Fairmont Beltline Project

FAIRMONT BELTLINE

Community Enhancement Project West Virginia University Community Design Studio Masters of Landscape Architecture Spring 2012

Introduction

3

Historic Timeline

4

Inventory

5-7

Analysis

8

9-11

Public Meeting

Design Process

12

13

Functional Master Plan

Representational Master Plan

14

Cross-Sections

15

Representation Master Plan - North

Detail Designs

Representational Master Plan - South

Detail Designs

Materials Palette Conclusion References and Sources

Table of Contents

2

COMMUNITY ENHANCEMENT PROJECT

Acknowledgements

City of Fairmont Planning Commission Kathy Wyrosdick, Fairmont City Planner

Acknowledgements

We want to thank the following people for contributing to our project:

Mark Miller, Executive Secretary, Fairmont Planning and Development Department Daniel Eades, WVU Extension Specialist, Community Resources and Economic Development

Rocky DeLorenzo, Principal, West Fairmont Middle School Charles Yuill, Program Chair, Associate Professor and Natural Resource Analysis Center (NRAC) Public Meeting Participants

COMMUNITY ENHANCEMENT PROJECT

8th Street, Fairmont West Virginia

Our project focuses on creating a stronger sense of community, inviting people into the neighborhood through the process of community participation. During the semester, we researched the history, the land, and the people of the Beltline to gain a strong understanding of the area. Following intensive research and several site visits, we began interacting with the local residents and employees of the Beltline. This communication took our understanding of the area to a more personal level, as we began to realize what the people were looking for in their neighborhood.

The goal of our semester studio was to design through the involvement of the community. By doing so, we were able to develop ideas, discuss them with the locals, and take their responses into consideration for the final design.

Ultimately, we created a Master Plan for the residents of the Beltline, while aiming to invite surrounding visitors into the neighborhood.

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2000’

4000’

6000’

The Beltline Area is located just south of downtown Fairmont along the Monongahela River. This area has been developed as a residential neighborhood and an industrial district since Fairmont was established as Middletown in 1820. Our project site consists of the entire Beltline Area from 6th Street to 14th Street.

Introduction

The Beltline Neighborhood rests along the Monongahela River in Fairmont, West Virginia. Central to Fairmont’s history, the area is known for its rich industrial history and culture. Since the late 19th century, the Beltline has provided many local people with jobs and a place to live. Today, the neighborhood is cracking, and our goal this semester is to patch those holes and develop a stronger design for the people of the Beltline.

COMMUNITY ENHANCEMENT PROJECT

BELTLINE AREA CONTEXT

Timeline

1800

1865 : Fairmont State University was established 1868 : Helmick Industry built

1861 : Immigrants from Italiy

1893 : Faith United Methodist Church & St. Paul Methodist Church were built

1927 : Pepperoni Roll was invented at the Country Club Bakery 1938: East West Stadium built 1921 : High Level Bridge was built

1912 : Marion Couty Jail was built

1979 : I – 79 was completed

Renovation in the Downtown Historic District NOW : 1997: Three Rivers Festival Beltline Community 2007: West Side Middle School built Enhancement Project

1991 : Gateway Connector

COMMUNITY ENHANCEMENT PROJECT

1843 : Changed the name to Fairmont

1907 : Monangah Mine Disaster

2012

1820 : Middletown was

FIGURE GROUND

LEGEND

LEGEND Project Site

Project Site

Hard surface

Buildings

Green&Open Spaces

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500’

1000’

1500’

The green space map shows the contrast of open and green space versus the hard, built surfaces in the Beltline. The hard surfaces such as buildings, parking, roads, and sidewalks are represented by the filled grey spaces. There are more green and open spaces in the eastern area along the river than within the compacted residential areas.

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Other surface

This map shows all the building surfaces in the Beltline Area. Two different characters of buildings are seen in this map. In the western area, small squares represent residential houses along the grid lines from the north to the south. In the eastern edge of the Beltline, there are some larger buildings representing the industrial factories and warehouses.

COMMUNITY ENHANCEMENT PROJECT

Inventory

GREEN & OPEN SPACES

LAND USE

LEGEND

LEGEND Project Site

Project Site

Commercial Residential Institution Industories Parking

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1500’

This 1927 map shows that the layout of this area has maintained its character since 1927. The industrial area has been an iconic element supporting the Beltline throughout Fairmont’s history. Since this neighborhood has remained intact for so many years it is critical that we enhance the area and bring elements into the design to create a stronger sense of community.

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500’

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In the Beltline Area, there are residential, retails, business, industries and institutions such as the West Fairmont Middle School. The project area has much potential for enhancement including a design that promotes walkability and mixed-use buildings. Open spaces, some recreational uses, and community uses are missing from the neighborhood and can be implemented in the new design.

COMMUNITY ENHANCEMENT PROJECT

Inventory

HISTORIC DEVELOPMENT

DEMOGRAPHICS

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44.5

Inventory

PROPERTY STATUSS

18.5 21 30.5

30.5 33.5 58.5 47.8

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28.5 27.3 27.3 45 29.5 37.5 79.5

54 29.5

0 53 0

45.5

34.5

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27 44.5

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59.5

23.5

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LEGEND Project Site

38.5 0

Vacant Lots > 5

LEGEND Project Site

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0 (no residents)

49.5 37.5

Ownership > Rentals

0 - 24.5

24.5

24.5 - 34.5

Ownership < Rentals

38.5

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34.5 - 47.8 47.8 - 59.5

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500’

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2000 Census Block Data

The map describes ownership vs. rental properties, and blocks with numerous vacant lots. The rentals are north central to our area, whereas the dominant ownership properties are in the southern part of the project area. Two blocks are identified as having more than five vacant lots, which both border 8th Street. These vacant lots become a prime opportunity for infill development. The ownerships are predominantly business owners and single family homes, whereas the rentals are typically duplexes.

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2000 Census Block Data

59.5 - 79.5

This map portrays the average age of the residents living in each individual census block. The average on Virginia Avenue appears to be lower than that of Gaston Avenue, most likely as a result of the number of rental properties on Virginia Avenue.

From the top of the project area to the bottom, there is a clear range of age, including young adults to elderly. In designing the neighborhood, these age groups mark different necessities that will need to be considered. Spaces that appeal to all ages are critical here.

COMMUNITY ENHANCEMENT PROJECT

34.5

58.5

PATHS

LEGEND

LEGEND

Project Site

Project Site

Roads

Commercial

Sidewalks

Mixed Residential

Non-Paved-Paths

School Recreational

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1500’

This zoning map comes from the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Fairmont. You can see that there are mainly two different types of zones along the longitudinal streets, such as commercial and mixed residential. School and Recreational area are in the center of Beltline area. In the mixed residentioanl area, the residential area and the industorial area area separated. The industrial area prevents people from accessing the river.

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500’

1000’

1500’

This map shows paths such as roads, sidewalks, and non-pavedpaths. Most paths are aligned with the grid pattern, and the main three longitudinal streets (Fairmont Avenue, Gaston Avenue, Virginia Avenue) have more traffic flow than horizontal streets. Horizontal streets are used more by trucks and residents and become dead ends towards the industrial area.

COMMUNITY ENHANCEMENT PROJECT

Inventory

ZONING

Analysis

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Accessible to the Riverside

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Commercial Developable Space Improvable Housing

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Valuable Housing quality Traffic Congestion

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SCALE : 1” = 250’

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500’

Accessible to the Riverside 1000’

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Noise Steep

Analysis

Gaston Avenue: The street runs north-south from 1st street to 14th street, with housing on both west side and east side. Aquarium lounge, Fairmont Federal Credit Union is some of the businesses on Gaston Avenue.

The infrastructure of the street is in fair condition, with sidewalks on either side of the street. The street is 50Feet wide. The Street is occasionally used by motorists as a shortcut to avoid Fairmont Avenue.

Virginia Avenue: The street runs north-south from 1st street to 14th street. The landuse is mixed used with retail, commercial and residential.

The traffic on Virginia Avenue is relatively higher than Gaston Avenue parallel to it. It has many Businesses such as Spadafore Barbering and Styling, Marian County Human Society. The East West Stadium, the West Fairmont Middle School is on the Virginia Avenue.

Alleyways: These are roads which runs north-south in between the blocks as, access to the property.

There are few houses which has entrance access from the alley. It is used to have access to garages, parking of cars and access to gardens.

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Fairmont Avenue: The main street or the highway which is the artery connecting the beltline area to downtown in the north and airport in the south. There are numerous businesses on the street such as Kime Florists, Burger king, Mc.Donalds, banks, Era Pitrolo and Williams Real Estate, Go Mart, Clip and Care Pet Boutique, Tuscan Sun Spa and Salon, Learning Land Day care and Preschool, Jack and Jill Mensware Long John Silver;s Poky Dot, CVS pharmacy, Keyland Pawn Brokers, Shop and Save etc., The street is maintained by the State, the traffic moves at 50 or 60 miles an hour.

Minor Avenue : The street runs north-south from 9th Street to 14th Street. The street is 60’wide, and is the main access road to the industries on the east side of the road. The proposed railtrail is to run along the Minor Avenue.

COMMUNITY ENHANCEMENT PROJECT

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Open spaces : The Beltline Area has potential for enhancement on various levels.

There are empty plots, freeways on the streets and alleys, the riverside wooded area, open areas on the school property. The availablity of partnership owned or managed properties, with plots and vacant garden spaces. These are some of the areas which are available for rehabilitation.

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West Fairmont Middle School: The West Fairmont middle School has around 600 pupils. About 5 % of the students walk to the School or dropped off by family members, and the rest commute on the school bus system. The infrastructure for the school provides few activities for the community members. The basket ball court and other recreational amenities are for the School members only. The traffic is heavy in the morning 7 am to 8am and in the afternoon 3pm to 4pm, at the start and closing time of the school.

The East West Stadium : The East West Stadium facility includes a football/soccer/lacrosse field, track, and a swimming pool.

The Stadium has seating capacity for 6000 spectators. Community members other than sports pupils, use the premises for morning and evening walks. The parking is available on Virginia Avenue and Minor Avenue, on game days the parking is extended north upto the 10th street. The Stadium in the beltline is a big assest, it is an attraction.

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Businesses : The Beltline area has distinctly two sets of Businessess, those on Faimont Avenue which cater to larger area and the ones virginia and Gaston Avenue catering to the Beltline area. There is still a breath of neighbourhood community withheld by family run businesses over generations. The 8th Street Confectionary is one of them. The Leezer Auto Repair which is currently closed was one of them. Aquarium Lounge, Edees Bakery, Spadafore Barbaring and Styling are some of the local speciality.

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The depreciating population of Fairmont dropping a third in the last decade, has affected the Beltline Area. The property values dropping, the ownership of the houses has moved from individual owners to tenants, HUD, neighborhood partnership.

The small businesses owned by generations after generations are closing one after another.

The infrastructure is failing to keep up with the needs of the people.

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The area under analysis encompasses 25 blocks, with Fairmont Avenue on the west side, 6th street on the north side, the river on the east and the south side. The land use is mixed with Commercial, Industrial, Housing and Institutions. The Beltline Area of Fairmont has a history of over 100 years.

The Marion County Historic Museum has listed some of the houses in the Beltline Area as historic houses. The Beltline Area developed has suburb couple miles away from the downtown Fairmont, with few industries, housing for the working class community. Duplex row housing on Gaston Avenue and Virginia Avenue. Small businesses and institutions catering to the community.

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Summary

Helmick and other warehouses Helmick: The Helmick corporation is one of the industries situated in the Beltline area. The property extends from 8th street on the northside to the 10th street and covers 2 blocks. The block between the 9th street and the 10th street houses the administrative building along with the factory in use. The block between the the 8th street and 9th street houses factory buildings which are not in use.

Other: There are industries and warehouses: Valley Distributing, Quality Packing and Loading Services, Farimont Public Services, Marion County School bus shed, on the east side of the beltline area on the Minor Avenue. These industries and warehouses generate traffic, on the 10th and the 12th street. They are tucked away from the housing and local businessess.

March 12, 2012

Midway through the semester and after gathering much of our background information, we held a public meeting.

Here we we invited neighborhood residents, local business owners, and other interested parties.

Here we displayed our inventory and analysis posters, and utilized the intimate setting to create work spaces with the attendees. Maps on the tables identified desirable locations for enhancement, and example images illustrated possibilities for the areas (maps to follow on pages 12-13).

Public Meeting

8th Street, Fairmont

From our suggestions, they liked the ideas of: creating a community garden, providing more outdoor recreation, improving the streets and sidewalks, and developing the Beltline Loop

There were several issues we learned from the residents that we then needed to address in our design. These included:

The excess garbage on properties

The concerns between rental properties and ownership properties

A strong lack of community interaction

A need for commercial space

Address the vacant and abandoned lots, especially the Helmick Property

Reduce traffic congestion

COMMUNITY ENHANCEMENT PROJECT

After this event, we came home with a list of feedback from the locals.

BELTLINE STREETSCAPE - RIVER TRAIL

Virginia Ave

Existing

Possibilities

Do wn to

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Possibilities

This street can be narrow to provide larger sidewalks to enhance walkability. Brick pavements and traditional style lighting can be installed to restore the history on this part of the road. These will enhance the walkability and bring identity, enhancing the characteristics of Beltline area.

Providing pedestrian and bike sharing trails in the Alley ways with berry bushes creates interaction between the user and the pathways. Brick pavement will improve safety for pedestrians and bikers. Walking through the small alley will bring the sense of the community and enhance communication between neighbors.

Sidewalks with Benches Existing

River Side Trail

Existing

Possibilities

A walking pathway extending over a mile is an easy getaway from the everyday routine. The trail is designed to be an extension of the rail trail ending at Rivesville in the north. Also a summer loop extension of the beltline loop, which is selfsufficient encircling 2.5 miles.

Widening the sidewalks and installing some benches creating open spaces for people to gather. Sidewalks to be winding with more organic shapes, flowers, trees, and water bodies can bring aesthetic and joyous moments for the members in the community.

Minor Ave

Industrial Walking Museum

Multi-use space with Parking

Existing

Possibilities

Possibilities

Existing

Riv

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Tra i

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Possibilities

Along the Beltline trail loop, we will have some parking and bike racks. These will provide convenient access to the trail, parks, and everywhere in the neighborhood. It will encourage people to visit Beltline area for recreation activities.

Gateway

Existing

The natural water feature provides opportunities for water sports, Kayaking, Tubing, Jet Ski etc., an attraction such as this will bring people from different destinations. The proximity of the river side, in walking distance, can facilitate a quick stop in busy schedules of working people.

Possibilities

Shelters on the river trail

Multi-use space with Parking

Existing

Possibilities

Monangah The gateway acts as beginning or an opening, spaces are defined to create a story, the story always has beginning, this definition creates identity for the place. The Beltline loop, is one such thing, it is envisioned to create an identity and tell a story.

The identity for the people who have lived here, worked here, and for the people who are living here now. The trail loop is to be created to involve each and every member of the community, a place for children to play, to learn, for adults to walk, for pets to be let loose, an entertaining educating and binding loop. The gateway to the loop, is an element to breathe life to the story.

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Tiny structures, multiple uses provide places of interest, landmarks, on the trail, which can develop its own stories and etch memories of the place, in particular the beltline neighborhood.

COMMUNITY ENHANCEMENT PROJECT

Water Sports

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Possibilities

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Existing

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Parking / Bike Racks

Is to create a sheltered walkway which can facilitate the viewer to disengage from the process of walking and engage in learning the history of Coal and Window-Glass museum of the Beltline area. The simplicity of recurring structures by itself be a landmark feature adding a sparkle to the existing mandane envrionment. The connection on the museum could act as easy getaway from the 2.5 miles loop, connecting the River trail to Minor Avenue.

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This 60â&#x20AC;&#x2122; wide street can be redeveloped into more enjoyable path for walking and biking. To incorporate pedestrian path and bike lane separated with trees, flowers, benches, and bike racks will be installed along the path.

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Existing

Possibilities

Public Meeting

Alley

Existing

Existing

Possibilities

BELTLINE INFILL OPPORTUNITIES

as as

Pocket Playground Existing

The Helmick Property can be an opportunity for housing growth in the neighborhood. The neighborhoods can be focused on the pedestrian making it enjoyable for residents to use alternate transportation .

Possibilities

A natural playground that creates a learning environment for kids based on sustainability, and encouraging outdoor play.

Community Gardens Existing

Possibilities

A mixed use-neighborhood provides housing with front porches in response to the open space.

Public Meeting

Helmick: Mixed-Use

Gardening opportunities for the residents of the Beltline, which encourages ecological education for all ages. The gardens provide fresh produce and plants, alleviating climate change inside the neighborhood.

The Helmick Property can also provide a mix of commercial and retail space for visitors and local residents, while also increasing transportation options, such as biking and walking.

Commercial and Retail Existing

Greenhouses will give students and community members the chance to garden year round.

Possibilities

Community Open Space Existing

Possibilities

An outdoor structure for multi-functioning uses such as farmerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s market, outdoor school activities, fundraising events, or even community meetings/gatherings.

This is an example of an enhanced streetscape which takes advantage of the view of the Monongahela River. To the right, one enters the commerical and retail space which is a pedestrian zone.

Flexible open space with permeable pavers allow multiple uses like parking and outdoor activities. The pavers permit movement of water and air around the area. This creates more parking for the East West Stadium.

Housing Existing

The Gateway Park

Possibilities

Existing

Possibilities

A courtyard housing design is centered around a shared outdoor open space or garden. This will give Minor Avenue a more inviting character for residents and visitors.

The single-family housing is strategically placed near the Beltline Loop, the Gateway Park, the East West Stadium and potential commerical space. This location enhances the quality of life for the residents.

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A protected area inside the Beltline that encourages outdoor recreation, and serves the purpose of an access to the Beltline Loop.

Poster prepared by: Jing Chu, Claire Jeran, & Juliana Lloreda

COMMUNITY ENHANCEMENT PROJECT

A commercial and retail area can be a destination for the Beltline Loop and provides businesses for the nearby residents. Residents have the benefit of being able to walk short distances to shop and recreate.

Bad condition of Street and Sidewalk

SOLUTIONS

DESIGN

Improve Streetscape

Streetscape on Virginia & Gaston Ave.

Traffic Congestion Rail Trail (Loop & Riverside)

Lack of Recreation opportunity

Create Recreation Space and Opportunities Park, Open Spaces

Garbage Problem

Rental vs. Ownership

Create Community Spaces

Lack of Community Involvement

Vacant and Abandoned Lots Lack of Commercial Space

Community Garden

Helmick District

Create Commercial Spaces

Beltline Market Place

On the left are issues which came as a result of the public meeting.

We took those issues, and came up with four solutions to address the problems at hand.

Improve the quality and environment of streets and sidewalks

Create recreation space and outdoor opportunities

Create community spaces for interaction and gathering

Create commercial space Each of these four solutions was implemented into a specific design within the Beltline Area. These designs will be fully explained and located with the description of the following Master Plan.

After going through the design process, we created our concept statement for the Beltline Community Enhancement Project.

Concept Statement It is an initiative to build a neighborhood embracing “Pride, Joy and Commerce”. Develop a sense of Pride for the people who call the neighborhood home. Bring Joy to the people visiting the stadium, the school, the trail and other amenities. Spark exuberance in Commerce benefitting the entire community.

Together let us work to bring “Pride, Joy and Commerce to Fairmont, WV”.

COMMUNITY ENHANCEMENT PROJECT

ISSUES

Design Process

Design Process Chart

Possibilities

Beltline Loop Possibilities

Possibilities

Possibilities

Beltline Market Place

Possibilities

Housing

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240’

Scale : 1” = 120’

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Possibilities

Possibilities

Possibilities

Possibilities

Possibilities

Possibilities

The gateway acts as a beginning or an opening, spaces are defined to create a story, the story always has beginning; this definition creates identity for the place. The Beltline Loop, is one such thing, it is envisioned to create an identity and tell a story. The identity for the people who have lived here, worked here, and for the people who are living here now. The trail loop is created to involve each and every member of the community, a place for children to play, to learn, for adults to walk, for pets to be let loose, an entertaining educating and binding loop. The gateway to the loop, is an element to breathe life to the story.

Existing

Gateway Park

The open lot adjacent to the Middle School along Minor Avenue has great potential to enhance the street while linking to the rest of the Beltline Market Place. The space will be bordered with commercial and retail buildings which will appeal to users of the Beltline Loop, neighborhood residents, as well as middle school students. The buildings face three outdoor overhead structures which provide the neighboring community garden with a venue for a farmers market, students with an outdoor space for events and activities, and a place for neighborhood events to be held. The new Beltline Market Place can become a destination for locals and visitors alike.

Existing

Beltline Market Place

The trail along the river provides beautiful natural views as well as opportunities for water sports such as fishing, kayaking, tubing, jet skiing, etc.

Shelters, tiny structures, and visual elements along the trail will provide places of interest and landmarks which can develop into stories and memories of the place, in particular the Beltline neighborhood.

Existing

River Trail

A sheltered walkway can facilitate the viewer to disengage from the process of walking and engage in learning the history of Coal and Window-Glass museum of the Beltline area. The simplicity of recurring structures by itself be a landmark feature adding a sparkle to the existing mandane envrionment.

The connection on the museum could act as easy getaway from the 2.5 miles loop, connecting the River trail to Minor Avenue.

Existing

Industrial Walking Museum

Gardening opportunities for the residents of the Beltline and students at West Fairmont Middle School, which enhance the communication between people.

It will also encourages ecological education for all ages. The gardens provide fresh produce and plants, alleviating climate change inside the neighborhood.

Existing

Beltline Community Garden

The Helmick Property can be an opportunity for residential, commercial, retail, indoor and outdoor recreational spaces, and an Arts Center. The mixed-use area not only provides residential and commercial space for visitors and local residents, but also incorporates new transportation options, such as biking and walking. The area will connect to the Beltline Loop in two different places, which brings people to the site to recreate, shop and relax during their trail adventure.

Existing

Helmick District

Functional Master Plan

480’

er iv la R he ga n no Mo

COMMUNITY ENHANCEMENT PROJECT

The single-family housing is strategically placed near the Beltline Loop, the Gateway Park, the East West Stadium and The Beltline Market Place.

This location enhances the quality of life for the residents.

Existing

Monongah

A central place to gather for the residents of the Beltline, as well as the visitors from all around. The Beltline Market Place offers an indoor and outdoor shopping mall, a wide variety of restaurants and shops, a movie theatre, spaces for kids and grow ups, and of course parking. This design, which is integrated with nature by providing green roofs and great views to the river and surrounding wildlife.

Existing

Providing pedestrian and bike sharing trails in the alley ways with berry bushes creates interaction between the user and the pathways. Walking through the small alley will bring a sense of the community and enhance communication between neighbors.

Existing

Alley

A walking pathway extending over a mile is an easy getaway from the everyday routine. The trail is designed to be an extension of the rail trail ending at Rivesville in the north. Also a summer loop extension of the beltline loop, which is self-sufficient encircling 2.5 miles.

Existing

Virginia Avenue and Gaston Avenue can be narrow to provide larger sidewalks to enhance walkability. Brick pavements and traditional style lighting can be installed to restore the history on this part of the road white bringing an identity and enhancing the characteristics of Beltline area. Benches along the sidewalk will be gathering places for the neighborhood, and it will enhance communication between people.

Existing

Streetscape on Virginia & Gaston Ave

l

Together let us work to bring “Pride, Joy and Commerce to Fairmont, WV”.

It is an initiative to build a neighborhood embracing “Pride, Joy and Commerce”.

Develop a sense of Pride for the people who call the neighborhood home.

Bring Joy to the people visiting the stadium, the school, the trail and other amenities.

Spark exuberance in Commerce benefitting the entire community.

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CONCEPT

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Functional Master Plan

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WEST VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY COMMUNITY DESIGN STUDIO

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FAIRMONT BELTLINE COMMUNITY ENHANCEMENT PROJECT

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COMMUNITY ENHANCEMENT PROJECT

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Representational Master Plan

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Sections

Section A-A’ Monongahela River to Fairmont Ave.

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40’

80’

120’

Scale 1”=40’

Section B-B’ Beltline Alleyway from 8th St. to 12th St.

COMMUNITY ENHANCEMENT PROJECT

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40’

80’

120’

Scale 1”=40’

COMMUNITY ENHANCEMENT PROJECT

Section D-D’ 12th St. from Monongahela River to Virginia Ave.

Sections

Section C-C’ Minor Ave.

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40’

Scale 1”=40’

80’

120’

J. Chu, A. Gowda, A. Hosogaki, C. Jeran, and J. Lloreda

WEST VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY COMMUNITY DESIGN STUDIO

Benches

Fountain

On-Street Parking

Sidewalks

Sidewalkss

Bike Racks

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Small Parking Lot

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50’

100’

Scale : 1” = 50’

C Covered Waiting Area

Path

Outdoor Seating Area

Open Lawn

Bike Rack

Annual and Perennial Beds

Bioswale, Rain Garden, & Pond

Vegetable Gardens

Alternate Trail Connection

200’

On-Street Parking for Housing

Beach Restaurants & Volleyball Shops with Indoor Seating and Outdoor Terraces

Housing

Shed for Gardeners

Picnic Tables

Outdoor Oven

COMMUNITY ENHANCEMENT PROJECT

Bike and Walking Paths

Berry Bushes

Tensile Shade Structures

Bioswale e

Tree Planters and Parking

Restaurants & Shops with Indoor Seating and Outdoor Terraces

Tree Planters and Parking

Restaurants & Shops with Indoor Seating and Outdoor Terraces

Existing buildings converted into Art Center

Playground Gazebo

Helmick District

Beltline Community Garden

Streetscape Treatments

Beltline Loop Alleyway Treatments

Site Intersection Delineations

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NTS

Asphalt Roads Permeable Beltline Loop Beltline River Trail

Brick Paving Shrubs

Permeable Grass Pavers

Deciduous Street Tree Evergreen Tree

LEGEND:

Access Point to River Trail for Outdoor Recreation

River Trail

North Master Plan

300’

Beltline Trail Access

Bike Rack

Parking Lots with Permeable Pavers

Tensile Shade Converted existing Structures building into Recreation Center with partial green roof

Detailed Representational Master Plan - North

Attached Single-family Housing Rear Parking Close Access to Beltline Loop Faces the Gateway Park

PROGRAM:

FAIRMONT BELTLINE COMMUNITY ENHANCEMENT PROJECT

Possibilities

Possibilities

Beltline Loop/River Trail

Rail Trail

PROGRAM: Biking and Walking Paths Destination for Greater Fairmont Active and Passive Recreation Links to Beltline Market Place and Helmick District Alley: Biking and Walking Paths Connection to the Beltline Loop Beltline Berry Patches River Trail: Water Recreation Access Shelter Space Walking and Biking Trails River Outlooks

Possibilities

Industrial Walkway: Outdoor Historic Education Walking Destinations along Beltline Loop Visual Interest for Minor Avenue

The existing Rail Trail in Fairmont runs through the city, disconnected from the Monongahela River Trail at Rivesville in the north, and West Fork Trail at Monongah in the south. The trail runs through Minor Avenue in the Beltline Area. The east leg of the Beltline Avenue is the Minor Avenue trail which connects the Helmick District, the Middle School, Community Garden, Beltline Market Place, and Gateway Park to the neighborhood.

The alley between Gaston Avenue, and Virginia is the west leg of the Beltline loop. Creating interest such as berry patches, a tot lot for children, basketball hoops for teens, and benches for elderly can act as a neighborhood gathering lane. The alleyway can potentially be a spine connecting the Beltline Area to downtown.

Minor Avenue and Alleyway are connected with 14th street and 8th street to complete the loop. This allows a stretch of 2.1 miles, which can also act as an outdoor training loop for the athletes using the stadium.

The Rivertrail is an extension of the Beltline Loop to access the facilities by the river. There are connections through the 14th St., Gateway Park, 9th St., and the Helmick District. The River Trail is also a visitor attraction during summer for hiking, biking, kayak rental, and fishing, etc.

Alley River Trail Industrial Walkway

COMMUNITY ENHANCEMENT PROJECT

One of the solutions to traffic congestion is to increase biking and walking to neighborhood facilities. In the Beltline Area, the proposed master plan has several new developments beneficial for the community. The Beltline Loop and River Trail is designed to tie together the existing and new developments to the neighborhood using pedestrian and cycling pathways.

Existing

on Virginia & Gaston

Paved Sidewalks Bioswales or Rain Garden Vegetated Buffers Street Lighting Trash Recepticals Outdoor Seating On-Street Parking

Streetscape

PROGRAM:

Streetscape redevelopment will enhance walkablilitiy, safety, aesthetics, and characteristics in the Beltline Area. Roads will be narrowed and sidewalks will be widened to slow down traffic. It will give enough space for vegetation buffers with trees, and also benches. The brick pavement underneath the asphalt will be restored, and also lighting and street furniture will be installed to create a historic industrial landscape of the Beltline Area. Community benches placed along the street will create more opportunities for people to gather and enhance communication in the neighborhood.

Possibilities

On-Street Parking Vegetated Buffers

Section A- A’: Gaston Avenue

Sidewalks and surface paking zone will be brick pavement to enhance the characteristics in Beltine.

Winding sidewalks with vegetation will change the landscape in Beltline to be more organic.

Sidewalks Fountain

COMMUNITY ENHANCEMENT PROJECT

Community Benches Site Intersection Delineation

Section B- B’: Virginia Avenue

Beautiful and comfortable streets will bring people outside more, and community bench places will be resting and gathering places for people. It will enhance people’s interaction.

0’

100’

200’

300’

Restaurants & Shops Beach Alternate Trail Converted existing Tensile Shade with Indoor Seating and Volleyball Connection building into Structures Outdoor Terraces Recreation Center with partial green roof

Gazebo

Community Destination for Beltline Residents Single-family Housing Indoor and Outdoor Recreation Commercial Space Arts Center Parking Beltline Loop Access

The Helmick District offers an Possibilities opportunity for residential, retail, indoor and outdoor recreational spaces, and an arts center. The mixeduse Helmick District not only provides space for visitors and local residents, but also incorporates new transportation options, such as biking and walking. New housing will bring property owners to the Beltline Area, creating a demand for restaurants, stores, and other entertainment venues. Houses with be single-family housing with on street-parking and rear green space. The residential area is next to the Beltline Trail access which goes through the woodland for a natural afternoon adventure.The retail component could include cafés, and an ice cream shop, which add to the city’s tax base. The parking will help control traffic and create a pedestrian friendly format. Some of buildings will be recycled as an indoor recreation center and arts center, which can develop memories for the place, in particular the Beltline neighborhood. And the access to the Beltline Loop will brings more people to recreate, shop and relax during their trail adventure.

Existing buildings converted into Art Center

Parking Lots with Permeable Pavers

Restaurants & Shops with Indoor Seating and Outdoor Terraces

Bike Rack Beltline Trail Access

A’

Tree Planters and Parking Bioswale Tensile Shade Structures

Housing

Bike Racks

A

Sidewalks

On-Street Parking for Housing

0’

100’

200’

Section A-A’

Helmick District

Exisiting

Woodland

Possibilities

Woodland

New Housing

...

74’

Dimensions

Helmick Avenue (New) 32’

Helmick District

Playground

New Housing 78’

New Commercial 48’

Industrial Avenue (New) 36’

Exisiting Housing

Alley

34’

Exisiting Housing

Alley

34’

49’

24’

300’

COMMUNITY ENHANCEMENT PROJECT

Existing

PROGRAM:

Access to River Trail

Rear-Parking

Single Family (3 Stories)

Housing

Roof Gardenss

Restaurants & Shops d with Indoor Seating and Outdoor Terraces

Grass Mounds and Recycled Tire Flower Planters

On-Street Parking

Pedestrian Refuge

N

Park Access Road with On-Street Parking

Gateway Park

River Trail

Parking Exit

Parking Entrance

Bike Racks

Brick Pathways

Rest Area for the Beltline Loop with benches and shade

Shade Tree Allee

0’

50’

100’

Scale : 1” = 50’

Fishing Deck

200’

Kayak Loading Dock

Park Access Road with On-Street Parking

Amphitheater overlooking the River A

Memorial Garden Plaque

Walking Paths

Six Picnic Table Shelters

Overpass Connector Bridges

Intensive Green Roof with concrete and vegetation for public access

Movie Theater with Green Roof (2nd and 3rd Floor)

N

Resting Shelters along River Trail

NTS

Level Parking (Ground Floor)

Restaurants, Shops, and Kid Craft Center (2nd and 3rd Floor)

Rooftop Terraces with Tables for River Overlook Access

Shops on Ground Level

Permeable Grass Pavers Brick Paving Asphalt Roads Permeable Beltline Loop

Deciduous Street Evergreen Tree Shrubs Beltline River Trail

LEGEND:

Grass Mounds and Recycled Tire Flower Planters

Restaurants & Shops with Indoor Seating and Outdoor Terraces

Outdoor Patio with Tables

Buffer Access from Parking Area

Vegetated Shrub Buffers

Permeable Paver Parking

Cafes, Office Space, Retail Space

Buffer Breaks for Emergency and Utility Access

V Vehicle Access to Parking

Seating Areas

Various Stopping Points along Minor Avenue to commemorate: Fairmont Box Company Fairmont Window Glass Company Fairmont Mining Machinery Monongah Glass Company Standard Oil Company

Industrial Walkway

South Master Plan

300’

Tree Planters

Parking Lot Access

Permeable Grass Pavers

Sidewalks

Overhead Market Structures

Beltline Market Place

Beltline Market Place

COMMUNITY ENHANCEMENT PROJECT

Designated Loop Cross Walks

Bike and Walking Paths

Berry Bushes

Beltline Loop Alleyway Treatments

Detailed Representational Master Plan - South

J. Chu, A. Gowda, A. Hosogaki, C. Jeran, and J. Lloreda

WEST VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY COMMUNITY DESIGN STUDIO

FAIRMONT BELTLINE COMMUNITY ENHANCEMENT PROJECT

Small Parking Lot Outdoor Oven A Picnic Tables

Existing

Shed for Gardeners Vegetable Gardens Bioswale Rain Garden, & Pond Annual and Perennial Beds

Possibilities

Bike Rack Open Lawn Outdoor Seating Area Path

A’ 0’

100’

200’

Covered Waiting Area

300’

Section A-A’

Exisiting Possibilities Dimensions

School Space

10th Street

School Building

10th Street

Picnic Area

Garden Beds

Flower Path, Bioswale, Pond

Open Lawn

Outdoor Seating

Indoor Seating

School Building

44’

42’

24’

56’

43’

59’

36’

56’

COMMUNITY ENHANCEMENT PROJECT

Gardening Beds Outdoor Storage Work Space Seating for Students Picnic Areas Study Space School and Community Events Fall Festival

Beltline Community Garden

In the Middle school property along Minor Ave, we will have a community garden where people gather together and enjoy gardening or picnicking. We also create a place for students to hang out or to use for school activities. So, this site will enhance communication between the neighborhood and middle school students who are from other areas in Fairmont. These two zones are connected by open grass and paths with beautiful flowers and shades trees. We will also have bioswales and a constructed wetland to address the stormwater issue.

PROGRAM:

Resting Area for Beltline Loop Outdoor Market Structures for School and Community Small Restaurants Commercial Space Outdoor Seating Areas Parking

Shade Tree Allee

This vacant lot is one of the three properties named part of the Beltline Market Place. The lot is located along Minor Avenue behind the Middle School and next to the Public Works building to the north, and the Board of Education Facilities to the south.

For this area, we wanted to create a destination for people using the Beltline Loop, for people attending an event at the East West Stadium or school, for the Beltline neighborhood, and the greater Fairmont area.

Cafes, Office Space, Retail Space

Bike Racks Brick Pathways

Buffer Breaks for Emergency and Utility Access

Overhead Market Structures Rest Area for the Beltline Loop with benches and shade Parking Entrance

The front of the site serves as a resting area for Beltline Loop users where there are benches, bike racks and shade trees.

In the center of the lot are three outdoor market structures which can be used by the school and community for a small farmers market, school fundraisers, and other community events. The building space consists of a mix of retail and commercial spaces.

Small commercial businesses, retail stores, such as a convenient store and sporting goods store, small cafes and restaurants will appeal to the neighborhood and Beltline Loops users.

Parking is located at the rear of the site with ample accesses into the central gathering area.

Existing

Buffer Access from Parking Area

Possibilities

Seating Areas Outdoor Patio with Tables Permeable Paver 0’

100’

200’

300’

Vegetated Shrub Buffers

Beltline Market Place - North

Parking Exit

COMMUNITY ENHANCEMENT PROJECT

PROGRAM:

Existing

On-Street Parking

Indoor and Outdoor Cafes Markets Commercial Space Movie Theater Green Roofs River Overlook Area Parking

Grass Mounds and Recycled Tire Flower Planters Restaurants & Shops with Indoor Seating and Outdoor Terraces

A’

Roof Gardens Sidewalks Permeable Grass Pavers Parking Lot Access Tree Planters

Possibilities

A Restaurants & Shops with Indoor Seating and Outdoor Terraces

Beltline Market Place - South

Pedestrian Refuge

Roof Gardens Movie Theater with Green Roof (2nd and 3rd Floor) Intensive Green Roof with concrete and vegetation for public access Overpass Connector Bridges

Shops on Ground Level Rooftop Terraces with Tables for River Overlook Access Restaurants, Shops, and Kid Craft Center (2nd and 3rd Floor)

0’

100’

200’

Section A-A’

300’

Level Parking (Ground Floor)

COMMUNITY ENHANCEMENT PROJECT

PROGRAM:

Outdoor Picnic Shelters Amphitheater Interactive Memorial Garden Plaques Access to the Beltline Loop and Rail Trail Passive Outdoor Space Concession Stand Parking The Gateway Park acts as a beginning or an opening to the Beltline Area urban story. It is envisioned to create an identity and tell a story. The identity for the people who have lived here, worked here, and for the people who are living here now. It is a place to commemorate the events of Fairmont pertaining to people of this place.

Physically it connects the Beltline Loop and the River Trail together. The park with its amphitheater, picnic tables and walking pathways, can offer platform for community activities: places to gather, share a smile, bask in the sun and dance in the rain.

Park Access Road with On-Street Parking Six Picnic Table Shelters Walking Paths Memorial Garden Plaque

Gateway Park

PROGRAM:

Amphitheater overlooking the River Park Access Road with On-Street Parking

0’

Possibilities

100’

200’

300’

COMMUNITY ENHANCEMENT PROJECT

Existing

Materials Rail Trail Beltline Loop/River Trail

Streetscape on Virginia & Gaston

Helmick District

COMMUNITY ENHANCEMENT PROJECT

Common Materials

Materials

Beltline Community Garden

COMMUNITY ENHANCEMENT PROJECT

Beltline Market Place - North

Beltline Market Place - South

Gateway Park

Conclusion COMMUNITY ENHANCEMENT PROJECT

The Beltline Community Enhancement Project is the gateway to creating a stronger community and overall lifestyle for the residents in Fairmont, West Virginia. We hope our designs are used as a stepping stone for the city in making gradual enhancements for the neighborhood. The concept of community design and community participation has been a valuable component to our design process, and we hope this interaction continues with the future development in the Beltline Area.

Sanborn Maps, 1902-1927 Historic Aerial Images, 1938, 1953

References and Sources

The following references and sources were used as a part of our research process:

Interview Data, local residents and business owners in the Beltline Area Precedent Master Plans, designed by Pashek Associates and Alpha Associates, Inc.

COMMUNITY ENHANCEMENT PROJECT

Marion County, WV GIS Data: http://wvgis.wvu.edu/data/data.php