Design Sketches
Schematic Design and Development Plan (PDF)
Downtown Park Plan
Option A (PDF)
Option B (PDF)
Miller/Legion Plan
Option A (PDF)
Option B (PDF)
Option C (PDF)
Option D (PDF)
Introduction to the Design Concepts
LandWorks has prepared a series of schematic design concepts as part of the ongoing development of a revitalization plan for downtown White River Junction. We have prepared and overview entitled “Overview of the Design Concepts for the Ongoing Revitalization of White River Junction”. Each design option also includes a paragraph called “Concept” which explains the intent and the how the spaces function. The elements of the designs are also listed out and keyed to the plan.
The basis for our design proposals includes the following considerations, using the Miller Property and the American Legion Lot as an example (and this area was one of the locations that was focused on):
- A. Public input regarding the potential that this site holds.
- B. Available buildable area on the site, the 'lay of the land.'
- C. The architectural context, in terms of scale, massing, and orientation.
- D. The goals of enhancing the critical mass of retail options to attract visitors and infusing life into the downtown by adding more office and housing, while also accommodating a new theater.
- E. The goal of encouraging pedestrian movement between all connection points to this site in a manner that enhances existing retail businesses and safety. A pedestrian-only promenade that links the parking area with the downtown core and a revitalized alleyway connection are key components in all the designs.
- F. The goal of providing sufficient parking capacity and directing vehicular traffic to and from a parking lot / structure in a manner that enhances local businesses and safety.
- G. The goal of controlling the visual experience by screening service and parking areas, providing positive visual 'anchors'.
Although there are some variations in terms of building massing, vehicular circulation and parking, all of the concepts for this area of downtown are characterized by a relatively dense mixed-use infill and a new street to connect the Currier Street extension and S. Main.
For the downtown park and plaza concepts, focused on the area once known as Loyal Park, our guiding goals were the following:
- A. Provide a well-detailed and visually rich urban plaza to attract pedestrians to the center of town and encourage them to linger (and spend money!).
- B. Provide for adequate parking, while balancing the need for public open space.
- C. Soften the downtown with trees and lawn, buffer views of the expanse of parking across the tracks.
- D. Encourage movement across the tracks to unify both areas of the downtown.
- E. Provide for gathering / event space.
- F. Provide a visual 'anchor' at the intersection of the three streets.
Vehicular Traffic, Parking and Infrastructure.
Studies have been ongoing with regard to vehicular traffic flow, parking and infrastructure. Vehicular circulation and parking proposals will be incorporated into the concept or concepts that are to be forwarded in the next iteration of the selected plan(s), which will based on community review and the consensus. The implications for utility infrastructure will be explored once a selected plan and direction have been determined. At that point Pathways and the design team will work to develop an outline and analysis.
Overview of the Design Concepts for the Ongoing Revitalization of White River Junction
The physical revitalization plan for an urban village such as White River Junction can at best only envision the possibilities of what can be, in concert with what is already present. Thus the designs options presented are conceptual ideas for the future possibilities - possible landscapes, buildings and circulation networks which are integral parts of White River’s fabric. Weaving these forms and functions together can be best planned for on a broad scale - and so it is that the concepts are the products to consider - rather than the details. Many of the details, in fact, are already in place: in the streetscape, in the signage, in the rich architecture which predominates, and particularly in some of the landmark projects which have already been developed. The key challenge now is to link these elements together, build on them, to continue the process of placemaking, and in so doing help to evolve the shared vision for the future of the “River City”.
The design plans forwarded are to be further studied and refined as part of this planning process; conformity with and implications for zoning will be addressed along with the assessment of infrastructure implications and costs. Another important consideration for this work is the recognition that it is fluid and can accommodate future proposals for infill and redevelopment; such as what may be proposed for the Miller Property, or on other downtown sites under consideration.
Overarching Elements of the Initial Design Proposals
It’s the River!
The River- Continuing the development of the riverfront resource along with landscape conservation and enhancement is a centerpiece for the plan. The Riverwalk concept is continued as an essential ingredient and a future focal point for a commercial and residential downtown. Overlooks, public art, interpretive opportunities and riverbank restoration effort are complementary and doable.
White River Needs More Green.
The Urban Landscape - White River has a lot of grayscape- in between ground conditions that are neither landscaped nor built upon - and extensive paving and surface parking lots in the core of the village. Thus an essential ingredient From stormwater gardens to breaking up parking lots with extensive landscaping- reducing asphalt, these initiatives can save money in maintenance and help save the planet by adding oxygen production coupled with heat reduction and cooling capabilities. Additional street tree planting is essential.
The green network also includes green connections- open spaces with walkways up the hillsides and residential areas, in alleys and vacant spaces and through the redevelopment areas. Bike friendly details will always be important to consider in strengthening the pedestrian environment.
Adding to the Fabric.
Currier Street and the Legion Lot - Options for mixed use infill development, bring more residential units downtown to serve various needs, including Cartoon Institute housing, are possible with the creative redevelopment of this area of the downtown. Opening up a new street with increased retail frontage will be an important component of this design along with the potential to create landmark architecture.
Opportunities for Infill - The plan portrays several areas where new structures, parking and parks can be located, and these provide some guidance as well as a sense of form giving and connectivity that the unified planning provides. Along the White River, and within the context of floodplain construction, the potential exists for some additional buildings, but these will need to be carefully sited and designed.
Loyal Park and Parking Cars.
A Public Park - Loyal Park is to become the centerpiece for the new downtown and expanded to a civic scale as a place for public gathering. A number of possibilities exist, from spanning the tracks with a landmark element and public space to an engaging water element evoking the confluence of community and river. More urban than Veteran’s Park it helps restore a sense of place to this “in-between” ground.
Driving, Parking and Riding...
A Transit Hub and a Parking Garage will be key elements of the transportation system in the future White River Junction. The design and connectivity of the parking garage will be integral to its serving as the primary parking facility in the village, allowing urban scale buildings to be built, further reinforcing and filling the urban form. More transit options will be in place, including local shuttles to better connect the uptown, with the downtown and across the river as well. Some refinements to on street parking and circulation should also be considered, with several options to look at. Enhanced signage and filling in the rest of the village lighting plan are also part of the overall design.
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