Spencer Riverfront Plan

FIGURE 8: County Yard Redevelopment Concept

NORTH BANK CONCEPTS

COUNTY YARD REDEVELOPMENT

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The planning process considered the possible relocation of the county maintenance facility from inside the neighborhood to a more convenient location to the highway. Considering that possibility, several alternative scenarios were considered for passive and active uses. The scenario proposed in this plan considers the river as a catalyst for attracting residential development that leverages the views of the river, while re-purposing some of the existing structures on the site. The concept creates a fulcrum between the existing neighborhood to the north and the Little Sioux River, while expanding the residential options available in Spencer. Realizing the redevelopment potential has its challenges. Despite the presence of existing structures and contaminating materials, the site rests in the 100-year floodplain (FEMA 1983). Redeveloping the site requires considerable investigation for understanding the development’s potential influence on the waterway. 1. Community Gardens. The community garden will continue operating in this concept. 2. Garage Reuse. Re-purpose the county’s garages to support the community gardens and storage. These buildings could possibly be retrofitted 3. Rec Building. Re-purpose building for kayak and bicycle rentals. This building could be an annex to an existing business located in downtown. An alternative use for the site is to redevelop it for parking to support development across the street. The redevelopment of the county yard includes:

4th Avenue

3rd Avenue

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TOWNHOMES WITH BALCONIES

QUONSET HUT REUSE

QUONSET HUT REUSE

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L i t t l e S i o u x R i v e r

3-STORY TOWNHOMES - ANKENY, IA

FORMAL GARDENS

WOODED TRAIL

NORTH

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4. Quonset Hut Reuse. The quonset huts, a unique form of architecture, could be re purposed for special events and activities. The roof of the structure could be replaced to with colored translucent panels. 5. Formal Gardens. Surrounding the quonset huts, is a large formal garden. This area could be sanctuary for emerging and master gardeners or possibly designed as a healing/memory walk if the nearby housing is oriented to seniors. 6. Commons. The commons is an open space that could support special events like art festivals,

temporary markets, anniversary/wedding celebrations. 7. Parking Lot A. Parking is limited during special events near the riverfront. The lack of parking deters event organizers from programming activities for the area. In the near-term, the fencing around the county’s existing parking lot could be removed and opened to the public. Further improvement includes paving and striping the lot to gain efficiency. 8. Riverfront Trail Extension. The Riverfront Trail is a significant community resource. Extending this

private projects are vital to ensure all-day use of the redevelopment area. The superb views and environmental assets of the shoreline site and woodlands, make housing an especially attractive use for this site. Quality residential development also builds a natural customer base for the riverfront. The proposed Riverfront Living Units are imagined as four- or five-story structures with units overlooking the river or formal gardens. Buildings may be built in phases and could be split between owner- and renter-occupied. The entire project

trail to wrap around the proposed housing while following the river connects the neighborhood to nature. 9. Pedestrian Bridge. The new bridge provides two crossings of the river, allowing walkers/runners/ bikers to create loops for their exercise routine. The concept shows a circuitous trail splitting from the existing route to help walkers/runners to make a loop 1-mile, which is a typical benchmark. 10. Residential Living Units. The area between the bank of the river and the circulator drive is a primary focus for private development. These

Community Gardens Garage Reuse A Rec Building Quonset Hut Re-purpose Formal Gardens Commons Parking Lot A

Riverfront Trail Extension Pedestrian Bridge Riverfront Living Units Riverfront Townhouses Riverfront Drive Park View Housing Parking Lot B Alternative

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