In transforming a 1.5-mile-long stretch of Highway 111, this project will create a cultural oasis in the desert of La Quinta. The eight-lane-wide, asphalted highway will be narrowed into a six-lane thoroughfare with parallel parking on both sides and a central median. In doing so, we create space for a new Cultural Trail along the north side of the highway. This is the signature of the project: a wide sidewalk with a bicycle trail defined by two pairs of canopy trees, one on each side, to provide ample shade within the desert climate. This design also allows for plentiful seating and socializing space on both sides of the walk. Graphics that showcase the culture and history of La Quinta will add to the area’s ambiance.

Whereas downtown La Quinta is currently dominated by a sprawling landscape of colossal parking lots and boxlike retail tenants, this project regulates urbane building frontages along the new highway. The result encourages retail uses at the sidewalk level, which will activate the Cultural Trail. The transformation of this highway is expected to be a catalyst to seed a pedestrian-friendly urbanism. In addition, it suggests tactical strategies for using parking lots, establishing spaces to be used for fairs and community events on an interim basis.