b.Well Section Plan of the Middle Fork Greenway

c n , e boon

section

plan of the

middle fork greenway

summer 2015 page 1

e n o bo

B-Well Section Plan of the Middle Fork Greenway

s s e n l l e +w

section

plan of the

middle fork

Greenway Produced for:

By:

815 West King Street, Suite 2 | Boone, North Carolina 28607 | 828.386.1866 | www.DbDplanning.com

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B-Well Section Plan of the Middle Fork Greenway

table of contents

Introduction

1

State of the Middle Fork Greenway

3

Framework Plan

5

Project Branding and Gateways

7

The Plan

9

B-Well Birds Eye

11

Welcome to B-Well

13

Doctors Crossing

15

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introduction

Background and Purpose way, will meander alongside the Middle Fork of the New River for approximately six miles and not only connect these towns, but also many other assets along the way, including the Watauga Medical Center, Tweetsie Railroad, Mystery Hill, Chestnut Ridge Post Acute Care Center, the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Mountainsto-Sea Trail, and Tanger Shopping Outlets. Now, more than 15 years since its inception, the MFG is managed by a part-time executive director and is organized as a component of the Blue Ridge Conservancy, a well-established land trust based in Boone, NC.

In spring 2015, the Middle Fork Greenway Task Force (MFG) received funding from the Town of Boone to further refine plans for the Middle Fork Greenway in Boone’s jurisdiction. The study area includes what is referred to as “Section 6” within the Middle Fork Greenway Master Plan, which was completed in summer 2013. This is one of six planning sections that will need to be developed to ultimately connect the Town of Blowing Rock and the Town of Boone with a multi-use greenway.

The Town of Boone provided financial assistance for this planning study because the Middle Fork Greenway is not only an important initiative for the Town and region as a whole, but also for its implications for realizing the vision of the Boone Wellness District (B-Well). B-Well is a targeted redevelopment area that encourages urban form, density, and land uses that support Boone’s regional medical hub. Upon adoption by the Town of Boone, this plan will serve as an addendum to the Boone Wellness District Plan and help guide future public and private sector infrastructure investments.

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The Middle Fork Greenway Task Force: A Vision to Connect Beginning in the late 90s, a small group of citizens developed a vision for creating a multi-use trail to link the Town of Boone and the Town of Blowing Rock. This trail, the Middle Fork Green-

“The Middle Fork Greenway Taskforce is managed by a part-time executive director and is organized as a component of the Blue Ridge Conservancy, a wellestablished land trust based in Boone, NC.”

Planning Goals:

1 EXPLICIT ALIGNMENT Ensure that an alignment for Middle Fork Greenway is explicitly provided for within the final Boone Wellness District Plan.

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2 CONSIDER GROWTH Provide specific trail route alternatives that incorporate, to the extent possible, impending growth and development.

B-Well Section Plan of the Middle Fork Greenway

3 EXPLORE BRANDING Generate conceptual ideas for branding, wayfinding, and signage.

A Mission on the Move The MFG Continues to build upon a history of perseverance and success. The legacy of this organization contin-

An Idea. Residents along the Middle Fork of the New

River start discussing a vision for creating a trail to connect Blowing Rock and Boone.

ues to unfold. The MFG mission is on the move.

Late 1990’s

1999

Is it Feasible? The MFGA commissions ASU stu-

dents to conduct a feasibility study for establishing the trail from Boone to Blowing Rock. This report determined that the project was feasible and served as the primary planning document until 2013.

A Charitable Organization. The Middle Fork Gre-

enway Association is incorporated as a 501(c)(3) Corporation.

2001

Pocket Parks. MFGA successfully obtains grant Mid 2000s

funds and support from landowners along the corridor. Three (3) pocket parks are secured: Payne Branch Park, Goldmine Branch Park, and Sterling Creek Park (donated by the Whitener Family).

Part of the Regional Plan. The Watauga County

TDA publishes the Boone Area Outdoor Recreation Plan and identifies the Middle Fork Greenway as a priority initiative. The TDA spearheads an effort to place the Highway 321 underpass at Mystery Hill on the NCDOT Transportation Improvement Plan.

2010

Team Player. High Country Pathways, Inc. and 2011

On the Ground. Tweetsie Railroad constructs the

first segment of the Middle Fork Greenway along its property. A ribbon cutting celebration is held in 2013.

Leadership Capacity. A multi-year grant is award-

the Middle Fork Greenway Association merge. The broader mission of Pathways allows the community to secure other trail and river access grant funds beyond the Middle Fork Greenway.

2012

2013

ed to Blue Ridge Conservancy to MFG administrative support. An experienced Executive Director is hired to lead the project.

A Vision Refined. A new master plan is developed for the Middle Fork Greenway Master Plan by local planning firm, Destination by Design. The plan identifies six (6) planning sections, ending with a connection to the Boone Greenway.

Big Money. Funds are raised through NCDOT,

Appalachian District Health Department and individuals and businesses to fund construction of the extension of the trail through Mystery Hill and under highway 321 through a box culvert to Sterling Creek Park.

First Underpass Complete. Construction is completed for the new section of trail, resulting in approximately one mile of contiguous greenway. A ribbon cutting celebration occurs in October.

Getting Ready. Preliminary engineering is com-

All Aboard. The Watauga County Tourism Develop-

ment Authority (TDA), Blowing Rock TDA, and the Town of Boone all provide leadership and funding support for the MFG.

2014

2015

Let’s Build a Mile. Through partnerships with NCDOT, Appalachian Regional Healthcare Systems and the National Park Service, progress is made in preparation for construction of Section One.

pleted for the Blowing Rock section of the greenway (Section One), made possible by an Appalachian District Health Department and private donors.

A Kind Gift. In an unprecedented business collaboration, over fifty-five businesses and several individuals come together under the leadership of Appalachian Ski Mtn. to raise over $50,000 during a Easter holiday weekend benefit.

We’re a Big Deal. The Town of Blowing Rock iden-

Our Momentum is evident. MFG receives an award

tifies the Middle Fork Greenway as one of its top ten priorities in its newly adopted Comprehensive Plan.

for Exceptional Organizational Development at the Boone Recreation Summit.

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state of the middle fork greenway The Middle Fork Greenway is presently anchored by a onemile section of completed trail linking Tweetsie Railroad, Mystery Hill, and Sterling Creek Park.

The MFG Task Force is currently working to complete final engineering and then construct trail sections linking the Town of Blowing Rock to the new Post Acute Care Facility located along Blowing Rock Road north of the Blue Ridge Parkway.

As noted on the map, trail easements and agreements are in

place to create this trail section.

The B-Well District is also a major priority because of impending development, hence the need for this plan. Both the MFG Task Force and the Town of Boone are proactively working to ensure that the greenway is effectively provided for as growth occurs throughout the District.

Key features found throughout the Middle Fork Greenway corridor are noted below.

1

Proposed Blowing Rock Trailhead

6

Constructed Highway 321 Underpass

2

Highway 321 Side Path

7

Constructed Greenway @ Tweetsie RR

3

National Park Service Connection

8

Proposed MF Crossing and HWY 321 underpass

4

Aho Road Crossing

9

Proposed goldmine Branch Road

5

Highway 321 Side Path

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B-Well Section Plan of the Middle Fork Greenway

10

Boone Greenway Connection

BOONE

10

321

ALTERNATE ROUTE

PAYNE BRANCH PARK

GOLDMINE BRANCH PARK

BOONE WELLNESS DISTRICT

9

TWEETSIE RAILROAD & HIGH GRAVITY ADVENTURES

8 7 321

MYSTERY HILL

6 STERLING CREEK PARK

RKWAY BLUE DGE PA RI

5 4 FAITHBRIDGE METHODIST

321

POST ACUTE CARE FACILITY

3

Legend: MIDDLE FORK GREENWAY TRAILS

2 1

BLOWING ROCK

BLU ER

IDGE

PAR K

WA Y

OTHER TRAILS

EXISTING

MOUNTAINS-TO-SEA-TRAIL

CONTROLLED/ UNDEVELOPED

MOSES CONE

PROPOSED

TOWN OF BOONE GREENWAY

0

0.25

0.5

1.0 MILES

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framework plan

The B-Well District is divided by Deerfield Road. The Middle Fork Greenway Master Plan identifies potential trail routes along Deerfield Road and to the rear of Watauga Medical Center. The Framework Plan focuses primarily on properties located east of Deerfield Road.

Located in the southern extent of the study area and adjacent to Blowing Rock Road, there are steep slopes that extend toward the Middle Fork Greenway floodplain. Future development could provide for fill within this area, creating an opportunity for trail connectivity.

The Blowing Rock Road and Deerfield Road intersection serves as a major gateway to the Town of Boone and the B-Well District. Walgreens and CVS currently anchor this intersection, but its southeast corner remains undeveloped and provides an opportunity for future enhancement.

A historic barn is noted along Deerfield Road south of Mary Street. Ideally, any future development would attempt to preserve the historic barn. Properties just north of the historic barn are owned by the Watauga Medical Center. According to the hospital administration, Mary Street would preferably

3

be relocated to the south and directly adjacent to the barn.

Mary Street could provide access to both future hospital development and land development along the large tract that also fronts Blowing Rock Road.

Steep slopes exist along the rear of the Watauga Medical Center property. Also, an historic road right-of-way is noted on early subdivision plats along Mary St., but has never been developed. Sewer easements, which often provide a feasible location for greenways, extend along a small tributary and toward the hospital parking deck.

A small section of steep slopes exist along Deerfield Road across from the proposed location of the ASU College of Health Sciences.

The intersection of State Farm Road and Deerfield Road serves another major gateway to the B-Well District.

The Boone Greenway Trailhead serves as the northern terminus of the Middle Fork Greenway.

1

2

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Photos:

(1) Future Development at the corner of Deerfield Rd. and Blowing Rock Rd. could incorporate trail development. (2) Steep slopes were observed by the planning team behind the Watauga Medical Center.

(3) The Watauga Medical Center serves as the prominent anchor in the B-Well District. (4) Mary St. is to be relocated (see framework plan on opposite page). (5) The intersection at Blowing Rock Rd. and Deerfield Rd. serves as a major gateway into the Town of Boone and the B-Well District.

(6) A historic barn is a notable feature in the B-Well District.

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B-Well Section Plan of the Middle Fork Greenway

6

Boone Greenway Trailhead Future Development Opportunity ST

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Legend: STEEP SLOPES

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project branding and gateways

Project Branding The creation of the Boone Wellness District Plan signifies a shift in Boone’s traditional land use and zoning policy. This Plan places greater emphasis on building form, character, and architecture rather than the actual land use itself. As the

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B-Well Section Plan of the Middle Fork Greenway

Boone Wellness District continues to develop and redevelop, a distinctive area of Boone will emerge. To provide further definition, a range of brands were explored for use within District’s infrastructure.

Gateway Sketches M I D D L E F O R K G R E E N W A Y, B O O N E G R E E N WAY C O N N E C T O R

Gateway Sketches Gateways M I D D L E F O R K G R E E N W A Y, B O O N E G R E E N WAY C O N N E C T O R

Gateway Sketches

There are multiple locations throughout the study area that M I D D L E F O R K G R E E N W A Y, are suitable for trail gateways. These features help define B O O N E G R E E N WAY C O N N E C T O R the trail, demarcate transitions, create awareness for motorists, and provide an opportunity for artistic expression and

branding. Various architectural forms and building materials are explored that align with guidelines expressed within the Wellness District Plan.

Mountain Modern - Angle Variation - Mixed Materials - Architectural Interest (See Welcome to B-Well Exhibit, page 13)

Functional Art - Corten steel (warm rust color) - Serves as public art - Appropriate in green setting (away from brick)

Boone Gate - “Moon gate� design - Mixed materials - Top/center focal point

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The plan

The recommended Middle Fork Greenway alignment creates a figure 8 throughout the east section of the B-Well District.

A loop will need to surround any future development that occurs on the undeveloped tract adjacent to Blowing Rock Road. Another loop is proposed around Watauga Medical Center. Blowing Rock Road, Deerfield Road, and Mary Street all provide for a multi-use greenway.

The greenway crosses Deerfield Road at the State Farm Road intersection and parallels Deerfield Road on its west side before reaching the Boone Greenway.

Key plan features are noted below.

Key Plan Features 1 2

Welcome to Boone: The Middle Fork Greenway will enter the Town of Boone jurisdiction where Highway 321 crosses the Middle Fork New River.

B-Well Corner and Gateway: Architecture and public art could be used to anchor the B-Well District at this significant intersection.

3

The Scenic Middle Fork New River: This area serves as the most scenic trail section throughout the study area.

4

Mary’s Back Door Connector: Connect the Farm loop to the Watauga Medical Loop via Mary Street.

5

Historic Barn: If preserved, a pocket park could provide respite for trail users.

6

Mary’s Front Door Connector: Connect the Farm loop to the Watauga Medical Loop via Mary Street and Deerfield Road.

7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14

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Watauga Medical’s Good Form: New offices along Mary Street could anchor Mary Street and create the “form” supported by the Wellness District plan.

Behind the Scenes: Provided agreements can be obtained with private landowners, the greenway will meander along the edge of the hospital property.

Jump Stream: The parking deck and its landscaping make for limited space, requiring an agreement with a private landowner to cross a small tributary.

All Along Deerfield: The current sidewalk along Deerfield Road will be repurposed to provide for a multi-use greenway.

Deerfield Crossing: A crossing at the intersection of Deerfield Road and State Farm Road will connect the greenway to the future College of Health Sciences.

Don’t Upset the AppalCART: The future College of Health Sciences will provide for an AppalCART access along State Farm Road.

Grand Central Bike Station: The greenway will parallel the future College of Health Sciences along Deerfield Road, providing an ideal location for prominent bike parking.

The Connection: The Boone Greenway trailhead on Deerfield Road serves as the northern terminus of the study area.

B-Well Section Plan of the Middle Fork Greenway

Boone Greenway 14

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Proposed ASU College of Health Sciences

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Legend: Welcome to Boone

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Behind the Scenes

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B-Well Corner and Gateway

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The Scenic Middle Fork New River

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M a r y ’s B a c k D o o r C o n n e c t o r

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D e e r fi e l d C r o s s i n g

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Historic Barn

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Don’t Upset the Appalcar t

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M a r y ’s F r o n t D o o r C o n n e c t o r

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Grand Central Bike Station

W a t a u g a M e d i c a l ’s G o o d F o r m

14 T h e C o n n e c t i o n

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b-well bird’s eye

Parking Deck Proposed ASU College of Health Sciences

State Farm Road

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page 11 B-Well Section Plan of the Middle Fork Greenway

Existing Watauga Medical Center

New Watauga Medical Offices Along Relocated Mary St. Historic Barn

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Welcome to p.13 B-Well

Blowing Rock Road

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welcome to

page 13 B-Well Section Plan of the Middle Fork Greenway

existing

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Doctors crossing

page 15 B-Well Section Plan of the Middle Fork Greenway

existing

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