Ordinance No. 20513 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Downtown Riverfront Specific Area Plan PUBLIC PLAZAS There are a number of proposed urban plazas in the master plan that act as gateways, gathering places, landmark areas, or destinations on the site. Plaza spaces have been located in areas where activity, retail, sunlight, points of interest, and /or view corridors coincide. 5th Avenue Plaza The 5th Avenue Plaza is intended to be one of the main gathering and meeting points for the downtown riverfront and for residents of Eugene. The plaza overlooks the riverfront open space, offers views to the water, and provides the northern terminus of Restaurant Row and the eastern terminus of 5th Avenue. The design allows for expansion of the plaza into the street when the Riverfront Street is closed to vehicles. Water features, seating and gathering opportunities, public art, and feature plantings are envisioned for this area. This plaza should also have the ability to accommodate temporary kiosks and carts during festivals and events. A strong visual connection to the Riverfront Park and a view corridor to the river is critical for the success of this significant public space. RIPARIAN ZONE Along the extent of the property, the existing riparian river edge will be enhanced as redevelopment occurs. This improvement and enhancement will provide significant habitat and ecological connectivity that will lead to a better environmental balance along this constrained river edge. Within the riparian zone, there will be limited direct access to the water's edge. Trails, structures, and any built elements within this zone will be sensitive to existing vegetation, site ecology and ecological footprint. Only native trees, shrubs, ground cover and herbaceous plant material will be utilized with the enhancement of the riparian zone. The application of large woody debris, invasive species control, and stormwater management can also support the creation of a functioning ecology within a managed landscape. Manipulation of the riverbank must take existing forces and cascading hydraulic risks into account and weigh these risks against potential benefits. Any new slope stabilization shall be sensitive to the existing vegetation and natural character, and endeavor to improve experiential connections and views to the river. It is well understood that activities below the 100 - year -flood level come with hydraulic risks and that human activity is an expected component of this urban ecosystem. OVERLOOKS + INTERPRETIVE SITES There are a number of overlooks and viewpoints planned among the riverfront open space. These viewpoints are strategically located at street ends, high points, historic areas, or special gathering spaces where people might pause. Historic infrastructure on the site should be preserved and incorporated into these overlooks where possible. All primary overlooks and viewpoints should be universally accessible. PRIVATE OPEN SPACE SUGGESTIONS Restaurant Row+ Pedestrian Boardwalk+ 5th Avenue Plaza The concept of Restaurant Row and the riverfront boardwalk generated broad community support and enthusiasm. Restaurant Row provides the backdrop to the pedestrian boardwalk and a bridge between the Central Blocks redevelopment and the riverfront open space. The plaza area is intended to provide a variety of seating and entertainment opportunities for those visiting the small -scale restaurants and stores in this precinct. Pedestrian connections and clear views along the boardwalk allow for a separated pedestrian and bike paths along this portion of the riverfront. Where vegetated, the rooftops of Restaurant Row are intended as a natural extension of the riverfront "natives garden" and provide rooftop habitat and interest for the area. Train Whistle Plaza Train Whistle Plaza was envisioned as an open space connection to 5th Street at one of the main gateways to the EWEB site. The plaza might have outdoor seating, street furnishings, interpretive sites and /or public art related to the railroad and Millrace history. 48 ■ Rowell Brokaw Architects