Developing bridge, retaining wall and noise wall aesthetics as well as landscape planting design for Stage I of the multi-stage Verona Road Reconstruction project under the Department of Transportation’s Community Sensitive Solutions (CSS) programs resulted in a corridor rooted in regional materials, themes and plant palettes.
Multiple design concepts were explored during the more than eight-year process and the final design is a reflection of the “Driftless Area” which acknowledges the rolling topography and oak savanna landscape characteristic of Southwestern Wisconsin and through which the Verona Road/ USH 151 corridor is a primary transportation route. A limestone formliner pattern was developed for use on retaining and noise walls. Limestone boulders were used in landscape planting beds to carry through the overall design theme and create a visual tie with the structure aesthetics. Low maintenance native landscaping featuring an abundance of ornamental grasses and deep-rooted perennials was utilized in medians and raised planters to further enhance the aesthetics of the Verona Road corridor.
Saiki Design also worked closely with the Dunn’s Marsh and Allied Drive neighborhood organizations in the vicinity of the project on a number of site-specific CSS installations unique to the project including mosaic tile murals on retaining walls and a freestanding light box installation.
