Danville report1 2016

Re-envisioning Danville Downtown Riverfront School of Architecture Department of Landscape Architecture Department of Urban and Regional Planning College of Fine + Applied Arts University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign

Contents Mayor’s Note............................................................................................................................

Introduction................................................................................................................................

Natural Heritage.......................................................................................................................

Built Heritage............................................................................................................................

Urban Cartographies................................................................................................................

Sensory Experience.................................................................................................................

Mental Maps............................................................................................................................

1 2 5 7 9 12 14

Planning Streams.....................................................................................................................

Stream 1: Existing Users...........................................................................................................

Stream 2: Future Local Users....................................................................................................

Stream 3: Future Regional Users.............................................................................................

15 16 17 18

Vermilion Riverfront Park.........................................................................................................

Regional Ecologies..................................................................................................................

Urban Ecologies......................................................................................................................

Ha(BAT)at................................................................................................................................

Water........................................................................................................................................

Vegetation..................................................................................................................................

Sun...........................................................................................................................................

Wind.........................................................................................................................................

Sight..........................................................................................................................................

Sound.......................................................................................................................................

Movement......................................................................................................................................

Touch........................................................................................................................................

19 21 25 29 33 35 37 39 41 43 45 47

Urban Projects: Downtown + Riverfront.................................................................................

Manipulating Landscape...........................................................................................................

Wrapping Volumes...................................................................................................................

Redefining the Edge................................................................................................................

Bridging Barriers.......................................................................................................................

Interlacing Urban Conditions...................................................................................................

Urban Stitching........................................................................................................................

Filtering Green..........................................................................................................................

Reclaiming Density..................................................................................................................

49 51 53 57 59 63 65 67 71

Acknowledgements.................................................................................................................. 74

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Introduction The City of Danville grew up along its river but in recent decades that river has become less and less a part of Danville’s identity and the community has grown more disconnected from the riverfront. Today, the river itself is mostly inaccessible and the riverfront is vastly underutilized. The City of Danville and its community partners have worked diligently for more than thirty years to develop and implement a successful revitalization strategy for Downtown, yet the adjoining riverfront is barely used. The public value of this cherished resource has long been recognized, but the City has struggled to use this resource due to limited access and lack of planning. The Downtown Riverfront Focus Area is centrally located. The site is city owned and most of it is in the hundred-year flood plain. Connectivity across the site and adjacent properties is limited as is public access.

When the City of Danville approached the University of Illinois for revitalizing downtown by developing the Vermilion Riverfront Park, it was recognized that a multi-disciplinary effort was required with input from planning, landscape architecture, and architecture.

Student teams from three units—School of Architecture, Department of Landscape Architecture, and Department of Urban and Regional Planning---collaborated in Fall 2015 in collecting data, going on a field trip to observe the sites first hand, working with the community in a daylong charrette, reviewing design proposals on the drawing board, and exhibiting them in downtown Danville. They analyzed historic photographs and maps, GIS data, and Google earth images, studied environmental reports on Vermilion County and previous master plans of Danville downtown, and attended lectures on historic preservation of downtown buildings and health issues in low-income communities. Community input was sought through an online survey, ethnographic interviews, and participatory design exercises during the charrette held in Danville.

Vermilion Street

Main Street

Vermilion River

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It was apparent that Danville residents believed that the new riverfront park would play an important role in refurbishing the image of downtown. Design proposals in this project are grounded speculations in re-envisioning downtown and riverfront as a cohesive and vibrant landscape connected by walking and bike paths, activated by imaginative programming for social events, and supported by economic investment.

Vermilion Riverfront Park linked with other nature preserves and state parks through greenways will situate Danville as a ‘city in nature’ and will reclaim landscapes scarred by mining and other industrial activities. The Riverfront Park, new infill development, and adaptive reuse of historic buildings in downtown should be a catalyst in reversing Danville’s economic decline., and will contribute to an improved quality of life for the City’s residents. Benefits from this Downtown Riverfront development will include increased park and other public spaces while also providing health and wellness benefits to the community. The project will help to reenergize the Downtown and make it a destination. It will spur additional development near the riverfront and around the downtown and improve the image of Danville. Possible funding for realizing the preferred Downtown Riverfront vision will likely come from a combination of sources including Tax Increment Financing District funds and other local Tax Revenues, as well as State and Federal grant opportunities.

Field Trip to Danville - Aug 28, 2015

Charrette with Danville Community - Sep 19, 2015

Exhibition in Danville Downtown - Dec 9, 2015

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Natural Heritage Vermilion River is salient in the environmental history of Danville and its surroundings. Wildlife in the river basin brought the Miami, Kickapoo, and Pottwatomie tribes of Algonquin Indians to this region.

Danville was founded at the confluence of River and it tributary, North Fork, in 1827 by European settlers who were attracted by the abundance of lumber and salt deposits. When the Wisconsin Glacier receded 13,000 years ago, the glacial till was perfect for prairie and woodland and later high yield farming.

The pre-settlement native vegetation was tall grass prairie with groves along watercourses and on moraine ridges. With the draining of swampy land over time and timber harvesting, agriculture dominated the land cover. Forest preserves and park on the North Fork Vermilion River were established beginning in the 1900s for conservation of tall grass and wetland prairie, marshes, and woodland. Mapping of the river hydrology reveals that the northeast part of the site is the deposition area while the southern part is more likely to be eroded. The northern bank consists of high bluffs forming a natural barrier to the city. Mapping the 100 and 500-year flood plain shows that that the southern bank changes seasonally with the flooding of the river. Danville and Ellsworth Dams built in early 20th century have modified the ecology of the river. Danville Dam was built for water supply and by 1970s was being used by General Motors Corporation for its industrial operations. With the closing of General Motors the dam is not serving any purpose, its abutments are heavily eroded, and it has reduced diversity in fish species.

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BUILT HERITAGE | DANVILLE, ILLINOIS TRACES OF GROWTH AND DECLINE | FRINGE DEVELOPMENT

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LLINOIS TRACES OF GROWTH AND DECLINE | LA 537 FALL 2015 | KRISTY GRANT ATI T !

Built Heritage Vermilion River and Stony Creek formed the southern and eastern boundaries of Danville when it was first settled.

The city grew northwards and beginning 1940 in 1950s it expanded across the creek and towards 1900 1940 the south, making Vermilion River less of a boundary BandLmore I Cof a seam.

S QThe U small A Rpopulation E of 503 residents when Danville was founded reached 40,000 by mid-twentieth century. The population growth was in part due to coal mining industry that began in 1860s.

When coal mining ceased, manufacturing became the major industry. With industrial decline, population dwindled to 33,000 by 2014. Abandoned coal mining strips were converted into lakes in Kickapoo State Recreation Area and Kennekuk Cove County Park. DanN ville’s main public square was located at the junction of Vermilion and Main Streets. Civic buildings such as Vermilion County Courthouse and Breese Tower, the tallest structure in Vermilion County enclosed it on northeast and northwest corners respectively. The squares metamorphosed into a traffic roundabout and by 1980s buildings on its southeast corner were torn down for a suburban style strip mall built around a parking lot. Many hotels and banks built between 1930s and 1950s in times of economic prosperity are now lying vacant. The timeline collage shows population decline, unemployment, and housing vacancy over time. Downtown Danville has the highest concentration of vacant buildings and abandoned lots.

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EXISTING STRUCTURES

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EXISTING PUBLIC SPACE

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Forgotten Danville

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Urban Cartographies Throughout the semester students in the architecture studio were asked to observe, analyze and map the existing conditions –weaknesses and potentials- of Danville, its downtown and the proposed redevelopment area.

Using personal experience from a site visit and data provided by the urban planning team, students paired off and developed urban cartographies, which graphically highlighted different aspects of the city and different physical and atmospheric characteristics of the site. Through selective mapping and representation, the cartographies exposed qualities of Danville’s urban fabric ranging from concrete and quantifiable aspects such as building use, location and quantity of green space, identification of landmarks, façade types, and change in building density over time, to more abstract maps focusing on pedestrian comfort, perception of safety, relationship between built and green, intensity of activity, barriers, boundaries and continuities, etc.

Forgotten Danville (1914-2015) maps what used to be and what remains, and dramatically shows the loss of density and memory through time, as well as the change in scale of built and open space in the city fabric.

Mapping walkability shows the quality of the pedestrian connections taking into account factors of comfort such as sidewalk width, proximity to traffic and noise, shade (awnings and trees) and nearby green space.

Fragmented fabric: density and fronts points out the lack of density and land use showing the amount of parking lots with impermeable surfaces in grey in Danville’s car-dominated environment and indicating active fronts in opposition to inactive ones and urban backs.

Streetscapes highlights the differences between Vermillion Street and Main Street in terms of front continuity, building grain, rhythm of the activity and human scale.

engaging facade

non-engaging facade

building importance pedestrian friendly

Mapping Walkability

unfriendly

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Commercial Retail Commercial Service Restaurant/Entertainment Single-family Residential Multi-family Residential Office Public/Semi-public Industrial

Fragmented fabric: density and fronts

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Vermilion Street (East)

Vermilion Street (West)

Main Street (North)

Streetscapes

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Kineasthetic

Enclosure

Openness

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Sensory EnclosureExperience Openness Among the senses, sight is the most privileged but also the most distancing way of knowing the landscape. Sight when combined with other sensory input reveals the somatic aspect of landscape experience. A tall green ‘wall’ of trees, shrubs, and weeds blocks the view of Vermilion River from downtown. A few abandoned buildings on the northern part will be demolished in the near future. The sense of enclosure as one enters the site gives way to openness as one comes closer to the river. Sounds of cicada, birds, and water dominate the riparian zone of southern bank as the city is completely shut out except for traffic noise on the bridge. Views to and from the Vermilion River in framed, panoramic, and terminal vistas, sequential views in movement, kinaesthetic and haptic experiences in the landscape, enclosure and openness, constriction and expansiveness, lightness and heaviness, are mapped in diagrams and collages. How sounds are amplified and attenuated and their pitch, loudness, and frequency are recorded for mapping acoustic space on the riverfront. Sensory input is mapped at nine places on two paths on the north and south banks of the riverfront. Fourteen respondents were asked to rank vision, haptic, acoustic, and kinesthetic experience on a scale from (most liked) to 1 (least liked). Point 9 close to the river with its natural sounds, panoramic view, and proximity to water received the highest score. Point 1 with traffic noise, absence of greenery and sense of desolation near the parking lot received the lowest score.

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Enclosure Enclosure

Openness

Enclosure

Openness

Openness

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Mental Maps Residents were asked to draw a map of Danville or draw on an existing base map places important to them and were interviewed about their perception of the riverfront. Their individual mental maps (12) were combined into a composite map. Streets were drawn the most with Gilbert Street appearing on five maps, Vermilion Street in four, and Main Street in three. Together with railroad and river they were edges in addition to being paths. Library, courthouse, County Market, Walmart, and Lake Vermilion appeared in one to three maps as landmarks (Kuhn Lee, Haoyang Lee, and Rose Schmillen, “Danville as Territory�, unpublished study, LA 470 2015). In interviews residents wanted historic buildings renovated and more small businesses in downtown. They wanted to be able to walk everywhere in downtown and more social events.

While storefront owners wanted the riverfront to be developed with hotels and casinos so that tourism would grow, residents felt that the riverfront should be a natural landscape where they can continue to fish, hunt mushrooms and birds, and train dogs. Residents pointed out that overgrown vegetation and absence of pathways inhibit use of the riverfront and wanted places to picnic, play, and relax with family and friends.

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Planning Streams Introduction: The focus of the planning process was the creation of a document that would help to guide the progress of development on Danville’s downtown riverfront site.

In addition to the public engagement events held, the planning team worked to gather primary data from residents in the form of a community-wide survey, as well as secondary data about the existing conditions of the site. Based on data gathered, key planning issues and overarching development goals were established.

These focused on the critical issues that must be considered as part of any redevelopment project. Finally, based on the data and design work, three potential development “streams,” were established. Basic implementation information, like estimated costs and phasing were included for each stream.

Data Collection & Analysis: In addition to public input gathered during the community engagement events, data was gathered and analyzed to support the community’s desires/needs, and provide additional direction for the establishment of planning goals and potential redevelopment possibilities. This data collection included: •An investigation of the historical context of the area •A review of past plans that relate to the redevelopment of the downtown riverfront •An examination socio-economic information, like household income, population, etc.

•A basic study of current economic conditions •A review of current zoning regulations, land use plans and development patterns in site and surrounding areas of the city •An examination of existing transportation networks and infrastructure, for all modes.

•And a discussion of environmental considerations, like the preservation of natural areas and the impact of the floodplain on potential redevelopment.

Planning Issues & Overarching Goals: Based on this data collection process, some critical trends emerged, which needed to be addressed in the redevelopment of the site. The trends included the presence or lack of certain industries in the area, current issues with connectivity between the downtown and riverfront areas, and a general need for increased economic development. Following these trends, overarching goals were established to be met in the establishment of the potential redevelopment streams, or in detailed design plans in the future.

(Re)Development Streams: Based on the overarching goals established, three potential redevelopment schemes were developed.

In this case, these redevelopment possibilities were thought of as “streams,” because they were designed to be much like the tributaries or streams that lead to larger river- they are able to exist on their own and support development without other projects being completed, but will be more viable if they are able to occur sequentially, creating one larger, stronger redevelopment.

The streams have been framed based on the populations they are designed to attract- existing users, future local users, and future regional users. Each stream plan includes an overall vision for the stream; key desired design elements; a potential site plan; sample designs of the desired elements, created by the Architecture and Landscape Architecture students; potential phasing of the redevelopment; a basic cost assessment of design elements; and additional recommendations related to that stream.

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Stream 1: Existing Users Goals: Downtown

- Better meet the needs of existing users - Propose redevelopment of site as a public park that does not depend on significant investment - Lay the groundwork for market expansion and additional development in the future

Connecting the Downtown to the Riverfront

Parking lot Shared-use path

Overlooks

Pedestrian Bridges

Design elements in this stream would include:

Riverfront Trails Parking lot Picnic and Outdoor Classroom

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Legend Open Space River

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- Shared use path(s) - Walking Trails - Overlook(s) - 2 pedestrian bridges would be created, 1 just east of the existing Gilbert Street Bridge, and further downstream, in the vicinity of the existing dam.

- Picnic area along the south bank of the river - Classroom area along the south bank - Additional surface parking along the south side of Main St

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Stream 2: Future Local Users Goals: Downtown

- Attract additional local users to the downtown riverfront area - Establish the area as a recreational hub - Create opportunities for additional local economic development to lay the groundwork for further investment and development

Tower Structure

Connecting Ellsworth Park to the Riverfront

Design elements in this stream would include: - Tower structure - Riverwalk - Hiking, bike, and walking trails - Open Plaza connecting the existing Town Center and the riverfront

Connecting Towne Center to the Riverfront

Riverwalk

Riverfront Hiking/Biking/Walking trails (Extention)

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Stream 3: Future Regional Users Goals: - Attract new users for the area from the larger region and beyond - Expand the market to support larger scale development in the area

Downtown Development along Main St. Reconfigure Main & Gilbert intersection

Open Plaza Amphitheater

Facade & Landscape Improvement

Design elements in this stream would include:

Riverfront Legend

Welcome/Nature Center

Mixed-use Public/Institutional Commercial

ยกร 0 150 300

Open Space

- Expanded commercial and residential development along the north side of Main St - Amphitheater - Open Plaza on the south side of Main St - Arena faรงade improvement - Welcome/Nature Center - Connecting with larger regional trails system through Ellsworth Park

River

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Vermilion Riverfront Park The proposals for Vermilion Riverfront Park are grounded speculations in reimagining the relationship between city and nature where the landscape is experienced as a situated event celebrating natural rhythms and social activities. Instead of being an edge the riverfront as an active public space will be a seam uniting the downtown with the river. The north and south banks of the Vermilion Riverfront in Danville are envisaged as environmentally sustainable ecological niches where vegetal, avian, and mammalian species thrive. In this nature preserve, visitors will learn about the natural heritage of the Midwest and riverine systems through close observations of natural phenomenon and on site exhibits. Here sensual experience of nature is made possible through amplifying and augmenting what is already present. The river, woods and meadows will be experienced immersively and there would be places where heightening of senses and phenomenal engagement with nature and landscape is made possible through design interventions. There are eight proposals for the Riverfront Park each focusing on a natural element: sun, wind, water, and vegetation; and on each of the senses: sight, touch, sound, and movement. The riverfront park will be one of the diverse typology of public spaces in downtown Danville —mini- and vest-pocket parks, plazas, rain gardens, and community gardens—in a way that all are seamlessly connected to encourage pedestrian use.

Downtown streets are redesigned as linear greenlines, threading existing vest-pocket parks and vacant lots redesigned for social and ecological functions. Vermilion River and its tributaries are envisioned as part of the prairie river network and its restored ecology. Greenways with bike and walking trails will connect parks and nature preserves on the river and lakefronts. The region will be planned as a postindustrial landscape, reclaimed and recovered from industrial blight, where nature is healed.

Remains of the Bridge

Sedimentation on the River Bank

Vegetation on North Bank

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Mining History (1870-1990)

Regional Ecologies

Mining History (1870-1990)

The changes in land cover, the history of coal mining, farming and industrial, as well as the analysis of soil condition, led to the conclusion that the soil is fragile in the area where once had old coal mining, and may be also have polluted water from farming and industry. So we propose to construct the ecology along the VermilMining History (1870-1990) ion River through our regional plan. The master plan Geological Structures of Mining Area Mining History (1870-1990) shows green spaces, and the transportation system, including railroad, highway, and bike lanes. We plan buffer zone along the river, which is two times wider than the river bed, to prevent polluted water from flowing into the river directly, as well as to protect the land along the river area. Wetlands connect the river and green space, and restore the poor soil condition due to the coal mining. A prairie belt along the railroad is Geological Structures of Mining Area proposed. We propose a plant palette to remediate the History Mining (1870-1990) weak soil (based on pH value) and provide a habitat migration route for endangered species.

Mining Type Distri

4 Geological Structures of Mining Area Mining History (1870-1990)

Geological Structures of Mining Area

Mining Type Distrib

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Geological Structures of Mining Area

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PrOPOSEd HabiTaTS

Potennal stoping place for Bald eagle

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From the soil analysis we see that the soil along the river is in a poor condition: severe soil erosion, low water capacity and low quantity of organic matter, likely because of coal mining. The soil became fragile after mining and is badly in need of reclamation. In addition, the landfill area is lowest in water capacity and organic matter, which means that planting should be chosen carefully.Habitat First, for the remediation of soil, we choose plants which can tolerant eroded conditions. We found that along the riverside, the erosion situation is really severe, so we also select plants for erosion control.

Second, Habitat because our site include the flood plain of Vermilion River and Middle Fork Vermilion River, three floodable plants are chosen. We provide a food and habitat resource for wildlife, by choosing plants which produce abundant fruit or which have flowers that would attract pollinators.

Kayak

Fishing Deck

Fishing Deck

16 16 Bike Trails

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ACTIVITIES ACTIVITIES AND AND SPATIAL SPATIAL ANALYSIS ANALYSIS

URBAN ECOLOGIES

Seasonal Seasonal Events Events

Revitalizing Danville Downtown

In Danville downtown, there are many public spaces where events were held in different seasons and residents gather around them to have fun. The diagram on top shows diverseThrough Vermilion Street, and are many public investigation, nvestigation, we the categorize severalevents on site the one below illustrates where people gather.

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we categorize several l different pattern seasons (showed below) of thetypical spatial pattern (showed below) of the Through site investigation, categorize severalspaces typito havespaces fun. Take site. weMost of these are underused. So these are underused. cal spatial pattern ofSo the site. Most of these spaces are mple the diagram we propose some potential underused.

So we propose community gardens, play- features to transform ome ,potential features to transform grounds, rain-gardens art installations trans- into new one that can and pattern the diagram theandcurrent spatial to pattern atial intoform newtheone that can current spatial pattern into new ones that can her the need Petential Features Transportation various Transportation Control Control s activities whilesupport meeting the activities. needsupport various activities while meeting of residents' life. (showed on the right) e. (showed on the right) everal

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Trails guide users down to a new riverfront park, which features a multi-use trail connecting to Kickapoo State Park via an abandoned rail line. Turning former coal mine caves into habitats for endangered bats in the region reveals historic land patterns to be explored following the Vermilion River corridor. On south bank of Danville Riverfront Park, historic Ellsworth No. 1 Mine will be reopened for human exploration.

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INE Danville is Mre-envisioned as a high quality of life city attracting and retaining both residents and businessVERMILION RIVERFRO NT es with this project. Streetscaping elements installed downtown include bike lanes and bioswales, managing stormwater while offering a contemporary aesthetic. Traffic calmers and pedestrian crossings allow visitors to cross Main Street safely. A large outdoor civic plaza provides a central location to host farmers markets and other outdoor festivities. !

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Water The main feature of the Riverfront Park is a dynamic waterscape. This landscape contains a flood plain, which will be covered by water annually during the flood season. Instead of constructing wetlands, changes in topography cause the riverine ecology to develop spontaneously. Mounds and depressions alternate and are planted with vegetation to create habitats. Three glass pavilions are designed on the northern bank for vistas to the river. The wooden deck system enables people to experience the river during non-flood periods.

Boardwalks are designed to bring people to the wetlands and the river. This riverfront park is ecologically sustainable.

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Insect Garden Section

Living wall footbridge view

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Danville Land Cover Transformation

Qiu JIn, Qiran Zhang, Gulan Shi

Riverfront Green Coverage

Vegetation USGS anf google earth satellite maps show that since 1949 green cover has been increasing but in Vermillion county overall, wetlands, prairie and forests have decreased. Wetlands were drained between 1800 to 1860 to farm. Native trees and shrubs include sugar maple, american beech, viburnum, willows, dogwoods and winterberry.

The site of Riverfront Park is mostly covered by dense vegetation which make large areas inaccessible and break the visual connection between riverfront and downtown. Besides, the majority area of the park is in the frequent flood zone of the Vermillion River that has significant effect on the plants species and distribution. Aimed at providing interesting and plesurable sensory perception and to protect the ecological system, we propose removing part of the vegetation in certain area to create open space and enhance visual connectivity; improving the diversity of plants by adding plants attractive to beneficial insects which has the function of nature education and recreation; and purifying the urban runoff with phytofiltraion wetland.

The design aims to create ecologically sustainable riverfront for Danville with minimum intervention.

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Sun movement analysis Danville, IL time zone: UTC-06:00

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Sun Over more than a century in Danville, numerous settlers followed the footprints of their forefathers in complete darkness, exploring the rich inherited coal reserves with laborious efforts. The faint light of miner lamps tells us how people in Danville never stop pursuing a better life. Our main concept is the experience of sun shine and to amplify the warmth and lightness to recall people’s feeling in the mine shafts, thus educating visitors about the history. It is about past and future, brightness and darkness. The riverfront park is expected to improve social engagements, public safety, health, and promote tourism growth, which will revitalize Danville.

The circular installation is a metaphorical idea of the underground coal mines, as people walk through the passage during different time of the day, the sun movements will create different light spaces that mimic the same experience of coal miners. A mining memorial will be built to educate people about the geological facts and a sunburst path will mark the boundary of the historic coal mines.

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Wind In the riverfront park the experience of wind is amplified through designed installations. Wind has no specific figure or shape. People can feel it by skin directly or experience it through sight, sound or smell indirectly. Three installations are designed based on people’s indirect experiences of wind, including “opening wind–wall structure”, “fabric wind wall” and “bell wind wall”. The “opening wind-wall structure” refers to the movable doors on the walls of wind tunnel in similar texture. When the wind blows, the door in certain direction would open, bring people into a hidden garden. The fabric on “fabric wall” would move along with the wind, showing different textures. Bell on the “bell wind wall” would ring with the wind, noticing people the existence of wind. Visiting these three installations, people can see the movement and hear the sound caused by wind.

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Sight In order to enhance the visual experience, we use frames, pavilions and vegetation in the riverfront park.

Interesting views of the proposed amphitheater and the river will be framed through metallic squares mounted or hung. The pavilion has irregular shapes. Its surfaces reflect surroundings and enhance light effects. It is portable and can be combined with other units to form places such as fishing deck, stage and exhibition area.

Plants that have different heights and colors are selected to guide sightlines and will be planted along the boardwalk to form layered scenes.

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Sound Nature sounds are amplified through sound walls, sound slopes, echo walls and acoustic cones. Nature and meeting center will serve as an introduction point for those traveling along the river trail and will offer programming for children and adults while increasing community involvement with volunteer and stewardship opportunities. The boardwalk pathway is 6’ wide and runs from the nature center to the water’s edge and sound installation. Trails thoughout the site are 2-4’, narrowing to change movement, view and experience as one travels through the site. Pathways are enhanced with sand, gravel and mulch depending on relationship to the location and will connect to a suspension bridge at the north side of the site. Constructed pool and riffle sequence with rock weir will improve habitat diversity while the sound enhances environmental awareness. Invasive species will be cleared to allow the wet prairie to expand; beneficial plant material will be added to build biodiversity of insects, plants and birds.

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Movement In the early days of Danville, the southern bank of the river was left untouched. Although the arrival of railroads and bridges freed Danville from the bondage of river and canal, Main Street and Vermilion River remains edges for the urban fabric both physically and psychologically.

Our goal is to fuse existing structure of Main Street and Vermilion Riverfront through movement, remarrying Danville downtown with Vermilion River, and transforming the riverfront into an important public space.

The central feature of the riverfront landscape is a floating bridge, which opens up new connection to south Danville and attracts both residents and tourists by its resiliency to shifting water levels.

Our design offers a series of river-related spaces for recreation, and slows flood water through the downtown bio-swale system. It re-establishes lush riverside marshes by controlling movement of sediments, and breaks down visual barriers between the city and the river through a lookout tower, that also records the movement of sun. These design interventions will connect Main Street and Vermilion riverfront with the downtown.

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Touch The riverfront area south of downtown Danville is currently an underutilized space with great potential. Opportunities exist to rejuvenate and bring more activity to the downtown area. Through the use of multifunctional spaces, the people of Danville will experience an increase in opportunities to participate in new recreational, social, and educational events. Our specific design interventions will allow people to interact with the site through tactile experiences.

These opportunities include being able to safely touch the river, interact with nature of differing tactile qualities, experience the textures of various structures and engage in many other activities. Installations on the site include the artistic use of historic bricks in walls and seating areas, an outdoor climbing wall with a variety of rough and smooth textures, and an open air educational space where people of all ages can interact with a multitude of textures, both natural and man-made.

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The Riverfront Park in the design proposals is a dynamic and indeterminate landscape for immersive experience of nature. Sensory experience is augmented through design, for example pleasant natural sounds are amplified, sightlines are framed, tactile experiences are enhanced, wind is felt, seen, and heard, and the shifting pattern of sunlight is made the focus of attention in viewing towers and memorial to mining history of the site. The landscape is a situated event in these proposals revealing and amplifying natural processes for example the southern bank becomes a shifting landscape as the river recedes and floods.

Selective removal and replacement of plant species to attract birds, insects, and mammals promotes species diversity. The plant palette draws upon native species that thrive in the flood zone. The design proposals describe the emerging model of ecologically sustainable and resilient urban park. They are based upon a new paradigm for viewing nature that supersedes the utilitarian view guiding farming and industrialization. The picturesque model sought to control nature; the new resilient model works with natural processes.

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Urban Projects: Downtown + Riverfront Mapped as urban cartographies, the studies of the frailties and potentials of downtown and the riverfront, informed initial strategic plans that were further developed as urban projects. The design studio, working in pairs but still interacting as a whole group, generated unique urban projects, proposals which are in-between urban design and architecture in scope and scale.

The interventions aim to create new environments which not only bring the riverfront to the Danville’s existing community, visitors and potential future residents, but act as catalysts to regenerate activity and livability in downtown Danville. The 8 projects are grouped in 4 common design strategies/actions: Sculpted Nodes: Generating public space on the ground and in the architecture, as the first spark in the redevelopment process. These strategies merge landscape with architecture by filling, carving into, and unfolding the land to build artifacts.

Working with the existing conditions of the site (topography and unattractive architectural elements), they reshape them into new, active public spaces. In both projects, a single, large-scale intervention in the form of public space as a new, visually permeable gateway to the south riverfront park, contrasts with a more continuous urban façade proposed north of Main St. Manipulating the Landscape (pp. 50-51) Wrapping Volumes (pp. 52-55) Inhabited Paths: Creating a new linear public space that, integrated with architecture or attractions, draws people towards the riverside or connects opposite sides of the river. These strategies are more structural in their approach by challenging and rethinking the edge condition of the riverfront. They address accessibility issues with potential effects on a regional scale. They clearly redefine how people move across and along the river, reinterpreting the traditional promenade and bridge to add complexity and condense activity along a connecting path as catalyst to reinvigorate Danville.

Accentuated Networks: Connecting new paths with alleys from downtown towards the riverfront.

These strategies complement and punctuate existing networks to reinforce a secondary system of pedestrian pathways that overcomes the barrier of Main St. and invites people to the future river park.

They propose a patchwork of open spaces along paths and medium-size buildings at the grid intersections to bring activity to the area. The designs build upon recent City strategies that improve alleys and introduce pocket parks, adding more intensity to the downtown network of urban scapes.

Interlacing Urban Conditions (pp. 62-63) Urban Stitching (pp.64-65) Hybrid Fabrics: Increasing density and mixing living with other activities near the riverfront. These projects advocate a new neighborhood at the riverfront, a new hybrid fabric composed of intertwining green and built elements. Housing with private roof gardens in the upper-level and civic program and architecture with public boardwalks are enhanced to create a space that is active 24/7. The designs explore how to articulate the transition between the built and the natural, the domestic and public. With multiple small-scale buildings they add critical mass to the riverfront and propose innovative ways of living with nature as a way to attract new residents.

Filtering Green (pp.66-69) Reclaiming Density (pp.70-72)

Redefining the Edge (pp. 56-57) Bridging Barriers (pp.58-61) 49

FOOD / RECREATION

11

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1. THE ALLEY 2. RAISED VIEWING PLATFORM 3. PUBLIC PLAZA (LOWER) 4. PUBLIC PLAZA (UPPER) INTERACTIVE NATURE CENTER WALL WITH INSIDE-OUTSIDE EXHIBITS URBAN AGRICULTURE AS PUBLIC PARK SPACE 5. URBAN AGRICULTURETHE RIVERFRONT TO DOWNTOWN 6. SHADED PICNIC AREA RECONNECTING A CONTINUED ALLEYWAY CONNECTION TO THE SITE AS WELL AS RIVERFRONT BOARDWALKS, VERMILLION ST 7. TERRACED RAMPS AND AMPHITHEATER 8. RIVER BOARDWALK BIOSWALE, URBAN AGRICULTURE, PUBLIC SPACE 9. LIVING-LEARNING RESEARCH CO-OP WITH UNIVERSITY 10. ALLEY STORES (LOWER FLOOR) / AMENITIES (UPPER FLOOR) 11. COMMUNITY VISITOR CENTER 12. PUBLIC MARKETPLACE PHYSICAL CONNECTIONS GREENSPACE TERRACING 13. PRIVATE RESIDENCE PARKING 14. NATURE CENTERTHE LANDSCAPE UTILIZING THE DIFFERENT LEVELS OF DANVILLE

THE ALLEY - OPERABLE STOREFRONTS AS CANOPY, NANAWALL MARKET FOR MAXIMUM OPEN SPACE

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ESTABLISHING VISUAL CONNECTION WITH THE RIVERFRON

Sculpting Nodes: Manipulating Landscape This project aims to connect Danville to its underutilized riverfront through a series of levels both natural and urban, merging the riverfront and the city into one entity. By integrating urban agriculture, incorporating greenery and a bioswale into the streetscape, and a large green urban plaza, the natural elements of the riverfront permeate into the city. The nature center/ conference hall in the plaza as well as the boardwalk and amphitheater bring the city to the riverfront – completing the urban-natural mesh that we have created.

Across Main Street we have incorporated a new alleyway complete with small commercial spaces, a yearround market that uses the urban agriculture as its main supply, and a living-learning research center in cooperation with the University of Illinois that will draw young professionals to live here. This alley directs you towards the upper green plaza where the landscape is lifted up to provide a viewing space for the river.

Underneath is the nature center - which can be seen from the upper plaza through the tree-encompassing light wells. This space also includes conference and storage space for the arena as well as a small coffee/ snack shop accessible from inside and out.

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2. RAISED VIEWING PLATFORM 4. PUBLIC PLAZA (UPPER) 6. SHADED PICNIC AREA 8. RIVER BOARDWALK 10. ALLEY STORES (LOWER FLOOR) / AMENITIES (UPPER FLOOR) 12. PUBLIC MARKETPLACE 14. NATURE CENTER

INTERACTIVE NATURE CENTER WALL WITH INSIDE-OUTSIDE EXHIBITS

THE ALLEY - OPERABLE STOREFRONTS AS CANOPY, NANAWALL MARKET FOR MAXIMUM OPEN SPACE

ESTABLISHING VISUAL CONNECTION WITH THE RIVERFRONT

51

nter Courtyard

Nature Center Lobby

Sunken Plaza

Food Court

Retail

Da

ront

Commercial Retail Commercial Service Restaurant/Entertainment Office Public/Semi-public

Vertical Connection

1. David Palmer Ice Arena 2. Visitor Center 3. Art Gallery 4. Restaurant 5. Recreation Center 6. Nature Center 7. Nature Center Courtyard 8. Sunken Plaza 9. Food Court 10. Live Work Main St Apartments 11. Artist Studio 12. Vermilion Hotel 13. Bresee Tower 14. Red Brick Square 15. Reflecting Pool 16. Vermilion Square Market 17. Community Flexible Space 18. Community Garden 19. Vermilion Promenade 20. Kresge Park

1. David Palmer Ice Arena 2. Visitor Center 3. Art Gallery 4. Restaurant 5. Recreation Center 6. Nature Center 7. Nature Center Courtyard 8. Sunken Plaza 9. Food Court 10. Live Work Main St Apartments 11. Artist Studio 12. Vermilion Hotel 13. Bresee Tower 14. Red Brick Square 15. Reflecting Pool 16. Vermilion Square Market 17. Community Flexible Space 18. Community Garden 19. Vermilion Promenade 20. Kresge Park

Vermillion St

+

Conti

Existing

P

=

Underground Parking Green Space

Ice Arena

Existing Building Red Brick Path

Ice Arena

Existing

18 18

Vermilion st

N Walnut st

Franklin st

PIne st

N Gilbert st

18

9

BRE

12 10

10

11

Existing

10

13

P P

A

Section A-A

P

P

3

1:25

Classrooms

Main st

Nature Center Lobby

Sunken Plaza

S

1

Nature Center Courtyard

14

52

LINDLEY SIGN PO FOREST

Food Court

Retail

David Palmer Ice Arena

Sculpted Nodes: Food Court Retail Wrapping Volumes

laza

Ice Arena Lobby

David Palmer Ice Arena

N Walnut Street

Ice Arena Lobby

N Walnut Street

The project’s main idea is to enhance what Danville has had by adding, filling, and carving volumes and wrapping existing ones around with mixed use activities. Learning from the existing rules of storefronts along Vermilion Street, this project proposes the idea of wrapping the less attractive space on Main Street with mixed use activities. The David Palmer Ice Arena is the main focus and acts as the anchor to enhance the liveliness of downtown Danville. The existing “introverted” ice arena has a lack of connection to the outside, and is intended to be more “extroverted” by adding new varieties of program, like a scarf of storefronts around it. Pedestrians can use the space from all sides of the building.

Danville’s original idea of having pocket parks around downtown is addressed by creating more public spaces in between the buildings to provide more space for the community. On the north side of Main Street, several community gardens new residents at the new live/ work apartment buildings are proposed. On the south side of Main street, a courtyard, a sunken plaza, and the Vermilion promenade configure the riverfront public space. The old public square is proposed as the node that connects Vermilion Street and Main Street.

All these public spaces are laid out as the networks of pocket parks that connect downtown areas to the Continuing Fronts + Reclaiming Green Space riverfront.

Softscape Hardscape Red Brick Path Commercial Retail Commercial Service Restaurant/Entertainment Single-family Residential Softscape Multi-family Residential Office Hardscape Public/Semi-public Industrial Red Brick Path Commercial Retail Commercial Service Restaurant/Entertainment Single-family Residential Multi-family Residential Office Public/Semi-public Industrial

Existing Main St [North]

Continuing Fronts + Reclaiming Green Space Existing Main St [North]

BRESEE TOWER

VERMILION COUNTY COURT ADMINISTRATION

Existing Vermilion St [West]

BRESEE TOWER

18

18

Retail

Vermilion st

N Walnut st

Franklin st

Food Court

12

VERMILION COUNTY COURT ADMINISTRATION

9

David Palmer Ice Arena BRESEE TOWER

Existing Vermilion St [West] KRESGE PARK

Ice Arena Lobby TEMPLE PLAZA

TEMPLE BUILDING ARCH

N Walnut Street FISCHER THEATRE

53

Commercial Retail Commercial Commercial Service Retail Commercial Service Restaurant/Entertainment Restaurant/Entertainment Office Office Public/Semi-public Public/Semi-public

1. David Palmer Ice Arena 1. David Palmer Ice Arena 2. Visitor Center 2. Visitor Center 3. Art Gallery 3. Art Gallery 4. Restaurant 4. Restaurant 5. Recreation Center 5. Recreation Center 6. Nature Center 6. Nature Center 7. Nature Center Courtyard 7. Nature Center Courtyard 8. Sunken Plaza 8. Sunken Plaza 9. Food Court 9. Food Court 10. Live Work Main St Apartments 10. Live Work Main St Apartments 11.

Artist Studio 1. David Palmer Ice Arena 11. Artist Studio 1. David Palmer Ice Arena 12. Vermilion Hotel 2. Visitor Center 12. Vermilion Hotel 2. Visitor Center 13.

Bresee Tower 3. Art Gallery 13. Bresee Tower 3. Art Gallery 14. Red Brick Square 4. Restaurant P Underground Parking 14. Red Brick Square 4. Restaurant 15.

Reflecting Pool P Underground Parking 5. Recreation Center 15. Reflecting Pool 5. Recreation Center 16. Vermilion Square Market Green Space 6. Nature Center 16. Vermilion Square Market Green Space 6. Nature Center 17. Community Flexible Space 7. Nature Center Courtyard 17.

Community Flexible Space 7. Nature Center Courtyard Existing Building 18. Community Garden 8. Sunken Plaza Existing Building 18. Community Garden 8. Sunken Plaza 19. Vermilion Promenade 9. Food Court 19. Vermilion Promenade 9. Food Court Red Brick Path 20. Kresge Park 10. Live Work Main St Apartments Red Brick Path 20. Kresge Park 10. Live Work Main St Apartments 11. Artist Studio 11. Artist Studio 12. Vermilion Hotel 12. Vermilion Hotel 13. Bresee Tower 13. Bresee Tower 14. Red Brick Square 14. Red Brick Square 15. Reflecting Pool 15. Reflecting Pool 16. Vermilion Square Market 16. Vermilion Square Market 17. Community Flexible Space 17. Community Flexible Space 18. Community Garden 18. Community Garden 19. Vermilion Promenade 19. Vermilion Promenade 20. Kresge Park 20. Kresge Park

Vertical Connection Vertical Connection

P

P

3

A

A

7

P

12 13

P

P

P

3

Main st

Main st

14

7

activity

8

S Gilbert st

S Gilbert st

2

8

18

1

18

1 2

3

4

2

4

15

4

N10 0

25

50 10 0

25

1:75 Integration of Pocket ParksParks Integration of Pocket

2

Sunken PlazaPlaza 2 Sunken

50 100

200FT 100

200FT

15 A

2

3

N

13

S Walnut st

1

P

10

S Walnut st

1

10

11

Vermilion st

P

11

10

Vermilion st

10

10

N Walnut st

12 10

9

N Walnut st

18

9

18

Franklin st

Franklin st

18

18

PIne st

PIne st

N Gilbert st

N Gilbert st

18

18

15

A 16

14

15

17

16

5

5

4

Vermilion River Vermilion River

1:75

3

Ice3 Arena on Main Street Ice Arena on Main Street

54

17

P

P

Main st

A

3

14

LINDLEY SIGN POST FOREST

7

15

Section A-A

1

1:25

Classrooms

Nature Center Courtyard

Nature Center Lobby

8 4. Increase Economic Activity A | Enhance Existing Infrastructure

Softscape

Red Brick Path

Hardscape

14

Red Brick Path

DALE BUILDING

HARRISON ST

Commercial Retail VERMILION COUNTY COURT Commercial Service ADMINISTRATION Restaurant/Entertainment Single-family Residential Multi-family Residential Office Public/Semi-public Industrial

BAUM COURTYARD

15 Retail

Food Court

LINDLEY SIGN P FOREST

David Lear

A 2 Continuing Fronts + Reclaiming Green Space 18

PIne st

16

Franklin st

17

N Gilbert st

S Gilbert st

2

Existing Building

Learning from Danville Streetscapes

18

16

2

ADAMS BUILDING

Green Space

S Walnut st

S Walnut st

1

16. Vermilion Square Market 6. Nature Center 17. Community Flexible Space 7. Nature Center Courtyard 18. Community Garden 8. Sunken Plaza 19. Vermilion Promenade 9. Food Court 20. Kresge Park st 10. Live Work MainMain St Apartments 11. Artist Studio 12. Vermilion Hotel 13. Bresee Tower 14. Red Brick Square 15. Reflecting Pool 16. Vermilion Square Market 17. Community Flexible Space 18. Community Garden Sunken Plaza 19. Vermilion Promenade 20. Kresge1 Park

P

17

18

Existing Main St [North]

3

3

4

15

5

4

15

10

1. Existing Urban Landscape

P

11

10

P

P

3

A

4

5

10

4

N

10 0

50

BRESEE TOWER

200FT

25

gration of Pocket Parks 1:75 5. Extend and Carve Open Public Space 2. Remove Barriers

1

1 Nature Existing Vermilion St [West] Center Courtyard

7 18

8

| Create opportunity for prime development along riverfront

9

Vermilion st

N Walnut st

BRESEE TOWER

12

N

1

| Define places of communal activity 2

S Gilbert st

18

VERMILION COUNTY COURT ADMINISTRATION

Vermilion River

100

Existing Ice Arena

KRESGE PARK

TEMPLE PLAZA

TEMPLE BUILDING ARCH

FISCHER THEATRE

Existing Vermilion St [East] 13

P

3. Improve Walkability

Commercial Retail Commercial Service Restaurant/Entertainment Office Public/Semi-public

Vertical Connection

| Connect blocks north and south of Main St

Main st

1. David Palmer Ice Arena 2. Visitor Center 3. Art Gallery 4. Restaurant 5. Recreation Center 6. Nature Center 7. Nature Center Courtyard 8. Sunken Plaza 9. Food Court 10. Live Work Main St Apartments 11. Artist Studio 12. Vermilion Hotel 13. Bresee Tower 4 14. Red Brick Square 15. Reflecting Pool 3 16. Vermilion Square Market 17. Community Flexible Space LINDLEY SIGN POST 18. Community Garden FOREST 19. Vermilion Promenade 20. Kresge Park

14

Ice Arena on Main Street Sunken Plaza 6. Activate Vermilion River S Walnut st

| Connect downtown and South Danville

1

15 A

2

4. Increase Economic Activity

16

1. David Palmer Ice Arena 2. Visitor Center 3. Art Gallery 4. Restaurant 5. Recreation Center 6. Nature Center 7. Nature Center Courtyard 8. Sunken Plaza 9. Food Court 10. Live Work Main St Apartments 11. Artist Studio 12. Vermilion Hotel 13. Bresee Tower 14. Red Brick Square 15. Reflecting Pool 16. Vermilion Square Market 17. Community Flexible Space 18. Community Garden 19. Vermilion Promenade 20. Kresge Park

Contin

Existing M

N

10

50

0 25 Vermilion Promenade Ice Arena on Main Street Integration of Pocket Parks 1:75 P

Underground Parking

200FT

DALE BUILDING

HARRISON ST

VERMILION COUNTY COURT ADMINISTRATION

BAUM COURTYARD

Red Brick Path

Learning from Danville Streetscapes

Existing V

18

9

18

Vermilion st

N Walnut st

Franklin st

PIne st

N Gilbert st

18

3

BRESEE TO

12

4

15

5

10

10

11

Existing V

10

13

P P

P

P

3

A

Main st

14

7 18

8

S Gilbert st

7. Create Community Cohesion

| Define places of communal activity

| Populate downtown Danville

LINDLEY SIGN POST FOREST

S Walnut st

1

4

5. Extend and Carve Open Public Space

Ve

4

ADAMS BUILDING Existing Building

17

| Enhance Existing Infrastructure

Vermilion River

100

Green Space

1

A

Sunken Plaza 2

2

1

Learni

15

16

2

Nature Center Courtyard

3

17

I

3 4

15

5

4

N

10 0

6. Activate Vermilion River

Ice Arena on Main Street

| Connect downtown and South Danville

7. Create Community Cohesion

| Populate downtown Danville

50 25

Integration of Pocket Parks

2

Sunken Plaza

200FT 100

Existing Ice Arena Vermilion River

1:75

4

Vermilion Promenade

3

Ice Arena on Main Street

55

1

Natu

4

Verm

a punctuated front access.

Section B

Site Axonometric

1” = 50’-0”

Allowing both vehicles and pedestrians to easily access downtown and the mall is vital for economic stimulation.

Connect to Downtown

Site Section

Mode

The proposed surface gives visitors a multitude of opportunities to be active, such as: walking, biking, skating, or heading down to the river.

Inhab

An axial cut through the upper part of the site shows the intermediate scale of the proposed buildings as well as a grade change near the intersection of Gilbert and Main and the riverfront access.

1” = 75’-0”

Upper Level Plan

Activate the Edge

The addition of intermediate-scale mixed-use buildings creates the necessary transition between the downtown and the strip mall. Along with the extension of Vermillion Street and the re-developed parking south of Main Street, the proposed surface creates a healthy route towards daily or recreational activities.

The upper floors of the proposed mixed-use buildings are primarily for residential use, providing views to the river.

1” = 75’-0”

B

A

A

B

N

City Level Plan

1” = 75’-0”

Lower Level Plan

1” = 75’-0”

The edge is defined with a surface connected by the addition of mixed-use buildings, the injection of green space, and several opportunites for activity.

Vermillion Street is extended through the strip mall, Walnut Street is removed, and the parking is re-imagined to create a more functional and healthy space.

The lower level of the site creates an opportunity for two levels of storefront.

A stairway and accessible ramp lead visitors to the riverfront access.

56

egrating

Inhabited Paths: Redefining the Edge During an initial analysis of Danville, the disconnect between the river and the city itself was immediately apparent. The hard edge of the slope leading to the river and the abrupt drop off in built space along Vermillion Street were stifling the city’s ability to utilize one of its biggest natural resources. There are two causes for this disconnect: a hard edge of green space going north and a built edge of commercial/residential buildings going south. This proposal focuses on utilizing the site as a new mixed use development to act as a gateway into a nature and recreation park along the river. The site expands from downtown, the existing strip mall, and the riverfront access point, as it was important to optimize the walkability between these three hubs of activity. Reconfiguring the mall’s expansive parking lot allows a re-direct in the traffic flow coming off Vermillion and encourages people to utilize parking available in the under-utilized garages and alternative lots around downtown. To encourage activity and bring people to the area, bike rental kiosks, a small skate park, and a gently winding bike path are all introduced along the walkable surface on the site. The surface will help add life and activity while being in a safe and easily observable environment. Blurring the hard edges of Danville will also help breathe new life into the struggling downtown and help reconnect the commercial, historical, residential, and natural assets the city has to showcase. The life and economic opportunities this formally barren area will be a new Green proposal Space brings to a Adding Accessibility welcoming entrance this recovering and Transitioning vibrant city.

Integrating Greento Space Adding Accessibility Density

ection A

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

Integrating Green Space

Adding Accessibility

Section A

1” = 50’-0”

Section B

1” = 50’-0”

Isolated Green Space

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

retail + riverfro restaur office bicycle bicycle skate p cafe office + vermilli office new pa

Transitioning Density

Limited Accessibility

Discontinuous Density

retail + residential riverfront access restaurant office bicycle kiosk + pergola bicycle path skate park cafe office + residential vermillion street extension office new parking layout

9

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

retail + riverfron restaura Site Se office bicycle bicycle skate pa cafe office + vermillio Site A office Upper new par

12 11

8

Transitioning Density 4

5

10

1

7 6 3 2

Section A

1” = 50’-0”

Connect to Downtown

1” = 50’-0”

Section B

1” = 50’-0”

Site Axonometric

Allowing both vehicles and pedestrians to easily access downtown and the mall is vital for economic stimulation.

The addition of intermediate-scale mixed-use buildings creates the necessary transition between the downtown and the strip mall. Along with the extension of Vermillion Street and the re-developed parking south of Main Street, the proposed surface creates a healthy route towards daily or recreational activities.

Activa

Model Ph 57

downtown area.

1

4 2 3

5

6

Master Plan: 1” = 250’-0” 58

Inhabited Paths: Bridging Barriers The proposal aims to capitalize on the neglected opportunities of Danville and to build a sustainable ecosystem promoting a socio-economic revival in the downtown area. Through minimum, but effective planning, a pedestrian bridge with public plazas at each end connect the north and south banks of the Vermilion river. The Plazas then provide a direct connection to the downtown area at Vermilion street and to the commercial/residential areas located south of the river.

Additionally, a nature center will provide educational opportunities to the community by organizing public events collectively with the other spaces thus creating a more interconnected experience at both the local and regional scales. This proposal will be used to ensure a uniform regional development and provide a connection between the different city fragments encouraging a greater community engagement.

Enhance

Connect

Improve

Secure

Activate

59

South Plaza: 1”=75’-0” Connects the commercial and residential neighborhood on the southern bank of the river to the riverfront while building a symbiosis with downtown

60

Convention Center

Outdoor Cafe

Retail/ office

North Plaza Bike Rentals Bridge North Entrance

To North Plaza

Upper Deck

Outdoor Cafe

North Landing to Vermillion Bridge Transit Center

Connection to trails below

61

Sec

High

Existing Green Space (Disconnected)

Proposed Green Space (Unified)

Section A-A’ at 1” = 50’-0”

Sec

Highlights the relation of the cinema and sunken plaza to the site.

High

Existing Green Space (Disconnected)

Proposed Green Space (Unified) Existing Housing (Remote)

Proposed Housing (Central)

Sec

High

City-Level Ground Plan at 1” = 75’-0” shows proposed building usage at the ground floor, and the relation of public space to green and existing space.

The A-A’ red indicates guiding concepts of the brick path connecting Vermillion Street the= riverfront Section B-B’ atto1” 50’-0”and the pavilions.

Section at 1”the = 50’-0” Highlights progression of residential and retail spaces along centra Highlights the relation of the cinema and sunken plaza to the site.

Existing Green Space (Disconnected)

Existing Housing (Remote) Proposed Green Space (Unified)

Proposed Housing (Central) Existing Public Buildings (Office, Civic, Parking)

Proposed Public Buildings (+Entertainment)

Section C-C’ at 1” = 15’-0”

Highlights residential and retail spaces, along with pedestrian-frien

Section A-A’ at 1” = 50’-0”

Section B-B’ at 1” = 50’-0”

Highlights progression of residential and retail spaces along central plaza.

Highlights the relation of the cinema and sunken plaza to the site.

Existing Housing (Remote) Proposed Green Space (Unified)

Existing Public Buildings (Office, Civic, Parking) Proposed Housing (Central)

Proposed Public Buildings (+Entertainment) Existing Commercial Space (Auto-Based)

Proposed Commercial Space (Retail-Based)

The intersection of Main Street and Gilbert Street shows the reinvisioning of Danville as a welcoming destination. Main Street is framed by different densities of mass, and becomes safer for pedestrians to cross as traffic is slowed by the median.

62

Accentuated Networks: Interlacing Urban Conditions The aim of Interlacing Urban Conditions is to connect the pedestrian-centric Vermillion Street with Danville’s riverfront by developing a central urban environment and implementing the circulation infrastructure required to navigate pedestrians through the site. Guided by a renewal of Danville’s existing street and alley grid, pedestrians will be able to move safely through the central area of development along Main Street between Gilbert Street and Vermillion Street. This central development transforms existing vacancies into public, entertainment, and commercial spaces, simultaneously providing new living spaces to encourage more permanent residency in downtown Danville. Trees from the riverfront area will be transplanted into the central development, as well as into a pavilion garden south of Main Street. Pavilions are intended to be part of an architectural competition, engaging both the public, as well as students from The University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign, creating a dynamic experience for residents and visitors. Danville’s system of pocket parks will be linked to connect the vernacular environment of Vermillion Street to the new urban and cultural conditions in the central development. By framing Main Street both architecturally and arboreally, DanCity-Level Ground Plan at 1”transforms = 75’-0” shows proposed building usage and at the ground floor, and the relation of public green and existing space. The red indicates the guiding concepts of the brick path connecting Vermillion Street to the riverfront and the pavilions. ville visually experientially intospace a todestination where both residents will frequent and visitors will enjoy.

Section through Cinema and Sunken Plaza

1100 SF

Kitchen

Kitchen

Kitchen 840 SF

Kitchen Bath

Bath

Bath Living

1050 SF

820 SF

Living

Living

Bath

Living

The intersection of Main Street and Gilbert Street shows the reinvisioning of Danville as a welcoming destination. Main Street is framed by different densities of mass, and becomes safer for pedestrians to cross as traffic is slowed by the median.

Bedroom

Bedroom

Bedroom

Bedroom

Bedroom

Bedroom

At the intersection of the main axes (formed from reclaimed brick), pedestrians find safe passage from Vermillion Street to the riverfront, all while experiencing a grove of trees and pavilions and the surrounding built environment.

63

PROJECT ALTERATIONS : DESIGNING COMPLEXITY AND COMPLICITY.

DESIGN PARAMETERS HOLISTIC APPROACH

PROJECT ALTERATIONS : DESIGNING COMPLEXITY AND COMPLICITY. CREATING URBAN COURTYARDS

OPEN PARKS

SPACE BELOW THE PERGOLA

PULLING GREENS FROM THE SOUTH TO THE SITE

HOLISTIC APPROACH

DESIGN PARAMETERS

MPLEXITY AND COMPLICITY. DEFINING SPACE USING CORNERS AND FACADES

CREATING URBAN COURTYARDS

CREATING A POROUS FABRIC

THE SUSPENSION

THE MAIN STREET HOLISTIC APPROACH

PULLING GREENS FROM THE SOUTH TO THE SITE

DESIGN PARAMETERS 9

CREATING ALLEYS THAT PASS THROUGH DIFFERENT SCENARIOS DEFINING SPACE USING CORNERS AND FACADES PULLING GREENS FROM THE SOUTH TO THE SITE

CREATING URBAN COURTYARDS

CREATING A POROUS FABRIC

3RD LEVEL: CORPORATE SPACES 1ST AND 2ND LEVEL: CAFES, ACTIVITY SPACES COMPOSITION OF SHELTERED AND OPEN SPACES 2ND, 3

R 2ND, 3RD AND 4TH LEVEL: RESIDENTIAL 1ST LEVEL: OFFICE SPACE

MODEL PHOTOS DEFINING SPACE USING CORNERS AND FACADES PULLING GREENS FROM THE SOUTH TO THE SITE

CREATING A POROUS FABRIC CREATING ALLEYS THAT PASS THROUGH DIFFERENT SCENARIOS

URBAN THOROUGHFARES COMPOSITION OF SHELTERED AND OPEN SPACES

DIFFERENT MOVEMENT PATTERNS

SCALE : 1: 75

CREATING A POROUS FABRIC CREATING ALLEYS THAT PASS THROUGH DIFFERENT SCENARIOS

URBAN INSERT - MASTERPLAN COMPOSITION OF SHELTERED AND OPEN SPACES URBAN THOROUGHFARES

DIFFERENT MOVEMENT PATTERNS

SECTION A - A’

64

Accentuated Networks: Urban Stitching

EXITY AND COMPLICITY.

S

PULLING GREENS FROM THE SOUTH TO THE SITE

CREATING A POROUS FABRIC

COMPOSITION OF SHELTERED AND OPEN SPACES

HOLISTIC APPROACH Since time immemorial, rivers have been always a source of vitality and identity of a city. Danville’s Riverfront is an important asset to Danville which is ignored due to the fragmented urban development of Danville.

Through our project we aim to connect and bridge two parts of the city in a way that the riverfront becomes accessible to all. The aim is to create spaces on the south side of the site that attracts people and ultimately leads them to the river. Urban stitching is based on architectural and urban elements that reconnect different parts of the city. The idea of zipping the south and the north part of the city, means also slowing down Main Street which is an element of rupture in the city.

There are other important scenarios that we tried to create that contribute to the quality of life in the city.

There are spaces that are eclectic, vibrant and are inviting to different kinds of users. The urban space relies on the design that defines the riverfront with a new urban identity, thus raising the quality of the city in an effort to reinvigorate its downtown. The approach primarily reclaims the riverfront to assert its identity.

Hovering between contemporary urban needs and desires, the ultimate aim is to generate urban stitching that intends to generate a spatially interesting civic place andURBAN which can contribute to the quality ofSCALE life of INSERT - MASTERPLAN : 1: 250 a city and its inhabitants.

1ST LEVEL: COMMUNITY SPACE 2ND, 3RD AND 4TH LEVEL: RESIDENTIAL 1ST LEVEL: COMMERCIAL 1ST LEVEL: COMMERCIAL AMPHI THEATRE

3RD LEVEL: CORPORATE SPACES 1ST AND 2ND LEVEL: CAFES, ACTIVITY SPACES 2ND, 3RD AND 4TH LEVEL: RESIDENTIAL 1ST LEVEL: OFFICE SPACE

OPEN MARKETS

CAFES, RESTAURANTS RETAIL SPACES 2ND, 3RD AND 4TH LEVEL: RESIDENTIAL 1ST LEVEL: OFFICE SPACE

BUILDING USES

MAINTAINING VISUAL CONNECTIONS TO THE RIVERFONT

DIFFERENT MOVEMENT PATTERNS

SPACE BELOW THETHE PERGOLA SPACE BELOW PERGOLA

OPEN PARKS OPEN PARKS

65

66

Hybrid Fabrics: Filtering Green

PARK RAMP

SECOND LEVEL PLAN

75’

175’

350’

INTRODUCTING A VARIETY OF HOUSING TO SUPPORT DIFFERENT LIFESTYLES

In looking to revitalize Danville’s downtown and create a new connection to the riverfront, FILTERING GREEN’S solution focuses on two factors: the importance of integrating green into the built environment, and developing pedestrian connections between existing downtown and the riverfront. The resulting project creates a new urban fabric, which densifies Main Street and creates a walkable, comfortable environment for people to move, linger, shop, work, and live. Mixed use buildCREATING NEW PATHWAYS ings span Main Street, featuring publicly accessible BRINGING EXISTING URBAN FABRIC TOWARDS THE RIVERFRONT AREA commercial areas on the ground floor, different housing options on the upper levels, and office/public meeting space. This variety in program has the potential to attract a wide range of demographics, and create a 24/7 active space which will be unique within Danville.

The buildings are linked with multiple pathways lined with trees, lawns, benches, and streetlamps which create a linear park experience, and “draw up” the existing vegetation from the riverfront. These green strips create a gradient in the density and quality of “green space” filtering the very natural, dense conditions of FILTERING THE GREEN DRAWING NEW GREEN INTO the riverfront into a landscaped, organized aesthetic THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT as it engages with the city. A boardwalk projects the buildings out into the natural canopy, articulating it as it meets with the built fabric. The connection to downtown is both physical and conceptual. The redbrick to the north extends directly from Vermilion, while the MOVING THROUGH THE SITE southern promenade engages Vermilion at its terminus. By reinterpreting downtown’s vibrant facades and intimate dimensions, the new development maintains an already familiar language.

B

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13

A 1

2

2

3

DETAILED PROGRAM

EXISTING RED BRICK PATH NORTH PARK RED BRICK PROMENADE INDOOR/OUTDOOR MALL BOARDWALK CORNER PARK PLAZA GREENWAY LOWER LEVEL PLAZA NATURE CENTER OUTDOOR AMPHITHEATRE GREEN AMPHITHEATRE PLAZA SOUTHERN BOARDWALK ENTRY PATH TO RIVERWALK

3

1 3

6

5

4

5

10 11

7

12 9

B

8 13

A

6

CITY LEVEL GROUND PLAN

75’

175’

BRINGING VIBRANCY TO THE RIVERFRONT THROUGH A MIXED-USE ENVIRONMENT AND WEAVING URBAN AND NATURAL FABRICS

350’

CREATING A MOVING EXPERIENCE THROUGH GRADIENTS OF GREEN AND ATTENTION TO FLOOR MATERIALITY

1

VERMILLION STREET POCKET PARK 3

2

1

4 5 6

ANALYZING DANVILLE’S PATHWAYS

2

ADJACENT TO THE PARKING STRUCTURE

250’

MAPPING EXISTING PATHWAYS, QUALITY, & IDENTIFYING OPPORTUNITIES TO ENHANCE AND CREATE NEW PUBLIC SPACE

625’

1250’

1

TURNING MAIN STREET TO THE RIVERFRONT CONNECTING DANVILLE TO THE RIVER THROUGH A PEDESTRIAN-FRIENDLY, MIXED-USE BOARDWALK

67

A

FLEXIBLE CREATIVE/WORK SPACE

COMMUNAL TERRACE

INDIVIDUAL STUDIOS FLEXIBLE CREATIVE/WORK SPACE

COMMUNAL TERRACE

SOCIAL LIVING INDIVIDUAL STUDIOS

LIVING WORKING ENVIRONMENT

SOCIAL LIVING

PROVIDING FRAMEWORK TO SUPPORT ALTERNATIVE LIFESTYLES; INTERACTING, LIVING, WORKING

LIVING WORKING ENVIRONMENT

PROVIDING FRAMEWORK TO SUPPORT ALTERNATIVE LIFESTYLES; INTERACTING, LIVING, WORKING

RESIDENTIAL AMENITY

RESIDENTIAL

OFFICE AMENITY OFFICE COMMERCIAL COMMERCIAL NATURE CENTER NATURE CENTER

AXONOMETRIC AXONOMETRIC

USING MIXED MIXED USE CREATE A 24/7 ANCHOR POINTPOINT USING USEPROGRAM PROGRAMTOTO CREATE A 24/7 ANCHOR WITHIN DANVILLES URBAN FABRIC WITHIN DANVILLES URBAN FABRIC

A

A

CREATING A PATHWAY TO THE RIVERFRONT

50’

FINDING PATHWAYS TO NAVIGATE THE RIVERFRONTS STEEP TERRAIN

CREATING A PATHWAY TO THE RIVERFRONT

125’

50’

250’

125’

250’

FINDING PATHWAYS TO NAVIGATE THE RIVERFRONTS STEEP TERRAIN

68

3 1

2

VERMILLION STREET POCKET PARK

ADJACENT TO THE PARKING STRUCTURE

ANALYZING DANVILLE’S PATHWAYS

RED BRICK PATHWAY NORTH OF MAIN MAPPING EXISTING PATHWAYS, QUALITY, & IDEN TO ENHANCE AND CREATE NEW PUBLIC SPACE

INDIVIDUAL STUDIOS

3

2

1

MOVING THROUGH THE SITE

CREATING A MOVING EXPERIENCE THROUGH GRADIENTS OF GREEN AND ATTENTION TO FLOOR MATERIALITY

SOCIAL LIVING

4 5

NATIVE LIFESTYLES;

6

DANVILLE’S CURRENT URBAN FABRIC

6

1

VERMILLION STREET POCKET PARK

2 5

ADJACENT TO THE PARKING STRUCTURE BOARDWALK STAIRS & PARK

3 3

ANALYZING DANVILLE’S PATHWAYS

625’ CREATING250’NEW PATHWAYS PARK RAMP MAPPING EXISTING PATHWAYS, QUALITY, &BRINGING IDENTIFYING OPPORTUNITIES EXISTING URBAN FABRIC RED BRICK PATHWAY NORTH OF CREATE MAIN NEW PUBLIC SPACE 4 BOARDWALK SOUTH OF MAIN TO ENHANCE AND TOWARDS THE RIVERFRONT AREA

2

1

1250’

SECOND LEVEL PLAN

75’

INTRODUCTING A VARIETY OF HOUSING TO SUPP

B

A

4 2

5 6

FLEXIBLE CREATIVE/WORK SPAC

INTRODUCING DENSITY TO THE RIVERFRONT ANALYZING DANVILLE’S PATHWAYS MAPPING EXISTING PATHWAYS, QUALITY, & IDENTIFYING OPPORTUNITIES CREATING NEW PATHWAYS RED BRICK PATHWAY NORTH OF CREATE MAIN NEW PUBLIC SPACE TO ENHANCE AND 250’

2 5

3

BOARDWALK STAIRS & PARK

6

TURNING MAIN STREET TO THE RIVERFRONT

TURNING MAIN STRE CONNECTING DANVILLE TO FILTERING THE GREEN THIRD LEVEL PLAN PEDESTRIAN-FRIENDLY, MIX 1

1250’

Awnings

PARK RAMP

75’

Storefront Windows

BRINGING EXISTING URBAN FABRIC 4 BOARDWALK SOUTH OF MAIN TOWARDS THE RIVERFRONT AREA

DRAWING NEW GREEN INTO A PUBLIC MEETING ENVIRONMENT CREATING THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT Recessed Entry

Transparent/Interesting Door Nearby seating

LIVING WORKING ENVIR

Greenery

CONNECTING DANVILLE TO THE RIVER THROUGH A PEDESTRIAN-FRIENDLY, MIXED-USE BOARDWALK

PROVIDING FRAMEWORK TO SU

Good Lighting

SECOND LEVEL PLAN INTERACTING, LIVING, WORKIN 1 ADAPTING SUCCESSFUL FACADES ANALYZING VERMILLION ST. 75’

175’

350’

INTRODUCTING A VARIETY OF HOUSING TO SUPPORT DIFFERENT LIFESTYLES

DETAILED PR

1 EXISTING RED BRIC

4/7 ANCHOR POINT

B

A

2 NORTH PARK RESIDENTIAL

6

5 3 RED BRICK PROME 4 INDOOR/OUTDOOR 5 BOARDWALK AMENITY 6 CORNER PARK 7 PLAZA GREENWAY 8 LOWER LEVEL PLAZ OFFICE 9 NATURE CENTER 10 OUTDOOR AMPHITH 11 GREEN7AMPHITHEA COMMERCIAL 12 SOUTHERN BOARD 13 PATH TO RIVERWAL

1

2

2

9

3

75’

4 6

VERFRONT

THIRD LEVEL PLAN FILTERING THE GREENA PUBLIC MEETING ENVIRONMENT CREATING

RED BRICK PATHWAY NORTH OF MAIN PARK RAMP 50’

125’

250’

RONTS STEEP TERRAIN

BOARDWALK SOUTH OF MAIN

BRINGING EXISTING URBAN FABRIC TOWARDS THE RIVERFRONT AREA

SECOND LEVEL PLAN

75’ engaging facade

175’

pedestrian friendly

B

1

6

2 125’

3

250’

ATE MULTIPLE1 LEVELS CONTINUING THE RED BRICK WALKWAY

DEVELOPING ALONG EXSITING PATHWAYS TO GENERATE CONNECTIVITY BETWEEN DOWNTOWN AND THE RIVERFRONT

BOARDWALK SOUTH OF MAIN

3 75’

CREATING NEW PATHWAYS

350’

CREATING A PUBLIC MEETING ENVIRONMENT

FILTERING THE GREEN

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13

DETAILED PROGRAM 1

EXISTING RED BRICK PATH NORTH PARK 3 RED BRICK PROMENADE INDOOR/OUTDOOR MALL0’ BOARDWALK 5 PARK 4 CORNER PLAZA GREENWAY LOWER LEVEL PLAZA NATURE CENTER OUTDOOR AMPHITHEATRE GREEN AMPHITHEATRE PLAZA SOUTHERN BOARDWALK ENTRY PATH TO RIVERWALK 7

250’

9

5

INDOOR/OUTDOOR10SPACE

ALONG FAB EXS WITHINDEVELOPING DANVILLES URBAN 69 CONNECTIVITY BETWEEN

8 13

500’

11 A PUBLIC FACILITY WHICH ADAPTS TO THE SEASON THROUGH A CONFIGURABLE ENVELOPE AXONOMETRIC 12 1 THET USING CONTINUING MIXED USE PROGRAM REINTERPRETING VERMILLION’S SUCCESS

3 175’

B

4

THIRD LEVEL PLAN

75’

BRINGING VIBRANCY TO THE RIVERFRONT THROU ENVIRONMENT AND WEAVING URBAN AND NATU

A

50’

350’

CITY LEVEL GROUND PLAN

MAPPING WALKABILITY| Pedestrian Experience A

2

13

350’

INTRODUCTING A VARIETY OF HOUSING TO SUPPORT DIFFERENT LIFESTYLES building importance

RFRONT TERRAIN

175’

DRAWING NEW GREEN INTO THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT

CREATING NEW PATHWAYS

NATURE CENTER 8

3 A

3

B

1

ADJACENT TO THE PARKING STRUCTURE

625’

3

CITY LEVEL GROUND PLAN

75’

175’

350’

A

A’

B

50’

125’

250’

2’

C

B’

1:7.5 Sections

1:50 Sections

5’

10’

C’

1:7.5 Sections

2’

5’

10’

1:100 Plan 1:100 Plan

100’

250’

500’

100’

250’

500’

1:75 Plan

100’

250’

500’

1:75 Plan

100’

250’

RESIDENTIAL LEVEL PLAN

500’

COMMERCIAL RETAIL COMMERCIAL SERVICE

SECTION A-A’

1:50 Sections

RESTAURANT + ENTERTAINMENT 125’ SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL

50’

INTERACTIONS WITH RIVERFRONT

HOTEL

MULTIPLE A POINTS OF VIEW AND DEGREES 1:7.5 SectionsLEVELS OF PRIVACY AT VARYING HEIGHT 5’

A’ SECTION B-B’

OFFICE / INCUBATOR

B 2’

250’

10’

B’

ASSEMBLY

C

C’

NATURAL 1:100 Plan

SECTION C-C’

EXISTING 100’

250’

500’

PROGRAMMATIC SECTION DIAGRAM 1:75 Plan

100’

250’

500’

1:50 Sections

1:50 Sections

50’

50’

125’

125’

250’

250’

1:7.5 Sections

2’

5’

10’

1:7.5 Sections

RIVERWALK CONCEPT SKETCH

TERRACED BOARDWALK CONCEPT SKETCH

OPPORTUNITIES FOR ACTIVE LIFESTYLES IN NATURAL SETTINGS 2’ 5’ 10’

ACCESSIBILITY TO RIVERFRONT WITH OPPORTUNITIES TO LINGER

1:100 Plan

1:50 Sections

100’

250’

500’

1:75 Plan

50’

125’

250’ 100’

250’

CITY LEVEL MASTER PLAN

500’

1:100 Plan

TRANSITION BETWEEN HOME AND CITY FILTERING VIEWS TO CITY AND RIVER 1:7.5 Sections BASED ON LEVEL OF PRIVACY

100’

250’

CONNECTING PUBLIC SQUARE WITH SOUTH RIVERFRONT WHILE ADDING DENSITY AND PURPOSE TO NORTH RIVERFRONT

500’

RESIDENTIAL RIVERFRONT INTERACTION

1:50 Sections 2’

5’

1:50 Sections

10’

MULTIPLYING UNIQUE EXPERIENCES WITH THE RIVERFRONT 1:75 Plan 50’

1:100 Plan

A B

RIVERFRONT 100’

250’

RIVERWALK

100’

250’

RIVERFRONT

125’

250’

50’

BOARDWALK

500’

125’

RESIDENTIAL

250’

STREETSCAPE

500’ 1:50 Sections

1:7.5 Sections 50’

B’

1:7.5 Sections

125’

A’

250’

2’

5’

2’

10’

5’

10’

1:75 Plan

C

100’

C’

1:7.5 Sections

250’

500’

2’

5’

10’

1:100 Plan

1:100 Plan 1:100 Plan

100’

250’

ONTEXT

100’

500’

100’

250’

500’

ACCESSIBLE TERRACES CONNECTING MAIN STREET DEVELOPMENT TO RIVERFRONT

1:50 Sections

1:75 Plan

100’

250’

500’

1:75 Plan

1:75 Plan

VERMILION RIVER

250’

500’

PUBLIC ACCESS TO RIVERFRONT IN SECTION

TERRACED BOARDWALK TO RIVERFRONT

50’ 100’

100’

1:50 Sections

125’ 250’

250’ 500’

MARKET + INCUBATOR STREETSCAPE BOARDWALK LEVEL PLAN

250’

500’

1:7.5 Sections

70

Hybrid Fabrics: Reclaiming Density Influenced by the historic density of downtown Danville, this project seeks to reclaim Danville’s thriving past and create a place for community members to prosper. By providing a connection between the historic public square and the south riverfront of the Vermilion River, the river becomes accessible to the entire community. Fitting in with the scale of the historic fabric of Danville, mixed use development along West Main Street offers a unique living experience in connection with the city and riverfront. This porous scheme affords several living opportunities for a broader range of demographics, while allowing each resident their own private and unique outdoor zone as well as opportuDOWNTOWN DENSITY 1914 nities to socialize with neighbors in common spaces.

Residents and citizens will benefit from the opportunity to work, live, and play all in connection to the riverfront.

The terraces create multiple viewpoints from which to enjoy the natural scenery and interact in an urban setting. Fueled by a startup incubator, this riverfront community will increase Danville’s downtown economy while also creating an active and walkable community with unique scenic vistas both along its boardwalk and riverwalk. A nature and welcome center anchors the scheme on the south side of the river, visible to visitors and in close proximity to a nearby elementary school.

At the termination of Vermilion Street, a revitalized public square connects Danville’s historic downtown with the riverfront area and community.

DOWNTOWN DENSITY 1960

EAST MAIN STREET HISTORIC BUILDINGS

RECOVERING LOST DENSITY

MOVE TOWARDS RIVER EAST MAIN STREET HISTORIC BUILDINGS

RECOVERING LOST DENSITY

CREATE PEDESTRIAN CORRIDORS

A B

EXISTING S

EXISTING P C MOVE TOWARDS RIVER

PROPOSED RIVERFRONT DEVELOPMENT

EXISTING S

REMAINING

PROPOSED 71

1:100 Plan 1:100 Plan

100’

250’

500’

100’

250’

500’

1:75 Plan

100’

250’

500’

1:75 Plan

100’

250’

500’

RESIDENTIAL LEVEL PLAN

COMMERCIAL RETAIL COMMERCIAL SERVICE RESTAURANT + ENTERTAINMENT 125’ SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL

SECTION A-A’

250’

HOTEL

SECTION B-B’

OFFICE / INCUBATOR

URYASSEMBLY

NATURAL SECTION C-C’

EXISTING 250’

500’

PROGRAMMATIC SECTION DIAGRAM

50’

500’

MIXED USE BUILDING DIAGRAM TERRACING INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR RELATIONSHIPS WITH THE RIVERFRONT

RIVERWALK CONCEPT SKETCH

TERRACED BOARDWALK CONCEPT SKETCH

OPPORTUNITIES FOR ACTIVE LIFESTYLES IN NATURAL SETTINGS

ACCESSIBILITY TO RIVERFRONT WITH OPPORTUNITIES TO LINGER

125’

250’

RESIDENTIAL RIVERFRONT INTERACTION 1:50 Sections

MULTIPLYING UNIQUE EXPERIENCES WITH THE RIVERFRONT 50’

RIVERFRONT 250’

RIVERWALK

RIVERFRONT

BOARDWALK

RESIDENTIAL

125’

250’

STREETSCAPE

70

500’ 1:7.5 Sections

RESTAURANT++ RESTAURANT ENTERTAINMENT ENTERTAINMENT 125’ SINGLE FAMILY 125’ SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL RESIDENTIAL A HOTEL HOTEL

50’ 50’

OWNTOWN DENSITY 2015 TION 1970 OLITION 1970

INTERACTIONS WITH WITH RIVERFRONT RIVERFRONT INTERACTIONS

MIXED MIXED USE USE BUILDING BUILDING DIAGRAM DIAGRAM

MULTIPLE POINTS POINTSOF OFVIEW VIEWAND ANDDEGREES DEGREES MULTIPLE 1:7.5 SectionsLEVELS OF PRIVACY PRIVACYAT ATVARYING VARYINGHEIGHT HEIGHT 1:7.5 SectionsLEVELS OF

TERRACING TERRACING INTERIOR INTERIOR AND AND EXTERIOR EXTERIOR RELATIONSHIPS RELATIONSHIPS WITH WITH THE THE RIVERFRONT RIVERFRONT

1:50 Sections

2’ 2’

5’ 5’

B OFFICE/ /INCUBATOR INCUBATOR OFFICE A

10’ 10’

ASSEMBLY ASSEMBLY

1:50 Sections

50’

50’

125’

125’

250’

250’ 250’

B C

NATURAL NATURAL

250’ 1:100 Plan 1:100 Plan

EXISTING EXISTING

100’ 100’

C

250’ 250’

500’ 500’

1:7.5 Sections

AST MAIN STREET EARLY 19TH CENTURY

2’

5’

10’

1:7.5 Sections

AINS 2015 MAINS 2015 EAST MAIN STREET EARLY 19TH CENTURY

1:75Plan Plan 1:75

1:100 Plan

100’ 100’ 100’

250’

2’

5’

250’ 250’

500’ 500’

500’ 10’

COMMERCIAL RETAIL

COMMERCIAL SERVICE COMMERCIAL RETAIL RESTAURANT + ENTERTAINMENT COMMERCIAL SERVICE 50’ 125’ 250’ SINGLE FAMILY 1:50 Sections RIVERFRONT CONNECTING PUBLIC SQUARE WITH SOUTH RESIDENTIAL RIVERWAL RESTAURANT + RIVERWALK 1:50 1:50Sections Sections WHILE ADDING DENSITY AND PURPOSE TO NORTH RIVERFRONT INTERACTIONS WITH RIVERFRONT OPPORTUNITIES FOR OPPORTUNITIES FORACTIVE ACTIVELIFESTY LIFEST 500’ MIXED USE BUILDING DIAGRAM ENTERTAINMENT HOTEL MULTIPLE POINTS OF VIEW AND DEGREES 50’ 125’ 250’ SINGLE FAMILY TERRACING INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR 1:7.5 SectionsLEVELS OF PRIVACY AT VARYING HEIGHT RESIDENTIAL RELATIONSHIPS WITH THE RIVERFRONT OFFICE / INCUBATOR 1:50 Sections 50’ 125’ 250’ 50’ 125’ 250’ INTERACTIONS WITH RIVERFRONT MIXED USE BUILDING DIAGRAM HOTEL 2’ 5’ 10’ MULTIPLE POINTS OF VIEW AND DEGREES ASSEMBLY TERRACING INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR TRANSITION HOME AND CITY TRANSITION BETWEEN BETWEEN HOMEAT AND CITYHEIGHT 1:7.5 SectionsLEVELS OF PRIVACY VARYING RELATIONSHIPS WITH THE RIVERFRONT OFFICE / INCUBATOR FILTERING FILTERINGVIEWS VIEWSTO TOCITY CITYAND ANDRIVER RIVER NATURAL Sections 50’ 125’ 250’ 1:7.5 1:7.5 Sections BASED OF BASEDON ONLEVEL LEVEL OFPRIVACY PRIVACY1:1002’Plan 5’ 10’ ASSEMBLY 2’2’ 5’5’ 10’10’ 500’ EXISTING A’ 100’ 250’ 500’ NATURAL

1:75 Plan

1:50 Sections

100’

250’

CITY LEVEL MASTER PLAN

500’

1:100 Plan

NTER DEMOLITION 1970

100’

250’

WESTMAIN MAINSTREET STREETVIEW VIEWTO TOPUBLIC PUBLICSQUARE SQUARE WEST RECLAIMED DENSITYINCORPORATING INCORPORATINGPEDESTRIAN PEDESTRIANAND AND RECLAIMED DENSITY BICYCLE FRIENDLYTRAVEL TRAVELEXPERIENCE EXPERIENCE BICYCLE FRIENDLY

NTER DEMOLITION 1970

1:75 Plan

A

BOARDWALKEXPERIENCE EXPERIENCE BOARDWALK

MULTIPLYING LEVELS INTERACTIONWITH WITHNATURAL NATURALAREA AREA MULTIPLYING LEVELS OFOFINTERACTION

100’

250’

1:100 Plan

B

1:100 Plan 1:100 Plan 1:50 Sections

1:75 Plan 100’ 100’

50’

125’

100’

5’

10’ 1:75 Plan 1:75 Plan

1:7.5 Sections

2’

5’

500’ 500’

250’

500’

1:75 Plan

UILDING REMAINS 2015

C

250’ 250’

250’

2’

EXISTING RIVERFRONT RIVERWALK RIVERFRONT RIVERWALK500’ B’ 250’

100’

1:7.5 Sections

ILDING REMAINS 2015

C’

100’ 100’ 100’

10’

250’

250’ 250’

500’

500’ 500’

1:100 Plan 1:100 Plan

100’

250’

R

500’

100’

250’

500’

OPPORTUNITIES FOR A

1:50 Sections

WEST MAIN STREET VIEW TO PUBLIC SQUARE RECLAIMED DENSITY INCORPORATING PEDESTRIAN AND BICYCLE FRIENDLY TRAVEL EXPERIENCE

R

1:75 Plan

50’ 100’

250’

VERMILION RIVER VERMILION RIVER

WEST MAIN STREET VIEW TO PUBLIC SQUARE RECLAIMED DENSITY INCORPORATING PEDESTRIAN AND BICYCLE FRIENDLY TRAVEL EXPERIENCE

125’

1:50 Sections

500’

TRANSITION BETWEEN HOME AND CITY

1:75 Plan

50’ FILTERING VIEWS TO CITY AND RIVER 1:7.5 Sections BASED ON LEVEL OF PRIVACY

BOARDWALK EXPERIENCE

100’

TRANSITION BETWEEN HOME AND CITY 500’ BOARDWALK LEVEL

250’

2’

5’

10’

FILTERING VIEWS TO CITY AND RIVER 1:7.5 Sections BASED ON LEVEL OF PRIVACY

MULTIPLYING LEVELS OF INTERACTION WITH NATURAL AREA

BOARDWALK EXPERIENCE

2’ 1:100 Plan

1:50 Sections

MULTIPLYING LEVELS OF INTERACTION WITH NATURAL AREA

5’

125’

RIVERFRONT

10’

100’

125’

250’

PLAN

250’

RIVERW 500’

RIVERFRONT

1:100 Plan

50’

250’

OPPORTUNITIES FOR A TERRACED BOARDWAL TERRACED BOARDWA

RIVER

250’ 100’

250’

1:75 Plan

A

100’

250’

A’

500’

500’

1:75 Plan

B

50’

125’

2’

C

100’

1:7.5 Sections

1:50 Sections

500’

10’

C’

VERMILION RIVER

5’

B’

250’

5’

1:7.5 Sections

2’

250’

TERRACE

10’

1:100 Plan

VERMILION RIVER

1:100 Plan

100’

250’

TERRAC

500’

100’

250’

500’

1:75 Plan

100’

250’

500’

1:75 Plan

100’

COMMERCIAL RETAIL

250’

500’

RESIDENTIAL LEVEL PLAN 72

The architecture students’ projects, by reclaiming and transforming the existing or adding new built and public space, contrast strategies with different design actions: emphasizing the riverfront’s vacant area as a green gateway, as a sculpted node with a single built intervention or, conversely, densifying the riverfront with a low-rise hybrid fabric of buildings and platforms as a new civic district or neighborhood; reinforcing new pathways to the river through accentuated networks by strategically placing larger buildings over several blocks, or designing single elements, linear infrastructures as inhabited paths, as condensers of movement and activity.

All the designs address the physical and visual isolation of the river, a back and a fracture in the city, a hidden treasure to be revealed, to be transformed into a park, into an active ecological and leisure infrastructure. They all deal with ways to bring people down to the riverfront and to turn the river back around into a new city face.

The proposals reflect our conviction that reclaiming the riverfront is a great opportunity to revitalize downtown, and that enhancing the riverside as a park, even as part of a broader ecological system, is insufficient to create a strong connection with the city due to topographical and urban barriers. This is why the projects go beyond the boundaries of the initial given site and expand to connect with Vermilion Street and confront the lack of both character and density on Main Street.

The solutions aim to establish tertiary continuities to the riverfront and range between drawing activity and people over from the mall and across Main Street from downtown. They deal not only with accessibility, but also with identity issues, and they revitalize spaces for leisure, culture, memory, and social interaction. By mixing uses and activities they promote potential interaction between different users at different times and encourage livability. Aware that implementing riverfront projects of such scale and scope cannot be done all at once, they consider time and economics thinking about phases and designing conditions, which even if temporary, can act as catalysts to improve and activate Danville. They design with friction, flow and time.

By mediating between the landscape and the city, between landscape and people, the projects either plug or re-plug people in place(s) that have been forgotten, have become obsolete or are inaccessible even though centrally located. They re-conquer places for both nature and people by softening hardscapes and edges, restoring natural processes and reclaiming parking spaces to introduce green, human scale and activity into place. Through urban projects, at an intermediate scale between urban design and architecture, they bridge the abstraction of the urbanistic plan and the definition of the architectural project. With empathic architecture, architecture that makes place, that is porous –to include, expand, or merge with public space- they give something back to the city and to the landscape.

The riverfront project, most importantly, provides Danville the opportunity to restore urbanity with an ecological approach and to explore more sustainable ways of living and intervening in the city, to become an example for postindustrial cities facing today’s environmental and social challenges.

73

Acknowledgements Planning Team

City of Danville

Faculty Advisor Professor and Head Robert Olshansky, FAICP

Mayor Scott Eisenhauer R. David Schnelle, Director Christopher Milliken, Urban Services Manager Liila Bagby, Planner Jaclyn Marganski, Planner / DATS Director Ross Hilleary, Planning Technician

Students Mayara Baihego de Lima Lori Morgan Yu Zhong

Landscape Architecture Team

Architecture Team

Faculty Advisor Professor Amita Sinha

Faculty Advisor Associate Professor Sara Bartumeus

Students Dongying Li, Teaching Assistant Atyeh Ashtari Yini Chen Zhe Cheng Yipi Deng Junyi Gu Grant Haugen Xiaoqian He Xueyan Hu Yun Huang Haoyang Li Kristy Raasch Samuel Randall Gulan Shi Yaxuan Shi Fei Tao Liz Vogel Tsu-En Wang Nankun Xu Suke Yao Qiran Zhang Yilian Zhang Yajing Zhao Lin Zhu

Students Mike An Nick Frey Shasi Gajare Imane Hmoudou Stephen Kent Patricia McKissack Johnathon Nelson Angela Ng Michael Osterioo Aaron Palmer Robert Prochaska Widya Ramadhani Yashasvini Rao Kristen Reifschneider Elsa Reifsteck Tess Sekalias

Graphic Design Heena Gajjar, MLA 74

c 2016 by the Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois, USA