Recent Work - Urban Design by Heinz von Eckartsberg

Heinz von Eckartsberg URBAN DESIGN LEADER | RECENT WORK

Yarra Valley Masterplan

Masterplan Masterplan / Public Realm Lead Underpinning the YVCC Development is the ‘gifting’ of currently privately held land along the river’s edge, to the people and state of Victoria, connecting Yarra parklands and ‘missing link’ shared trail, creating new river parklands with enhanced ecological value and incorporating integrated whole-of water-cycle management. It also reserves a suitable location for a future shared pedestrian and cycling bridge across the River. This proposal for an exemplar river’s edge community aims to deliver on the key objectives for Victoria as outlined in Plan Melbourne Refresh (2015) including ‘The protection and restoration of important habitats in our parks and reserves is vital to a healthy, resilient and sustainable city. Importantly, actions to cool the city would deliver other benefits such as Yarra River Corridor linkages diagram improved liveability and amenity’

The Andrews State Government’s recent Yarra River Protection Policy (VC 121 in the SPFF) have as their overriding objective to ensure that future development around Yarra River protects the waterways from inappropriate development. The YVCC Development meets or exceeds both the prescriptive controls (ie it is setback far in excess of 30 metres from the Yarra River, and it is predominantly below the tree canopy), as well as the more enabling controls preferring sympathetic development. The strategic importance of this policy imperative is also reinforced by Plan Melbourne, Initiative 5.6.2 “Protect our open space waterway corridors from inappropriate development” (Plan Melbourne: 2014: 128).

Neighbourhood Block Strategy Masterplan A Block Conditions

Natural Parkland

Communal Open Space

Green Corridor Lane

Condition

18.5 m

Dwelling Units Per Hectare

PROMOTES VIEWS TO AND DIRECT ACCESS WITH PARK LANDSCAPES

TYPE A

TYPE B

TYPE C

KEY

Green Corridor

12.5 m Lane

Condition

CREATES ACTIVATED AND SAFE INTERNAL STREETS WITH A COMMUNITY FEEL

Dwelling Units Per Hectare

TYPE D

TYPE E

KEY Access Road

DEVELOPED EDGE CONDITION

Communal “Family” Park

Constructed wetland network

Swimming Pool & Community Gardens

Opps & Constraints

Now

Connecting the Ecosystem

Utilising the Natural Asset

Site Access and Networks

POTENTIAL BRIDGE LOCATION (BY OTHERS)

YARRA RIVER

PUBLIC RIVER TRAIL (PARKS VIC)

PARKS VIC ROAD ACCESS

HEIDE SCULPTURE GARDEN

LEFT IN / LEFT OUT

HEIDE CARPARK

Create Diverse and Active Open Space Network

Create Distinct Neighbourhood Communities

SIGNALS

A Restorative and Healthy Development Model

NATURE RESERVE

PARKS VIC

RESTORING AND ENHANCING ECOLOGICAL HABITAT RESERVES

RECREATION + LEISURE CONSTRUCTED WETLANDS

PROVIDING FAMILY

FAMILY

PARKS

HOUSING DIVERSITY WETLANDS

PARK

OVERLOOK

EDGE

VIEW

THE COMMONS

THE COMMONS HEIDE GATEWAY

HEIDE GATEWAY

FOCUSSED LIVING

QUALITY

RANGE

GARDENS

PARK

AND COMMUNITY

YARRA RIVER WATER

GOLF

HEIDE SCULPTURE

IMPROVING THE

ENHANCING ACCESS AND ACTIVATION OF STATE CULTURAL AND SOCIAL ASSETS

East Whisman Masterplan

Design Rationale Key Recommendations

Legible East-West Linear & Shared Connection Connection

• • • •

Provides clear site lines and wayfinding Ability to control & curate both sides of the street Potential to future-proof later connections A datum around which to clearly organize program

Concept Masterplan Urban Design Lead

Consolidated Parks

Cluster uses & join by Program Amenity publicAround facilities

Consolidating Parks

•

Able to serve a Community & Google need for substantial open space with recreational and civic functions Potential to be flexible & layered in terms of activities like recreation, markets, eco-gardens, community facilities, trails etc. Can be a central gathering place but also a buffer from Office to Residential uses

Hassell were commissioned to undertake an analysis and review on the previous master plan prepared in the Gatekeeper Application on April 26, 2019 and propose a new concept masterplan to be endorsed by Lendlease and Google / DevCo. Through site visits and ongoing workships with the client group, existing design team and Google Leadership we assessed the given master plan and provided key opportunities to unlock the potential of the site as well as its relationship to the surrounding community. An essential component of the project was to envision how an authentic and rich mixed-use community could be created here. The political and social effects of Google & other Silicon Valley companies driving up housing demand and costs in San Francisco proper influenced the local

• • •

Creates clearly delineated ‘communities/campuses’ of Commercial & Residential uses Clusters uses around external future development zones Creates the flexibility of a shared gathering place to be public, semiprivate or private

policy to require a commercial office to housing match. For every 1,000 sqft of East Whisman Site Review1 & Opportunities office space, we were required to provide unit of housing, 20% of which needed to be affordable. As a result of our work, Google and the architects involved in the project adopted our concept and the current masterplan reflects this.

A Kit of Parts Developing a ‘toolkit’ of amenities that align with Google’s Principles of Place and provide shared community benefits

Hill

Reserve

Lake

Wetlands

Oak Grove

Linear Park

Stitching Park

Enhanced Crossing

Active Plaza

Active Park

Pop-Up Restaurant

Health Centre

Co-Working Hub

Gallery

Community Center

Basketball

Climbing Wall

Swimming Pool

Running Track

Soccer Pitch

Skate Park

Canteen

Food Events

Kitchen Gardens

Outdoor Movies / Events

N R

STEVENS CREEK TRAIL

NORTH BAYSHORE

SITE MOFFETT PARK

EXISTIN

POTENTIAL?

THE VILLAGE AT SAN ANTONIO CENTER

EAST WHISMAN

GRANT RD. COMMERCIAL AREA Source: East Whisman #1 Data Pack

Site Review Water System

a n

F r a n

c i

s c

o B

H e

a y

Area of Focus

P a c i f i c O c e a n

t H e

i e l

n e

Y o s e m i t e N a t i o n a l P a r k

Master Plan Scenarios Separated Amenity

Shared Amenity

WIDE WEDGE

GREEN WEDGE GSF SUMMARY _RESIDENTIAL _OFFICES _RETAIL _PARKING

GSF SUMMARY 1,836,500 gsf 1,278,000 gsf 90,000 gsf TBC

_RESIDENTIAL _OFFICES _RETAIL _PARKING

GSF SUMMARY 1,836,500 gsf 1,278,000 gsf 90,000 gsf TBC

_RESIDENTIAL _OFFICES _RETAIL _PARKING

GSF SUMMARY 1,836,500 gsf 1,315,000 gsf 90,000 gsf TBC

_RESIDENTIAL _OFFICES _RETAIL _PARKING

1,836,500 gsf 1,313,900 gsf 90,000 gsf TBC

East Whisman Site Review & Opportunities

Green Wedge

Massing Green Wedge

Central Green Corridor

Massing Green Corridor

New Google owned office (under construction)

Larger main office. Could free up space for others. FAR req?

Future residential development

Larger main office. Could free up space for others. FAR req? Service lane / access

Southern band of residential (could test nonorthagonal orientation)

Future 9-11 storey residential development

Maximize Residential Use here to free up space in upper parcel

Approx acreage of linear park?

Future 9-11 storey residential development

Maximize Residential Use here to free up space in upper parcel

Pedestrian access to station

Wide Wedge

Massing Wide Wedge

Pedestrian access to station

Central Park

Massing Central Park

New Google owned office (under construction)

Future residential development

Smaller Civic plaza with views to VTA station and 20’ -30’path along rail

New Google owned office (under construction)

Service lane / access

Larger main office. Could free up space for others. FAR req?

Future residential development

Service lane / access

Civic amenity

Building-tobuilding crossing with public access to ground

Maximize Residential Use here to free up space in upper parcel

Orient to address linear park and street

Wider Civic Promenade with civic amenity

Larger main office. Could free up space for others. FAR req?

Service lane / access

Building-tobuilding crossing with public access to ground

Clear line of sight & access through the site

Building-tobuilding crossing with public access to ground

Future residential development

Approx acreage of larger park?

Future 9-11 storey residential development

Building-tobuilding crossing with public access to ground

Residential could be oriented to create privacy and additional amenity

Pedestrian access to station

Maximize Residential Use here to free up space in upper parcel

Wider Civic Promenade with civic amenity

Approx acreage of linear park?

Future 9-11 storey residential development

Residential use formed around a central park square

Pedestrian access to station

Massing Wide Wedge Open Spaces PARKING - gsf

OFFICE 345,000 gsf

PARKING - gsf

OFFICE 262,000 gsf

PRIVATE OPEN SPACE 1.9 Acres

PARK 4.75 Acres

RESI 169,000 gsf

OFFICE 330,000 gsf

RESI 211,750 gsf

OFFICE 378,000 gsf RESI 204,500 gsf

RESI 211,750 gsf

LINEAR PARK 1.75 Acres

PLAZA 1 Acre

RESI 462,000 gsf RESI 577,200 gsf

RETAIL 40,000 gsf

East Whisman Site Review & Opportunities

Axometric Diagram Wide Wedge

East Whisman Site Review & Opportunities

Restoring Ecologies

Willow Grove

Oak Woodlands

Superbloom

Wet meadow

East Whisman Site Review & Opportunities

Community Food & Health

Structured orchards planting Community Gardens

Markets / Function Areas

East Whisman Site Review & Opportunities

TOW N

TOW N FOR ESH ORE

FOR ESH ORE

Design Approach Precinct Design Principles

Destination Queenscliff

1. Create distinct foreshore experience

2. Use fort as a wayfinding device

3. Use Hesse Street as a framing device

5. Establish a connected green network

6. Celebrate the heritage of place

03 04

4. Create a series of experiences along Hesse St

Precinct Masterplan Project Lead The Destination Queenscilff project is a coastal masterplan that calls for the improvement and integration of key components of the Shortlands Bluff foreshore. The project consists of a streetscape upgrade of Hesse Street, design of amenities and kiosk buildings and the public realm and parking design for lower Shortlands Bluff. As project lead, I liased with the council and client on a weekly basis and planned and led the community & stakeholder engagment process

Design Approach Coastal Design Toolkit Informing Design Through Natural Systems

ATTENUATOR

EXISTING

REINFORCER

COLLECTOR

DIFFUSER

RECHARGER

COOLER

*TYPICAL COASTAL EDGE CONDITION

Project Context

ADD - PORT PHILLIP BAY SCALE MAP

Shower

Kiosk

Public Toilet

Ammenities

Brief

Office

Admin Separation

Scale: 1:200 @ A3 1:100 @ A1

Amenities Separation

Kiosk Separation

Concept Section Through Coastal Cabins Looking East

Flows & Uses

RL 9.80

Direction of Openings

RL 9.94

RL 9.80

RL 10.32

RL 9.94

RL 11.48

RL 10.32

A roof to unify? RL 0.00

RL 12.10 RL 11.48

RL 12.10

Landscaped Roof?

RL 0.00

Cabin + Entry ENTRY ROAD ENTRY PATH ROAD

CABIN ENTRY CABIN ENTRY PATH CABIN + CAR PARK + CAR PARK

CARAVAN PARK CARAVAN PARK

CABIN

CABIN FRONT GARDEN CABIN FRONT GARDEN

LOVERS WALK

CABINS + SURROUNDS CABINS + SURROUNDS

RL 10.32

RL 9.94

RL 9.80

Lovers Walk

DUNE

RL 12.10

RL 11.48

sight line from cabins

RL 2.92

RL 0.00

ENTRY ROAD

CARAVAN PARK

PATH

CABIN ENTRY + CAR PARK

CABIN

CABINS + SURROUNDS

CABIN FRONT GARDEN

LOVERS WALK

DUNE

• Interpretation is an integrated experience - enabling people to engage in the landscape in their own way and in their own time

Concept Plan

11 13

4 3

2 8

1 7

Key 1

Bull Ring

Coastal Cabins

Forecourt / Plaza

Kiosk & Public Toilets

Amenities + Office

Caravan Park

Heritage Memorial Walk

Community Green / Events Space

Ocean View Carpark

Cultural Landscape / Coastal Trailhead

Hesse Street & Fort Forecourt

Northern Trail link & Green

Fort Queenscliff

J A Monahan Sporting Complex Scale: 1:2000 @ A3 1:1000 @ A1

Section 05 - Urban Design Framework

Developing an Urban Design Framework

Four key design objectives underpin a flexible framework for the masterplan and the potential for future development scenarios.

g an Urban amework

Eastland Masterplan

nderpin a flexible framework for the l for future development scenarios.

01 Understand

what’s fixed & fluid

02 Form a landscape Strategy

03 Create a

Masterplan & Staging Strategy Urban Design Lead

network and identity

Eastland Town Centre Strategy Eastern Gateway Precinct

04 Establish

Eastland has seen a series of substantial upgrades to its traditional core retail typology completed in recent times. This masterplan sets the stage for the evolution and intensification of Eastland as it evolves into a multi-dimensional, mixed use town centre positioned to take advantage of the prescient land acquisitions that have taken place – particularly to the east ofHassell the© 2020 existing retail facility.

Eastland will transition from ubiquitous to place specific, a destination infused with a landscape character and built form shaped by specific location and attributes of Eastland. The masterplan is underpinned by a clearly defined Urban Design Framework a spatial and built form overlay that outline the principles of future development. The framework is flexible enough to ensure 31 design innovation is encouraged.

This document provides a strategic framework for a new town centre to underpin future detailed design and planning of individual land parcels to ensure a cohesive, integrated town centre emerges over time. The new town centre will leverage the natural attributes of the surrounding regions and combine these with the specific needs and desires of the future populace to create a diverse thriving community.

The team included experience designers FreeState, enduring sustainability propositions from Finding Infinity and open space, landscape and built form expertise from Hassell.

network and identity

inct

02 Form a landscape

connected legible place

character areas and new centre

03 Create a

connecte legible pla

entity

ort the

ring by ian rural hing ste of all the

Eastland

ational dents munity ial n. he Mullum ct and have

07 A landscape driven Masterplan

The proposed masterplan knits together the key landscape typologies to leverage and retain existing green assets and create a new landscape image and identity for the EGL 01 The Winter Garden - An Atrium & new entry to Eastlands Core Facility

02 Pedestrian Producer Boulevards - running East-West across the precinct, filled with seasonal colour and flowering plants connecting the existing Larissa Avenue and bridging over Warrandyte Road to meet The Winter Garden

03 New public spaces and community areas to the North and South of the Produce Boulevard, providing open air opportunity for respite for the surrounding built form

08 10

04 Productive orchards providing a new landscape image of seasonal colour, folly & delight

03 01

02 03

05 Residential Mews & local parks and community areas with a landscape focus for local residents

06 The Oak Park - a new community space and gathering place

02 04 05

06 08

07 A transformed Warrandyte Road into a slow speed environment to prioritise pedestrians

08 Pedestrian only activated laneways 09 Revitalised Staley Park & Skate Area opening up and connecting in to new public open space, linking the Town Square via activated laneways

08 09

10 Upgraded bicycle & pedestrian friendly street networks 11 Creek Thresholds with surrounding built form opening up & facing the creek to leverage the natural asset 12 A bold new intersection and entryway to connect Larissa Avenue to Ringwood Lake Park Eastland Town Centre Strategy Eastern Gateway Precinct

Residential Typologies

Estimating the potential residential yields according to block typology

Individual houses

The Mews

Typical block dimensions: 14m X 6m Typical block height: 2 Storeys Approximate yield: 16 Houses 164sqm per house

UPDATED CONTENT

Low-Medium Density Block

Medium-High Density Block

(ss - 'Townhouses')

(ss - 'Medium Density')

Typical block dimensions: 12m wide Typical block height: 3 Storeys Approximate yield: 30% - 74 1 bed 55sqm 60% - 95 2 bed 85sqm 10% - 14 3 bed 100 sqm

Typical block dimensions: 12m - 15m wide Typical block height: 4-5 Storeys Approximate yield: 30% - 74 1 bed 55sqm 60% - 96 2 bed 85sqm 10% - 14 3 bed 100 sqm

Total: 182 Apartments

Total: 184 Apartments

Typical block dimensions: 15m - 20m wide Typical block height: 6-8 Storeys (ss - '5-8') Approximate yield: 30% - 113 1 bed 55sqm 60% - 128 2 bed 85sqm 10% - 18 3 bed 100 sqm Total: 280 Apartments

High Rise Tower Typical block dimensions: 20m X 20m + widths Typical block height: 12 - 20 Storeys + Approximate yield: 30% - 99 1 bed 55sqm 60% - 128 2 bed 85sqm 10% - 18 3 bed 100 sqm Total: 245 Apartments

Eastland Town Centre Strategy

Eastern Gateway Precinct

08 Built form uses, Staging and Yield Analysis

Masterplan Typologies Illustrating the use types across the proposed masterplan

Education/ Health

UPDATED CONTENT

Public Landscape Education + Community Retail + Commercial

*Potential for Residential (see pg. 56)

Allied Health + Other Parking

Special

Residential Commercial + Office

Education/ Health

Special Building

*Potential for Residential (see pg. 56)

Parking

Commercial/ Market/Retail

Allied Health Eastland Town Centre Strategy

Commercial/ Office

Solar Envelope Studies

Heights Key: Locations identified for increased height

Shadow Plans illustrating the overshadowing impact of increased height where identified + the fixed heights required to preserve significant landscape June 21 - 10am

June 21 - 11am

June 21 - 12pm

32 24

Locations identified for increased height which must not exceed the identified storey height due to overshadowing impact on significant landscape

32 24

June 21 - 1pm

24 17

June 21 - 2pm

June 21 - 3pm

32 24

24 17

(Note: The identified additional heights are based on opportunities complimenting the proposed urban realm design. However these exceed the current council recommendations for height in the relative planning zones and further exploration is required if these are to be pursued) Eastland Town Centre Strategy

Eastern Gateway Precinct

Additional Height Opportunity

With MAC Masterplan Height Envelope Overlay

UPDATED CONTENT (New Page)

Building Uses Key: Public Landscape Education + Community Retail + Commercial Allied Health + Other Parking Residential

+20

Commercial + Office Special Building

Note: Envelopes illustrate maximum heights

+27

Heights Key: Increased height by + 10 storeys to locations identified

+20

Additional height by + 2 storeys to locations identified

Additional height proposed to specific locations

Additional height restricted due to shadowing cast over protected oak tree

Envelope Key: 4-6 Storey 6-8 Storey 8 Storey 8-10 Storey 10-12 Storey 10-15 Storey

Eastland Town Centre Strategy Eastern Gateway Precinct

Neighborhood School Reuse

Memphis

! !

Closed Schools N

Urban Areas

250

Miles

Concept Masterplan Project Lead The Neighborhood Schools Reuse Concept proposes how two closed public schools in North Memphis can be repurposed into hubs of educational and economic opportunity for all ages that support inclusive community development. The Concept positions Northside High School and Klondike Elementary as the cornerstones of a 24-acre “community campus” that ties together and expands on nearby public assets, helping community members leverage their neighborhoods’ existing strengths to power their future. Created in partnership with neighborhood organizations and residents, the Concept was presented to Shelby County and City of Memphis officials to help guide the development of the city’s school system and new comprehensive plan.

500

Beyond Memphis, the Concept’s practices and principles—which take an incremental approach to inclusive growth—provide relevant ideas for other communities facing school closure and related challenges.

that could be repurposed to the campus site. On the western edge, a dense tree line separates the channelized creek, out of sight needs of workers today. Yet, from any point within the block. A large amount of hardscape and parking further separate these community assets and their adjacencies.

amenities such as auditoriums, cafeterias, and gymnasiums. The library, community center, and pool occupy a small footprint on the site; however, they remain SITE INVENTORY highly utilized public assets.

24 250,000 10% 5%

The area bounded by Vollintine Avenue, North acre site Claybrook Street, Brown Avenue, and Interstate 40 forms a large block containing several civic assets: two closed schools, a park, a community center, a sf library, and a community pool.

buil soun thei prog plan

A su cam add visio econ the be c of fe opp prog reco opti and striv thro atte pote spu com and

The library and community center aim to attract youth, and the pool offers a refuge from the heat during the hot summer months albeit no permanent shade structures. These public assets are isolated from one another by a vast amount of unprogrammed open space.

of school The two closed schools make up the largest amount buildings used of floor area on the site yet only use 25,000 square feet of programmed interior space. The bulk of the interiors is classroom space, with additional of site used amenities such as auditoriums, cafeterias, and gymnasiums.

A chain-link fence was installed between Klondike Elementary and Klondike Park for security purposes due to past violence and shootings in and around the campus site. On the western edge, a dense tree line separates the channelized creek, out of sight from any point within the block. A large amount of hardscape and parking further separate these community assets and their adjacencies.

The library, community center, and pool occupy a small footprint on the site; however, they remain highly utilized public assets.

24 250,000 10% 5%

meet similar although both

The Cost of Closure The largest costs associated with school closures

acre site

of school buildings used

114

of site used

Community Campus Site Plan

LEGEND 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15.

16. 17. 18. 19.

Play Path Klondike Plaza Multipurpose Athletic Fields Katie Sexton Community Center Early Learning Office Spaces Charles Morris Pool Northside Plaza Northside Incubator Job Resource Library Photovoltaic Cells Rainwater Harvesting Tanks North Branch Library Community Porch Pop-Up Seating and Reading/ Meeting Spaces Raised Beds Nature Window Pavilion Community Growing Spaces Nature Trails

4 18 3 11 12

114

7 10 5

13 14 15

N 0

200

400 FT

Klondike Elementary Potential Uses of Classrooms CRITICAL DIMENSIONS • 800 SF • 10'-0" Min. Clear Height

CRITICAL DIMENSIONS • 800 SF • 10'-0" Min. Clear Height

OCCUPANCY • 14-16 People

OCCUPANCY • 8-10 People

USE • Family Planning • Family Counseling • Infant Care

USE • Food Pantry • Food Storage • Child Services Distribution

POTENTIAL TENANTS • Perea Preschool

CRITICAL DIMENSIONS • 800 SF • 10'-0" Min. Clear Height

OCCUPANCY • 10-12 People

OCCUPANCY • 16-18 People

USE • Co-Working Office • Small Business Office

USE • K-3 Education POTENTIAL TENANTS • Perea Preschool

POTENTIAL TENANTS • Cloud 901 Office • Donʼt Blink BB

CRITICAL DIMENSIONS • 800 SF • 10'-0" Min. Clear Height

OCCUPANCY • 14-16 People

USE • CDC Office • Informal Offices

USE • Preschool Classroom • Flexible Classroom Space

POTENTIAL TENANTS • Klondike Smokey City CDC

POTENTIAL TENANTS • Perea Preschool

Small Batch Manufacturing

Incubating Growth

4 Rainwater Storage

Vocational Technical Training

Job Resource Library

Living & Studio Space

1 Community Porch

Bus Shelter & Bike Share

2 63

Where to Start Expand the terraced entry into the Northside High School building to accommodate a sheltered bus stop, bike sharing station, and temporary events like job or book fairs and markets.

Proposed

Existing

71 70

Fabrication & Small Batch Manufacturing Taking advantage of the Northside gymnasium to provide spaces for fabrication, small-scale manufacturing, product-making, storage, and incubators builds on technical learning spaces in other parts of the building and serves local economies in and around North Memphis.

Momentum is building in Memphis toward Executive Summary a historic round of civic change. Leaders MEMPHIS RIVERFRONT and CONCEPT organizations from across the city

are coming together to address shared issues—from public health, to economic development, to education, and many Momentum is building in Memphis towardand collaborative way. more—in an aligned a historic round of civic change. Leaders They are committed to making changes and organizations from theallcity thatacross benefit Memphians and to doing are coming together so to address sharedmanner that involves in an inclusive issues—from public health, to who economic everyone wants to take part. development, to education, and many for the Mayor’s Riverfront Prepared more—in an aligned Task and collaborative way. is designed to help Force, this Concept They are committed to making changes catalyze today’s exciting “Memphis Moment” that benefit all Memphians and to doingthe city began: the edge at the place where so in an inclusive manner that involves of the Mississippi River. Covering six miles everyone who wants and to take part. on five zones (the Fourth focusing Prepared for the Mayor’s Riverfront Bluff, Mud Island, Tom Lee Park, Martin Task Force, this Concept is designed to help Luther King Jr. (MLK) Park, and Greenbelt catalyze today’s exciting “Memphis Moment” Park), the Concept describes how, through at the place where the city began:ofthe edge a sequence actionable investments, the of the Mississippi River. Covering six miles riverfront can become an amazing place and and focusing on five zones (the Fourth civic tool—a connective a transformational Bluff, Mud Island, Tom Lee Park, Martinand opportunities network of spaces Luther King Jr. (MLK)that Park, and Greenbelt enrich the human experience, lift Park), the Concept describes how, of through the fortunes Memphis as a whole, and a sequence of actionable investments, reinforce its futurethe viability and resiliency. riverfront can become an amazing and Toward place accomplishing this, the a transformational civic tool—a connective Concept is wholly rooted in Memphis’ unique network of spaces and opportunitiesand strengths—its people, characteristics that enrich the human experience, lift culture, and existing urban spaces, as well 21st-Century Potential the fortunes of Memphis as a whole, as its particular and stretch of the Mississippi. The Concept envisions how Memphis’ riverfront reinforce its future viability and resiliency. can become a connective network that ties Bringing together these essential assets in together people, the city, and the Mississippi Toward accomplishing this, the new ways, and showing how physical space River for collective benefit. Concept is wholly rooted in Memphis’ unique can better support and enhance them, characteristics and strengths—its people, an abundance of the Concept illustrates culture, and existing possibilities urban spaces, as can wellunfold where river and that 21st-Century Potential as its particular stretch of the Mississippi. The Concept envisions how Memphis’ riverfront city meet. can become a connective network that ties Bringing together these essential assets in Framework & Masterplan together people, the city, and the Mississippi new ways, and showing how physical space River for collective benefit. Senior Urban Designer 15 can better support and enhance them, the Concept illustrates an abundance of possibilities that can unfold riverRiverfront and Thewhere Memphis Concept describes all times of day and year—building on the how six miles of the city’s Mississippi dynamic rhythms of Memphis and the city meet.

Memphis Riverfront Concept

The Place

riverfront can become a signature network of spaces and opportunities, tied into the city and its assets, that benefits the entire community and lifts Memphis as a whole.

The Concept focuses on showing how five zones—the Fourth Bluff, Mud Island, Tom Lee Park, MLK Park, and Greenbelt Park— can leverage their particular strengths to become distinctive places offering activities and experiences that appeal to people of all generations, incomes, races, and backgrounds. Many of the Concept’s proposed uses, from an iconic adventure playground to a special outlook where people can listen to live music at sunset, come directly from community members’ suggestions. Together, they are designed to offer something at

Mississippi to increase the riverfront’s use, vibrancy, and economic 15 potential.

Three design principles underlie the Concept’s recommendations: Foster positive encounters, civic pride and identity, and new understanding of the Mississippi River; Restore natural conditions, native ecology, and a more dynamic relationship between people and the river; and Connect assets along the river, the riverfront to the city (downtown and the neighborhoods beyond), and people with each other. Developed through an integrated process of research, community engagement, and analysis, they ensure that the Concept works from the site’s specific opportunities and challenges to achieve Memphians’ aspirations for their riverfront.

Site Conditions

Shifting Edges Looking at the larger context of the Mississippi River puts the city of Memphis in relation to a vast ecological system that is always changing. Memphis’ local Mississippi shore edge has been modified by the US Army Corps of Engineers several times over the last century, resulting in an almost wholly man-made edge.

r connections between mphis and the riverfront— Concept’s spatial ideas and on recommendations.

ngs and discoveries made rocess, the team derived three ples that guided the Concept’s These principles are:

PHASED LAYERS OF INVESTMENT The Concept’s interventions are designed as “layers” of short-, medium-, and long-term investments that can add up over time. Smaller, shovel-ready projects that can be quickly realized can pave the way for larger projects that build on their success.

SHORT-TERM LOW INVESTMENT —Change paving color or pattern —Add new or pop-up plantings —Implement pop-up programming —Open visual connections

positive encounters, civic pride ntity, and new understanding Mississippi River

e natural conditions, native y, and a more dynamic nship between people and river

ct assets along the river, erfront to the city (downtown e neighborhoods beyond), ople with each other

lowing chapter shares the ont Concept that resulted ess and principles. It also its five individual zones: the Mud Island, Tom Lee Park, MLK enbelt Park. Along with short anations, a variety of images design and convey a sense of feel like to be in the vibrant oses. one is envisioned as a ce that leverages its particular with the city and river. The array nd experiences offered across fast” uses like cycling to “slow” ring a sunset view—respond to ggestions and are designed to ple of all generations, incomes,

MEDIUM-TERM MODERATE INVESTMENT —Convert open spaces into parks, plazas, or other key amenities —Connect new amenities to downtown with permanent, improved streetscapes

LONG-TERM LARGE INVESTMENT —Repurpose existing buildings or construct new buildings —Extend connections between river and city with piers and green spaces —Extend network of public spaces along riverfront

1819–1850 CITY INCORPORATION

1851–1918 19TH-CENTURY URBAN BLOCKS

1943–1989 POST-WWII URBAN SPRAWL

1990–PRESENT REFOCUS ON THE RIVER

Expanding Away from the River Each major chapter in its history saw Memphis expand farther outward from its origin at the Mississippi. Today, a renewed Riverfront can help pull the city's growth back toward its historic core with new spaces and amenities that engage the entire community and attract new investment.

N 0' LOOKOUT

CANOPY WALK

ECO LEARNING

BOAT BASIN

VIEW PORTALS

PED BRIDGE

BOAT HOUSE

1100' CANOPY WALK

CIVIC CULTURE AMENITY

ECO LEARNING

LOOKOUT BIKE / PED TRAIL

BOAT BASIN

VIEW PORTALS

PED BRID

H AN

BIKE / PED TRAIL

CANOPY WALK

ECO LEARNING

BOAT BASIN

VIEW PORTALS

PED BRIDGE

ADVENTURE PARK

TOM LEE LOOKOUT

ATHLETIC FIELDS

PERFORMANCE SPACE

CRUMP PARK

BOAT HOUSE

COBBLE GROVE

LOOKOUT LOOKOUT

BIKE / PED TRAIL

CANOPY WALK

ECO LEARNING

BOAT BASIN

VIEW PORTALS

PED BRIDGE

FRENCH FORT

BOAT HOUSE

CIVIC CULTURE AMENITY

LOOKOUT LOOKOUT

CANOPY WALK

ECO LEARNING

BOAT BASIN

VIEW PORTALS

PED BRIDGE

CANOPY WALK

ECO LEARNING

CIVIC CULTURE AMENITY

LOOKOUT

CIVIC TERRACE

COBBLE GROVE

CIVIC TERRACE

CANOPY WALK

ADVENTURE PARK

TOM LEE LOOKOUT

ECO LEARNING

ATHLETIC FIELDS

BOAT BASIN

VIEW P

MARTYRS PARK

BOAT BASIN

VIEW PORTALS

PED BRIDGE

BOAT HOUSE

BOAT HOUSE LOOKOUT

BIKE / PED TRAIL

COBBLE GROVE

LOOKOUT

CANOPY WALK

CIVIC TERRACE

ECO LEARNING

ADVENTURE PARK

BOAT BASIN

BIKE / PED TRAIL

CIVIC CULTURE AMENITY

TOM LEE LOOKOUT

ATHLETIC FIELDS

VIEW PORTALS

PED BRIDGE

BOAT HOUSE

BIKE / PED TRAIL

CIVIC CULTURE AMENITY

BIKE / PED TR

MLK PARK

COBBLE GROVE

CIVIC TERRACE

ADVENTURE PARK

TOM LEE LOOKOUT

ATHLETIC FIELDS

PERFORMANCE SPACE

COBBLE GROVE COBBLE GROVE

BIKE / PED TRAIL

LOOKOUT

COBBLE GROVE BIKE / PED TRAIL

LOOKOUT

CANOPY WALK

ECO LEARNING

BOAT BASIN

VIEW PORTALS

PED BRIDGE

CANOPY WALK

ECO LEARNING

BOAT BASIN

VIEW PORTALS

ADVENTURE PARK

ATHLETIC FIELDS

ECO LEARNING

PED BRIDGE

TOM LEE LOOKOUT

BOAT BASIN

Urban Forestry CIVIC TERRACE

B IBKO E A T /H O UPSEE D T R A I L

Bike/Pedestrian Trail

LOOKOUT

ADVENTURE PARK

VIEW PORTALS

TOM LEE LOOKOUT

Cobble Grove

CANOPY WALK

ATHLETIC FIELDS

PED BRIDGE

ADVENTURE PARK

TOM LEE LOOKOUT

ATHLETIC FIELDS

PERFORMANCE SPACE

ECO LEARNING

BOAT BASIN

VIEW PORTALS

PED BRIDGE

CANOPY WALK

COBBLE GROVE

CIVIC TERRACE

B OPAETR FBOA R SM IN A N C E S P A C EV I E W P O R T A L S

ECO LEARNING

ADVENTURE PARK

PED BRIDGE

TOM LEE LOOKOUT

BOAT HOUSE

V I E W L OPOOK RO UTTA L S

BOAT BASIN

Boat Basin

COBBLE GROVE

BIKE / PED TRAIL

CCO F LE I AERLNDISN G

ATHLETIC FIELDS

C A N OPPEY DW ABL R K IDGE

LOOKOUT

CIVIC TERRACE

CANOPY WALK PERFORMANCE SPACE

E C O L E A R N IBNOG A T

AT H O UBSO E

PERFORMANCE SPACE

B I K E / P E D LT O RA OIKLO U T

ATHLETIC FIELDS

ECO LEARNING

BASIN

BOAT BASIN

VIEW PORTALS

PED BRIDGE

ATHLETIC FIELDS

PED BRIDGE

C I V I C C U L T U R EC A N O P Y AMENITY

Civic Terrace

ADVENTURE PARK

CIVIC CULTURE AMENITY

CIVIC TERRACE

SE A T H L EBTOIACT FHIO EU L DS

PERFORMANCE SPACE

CIVIC TERRACE

ADVENTURE PARK

TOM LEE LOOKOUT

ATHLETIC FIELDS

PERFORMANCE SPACE

CIVIC TERRACE

BIKE / PED TRAIL

CIVIC CULTURE AMENITY

COBBLE GROVE

CIVIC CULTURE AMENITY

K RNING W PORTALS PED BRIDGE CWOA BL B LE GROVE ECO LEAC I V I C T E R R A CBEO A T B A S I NA D V E N T U R E VPI AE R K TOM LEE LO OKOUT

COBBLE GROVE

Boathouse ATHLETIC FIELDS

PERFORMANCE SPACE

CANOPY WALK

View Cone

ECO LEARNING

ADVENTURE PARK

BOAT BASIN

TOM LEE LOOKOUT

VIEW PORTALS

ATHLETIC FIELDS

COBBLE GROVE

ASIN

VIEW PORTALS

PED BRIDGE

Canopy Walk

BOAT HOUSE

PERFORMANCE SPACE

C I V I CL O T O KEORURT A C E

CAADN V O PEYN TW U A LRKE

PARK

BOAT HOUSE

Pedestrian Bridge

ECO T L EOAMR NL IE N GE

L O O K OBUOTA T B A S I N

ATHLETI V ICE WF I P OERLTDAS LS

OGREM A N C E P E DP EBRRF ID

S P AB OCAET H O U S E

Lookout

CIVIC CULTURE AMENITY

W PORTALS

PED BRIDGE

CIVIC TERRACE

BIKE / PED TRAIL

BOAT HOUSE

ADVENTURE PARK

CIVIC CULTURE ENITY L OAOM K OUT

TOM LEE LOOKOUT

ATHLETIC FIELDS

PERFORMANCE SPACE

COBBLE GROVE

CIVIC TERRACE

BIKE / PED TRAIL

LEE LOOKOUT

ATHLETIC FIELDS

BOAT HOUSE

PERFORMANCE SPACE

Adventure Park

PED BRIDGE

BOAT HOUSE

RE TOM LEE LOOKOUT

ATHLETIC FIELDS

CANOPY WALK

ADVENTURE PARK

ECO LEARNING

TOM LEE LOOKOUT

BOAT BASIN

ATHLETIC FIELDS

VIEW PORTALS

PED BRIDGE

BOAT HOUSE

PERFORMANCE SPACE

CIVIC CULTURE AMENITY

PERFORMANCE SPACE

COBBLE GROVE

TOM LEE LOOKOUT

LOOKOUT

COBBLE GROVE

VIEW PORTALS

PERFORMANCE SPACE

PAR

Pavilion

TOM LEE LOOKOUT

ATHLETIC FIELDS

ADVENTURE PARK

Eco Learning BIKE / PED TRAIL

ADVENTURE PARK

BOAT BASIN

CIVIC CULTURE AMENITY

Athletic Fields

KOUT

ECO LEARNING

BOAT HOUSE

PERFORMANCE SPACE

Performance Space

ADVENTURE PARK

BOAT HOUSE

CIVIC CULTURE AMENITY

CIVIC TERRACE

PERFORMANCE SPACE

BIKE / PED TRAIL

OBBLE GROVE

ATHLETIC FIELDS

Riverside Gateway

BOAT HOUSE

CIVIC CULTURE AMENITY

BOAT HOUSE

TOM LEE LOOKOUT

BIKE / PED TRAIL

CANOPY WALK

COBBLE GROVE

PED BRIDGE

ADVENTURE PARK

PERFORMANCE SPACE

LOOKOUT

PED BRIDGE

BIKE / PED TRAIL

VIEW PORTALS

TOM LEE LOOKOUT

CIVIC CULTURE AMENITY

CIVIC CULTURE A M E N I T YB O A T H O U S E

VIEW PORTALS

CIVIC TERRACE

BOAT BASIN

ADVENTURE PARK

LOOKOUT PED BRIDGE

ECO LEARNING

CIVIC TERRACE

BOAT HOUSE

Civic Cultural Anchor

E / PED TRAIL

COBBLE GROVE

TRI

KOUT

CIVIC TERRACE

COBBLE GROV

CIVIC CULTURE AMENITY

CANOPY WALK

CIVIC CULTURE AMENITY

PERFORMANCE SPACE

CIVIC TERRACE

ADVENTURE PARK

TOM LEE LOOKOUT

ATHLETIC FIELDS

PERFORMANCE SPACE

ADVENTURE PARK

TOM LEE LOOKOUT

ATHLETIC FIELDS

PERFORMANCE SPACE

BOAT HOUSE

DE LOOKOUT

PED BRIDGE

CANOPY WALK

ECO LEARNING

BOAT BASIN

VIEW PORTALS

BOAT BASIN

PED BRIDGE

VIEW PORTALS

PED BRIDGE

BOAT HOUSE

BIKE / PED TRAIL

CANOPY WALK

ECO LEARNING

BOAT HOUSE

BOAT BASIN

VIEW PORTALS

PED BRIDGE

CIVIC CULTURE AMENITY

BIKE / PED TRAIL

ATHLETIC FIELDS

COBBLE GROVE

MUD ISLAND

LOOKOUT

CIVIC TERRACE

ADVENTURE PARK

LOOKOUT

TOM LEE LOOKOUT

ATHLETIC FIELDS

CANOPY WALK

ECO LEARNING

BOAT BASIN

VIEW PORTALS

PED BRIDGE

BOAT HOUSE

PED BRIDGE

BOAT HOUSE

PERFORMANCE SPACE

LOOKOUT

LOOKOUT COBBLE GROVE

C ACNOO B P YB L W AEL KG R O V E

LOOKOUT

CIVIC TERRACE

E C O L E A RCNI IN VGI C

CANOPY WALK

T E R BROAACT EB A S I N

ECO LEARNING

ADVENTURE PARK

CANOPY WALK

TOM LEE LOOKOUT

A D VVEI ENWT UP ORRET VAILPESWA RP OKR T A L S

BOAT BASIN

ATHLETIC FIELDS

P E DT B ORMI D GLEE E

O ATT L O O K OB U

PED BRIDGE

ECO LEARNING

BOAT BASIN

CANOPY WALK

BU TLE

CIVIC CULTURE AMENITY

LOOKOUT

ATHLETIC FIELDS

CIVIC TERRACE

BOAT BASIN

VIEW PORTALS

PED BRIDGE

BOAT HOUSE

VIEW PORTALS

ECO LEARNING

BIKE / PED TRAIL

LOOKOUT

CANOPY WALK

BOAT BASIN

VIEW PORTALS

/ PED TRAIL

ECO LEARNING

VIEW PORTALS

ECO LEARNING

AMENITY

ADVENTURE PARK

TOM LEE LOOKOUT

BIKE / PED TRAIL

ATHLETIC FIELDS

ATHLETIC FIELDS CIVIC CULTURE AMENITY

CIVIC CULTURE AMENITY VIEW

BOAT HOUSE

CANOPY WALK

ECO LEARNING

BOAT BASIN

PED BRIDGE

BIKE / PED T VRIAEI LW

BOAT HOUSE CANOPY WALK

P O RCTIAV ILCS C U L T U R E AMENITY

ECO LEARNING

C OP BEBDL EB RGIRDOGVEE

PERFORMANCE SPACE

BOAT BASIN

C IBVOIACT T HE OR U RS AE CE

COBBLE GROVE ADVENTURE PARK

LOOKOUT

CIVIC TERRACE CANOPY WALK

CIVIC TERRACE

A D V E N TBUI RK EE /P AP ERDK T R A I L T O M CLIEV IEC LCOU O L TKUORUE T

ATHLETIC FIELDS

AMENITY

HUL

COBBLE GROVE

CIVIC TERRACE

ING

COBBLE GROVE

CIVIC TERRACE

ADVENTURE PARK

TOM LEE LOOKOUT

CIVIC TERRACE

ATHLETIC FIELDS

COBBLE GROVE

PORTALS

PED BRIDGE

BOAT HOUSE

L O O K O UVTI E W P O R T A L S

FOURTH BLUFF

C A N O P Y PWEADL KB R I D G E

ADVENTURE PARK

E C O L EBAORANTI NHGO U S E

TOM LEE LOOKOUT

ADVENTURE PARK ECO LEARNING

BOAT BASIN

VIEW PORTALS

ATHLETIC FIELDS

TOM LEE LOOKOUT

BOAT BASIN

PED BRIDGE

BOAT HOUSE

PERFORMANCE SPACE

ATHLETIC FIELDS

VIEW PORTALS

ADVENTURE PARK

BIKE / PED TRAIL

TOM LEE LOOKOUT

ATHLETIC FIELDS

PERFORMANCE SPACE

BOAT HOUSE

CIVIC TERRACE

ADVENTURE PARK

COBBLE GROVE

ADVENTURE PARK

TOM LEE LOOKOUT

B IPKEER F / OPREMDA T NRCAEI L S P A C EC I V I C C U L T U R E AMENITY ATHLETIC FIELDS

PERFORMANCE SPACE

MAIN

CIVIC CULTURE AMENITY

PERFORMANCE SPACE COBBLE GROVE

CIVIC TERRACE

TOM LEE LOOKOUT

PERFORMANCE SPACE

CIVIC CULTURE AMENITY

ADVENTURE PARK

CIVIC CULTURE AMENITY

BOAT HOUSE

PERFORMANCE SPACE

COBBLE GROVE

BIKE / PED TRAIL

VIEW PORTALS

CIVIC CULTURE AMENITY

BOAT BASIN

C A N OC IPVYI C W CAULLKT U R E

PED BRIDGE

BOAT BASIN

CIVIC CULTURE AMENITY

BIKE / PED TRAIL

PED BRIDGE

LOOKOUT

L O O K O UBTI K E

ECO LEARNING

PERFORMANCE SPACE

LOOKOUT

R CIVIC TERRACE

CANOPY WALK

CIVIC CULTURE AMENITY

Civil Rights History Loop

COBBLE GROVE

ECO LEARNING

PERFORMANCE SPACE

HOUSE

BOAT HOUSE

BIKE / PED TRAIL

CANOPY WALK

CIVIC CULTURE AMENITY

PERFORMANCE SPACE

BIKE / PED TRAIL

CANOPY WALK

ECO LEARN

BOAT HOUSE

BOAT BASIN

VIEW PORTALS

PED BRIDGE

BOAT HOUSE

BIKE / PED TRAIL CIVIC CULTURE AMENITY

CIVIC CULTURE AMENITY

CIVIC TERRACE

ADVENTURE PARK

TOM LEE LOOKOUT

ATHLETIC FIELDS

PERFORMANCE SPACE

BOAT HOUSE

TOM LEE PARK

CIVIC CULTURE AMENITY

BIKE / PED TRAIL

PED BRIDGE

ECO LEARNING

CIVIC CULTURE AMENITY

COBBLE GROVE

AIL

VIEW PORTALS

CANOPY WALK

BIKE / PED TRAIL

LOOKOUT

BOAT BASIN

IDG

CANOPY WALK

ECO LEARNING

GREENBELT PARK

BOAT HOUSE

LOOKOUT

CANOPY WALK

LOOKOUT

PERFORMANCE SPACE

ORTALS

LOOKOUT

ATHLETIC FIELDS

SECOND

T O M L E E L O O K O U CT O B B L E G RAOTVHEL E T I C F ICEILVDISC T E R R A C E P E R F O R M A AD NV CE ENT SU PR AE CEPARK

CIVIC TERRACE

PERFORMANCE SPACE

ADVENTURE PARK

TOM LEE LOOKOUT

ATHLETIC FIELDS

TOM LEE LOOKOUT

PERFORMANCE SPACE

ATHLETIC FIELDS

PERFORMANCE SPACE

CIVIC TERRACE

ADVENTURE PARK

TOM LEE LOOKOUT

ATHLETIC FIELDS

PERFORMANCE SPACE

CIVIC TERRACE

ADVENTURE PARK

TOM LEE LOOKOUT

ATHLETIC FIELDS

COBBLE GROVE

PERFORMANCE SPACE

CIVIC TERRACE

ADVENT

MLK BEA LE

M Fourth Bluff

Located at the threshold between downtown and the new boardwalk path at the river’s edge. At the north, oderate Investment Projects Long-Term Large Investment Proj Mississippi, the Fourth Bluff’s riverfront presents a this path can connect with a modified pedestrian bridge ompleted in 2 opportunity to 5 years Canbeyond, be completed tremendous to leverage the area's growing to Mud Island and the trails as well as a in new5 or more year and investment through placemaking. boathouse at Mississippi River Park kayaks andup ($$$) to $5opportunities million ($$) $5 where million and Its disparate pieces can be woven together with new other watercraft can be rented and stored. At the south, connections, public amenities, and cultural and commerthe path can extend to Beale Street Landing and along cial hot spots to become a unified destination overlooking the length of Tom Lee Park. the river—a vibrant Civic Terrace serving as Memphis’ As this network of paths and the soft Cobble front door, which welcomes and appeals to all. Grove canopy grows along the riverbank, a series of Creating this singular Civic Terrace can begin interventions at the top of the bluff can transform the at the Cobblestone Landing. To bring shade and softness blocks between Jefferson and Beale into one distinct to this historic hardscape, a variety of native trees and destination—a vibrant public Bluff Walk with new cultural ild a lookout tower canopy give over Build that frame Sculpt landforms that c shrubs canatbethe planted Create acrossa the sitewalk thattogrow assets and dining andjetty retailpaths amenities. Removing the nfluence of the Wolf River people a unique way to view the views of bridges, sunsets, natural river sediment fl into aPark($$) lush grove. Their parking garage at Monroe Front nway andtime Greenbelt park, planting river, andcan citytake ($$)place as and the and river ($$$)and the fire station over time create a native that requires little main a citywide event in which residents from each Memphis headquarters at Union and Front can open up an amazing ($$$) neighborhood plant one tree on the cobbles and plant Mississippi River vista and create space for an iconic its twin in their own neighborhood. Forming a living new cultural anchor set in a green landscape. This new connection between the riverfront and the city’s diverse amenity can include a restaurant with live music that communities, the trees can be planted in coordination opens to the outdoors in good weather, spilling activity with the US Army Corps of Engineers’ Cobblestone onto a surrounding sculpture garden that draws people Landing restoration project to expand on its improvements. to the edge of the bluff for framed views of the river. Importantly,heart the final this intervention must At Wagner a pop-up the overlooked of form the of riverfront “The be Fourth Bluff becoming a Place, vibrant placemarket with food decided upon through continued conversation with the trucks and other vendors can over inge between the riverfront and the will lead to greater exploration of the time transform into Tennessee State Historic Preservation Office and others a permanent marketand space where a variety of public Before: riverfront After: owntown.” and more economic residential to respect the site’s National Register designation. and private events can take place under its iconic canopy activity in this area.”CIVIC TERRACE DISCONNECTED Taking Riverside Drive from four to two lanes can structures. Its success can spur development across the ETTA uild small-scale Work path to bring the U of M above the Form Harbor Islands that Invite the Memphis Constru allow forpavilions a wider pedestrian and bikeway street that includes lively ground-level retail.Zoo to create a BLOCKS llow FUHRMANN provide a place for hat frame views and can be Ecological Resource Center toMARIA a new home on Mud Island rese Grove($$) that incorporates and other plantings. improvedapedestrian connec-($$$) sed for Cobble many purposes new home ontrees Mud Island ($$$) kayakers A tostring corralof ($$$) Mississippi bridge River Aquarium an Ec Cities Practice Grants and Partnerships Adding a new access point between this path and the tions, plantings, and comfortable places to sit help tie undation City of Memphis Cobblestones at Union Avenue expanding the existing these new amenities with those of the Civic “Theand reimagining of civic spaces and pathways together “Please consider a ‘Fun for Fathers’ event that through Downtown Memphis has been a great offers a creating safe space for dads to doloop art, of games, access at Monroe will improve circulation between both Commons, a vibrant opportunities that demonstration of pop-up activation and etc. with their kids. Lots of dads want to spend levels, allowing walkers andcreative runners easy access to a pulls people between the river and downtown. placemaking centered on civic assets quality time with their kids. The Riverfront

An uninviting hardscape and scattered green spaces become a unified Civic Terrace: a shady grove, planted by the community, and a vibrant public Bluff Walk woven with new places to eat, shop, play, and enjoy river views

in Downtown."

would be a great venue for that.”

JOHN PAUL SHAFFER Executive Director BLDG Memphis

ANONYMOUS SURVEY RESPONDENT

ng people to the water Plant Cobble building 1 a boathouse d dock at Missisippi Grove River Park ($$)with planters Starting

Remove the parking garage at Testconvert and Build Monroe Avenue to Wagner 2 and a green landscape ($$) Place Market

on top of the cobbles, grow a lush urban grove that can bring shade and beauty to the hardscape.

Construct Adventure Park with playground, skate park, and rock wall ($$)

Test Wagner Place’s potential as a lively market space with a pop-up market. Then, working closely with AutoZone, transform the area into a linear park with iconic market canopy structures near Beale.

Build pavilion at river’s edge and anchor the Civil Rights History Trail ($$$)

Build iconic cultural Convert amenity on Parking former Monroe Avenue parking to Cultural Asset garage ($$$) Replace thesite parking garage

at Monroe and Front with a new cultural amenity that can anchor the corner and spill activity outdoors.

Construct kinetic boardwalk ($$$)

Wolf River Boathouse

Extend the Bluff Walk from Front Street Jefferson to Union ($$$) 4 Develop

Corners Activate key intersections along Front Street with mixed-used commercial and public green spaces.

Carve into the bluff to form terraced edges and overlooks ($$$)

Riverside Lookout Cobble Grove

Two-Lane Riverside Drive

Develop Front St extendin corridor

Sha creat p

Jefferson

4 Civic Commons

Court Square

Madison

Second Street

Main Street

Front Street

Wolf River Boathouse

Cossitt Library Monroe

Cultural Amenity

Union

Cobble Grove

Bluff Walk

Wagner Place Market Trail Connection to Beale Street Landing

2 4 Beale

Front Street

Cultural Amenity Union Avenue Overlook

Union Avenue Section

Vibrant Heart of Memphis An activated Wolf River Harbor can link Mud Island and the Fourth Bluff with recreational activities, pedestrian connections, and rich ecology. From the outdoor adventures and learning opportunities on Mud Island, to the shade and respite of Cobble Grove, to rotating markets and festivals that can extend onto Riverside Drive, this vibrant heart of Memphis offers many layers of possibility.

Mud Island

As the Eco Hub’s partnerships are forming, Though home to cultural assets, Mud Island has long Mud Island’s ecological transformation can begin right gone underused and underdeveloped. But with its unique away by creating programmed campsites and learning position—immersed in the Mississippi yet alongside areas at the Island’s southern end where Memphians downtown and its anchor institutions, including the of all ages can enjoy nature without leaving the city. University of Memphis Law School—this peninsula has Planting the peninsula with trees, grasses, and other the potential to become a leading 21st-century center native vegetation able to withstand high water will create for freshwater science and eco-industry. attractive habitat for wildlife and enhance its potential The Island’s amazing existing model of the as an outdoor recreation destination—all while reducing Mississippi River can become the seed from which an maintenance. exciting, peninsula-wide learning and discovery To open up access and further increase use, environment can grow. Its new anchor is envisioned to be adding a new loop path, converting the monorail to a an Eco Hub where Memphis’ leading scientific institutions such as the U of M (specifically, its Ecological Research pedestrian bridge open year-round, and creating a new connection to Beale Street Landing (e.g. a pontoon Center) and the Memphis Zoo can partner to run a center bridge) will strongly tie these new amenities into downdevoted to hands-on river science studies. Leveraging and town and the rest of the riverfront system. Integrating expanding their educational, conservation, and research interpretive signage into the loop path, as well as capacities, this Hub could also attract industry investment aimed at developing freshwater-focused innovations. two small pavilions and an “astronomy cone” that frame special views of the river, city, and sky, extend the Island’s The Eco Hub’s program could also extend to educational mission. include a one-of-a-kind public magnet school. With a Bringing together key institutions, youth and curriculum centered on river science and technology, this higher education, interpretive visitor programming, school would give youth unique intellectual and technical recreation, and research and development activities, training in this growing field—much like the well-known eco-focused Mud Island canriverfront position Memphis Harbor School on New York City’s Governors Island or the After: d Island is an interesting part of the Before: “What Ianreally love about the is to be a key player in the growing green economy. Public Museum School in Grand Rapids, Michigan. SIDELINED HUB natural with trees and ntown area because it feels so far removed that it is stillECO fairly m the rest of the city, but feels like a AMENITY grasses. You can walk right down to the edge. d place to escape from the rest of the city.” …It feels like a wild space.”

A hard-to-access peninsula with dispersed cultural assets becomes a connected Eco Hub where freshwater science education and innovation thrive through institutional partnerships

“We should optimize the incredible western sunset view and maintain spaces that are free and open to the public so that all Memphians can experience this space.”

HEL KNOX gram Associate ovate Memphis

“Just connect the paths, parks, public

we already have. Respect our history ANONYMOUS spaces SURVEY RESPONDENT and our beautiful views and plant some trees.” ANONYMOUS SURVEY RESPONDENT

LAUREN TAYLOR Program Director for Livable Communities Hyde Family Foundations

Create Campsites and Learning Areas Set up areas for camping and learning programs for all ages that offer a new way of engaging with the river and city.

Build Pavilions and Astronomy Cones Construct small-scale, signature structures that frame views of the river, city, and night sky—providing great photo opportunities and educational moments.

Bring in the Civic Partners Start with activities and programs led by civic institutions—expanding the Island’s uses, research opportunities, and public engagement—to pave the way for buildings to follow.

Eco Hub

Mud Island Adventure Cove

Build Eco Hub with U of M Partner with the Ecological Research Center at the U of M to expand its downtown satellite campus, positioning a freshwater science program directly on the Mississippi.

to De So e View Bridg

Eco Hub Education Campus

kout

t Loo Sunse

4 City

Rehabbed Monorail Bridge with Pedestrian Path View

Kayak Corral Islands Mississippi River Model Astronomy View Cone

2 Earth Pavilion

1 River Pavilion

Mud Island River Campsite

Trail Connection to Beale Street Landing Commercial Development

Mud Island Ped Bridge

Wolf River Boathouse

Mississippi River Park

Two-Lane Riverside Drive

Front Street Wolf River Harbor Section

Eco Hub A variety of new plantings and structures that amplify Mud Island’s river ecology can help transform the peninsula into an active place offering a diverse array of opportunities for learning, teaching, research, gathering, and simply enjoying the outdoors.

Tom Lee Park

The park commemorates one of Memphis’ At present, Tom Lee Park’s remarkable expanse of open best-known African-Americans. Making simple changes space along the Mississippi River is flat and almost bare, to the streetscapes of Huling and Butler Avenues (such reflecting its most well-known use as a month-long fairgrounds. Reimagining the park with year-round public as adding signage, planting trees, or painting sidewalks) use as its primary purpose, rather than an afterthought, can create a powerful “Civil Rights History Loop” that connects the park with the National Civil Rights Museum. reveals the potential of this space as a vibrant landscape Pulling visitors between the city and riverfront, and offering memorable riverfront experiences for everyone. thereby increasing the use of both spaces as well as The park’s evolution from “mono” to “multi” potential tourism revenue, this Loop can also become an can begin by softening its river edge with trees and other native plantings, and weaving in comfortable places to everyday affirmation for the local community of AfricanAmericans’ contributions to Memphis and the world. sit and relax that span the park’s length. Allowing people The Loop extends all the way to the Mississippi, to get closer to the water, this respite edge also provides much-needed shade to help park users stay cool during as Huling and Butler transform into pedestrian paths Memphis’ many hot months. Just south of Beale Street that terminate at two signature pavilions that jut out over Landing, an exciting adventure park can mark the start of the water. Gracious and shaded, they provide a special space for taking photos, watching the water go by, or Tom Lee. With a skate park, iconic playground, and rock enjoying the sunset. They can also be rented for a range climbing wall, it provides a multi-generational place to play and an energetic magnet pulling people from Beale of special events, from weddings and professional Street to the riverfront. mixers to picnics, birthdays, and family reunions. The two pavilions are linked to one another—completing Reducing Riverside Drive from four to two lanes the Loop—by the central portion of a kinetic boardwalk (with parallel parking on the west side) maintains easy thataruns along the park’s full length. Rising and falling drivers while Memphis’ allowing a portion “The of Tomriver has uld bepark theaccess crownfor jewel along peaceful and calming effect Lee’s current parking lot to become a green Civic Meadow with the changing level of the Mississippi, this new path iverfront, instead it’s a grassy field after a long day at work. Just to sit and showcases the river’s natural rhythms and perfect for flying kites or playing catch. The Meadow’s t civic ambition.” watch the sun set or logs float down the river connects with you Ashburn-Coppock Park and southern end morphs into a more forested landscape of can slow yourBeale paceStreet downLanding and give peace.” the pedestrian bridge over Riverside Drive. gentle hills whose constructed topography creates shaded ER pockets for picnicking and relaxing. Further south, new Before: After: and Pedestrian Program Manager ANONYMOUS SURVEY RESPONDENT athletic fields can be used by sports teams of all ages. MONO FIELD VIBRANT TERRAIN Memphis

A flat field becomes a dynamic Vibrant Terrain where new topography shapes many exciting recreational opportunities and offers multiple ways to enjoy the Mississippi

“The park provides a great vista for citizens and visitors to review and enjoy the river.”

"Tom Lee Park is a pretty big space, and it’s mostly empty. Better and easier connections for pedestrians are a must. More outdoor activities would be nice, too."

JIM HOLT President & CEO Memphis in May International Festival

ANONYMOUS SURVEY RESPONDENT

Plant a Shaded Respite Edge Soften and ecologically enrich the edge of Tom Lee Park with native plantings and shady groves, which also provide shade during hot summer months.

Build Adventure Park Bring exciting activity to Tom Lee and help activate Beale Street Landing by building an iconic playground, skate park, and rock climbing wall.

Build River Edge Pavilions Construct two signature pavilions at the river’s edge that accommodate a range of events, provide special views, and stake out a Civil Rights History Loop.

Rock Wall

Construct Kinetic Boardwalk Create a curving pedestrian path that extends out of the river and rises and falls with the height of the Mississippi.

Adventure Playground

Skate Park Tom Lee Lookout High Flood Level

Edge Trail Kinetic Boardwalk

Civic Meadow

Bike Trail

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Skate Park Playground

Adventure Park

2 ory Loop Civil Rights Hist

Rock Wall

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National Civil Rights Museum

Huling

Civic Meadow

Bluff Terrace

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Kinetic Boardwalk

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Sunset Point

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Picnic Pockets

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Sports Fields

Bluff Trail

Stormwater Wetland

Bluff Terrace Bluff Perch

Vegetated Slope Paid Parallel Parking

Two-Lane Riverside Drive

Speed Table Tom Lee Park to Bluff Section

Diverse Opportunities Year-Round A variety of new amenities, from an adventure playground to an elegant pavilion, would provide park users with many activity options in all seasons. Different types of trails would allow for different speeds of movement through the park, while areas of respite and shade encourage everyone to relax and take in the Mississippi.

Connecting downtown to a river experience can be uniquely impactful to the revitalization strategy and improvement of the downtown experience. This land was originally envisioned by Memphis’ founders as the city’s great Mississippi River overlook. This goal was revived in recent plans by Cooper Robertson & Partners.7 The Studio Gang proposal for a new Civic Terrace directly responds to the long-held desire to have an experience of the majestic Mississippi River while you are still in the downtown proper and acknowledges the unique topographical barriers that exist as one moves closer to the riverfront. The Civic Terrace would create a new river-oriented linear public place, a new “front door” that connects Memphis’ strongest assets—the river and its downtown.

new investment in enhanced public realm improvements, including streetscape, lighting and wayfinding improvements. Signature parks and public spaces can help redefine a neighborhood. Houston’s Discovery Green converted a series of parking lots on the edge of Downtown Houston into a new destination park. Since opening in 2008, the project has helped to catalyze $625 million in downtown development including office, residential, and hotel projects (including a new convention hotel)—with an estimated $1 billion in future mixed-use development planned. The park has helped to transform an entire district of former parking lots into a destination neighborhood—and has helped significantly increase convention revenue at the adjacent convention center.8

Proposed Civic Terrace (Adams Avenue through Union Avenue) The Cobble Grove and Bluff Walk form a unified destination tying together downtown and the river—including the Mud Island Eco Hub across the harbor.

5. Ibid. 6. Ibid. 7. Urban Land Institute, An Advisory Services Panel Report: Memphis Riverfront, Memphis, Tennessee (Washington, DC: 2003). 8. Discovery Green Conservancy, History of Discovery Green, http://www.discoverygreen.com/history-of-discovery-green.

14. Goodman Williams Group and URS Corporation, Millennium Park Economic Impact Study (prepared for City of Chicago Department of Planning and Development, April 21, 2005). 15. James Lima Planning + Development Analysis.

Proposed Civic Terrace (Gayoso Avenue through E. Pontotoc Avenue) Creating a critical "Beale to Beale" connection that links Beale Street and Beale Street Landing via new amenities, streetscape improvements, and development

Frankston Station Design

Station Precinct Design Competition Design Lead

Frankston has historically been a coastal retreat for Melbourne, with its pristine beaches and seaside activities. Over 100 years ago the railway line brought these weekend holidaymakers here. Today, as the city has grown, Frankston has become a town within the Melbourne metropolitan area, a hub for new employment in the Mornington Peninsula. We see an opportunity to transform the train line that has brought vacationers here for years into a destination in itself. The future of Frankston sees the station precinct as civic commons with community, residential, commercial and recreational activities that will enhance the surrounding community. Frankston is an important transportation

hub for the city of Melbourne, providing a direct connection to the Mornington Peninsula. In twenty years, the fast pace of technology will have changed the way train stations are used by commuters and rail operators. Rail design will need to respond to the expectations of future passengers, where smart and integrated mobility will be key for the success of any transportation hub. Station precincts will become more than utilitarian connection points. They will be civic assets for their surrounding communities. The new Frankston Station blurs its boundaries to coexist within this future urban fabric, generating a model for other stations within the network.