jefferson barrier wall

US POE JEFFERSON WALL

An 85-100’ wide landscaped perimeter is part the US Port of Entry (POE) site design. This green space will provide public benefit with native pollinator-positive plantings, and a public multi-use path that will connect Campbell and Green Streets by running along the US POE wall parallel to Jefferson Avenue.

The Jefferson Wall is an opaque, 8’ high, non-climbable security wall that will have an aesthetic treatment on the public side facing Jefferson Avenue. The aesthetic treatment will reflect design cues, colors, and materials from nearby historic Fort Wayne, and will be selected through a consultation process with the State of Michigan and general public.

RESPONDING TO HISTORIC CONTEXT

FORT WAYNE

THE US POE JEFFERSON WALL LOCATION

Map of US POE Jefferson Wall Location

The US POE Jefferson Wall runs parallel to the multi-use path that connects Green and Campbell Streets along Jefferson Avenue. It will feature an aesthetic treatment to enhance public benefit for pedestrians and cyclists. Adjacent historic Fort Wayne serves as design inspiration for the wall treatment. Design cues such as proportions, color, and pattern will be reinterpreted with contemporary materials. Three design options will be presented to the public for comment, and a final design will be approved by the State Historic Preservation Office

 

INSPIRATION

The three sources of inspiration for the design - proportion, color and pattern - that are part of the three options.

DESIGN REFERENCES AND MATERIALS

Design references and materials including Precast Formwork, vertical rhythm, metal paneling, warm-tone color, weathered steel and formliner texture.

Jefferson Wall Options

There are three design alternatives under consideration.

OPTION 1

RHYTHM

EYE LEVEL VIEWS

View towards Pedesterian and cyclist access to POE
Major pedestrian connection to Campbell St.

 

INSPIRATION AND MATERIALS

Example of the inspiration and materials for Option 1
FORT EMBRASURES

Option 1 is inspired by the vertical fort embrasures found along the walls of Fort Wayne. The design mimics the proportions of the slots and repeats them in a rhythmic pattern that responds to pedestrian and cyclist connections. A gray concrete base serves as a background for reddish-orange weathered steel panels and fins.

EVOKING PROPORTIONS

Evoking Proportions for Option 1 showing the wall and corten panel, corten fin, vertical pin and concrete finish

 

 

OPTION 2

BRICK

EYE LEVEL VIEWS

View towards Pedesterian and cyclist access to POE
Major pedestrian connection to Campbell St.

 

INSPIRATION AND MATERIALS

Example of the inspiration and materials for Option 2
BRICK COURSING

Option 2 takes the historic materiality of Fort Wayne and reinterprets it in a contemporary fashion. The sunset-hued concrete reflects the shades of brick, while the horizontal strips of stainless and black steel represent the brick coursing and patina. This option accentuates the length of the wall and feeling of movement as it pulls your eyes into the distance.

MODERN INTERPRETATION

Modern Interpretation for Option 2 showing black metal panel, metal panel, horizontal texture and integral concrete color

 

 

 

OPTION 3

PATTERN

EYE LEVEL VIEWS

View towards Pedesterian and cyclist access to POE
Major pedestrian connection to Campbell St.

 

INSPIRATION AND MATERIALS

Example of the inspiration and materials for Option 3
FORT WAYNE STRUCTURE

Option 3 is inspired by the iconic plan-view structure of Fort Wayne. It takes the unique star- like shape and plays with scale and repetition. The corners and edges of the pattern are raised to create a faceted surface. The facets play with light and create shadows to enhance the complex geometries. Warm gray concrete in gradient tones add to the subtle color effects.

RECONSTRUCTING THE PATTERN

Modern Interpretation for Option 3 showing integral concrete, in three separate colors

 

 

 

Next Steps

Further consultation will continue with the community and relevant authorities to finalize the Jefferson Wall design. The selected alternative will be shared with the public at future meetings.