Presentation given at the second Public Meeting for the Monroe Downtown Master Plan

1. Monroe
Downtown
Master Plan
Public Meeting Phase II

2. Team Introductions
City of Monroe
Steering Committee
Consultant Team
• KZF Design | Project Leadership & Master Planning
• Rasor | Public Engagement & Participation
• Walker Consultants | Parking System Management

3. Purpose of Today’s Meeting
6:30 Presentation
 Understand the history and purpose of the
Downtown Master Plan
 Review information collected in Phase I
 Introduce preliminary recommendations & test
concepts
6-6:30 and 7:00–8:00 – Open House
 Discuss and ask questions
 Provide your input

4. Project History
 Builds upon the City’s recent 2040
Comprehensive Plan efforts
– Identified as a top priority
 Complements the current Zoning
Code update
Revitalize the
downtown to be the
center of the
community again.

5.  Creates a vision for Downtown
 Provides tools to help implement the
community’s vision
 Helps guide development in the core
downtown area
 Considers:
– Zoning – uses, character, scale
– Pedestrian and vehicular safety and
connectivity
– Activating the public realm
– Economic Development
– Actionable items
What does a Downtown
Master Plan do?

6. Where We are in the Project
*We are here

7. Where We are in the Project
 Met with major stakeholders
 Held an in-person Open House
 Collected feedback online
 Listened to what you want to see in
the future
 Examined existing conditions based
on feedback and guiding principles
 Developed a framework plan &
recommendations

8. Ways We Engaged

9. What We Heard
What are some things you like about Downtown Monroe?

10. What We Heard
What do you believe is missing from Downtown Monroe?

11. What We Heard
What would make you come and spend more time in the Downtown Area?

12. Major Takeaways from the Community

13. Why Your Input Matters
The recommendations we are presenting today reflect what we heard
from the community.
Your input directly influences the Downtown Master Plan.
Consideration is also given to:
– Input from: Steering Committee, Major Stakeholders, City Staff
– The 2040 Comprehensive Plan
– Best practices

14. Overall Goals & Recommendations
PUBLIC REALM/SPACE IDENTITY/FORM DEVELOPMENT TRANSPORTATION
Provide unique gathering
spaces, amenities, public
facilities, and programmed
events
Brand Downtown Monroe
Preserve and enhance historic
character
Improve multi-modal
connectivity and safety
Expand dining, shopping,
living, entertainment and
housing options

15. Overall Framework Plan – Downtown Zone Diagram

16. Gateway Mixed-Use
KEY RECOMMENDATIONS:
 Improve SR 63/Main St. intersection
 Create a gateway into downtown
 Encourage higher density, mixed-use
redevelopment of the strip mall property
– Retail on first floor and residential on
upper floors
– With shared public spaces and amenities
 Honor Veterans Park and improve access

17. Testing Our Recommendations
TEST CONCEPT RENDERING  Improve safety
and functionality
of gateway
intersection
 Redevelop area
into higher
density, mixed
use with
improved and
activated
public spaces
 Use existing
hillside to hide
parking
 Screen
substation to
create a more
welcoming entry
to downtown
1
1
2
2
3
3
4
4

18. KEY RECOMMENDATIONS:
 Focus commercial infill and active
storefronts along Main St.
 Improve Main St. streetscape to prioritize
pedestrians and outdoor dining
 Improve Main St./Lebanon St. intersection
 Develop an alley system with parking behind
buildings
 Create a central gathering space
 Preserve historic character and maintain
scale
Town Center Mixed-Use

19. Testing Our Recommendations
TEST CONCEPT RENDERING
 Revitalize town
center to re-
establish the
historic scale and
character
 Encourage
commercial infill
between existing
buildings, on
parking lots or
vacant land
1
1  Reconfigure existing parking behind buildings to
create an alley system with shared parking for the
downtown area
2
2
 Encourage
residential infill
within and
outside of Main
Street
commercial area
4
 Encourage active store fronts
and improved streetscape with
outdoor dining, lighting, and
landscaping along Main Street.
1
3
3
4

20. Exploring Our Recommendations
Reestablish Town Center and Preserve Historic Character
PAST
PRESENT
PAST
PRESENT

21. Testing Our Recommendations
Revitalize Main Street
 Utilize the space between existing buildings, such
as vacant land or existing parking lots to create a
connected, pedestrian-friendly Main Street.
 Improve Main Street with wider
sidewalks, seating, lighting,
landscaping, and opportunities
for outdoor dining

22. Downtown Multi-Unit
Mixed Use
KEY RECOMMENDATIONS:
 Provide a diversity of housing options that
maintain the existing character of
downtown
 Create a safe pedestrian and multi-use trail
crossing across SR 63 at Britton Rd.

23. Testing Our Recommendations
TEST CONCEPT RENDERING
 Garden Style Apartments and Attached or
Detached Townhouses could provide a wider variety
of housing options that maintain the small town
feel and character of the Historic Downtown Core
 Improve
streetscape to
encourage a
more walkable
environment
 Use an alley
system to help
hide parking
1
1
2
2
3
3

24. Parks & Recreation
KEY RECOMMENDATIONS:
 Establish a partnership with the School
District to encourage recreational
development that benefits students and
residents:
– Community facilities
– Variety of play experiences for all ages and
abilities
– Public amphitheater
– Nature trail
 Link the School Property and Community
Park to the Civic Campus and Downtown
 Create a multi-use trail from north to south
 Provide space for public parking

25. Testing Our Recommendations
PARKS & RECREATION PHOTO COLLAGE
 Provide space
for community
facilities to
support the
needs of
residents
 Create a nature trail to
utilize existing open
space and potential
stormwater retention
area to create a unique
amenity
 Provide a
variety of play
experiences that
are unique and
cater to all ages
 Create a multi-use trail
to provide a safe route
connecting downtown,
surrounding
neighborhoods, and
public space
 Provide a public
amphitheater
that can be used
year-round for
events
 Provide space for large
events and activities by
preserving existing
open space

26. Improving Connectivity – Multi-Modal Transportation