Northfield frameworkplansept2011

Framework Planning in North eld
A Perpetual Work in Progress

Community ideas about
the future of North eld

Facilitated and Compiled by North eld Roundtable September 2011

What is a Framework Plan?
A document of conceptual illustrations to inspire ideas,
generate conversation and explore “what could be”
“A reminder to all of us
that these represent
long-range principles
and directions,
not xed physical plans.”
– Bill Johnson

• New Ideas are tested: with the !"##$%&'%()#*#)+#, balanced with the !"##$%&'%-./0$,. is is an
on-going discussion that nds a t and compromise to provide forward momentum.

• A Framework Plan supports a larger idea of the whole, &1#%/"&#)2'""#2&#$%3"$%*4"#)5/*&/2%/$#"&/&46
that is easily lost when individual elements are only considered as separate entities or identities.

Framework Planning: What could be, not what should be September 2011
A Perpetual Work in Progress Page 2

Intentions of the Framework Plan
e Framework Plan will always be a work in progress. It is a document designed to be inspira-
tional rather than prescriptive, with an emphasis on what could be as opposed to what should be.
e goal is to encourage long-range visioning that will keep North eld, Minnesota, an attractive
and vibrant place to live, learn, work and play . . . well into the future.

• Provide a +/*.30%3"$%&#7&.30%2'"2#(t for development and
redevelopment opportunities in North eld

• Strengthen 8')&19#0$:*%2')#%1/*&')/2%-.*/"#**;3)&*;2.0&.)30%
$/*&)/2& while recognizing how these districts are surrounded and
supported by residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural,
educational and recreational districts

• Guide &1'.51&<.0%3"$%=#3*.)#$%5)'>&1 of the greater down-
town area

• Foster a *#"*#%'<%2'==."/&4

• Integrate the .)-3"%*#&&/"5%>/&1%"3&.)30%<#3&.)#* while re-
specting the rural landscapes that are integral to the greater North-
eld area

• Support the vision, identity and key directions articulated in the
8')&19#0$%?'=()#1#"*/+#%@03"


Guiding Principles of the Framework Plan
Five principles that currently guide the group in discussions and in work with others:
• Foster 2'"&/"./&4 including historic, • Enhance 2'""#2&/+/&46%/"&#)$#(#"$#"2#%3"$%*.*&3/"3-0#% • Encourage #"535#=#"& in the
rural, educational, cultural, agricultural 0/"B35#* with improved gateways to North eld, strong relationships broadest sense, including welcoming
and commercial elements that have between the colleges and the community, continuous trails and sys- new people and ideas into North-
supported and continue to support the tems for bicyclists and pedestrians, interconnected streets and routes eld’s enduring identity, looking
North eld community. within and through the city, and public spaces for people to connect for new solutions to persistent chal-
with one another. lenges, nurturing existing partner-
• Support a *#"*#%'<%(032#6 including ships while seeking new partners to
urban elements that enhance com- !! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
continuity
grow the community, and fostering
munity building, our historic river growth that is reliable and sustain-
town and college town identity, a self- able into the future.
standing town in a rural landscape, and
a community rich in arts and cultural !"#!"$%&$'()*" • Foster the 5)##"/"5%'<%8')&1A
opportunities. 9#0$6 using landscaping as an inte-
!"##$!%&'&%( grative tool to support continuity,
community identity and connectiv-

!!!" # $%$"&"#'
ity, and to link the urban setting to
! its natural and rural surroundings.

! !!!!!!"#$ $ % & % "! '( ! ) '# *+ ( & $, -

e principles of the Framework Plan are intentionally conceived and articulated to be consistent with the
City of North eld’s Comprehensive Plan and other guiding documents.


Conceptual Diagram of North eld
Our central city contains a traditional downtown adjacent to the Cannon River, running
parallel to a major transportation corridor that includes Highway 3 and the railway. Potential
development on the west side of Highway 3 would bring more symmetry to the zones of action in
the greater downtown area. e two colleges provide opportunities for “stepping stones” through
the community to downtown and to one another.
Planning Considerations
C% D3*&AE#*&%37#* are important 2'""#2&')* between the east side and west side
of the greater downtown core

C% F1#%)/+#) is North eld’s !G#>#0,H our downtown provides great opportunities
for public access to the river as well as a river orientation for our businesses

• ere is the potential to view the corridor formed by the parallel railway, highway
and river as a !?'=='"*,H this could be a transformative idea in shaping
North eld’s future

• ere are mutual bene ts to a )#*/$#"&/30;2'==#)2/30%/"&#)<32#

• Be mindful of B#4%53&#>34* to the central city, +/*&3* open to people passing
through and important 2')"#)*&'"#%$#+#0'(=#"&*

C% !I)##"/"5, is more than just about trees... it is a philosophy. It is about creating
a comfortable, safe and inviting environment


Framework Concepts – Overview 1
is broad conceptual diagram of North eld’s downtown emerged from a community planning session on August 20, 2010.

Observations
• Imagines development on the west side
of Highway 3 that brings *4==#&)4 to
the downtown core

• Creates the center segment of a 2'))/$')%
that embraces downtown, the river,
the railway and the major artery for
motorized tra c

• Envisions 1.-*%'<%32&/+/&4 that will not
only bene t the community, but also the
speci c stakeholders in this area of the
city

• North eld’s #$.23&/'"30%/"*&/&.&/'"*
(including Carleton, St. Olaf and the
public schools campus) create strong
anchors at three distinct entrances to the
city


is broad conceptual diagram of North eld’s downtown emerged from a community planning session on January 29, 2011.

Observations
• Considerable opportunities exist to build #3*&A>#*&%2'""#2&')*, tying
together the whole of the downtown core

• e ?3""'"%J/+#)%!" supported by Division and Water Streets, Highway 3
and the railway - deserves special emphasis

• Existing assets such as the @.-0/2%K/-)3)4 and the U.S. @'*&%L<92# build-
ing create opportunities to build upon important existing landmarks

Utilizing the City of North eld’s Comprehensive Plan
and other existing guiding documents, this framework
is designed to promote ideas and excitement for what
North eld could be.


is diagram of North eld’s downtown core emerged from two community planning sessions on January 29 and April 28, 2011.

Observations
C% M)-3"%$#*/5" ideas in the vicinities of
5th Street and 7th Street along the
Cannon River

• e @'*&%L<92#%;%K/N.')%O&')#%
P0'2B and the J/+#)(3)B%Q300%P0'2B
have an important riverfront presence

• e ?3""'"%J/+#) as an ideal stage for
the entire downtown experience

• A E/"$'>%'"%&1#%J/+#)<)'"& could
o er inviting views into and out of
downtown

A constant reminder:
is Framework Plan suggests
possibilities and opportunities
tied to long-range principles.


Framework Ideas – Focus on the “Q Block”
e “Q Block” could play a central role in creating an east-west axis for North eld. Many have
suggested it as a long-range location for a transportation hub that could provide a “hook”
connecting emerging West Side redevelopment to the East Side historic downtown.
• Potential site of a refurbished historic
train depot that could serve as a North-
eld visitor center among other uses
• Concept of parking lots as parks... ef-
fectively planned and landscaped creates
a exible space for parking or for public
events
• Transit hub for trains, buses,
bicycles and cars

• A safe, inviting “greened” walkway across the railroad tracks, Highway 3 and
Cannon River is crucial to e ective east-west connections

Applied Planning Concepts
• Second Street is a key east-west connector
• “Q Block” is a potential cornerstone development
• Green edges reinforce greening philosophy
• Highway 3 & 2nd Street intersection create key gateway to city center


Framework Ideas – Focus on the Cannon River
e Cannon River is North eld’s jewel. Whether as natural habitat, leisure and entertainment
centerpiece, commercial attraction or re ective park, the river creates an ambience that could be a
local and regional draw.

• e river as an all-season park and focal point of the “Commons”
• A river park becomes a part of our parks and recreation system
• Extend the river’s in uence – not only north and south – but east
and west into the community
• e river could be an ideal stage for the downtown experience

• Imagine downtown North eld as if traveling down the
middle of the river

• Provide an attraction for the Division Street businesses
by extending river views

• Visualize the river and surrounding walkways/parks as a
cohesive greenway/blueway corridor


Deep Dive River Ideas
Various groups of North elders have come together to take a closer look at speci c areas of
North eld and brainstorm possibilities for those areas. ese brainstorming sessions have been
dubbed “deep dives” and it is anticipated that North elders will continue to take these “dives”
throughout the years to spark new ideas and consider new perspectives.
River Opportunities (not prioritized)
1 Dam Removal/Redesign
2 Second Street Pedestrian Underpass
3 Pedestrian Bridge at St. Olaf Avenue
Extended with Connected Walkways

4 Improved River Face of Downtown
Buildings

5 Improved West Side River Access

6 Safety Center Relocation
7 Ames Park Enhancements

8 Portage Route Along River

9 Boathouse

10 2nd Street & Hwy. 3 intersection as
Cornerstone River-oriented Development

11 Water/River/Natural Habitat Education

Framework Ideas – Focus on Arts and Library
Arts and the Library play vital and vibrant roles in de ning the North eld community. In
tandem, they provide a rich atmosphere of culture and education. is component of planning
o ers the opportunity to create a connective thread throughout the corridor, North to South as
well as East to West.
• Library is an anchor for downtown North eld; it is the
City of North eld’s only presence in the historic district

• Library expansion need not cut o ird Street; working
with the natural hillside the building design could ensure
that connectivity is enhanced rather than hindered

• Art is a powerful connecting theme
• East-West corridor of performance could be anchored
by the North eld Arts Guild and e Grand eatre,
extending to Carleton’s Weitz Center for Creativity
• Gateways and vistas create key opportunities for the
e ective display of art
• Historic emphasis, relationship with two nationally
renowned colleges and proactive citizenry that values
art and culture could enhance their impact on
North eld


Framework Ideas – Greening of the Commons
Unique aspects of North eld include the three major corridors runnings side-by-side through
town – river, railway and highway – that are both blessings and challenges, either connecting or
splitting downtown. Imagine if this corridor were a people place as well as a place for cars, three
corridors coming together to create a “Commons.”

• Commons unites East andWest
• e River is the Blueway... partner to the Greenway
• Greening is essential to the establishment of “the
Commons”
• ere is a natural interface to westside neighborhoods
• e “Commons” includes gateways and vistas to
Downtown
• Greening is vital to the cornerstone developments and
creates a transformational opportunity to apply
greening as a philosophy


Greening of the Commons
(continued)
“When we say we want to work with
greening the Commons, one thinks
about more trees. A tree can be a great
friend, but a group of trees can hide
things.
is sketch of tree arrangement options
is only a reminder that one needs to plan
with care in getting trees along the high-
way. You can use tree masses with strate-
gies to open up as well as to hide; it is not
either/or, but doing it right.
If you plant trees into full, park-like
quality, they will hide and close out op-
porunities. However, you don’t have to
think about trees hiding commerical
signs. Woodland groves can green an area
while maintaining permeability.”
– Bill Johnson

A Big Idea
A “Commons” could be transformed
into a new Central Park. What could
happen if we as a community bought
into this concept and kept this vision
in front of us as development and rede-
velopment opportunities emerge? As a
community, we need to remember that
the highway is a state highway designed
speci cally to move tra c through e -
ciently. Consideration needs to be given
about how we can create a park out of
that without sacri cing the Department
of Transportation’s goal. Over time –
up to 20 years – with 1 to 2 trees here
and there, Highway 3 could become a
woodland drive.


Framework Ideas – Northern Gateway Zone
Drivers and pedestrians on the northern edge of North eld heading southbound on Highway 3
rise over a crest and see the core of North eld unfold before them. e area near the intersection
of St. Olaf Avenue and Highway 3 becomes a gateway opportunity for the city.

• is gateway o ers a critical opportunity for in-
troducing the greening concept to the corridor
• Dotting the area with trees, greenery and, perhaps,
sculptures would provide a facelift for the area. If
strategically planned and planted, sightlines will
not only be preserved, but actually enhanced for
ay 3

area businesses
hw
Hig

• To the extent that area businesses and landowners
St. Olaf Avenue
buy into the idea of “parking lots as parks,” the
greening of this corridor can help to enhance the
image, visibility and cohesiveness of the commons
• e landscape could be designed to ensure that
trees become a visual accent rather than a barrier
• e greenery will provide a calming in uence for
tra c


Northern Gateway Zone
(continued)
Here is an example of the possi-
ble transformation of the North-
ern Gateway. Plantings on both
the east and west sides of the
intersection at St. Olaf Avenue
could be spots for the biggest
trees. Plantings on both sides of
the highway could incorporate
large trees with high canopies
to clear the height of signs and
leave an open view of the signage.
With the tangle of wires in the
electrical station, there may be a
way to nd a space for poplars to
soften that zone.


Framework Ideas – Highway 3 Central Section
e intersection at Highway 3 and Second Street in tandem with the Q Block create a central
section of the Framework Plan. Another key spot along this section of Highway 3 is Ames Park.
In each of these instances, with creative landscaping and parking the areas can be permeable to
bene t businesses while enhancing the aesthetics of the area. Furthermore, especially with
distinctive lighting at night, trees can compliment the building facades throughout this area.

Second Street Applied Planning Concepts
• e Q Block and its centrality along with current
interests in the area create an opportunity to make
a strong and lasting statement for North eld
y3

relative to the Framework Plan
wa
gh
Hi

• is area is well-suited for parking lots as parks
• To accomodate sightlines and overall aesthetics, it
ird Street ird Street is not inappropriate to consider removing or
moving trees at certain points
Water Street

• oughtful redevelopment of the Q Block could
create a featured cornerstone and a lasting
east-west connection


Highway 3 Central Section
(continued)
Planting groves of trees with the
permeability that allows
a view through to downtown.

• is drawing illustrates clusters rather than rows of trees
that enable indications of activity through the park

• Ames Park at night/dusk with trees and lights framing
and accenting the beautiful facades of downtown
North eld
• Art and sculpture can be considered as enhancements to
attract attention and activity.

• As always, these drawings are only indicators of what
could be


Framework Ideas – Southern Gateway Zones
e Southern Gateways along Highways 19 and 3 o er wonderful opportunities on both the
north and south sides of 5th Street for magni cent day-time and night-time, four season views of
downtown North eld and the Cannon River.

oughtful greening of the gateways
could lead to vistas and a sense of arrival
at someplace inviting.

• Strong potential for special riverside lighting

• ere are locations on both ends of the pedestrian bridge
that are pleading for more greening

• ere are pleasant zones of established plantings currently
in this area


Framework Ideas – South Water Street Area
is area o ers a transition point from the downtown core to the surrounding neighborhoods
and public schools on the south with the primary transition point being the Riverpark Mall. is
area (highlighted in blue) is very visible from Highway 3.
• Strengthening the continuity and visibility of the
Riverwalk concept
• Enhancing pedestrian accessibility from neighborhoods
to the Riverwalk
• Continuing the “greening” of Water and 7th Streets

A Vibrant Riverwalk
• Highly visible from the highway, this area provides an
opportunity for a series of linked “pocket terraces.” Uniquely
lit at night, this area can create an attractive promenade.
In Concert with Owners/Tenants
• Riverpark Mall development/redevelopment could be
completed incrementally to create a river’s edge amenity.
Key Identity Intersection
• e 5th and Water Streets intersection creates a quality
opportunity for pedestrian crossing between downtown and
the Riverpark Mall block. is is a critical point for ensuring
• If the dam were removed or redesigned, the riverwalk loop could be an outstanding stage for
safe pedestrian street crossings while assuring continuity of
water activities and river use.
the riverwalk.

Framework Ideas – Window on the Riverfront
With the river as our “jewel,” there are opportunities to create windows to the river with both pe-
destrian and vehicular tra c. e sidewalks along 5th Street could be lined with columnar trees
and pedestrian-scaled lighting to make distinctive cross-routes amid the downtown core.

ont
erfr
Riv

the

on • Greening of the Commons could be enhanced by keeping the Safety Center/

d ow Ames Park sites open for views to the river and edge of downtown
in • A downtown walkway circuit could be developed with a number of
W sub-loops ... possibly tagged as a tness or wellness network
• An identi able Riverside/Riverview Park could be developed


Framework Ideas – 6th Street to the River
Fifth Street
is is a staged version of how 6th
Street could some day be a riverfront
approach lane, working on one end
Sixth Street of the existing structure, with lateral
shopping along the way. is could

Division Street
be a part of an outlined story

Water Street
sequence yet to be determined.
Seventh Street
Fifth Street

Fifth Street

Sixth Street
Sixth Street

Water Street
Division Street
Water Street

Seventh Street
Seventh Street


Framework Ideas – Bridge Square
e Post O ce Building An Identity Corner Tying Bridge Square with the
• Now a valued historic build- • With special lighting and
ing with an iconic address on sculpture a this corner, it service areas and alleys
the River and Bridge Square. could help to strengthen the
It brings strong identity to this identity of marketing events
surrounding the Post O ce
e Post O ce Block
• In e ect, this entire block, locat-
unique part of Downtown with along the River and extend Building and the buildings
potential marketing in uence the spirit of Bridge Square
ed ON the River could become
well beyond the immediate site. commons. facing Division Street, all
over time, a mixed-use Market
Block, featuring an extension of properties on the block could
the river market theme already
popular. be ON THE RIVER. is could
Bridge Square make the properties on Water,
• A classic community green act-
ing as a pleasant commons on the
Division, 4th and 5th Streets
River, around which shops cluster appropriate for a new river
and holiday events can center.
• A more extensive Market Block market zone. A portion of the
concept would feature Bridge alley could even be covered with
Square as the primary identity.
Bridge Square can be strength- glass as in a conservatory or an
ened by connecting it more di-
rectly to the River through a atrium. Such prospects could
‘lifted street’. is improvement make residential lofts in the
could coincide with a ‘through
block’ pedestrian connection to block particularly attractive.
sustain the continuity of the
River Walk.

Aerial Images
Views providing context and revealing opportunities for the development, redevelopment, and
greening of North eld - the big picture view.


About North eld Roundtable
North eld Roundtable is a self-gathered group of committed community members who have
come together to consider, discuss and encourage a long-term vision for North eld, with the sole
focus being to help our community be thoughful and strategic about planning for the future.

North eld Roundtable is about e genesis for the Roundtable grew of place, fostering the greening of Development Authority (EDA),
envisioning what could be, not out of the success story of Holland, North eld, and enhancing con- the Planning Commission, the
necessarily what should be. It Michigan, nectivity North eld Downtown Develop-
values and embraces ongoing city a commu- through- ment Commission (NDDC), and
planning. We utilize existing plans nity similar out the a host of others are a testament to
and ideas as our starting point on to North eld commu- this. Our goal is to look at North-
which to build. that has in- nity. eld from a broad conceptual
vested more perspective to help ensure a long-
We work to facilitate broad-based than a quarter e com- term, sustainable vision for making
discussions toward achieving a of a century munity of North eld a great community.
shared vision that ensures that in the concept North eld
North eld remains a wonderful of visioning a has good Other than through our individual
place for generations to come. We better future people votes on Election Day, the North-
derived our name from the sense for its city. As with cre- eld Roundtable has no decision-
that there is no “head” to the table. a group, the North eld Roundtable ative ideas and a deep commitment making authority. Our goal is to
It is a group where every voice — is committed to fostering continu- to the region. e comprehensive help facilitate a consistent direction
whether regular attender or guest — ity, encouraging community engage- plan and the e orts of groups like toward reaching a quality vision for
shares equal credibility and weight. ment, supporting North eld’s sense the City Council, the Economic North eld’s future.

Our mantra has always been: “It is amazing what can be accomplished when no one cares who gets the credit.”


North eld Roundtable
(continued)
A completely volunteer group, North eld Roundtable works to clarify, support and facilitate a
clear vision and framework for development and redevelopment opportunities that enhance the
economic vitality and livability of North eld.
You may o er feedback by contacting these
Roundtable Intentions:
Roundtable Members:
C% @)'+/$#%203)/&4%3"$%3)&/2.03&/'"%'<%2'==."/&4%+/*/'" through the Framework Plan. • Blake Abdella
C% R32/0/&3&#%&1#%/"&#5)3&/'"%'< development and redevelopment /$#3* across the community • Dixon Bond
into the Framework Plan. • Rick Estenson
C% @)'+/$#%0'"5A&#)=%2'==/&=#"&%3"$%2'"&/"./&4 to the Framework Plan. • Tim Geary
C% S$+'23&# for the intentions and principles of the Framework Plan. • Margit Johnson

C% P#%3%23&304*&%<')%32&/'" towards implementing the Framework Plan. • Bruce King
• Art Monaghan
• Dave Neuger
Roundtable Principles:
• Inclusivity
North eld Roundtable is • Brett Reese
• Fred Rogers
• Patience
modeled on a citizen’s group in
• Betsy Spethmann
• Persistence
Holland, Michigan, which has a • Alice omas Past Members:
• Community above self
20-year history of advancing a vision • Dave Van Wylen • Joel Leer
for their community working with • Steve Wilmot
• Action minded • Suzie Nakasian
both public and private entities. • Jennifer Sawyer
• Transparency


2010–2011 Focus Sessions
Session 1: 2nd Street Corridor Session Observations:
• Q Block
• Gateway Corner of 2nd Street
& Highway 3
• Crossing the River to Library

Session 2: 5th Street Corridor
• Gateway Corner of 5th Street
& Highways 3/19
• Riverpark Mall Area
• Bridge Square

Session 3: Greening the “Commons”
• Making Highway 3 Corridor
more comfortable
and inviting
• Bridge Square Visioning


About the Focus Sessions
Roundtable Conversations:
• Bill Johnson has been the facilitator of the public sessions and author of the many drawings
incorporated into the Framework plan. He is an accommplished urban planner and land-
scape designer with experience going back many decades to when he taught at the University
of Michigan and planned the expansion of the Ann Arbor campus
• Property owners and stakeholders were invited to each of the sessions with participants
sharing their expertise with the given study areas
• Citizen input has been and will continue to be an important part of developing the
Framework Plan - the opinions of the public are vital to creating a plan that re ects the values
of North eld and its hopes for the future
• Public o cials including elected, appointed, and professional sta have provided valuable
input to developing the Framework Plan


Your Input is Important
Please Join the Conversation


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