Dana Point Town Plan, Dana Point, CA

ROMA prepared a plan for the Dana Point Town Center, focused on an area generally defined by the one-way couplet of Pacific Coast Highway and Del Prado. Although Dana Point is a community with attractive residential neighborhoods, the Town Center had not lived up to its potential as a place to dine, shop, socialize and linger. Years ago, the state of California took over the main street of Dana Point and instituted a one-way couplet with the Pacific Coast Highway to accommodate through movement through the Town Center. In reclaiming governance over the roadways, the young city also determined to set a new direction for its Town Center with an emphasis on creating a pedestrian oriented place that serves local interests and reflects the unique identity of this small town beach community.

ROMA’s plan is based upon a strategy that would reconfigure the one-way streets, convert them to two-way operations, re-establish distinct roles for PCH and Del Prado and slow down traffic without limiting traffic capacity. Key recommendations also included an in-lieu parking program; establishing upper level housing; improving building quality and flexibility and encouraging high quality commercial and cultural activities. Design approaches were developed that would reflect the unique coastal environment and create stronger linkages to the natural features of the landscape and other destinations within the city and along the coast.