Spencer Riverfront Plan

FIGURE 6: Riverview Concept

NORTH BANK CONCEPTS

RIVER VIEW CONCEPT

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River View completes the gap between downtown and the riverfront. Recommendations for River View focus on improving circulation to the district, establishing Heritage Museum as the fulcrum between downtown and the river, and improving safety for pedestrians and motorists alike. The development concept includes: 1. One-way Park Street. Park Street becomes a one-way street from Grand Avenue to 1st Avenue. Eastbound traffic on Park Street is rerouted to 1st Street where there is a controlled intersection. Despite left-turning movements being prohibited already from Park Street to Grand Avenue, motorists will often still make the turn or go straight. Visibility at this intersection is poor and a potential crash will significantly impose on circulation for the entire city. Retaining one-way westbound movements continues to pull customers from Main Street. 2. Convertible Street (One-way). Park Street between Grand Avenue and re-established 1st Avenue could become a convertible street. During special events, the street could be closed for events like a farmer’s market or new events to be programmed near the river. 3. Heritage Museum Plaza. The space in front of Heritage Museum could be further enhanced to connect the museum to the park. Outdoor exhibits could stretch from the museum to the river. 4. River View Park. The area before Gary’s on the River can be enhanced with an informational kiosk and public art.

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STREET REALIGNMENT - SHENANDOAH, IA

NEIGHBORHOOD STREETSCAPE - BISMARCK, ND

ONE WAY STREET - BROOKINGS, SD

2nd Avenue NORTH

1st Avenue

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Grand Avenue

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MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT - PRAIRIE DU SAC, WI

SIGNAGE - EAU CLAIRE, WI

TEMPORARY EVENTS - OREGON

5. Park Street Realignment. Park Street is realigned to connect to the new 1st Avenue. Curbs should be mountable for buses to maneuver around the corners. By realigning Park Street, eastbound traffic is forced to 1st Street. 6. Park Plaza. With the realignment of Park Street, a small gathering space 7. Park Street Streetscape. Park Street can be improved with new lighting, improved sidewalks and crosswalks, trees, and low-lying landscaping.

1st Avenue Connection Mixed Use Development Public Parking Possible New Housing District Gateway

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8. 1st Avenue Connection. Reestablishing 1st Avenue improves circulation between the riverfront and Grand Avenue. Its alignment has several possibilities, which are considered later in this section. 9. Mixed Use Development. Reestablishing 1st Avenue opens new real estate opportunities. Mixed-use projects with residential units above offices introduces new housing options and provides newer office space near downtown. Retail

project to the east will create a daytime parking demand, while Gary’s on the River will continue to create a nighttime parking demand. 11. Possible New Housing Improvements. This plan recognizes that a private market interest may emerge for the reinvestment or redevelopment of neighborhood to the north. Changes will naturally occur and the properties immediately south of 1st Street may experience early demand

uses should be steered to storefronts along Grand Avenue, while office uses should be discouraged from filling up “Main Street” storefronts. Offering offices in the mixed use projects provides relief to the space demand along Grand Avenue. 10. Public Shared Parking. The riverfront area experiences a significant shortfall of parking during special events. Even without events, parking is competitive for patrons at Gary’s on the River and the Bear Coffee Shop. The proposed development

One-way Park Street Heritage Museum Plaza Convertible Street (One-way) Riverfront Park Park Street Realignment Park Plaza Park Street Streetscape

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