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GATEWAY Gateways are well -designed, prominent points of entry. They define boundaries, establish a sequence of arrival, enhance the city's identity, and contribute to creating a sense of place. Gateways may take many forms, including an attractive monument, landscaped median, neighborhood identification sign, landmark buildings, development projects with significant and attractive architectural features, or public art. While every entrypoint into the city is effectively a gateway, those where enhanced design consideration would be most appropriate are identified in Figure UD- 2, Urban Design Elements. KEY ISSUES » Several existing gateways, largely in the northern and eastern parts of the city, establish a sense of arrival marked by changes in the character of the environment, the pattern of development, distinct features like freeways that create a perceptual boundary, or changes in other physical characteristics near city entry points. u Gateways are the least defined in areas where districts expand outside the city and merge with surrounding communities in Garden Grove, Costa Mesa, and Irvine. Several gateways are identified by posted signs or monument signs within a landscaped median that mark the borders but do not convey a sense of arrival. . Landscaping That Creates a Sense of Arrival The formal streetscaping along Broadway nearthe Santa Ana Freeway interchange establishes a distinct sequence of arrival. 4 Landmarks as Gateways The city gateway south of the Santa Ana Freeway / 17th Street interchange is defined by the iconic water tower, which is also a city landmark 4 Distinct Buildings as Gateways The Discovery Cube sits north of the Santa Ana Freeway next to the Main Street interchange. The building's instantly recognizable architecture establishes it as both a landmark and a gateway, greeting motorists as they approach the city from the freeway. CITY OF SANTA ANA GENERAL PLAN t�rr.it..••