Sacramento Waterfront Feasibility Study

Following Atlas Lab’s successful submission of the “Front Porch” Waterfront Idea Makers Competition, Atlas Lab worked closely with Stantec and the City of Sacramento on the Sacramento Waterfront Feasibility Study to advance the redevelopment of the Old Sacramento Waterfront.  Other team members included WET for fountain design and Hettama Group. Our scope including leading the design for the Front Street Experience and included multiple public presentations to the City staff and local stakeholders.  The work culminated in a successful presentation to City Council where the plan was approved for the full funding of the project

about the project

The design reoriented a series of public assembly buildings public spaces that, with their surrounding amenities, create an active and programmable event spaces for visitors and the people of Sacramento to congregate along the Waterfront.  Through the process Atlas Lab developed three different concepts; Box Car Park, River Esplanade and Trestle Promenade, each configured to tease out a signature move that 1) enhances the rich historic character of the site and 2) stitches together a diverse set of active uses.  The three concepts were presented to city and local stakeholder to create a hybrid plan.  The plan is anchored by a two-story assembly building comprised of a ground floor with service, storage, and concession uses, and a second story assembly hall with interior and exterior spaces for public and private events. Surrounding the building would be a series of open-air event spaces suitable for performances ranging from small intimate gatherings to crowds of 5,000 people and more.  Other diverse uses include family friendly amenities, including a steam feature, reflecting pool and a children’s splash pad.  The goals of the design are to:

  • ESTABLISH VIBRANT AND ACTIVE OPEN SPACE
  • SUPPORT FLEXIBLE EVENT SPACE(S)
  • CREATE FAMILY FRIENDLY EXPERIENCE
  • CURATE REGULAR 24/7 PROGRAMMING
  • ENHANCE SAFETY & COMFORT