East Bottoms Vision Study pt. 1

e as t b o tt o m s v i s i o n s t u d y

industrial space reconsidered

The Kansas City Design Center is made possible by generous support from the Hall Family Foundation. This project is supported by the Kansas City, Missouri City Managers Office.

This publication documents the processes and findings of the East Bottoms Visioning Study, occuring during the academic semesters of Fall 2019 and Spring 2020. This publication was written by Sharmaine Quilala, Tayvia Navy, and Samantha Davis under the counsel of the Kansas City Design Center.

This publication cannot be sold, duplicated, or published electronically or otherwise, without the express written consent of the KCDC. The purpose of this publication is academic in nature and is intended to showcase the research, scholarship, and design work of the students of the KCDC.

KCDC Kansas City Design Center

contents 01 BACKGROUND East Bottoms Origins Life Today The Project

OI BG BG| BG iii1

3 6 9

31 Ecology 41 Identity 53 Connectivity

IA 21

21 INVENTORY AND ANALYSIS 23 Introduction 25 Physical 29 Regulatory

65 Goals & Objectives 69 Green Infrastructure Framework 83 Trail Design Framework

93 Folly Framework 99 Critical Areas of Focus 101 Phasing

VF 63

63 VISION FRAMEWORK

149 Regional Connections

EP 109

109 ELECTRIC PARK 111 Electric Park Overview 119 Chestnut Trafficway 135 Electric Park

157 Riverfront Park Overview 173 Chestnut Access Point 177 Constructed Edge Promenade

181 Wetlands 187 Amphitheater

RP 155

155 RIVERFRONT PARK

195 INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT ID 195

197 Industrial District Overview 209 The Industrial Greenhouse 229 Universal Avenue

253 Working Landscape Overview 259 Green Infrastructure Layer 269 Ecological Layer

279 Public Development Layer

WL 251

251 WORKING L ANDSCAPE

CN 301

301 CONCLUSIONS 303 Project Conclusion 305 Masterplan 307 Bibliography

foreword The hard-knuckled pragmatics of midwestern urbanism is inseparable from the reality of the threat of nature where cities wrestled into locations where they were not supposed to be at had to function as bulwarks against inevitable calamities. They stand inscribed with the stories of suffering and human resilience and to this day we still cling to these locations shackled by the history of persistence and the incredible amount of collective investments made to hold on to the tenuous places. We seem unable to part with them against our growing understanding that we need to make peace with nature and find a balance that will guarantee our survival as a part of it. In doing so, the necessary defensive structures we invented and built have also become the instruments of our disconnection from the place and our alienation from nature – namely the rivers, confined to the levee systems, are no longer a part of our environment and exist beyond it as a foreign territory, something to be controlled and made inaccessible as a condition of that control—denying us the very sense of existential belonging and our natural identity.

The East Bottoms area in Kansas City is the epitome of such urban heritage and signifies a pressing dilemma that demands a solution of how to reconcile the industrial hold on the land with the progressing need to mitigate the volatility of the water insurgence in the historic floodplains, amplified by the urban development and the desire to rethink the public realm and uncover and make accessible some of the city’s most unrecognized natural and geographic assets [such as wooded Missouri River riverfront which is bigger than the NYC Central Park area]. Fundamental to this dilemma was the realization and the subsequent strategic position that no viable design consideration could be found without grasping the infrastructural needs of the sustainable water management and resilient thinking where the engineering investment capital had to be [re]conceptualized as a public benefit capital and the public use amenity. The corollary of such a realization was also the question of the possibility of the insertion of human scale oriented urban design against a laissez-faire, oversized, and forbidding industrial urban landscape devoid of any recognizable sense of order and pregnant with the crushing intensity of the daily commerce that sustains it. Facing the irreconcilable extremes of the given urban situation the thought was directed towards the possibility of a different urban paradigm seeking the terms and the opportunities for the coexistence of the opposites and the intersection and the reconnection of the existing with the new ordering elements. These elements were conceived as catalytic means of the experiential and programmatic reorganization of the totality of the urban environment into a related whole while seeking deeper roots within the very geographic location and creating sustainable infrastructures necessary to support it. The hope is that in however modest degree, this project was able to offer an alternative strategy for rethinking and reclaiming the industrial urban landscape as an integral and inhabitable part of the city’s public realm as well as considering the possibility of a different city

Midway through the project, the studio, together with the rest of the country, was faced with the Covid-19 challenge giving a new, experiential meaning to the word ‘resilience’. I am extremely proud of the students who have quickly adapted to the remote, online mode of operations and did not miss a beat of moving the project forward. To some degree this challenge has made the project even better, inspiring students’ determination to persist, and I feel humbled to have had a chance to share that experience working with them. As a happenstance the Covid-19 situation has brought into focus the importance of a sustainable public realm as one of the key elements of healthy urban living, and in particular its equitable accessibility, making the design study presented in this publication an ever more relevant and necessary subject for further investigation.

On behalf of KCDC I remain deeply indebted to Jeffrey Williams and the KCMO Planning Department as well as former City Manager Troy Schulte for the trust and support invested in our program, which has allowed us to carry out this project. My sincere thanks are due to the Project Advisory Group who selflessly shared their expertise and time in helping guide the project, and to the project stakeholders and community members who have shared their insights and inspired the studio progress.

In closing I want to note that this publication was created and edited by KCDC design studio graduates Samantha Davis, Sharmaine Quilala and Tayvia Navy. It was no small task to sift through the years’ worth of work they and their classmates produced and create a comprehensive document that not only makes an account of the effort and its outcomes, but more so makes an argument that hopefully adds to the thinking about relevant urban design possibilities. Their classmates and I owe them a debt of gratitude for their perseverance and hard work in making this publication possible. Finally, debt is also owed to Mariah Randell, KCDC Executive Assistant for her dedication to provide proofing oversight and technical guidance for the publication production.

My sincere thanks to all, Vladimir Krstic

BG v

order where its different ‘natures’ are strategically intersected and juxtaposed [rather than considered mutually exclusive] towards the creation of a new urban quality.

NICE PHOTO OF STUDIO?.... OR PEOPLE TALKING DURING PRESENTATION?

acknowledgements ers throughout the studio’s numerous meetings was essential in the development of this project. Their dedicated involvement allowed us to make stronger research and design outcomes.

Scott Brown, General Counsel, Faultless Starch BonAmi Company Joe Perry, Vice President, Real Estate & Development, Port Authority of KC Christina Hoxie, Founder & Community Planner, Hoxie Collective Terry Rynard, Director, City of KCMO - Parks and Rec Tom Jacobs, Environmental Program Director, MARC Andrew Savastino, Chief Environmental Officer, City of KCMO Natasha Karsk, Partnership Coordinator, Heartland Conservation Alliance Lisa Treese, Senior Landscape Architect, City of KCMO - Water Department Jeff Williams, Director of City Planning, City of KCMO - Planning Department Gerald Shechter, Sustainability Coordinator, City of KCMO Rob Richardson, Director of Planning, City of KCK Andy Sauer, Green Infrastructure and Stormwater Management, Burns & McDonnell Andrew Bracker, Brownfields Coordinator, City of KCMO Andy Shively, Special Assistant Manager, City of KCMO Kristin Riott, Executive Director, Bridging the Gap

students

f a cu l t y

Domenique Arcobasso - Architecture, KSU Si Chen - Landscape Architecture, KSU Shayla Curren - Architecture, KSU Samantha Davis - Architecture, KSU Alejandro Dowling - Architecture, KSU Jason Ingram - Architecture, KSU Tayvia Navy - Architecture, KSU Chuan Qin - Architecture, KSU Sharmaine Quilala - Architecture, KSU Calistro Reyes - Architecture, KSU Tim Rodden - Architecture, KSU James Ryan - Landscape Architecture, KSU Jo Seunghyun - Interior Design KSU Anthony White, Jr. - Architecture, KSU Yizhi Zhang - Architecture, KSU

Vladimir Krstic - KCDC Director & Professor Terrance Clark - Executive Director Mariah Randell - Executive Assistant

BG vii

a d v i s o r y c o u n c i l - The voluntary participation of our advisory committee and professional review-

OIBG| BG 1

East Bottoms Origins Life Today The Project

3 9 15

BACKGROUND

increased road road disappear

1896

1970

1910

1922

1994

2019

1910

1922

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2019

1896 - 2019 road development

1896

1970

1896 - 2019 rail development

In 1804, Lewis and Clark camped for three days at the confluence of the Kansas and Missouri rivers in Kansas City, Kansas. During their stay, they met French fur traders and mapped the area that is currently called Quality Hill in what would eventually become Kansas City. By 1821, 24-year-old Francais Gesseau Chouteau set up a permanent trading post in the great bend of the Missouri River that makes up the Northeast Industrial District (crossed today by Chouteau Trafficway). Soon the area was populated by trappers, scouts, traders, and farmers. The East Bottoms was a prime area for development because of the Missouri River and during the 19th century, it was one of the main routes for the westward expansion of the United States. The population began to soar here as communities began to form close to the river and in the hill (current-day East Bottoms and the bluff of Downtown Kansas City).

Rail infrastructure and industries also had an immense impact on the formation and transformation of the East Bottoms. By 1865, railroad lines reached Kansas City completing an important East-West connection that changed the trajectory of development of the region. Kansas Pacific consolidated with the Union Pacific in 1880 and the rail lines through the East Bottoms allowed for strong growth, especially with the large amounts of wheat production in the area. At this time, the population of Kansas had then increased to one million compared to the 100,000 twenty years before.

K a n s as C i t y, 1 8 6 9 [ 1 ]

BG 3

E A ST B OT T O MS O R I G I N S

1903 flooding area 1951 flooding area

1993 flooding area river

g r e a t f l o o d s o f e as t b o tt o m s

great flood of 1903

[2]

In 1903, Kansas City Times states in an article: “The Missouri River gage at Kansas City (station 06893000) recorded its highest reading during the 1903 flood, nearly 35 feet, on June 2. ...Kansas City passed yesterday the most disastrous day in its history... All Saturday night and all yesterday the torrents swept down the Missouri and Kansas until the valleys of the Kansas and Missouri were a solid mass of raging water from bluff to bluff.”[3]

great flood of 1951

[5]

In mid-July 1951, heavy rains led to a great rise of water in the Kansas River and other surrounding areas of the central United States due to the heavy rainfall for nearly two months. “The damage in June and July 1951 across eastern Kansas and Missouri exceeded $935 million (equivalent to $9.21 billion in 2019). The flooding killed 17 people and displaced 518,000 more.”[4]

great flood of 1993

[5]

“The Great Flood of 1993 would go on to claim 50 lives and cause $15 billion in damage (approx. $26 billion in 2019 dollars). The flood was among the most costly and devastating to ever occur in the central United States."[6] Even though there were devastating results around the region, Kansas City was still considered better off than some other cities due to the levees that were put in place in 1980.

The Missouri River, rises in Montana and flows into the Mississippi at St. Charles, Mo. and is currently the second-largest river in the United States and arguably the most erratic. As shown in the maps below, the river and the riverbanks have changed over time. After major floods in 1903 and then in 1951, levee systems were then put into place in 1980 and were predicted to last up to 50 years. These developments caused more predictable channelization of the Missouri River.

" There is only one river with a personality, a sense of humor, and a woman's caprice; a river that goes traveling sidewise, that interferes in politics, rearranges geography, and dabbles in real estate; a river that plays hide and seek with you today and tomorrow follows you around like a pet dog with a dynamite cracker tied to his tail. That river is the Missouri."

-George Fitch Despite the protection provided by the levee, the area witnessed a decline in demographic changes and growth after another major flood in 1993. This wiped out towns and small cities along the river, creating a major setback for industries and rail infrastructure, devastating development in the East Bottoms.

watershed old river bed

land river bank

1896

1910

1922

1970

1994

2019

1896 - 2019 hydrology

BG 5

channelization and flooding

residential industrial significant buildings

institutional services

1896

Heim Brewar y - 1886

1922

1910

[7]

Electric Park - 1899

[5]

C i t y M a r ke t B u i l d i n g - 1 9 2 1

[8]

General Mills - 1928

heim breweries Ferdinand Heim, along with his brothers Michael and Joseph, purchased the Star Ale Brewery and Heim Breweries at 14th and Main Street in 1884 and promptly began to change the brewing landscape in Kansas City. In 1886 the brothers purchased an old sugar refining plant in the city’s East Bottoms area and moved the brewing operation there shortly thereafter. electric park To grow the Heim brand in Kansas City, the brothers built a large amusement park at the foot of Chestnut Trafficway, adjacent to the Brewery on Rochester, and named it Electric Park in 1899. Named for its 100,000 light bulbs, Electric Park featured a vaudeville theater, one of the country’s first roller coasters, and a beer garden with fresh beer piped directly under the street from the brewery next door. Animator and entrepreneur, Walt Disney, was a frequent visitor to the park and has cited the Electric Park as his primary inspiration for the design of the first modern park.

[5]

BG 7

e as t b o tt o m s d e v e l o p m e n t

1970

N o r t h e as t I n d u s t r i a l D i s t r i c t - 1940 [5]

1994

2019

Knuckleheads Saloon - 2001

general mills In 1928 General Mills was incorporated. It became one of the most signiďŹ cant factories in the area, solely producing our. The development of the railway helped speed up the transportation of products. By the 1930s Kansas had the highest wheat output out of any state, which created a domino effect touching beer processing plants, bread, and other industries. knuckleheads saloon Near Electric Park is Knuckleheads Saloon, a music venue and bar opened in 2001. The facility is a complex of four stages including a large outdoor stage with a converted caboose to one side as a VIP seating area, as well as a small 220 seat indoor stage and large indoor stage called 'Knuckleheads Garage.' There is also a 50-seat lounge, the 'Gospel Lounge' for Wednesday-evening blues-oriented church services. The venue presents live music Wednesday through Sunday, with occasional Tuesday concerts. Knuckleheads is a staple giving the people a reason to come and visit the East Bottoms.

Over time, the rivers and flooding have caused residential areas to migrate to higher ground, leaving this part of Kansas City as a ‘no-mans’ land with blighted and ad-hoc architecture. Despite the East Bottoms wonderful geographic position, the area is disconnected from the city and also disconnected eternally due to frequent railroad tracks and an unsafe public realm. The East Bottoms area currently presents the greatest opportunity to create a relationship to the river due to the large expanse of open, existing greenspace on the river's edge. There are also a few developments in this area that have been a great success, such as Berkley, J. Rieger & Co., and Knuckleheads Saloon. These provide entertainment foundations for the East Bottoms, encourage live music, dining experiences, small concerts, and distillery operations and tours. Although as of now, the majority of people occupying this area are here for work. Almost 16,000 employees commute to East Bottoms for work, and only 132 people live in the area. This means only 14 people are living and working in the East Bottoms.

2 people regional highway

population densit y

BG 9

L I F E T O D AY

amount of people commuting from the East Bottoms for work 5 mile radius

15,736

people commute to the East Bottoms for employment

14 transpor tation

w o r ke r a g e

people live and work in the East Bottoms

132

people live in the East Bottoms and work outside the area

monthly earnings

w o r ke r r a c e

w o r ke r e d u c a t i o n

w o r ke r g e n d e r

employment demographics

age

income

race

education

population demographics

BG 11

population and employment data

unknown industry

isle of capri

Throughout the East Bottoms, you will find large, abandoned, industrial The Isle of Capri Casino lies right next to the Missouri River, Berkley buildings and silo's. These act as wayfinding elements throughout the site Riverfront Park and is currently the ending point of the Riverfront Herand reflect our city's industrial history. itage Trail. While currently isolated, renovation plans are in discussion.

According to the Kansas City Business Journal, "Twin River Worldwide Holdings Inc. plans to invest $61 million into renovating the Isle of Capri Casino, which the company will rebrand as 'Casino KC'."[9]

e v e r g y a n d a g r i cu l t u r e l a n d

the lunchbox

Views to Evergy's coal-burning plant are prevalent from many locations The Lunch Box is a local restaurant with a location in the West Bottoms throughout the East Bottoms. This is on the Eastern edge of the East Bottoms and one in the East Bottoms. They provide great food for good prices and serve many of the workers in the East Bottoms. and is surrounded by large agriculture land plots.

BG 13

site characteristics

river front belt

blighted house

The East Bottoms river belt is a great natural amenity for Kansas City In the neighborhoods of the East Bottoms, you will find many blighted and and helps protect the Missouri River and promotes wildlife, yet is cur- abandoned residential buildings (most likely due to flooding). Some of these rently inaccessible. In total, the river belt is 955.45 acres (calculated to houses now sit unkempt with overgrown vegetation. the centerline of the Missouri River). To offer some perspective of the scale, New York's Central Park is 843 acres.

b a r t l e tt g r a i n c o .

town-topic hamburgers

Bartlett Grain Company, L.P. operates as a grain merchandising com- One of the first Town-Topic Hamburgers was built in the East Bottoms, alpany offering wheat, feed grains, food-grade corn, soybeans, and dairy though it is now rundown and abandoned. products. You can find many wheat production industries such as this one with a demanding presence throughout the East Bottoms.

Revive the E. Side PIEA TIF 353 Shared Success Fund - Cont. Distressed Enterprise Opportunity Zone Opportunity Zone

incentives map

p r o j e c t i n t e n t - This comprehensive vision study takes these various East Bottoms characteristics and history, and reconsiders what this industrial space can and should become. The project aims to become an armature for discussion, revealing a staging of possibilities for the transformation of these different industrial spaces throughout the East Bottoms and how they can be connected through an inhabitable and continuous public realm. It is important that this public realm does not just connect these industrial spaces internally, but also connects Blue River Valley on the east to the West Bottoms Hyvee Arena and Kansas City, Kansas to the west for better city connections.

This vision study provides strategies for assessing found conditions and exploring innovative opportunities for the assembly, repurposing, accessibility, and use of the underutilized vacant lands and infrastructures throughout the East Bottoms. These various urban design proposals capitalize on the natural assets and entertainment amenities the East Bottoms currently offers while also emphasizing the importance of ecological restoration, flood resiliency, and cultural identity. To impact urban order and connect these industrial transformations, the project considers the public realm as an urban resilience driven concept of working and inhabitable green infrastructure that coexists with the surrounding industries, industrial traffic, pedestrian recreation, and public space.

As populations rise and urban areas continuously expand outward, the reuse and rehabilitation of vacant properties within industrial districts, like the East Bottoms, is more and more becoming an imperative option. There is a desire to take these often contaminated industrial sites and make them inhabitable and sustainable for the future generations of Kansas City. The incentives map to the left reflects this interest and shows the encouragement of investment to remove blight and blighting conditions throughout the East Bottoms. In building a comprehensive base for the project, the studio began studying these various incentive programs, city plans, and initiatives for the purpose of complementing and supporting plans already established by the city. The two most critical of these documents include the Riverfront Industrial Area Plan[10] and the Blue Valley Plan[11] and were used as strategic tools in not only creating the vision framework but also to seek synergies which would bring the implementation possibilities to the foreground. The findings from these studies provided the foundation and set the agenda for the re-considering of industrial space throughout the East Bottoms. p r o j e c t p r o c e s s - The project development process was based on the extensive outreach aimed at maximizing community and stakeholder input and ensuring proper expert guidance through an advisory group comprised of representatives from related professional fields. This collaboration was made possible through multiple community, advisory, and review group meetings shown in the timeline on the next page. Ultimately, the project process broke into four different phases during the 2019-2020 academic year: inventory mapping, analytical mapping, project framework, and design areas.

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T H E P R OJ E C T

The inventory mapping phase consisted of extremely thorough site analysis, existing plans and initiatives research, case studies research, and advisory group collaboration. The in-depth site inventory maps the studio created were then broken down into separate categories: physical characteristics, history, demographics, identity, ecological conditions, and connectivity.

During the analytical mapping phase of the project, the studio tried to more thoroughly make sense of these different site conditions and further define how these conditions inform restoration and protection, identity, and connectivity design implementations.

The project framework phase of the project included the development of an integrated public realm and green infrastructure vision framework. These two systems are connected through a continuous, and color-coded, trail loops system that builds upon the found qualities in the site, bringing urban order to the vast, industrial landscape. This vision framework not only focuses on cleaning the air, soil, and water pollution but also builds resiliency against flooding, making the East Bottoms a safe and inhabitable place.

The project design areas phase of the project included the reconsideration of industrial space in more detail. The studio further refined the vision framework and defined critical areas of interventions based on their site characteristics and current land use. This required them to be studied on their own terms more thoroughly and stands as proof of concept for the vision framework. These critical areas of intervention include the 'Electric Park District', the 'Riverfront Park', the 'Industrial District', and the 'Working Landscape'.

P h as e I :

Inventory Mapping

P h as e I I :

Analytical Mapping

P h as e I I I :

Project Framework

First Advisory Board Meeting

A U G U ST

SEPTEMBER

Second Advisory Board Meeting

OCTOBER

N OV E M B E R

2019 Project Commences

timeline

Phase IV:

Design Areas

KCDC Open House

Fourth Advisory Board Meeting

DECEMBER

JANUARY

Sixth Advisory Board Meeting

Fifth Advisory Board Meeting

FEBRUARY

MARCH

APRIL

KCDC Open House

M AY

2020 Third Advisory Board Meeting

First Public Meeting

Second Public Meeting

Seventh Advisory Board Meeting

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C O M M U N I T Y E N G AG E M E N T Key Collaborators

The original pre-conceptions encircling how to design for the East Bottoms and this idea of industrial-pedestrian-ecological coexistence was challenged by the collaboration with an advisory council and studies encompassing a diverse set of ideas. The interactions with stakeholders and the community were led through the complex process contesting different points of views and establishing a communal idealogy and value system to understand what this industrial space can become. Throughout the development of the project, different people and organizations played different but otherwise important roles. While some offered technical knowledge on strategies needed to achieve the project’s goals, some offered broader advice with what resiliency in the industrial landscape means. While some were more interested about the economic feasibility of the project, others were more interested with how the vision study could catalyse change in the shifting identity of the city. Ultimately, this collaboration was essential in the development of this project and allowed us to make stronger research and design outcomes.

"The outcome of this study provides a set of urban design propositions for our City to imagine a more resilient future of land use that connects (and protects) people and nature while celebrating the rich heritage and resources of this river City. As a local professional focused on community development and environmental conservation, I look forward to working with the KCMO Departments and area partners to move these important ideas forward. With the recently adopted Green Infrastructure ordinance and Forestry ordinance, the political will and policy framework for increasing resilience through ecological restoration seems to have an open window of opportunity. Local organizations focused on this work including urban conservation land trusts, habitat restoration experts, native plant experts, and food system experts are also increasing in capacity. KCDC’s studies provide a way to bring cross sector partners together to advance the heavy lift of large scale ecological restoration that can impact local flood risk reduction, habitat improvement, water quality, public health and a new sensibility of public space. Thank you KCDC, for continuing to advance important conversations in Kansas City with your thought-provoking work."

- Christina Hoxie, Hoxie Collective

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IA 21

Introduction Physical Regulatory Ecology Identity Connectivity

23 25 29 31 41 53

INVENTORY & ANALYSIS

Site Sections - 12K

tory - East Bottoms Mapping

In order to gain a comprehensive understanding of a complex urban situation encompassing the East Bottoms, the project was focused on making an inventory and subsequently analytical inquiry into critical aspects that define such a situation. The issues of physical morphology, history, regulatory planning ordinances, demographics, standing plans and initiatives and experiential studies were methodically dissected and assembled to provide a thorough account of strategic perspectives for design thinking.

From this, findings and maps were split into three main categories: ecology, connectivity, and identity.

These series of maps eventually led to the conception of an appropriate design framework resulting from the found issues and opportunities in the East Bottoms.

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graphy - 20k

INTRODUCTION

East Bottoms Map- 12k East Bottoms Map- 12k

scales and relation to contex t

East Bottoms Map - 50K 12k map

Studying the East Bottoms in a zoomed in scale of inch/12,000ft allows usEast to Bottoms Map - 20k be able to understand opportunities and challenges that are present within East Bottoms Map - 20k the area.

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East Bottoms Map - 50K

20k map

Scaling up to an inch/20,000ft allows the studio to study the East Bottoms and its relationship to West Bottoms, which shares the same characteristics of being in a floodplain and historically an industrial area.

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Zooming out to an inch/50,000ft allows the studio to analyse East Bottoms and its relationship to the city.

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PHYSICAL on the east, the East Bottoms is a vast area bordered by large, underutilized parks - the Riverfront Park and Kessler Park. Bordering the south edge of the site about 100ft higher in elevation atop the bluffs is the Kessler Park, which overlooks the industrial landscape of the East Bottoms. Riverfront Park borders the northern edges of the East Bottoms - the largest riverfront park in Kansas City with 955.45 acres in size. Years of industrial use in the East Bottoms has resulted in large warehouses and massive industrial buildings compared to the figure ground of the more residential neighborhoods to the south. The East Bottoms is intersected by major highways like I-29 on the east and I-435 on the west.

land ownership parcels

p u b l i c r i g h t - o f-w ay

va c a n t p a r c e l s

figure ground

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Bordered by the Missouri River and the Blue River, the East Bottoms is a mostly flat industrial area that is located in the watershed. Stretching from the Heart of America Bridge on the west, to the Blue River

industrial complex Experiential studies of the East Bottoms were generated to investigate the industrial area's complicated physical nature comprising of complex natural topography, interstate and elevated road infrastructure, expansive railyards, mega scale industrial buildings, vacant lands, and residues of its original landscape. Sparse tree canopy and powerline infrastructure line up the unwelcoming streets of the East Bottoms, where pedestrians can be seen walking on gravel shoulders, inches away from heavy truck traffic. The lack of safe crossings and sidewalks on the streets make the journey through the East Bottoms daunting and intimidating. Years of flooding and intense industrial use has made blight conditions far too common in the industrial landscape.

e x p e r i e n t i a l v i g n e tt e s o f t h e e as t b o tt o m s Serial vignettes convey the experience of traveling through the East Bottoms. Power lines and landscaped trees are prominent features throughout the journey.

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City of Kansas City Railroad State of MO Evergy

LLC INC Bayer Port Authority

Institute Bottoms Up LLC Universal Land Dev't Co. Planned-Industrial Expansion Co.

Real Estate & for Investment Co. Midwest Terminal Warehouses Faultless Starch Bon Ami

Standalone parcels Multiple parcels

land ownership - 20k heavy industrial light Industrial

land use - 20k

rail park institution vacant (Non-residential)

convention & exhibition mobile home park single-family vacant (residential)

church commercial parking hotel

office services city open space utilities

Years of zoning that cater to industry and manufacturing have transformed East Bottoms to how it is today. The majority of the land in the East Bottoms are manufacturing zoning districts that are intended for manufacturing, warehousing, wholesale and industrial uses. This presents opportunities for employment growth in the East Bottoms and inhibits residential development in the industrial landscape.

While the East Bottoms is mostly zoned for manufacturing and industrial use, redevelopment efforts have been initiated specifically in the areas already surrounded by commercial activities. The city assigns UR or Urban Redevelopement districts to areas that are currently underdeveloped or blighted, giving these districts more flexibility in design for the purpose of creating more seamless and compatible redevelopment projects. These UR districts' adjacency to I-435 provides accessibility and easy access in and out of East Bottoms.

Interestingly enough, the eastern part of East Bottoms is currently zoned for residential use. These lands are separated from Bayer and Evergy's coal-burning Hawthorn 5 power plant by the levee, and mostly ownedArea by the two-mentioned companies.

Study Zoning 12k East Bottoms Mapping

MPD M3-5 M1-5 B4-2 B3-2

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R E G U L AT O R Y

usion Map

Bluff Area of Intrest

river belt

terrace

bluff

ecology conclusion The East Bottoms consists of three typologies: river belt, terrace, and bluff. The river belt is confronted with the risks of flooding from Missouri River.

The terrace is essentially the bowl of the site and is affected by polluted runoff that stays in the site. And lastly, the bluff contains the Kessler Park with its significant slope of 30% causing severe runoff intensity affecting the East Bottoms.

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Because of the East Bottoms' geographical position being in a floodplain bordered by the Missouri River and Blue River, the industrial landscape is a part of a much larger ecosystem. Given the complex ecological conditions of the East Bottoms, addressing its issues become a prerequisite and focusing on urban resiliency a necessary thinking baseline. From hydrological properties to issues of pollution in the floodplain, maps were generated to better understand the ecological impacts in and of East Bottoms.

East Bottoms was found to have three typologies based on water runoff and water management issues: river belt, terrace and bluff. Issues like stormwater overflow, overdevelopment, and pollution are prevalent in the barren industrial landscape.

o v e r l o o k i n g e as t f r o n t s t r e e t w i t h v i e w o f ke s s l e r p a r k a n d d o w n t o w n k a n s as c i t y

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E C O LO GY

regulatory floodplain area with reduced risk due to levee levee

100 Year Regulatory Floodplain 500 Year Regulatory Floodplain

Regulatory Floodplain - 20k floodplain and levee location Ecological 100-year floodplain 500-year floodplain

floodplain - 20k

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top soil source

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poor not rated

fair good

mixed native vegetation not rated

site boundary

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poor not rated

somewhat limited good

ecological id

Ecological ID

s h a l l o w e x c ava t i o n

site boundary

Limitation for Haul Road and l i mLog i t a Land tion

for haul road & log land

herbaceous vegetation woody vegetation

very limited not rated

somewhat limited

Suitability for Road

very severe not rated

site boundary

Small Commercial s m a l l cBuilding o m m e r&c Dwelling i a l b u i l with d i n gBasement & dwelling

Errosion Hazzard (Road and Trail) erosion

w / b as e m e n t

suitability for road

slight site boundary

Hydric

hydric (100%) not hydric

site boundary

severe moderate

h a z a r d (r o a d & t r a i l )

IA 33

The eastern half of the East Bottoms is the lowest lying area of the site that is separated from the rivers by man made levees and is the most susceptible to flooding. Prior to the growth of industrial development, the East Bottoms was mostly wetlands - with hydric soils best suited for water purification and storage - providing important ecosystems that support diverse species of plants and animals.

hydric soil

hydric (66-99%) hydric (1-32%)

site boundary

Road Construction and Maintenance road construction

& maintenance

EAST BOT severe not rated

moderate site boundary

poorly suited not rated

moderately suited site boundary

poorly suited not rated

E Stu

site boundary 0

soil conditions

0.4

0.8

Despite being in a floodplain and having high risk of flooding, overdevelopment in the East Bottoms has been a longstanding issue. While zoning has prevented any more residential growth in the industrial landscape, the development of manufacturing and industry are still encouraged in the floodplain.

Sparse vegetation and increased impervious surfaces have had environmental impacts not only to the East Bottoms but also to the rivers that border it. What used to be wetlands are now littered with warehouses and recycling facilities, along with waste water plants and even a coal-burning power plant.

This not only results in increased heat island effect and degradation of water quality, but also reduced wildlife habitats and disrupted ecosystems.

Over 75 industrial businesses are located in East Bottoms, and over 1700 acres of existing green space are left in the landscape with many of them underutilized with low levels of productivity. While the Pervious Land- amount 12k of existing green space may sound plenty, collectively this account to only of Impervious the total Pervious25% Land Land area of the East Bottoms.

A floodplain with 75% impervious land cover prevents the floodplain from Ecological holding great amounts of flood waters during intense storms, and makes it more difficult to recharge groundwater.

0

0.25

0.50

1.25

1.00

pervious land impervious land

pervious vs impervious ground - 12k

IA 35

overdevelopment in the floodplain

pervious land and riparian streams to back flow - 12k 1 - best 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

outflow water treatment plant backflow

back flow over streams and riparian health - 12k

Divided into two separate sewer systems, the East Bottoms utilizes both combined and separate sewer systems. While some stormwater seeps into pervious ground and recharges groundwater, during a significant storm event most of the stormwater flows as runoff.

Kessler Park, part of the Kansas City's Parks and Boulevards, capture stormwater runoff coming from the city. With its steep slope of 30%, during significant storms this can result to significant stormwater surge that affects the East Bottoms.

When excessive amounts of stormwater runoff are present in the East Bottoms, the combined sewer system overflows, leading to backflow and standing stormwater runoff in the industrial landscape.

Meanwhile, the separate sewer system conveys stormwater runoff directly into the streams and finally to the rivers, which can be problematic when this runoff is contaminated with pollution and sewage.

While the river belt protects the East Bottoms from the rivers, it also protects the rivers from polluted stormwater runoff coming from the terrace of the East Bottoms.

separate sewer system combined sewer system Missouri River Blue River

outflow water treatment plant

s e w e r sy s t e m - 1 2 k

IA 37

stormwater and sewer issues

pollution With 75 industries present in the East Bottoms, many produce different raw materials that contribute to different types of pollution in the area. Some of these industries have caused sites to be considered as "brownfields" while others remain untreated until further actions are required by the city. These different raw materials pollute the East Bottoms in different ways - through air, water and soil. Being in a floodplain makes these raw materials even more hazardous for the ecosystems present in the land and in the rivers.

Square Footage on Site for Raw Materials Square Footage on

CHEMICALS & TREATMENT Potential Land - 12k PHARMEUCUTICALS chemicals & pharmaceuticals

treatment

waste WASTE

fuel/oil FUEL/OIL

textiles & TEXTILES & dye DYE

rubber & RUBBER & tires TIRES

East Bottoms

0

CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY / I/ machinery construction industrial materials&PRODUCTS & products NDUSTRIALequipment EQUIP MATERIALS

METAL metal

Air Pollution

Particle Matter Vehicle Pollutants HAPs VOCs

r aw m a t e r i a l s d i s t r i b u t i o n - 1 2 k

UTILITIES utilities

FOOD/ALCOHOL food/alcohol

Site for Raw Materials

PAPER, paper,PLASTIC, plastic, packing & printing PACKING & PRINTING

0.25

0.50

1.25

1.00

" The more decisively and the earlier we act, the more able we will be to address unavoidable changes, manage risks, improve our lives and achieve sustainability for ecosystems and people around the world - today and the future."

- The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change

brownfields brownfield site / treatment or long-term stewardship current hazardous site brownfield site / ongoing actions backflow greenspace soil suitability for development very limited somewhat limited

brownfields and soil condition - 12k

IA 39

The presence of hazardous substances, pollutants and other contaminants in these brownfield sites have detrimental effects not only to the health of humans but also to the value of the land causing disinvestment and disenfranchisement. Lack of funding or community support are some of the barriers to the redevelopment of these brownfield sites. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has a Brownfields Program that has aided in the clean up and revitalization of these contaminated sites.

Many are assigned Long-term Stewardship where regular inspection and maintenance are done to ensure prevention of residual contamination and further risks to people and the environment.

usion Map

Logistics and Manufacturing Industrial zone

Riverfront Park and Kessler Park form a natural green loop bordering East Bottoms

industrial zone restricted access zone

social/residential zone

significant buildings due to their size affect the experience within East Bottoms

identity conclusion Within the East Bottoms are different areas with different characteristics. And throughout the industrial landscape, there are significant buildings that command attention due to their size.

0

0.25

Known as a heavily industrialized area located in the floodplain, the East Bottoms is divided into different areas each having their own characteristics and issues. In order to better understand the identity of the East Bottoms as a whole and within its parts, its history was analyzed and its DNA mapped.

An industrial landscape born out of the rivers that is heavily shaped and influenced by the intense railroad use, the East Bottoms is a no man's land despite its geographical position bordered by Missouri River and Blue River. East Bottoms has had a tumultuous history with flooding and heavy industrial pollution, as evident in its blighted urban core. Despite being bordered by a riverfront park that is 955.45 acres in size - making it bigger than New York's Central Park - the city remains disconnected from the rivers, disconnecting the city from its natural geographic origins.

view of cargill from e front st roadside

IA 41

IDENTIT Y

urban fabric East Bottom: 1896-2019 Hydrology

East Bottom: 1896-2019 Hydrology

East Bottom: 1896-2019 Hydrology 1 1896 896

h y d r o l o g y 1 8 9 6 -2 0 1 9

1910

1910

1922

1922

1970

1970

1994

1994

1896

1910

2019

2014

Old River

1922 1970

1994

Old River

1910

Land River Bank Watershed

1922

East Bottom: 1896-2019 RailRoad Development 1896

watershed old river bed

2019

East Bottom: 1896-2019 RailRoad Development 1896

Land River Bank Watershed

land river bank

East Bottom: 1896-2019 RailRoad Development

1910

1970

1994

2019

1970 1970 1970

1994 1994 1994

2019 Old River Land 2019 River Bank 2019 Old River Watershed Land Old Rail River River LandBank River Increased Watershed River Bank Watershed

19701 9 7 0

1994 1994

2019 2 0 1 4 Increased Rail

1970

1994

2019

1970 1970

1994 1994

1970

1994

River Disappear Road 2019 Increased Rail 2019 River 2019Increased Increased Road River River Rail Main Road River Land Rail Secondary Main 2019 Increased Green Belt

1970

1994

1970

1994

2019

1970 1970

1994 1994

2019 2019

1922

East Bottom: 1896-2019 Road Development 1 1896 896

1910

1910

1922

1922

River

East Bottom: 1896-2019 Road Development

r a i l r o a d d e v e l o p m e n t 1 8 9 6 -2 0 1 9 1896

1910

river increased rail 1922

East Bottom: 1896-2019 Road Development 1896

1910

1922

1896

1910

1922

1 1896 896

1910

1910

1922

1922

1970

1994

r o a d d e v e l o p m e n t 1 8 9 6 -2 0 1 9 e v o l u t i o n o f t h e l a n d s c a p e - During the Lewis and Clark Expedition back in 1804, Kansas City was an unexplored territory until the expedition arrived past the mouth of Blue River while sailing through the Missouri River. Given the task of recording the species in the new territories they were exploring, Lewis and Clark recorded diversity of animals in the now-East Bottoms. From rattlesnakes to parakeets, they recorded buffaloes and catfish along with the usual deer and wolves that roam the area.

Throughout the years ecosystems degraded, the industry thrived, resulting in a population boom in Kansas City. Because of its history of flooding, most residential functions that initially settled on the western side had moved to higher grounds. Presently, when one is to visit the vast industrial land of East Bottoms, instead of wetlands and wildlife, one is welcomed with rails, heavy traffic, and massive industrial buildings. Long gone were the days when East Bottoms was a ragged, woody wetland beautifully viewed from the top of Kessler Park.

Rail first came to town in 1847, and the continued industrialization of the East Bottoms has resulted in the rails taking a much larger territory over time. Gradual land reclamation and expansion of the city territory into the river exacerbated flood management conditions in the floodplain.

Years of railroad and industrial use, and heavy traffic in the floodplain has resulted in pollution, the degradation of the quality of the rivers, and disconnected habitats. This does not only continue to endanger the lives of humans and affect sensitive ecosystems but also results in a disarrayed industrial landscape lacking in urban order.

Road

River Land Green Belt

2019

River Land

Green Belt 2 0 1 4River Land River

river land green belt

Disappear Road 2019 River Increased Road Main Road Secondary Main Road

Disappear Road 2019 River Increased Road Disappear Road Main River Road 2019 Disappear Road Secondary Main Increased Road 2019 River Road Main Road Increased Road Secondary Main

Main Road Green Land Belt Road Secondary Main Green Belt Road 2019 river

increased road reduced road main road secondary road

OCCUPATION DENSITY: 1896-2019

Building never never changed changed Property Constantly Constantly Occupied occupied

Never Never Occupied occupied

p a r c e l o c cu p a t i o n d e n s i t y : 1 8 9 6 - 2 0 1 9

IA 43

u r b a n g r o w t h i n t h e f l o o d p l a i n s - By 1880, Kansas City was a thriving town with about one million inhabitants. The presence of the Missouri River provided sustenance and transportation for trappers, scouts, traders, and farmers. Destinations like Heim Breweries and Electric Park were located in the urban core of the East Bottoms before 1900, making it a destination site for the town's inhabitants.

But issues of flooding have always challenged East Bottoms. Throughout the 20th century, the East Bottoms suffered constantly from floods, some significantly greater than others, that resulted in damaged properties and a decline in development in the area. The presence of rails continued to support the industries located in East Bottoms, and massive blocks of warehouses riddled the industrial landscape. While residences continued to stay away from the floodplain, the industrial area continued to become a destination site for people coming in to work.

e x i s t i n g u r b a n f a b r i c - Given the heterogenous make up and its fragmented morphology, the East Bottoms was methodically dissected like DNA strands and divided into different areas. Each of these areas were found to have their own characteristics that influence the existing urban fabric.

In the residential area in the western part of the site closer to Kessler Park, smaller building blocks of houses - most of them in blight conditions - make up the urban fabric, along with existing amenities like bars and a brewery. The residential area is the urban core of the East Bottoms containing most of its permanent populace. Light industry with mostly recycling are present in the northeast part of the East Bottoms, or Industrial 1, while manufacturing and warehouses are prevalent in the northeast part, or Industrial 2. The southern part of the landscape are mostly overwhelmed with rails, while the western (which is also the lowest part of the East Bottoms) remains the least developed within the area.

Sample District - 20k Physical Analysis Map

district sample - 20k

OCCUPATION DENSITY: 1896-2019

0.5

1.0

1.5

2.0

Residential Residential

industrial 1 Industrial Industrial 1 1

industrial 2 Industrial Industrial 2 2

rail

undeveloped

connection

Rail

Undevelop

West Bottom Connection Figure Ground

IA 45

residential

Street Pattern

Land Owner

Topo Section

Significant Buildings - 20k

sPhysical i g nIdentity ificant buildings

Viewshed

Significant Buildings (Criteria: Height)

0

0.5

1.0

1.5

2.0

Throughout the industrial landscape, especially along the rails, are massive blocks of grain elevators, manufacturing plants and a powerplant. Because of their size in the flat loodplain, their presence affect River Side the landscape and the user's experience of it. Different viewsheds were mapped to see where these Brimingham Randolph Avondale

EAST BOTTOMS North Kansas City

WEST BOTTOMS

Northeast Kansas City

Independence Crossroads Blue Summit

s i g n i f i c a n t b u i l d i n g sCrown a nCenter d viewsheds - 20k

General Mills

Hansen-Mueller

IA 47

significant buildings are most visible. Acting as landmarks in the industrial landscape, these significant buildings command presence to themselves, making them a big part of the landscape's identity.

Evergy

B a r t l e tt G r a i n C o L P

Cargill

B ay e r C o r p o r a t i o n

unknown industrial

retail trade wholesale trade construction auto manufacturer & warehouse trucking & distribution

industrial use - 12k industrial commercial civic residential

building use - 12k

Years of zoning favoring manufacturing and industry in East Bottoms have led to a thriving industry with businesses on trade, construction, manufacturing, warehouse and logistics. The industrial usage in the East Bottoms has resulted in a district that employs over 15,000 people. Despite the significant number of workers, amenities in the area remain scarce.

City plans like the Riverfront Industrial Area Plan emphasizes economic development in the East Bottoms, encouraging jobs-rich business activities that are aligned with current global trends while taking advantage of the area's local competitive strengths. While the East Bottoms is not suitable for permanent living, industrial employment continues to thrive.

Current regulatory zoning dictates a desire in keeping the district industrial, while incentives and urban redevelopment zones dictate the need for redevelopment and order in the industrial landscape.

"Integrated systems: When every thing is connected to every thing else, for better for worse, every thing AmenityorUsage to Job Density - 12kmatters [12]."

0

East Bottoms Mapping 0

7500

jobs per square miles

7500

Jobs per Square Mile

= 400 people per day

1�

Regional Use Local Use

0

0.25

0.50

1.25

1.00

regional use local use

job densit y and amenit y usage - 12k

IA 49

industrial usage

Distributed throughout the industrial landscape are underutilized vacant lands born out of the industrialization in the East Bottoms. While some are parking lots or agricultural, a lot of these leftover lands are either brownfields with toxic pollutants, or in blight and overgrown condition. One thing that most of these vacant lands have in common is that they contribute virtually nothing to the East Bottoms.

With rapid urbanization - or suburbanization - and continuous population growth, development has been rampant while conservation is not. Lands are continuously developed as the city grows outwards.

This has resulted in loss of wildlife habitats and leftover vacant spaces in the industrial landscape that serves no purpose and value.

Vacant lands are far too common in American cities for a variety of reasons like industrialization and disinvestment. And while they present problems like attracting crime, causing no tax revenue for the city, and costing money to maintain, these liabilities can become assets to the community and the city government if productively reused and reimagined.

Vacancy - 12k Vacant Lot-to-Figure Ground - East Bottoms Mapping

Parking

Private

Residential

Non-Residential

0

0.25

0.50

1.25

1.00

parking private residential non-residential

l a n d va c a n c y - 1 2 k

IA 51

u n d e r u t i l i ze d va c a n t l a n d s

onclusion Map

Unaccomodated Trails Rail Traffic

I-435 Highway severely disconnects East Bottoms Riverbelt disconnected to KC Park System

Riverfront Park

current trail system is

Mi ss

ou

ri R

I-435

ive

r

unsafe and unaccomodated

E Front St

I-29

social/residential zone

Kessler Park

significant buildings due to their size affect the experience within East Bottoms

rail passing 30x a day causing disconnection

connectivity conclusion There are a lot of disconnections happening within the East Bottoms. Heavy traffic and rails have fragmented the landscape of the East Bottoms, making the streets unsafe for pedestrian and cyclists. Rails alter the landscape every hour, if not more, forcing users in the site to detour or wait until the rails pass. The Riverfront Park, bordering the East Bottoms from the Missouri River, have yet to be connected to the existing Kansas City Parks and Boulevard System.

0

0.25

There are different types of connectivity happening in the East Bottoms that makes the site unique compared to the rest of Kansas City. Aside from the physical connectivity of the East Bottoms concerning different modes of transportation such as cars, rails, public transit, bikes and trails, its connection to the riverfront and to the rivers was also investigated.

The East Bottoms would not be the thriving industrial landscape that it is today if it without the rivers and the interconnected infrastructures serving the landscape. I-435 and I-29 serve as the north-south connection, while East Front Street serves as the east-west connection. Regional and local connections were mapped, as well as the East Bottom's connectivity - or disconnectivity - within.

n e c h o u t e a u t r a ff i c w ay b r i d g i n g ke s s l e r p a r k t o t h e e as t b o tt o m s o v e r r a i l s

IA 53

CONNECTIVIT Y

regional connectivity

k a n s as c i t y as a l o g i s t i c s p o w e r h o u s e - Born out of the Missouri River, the East Bottoms has historically been well connected regionally, resulting in many different industries thriving in East Bottoms and Kansas City. Boat and barge travel was the main mode of transportation in the past, but this quickly changed due to the expansion of railroads, which catalyzed industrialization in the East Bottoms. Because of the rails, the East Bottoms is connected to the rest of the US, Canada, and Mexico. Major MAX Service (10-30 min.) ional Highway Map - 50k Transit - 50k highways intersecting the East Bottoms make it easily accessible via vehicle, making the EastStreetcar Bottoms (10 min.) cal Future Streetcar Development Physical a prime spot for businesses that deal with logistics and freight. Despite this excellent regional connectivity, the East Bottoms remain disconnected to the trails and boulevards that Kansas City is known for.

0

onal Railway Map - 50k

2.0

3.0

Regular Bus Service (30-60 min.)

4.0

0

1.0

2.0

3.0

Regional Railway Map - 50k Physical

l

1.0

Frequent Bus Service (12-15 min.)

0

1.0

2.0

3.0

4.0

h i g h w ay s - 5 0 k

bus transit - 50k

rails - 50k

t r a i l s a n d b i ke p a t h s - 5 0 k

0

1.0

2.0

3.0

Rail Demand and Level of Service - 20k

Volume to Capacity Ratio: 0.8 - 1.0 < 0.7 0.7 - 0.8 > 1.0

Physical

Max No. of Trains per Day < 15 15 - 30

> 30 0

0.5

1.0

1.5

2.0

IA 55

c o n n e c t i o n s t o t h e c i t y a n d w e s t b o tt o m s

volume to capacity ratio: < 0.7 0.7 - 0.8 0.8 - 1.0 > 1.0 max no. of trains per day < 15 15 - 30 > 30

rail demand and level of service - 20k r a i l s a n d t h e i n d u s t r i a l l a n d s c a p e - Everyday about 30 trains run through the industrial landscape causing disconnections within and to the East Bottoms from the West Bottoms and the city. These rails affect the landscape every time they pass by, reconfiguring the street patterns of the urban fabric multiple times a day. A physical barrier both to pedestrian and vehicular traffic, the railroads have shaped Lightthe Transitbeginning NSEW Corridor - 20k Heavy also Transit NSEW Corridors - 20k but continue to fragment the East Bottoms since of its industrialization.

NS Overpass

Railroads

NS Roads

EW Overpass

NS Roads EW Roads

East Bottoms Mapping

Rail Property

0

0.5

1.0

Physical 1.5

0

2.0

0.5

1.0

N UNIVERSAL AVE

N TOPPING AVE

SOUTHERN RD

NE CHOU TEAU

TEAU

OU N CH

TRFY

TRFY

E FRONT ST E FRONT ST

GARDNER AVE CHESTNUT TRFY

T ST

ON

E FR

AVE

GUINOTTE NE BLUEMONT BLVD

CHESTNUT TRFY

GUINOTTE

E 3RD ST

AVE

E 3RD ST

WOODSWETHER RD

W INDEPENDENCE FORREST RD FORRESTER RD

HARDESTY AVE

BENTON BLVD

W 12TH ST

SA

CE IDA

EN

AV R E. EZ

AV CH

BENTON BLVD

h e av y t r a ff i c c o n n e c t i o n s - 2 0 k

p e d e s t r i a n t r a ff i c c o n n e c t i o n s - 2 0 k

1.5

EW Roads 2.0

d i s c o n n e c t i o n s w i t h i n t h e e as t b o tt o m s u n s a f e a n d d i s c o n n e c t e d s t r e e t s - Within the East Bottoms are disconnections caused by fragmented sidewalks, heavy traffic and private roads. The presence of I-435 not only creates a physical barrier between the eastern and western part, but also brings heavy traffic that runs through E Front St. Everyday, 80,000 vehicles go through the I-435 highway in the East Bottoms, and almost 28,000 speed through E Front St. creating a divide between the north and south.

When going through the East Bottoms, it is evident that there is no coexistence between pedestrian, vehicular and rail traffic. The current conditions in the landscape result in a daunting and unsafe journey through the East Bottoms.

" With millions of cars now clogging up the urban landscape in both the developed and developing worlds, the global design challenge is to dream up lighter, smarter and less expensive options."

- Bruce Mau on Massive Change i - 4 3 5 a n d r a i l s d i v i d i n g e a s t b o tt o m s

Public vs Private Roads - 12k

Existing Sidewalks

Private Roads

Rail Property Rivers

Public Roads

Physical

0

0.25

0.50

East Bottoms Mapping

0

0.25

0.50

1.00

1.25

1.00

1.25

existing sidewalks

IA 57

private road public road

Traffic Volume and Commercial Vehicle Count Map - 12k

MO Routes Interstate US Route

p r i va t e v s p u b l i c r o a d s - 1 2 k

East Bottoms Mapping

Streets 12345 Traffic Volume (Annual Average Daily Traffic) 12345 Truck Volume 0 0.25

existing sidewalks - 12k 0.50

1.25

1.00

local gateway

33 880 2 378

31 613 2 714

9 257 465

regional gateway 12345 traffic volume (AADT) 12345 truck volume MO routes interstate US route streets

23 056 38 203 3 067

84 758 12 219 13 891 2 825 6 994 1 951

21 221 6 657

27 816 8 727

10 143 3 182

9 483 2 975 2 658 834

103 451 12 204 26 277 4 846

4 482 1 406

1 619 662

1 230 1 203

42 063 56 881

3 836 1 203

36 052 2 166 14 328

20 159 20 155 1 354

18 904

g a t e w ay s w i t h t r a ff i c v o l u m e a n d c o m m e r c i a l v e h i c l e c o u n t - 1 2 k

ommodated Paths unsafe and unaccommodated paths Street Conditions

Interruptions by Rails

4

03 | IA IA 15 59

I N F R A ST R U C T U R A L L A N D AS WILDLIFE CORRIDORS

BY S H A R M A I N E Q U I L A L A

“Ecosystems, species, wild populations, local varieties and breeds of domesticated plants and animals are shrinking, deteriorating or vanishing. The essential, interconnected web of life on Earth is getting smaller and increasingly frayed. This loss is a direct result of human activity and constitutes a direct threat to human well-being in all regions of the world [13].”

Bordering the East Bottoms, between the levee and the river belt, is a continuous powerline right-of-way spanning from the Isle of Capri by the Christopher S. Bond Bridge to the Evergy Hawthorn 5 Coal Burning Powerplant. This utility corridor alone totals to over 30,000 ft long of continuous powerline right-of-way that are required by federal regulations to be free of tall vegetation like large trees. Powerlines right-of-way are typically bulldozed and completely cleared out of vegetation, causing habitat fragmentation and even causing collision and electrocution of birds.

It has been found that hundreds of species are found to thrive in these utility corridors.

Instead of continuously clearing of these rights-of-way, some power companies allow low-growth vegetation which results in promoting native wildlife. 30,000 ft long of powerline right-of-way in the East Bottoms translate to 30,000 ft long of a continuous wildlife corridor that can be utilized by species like pollinators for food and shelter.

Wetlands and natural open spaces are not spared from development, but powerline rights-of-way are permanent and protected. These corridors are networks that traverse the entire country – which translates to different populations of species being able to connect.

In the US there are about nine million acres put aside for connecting power transmission lines. Along with 12 million acres for pipelines, studies show that these utility rights-of-way can serve as important connected habitats especially as the country gets even more urbanized. This is equivalent to one-third of the total national park system in the country.

The Right of Way Stewardship Council is a certification program that sets the standards on how to manage these rights-of-way and several power companies have already joined – like New York Power Authority, Arizona Public Service, and Vermont Electric Power Company.

In New England, Northeast Utilities only wanted to pre-

IA 61 vent the growth of certain vegetation. But found when managing their powerlines that allowing native lowgrowth vegetation allows native wildlife to thrive. The frosted elfin butterfly is an endangered species in North America and it was found that they thrive in the 2,500 miles of Northeast Utilities powerline corridors. Same with the Karner blue butterfly whose entire existence at this point depends on these utility corridors. Endangered birds like the brown thrasher and the yellow-breasted chat were also found to use these corridors as habitats.

Studies from the University of Connecticut found that 50 percent of the bee population in the state thrives along a transmission line in Southeastern Connecticut, including one that was thought to be extinct. They found rabbits, birds, reptiles like wood and box turtles, many insect species, and at least 326 plant species in these powerline rights-of-way.

Rethinking utility corridors not only provide habitats for pollinators but is also proven to be more cost-effective for powerline companies. Changes in federal regulations can allow power companies to help provide continuous wildlife corridors, instead of further contributing to habitat loss and degradation.

In the East Bottoms and the rest of Kansas City, Ever-

gy is the main provider of energy and is also the steward of these utility corridors. Allowing native low-growth vegetation in their corridors can be a daunting task at first, but has been proven to lower the cost of maintenance in the long run.

Changes in maintenance practices can aid in reducing wildlife fragmentation within the city limits and can allow wildlife to thrive even in an industrial area.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is not too late to make a difference, but only if we start now at every level from local to global... Through ' transformative change', nature can still be conserved, restored and used sustainably - this is also key to meeting most other global goals. By transformative change, we mean a fundamental, systemwide reorganization across technological, economic, and social factors, including paradigms, goals and values [14].â&#x20AC;?