Commercial, residential, and civic buildings face the street and are pulled up to the street to form street walls and outdoor rooms. Sidewalk windows are provided to offer pedestrians visual interest. Main Street and University Avenue in the downtown core are reduced to two lanes to slow traffic, increase use by bicycles and pedestrians, provide on-street parking, and enhance aesthetics of these key corridors. Strong sign and lighting controls work to retain a calm, soft, gentle, and friendly atmosphere. Overhead utility infrastructure is incrementally placed underground or otherwise hidden from view to reduce visual impact.
Roadways are well landscaped, as are gateways, medians, and parks.
Graffiti is cleaned up and guarded against, as is litter and dumping. Character of Buildings . Buildings are designed to be compatible with Gainesville's historic architectural vernacular. In particular, roofs are pitched. Recycling and Energy Conservation .