOQ and Married Officers' Quarters (MOQ) areas. Site characteristics, as-sets, and liabilities are described below.

Site Characteristics

Brick and wood building materials.

Brick accent and vinyl siding building treat-ments.

Gabled roof lines.

Units are developed around open space.

Natural pine and hardwood tree stands.

Combinations of on-street parking and indi-vidual carports and garages.

Curving street system with cul-de-sacs.

Low visibility.

Assets

Natural pine and hardwood tree stands in family housing areas add visual contrast and are an attractive setting for the neighbor-hoods.

Housing sub-districts are well defined and separated from conflicting uses.

Open common areas in the family housing district have direct pedestrian access.

The wooded path between Slocum Village and the MCX is a positive combination of the man-made and natural environments. Light-ing along the path provides security and en-hances the area's nighttime image.

Cul-de-sacs and building siting around open areas enhance the neighborhood image of the housing areas.

Liabilities

Inadequate screening of the storage areas for the housing district detracts from the im-age of the district.

Housing areas lack physical definition be-tween public and private spaces.

The building materials of the playground equipment, though durable, are not com-patible with the wooded natural environment or the wooden man-made environment.

On-street parking detracts from the neighborhood image of the district.

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VISUAL SITE COMPONENTS FIGURE 3.1

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VISUAL SITE COMPONENTS (ENLARGED) FIGURE 3.2

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CIRCULATION FIGURE 3.3 CIRCULATION FIGURE 3.3

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OFF-BASE LAND USES FIGURE 3.4

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FUNCTIONAL/VISUAL DISTRICT FIGURE 3.5

SECTION 4 VISUAL ENVIRONMENT

4-1

4.1 INTRODUCTION

A compatible and coherent design character for MCAS Cherry Point will help promote a positive visual environment and identity for the Air Sta-tion. The Air Station's visual environment should convey an image that is consistent with its mis-sion, physical character, and natural environ-ment. Base-wide factors that influenced the de-velopment of the MCAS Cherry Point visual en-vironment are listed as follows:

The Air Station is a semi-urban activity that has been placed in a small town setting that offers an array of positive features including unspoiled waterfront areas, dense tree stands, and native flora.

The Air Station's visual character has been heavily influenced by the traditional architec-ture styling of many of its landmark struc-tures, such as the Chapel, BEQs, and Headquarters building.

The magnitude of the flight line, level of ap-parent air technology, and Air Station mis-sion provides a strong aviation image.

The overall layout and development of the Air Station consists of a hierarchical circula-tion system, central core area, and outlying housing. This development reflects a pat-tern that is common of a medium-sized town.

Example of Traditional Architectural Style

The strengths and overall distribution of the above site characteristics lend support to the visual environment of a medium-sized town, as recommended by the MCAS Cherry Point Mas-ter Plan. The traditional styling found at Cherry Point fits well into the medium-sized town style of architecture. The Chapel and the Administra-tive Building are good examples of older struc-tures that support this theme. The BEQ area is an example of development that would not occur in a medium-sized town, but through its architec-tural styling, compliments and supports the me-dium-sized town theme. Similarly, industrial and flight line operation facilities would not exist in a medium-sized town. However, by applying me-dium-sized town architectural characteristics, such as the red brick exteriors and gabled roofs similar to those of the Fleet Readiness Center, East, hangers, a unified visual theme for the Air Station can be achieved. Therefore, the me-dium-sized town visual theme offers an eco-nomical design style that will compliment exist-ing development at Cherry Point and is recom-mended as the visual theme for the Base Exte-rior Architectural Plan.

Implementing the identified visual theme is de-pendent upon having a clear understanding of what site characteristics are essential to the communication of the theme. Additionally, the role or degree of significance each site charac-teristics play in the overall image is important in determining the level of effort or priority that should be assigned to each functional/visual district. Specific characteristics have been de-veloped and applied to each functional/visual district using the visual theme as a unifying con-cept. Application of the visual theme is slightly different for each district.

4.2 INDUSTRIAL/FLIGHT LINE

OPERATIONS

Characteristics of the industrial/flight line func-tional/visual district are heavily influenced by the function the district serves. Buildings should be designed to efficiently serve the industrial func-tion. The district's color should be predomi-nantly red brick, painted concrete masonry, and metal surfaces. Architectural design character-istics will be focused on building function, design consistency, and compatibility of building mate-rials.

Vehicle and pedestrian circulation routes should be separated for safety and efficiency. Pedes-trian routes should be direct routes linking build-ings with their parking areas and other buildings.

Parking areas should be convenient to building entrances. Separation of industrial vehicles and privately owned vehicles (POV) will increase the

4-2 efficiency and safety of vehicular circulation in the district. Because the high traffic volume in the "A" Street and 6th Avenue corridors, signage is an important element. Signage should be consistent in basic design, as well as clear and concise in conveying directional and regulatory information.

In high security areas, high intensity illumination lighting should be used. Parking areas also need high intensity illumination. Notwithstanding the need for high intensity lighting for security, care must be taken to avoid uplighting in order to avoid blinding pilots. Fencing is also required in areas of high security, such as the "A" Street and 6th Avenue corridors, and care should be taken to incorporate fencing into the image of the area. Landscaping serves two functions in the industrial/flight line operations district. It should be used to buffer areas of different func-tional uses and to add human scale to the indus-trial complex.

Example of Typical Industrial Facility

4.3 ADMINISTRATIVE/COMMUNITY

SUPPORT

The administrative/community support district should be oriented to pedestrian usage. Build-ing construction and architecture should be at a human scale and consistent with the predomi-nant building material of the Air Station. Building function will still affect building design, but care should be taken to incorporate the building into the visual theme of MCAS Cherry Point. Build-ing materials and design should include brick, gabled roofs, light-colored or white trim, and col-umns when appropriate.

Vehicular circulation should emphasize ease in entering and exiting the district, as vehicular cir-culation is the primary means of transportation.

Sidewalks should support this movement. Build-ing entrances should be oriented towards park-ing areas and pedestrian routes. Site furnish-ings and landscaping are to be used to help em-phasize and organize pedestrian circulation.

Landscaping should also be used to buffer the external edges of the district.

High intensity illumination lighting should be used in the parking areas, while lower intensity illumination is needed to define walkways and roadways. Fencing should be used only when needed for security and effort should be taken to reduce the visual impact of the fencing. Care should also be taken to visually screen and buffer loading docks and service areas.

Example of Community Support Facility

4.4 FAMILY HOUSING

In the family housing areas, design elements should be used to emphasize an overall unity with the rest of the Air Station, while giving each neighborhood its own character. Care should also be taken to maintain privacy within each area. Vehicular circulation should be designed for local traffic, not through traffic. Parking is to be convenient to each unit. Pedestrian circula-tion routes should be well landscaped and de-signed to link all areas within the neighborhood, as well as any community services near the housing area.

Building sitings should be around open common areas and landscaping should be incorporated in such a way as to accent privacy of individual units. Building scale should be small. The open common areas should be equipped with recrea-tional equipment designed with the character of the natural environment in mind.

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Lighting should be low level, used primarily to define roadways and walkways using accepted city roadway standards without producing glare into houses. Signage should be consistent with the rest of the Air Station. External boundaries should be used to enhance residential areas and buffer adjacent land uses.

SECTION 5 IMPLEMENTATION PRIORITIES

5-1

5.1 INTRODUCTION

The MCAS Cherry Point Master Plan is a gen-eral guide for directing the implementation of the planning of the Air Station. The Master Plan should be used as a guide for all new construc-tion, renovation, and repair projects. See Facili-ties Development Department for the latest copy of the Master Plan.

5.2 CRITICAL DEVELOPMENT AREAS

The application of the base design guides within the functional/visual districts will promote and strengthen MCAS Cherry Point's visual envi-ronment. The functional/visual districts defined as the Industrial/Flight Line Operations District, Administrative/Community Support District, and Family Housing District have distinct areas of development that are critical to the implementa-tion of a unified visual theme. These areas are discussed below.

5.2.1 INDUSTRIAL/FLIGHT LINE

OPERATIONS DISTRICT

The Industrial/Flight Line Operations District is the most essential district to the mission of MCAS Cherry Point. Within this district, the "A" Street and the 6th Avenue corridors are the most critical areas for implementation of the vis-ual theme.

Along these corridors, critical site characteristics include parking, walkways, architecture, sign-age, landscaping, and fencing. These site char-acteristics have significant influences on the vis-ual environment. Landscaping is important in this district as a buffer between uses within the district, as a buffer to other districts, and for the enhancement of the roadways, parking, and pe-destrian walkway areas. It is important to the image of this district that the architecture re-spond to the function required of each building and that the materials are compatible with adja-cent buildings.

Walkways and signage design should provide for efficient circulation throughout the district and should be compatible in the use of materials and design. Security requirements within the area make fencing a necessity. Care in the design of the fence and the use of the materials should be taken to integrate the fencing into the visual en-vironment.

5.2.2 ADMINISTRATIVE/COMMUNITY

SUPPORT DISTRICT

The Administrative/Community Support District receives a high degree of visual exposure. Site characteristics that are critical to the visual envi-ronment include signage, landscaping, lighting, and architectural elements. Signage is impor-tant to visitors. A consistent and efficient use of signage to display general information, direction, and regulatory requirements not only improves circulation in and around the district, but also assists in the unification of the visual environ-ment. Landscaping within the district should be used for buffering, physically separating, and visually improving adjacent use areas. Land-scaping should focus on parking and pedestrian areas and should also be used to enhance build-ing entrances and foundations. Lighting, impor-tant to the nighttime image of the district, should be directed to parking areas, the "C" Street cor-ridor, and along Roosevelt Boulevard. These areas establish a nighttime image for personnel working in this district. Lighting of buildings should be restricted to those building features that depict the visual theme or require security.

Architecture within this district is the most sig-nificant site characteristics in the visual envi-ronment. The image established by the Chapel, Headquarters Building, and BEQs should be used as a guide for all future building and reno-vation. The style and materials which have been used in these buildings should be incorpo-rated into renovation and new construction pro-jects planned for this district.

Typical BEQ

5.2.3 FAMILY HOUSING DISTRICT

The Family Housing District receives a signifi-cant amount of visual exposure from personnel

5-2 stationed at MCAS and from their visitors. The site characteristics which are critical to commu-nicating a positive visual environment within this district include landscaping, lighting, site furnish-ings, and signage. Each family housing area has its own distinct character, established by the architectural style.