LITTLETON RIVER DISTRICT REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT A LEGACY OF LEADERSHIP & COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
Background Information Littleton Saranac Street Design Charrette Sponsored by the Town of Littleton and Plan New Hampshire Who is Plan NH? Plan NH is a professional association established to create a forum to bring together those focused on community development. Plan NH members include architects, planners, engineers, landscape architects, bankers, contractors, historic preservationists, and others. What is a Design Charrette? A design charrette is a brainstorming session where lots of ideas are brought forth, by both professional designers and local citizens, in an attempt to resolve a problem of local interest. Goal of the Project To reinvigorate one of Littleton s historic commercial/residential areas. Benefits to Littleton The proximity of Saranac Street to the vibrant downtown core and the spectacular natural resources of the Ammonoosuc River made the project particularly attractive for economic development projects. Enhancement of Littleton s economic vitality through ongoing reinvestment in the downtown cor. Preservation of historic assets. Improved river environment through low-impact development strategies. Improved public safety and access to the river. Why Littleton? The existing viability of the downtown area provides an excellent opportunity for commercial revitalization. Opportunities exist for recreational and wellness-focused usage along the scenic Ammonoosuc River. The town has successfully invested in improving the downtown in the past 15 to 20 years, demonstrating an initiative to actively support and pursue the goals of the project.
DESIGN CHARRETTE LITTLETON, NH SEPTEMBER 21-22, 2012 STUDY AREA
Design Charrette Recommendations 1. River District A redevelopment master plan must include the entire stretch on both sides of the river, from Meadow Street to Cottage Street. For most of its history, a series of individual development efforts have take place resulting in a fragmented situation. The town needs to start thinking of this area as a district as a whole. 2. Celebrate the River Littleton is very proud of the Ammonoosuc River, the walking bridge, and the riverwalk. However, there are not many places in the study area that one can actually see the river and have access to it. The plan should open up views and provide safe access. 3. Complement, not Compete with Main Street Any new development in the River District should complement the activities on Main Street and not detract from businesses there. 4. Develop in Phases As in every development project, money is always at the core. Develop an overall district-wide plan, and prioritize and phase the redevelopment.
The River District Redevelopment Commission KEY ELEMENTS OF A PLAN FOR REDEVELOPMENT Build an infrastructure that supports the current and future needs of the District (Slide 6). Provide for more coherent and efficient vehicular circulation and parking. Reconfigure the intersection of Saranac and Meadow Streets to allow for a safer and more prominent entrance to the West End of the District (Slide 7). Provide for safer, more welcoming pedestrian circulation and gateways to the District (Slide 8). Encourage walkable development and wellness focus. Provide for visual and physical access to the River and Riverwalk (Slide 9). Review and address accessibility issues in the District Expand options for Commercial and Residential Development (Slide 10). Implement Demonstration Projects with Private Funding as a Gift and Incentive to the Community (Slide 13).
Rendition of Street Alignment and Infrastructure Rebuild
Rendition of Entrance Realignment Meadow Street to Saranac Street
Rendition of New Gateways Main Street and Meadow Street
Rendition of Pedestrian Access To Riverbank Overlook(s)
The River District Focused on a balanced portfolio of plans across all three Horizons of Growth Growth Horizon 1 Core businesses Horizon 2 Major new growth businesses, sourced from: Leveraging core Attracting Establishing New new Types acquisitions of Businesses Horizon 3 Portfolios of experiments for long-term growth Time (years) Strategic Impact Main Street and Mill Street Businesses, Tannery Marketplace Attract Significant New Tenants to Riverfront, Enhance Image of River District, Implement Marketing Plans, Design new Street & Infrastructure, Get Funds, and Implement., Attract Investors & Developers. Demonstration Projects Pollyanna Vista & Pedestrian Gateway Umbrella Project Archway, Fence, Light & Walkway Project on Mill St Special Events Plan Spruce Up Project s
Funding Needs Engineering plans for infrastructure Sewer, water, power, infrastructure upgrades, etc. Land acquisition for realignment and parking Road realignment Street and sidewalk upgrades Lighting upgrades Green space plans Signage Archway entrances Riverfront vistas Enhanced parking Future plans for pedestrian bridge/snowmobile bridge at Bridge St. Demonstration projects
BUILDING A WINNING DESTINATION Demonstration Projects Pollyanna Gateway with Umbrella Project River District Archway Pilots Community Spruce Up Demonstration Projects 2014 Activities River Vista and Expanded Walkway Lighting, Flowers, Pianos And Flags
Rendition of Pollyanna Vista Archway
Phase 1 Demonstration Project Current Umbrella Project with Future Pollyanna Archway Photo courtesy of Rodeo & Co. Photography
River Vista Deck Design
River District Street & Walkway Lighting
Demonstration Projects Pollyanna Vista NH DES Approval Gateway Arch Vista Deck Walkway Lighting Umbrella Project Arts District Second Friday Art Nights River District Archway Pilot Building Wrap Project Expanded Piano Project Marketing & Signage Develop River District Website on GoLittleton.com Destination Branding/Mktg. Surprisingly Littleton Meet Littleton Passport Campaign Partner Programs River District Specific Mktg. Develop Plan & Design for Informational & Directional Signage 2014 &2015 Event Possibilities Winter Carnival incl. District Ice Sculpture & Snowmobile Events (2015) Literary Event - New Authors, Book Clubs, Lodging specials, Story Telling, Poetry (2015) Celebration Weekend (June 13 and 14 th ) Be Glad Town, 2nd Friday Art Night, Pollyanna Day, Vista Dedication, Celebration Concert Pursue Expansion of Farmer Market & 2015 Market Days Events Second Friday Art Nights (June, July, August) Continue Expansion of Art Fair/Antique Car Show Event Continued Growth of Fall Festival/Halloween Event Holiday Activities incl. Holiday Parade, Victorian Christmas, Christmas Market Pursue Betty Davis Movie Festival Pursue Car Rally Events Pursue a Running /Biking Event along River & Trails Master Plan & Economic Impact Inventory Current River District Parcels Identify Parcels for Possible Redevelopment Project Redeveloped Parcel Values & Employment Potential Complete Economic Impact Analysis for Commercial & Residential Development Document Master Plan for River District Funding Source Development Identify Value Stakeholders Assess Sources for Redevelopment Funding Brief Stakeholders on River District Projects & Solicit Their Support Identify Grant Opportunities Gain Citizen Support for Possible Warrant Articles
Sources for Funding BANKS REAL ESTATE COs MEDICAL/WELLNESS ENTITIES INVESTORS/ DEVELOPERS SOURCES OF FUNDS LAND/BUILDING/ BUSINESS OWNERS PRIVATE GRANTS STATE/FEDERAL PUBLIC GRANTS TOWN & TAXPAYER WARRANTS
More Revenue More Jobs More Residents More Visitors More Spending More Fun! Photo courtesy of Jere Eames