Miller Manor restored to its original condition. This sketch could be used if the decrepit Miller Manor property had investment used for its restoration, either for offices or apartments.A proposal for a new building behind the First National Bank building. This structure could be built in the vacant lot directly behind the bank (eliminating the bank parking area).
Two new buildings, a party store and a small grocery store, could be constructed with entrances along Biltmore Avenue (a busy state road through the middle of the city).
The new Elm/Biltmore Apartments were designed to bring more residents to the downtown area to live. The sketch shows the rear of the apartment building, with 5 units, located at the southeast corner of Elm Street and Biltmore Avenue.
An alternative design for the Elm/Biltmore Apartments indicates 7 smaller units with a different, more contemporary design.
The 2-story Green Street Apartments are located on the vacant lot on the east side of Green Street, across from Green Gables Elderly Housing.
One of two similar proposals for the vacant site across Green Street from Green Gables, Green Street Offices presents a basic traditional looking structure. Parking is not shown on this scheme.
An alternative Green Street Offices (feel free to give projects other names) shows the parking area needed for this structure.
The 2-story parking structure was designed to be located on the east side of Station Street just south of the bridge. It would be appropriate to construct this facility only after the bridge had been rebuilt with two lanes, rather than the existing one-lane crossing.
A student charrette was used to develop the design shown on the sketch of a proposed Riverfront Park. This is a very narrow site, so parking is not feasible and many uses are not appropriate because of the size restrictions. The sketch indicates the scale.
Biltmore Avenue is a state road, so there would need to be state approval for construction of a roundabout at the corner of Biltmore Avenue and River Street. Traffic is heavy on Biltmore, and this roundabout makes more sense if River Street is changed from the existing one-way traffic to two-way.
Since the track sput at the Rivertown Railway building is no lopnger used by the railroad, a railway car could be placed on the spur to hold a variety of retail or special uses with a unique character.
If a new large office or office/residential building can be attracted to Rivertown, this structure is designed to be placed on an available site south of the Dawson Law Building and just across the tracks.
The railroad station plaza, was designed for outdoor restaurant seating in the triangular site just east of the station, located between the spur and the tracks. It would work well with a restaurant in the railway car described above.
Rivertown Products has a small industrial building located just south of the tracks and the river, between River and Station Streets. Access to its parking area is from Station Street south of the bridge. The company makes small auto parts, but would be willing to sell the building if there was a good offer for their property.
James Ruse, an out-of-town developer, has proposed a contemporary mixed-use 10-story buildingat the site of the Sports World and Feldt's Toys and Games buildings. It includes offices or retail on the lower floors and pricey condos for the upper levels, including a penthouse suite. This project should be suggested only after the city has made significant strides in its revitalization efforts.
The Ruse high-rise under construction can be used to indicate that such large buildings do not appear immediately, but will be under construction for a significant period of time.
If there is resistance to a contemporary design for the Ruse high-rise proposal, an alternative Ruse proposal can be considered. This proposal has a more traditional style.
A 2nd alternative Ruse high-rise is similar to the first alternative, but its entrance faces east rather than toward Station Street.
If the 1970s vintage mansard facing was removed, the restored Sports World store would have an original historic facade exposed, which would need some restoration work, but not an extensive amount.
Shown is a proposal for two small retail stores on Biltmore Avenue. This rear view indicates parking behind the new structures.
One way to encourage significantly more evening activity in the downtown is with the construction of the Rivertown Theater. As shown, the structure was planned to be placed on the vacant lot on the east side of River Street just south of the railroad tracks, the same site where a 3-story building also has been proposed.
