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Exec Summary for DWTN LR Plans 1999Executive Summary for Downtown Little Rock Plans Downtown Little Rock Framework for the Future Plan Capitol Zoning Area Framework Master Plan Six Bridges Framework Plan Downtown Corridors Plan � 4. , Prepared by: Little Rock Department of Planning and Development The Urban Studies and Design Project of UALR Capitol Zoning District Commission 1 OVERVIEW This Summary document represents a compilation of the most current plan- ning efforts that focus on Downtown Little Rock. The report summary in- cludes the following: a Downtown Little Rock: Framework for the Future a Downtown Corridors Plan Six Bridges Framework Plan • Capitol Zoning District: Capitol Area Framework Master Plan Each of these reports addresses a par- ticular area or aspect of Little Rock's Downtown in terms of current and future planning opportunities. They all seek to establish a frani which private develops aged and directed towa community's vision for LEGEND Six Bridges Frame Capitol Zoning Di: Downtown Little I ElDowntown Corrid In addition to these four reports, other planning studies of tremendous sig- nificance to downtown are underway. These include transportation planning for a light -rail system, planning for the proposed Clinton Presidential Library, and economic planning for housing and new business development in Downtown. These studies have been and are being prepared by a variety of public and private entities. Coordination among them has suffered from an unclear understanding and articulation of city policies and procedures. The city has begun organizing a process that will better integrate these plans and pro- mote their implementation in an effi- cient, effective manner. This compilation of reports is a first step in that direction. Summary Report: 4Plans DOWNTOWN FRAMEWORK - CORRIDORS - 6 BRIDGES - CAPITOL ZONING THE DOWNTOWN LITTLE ROCK: FRAMEWORK FOR THE FUTURE The Downtown Little Rock: Framework for the Future report identifies major issues for the whole Downtown, with special attention given to revising current zoning ordinances. It studies the downtown through four sub -districts or planning areas. They are: the State Capitol, the CBD, MacArthur Park, and the Hanger Hill areas. Each sub -district relates to several types of redevelopment, basi- cally reinforcing existing land uses, not promoting new or radically differ- ent styles of redevelopment. Through various categories, the report gives a general description of the total Down- town. The "framework" states objec- tives and relates each one to a sug- gested action statement. Suggestions are described for the categories of housing, transportation, land use and zoning, public safety, historic preser- vation, urban design, image and vital- ity, economic development, public and open spaces, infrastructure, tour- ism and special corridors. These are addressed specifically on page 3. Downtown Vision Downtown should become a place people want to live and visit, and should have a lasting and recogniz- able image, distinguishable from other nearby environments. Because Little Rock is the State Capitol and proud symbol of the metropolitan area, it presents many opportunities. Downtown should be the financial, office, and governmental center of the region, as such should be planned as a place where people live, visit, and work in a safe, vibrant, pedestrian - friendly environment. Objectives 1. The Downtown urban form should be protected by requiring that struc- tures be built to the street with street level activity and visual connection between the street and the structure's interior. 2. To support an urban land use form, a fixed transit system is needed. An investment should be made in a fixed system for Downtown that effectively connects the various parts of Down- town and moves people within that area. The overall area of the Downtown Little Rock: Framework for the Future plan and its sub -areas. 3. Residential use is essential for an active and successful Downtown. Because the Downtown residential area has lost most of its residential units, the city of Little Rock should invest in Downtown housing to assist in reviv- ing the area, thereby creating housing opportunities for high as well as mod- erate income levels. 4. Downtown must be actively mar- keted. In most cities a quasi -public agency does this work. The city should explore (with Downtown property owners) the possibility of establishing an agency to advance the economic development of Downtown. 5. In order to achieve an active Down- town, developments should be mixed and linked. 1 j S state ttot Piuming Arta 3 j r ; hanger lidl I Pla n118 Am _ . 'LJU i Planning Aeu { p � 1' r MacArthur Park PLsningAm _ ! t= j Summary Report: 4PIans DOWNTOWN FRAMEWORK - CORRIDORS - 6 BRIDGES - CAPITOL ZONING The Downtown Little Rock Frame- work for the Future Plan seeks: Housing to encourage new infill housing and rehabilitated existing housing through various incentives including special promotion by downtown action groups, loan pools, tax abatement techniques, and special support to home builders and developers; Transportation to balance the needs of the pedestrian with the functional necessities of the automobile by: encouraging streetscape designs, balanced parking strategies, support of public transportation, revi- sion of requirements placed on proper- ties for parking spaces, and encourag- ing alternate modes of transportation; Land use and zoning to bring recognition to the unique character of the Downtown by revising the zoning regulations to correspond with the goals and desired patterns of land use in a twenty-four hour city comprised of mixed uses; Public safety to set strategies to reduce the public's perception of crime in the Downtown by utilizing design standards with public safety standards, better policing parking areas, securing vacant build- ings, demanding a zero -tolerance policy for crime in public spaces, pro- viding alternate and visible policing methods, and promoting a safe Down- town through education and public relations; Historic preservation to create various incentives, that rein- force the existing efforts toward main- tenance of the historic neighborhoods, via public/private management struc- tures, revision of and focus on zoning, revision of building codes, tax credits, and facade grants; Urban design to focus attention on the "cityscape" of public space through the creation of an urban design plan, zoning, and the review of new and renovated building design, as well as pedestrian friendly sidewalks, improved lighting, com- mission of public art, promotion of street level use, and the provision of tax incentives to encourage projects in the public realm; Image and vitality to promote a clean, safe and active Downtown through marketing and management of new image programs and activities including, entertainment, arts and humanities, , public art projects, artist housing, and public recognition for artists via awards and improved maintenance; Economic development to bolster economic actvity in Down- town by: marketing the downtown as one area through the existence of pro- motional organizations, like the Cham- ber of Commerce, creating new man- agement entities, developing targeted strategies for developers, providing tax incentives, starting new business incu- bator programs, by defining the Downtown niche market, and by en- suring that existing government uses are stable; Public and open spaces to encourage more open spaces in the Downtown and to better link the exist- ing spaces with an improved pedes- trian open space system, utilizing tax incentives and public encouragement to private developers; Infrastructure to focus new planning strategies and improved maintenance on the services of fire and police protection, wastewa- ter drainage and sanitation, and utili- ties, through increased public financ- ing directed to the Downtown; Tourism to recognize the current potential of the Downtown as a tourist site by better and more focused marketing and by implementing a signage program, enhancing existing facilities and pro- moting new ones; and Special corridors to utilize key corridors through the downtown as prime sites for develop- ment and public infrastructure invest- ment as a strategy to encourage devel- opment of the "between" spaces de- fined by the corridor grid through the Downtown;. (Note: the special study THE CORRI- DORS REPORT ,which focuses on this planning approach, is summarized in the next section of this text) Summary Report: 4Plans DOWNTOWN FRAMEWORK - CORRIDORS - 6 BRIDGES - CAPITOL ZONING fl THE DOWNTOWN CORRIDORS PLAN The Downtown Corridors Plan proposes the redevelopment of a network of key corridors, as an urban design strategy, to help restructure and revitalize Downtown's Urban form. The plan defines a "corridor" as a major street, Which has special redevelopment potential based on its identity, route, urban form, historic character,location, or current development. The streets chosen to study are; Markham, Capitol, and Ninth Streets in the east -west direction; and Chester, Broadway, and Scott Streets in the north -south direc- tion. (These are adressed individually on pages 5 and 6.) Collectively, these form a Corridors Network. Each corri- dor has a special contribution to make in the overall approach to current and proposed redevelopment of the Down- town. The streets of the Downtown Corridors Plan Summary Report: 4Plans DOWNTOWN FRAMEWORK - CORRIDORS - 6 BRIDGES - CAPITOL ZONING 5 EAST - WEST CORRIDORS: Markham Street The plan envisions Markham Street to have a healthy combinaton of develop- ment along its length and to be identified by major landmark buildings at each end. The Clinton Presidential Library will be on Markham's east end and the Train Station is the eastern landmark building. Accord- ing to the plan, the areas between will include a strong mix of uses, including offices, entertainment retail, convention, and governmental. The key identifiable areas along the corridor are: the Presiden- tial Library, River Market, Convention Center, city government core, and the new residential area near the Capitol Garden District. Capitol Avenue This street, of all the planned corri- dors, offers the best possibility to become a ceremonial avenue similar to any major civic thoroughfare in cities around the world. Anchored on the west by the domi- nant form of the State Capitol, and con- necting to the Presidential Library District on the east, the corridor is planned to include small parks, wide sidewalks, landscaping and public art focusing on civic monuments. The land uses will include a continuation of the area's history of office development and housing encour- aged for the eastern end in the Historic District. Ninth Street Since the eastern -most border of Ninth Street is in the Historic District, close to MacArthur Park and the Arkansas Arts Center, this end of the corridor is planned as a residential -arts area. Streetscaping will reinforce this image. The District's west- ern end, beginning at Broadway, has a nuxed use of industrial, manufacturing and residential which is planned to con- tinue. The monumental building of the street is the Knights Templar structure, which the plan supports as a historic rehabilitation structure thereby giving an identity to that end of the street. Summary Report: 4Plans DOWNTOWN FRAMEWORK - CORRIDORS - 6 BRIDGES - CAPITOL ZONING 6 NORTH -SOUTH CORRIDORS: Chester Street As a major connector between I-630 and LaHarpe, the street is planned to be redeveloped with large scale com- mercial buildings that will fill in the existing large sites now fronting the busy four -lane arterial street. A land- scaped median is also planned to en- courage this type of redevelopment along the street and to provide a spe- cial identity. Broadway As one of the most highly traveled of any of the three north -south streets, the plan reinforces its urban image by adding a landscaped median and a high density development center at its intersection with Capitol. Along its route at other key intersections, like Markham, large scaled civic infrastruc- ture pieces are envisioned such as light fixtures, bridge entry posts, and public art to reinforce the importance of this street as it passes through the center of the Downtown. Main Street For most of Little Rock's history, Main Street served as the center of civic and retail activity. The plan envi- sions that Main Street can regain some of it past importance by : developing a major civic space as its northern termi- nus at the Little Rock Convention Center, by the promotion of residential uses in the upper levels of existing structures, as well as the extension of Main Street's standard treatment of streetscape to the area south of Eight Street and the encouragement of higher density development in this area. Additionally, utilizing the Arkansas Repertory Theater to promote an ex- panded arts character, and symboli- cally reconnecting Main Street to the Main Street Bridge, by developing the block on Markham between Scott and Main Streets. Summary Report: 4Plans DOWNTOWN FRAMEWORK - CORRIDORS - 6 BRIDGES - CAPITOL ZONING THE SDC BRIDGES FRAMEWORK PLAN The Six Bridges Framework Plan ad- dresses the prominence of the Arkan- sas River as a catalyst for Downtown revitalization and presents recommen- dations for guiding its long-term growth. The plan envisions a planning area that encompasses both sides of the river within two municipal jurisdic- tions. Utilizing existing zoning and political boundaries and promoting cooperation and mutual economic benefits for Little Rock, North Little Rock, and Pulaski County will form a unified redevelopment plan for the area's future. Strategies to create incen- tives for public/private development partnerships are discussed as the means of realizing new projects and ultimately, the revitalization of the downtown areas. The Framework plan includes recom- mendations for: • public policies, • capital improvements, • priority sites, • design guidelines, • events promotion and management, • public service and maintenance, • implementation strategies, and timing. The Plan supports a Vision for the District that envisions the area as the "icon" for the whole Central Arkansas region; it envisions among other con- cepts: • mixed uses centered on the River along its centralized six bridges, • a pedestrian, urban environment of medium to high densities, • an area very accessible by transit, cars and people, • a focus for economic and business opportunities, • a center of tourism and entertainment, • a river's edge of parks and public open spaces, • a range of housing options, and • a place to live, work, shop, play, and enjoy the benefits of urban life. Strategies for implementation have been researched and include options ranging from major interventions to more passive strategies by the city governments. The specific form of implementation will depend on the range of activities and level of control that the cities determine to be appro- priate. The level of development activity in the downtowns demands that the political process necessary to make decisions about the structure, organi- zation, and financing of the District's implementation should begin immedi- ately. Summary Report: 4Plans DOWNTOWN FRAMEWORK - CORRIDORS - 6 BRIDGES - CAPITOL ZONING 7 8 The Six Bridges Framework Plan Study Area and potential area of influence. Summary Report: 4Plans DOWNTOWN FRAMEWORK - CORRIDORS - 6 BRIDGES - CAPITOL ZONING 9 THE CAPITOL AREA FRAMEWORK MASTER PLAN The Capitol Area Framework Master Plan addresses the area surrounding the State Capitol and specifies develop- ment regulations to be administered by the Capitol Zoning District Commis- sion. The following summarization, comprising pages 10 and the first col- umn on pg. 11, is taken from the Capi- tol Area Framework Master Plan. The s. »y », » j ,w »r.... ...,....b District: Capitol Area Framework Plan wnr�..�.�wuru•4 �� a ••..�., Summary Report: 4Plans DOWNTOWN FRAMEWORK . CORRIDORS - 6 BRIDGES - CAPITOL ZONING SUMMARY OF POLICIES AND RECOMMENDATIONS The Capitol Area lies in a strategic location. It forms the western bound- ary of Downtown Little Rock and creates the foreground for the Capitol building itself. Symbolically, this area should be the "front door" to the state, with Capitol Avenue serving as a key ceremonial corridor. It should be the area that residents from all over Arkansas feel is the place to bring family, friends and visitors, since it represents their com- mon interests and highlights the im- portance of the State Capitol. However, Capitol Avenue has not developed to its potential. Construc- tion has proceeded slowly and at a relatively low density. As a result, the street scene is fragmented and is unin- viting to pedestrians. A more continu- ous line of occupied buildings and active open spaces is needed to ani- mate the area. In terms of the uses, a lack of focus also exists. Land uses should reinforce the emerging trend as a place for orga- nizations that seek to conduct business with state government. Uses also should reinforce develop- ment objectives for the core of Little Rock. As the immediate downtown area is revitalized as a commercial center, the lands around its periphery, including those of the Capitol Area, are becoming increasingly important as locations for uses that will help to energize the core. In that regard, ser- vice businesses, dining and entertain- ment, and particularly housing and accommodations, are uses that should be encouraged. Housing opportunities should be em- phasized. Mixed use projects that incorporate commercial uses with residences could be successful here and would greatly extend the hours of activity that will help to animate the street. In general, a moderate density of de- velopment should be promoted throughout the Capitol Area; this is a density that will be compatible with historic resources and also reinforces a pedestrian -oriented scale. Buildings averaging three stories in height are therefore envisioned, with some vari- ety in scale in different sectors of the neighborhood. 10 The protection of significant structures and historical views also remains an important land use consideration. Policies have consistently stated that development in the Capitol Zoning District's Capitol Area should defer to the Capitol building, in particular, in the way in which they protect views to the State House dome. To some extent, this means that development should remain at a moderate scale. A key factor in the development of the Capitol Area will be, how the state decides to meet its needs for office space in the future. The best way to encourage private investment here will be to demonstrate a public commit- ment by locating state offices in the Capitol Area. This may occur in a variety of ways, but what is important, is that the gesture be made. A particularly important site lies at the northeast corner of Woodlane and Capitol Avenue. This site is positioned at the foot of the Capitol building, and its potential development is a keystone in setting the character for future building. If this site is developed with an adequate critical mass and designed in a compatible manner, it could estab- lish a direction for the Capitol Area. Summary Report: 4Plans DOWNTOWN FRAMEWORK - CORRIDORS - 6 BRIDGES - CAPITOL ZONING LAND USE GOALS URBAN DESIGN GOALS 11 A variety of elements can add accents To activate the area with a mix of uses To establish a distinct identity for the to the setting and help to link various neighborhood issues into an overall urban frame- To promote the development of more work. These include improvements to institutional and professional office To provide an attractive foreground for the streetscape, construction of special uses the capitol plazas and gateways, and enhance- ments to circulation systems. Many of To promote the development of hous- To define and enhance views to the these activities extend beyond the ing that is compatible with the scale of Capitol Capitol Zoning District Commission's the neighborhood immediate jurisdiction and require To enhance the character of individual cooperation among other state agencies To provide reliable public transporta- neighborhoods within the Capitol Area as well as the City of Little Rock. It is tion to serve the area important that the Commission work To enhance the pedestrian experience proactively to facilitate such improve- throughout ments. With this vision in mind for the Capi- tol Area, a series of goals for land use and urban design are established to guide development. These are pre- sented in more detail in the next sec- tion . Summary Report: 4Plans To establish a sense of visual continu- ity within individual neighborhoods DOWNTOWN FRAMEWORK - CORRIDORS - 6 BRIDGES - CAPITOL ZONING RESOLUTION NO. 10,717. A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE CITY OF LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS IN SUPPORT OF THE PLANS FOR DOWNTOWN LITTLE ROCK. WHEREAS, a committee of "stakeholders" was formed to develop a plan for Downtown; and WHEREAS, after several months of work by the Planning Committee, a set of goals and objectives was developed and distributed to various groups and individuals in Downtown; and WHEREAS, the Downtown Framework for the Future (Goals, Objectives and Action Statements) provides the basis on which (re) development of Downtown can be achieved; and WHEREAS, the UALR Donaghey Project for Urban Studies and Design developed design concepts for six corridors in Downtown; and WHEREAS, the Downtown Framework and design concepts for the six corridors were presented for comment at meetings throughout the City; and WHEREAS, the UALR Donaghey Project for Urban Studies and Design and a team of consultants developed the Six Bridges Framework Plan with input from "stakeholders" through public meetings; and WHEREAS, the Capitol Area Framework Master Plan, developed for the Capitol Zoning District Commission by consultants, updates the previous standards in order to preserve the capitol Area has been reviewed'by interested parties and adopted by the Capitol Zoning District Commission. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE CITY OF LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS. SECTION 1. The Board of Directors of the City of Little Rock does support the vision, goals and concepts expressed in the plans for Downtown Little Rock. ADOPTED: ATTEST: December 7, 1999 s/Robbie Hancock ROBBIE HANCOCK CITY CLERK APPROVED AS TO FORM: s/Tom Carpenter THOMAS M. CARPENTER CITY ATTORNEY APPROVED: s/Jim Dailey JIM DAILEY MAYOR RESOLUTION NO. 127 A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS IN SUPPORT OF THE PLANS FOR THE FUTURE OF DOWNTOWN LITTLE ROCK. WHEREAS, a committee of "stakeholders" was formed to develop a plan for Downtown; and WHEREAS, after several months of work by the Planning Committee, a set of goals and objectives was developed and distributed to various groups and individuals in Downtown; and WHEREAS, this Downtown Framework (Goals, Objectives and Action Statements) provides the basis on which (re) development of Downtown can be achieved; and, WHEREAS, the Donaghey Project for Urban Studies and Design developed design concepts for various corridors in Downtown; and WHEREAS, the Downtown Framework and corridor design concept were presented for comment at meetings throughout the City; and, WHEREAS, the Six Bridges Framework Plan by the Donaghey Project for Urban Studies and Design and consultants was developed with input from various "stakeholders" over three meetings; and, WHEREAS, the Capitol Area Framework Master Plan, developed for the Capitol Zoning Commission by consultants updates the previous standards in order to preserve the Capitol Area has been reviewed and modified based on comments from businesses and residents. NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS. SECTION 1. The Planning Commission of the City of Little Rock does support the vision and goals as expressed __ in the plans for the future of Downtown Little Rock. ADOPTED: q q ATTEST: APPROVED: ,INA ,ice