Thanks to all for your feedback; in short: - the property is City-owned, but the maintenance of same is left to the home owner. The City does not maintain residential sidewalks and generally does not deal with them unless public construction requires it, a homeowner requests assistance, or a formal complaint is lodged. - the width of 3' is considered standard for sidewalk cut-outs, as far as I can tell. The City of Los Angeles, among other municipalities, approves of this width as a standard minimum for pedestrians, strollers, wheelchairs, etc. - I decided to try using plastic paver edging, which is held in by metal stakes. This seems to be a standard solution and should provide a solid edge next to the pavers to prevent wash-out. - I've decided to forego the construction of a retaining wall, as the landscaping is really secondary to the sidewalk pavers. Construction of this terraced "box" is probably an extraordinary effort for what is a public walkway. - I may use gravel in place of the mulch in the landscaped area, as it should be more resistant to wash-out and allow some dispersion of the water flow. Thanks again- -m-

Then there is the Gaggenau with side opening door. I don't quite understand your layout. I don't know if the side opening door helps or hinders. They sell right hinge and left hinge doors. This is a top shelf oven. Dimensions Exterior Width: 23 1/4" Exterior Depth without Door: 21 9/16" Exterior Height: 23 7/16" Interior Width: 16 5/8" Interior Depth: 16 7/8" Interior Height: 15 1/16" Cutout Width: 22 1/16" Cutout Depth: 21 5/8" Cutout Height: 23 1/4" Exterior Height: 23 7/16" Interior Width: 16 5/8" Interior Depth: 16 7/8" Interior Height: 15 1/16" Cutout Width: 22 1/16" Cutout Depth: 21 5/8" Cutout Height: 23 1/4" Here is a link that might be useful: LINK

Check out these modern dining room photos on houzz and see if anything catches your eye. https://www.houzz.com/photos/modern-dining-room-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_722~s_2105 Here is a google search for modern industrial dining rooms. https://www.google.com/search?q=modern+industrial+dining+rooms&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwi68MK5_ZDYAhXF4yYKHV9DCF4QsAQI3wE&biw=1440&bih=712

What is the other duct dimension? What kind of (possibly tortuous) path does it follow to get to the blower? How long is the path? What is the blower interface? If you are thinking of replacing the hood, then you might have to have one adapted to this interface instead of to a typical (and preferred) circular duct.