Ordinance No. 20513 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Downtown Riverfront Specific Area Plan C. KEY DESIGN CONCEPTS The following design concepts describe how the Guiding Principles were translated into a specific design direction: An Interdependent and Sustainable City The redevelopment of the EWEB's riverfront property models green strategies and demonstrate balanced, environmentally conscious, economically viable redevelopment. To contribute to the development of a more sustainable city, the plan recommends a focus on green infrastructure, natural systems, residential capacity, and energy - efficient design with the redevelopment of this property. A Great Loop The plan creates a "Great Loop" by connecting Eugene's Great Streets through the riverfront property, establishing a quality of public access and civic structure that benefits the entire city. Urban Repair & Habitat Enhancement In re- purposing this impervious utility yard as a pedestrian - oriented neighborhood and public open space, the plan repairs a defining piece of Eugene's urban fabric and reconnects the city and the river. Interwoven Habitat: An Undulating Edge Rather than employing a boilerplate setback on a previously developed site, the plan blurs the boundary between the natural and urban environments. Native vegetation reaches into the city, and green redevelopment offers a connection to the river. All new construction will be set back farther than 100' from the top of bank, and the design also pulls the river landscape deeper into the site at three locations: the "green extension" of 5th Avenue, Millpond Swale, and Pollinator Prairie. Special Place: A Cultural Landscape The 2004 Downtown Plan describes the need to support and maintain the "special places" in our city, including the Willamette River, nearby open space, and historic properties like the Steam Plant. This plan delivers on a community- inspired wish to reveal the history imbedded in this site, and to create a special place for people to enjoy along the Downtown Riverfront. Allow for Future Opportunities Extensive community outreach revealed other adjacent opportunities (e.g., a daylit Millrace, Downtown Quiet Zone, additional at -grade railroad crossings, and a new pedestrian bridge to Alton Baker Park) that could be coordinated with the redevelopment of the EWEB site. The plan does not require these elements, but it also does not conflict with the realization of these goals in the future. D. OBJECTIVES + CRITERIA The redevelopment of the Downtown Riverfront (EWEB) property should accomplish the following objectives: Connect Public Spaces Maintain and enhance a continuous and diverse public realm through a network of streets, paths and public open space, including parks, promenades and plazas along the riverfront. Each development effort should contribute to the creation of a cohesive, activated public realm. Encourage Variety & Diversity Include a vibrant mix of uses and a variety of housing types that support a more diverse, active Downtown Riverfront. A variety of housing and building types should support diverse population and promote an active, vibrant 18 -hour neighborhood. Mixed -use development may be either horizontal or vertical, depending on the scale and intensity appropriate fora specific sub -area. Create High - Quality Open Space Design the open space system to serve as a city -wide resource, and celebrate the city's relationship with the Willamette River. Create Active, Green Streets for People Introduce ground -level activities and spatial relationships that enliven streets and public spaces, and connect the landscape character of public open spaces with the public rights -of -way when applicable. Create a pedestrian - friendly street network. Establish View Corridors Maintain and enhance views to the riverfront park and river. Promote Excellence in Design and High - Quality Development Guide building form and uses to reinforce the active, public character of streets, open space and riverfront amenities. Each site, building and street improvement should be treated as a long- term contribution to the overall quality of the city center. Exterior design and building materials shall exhibit both the permanence and quality appropriate to an urban, mixed -use district. Connect to History Reinforce the spatial characteristics of the Downtown Riverfront's unique setting, recognize its layered history, and build on cultural and historic assets without being historicist. Model Sustainable Redevelopment Support a lively, mixed -use, multi -modal neighborhood that integrates people, urban habitat, natural systems, green infrastructure, and green architecture. Site development and infrastructure should reflect commitment to sustainability, and to a healthy, green community. Rowell Brokaw Architects ■ 13