Project Info
The Maple Street Pedestrian Plaza project is the transformation of an existing street to a narrow one-way street making room for a pedestrian-friendly gathering space. The plaza is now a “festival street” providing a place for farmers markets, crafts fairs, and other community events. Schmidt Design Group, Inc.’s innovative and community-based design theme draws people into downtown Escondido, connecting people to their city and its history. The unique identity of the plaza is made evident through historic tiles, decorative mosaics, distinctive lighting, custom outdoor furniture, public art, and an interactive water feature. The artistic elements were inspired by and reflect the community’s agricultural history. One of the most popular elements is the interactive water feature, the design of which was inspired by the historic irrigation plumes and risers found throughout the community’s early agricultural development. Two custom-designed tables by artist Paul Hobson depict scenes from the community’s past and future and the curvature of the plaza’s beautiful mosaic seat wall, a collaboration by Hobson and Schmidt Design Group, Inc., invokes the nearby meandering Escondido Creek.
Awards
- Golden Footprint/Pedestrian Placemaking, WalkSanDiego
- Complete Street Award, American Planning Association San Diego Chapter/Complete Streets Task Force
- Project of the Year, American Public Works Association San Diego & Imperial Counties Chapter