Ordinance No. 20513 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Downtown Riverfront Specific Area Plan E. FRAMEWORK + ESSENTIAL FEATURES OF THE PLAN The approved plan for the redevelopment of the Downtown Riverfront is a physical framework that includes essential features that give definition to the community- supported vision. The framework of the approved plan extends the urban structure of Downtown to meet a new crescent - shaped park along the river (a total of approximately 8 acres of open space). The framework creates the structure for the development of individual blocks, public access, and the enhancement of the riverfront open space. It also provides context for the essential features of the plan. 1. Framework By extending the existing urban framework of city streets and city blocks, and developing an arc of open space along the Willamette River, the framework diagram illustrates how the plan physically connects the city and the river. The elements of the framework include: 2. Essential Features Within the framework, these essential features are fundamental to the approved vision: Green streets that integrate bike and automobile transportation, and include landscaped stormwater treatment and on- street parking to accommodate retail uses. A Great Loop that reconnects the riverfront to Downtown by connecting the Great Streets of 5th and 8th Avenues through the site. This primary street forms a direct and graceful curve through the property, coming closest to the river near the EWEB Headquarters and then swinging away to meet the relocated railroad crossing aligned with 8th Avenue. An arc of riverfront open space forms a Cultural Landscape. This park space includes a new public plaza, public art, riparian enhancement, native plants, educational aspects, the Steam Plant, and a large area of public open space along the Ferry Street axis that provides green infrastructure and could allow for a future connection to the historic Millrace. This landscape is designed with a focus on education and habitat enhancement, and it primarily utilizes native and non - invasive introduced plant species that require minimal supplemental water, fertilization or pest or disease control. Secondary streets follow utility easements and provide the redundant life- safety access that allows Riverfront Street to be closed to traffic during festivals. The street network is public and provides nearly 300 on- street parking spaces to support retail and restaurant uses. Well- formed urban blocks that allow for a wide range of redevelopment programs and support a legible, pedestrian - friendly urban fabric. A series of interpretive sites that teach about the history of the Willamette River, Eugene's African - American community, and energy production and water - related industry on this site. Restaurant Row, a public boardwalk, and 5th Avenue Plaza overlook the riverfront open space and create a "vibrant, active, people place" that is a focus of urban activity. Restaurant Row offers a prime location for cafes, restaurants and amenities along the river. Pedestrian passages along view corridors create an open and accessible threshold between the city and the riverfront open space. New residential capacity is a required component of the high - density development envisioned for this site as a whole. The continuous Riverbank Trail, relocated and set back from the top of bank. This allows for the re- grading of the riverfront open space to a gentler slope that will create space for public amenities and improve connections to the water. The pedestrian boardwalk is grade- separated from the adjacent Riverbank Trail to allow for multiple modes to move safely through the area. Promotes adaptive re -use of the Operations Warehouse, Steam Plant and Midgley's Building. Pollinator - friendly open space planted with native plant species on the capped, former manufactured gas plant (MGP) site. 14 ■ Rowell Brokaw Architects