4.0. HRSR 06-12-2001 Item #4.
S
City of
Elk
River
MEMORANDUM
TO: Planning Commission
Housing and Redevelopment Authority
River's Edge Business Association
FROM: Michele McPhers. •irector of Planning
DATE: June 13, 2001
SUBJECT: Downtown Prioritization Exercise
Attachments
• Principles Prioritization List
• Projects Prioritization List
Request
At the workshop meeting, the task will be to determine priorities for overall guiding
principles for design of rehabilitation and redevelopment projects,and the various projects
that have been identified either via the market study or previous planning studies.
Prior to the workshop meeting, please take time to complete the prioritization of the
principles and projects. Please feel free to add to the lists provided. Staff will tally the items
during the meeting and report to the Commissions present the results of the prioritization
exercise. We will then further discuss the ideas and projects for the downtown
redevelopment plan.
S:\PLANNING\MICHMC\PLREPRTS\DTprioritization.doc
• 2001 Elk River
Downtown Redevelopment Plan
Highest Priority Lowest
Principles 1 2 3 4 5
Utilize the River for public/private use
Create pedestrian-friendly/walkable core downtown
Preserve/highlight original design &character of existing buildings
Western Area oriented to multi-family housing&home-office
Northern Area oriented to office and housing
Core CBD oriented to retail
New construction to compliment traditional design elements
Locate a traffic generator downtown
Increase awareness to downtown
Strengthen gateways to Core CBD
Create a sense of place via design elements
Build to the sidewalk
Two-story buildings
• Brick/stucco facades
Create new neighborhoods downtown (housing)
Create public gathering areas
Fabric awnings compatible with building design&streetscape
Develop rear& alley entrances where feasible
Employ color schemes that compliment neighboring buildings
Make storefront permeable (windows/openings at sidewalk)
Pedestrian scaled signage (no plastic)
Parking out of sight (under/behind)
Seating and/or tables in public spaces
Sunny public spaces
Create a "loop" in pedestrian circulation
Public service kiosks/information areas
Encourage people to "leave their mark"
Public toilets/phones (sheltered)
Create element for children
Interesting sculptures, art, water fountain
i
redevplan.xls 1
• 2001 Elk River
Downtown Redevelopment Plan
Highest Priority Lowest
Projects 1 2 3 4 5
Complete Historical Context Study
Locate arts/community center facility
Implement design guidelines for rehab/new construction
Rehab façade of "Brick Block" to original character
Construct parking ramp
Redevelop Boelters area
Attract hotel/bed&breakfast/restaurant
Redevelop Star News/Riverfront property
Develop City parking lot (Jackson Square)
Fishing pier
Artesian well
Develop river plaza-public park/open space
Public walk/bike trail along the river
Annual activities &events
Redevelop Martin Plaza/Hunts Feed Mill area
Redevelop Post Office area
• Redevelop Marties/lumberyard/Eagles area
Redevelop American Legion area
North/South access connection (overpass)
Marketing effort-new residents
Interpretive signage along the river
•