KCDC_Kessler Park Analytical Research

KESSLER PARK ANALYTICAL RESEARCH

Kansas City Design Center Urban Design Studio 2014 - 2015 Aaron Bisch Lindsey Brockhouse Owen Cobb Megan Hohensinner Derek Hueffmeier Rachel Kelsey Dominique Roberson Robyn Tank Noah Volz Yihong Yan Copyright 2015 Kansas Cit Design Center Urban Design Studio.

All rights reserved.

Introduction Kessler Park has proven to be a prominent feature of the Kansas City Metro area. As one of the oldest parks in the Parks and Boulevards system, it anchors the northern edge of the city. Nestled into the Northeast District and growing to acquire over 300 acres, Kessler Park is one of the largest parks in Kansas City. It has become fused with the neighborhood and is a vital amenity to the neighborhood. As the northeast has exploded with development and rehabilitation, the design of a vision plan for Kessler Park acts as a catalyst to the inevitable improvement of the area. Kessler Park provides unique physical characteristics that allow for rugged activities that are not found elsewhere in the city. Natural features are paramount in the design of Kessler Park to cater to the park users and activities.

Analytical studies were done at four key scales allowed for an understanding of Kessler Park as it fits in the Greater Kansas City Metro Area, surrounding context, northeast district and on an immediate scale. Strong original design intentions and existing conditions can be related to develop Kessler Park into a city destination and neighborhood amenity through establishing an identity for Kessler Park The geographical location of Kessler Park anchors the parks and boulevards system and marks the edge of the city. Increased connectivity can enhance the park by connecting surrounding amenities, neighborhoods and park users. Kessler parks unique wild features and topography unlike any other park in Kansas City allow for a rugged and wild adventure park that can become a city destination.

With this analytical data, Kessler Park’s vision plan was defined with key objectives to encompass the key findings of analytical studies and stakeholder input.

1.Integrate Kessler Park into the greater context of Kansas City as a defining urban element.

2.Define Kessler Park as a neighborhood amenity for the northeast district.

3. Create a relationship between the original design intentions and the existing conditions to create an identity for Kessler Park.

Scales History Kansas City Metro Scale Connectivity Demographic Surrounding Context Site Scale Design Diagrams Public Engagement Vision Plan Reservoir

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

SCALES

KC Metro Scale

Scales 8

Surrounding Site

To understand Kessler Park, four scales were studied. The first scale was the Kansas City Metro. It consisted of the area north of Highway 435, east of Highway 635, south of Highways 29 and 35 and west of Highway 435. These boundaries were determined by the extents of the Kessler’s Parks and Boulevard System. The second scale was the Surrounding Site. This scale included the downtown and East Bottoms, extending to the river to examine the districts that would influence the park. The Northeast Neighborhood defined the third scale.The third scale was the Neighborhood Scale, which included of the an Northeast area. This was used to examine the different neighborhoods that would have a stake in the improvement of Kessler Park. The last scale focused on our site and the directly adjacent neighborhoods. This was used to study the people who were more likely to visit the park on a daily basis.

Neighborhood Context

Site Scale

9

HISTORY

1893

Parks and Boulevard Timeline 12

1900

1915

In the late 19th Century, Kansas City was growing both in population and land size. As the city’s infrastructure expanded to accommodate new commerce and housing density, a need to improve the quality of life through green spaces transpired. In 1892, in a joint effort between William Rockhill Nelson and August Meyer, the president of the Kansas City Parks Board, landscape architect George E. Kessler was commissioned. His task was to design the plan of a parks and boulevards system that would later jump start “The City Beautiful Movement” in Kansas City. As the infrastructure was implemented groups of citizens were concerned with the quality of life and the cities appearance, and found that both could be improved with the production of municipal parks and a boulevard system in the city. New boulevards created an order to the city that was nonexistent. The ordered system of the boulevards combined with the unique topography created opportunity for undevelopable land to become parks, and the system was a huge success. So much so that the Parks and Boulevards system received nationwide attention for George Kessler and Kansas City. At the edge of Northern Kansas City, Kessler Park has been a part of the system since the very beginning, bringing a historical importance to the park. This study was conducted to understand how Kansas City has developed largely around its Parks and Boulevards System. Kessler Park is a small part of this larger system. To fully understand Kessler Park’s role, it was important to look at the history of the overall system.The maps on this spread show the change of the Parks and Boulevard System over since its inception in 1983.

1940

1960

2014

13

The studies on these pages were created to better understand Kessler Park has changed over time to become what we know today. The maps below show how the park has expanded over the course of 30 years while the diagram on the other page showes how different elements have been added to the park over the years, including Cliff Drive in 1900, the lake in 1912, and the reservoir in 1920.

GLADSTONE BLVD

Kessler Plan 1910

Kessler Park Timeline

12TH STREET

Kessler Plan 1915

INDEPENDENCE AVE

HARDESTY AVE

CHESTNUT TRFY

MAPLE BLVD THE PASEO

INDEPENDENCE AVE

HARDESTY AVE

BENTON BLVD

CHESTNUT TRFY

MAPLE BLVD THE PASEO

12TH STREET

14

ST. JOHN AVE

LEXINGTON AVE

BENTON BLVD

ST. JOHN AVE

LEXINGTON AVE

BELMONT BLVD

BELMONT BLVD

GLADSTONE BLVD

1893

1900

1910

1910

1912

1915

1920

1921

BELMONT BLVD

GLADSTONE BLVD

LM BE

2014

GLA

DS

TO

NE

D BLV

E N AV

THE PASEO

ST.

2014 E E AV NC DE EN EP IND

Kessler Plan 1940

Base Overlay

LEX

ING

E N AV TO

FY TR UT TN ES CH

BE

NB NTO

LVD

12TH STREET

JOH

TY ES RD HA

AVE

INDEPENDENCE AVE

HARDESTY AVE

ON

TB

BENTON BLVD

CHESTNUT TRFY

MAPLE BLVD

LVD

ST. JOHN AVE

LEXINGTON AVE

1940

15

3

Historic Photo Map 16

2

1

6

4

5

Kessler Park marked the beginning of the Kansas City Parks and Boulevards System. The historical aspects of the park’s attributes to its unique identity.

Through historical images one can recall the thriving factors of Kessler Park that make it a previously nationally ranked park. Views to the East Bottoms were paramount to the development of Cliff Drive, the urban scenic byway.

Historical structures such as the colonnade emphasize the presence of Kessler Park in the Pendleton Heights and Scarritt Point Neighborhood.

1. The site of the Concourse Fountain

4. Cliff Drive

2. The Colonnade

5.The Spring along Cliff Drive

3. Cliff Drive

6. The site of Cliff Drive before its construction

Historical Photos 17

1907

Scarritt Point Historical View Study 18

One of the main focuses of George Kessler’s vision was to maintain views throughout the park. The following study was completed to better understand the views the park originally created as well as how the views in the park have changed over time.

19

1952

2014

Scarritt Point Historical View Study 20

21

1952

2014

Cliff Drive Historical View Study 22

23

1910

2014

Overview Historical View Study 24

25

1907

2014

Chestnut Historical View Study 26

27

KANSAS CITY METRO SCALE

Manmade Edge

Edge of the City 30

Physical Edge

The unique location of Kessler Park creates a defining edge to the city. Physical topographic features of the limestone cliff create a definite edge to the North.

Man made features support this definite edge like highways and built structures.

Highways that were constructed around the topography compliment the edge of the park that the cliff creates. The built environment of Kansas City encroaches at the Kessler Park boundry, and diminishes the parks edge. Being the edge of the city Kessler park deserves to be identifiable and serve as a beacon for Kansas City.

All Edge

31

East to West

KESSLER PARK

North to South

City Section 32

It was paramount that there would be a clear understanding of Kessler Park and its relationship to Kansas City as a whole. From east to west, there is a sectional connection between the central business district, Kessler park and adjacent neighborhoods. Kessler Park is identifiable through the dividing thoroughfare of Chestnut Ave, that not only divides the park but the city as well. From Liberty Memorial to the east bottoms, Kansas City experiences a dramatic change in topography.

Kessler park inhabits a drastic change in topography and marks as the edge of the city.

KESSLER PARK

33

Zoning - 4th Scale 34

Industrial Industrial Commertial Commercial Residential Residential Agriculture/Vacant Agriculture/Vacant

For this map zoning was studied at the scale of the Kansas City metro. This was done to better understand how the city is laid out and the proximity of the different types of zoning to each other 35

Focus KC 1. Citywide physical framework 2. Neighborhood prototypes 3. Preservation 4. Urban Core 5. Northland 6. Human investment 7. Governance KC RIVERFRONT DEVELOPMENT PLAN 1. Intentions for parks adacent to Kessler Park 2. Columbus Park Vision 3. Trails, clean air and land, healthier environment COLUMBUS PARK PLAN KCUMB MASTER PLAN BY HELIX 1. Bringing green space in 2. Influencing neighborhood development 3. Providing diverse services and learning sectors NEXTRAIL KC 1. Connect existing activity centers 2. Develop underutillized and vacant property 3. Provide efficient and reliable transit service KCDC INDEPENDENCE AVENUE VISION PLAN GREATER DOWNTOWN AREA PLAN 1. Walkable downtown 2. Double the population 3. Increase employment 4. Safe and authentic neighborhhoods 5. Sustainability TRUMAN PLAZA PLAN 1. Safe and clean 2. Cultural and hub 3. Attract business 4. Multi-modal transportation options 5. Promote the historic character BNIM LIGHT TRAIL PROPOSAL 1. Main Street / Grand Boulevard alignment 2. Connections to city through multiple sectors GRAND BOULEVARD PASEO GATEWAY CHOICE NEIGHBORHOOD PARKS AND BLVDS. STANDARDS

All Relevant Initiatives 36

The redevelopment of Kessler Park and revitalization of the North East is paramount among the city and neighborhood initiatives that are currently being implemented. Knowledge of current and future plans encouraged further implementations. Current initiatives are acting factors in advancing the area and the Vision Plan for Kessler Park would act as a catalyst for development.

HARDESTY RENAISSANCE KC MUSEUM BENTON INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENT KCUMB CAMPUS DEVELOPMENT CHOICE NEIGHBORHOOD_PASEO GATEWAY CHOUTEAU COURTS FUTURE TRAILS TO BE ADDED BY PARKS & REC

Momentum Projects 37

2.5

1

1.5

2.0

.5

.25

31

KANSAS CITY ZOO STARLIGHT THEATHER SWOPE POOL GOLF COURSE KC SPORTING FIELDS SWOPE MEMORIAL COMMUNITY GARDEN

1

.5

61

1.5

BALES LAKE PLAY GROUND DISC GOLF

2.5

2.0

LIBERTY MEMORIAL WORLD WAR II MUSEUM SKATE PARK OFF LEASH DOG PARK BASEBALL FIELDS

.25

2.5

2.0

.5

18

.25

2.5

1

1.5

2.0

1

1.5

.5

64

.25

DISC GOLF GLADSTONE COLLENADE BIKE TRAILS CLIFF DRIVE

BIKE PATHS CONCERT VENUE KANSAS BRIDGE CONCERT EVENT CENTER

2.0

2.5

1

1.5

.5

5

.25

Amenities

Anchor Park Comparison 38

Walk Score

Kessler Park was one of the first parks to be implemented into Kansas City’s Parks and Boulevards system. Multiple parks have emerged as identifiable anchor parks such as Swope, Penn Valley, Blue Valley and Riverfront Park. To elevate Kessler Park to the same status as these other anchor parks, it was paramount to understand Kessler Park in comparison to these other parks in physical and experiential qualities. A score card was created to measure parks against each other in multiple factors. A reoccurring trend throughout Kansas City Parks is the unique topographic features, which are displayed through the rate of topography change over the course of the park. To create a park that serves the city and community, Kessler Park emerges as the most walk able park in the comparison, allowing access to local amenities. Other anchor parks have developed a sense of identity through providing unique amenities that serve the city and neighborhoods around them. Being aware of the other parks and what they offer allows for the design of Kessler Park to serve as neighborhood amenity, Kansas City designation and to push the Parks and Boulevards System forward.

PARK SIZE 5 4 3 2 1

PARK CONNECTIVITY 5 4 3 2 1

PARK POPULARITY 5 4 3 2 1

PARK SAFETY SCORE 5 4 3 2 1

Score Card

KESSLER PARK PENN VALLEY PARK SWOPE PARK BLUE VALLEY PARK RIVER FRONT PARK Topography Percentage 39

CONNECTIVITY

Car

Connectivity - Metro Scale 42

Bike

To better understand how accessible the park is, research was done to figure out the routes bussers, drivers, and cyclists would use to access the park. This was studied at all scales to better understand how which users would have easier access to the park. A study was also conducted to specifically find how probable it was for bus users to be able to visit some of Kansas City’s landmarks and then travel to Kessler Park

60

80

40

20

25 MIN

0

KESSLER PARK

38 MIN

40 MIN

46 MIN

KESSLER PARK

KESSLER PARK

60 MIN

1HR 10 MIN

1HR 20 MIN

Bus

City Destination

Connectivity 43

THE PASEO

HWAY

I-70

LEXINGTON AVE

Car

Connectivity-Surrounding Site HARDESTY AVE

INDIANA AVE

BENTON BLVD

CHESTNUT TRFY

PROSPECT AVE

MAPLE BLVD

ST. JOHN AVE BELMONT BLVD

I-29

FY

9 HIG

TR

I-670 GRAND BLVD

AU

169

TE

MAIN ST

OU

44 BROADWAY BLVD

CH

I-35

FRONT STREET

GLADSTONE BLVD

INDEPENDENCE AVE

B

B B

12TH ST

B

I-70

Bike B

B B

INDEPENDENCE AVE.

Bus

City Connection

45

BELMONT BLVD

GLADSTONE BLVD

Bounding Roads

Connectivity- Neighborhood Scale 46

I-70

Car

INDEPENDENCE AVE

HARDESTY AVE

CHESTNUT TRFY

MAPLE BLVD THE PASEO

12TH STREET

ROADS BOUNDING KESSLER PARK ROADS TERMINATING AT BOUNDING ROADS ROADS ACCESSING KESSLER PARK INDEPENDENCE AVE.

BENTON BLVD

ST. JOHN AVE LEXINGTON AVE

11 MIN 30

12 MIN 24

109

49 MIN

37 MIN 12

#

BUS STOP AND ROUTE NUMBER WALKING ROUTE TO KESSLER PARK NUMBER OF MINUTES WALKING TO KESSLER PARK FROM BUS STOP #

BUS STOP AND ROUTE NUMBER WALKING ROUTE TO KESSLER P

Bike

Bus

# MIN

# MIN

NUMBER OF MINUTES WALKING KESSLER PARK FROM BUS STO

47

CLIFF

DRIVE GLADSTONE BLVD

ST. JOHN AVE

BENTON BLVD

CHESTNUT TRFY

PROSPECT AVE

MAPLE BLVD

THE P ASEO

LEXINGTON AVE

INDEPENDENCE AVE

Car

Connectivity- Site Scale 48

Bike

49

SURROUNDING CONTEXT

Neighborhood Associations 52

Since Kessler Park is nestled within multiple neighborhood associations it was important to understand their role as major stake holders and users of the park.

1 2 3

PENDELTON HEIGHTS I-29 TO N CHESTNUT TRAFFICWAY, INDEPENDENCE AVE TO CLIFF DRIVE+ .735 SQUARE MILES POPULATION:3277

SCARRITT RENAISSANCE

AVG AGE: 32 MARRIED COUPLES 86.9% 12.1% FAMILIES AVG HOUSE SIZE: 2.4 % OF UNITS WITH MORTGAGE 54.5% INCOME: 25,467 PERCENT BELOW POVERTY LEVEL 38.8%

AVG AGE: 33 MARRIED COUPLES 76.1% 27.1% FAMILIES AVG HOUSE SIZE: 3.0

N. CHESTNUT TRAFFICWAY TO JACKSON AVE, INDEPENDENCE AVE TO CLIFF DRIVE .930 SQUARE MILES POPULATION 6290

INDIAN MOUND JACKSON AVE TO BENNINGTON AVE, INDEPENDENCE AVE TO GLADSTONE BLVD 1.327 SQAURE MILES POPULATION 9822

% OF UNITS WITH MORTGAGE 45.9%

INCOME: 30,379 PERCENT BELOW POVERTY LEVEL 34.2%

AVG AGE: 29 MARRIED COUPLES 73.7% 18.3% FAMILIES AVG HOUSE SIZE: 2.1 % OF UNITS WITH MORTGAGE 54.5% INCOME: 29,761 PERCENT BELOW POVERTY LEVEL 40.6%

4 PASEO WEST 5 INDEPENDENCE AVE 6 LYINS 53

UNDER 19 20-30 YEARS 30-50 YEARS 50-70 YEARS 70 OR MORE

Age 54

Under 19 20-30 YEARS 30-50 YEARS 50-70 YEARS 70 OR MORE

To better understand the user that would most likely use the park on a regular basis, a study was conducted of the demographics of the area.

Focusing on ethnicity, age, education, and income, a chart was then created to better find any patterns or majorities.

Under 19 Years

20-30 Years

50-70 Years

Above 70

30-50 Years 55

NO SCHOOLING 4TH GRADE OR LESS NO SCHOOLING 4TH GRADE OR LESS MIDDLE SCHOOL MIDDLE SCHOOL HIGH SCHOOL, NO DIPLOMA HIGH SCHOOL, NO DIPLOMA HIGH SCHOOL GRAD/GED HIGH SCHOOL GRAD/GED ASSOCIATES, BACHELORS, MASTER’S DEGREE ASSOCIATES,BACHELORS, MASTER’S SOME COLLEGE, NO DEGREE DEGREE PROFESSIONAL DEGREE/DOCTORATE SOME COLLEGE, NO DEGREE PROFESSIONAL DEGREE/DOCTORATE

Education Demogrphics 56

No Schooling

4th grade or less

Middle school

High school graduate

High school no diploma

Some college no degree

Associates, Bachelors, Master Degrees

Professional Degree, Doctoral Degrees 57

WHITE BLACK Asian ASIAN Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander NATIVE HAWAIIAN/PACIFIC ISLANDER American Indian/Alaska Native AMERICAN INDIAN/ ALASKA NATIVE Other OTHER Two or More Races TWO OR MORE RACES White

Black

Ethnicity 58

White

Black

Asian

Indian American

Hawaiian

Two or more races

Others 59

Under 20,000 20,000-40,000 20,000-40,000 40,000-60,000 40,000-60,000 60,000-100,000 60,000-100,000 100,000-150,000 100,000-150,000 More than 150,000 More than 150,000 Under 20,000

Income 60

Less than $20,000

$20,000 - $40,000

$40,000 - $60,000

$60,000 - $100,000

$100,000 - $150,000

Over $150,000 61

Less than a High School Diploma

Under 25 Years

High School Graduate/GED

Some College, No Degree Associates Degree

Bachelor’s Degree or Higher

25 to 44 Years

Less than $25,000 45 to 64 Years

$25,000 to $50,000

$50,000 to $100,000

More than $100,000

Demographics 62

Over 65 Years

White

Less than a High School Diploma

High School Graduate/GED Black

Some College, No Degree Associates Degree

Asian

Bachelor’s Degree or Higher

American Indian/ Alaskan Native

Less than $25,000 Native Hawaiian/ Other Pacific Islander

$25,000 to $50,000

Other

$50,000 to $100,000

Two or More Races

More than $100,000

63

The zoning at the Neighborhood and Site scale was studied to better understand how the zoning of the Northeast area, specifically the area near the part of Kessler Park, functioned and would affect the design.

Zoning 64

A study was partaken in research was infrastructures

Human Impacted Blight

conducted to better understand how much crime is actually throughout the neighborhood near Kessler Park. This split into two maps, the first being against building and other and the other specifically about crime against other people.

Crimes Against Location & Vacancy

Blight 65

East-West Section 66

Intricate sections were examined between Indepenence Ave and the Missouri River. The large topography change is paramount when considering the transformation of Kessler Park. The park is definied by topography not only by the cliff from north to south, but as well as a high point in the area from east to west, specifically at Scarritt Point and the location of the water reservoir.

67

North-South Section 68

01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 38 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55

69

Viewsheds 70

71

Located along the Independence Ave. corridor and the re-emerging East Bottoms, Kessler park has a direct connection to a multitude of neighborhood amenities. Clusters of amenities such as food, convenient stores, specialty shops and public institutions are located within a 15 minute walking distance from Kessler Park as well as located along a public transit route that connects the east bottoms to independence ave to the rest of Kansas City. As Kessler Park evelolves into a City and Neighborhood amenity, it is located in the proxitimity to other assets, which can aid in the success of eachother.

Neighborhood Amenities 72

With events already taking place in Kesser Park, it was important to understand what the events were and where they took place. This map was also used to study events that take place in the neighborhood now that could potentially be moved to Kessler Park.

CULTURE ACTIVE ART

EVENTS CULTURE ACTIVE

EVENT

OTHER

KNIFE & PORK CHILDREN’S ART PROGRAM HISTORIC HOMES TOUR SOCCER FOR SUCCESS TOUR OF KC BIKE RIDE FARMER’S MARKET LIBERIAN CELEBRATION RAINBOW RUN FOR EQUALITY KC TWEED RIDE COMMUNITY RUNS KESSLER WINE MIXER TREE LOVE CLASSIC URBAN DIRTY CHALK WALK SUMMER DUSK CONCERT SERIES

1 YEAR CYCLE

J

F

M

A

M

J

J

A

S

O

N

D

Neighborhood Events 73

Void Study 74

The boundaries of the park as defined by the Parks and Rec Department were not the same boundries users feel when they are inhabiting the park. The encroachment of the city into the park creates an unclear edge which became defined as the fringe. The Fringe is a optimal area to design a definite edge of the park and neighborhood by seperating the two while still creating a coehesive relationship.

75

Neighborhood Study - Fringe 76

Building Continuity

Tree Continuity

29-35 22-28 15-21 8-14 0-7 More than 3 Missing

Private Lot Factors

Implied Street Front

29-35 22-28 15-21 8-14 0-7 More than 3 Missing

Public Lot Factors

The current entrance to Kessler Park is best defined as a “trickle� access. Streets accessing the park from Independence Ave; Paseo, Prospect, Chestnut, Benton and Indiana Ave also stretch the length of Kansas City and connect multiple city amenities to Kessler Park. The current status of each of the feeder streets into Kessler Park are undefined by landscape and vary in street continuity and condition.

A study was done to find the defining edge of each of the feeder streets based off of their physical and landscape street fronts. A condition survey was previously conducted

by UMKC, which was split between public and private property conditions. From the neighborhood study it was derived that the Vision Plan of Kessler Park must extend through these feeder streets to Indpenendence Ave to create a visual connection and entrance to the park.

Neighborhood Study - Fringe 77

Neighborhood Study - Paseo Blvd 78

Tree Continuity

Building Continuity

Private Lot Factors

29-35 22-28 15-21 8-14 0-7 More than 3 Missing

Public Lot Factors

Implied Street Front

29-35 22-28 15-21 8-14 0-7 More than 3 Missing

79

INDEPENDENCE AVE.

LEXINGTON AVE.

INDEPENDENCE AVE.

LEXINGTON AVE.

Neighborhood Study - Prospect Ave 80

Building Continuity

Tree Continuity

29-35 22-28 15-21 8-14 0-7 More than 3 Missing 29-35

29-35 22-28 15-21 8-14 0-7 More than 3 Missing 29-35

22-28

22-28

15-21

15-21

8-14

8-14

0-7

0-7

More than 3 Missing

Private Lot Factors

Implied Street Front

More than 3 Missing

Public Lot Factors

81

Neighborhood Study - Chestnut Trafficway 82

SMART

SMART SMART

SMART

SMART SMART

ELMA

ELMA ELMA

THOMPSON

THOMPSON THOMPSON

INDEPENDENCE

INDEPENDENCE INDEPENDENCE

Building Continuity

Tree Continuity

Implied Street Front

SMART

SMART

SMART

SMART

ELMA

ELMA

THOMPSON

29-35 22-28 15-21 8-14 0-7 More than 3 Missing

THOMPSON

22-28

22-28

15-21

15-21

8-14

8-14

0-7

0-7

INDEPENDENCE

Private Lot Factors

More than 3 Missing

29-35 22-28 15-21 8-14 0-7 More than 3 Missing 29-35

29-35

INDEPENDENCE

More than 3 Missing

Public Lot Factors

83

Neighborhood Study - Benton Boulevard 84

Building Continuity

Tree Continuity

29-35 22-28 15-21 8-14 0-7 More than 3 Missing

Private Lot Factor

Neighborhood Study - Benton Boulevard

Public Lot Factor

Implied Street Front

29-35 22-28 15-21 8-14 0-7 More than 3 Missing

85

Neighborhood Study - Indiana Avenue 86

Building Continuity

Tree Continuity

29-35 22-28 15-21 8-14 0-7 More than 3 Missing

29-35 22-28 15-21 8-14 0-7 More than 3 Missing

Private Lot Factors

Implied Street Front

Public Lot Factors

87

88

SITE SCALE 89

Hobo Camp

Trash

Sound

Parking

90

To better understand the park and the surrounding area, studies were conducted researching hobo camps, parking, sound, trash dumping and amenities within the park. A map was also created to note improvements that are being implemented on Cliff Drive, to better understand considerations that would need to happen when designing the park.

2

4 STONEWALL & VIEWSHED ADDITION

3 STONE STEPS ADDITION

1 TRAIL ADDITION OR IMPROVEMENT

Cliff Drive Improvement

Amenity

91

92

PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT

93

First Meeting 94

Over the course of the semester two public charrettes were hosted and multiple neighborhood meetings were attended to obtain information from the people who visit and care for the park. The main purposes of these meetings were to present the information we gathered, share our design ideas, and obtain feedback and input from stakeholders. Doing this provided a list of problems that needed to be addressed throughout the park such as problems with erosion and a need for general amenities such as bathrooms and pavillions.

95

At the second charette feedback was obtained on what stakeholders wanted to see design wise in terms of seating, lighting, gathering spaces, paths, activities and wayfinding. An image board was also created for the reservior, to get input of what the stakeholder’s would prefer in the space.

Second Meeting 96

I would do these activites in the park if I could...

zip line

exercise with provided equipment

climb

fitness classes

fish

picnic

hammock

dance

bungee

alpine coaster

draw or paint

bmx bike

observe/enjoy wildlife

read a book

nap

attend a concert

birdwatching/ observation

hike

fly kites

skateboard/longboarding

photography

walk my dog

play sports

go to festivals

Activities

97

I would come to Kessler Park if there were public amenities like...

Gathering Spaces

Second Meeting 98

I would come to Kessler Park if it was lit like...

Light

99

I prefer paths like...

Paths

Second Meeting 100

What kind of seating would you prefer?

Seating

101

Which type of wayďŹ nding do you prefer?

Wayfinding

Second Meeting 102

What would you like to see happen in the reservoir?

Climbing

Concerts

Play Structures

Outdoor Museum

Greenspace

Outdoor Cinema

Skate Park

Amusement Park

Graffitti Gallery

Sprayground

Light Park

Gathering Space

Garden Ruin

Reservior

103

ACTIVITIES PUBLIC LIGHT AMENITIES SEATING WAYFINDING PATHS

Second Meeting 104

Favorite Design Element

Reservior and Scarrit Point

105

106

DESIGN 107

Zone Diagram Concept 108

While experiencing Kessler Park the realization arose that the park was divided into different zones based off of use, physical and visual boundaries. Unique topography, a defining tree edge and the urban continuity of the neighborhood begins to evolve physical and visual boundaries of each zone, which have been labled asThe Western Gate, The Resevoir, The Link, Chestnut Pass, Formal Gate, and Scarritt Point

ZONES 1_ WESTERN GATE 2_ THE RESERVOIR 3_ THE LINK 4_ CHESTNUT PASS 5_ FRONT PORCH 6_ SCARRITT POINT

6

2

5 3

1

4

109

The fringe of the edge of the park developed an area for the implementation of the zipper which would create a defined edge and connection between the city and park. Larger areas of the fringe allow for design intervention that coincided with George Kessler’s original design for fine embellishments around the edge and development of formal lawns. The areas for embellishment were also in line with the zone activities created in the Western Gate, the Reservoir, the Formal Gate, and Scarritt Point.

Concept Diagrams 110

Along the major thoroughfare from Independence Avenue to Kessler Park, a boulevard design was implemented to create an entrance to the park and connect to the zipper.

INDIANA AVE.

BENTON BLVD.

PROSPECT AVE.

THE PASEO

INDEPENDENCE AVE.

The zipper implementation also creates a new level of connection between all zones of the park. With this design the connection between Kessler Park and the city is stronger and elevates its identity and presence.

Layers of intervention are layered to the park design, with the most intervention being at the zipper and edge of the park, followed by fine embellishments in the zones, leaving the wild core of Kessler Park untouched.

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Traffic Change Diagrams 112

For the design, multiple changes were made in traffic to implement a safer experience for pedestrians and drivers alike. The largest proposal for traffic changes is located at the Paseo entrance of I-29 from Independence Avenue.

The current intersection is dangerous for all modes of circulation and doesn’t create a clear entrance to the park. Relocating the entrance ramp to I-29 further west will alleviate congestion and allow for urban development for connect the city to the park.

Closing Cliff Drive to vehicle traffic allows for safer use of the drive by park users and is in line with current plans to close Cliff Drive to one way traffic and closing it completely on weekends.

Closing the part of Gladstone Boulevard that currently divides and creates a unsafe environment for park users in the Concourse will allow for a safer park.

The rerouting of both streets will also direct drivers to the Scarritt Point entrance to Cliff Drive and the Kansas City Museum.

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Park Connectivity 114

Before redesigning of Kessler Park, the different zones were very disconnected and fragmented. The only means of connection between zones was Cliff Drive, but it was unsafe and in a state of deterioration. To improve pedestrian use, Cliff Drive will be closed to vehicular traffic and a new boulevard, the zipper, will be created. The zipper will become a scenic byway emerging along the developed edge of the park and leave a safer, active, pedestrian circulation through the core of Kessler Park.

Essential Amenities

The lack of essential amenities is a prominent issue in Kessler Park. By distributing amenities such as bathrooms, pavilions and benches, it will provide basic features for all park users within a 5 minute walking distance from any location.

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Fixed Program

Flexed vs Fixed Program 116

Flex Program

By implementing a multitude of activities in the park’s program that are fixed, such as rock climbing, amphitheaters, and activity courses, as well as flexible programming in areas of open lawns, creates areas for a diverse range of users.

Studying their relationship to each other throughout the park allows for a better understanding of how to implement connectivity

Park Program

117

George Kessler’s vision for the park was “a rugged, picturesque place with very little attempt on the hillsides and valleys at the so called improvements in the form of fine lawns and garden schemes, however near the residential districts there may be considerable fine embellishments” The master plan incorporated layers of intervention to that respected Kessler’s Vision by implementing the most designed element of the park, the zipper, along the edge of the park.

The next layer of intervention were Zones located in that were closest to the neighborhoods. The wild core that Kessler wanted to maintain is respected in our master plan, with the implementation of very few light-handed elements in the core.

Master Plan 118

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Master Plan - Zipper 120

The main goal of the vision plan was to reconnect Kessler Park to Independence Ave through implementing a boulevard treatment to the major feeder streets of Kessler Park that would lead to the “Zipper�. The zipper is a complete street for pedestrian and vehicle traffic that defines the edge where the park and city meet.

This is done by a landscaped boulevard that creates a park experience along the new byway. The zipper also connects all zones of the park for users and allows for the closure of Cliff Drive to pedestrian traffic.

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THE PASEO

Standard Plan

Master Plan - Zipper 122

bioswale 3’

sidewalk 12’

road 24’

parallel parking 10’

bike lane 10’

buffer 4’

sidewalk 8’

Standard Section

Formal Gate

Neighborhood Lake

Reservoir

Paseo Neighborhood

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Lake Plan Paseo Neighborhood Plan

Master Plan - Zipper 124

Concourse Plan

Reservoir Plan

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Parti

Rerouting the on ramp to I-29 is a key initiative in increasing the safety for all modes of transportation traveling the Paseo Independence Ave intersection.

Moving the on ramp further west allows for a new urban development gateway into Kessler Park and the Northeast better connecting the area to the rest of the city. This move also optimized views and the added greenery extends to reconnect with KCDC’s previous design for Independence Avenue

Master Plan - Western Gate 126

Master Plan

Suggested Traffic Changes

Green Spaces

Axon

Panorama

127

8.2 ACRES

5.5 ACRES

6.8 ACRES

9.5 ACRES

7.4 ACRES 7.4 ACRES

Connection Diagram

6.6 ACRES

6.6 ACRES

Current Land Use

Proposed Land Swap

Section

Master Plan - Western Gate 128

129

Parti

Master Plan - Reservoir 130

Master Plan

Located at the heart of Kessler Park, the zone which holds the reservoir emerges as a hub for all the activities of the park. High traffic of the trails allow for park users to meet and disperse at this zone. With the implementation of the zipper, the neighborhood and park begin to merge together to create a unique park experience.

Loop Diagram

Axon

Panorama

131

Disc Sheds

Backdoor Diagram

Sections

Master Plan - Reservoir 132

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Parti

Master Plan -Chestnut/Wild 134

Plan of Chestnut

Chestnut is designed to connect the parks multiple zones through trails. A new connection between Chestnut and Cliff Drive is created as well as a vertical connection from the East Bottoms to the level of the park through the pedestrian bridge. Chestnut is a key element in water management for the entire park with a habitable water retaining plants. The lake becomes more accessible with parking and open public space under the Lexington Bridge. Once a drive through, Chestnut becomes re integrated as a piece of the park. The Wild will be left alone except for a few, light, simple elements to upgrade the quality of activities in the wild.

Plan of the Wild

Amenity Diagram

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Neighborhood Connection

Master Plan -Chestnut/Wild 136

Park Connection

Axon

Panorama

575 340 447

558

1227

658

Traffic Entering Kessler Park

Traffic Exiting Kessler Park

Chestnut Independence Ave Traffic

Chestnut Section

137

Bottom of Bridge

Master Plan -Chestnut/Wild 138

Top of the Bridge

Bridge Section

139

Parti

With a direct connection to the neighborhood and deep historical roots, the formal gate presents itself as an urban park that serves the area. Through the suggestion of closing Gladstone and Benton Blvd, the center of Formal gate will provide safety for pedestrian. The existing courts and playgrounds are reconnected to the new larger fountain plaza through a axial plaza that frames and celebrates the Colonnade.

Master Plan -Formal Gate 140

Formal Geometry

Formal Axis

Axon

Section

141

Panoramas

Master Plan - Formal Gate 142

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Parti

With the bold presence of the Kansas City Museum and spectacular views, Scarritt Point connects with the surrounding acting associations by providing a community amphitheater and large viewing tower. Trails are included to reconnect to Cliff Drive and other areas of the park.

Master Plan - Scarritt Point 144

Connection to the Museum

Axon

Panorama

145

Scarritt Views

Master Plan - Scarritt Point 146

Enclosure Diagram

Section

147

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RESERVOIR

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HIstory of Reservior 150

One of the few elemnts that the Board of Park Commissioners approved for the park was a plan for a depressed water reservoir to be constructed at Prospect Point in 1921. The reservoir was meant to meet the growing demands of the breweries, icehouses, and railway stations that were developing in the East Bottoms. The water reservoir is 590’ long by 230’ wide, and could hold a total of 16 million gallons of water. The large basin is fitted with a cross bridge between the two sides both of which have an overflow tower located in them. After a short life of only 10 years the water reservoir was drained in 1931 due to infrastructure problems and the implementation of updated drainage and sewer plans throughout Kansas City.

Over the 80 years it has sat empty, overgrowth of trees and weeds have occurred taken over the reservoir. Railings on the cross bridge, the stairs, and the infrastructure have apparent signs of deterioration. Even though guarded by an iron fence, people have begun to change the inside face of the water reservoir, which is now lined with graffiti. With combined efforts from Pendelton Heights, Scarritt Point, the Parks and Recreation Department and other concerned citizens, the Cliff Drive association has began to make moves towards repurposing the water reservoir. Ideas have cultivated and steps in which a final plan can be achieved is in the works. Through stakeholder discussions, it has been discovered why the water reservoir is held in such high regards. It could be a beacon, an opportunity to bring identity to Kessler Park and the Northeast neighborhood. With the right programmatic function of the reservoir, more people from the city and beyond would be drawn to the park increasing popularity of the area. Citizens of the Northeast District see the park as part of their community, they hold value to its success. Members take pride in their community and they see the water reservoir as a unique amenity. The water reservoir may sit empty but it is full of opportunity.

Pictures of Current Reservior 151

Pictures of Current Reservior 152

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