A Master Plan for the Revitalization of Decatur’s Downtown and Waterfront

Alabama APA—Franklin M. Seltzer Outstanding Urban Design Project

2004 Award RecipientCity of Decatur

Decatur-Morgan County Chamber of CommerceLDR International/ HNTB Urban Design + PlanningUrban Design/Planning

RKG Associates, Inc.

Economic Development + Implementation Strategies

ENVISION DECATUR

Planning Process

• Task Force Meetings

• Over 50 Stakeholder Interviews

• Merchant Survey

• Neighborhood Group Work Sessions

• Chamber Board Presentations

• Planning Commission Presentations

• Council Presentations

• Public Meetings

Priority Areas of Focus

Hudson Landing Gateway

Brickyard Landing

Railway Park – Bank Street Historic District

West Town Village

Decatur Commons Uptown Arts and Entertainment District

Envisioning the Districts: Hudson Landing

The Hudson Landing Framework Plan…

Expanded Professional Offices & Technology Companies Signature Office Buildings An Enhanced Urban Boulevard Character

A New Decatur - Morgan County Visitor Center An Overlay District for Corridor Design Guidelines

Envision the Route 31/6th Ave. Entry Corridor with… An Expanded Waterfront Hotel/Conference Center

Evaluation of Community Assets & Liabilities

Heritage Tourism Attractions Financial Presence

The Visual ArtsCommercial Services

Youth and family Oriented RetailClusters of Antique Stores

Visitor Accomodations

Specialty Retail Stores

Professional Office Anchors

Design Presence

Building Renovations

Evaluation of Community Assets & Liabilities

Second Avenue Linkage with Municipal Campus

The Princess Theater AttractionProfessional & Executive Office Clusters

Moulton Street Retail Cluster

Curry’s, The Brick and Café 113 Restaurant ClusterNighttime Activity for Downtown LivingDowntown Employment – Decatur daily

The New West Town Mixed-use Village Center Church Campuses that Draw People Downtown

Identification of Economic Development Opportunity Sites

Envisioning the Districts: The Gateway Crossing

Envision the Route 31 Causeway Crossing with…

Trailhead Park Amenities for Day Park Visitors

Native Plantings and Bike Trails to Wheeler Refuge Designated Bike Lanes Over the Hudson Bridge

New City Gateway Signage at Day Park…

Interpretive Signage for Causeway Trail Users

The Gateway Crossing Plan…

Night Lighting on the Hudson Bridge

Land Use Analysis by Individual District

1. The Gateway Crossing

2. Hudson Landing

3. Port Decatur at Wheeler Lake

4. East Side Commerce Park

5. Gateway Business Corridor

6. Delano Park Preserve

44

33

11

22

55

66

Illustrating the Vision: Hudson Landing Gateway Improvements

Land Use Analysis by Individual District

1. Downtown Historic District - Bank St. & Railroad Ave.

2. Court Square

3. City Center Gateway

4. The Avenues Uptown District - 2nd, 1st & Moulton Avenues

5. Five Points Gateway

6. Decatur Commons Campus

55

11

22

44

33

66

Envisioning the Districts: Bank Street

Additional Antique Center

Infill Mixed-use Development & Restaurants

Arts and Crafts Studios

Expanded Retail OfferingsUpper Level Loft Development

The Bank St. Redevelopment Framework Plan…

Great Streetscapes

Envision the Bank Street District with…

Envisioning the Districts: Downtown Historic District

Railway Village, Excursions and Heritage Trail Themed Restaurants and Shops

Interior Market HouseMixed-use Buildings & Museums on Railway Park

Railway Park Amenities and Community Pavilion Outdoor Farmers Market Pavilion on Lee St.

Railroad, Lee and Vine St. Framework Plan

Envision Railroad and Vine Street with …

Concept Plans

Envisioning the Districts: The Avenues Uptown District

Arts and Entertainment Marketplace

Additional Lunch and Dinner Restaurants

The Uptown District Framework Plan Additional Facade Improvements & Streetscape Artist Co-op and Arts Academy

Outdoor Dining Context sensitive Mixed-Use Infill Development

New Multi-use Park and Plaza Spaces

Concept Plan

Illustrating the Vision: Uptown Arts and Entertainment District

Concept Plans

Illustrating the Vision: Brickyard Landing Marina Village

Immediate Agenda - Top 10 Action Items

Policies:

1. Create a Downtown Development Authority and Hire a Director

2. Create and Information Brochure About Downtown Decatur’s Revitalization

3. Establish the Uptown Arts District and Create an Uptown Marketplace

4. Begin Negotiating Purchase Agreements and Land Banking Key Properties

Immediate Agenda - Top 10 Action Items

Projects:

5. Complete the Causeway Improvements, Enhance Day Park and Redefine North Gateway.

6. Complete a First Phase Downtown Wayfinding System

7. Reestablish Bank Street Connection

8. Establish Railroad Quiet Zone at Railroad and Vine Streets and Create Railway and Civil Rights Museums

9. Initiate Brickyard Marina Development

10.Acquire Land and Raze Warehouse Buildings for Decatur Commons & Central Parkway Extension to Railroad Street

A Master Plan for the Revitalization of Decatur’s Downtown and Waterfront

Alabama APA—Franklin M. Seltzer Outstanding Urban Design Project

2004 Award Recipient

City of DecaturDecatur-Morgan County Chamber of CommerceLDR International/ HNTB Urban Design + PlanningUrban Design/Planning

RKG Associates, Inc.

Economic Development + Implementation Strategies

ENVISION DECATUR