Urban waterfronts are dynamic places that attract the attention of every community. They are complex environments where industry, recreation, transportation, utilities, conservation, neighborhoods and tourism overlap and often collide. We are actively engaged in the international urban waterfront community through our support of The Waterfront Center, an international non-profit advocating public access, good design, and economic vitality at the water’s edge.

Making urban waterfronts more pedestrian and bicycle friendly is a livability priority for many communities. Non-motorized activity, Alta’s specialty, plays an essential part in successful waterfront projects. Our staff and work has been recognized for excellence in projects that require creative solutions for public access, economic revitalization, environmental restoration, education and urban design.

Our staff led Portland’s award winning Eastbank Esplanade, and we are working with the City in its quest to weave trail access through industrial corridors to complete the Willamette River Greenway. We assisted St. Louis with its regional open space plan and the creation of the River Ring concept. The Coastal Rail Trail in California carries visitors and commuters along the Pacific coastline. And in Cambridge, MA, our plan for the Grand Junction Rail-with-Trail project is creating a critical link through the MIT campus to the Charles River.

Alta Planning + Design frequently develops pedestrian and bicycle components for central city and waterfront redevelopment plans. Tasks typically include detailing existing conditions, developing recommendations for new bikeway/ walkway facilities, developing streetscape and Main Street plans, providing code language, developing roadway and intersection plans that include bicycle/pedestrian safety and functionality, and designing ADA compliant improvements.

Our staff have specialized expertise in landscape architecture, land-use planning, traffic calming, context-sensitive design, Main Streets, transit corridors and access, multi-modal design, urban design and many other skills necessary for creating livable communities.