Robert C Beutter Park | Mishawaka, Indiana
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Circus Square Park | Bowling Green, Kentucky
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Description: Circus Square Park, located on a 3.5 acre block in downtown Bowling Green, Kentucky, was developed as a key downtown recreational activity hub outlined in the 2002 Bowling Green Revitalization Strategy. Designed as a central gathering space, the park integrates the construction of a multipurpose civic park with the adaptive reuse of historic structures in celebration of the community’s heritage and its future. The park opened in the summer of 2008 and includes an interactive fountain, and a “Heritage Walk” which transverses the site from north to south. When fully developed, the Park will include a farmer’s market, an authentic “bowling green,” a performance plaza and green, civic gardens, and concessions in a historic Standard Oil service station. The park serves as an entertainment venue and is home to a series of community events, festivals and Elements of Success: summer concerts, as well as private and corporate events. The interactive fountain attracts regular visitors.
Economic Impact: While Circus Square was under construction, the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce opened a new $4 million building just one block from the park site. In April, 2009, the $28 million Bowling Green Ballpark, home of the Bowling Green Hot Rods, also opened a short distance from the park. The Southern Kentucky Performing Arts Center (SKyPAC) is the newest edition to downtown Bowling Green. Scheduled to open March 10, 2012, this facility will offer arts and education opportunities for South Central Kentucky. Featuring more than 69,000 square feet and a 1,600-seat theater, the facility’s total construction costs are $28 million. Another planned downtown redevelopment project is a private investment mixed-use building across from Circus Square Park estimated at $25 million and featuring shops, restaurants, office space and condominiums.
Location & Context: Size: Opened: Cost: Designer:
Mishawaka, IN, on the former Ball Band / Uniroyal site 7 acres May, 2005 (Phase One), Fall, 2008 (Phase Two and Three) $3.8 Million (Phase One), $3.2 Million (Phase Two and Three) Rundell Ernstberger Associates, LLC
Description: Beutter Riverfront Park serves as the centerpiece of redevelopment at an abandoned downtown industrial site. The park’s highlight is a decorative race, a water feature which follows the route of a historic canal once used by industries. The race features a series of weirs, custom bridges, sculpture elements, and ornamental walks. Additional amenities include artwork, gardens, an outdoor performance area and event lawn, and a promenade along the river. The park was the first phase of a multi-phased riverfront improvement project that includes a pedestrian bridge and a North Shore Rivertrail System.
Studies
Bowling Green, Kentucky 3.5 Acres June 2008 $2.2 Million Rundell Ernstberger Associates, LLC
Case
Location & Context: Size: Opened: Cost: Designer:
Elements of Success: An abandoned industrial site was transformed into a park, creating a mixed-use urban development that renews the city’s relationship to the river. The highly programmed space is used for summer concerts and other community events throughout the year, typically attracting 500 to 800 people for each. Local residents view the park as a community landmark, and it is featured in local tourism and business development efforts. Economic Impact: Local businesses support park events and view the park as an important factor in Mishawaka’s economic health. In 2011, four new businesses remodeled existing buildings and relocated downtown. Downtown residential development includes new townhomes along the river (14 townhomes valued at +$300,000 and 11 more starting at $270,000)) Sources: www.reasite.com/
Sources: www.reasite.com http://southcentralky.com
SWITCHYARD PARK MASTER PLAN
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