FEASIBLE DESIGNS AND IDEAS THAT ARE EFFECTIVE AND LIKELY TO SUCCEED IN REAL CIRCUMSTANCES
CREATIVE
UNDERSTANDING THE NEEDS AND BRINGING INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS TO COMPLEX PROJECTS WITH A UNIQUE APPROACH
ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE
CAREFULLY CONSIDERING ELEMENTS OR PLACES THAT ARE VITAL TO THE LONG-TERM MAINTENANCE OF BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY
• Urban planning
• Healthcare facilities
• Parks and recreation
• Athletic facilities
• Mixed use development
• School/University campus planning
• Public meeting facilitation
WE OFFER A VARIETY OF SERVICES . . . AND PROVIDE UNIQUE SOLUTIONS
• Quality of life development initiatives
• Comprehensive master planning
• Streetscapes and gateways
• Parks and trails
• Public water access sites
• Green infrastructure
• Plaza and public spaces
• Wayfinding
DOWNTOWN STREETSCAPE MASTER PLAN
St. Joseph, Michigan
Hired by the City of St. Joseph, JPR is currently working on a Streetscape Master Plan that encompasses the majority of downtown, including State Street and Lake Boulevard. The overarching goal is to support a vibrant, active downtown that accommodates a variety of uses across stakeholder groups and draws visitors to the City.
The project consists of a variety of objectives ranging from enhancing economic development to creating visual unity and a sense of place. Prioritizing safe mobility for all downtown users and making sidewalks, intersections, and crosswalks more pedestrianfriendly is critical. Due to this, the design team is examining opportunities for living streets allowing all modalities to co-exist safely. Ensuring ADA compliancy is another critical component and will consist of updating ramps, adjusting sidewalk cross slopes, and eliminating steps into buildings when possible.
During the project, the team will be analyzing possible changes to the public parking design, as well as exploring opportunities to improve alleys for residents and visitors. Additionally, they are considering ways to incorporate unique features such as firepits, rain gardens, and community artwork into the streetscape design.
PROJECT COST: TBD
PROJECT MANAGER: Austin Blomeke, PLA
DECATUR STREETSCAPE
Decatur,
Indiana
The City of Decatur commissioned Jones Petrie Rafinski (JPR) to assist them in the development of streetscape improvements in their downtown, specifically an area focused around Madison and 2nd Streets. JPR utilized input gathered from multiple meetings with the City of Decatur, Decatur Main Street Committee, and public meetings to create a design that reflected Decatur’s rich artistic heritage while also meeting the needs of the community.
One important element of the design was incorporating opportunities for sculptural elements to be displayed in prominent areas within the streetscape design. The sculptural elements would then be included in the popular Sculpture Tour that occurs annually in Decatur.
PROJECT COST: $830,000
PROJECT MANAGER: Andrew Cunningham, PLA
MORRIS PERFORMING ARTS STREETSCAPE
South Bend, Indiana
When the City of South Bend initially looked at updating the plaza and public street outside the Morris Performing Arts Theater, one of South Bend’s most iconic downtown spaces and setting for many outdoor events, the City was looking for ways the space could be better utilized by the patrons as well as visitors to the plaza during outdoor holiday events.
JPR’s design transformed the street in front of the Morris Performing Arts into a curb-less pedestrian and vehicular corridor that highlights the historic buildings facade. Vehicular traffic was transformed into a one way lane with decorative bollards lining both sides of the street allowing for clear delineation of the roadway. A decorative pavement pattern was incorporated into the design that accents the architecture of the building and a permanent network of infrastructure improvements provides eventappropriate utilities.
All of these improvements have made this environment a distinct city destination during event and non-event times, and has brought about a continued effort to make Downtown South Bend a unique destination for residents and out of town visitors.
PROJECT COST: $1.5 Million
PROJECT MANAGER: Nathan Deig, PLA
BARTLETT STREET RECONSTRUCTION
South Bend, Indiana
The City of South Bend Board of Public Works commissioned Jones Petrie Rafinski to assist them in the development of the Bartlett Street Roundabout and Reconstruction project. This project is one of the first projects for the city wide 2-way street conversion planning initiative.
The aesthetic aspects integrated into the overall project were critically important since these improvements are considered the main entrance to Downtown South Bend as well as the entrance to the Memorial Hospital Campus. This project set the standards for the future downtown two-way street conversion projects.
PROJECT COST: $3.5 Million
PROJECT MANAGER: Dave Rafinski
WILLIAM AND LAFAYETTE
TWO-WAY STREET CONVERSION
South Bend, Indiana
Jones Petrie Rafinski was hired by the City of South Bend, Indiana to provide two-way traffic study and a streetscape design for William Street and Lafayette Boulevard. This seven-block study included research into existing traffic patterns, existing traffic counts, and existing and future destination travel patterns for both pedestrian and vehicular travel.
Jones Petrie Rafinski then reviewed how these two street corridors could be converted from the existing one-way system to a twoway traffic orientation. The design incorporated many aspects of the Smart Street Initiative program. The Master Plan included designated turn lanes, parallel parking, and a middle turn lane where right-of-way was available. New intersection configurations included bump-outs, new crosswalks and lighting. The concept integrated multi-modal transportation including both on-street and off-street bike lanes on William Street within connects to other bike routes and pedestrian pathways oriented along the St. Joseph River.
The project evolved into a strategic plan for redevelopment on the west side of the City’s Central Business District, for the development area around Four Winds Field, and was the catalyst for a larger City of South Bend Two-Way Street Conversion project slated for construction in 2016
PROJECT COST: $1.1 million
PROJECT MANAGER: Ken Jones, PLS
Kendallville, Indiana
JPR worked with the City of Kendallville, the Redevelopment Commission, Kendallville Chamber, and the Main Street Committee to develop a transformative streetscape design within their historic downtown. The newly designed streetscape embraced the historic culture of downtown while also addressing several areas of blight and needed improvement. The overall consensus was that the existing deteriorating sidewalks were recognized as a needed area for improvement, as they posed unsafe conditions for residents and visitors.
Another major focus of the improvements was to incorporate electrical upgrades so electrical cords and power strips would no longer need to be run from existing businesses to provide the needed power for downtown festivals and events. This project was awarded a $600,000 grant from Indiana Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA).
PROJECT COST: $1.1 Million
PROJECT MANAGER: Nathan Deig, PLA
VAN WERT MASTER PLAN
JPR assisted the City of Van Wert in developing a Downtown Master Plan. The Master Plan helped to identify downtown elements such as pavement types and private and public spaces, as well as programmed areas. It also provided the City with a way to communicate their vision for a hierarchy of spaces within the area that could be identified through the use of pavement materials, vegetation, and site furnishings.
The Plan included a parking study to evaluate current and future needs based on existing and anticipated businesses and residential units. It also identified pedestrian corridors connecting public spaces, including a primary corridor linking the courthouse to the linear park along Central Avenue.
JPR further supported the City by identifying Phase 1 sites, organized into three zones along Washington Street at the Main Street intersection: the North, Central, and South Clusters. These zones featured first-floor businesses with office and residential spaces above, with street frontages and alleyways programmed with furnishings, plantings, and pavement options. The alleyways were designed as functional “backyards” for building occupants, while public seating, dining, and gathering spaces were incorporated along street fronts. Pavement types were further defined to help frame pedestrian spaces, as well as build on the character of downtown.
JJPR provided civil plans for Phase 1 implementation and coordinated with utility groups to ensure the Plan served the City and its downtown users effectively.
PROJECT COST: $100 Million
PROJECT MANAGER: Andrew Cunningham, PLA, LEED AP
Nathan Deig, PLA
Van Wert, Ohio
ELKHART RIVER DISTRICT REVITALIZATION PLAN
Elkhart, Indiana
In April 2017, the River District planning team – utilizing the input of 25 private and public stakeholders – presented a River District Revitalization Vision Plan to the community. Immediately, Mayor Neese and the City Council commissioned a River District Implementation Team (RDIT) of 17 public-private members to complete the research, master design, acquisitions, development, and construction with an approved City investment of $30 million in public infrastructure and amenities. RDIT members represent all sectors of the community: City staff, local and national professional consultants, community and business leaders, investors, developers, and current property owners who regularly collaborate on all aspects of the Plan.
Construction promptly ensued building four anchor projects, including a 200-unit apartment complex, state-of-the-art Elkhart Health & Aquatics Center, a Jackson Boulevard signature streetscape, and a mixed-use project including a Martin’s Super Markets grocery store and housing for over 170 residential units.
The active private and public investments have exceeded $170 million. Fifty percent of the 105-acre River District was completed in 2022 and an additional $150 million of investment was anticipated to follow.
Additional projects in the District include access to downtown waterways, a contiguous Riverwalk path around the District, renewed park and town green, inviting and charming tree-lined walkable streets and boulevards, on-street parking, buried utilities, and a vibrant community of mixed-use activities ready for everyday social engagement.
PROJECT COST: $30 million
PROJECT MANAGER: Kenneth Jones, PS Andrew Cunningham, PLA
AUBURN CULTURAL PLAZA
Auburn, Indiana
JPR was commissioned by the James Foundation to provide a Cultural and civic plaza for the City of Auburn, Indiana. This multi-purpose space is designed to be used as a gathering space by both large groups for performances and festivals as well smaller groups and individuals with more intimate seating spaces. The Cultural plaza provides opportunities for art and sculptural pieces to be displayed throughout the site. Various details, and decorative walls echo Auburn’s rich automobile history through various shapes and profiles. A performance stage with an overhead canopy is located in the northwest corner. The central plaza space, serves as an audience space as well as a location for farmer’s market and festival vendors or even parking. The plaza is paved with permeable pavers in order to retain the stormwater on-site.
PROJECT COST: $1.2 Million
PROJECT MANAGER: Andrew Cunningham, PLA Kevin McCrory, RLA, ASLA
CITY OF DEFIANCE PARKS & RIVERFRONT MASTER PLAN
Defiance, Ohio
JPR, in partnership with another planning firm, is working with the City of Defiance to develop a Parks and Riverfront Master Plan. Situated at the confluence of the Maumee and Auglaize Rivers, Defiance boasts 20 parks and three rivers, all central to the plan. The goal is to create a community-supported strategy that can be implemented through capital projects and program initiatives.
Key components include activating riverfronts, adding kayak and canoe access points, improving park and downtown connectivity, and promoting accessible health and wellness. Community engagement is vital, with efforts including events, steering committee meetings, stakeholder interviews, workshops, and three online surveys with statistically valid results. Social media outreach further informs and involves the public.
The design team is exploring collaborations with agencies to maximize resources, identifying priorities for land acquisition and park development, and providing recommendations with cost estimates and funding alternatives.
The Final Master Plan is anticipated to be completed in mid2025. Once finalized, it will serve as a guiding framework for the City of Defiance, helping to create a connected and active community for its residents and visitors.
PROJECT COST: TBD
PROJECT MANAGER: Andrew Cunningham, PLA, LEED AP Nathan Deig, PLA
EEL RIVER COMMONS
North Manchester, Indiana
Uniquely positioned with its Main Street along a river, the Town of North Manchester faced a common challenge: fostering interaction between the two. Historically, Main Street and the river existed side by side but remained disconnected. The Town sought to change this by creating a stronger link between the Eel River and downtown while enhancing residents’ quality of life. Enter Eel River Commons.
More than just a park, this project transforms vacant floodway land into a vibrant space featuring an activity lawn, performance area, engaging amenities, restrooms, and parking. A pedestrian bridge provides accessible access across the river to a new pavilion, connecting the park to Ogan’s Landing and downtown. Additionally, a revitalized back alley was transformed into a pedestrian corridor along the riverbank, providing a key link to Main Street.
As the civil engineer and landscape architect for the project, JPR played a vital role in designing spaces that reflect North Manchester’s culture while addressing technical challenges. With much of the site in a floodplain and roughly six feet below the Base Flood Elevation (BFE), strategic design ensured the bridge’s accessibility while maintaining proper cut-and-fill balance to sustain water flow.
Funded through local collaborations and a Lilly Endowment, the project is in the design and permitting phase, with construction anticipated to begin in 2026.
PROJECT COST: $8 Million (approx.)
PROJECT MANAGER: Nathan Deig, PLA
RIVERFRONT PHASE IIA
Fort Wayne, Indiana
The Riverfront Phase IIA project serves as a vital connection linking a modern park amenity on the west in Promenade Park with a historic park amenity on the east in Headwaters Park. The park provides a unique variety of experiences ranging from concrete walkways to natural boulder pathways through a bioswale, and seating plazas capitalize on the beautiful views of the St. Marys River. A traditional plaza with seating opportunities is provided adjacent to the mixed-use development, while an informal seating area is located within the heart of the park in the bioswale.
Serving as a major linkage between the two key parks, and as a part of the larger riverfront park development, the design team collaborated heavily with the City of Fort Wayne and stakeholders to develop a concept that strategically utilizes design themes to fuse the unique and intricate designs of the spaces around it.
Since the park space was vastly located within the floodplain of the St. Marys River, the design and grading of the site was intricately developed to balance cut/fill volumes while also utilizing sustainable strategies to capture and filter stormwater from adjacent properties with the park.
PROJECT COST: $2.5 Million
PROJECT MANAGER: Nathan Deig, PLA Claire Eltzroth, PE
LPCPL READING GARDEN & MAINTENANCE BUILDING
La Porte, Indiana
In 2022, JPR designed both a Reading Wi-Fi Garden and new storage and maintenance building for the LaPorte County Public Library (LPCPL).
Reading Wi-Fi Garden: The Reading Garden was designed to provide an outdoor passive park for the library and its patrons. It contains a looped walking path, lighting, seating nodes with benches, irrigated landscape, and Wi-Fi connectivity for all users – as well as a flat lawn space allowing for the setup of tents and chairs during future library events.
Additionally, all stormwater is collected on-site using two drywells and a gravel trench drain system, and two sculpture nodes were incorporated into the space. A sculpture installation at the corner of Indiana Avenue and Harrison Street was designed using granite stair treads that were previously removed from the library’s historical main entrance. This is just one way we tried to incorporate a bit of history into the project, continuing to tell the story of the public library and the community it serves.
Storage and Maintenance Building: This new building was designed to have two offices and a four-bay garage / workshop for library maintenance staff - not just for the main branch but for all LPCPL branches. It also has a covered porch and front yard for hosting programs and activities, and new sidewalks and trees were installed to liven up the site.
PROJECT COST: $1 Million
PROJECT MANAGER: Ed Kowalczyk, AIA
Austin Blomeke, PLA
WINONA LAKE LIMITLESS PARK
JPR worked with the Town of Winona Lake to design and develop the Winona Lake Limitless Park, which offers opportunities for social engagement and play that extends beyond current ADA requirements.
JPR worked with caretakers, physical and occupational therapists, parents, and teachers to develop a playground and splash pad that not only provides a unique play environment, but also infuses therapeutic aspects for those that have physical and cognitive challenges. This destination park includes a recirculating splash pad, fully accessible restroom building, playground equipment that provides ADA access throughout the entire structure, natural play elements including climbing rocks and crawl tunnels, and individual structures that provide respite for those that may have Autism.
The park is thoughtfully designed to be fun, inclusive, and to provide opportunities to assist in the development of cognitive and gross motor skills.
PROJECT COST: $1.75 Million
PROJECT MANAGER: Andrew Cunningham, PLA
Winona Lake, Indiana
NEW HAVEN COMMUNITY CENTER
Fort Wayne, Indiana
Nearly three decades of studies and investigation by the Park Board clearly demonstrated the desire of residents to have a facility that would provide for comprehensive and diversified programming yearround. New Haven made the first step towards accomplishing this goal by renovating an existing building to develop their Community Center which now provides the community with a variety of amenities and programming.
The improvements include a multi-functional outdoor plaza, inclusive playground, accessible splash pad, restroom and storage building, four pickle-ball courts, basketball court, open space, a trail connection and site lighting improvements. As this project becomes the hub of New Haven, the City already anticipates the future expansion of this project which will be easily achievable due to the thoughtful and forward-thinking design and layout of each space.
PROJECT COST: $1.7 Million
PROJECT MANAGER: Nathan Deig, PLA
MISHAWAKA CENTER FOR HOSPICE CARE
Mishawaka, Indiana
In 2010, JPR was retained by the Hospice Board of Directors to assist with site evaluation and selection as the Board considered their next facility.
Ultimately, a brownfield site in the City of Mishawaka’s riverfront redevelopment site was selected. The site came with multiple challenges including questionable sub-surface conditions, high water tables, conflicts with utilities and the need to demolish some dilapidated structures before site planning could commence.
JPR resolved all of the constraints and helped the Hospice Board develop a multi-phased campus master plan that includes 5 buildings (65,000 SFT) plus a guest house for patient families.
The site includes a riverwalk, therapeutic garden, new street improvements, a war memorial, and associated parking fields. The landscape design incorporates outdoor patient areas, a courtyard, walking paths and carefully planned plantings and lighting.
JPR is especially proud of the plan and our involvement with Hospice. (This is our second project with them.)
