WAURIKA DESIGNWORKS Beyond the Brick Waurika Chamber of Commerce Oklahoma Municipal League OU Institute for Quality Communities
Drone photos taken by Historic Preservation Planning student: Cameron Conyers 10/20/18
Executive Summary In the spring of 2018, a collaboration between the city of Waurika and the University of Oklahoma’s Institute for Quality Communities (IQC) sprung when the chamber of commerce was awarded a matching grant from Oklahoma Municipal League. The aim was to make use of design students from the Gibbs College of Architecture and staff from the IQC, as well as, work with community members and stakeholders in facilitating a scheme to “REINVENT DOWNTOWN WAURIKA”. Prior to the workshops that took place in the Fall of 2018, the chamber board members took a few IQC staff on a main street tour to explore the history, assets, challenges, needs, and vision for the city of Waurika. Waurika is the county seat of Jefferson County, located between Ardmore and Randlett, with a population of about 2,000 people. On October 16, 2018, the City of Waurika invited the IQC team on a 2-day visit to conduct a workshop with over a dozen residents and stakeholders. The workshop included various activities ranging from mapping exercises to the idea wall, calendar wall, and a place game to evaluate 3 key spots on Main Street. On October 17, the IQC team led by the director, Shane Hampton, presented a preliminary feedback from the workshop to the stakeholders at lunch and this created a series of discussions that set the framework for this report. On October 20, the team was invited back for the Brickstreet Classic Car Show, and also hosted a group of Historic Preservation Planning students from OU. The class led by Ron Frantz assessed the historic buildings downtown, taking inventory of architectural conditions and vacant buildings. This information will help with possible submission to the Oklahoma Landmark Inventory which is an initial step for consideration of being listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Assets in Waurika
Volunteerism/Community Support: The City of Waurika prides itself with community support. Its citizens are always willing to volunteer their time and resources in improving the welfare of their community. An example is the DesignWorks workshop on the left, and the stakeholders meeting on the right that included a few city leaders and the chamber of commerce.
Public Institutions: Waurika posesses a good number of historic buildings with quality architecture. It preserves them through various means, including reprogramming to prevent deterioriation. It has a potential for listing on the National Register of Historic Places.
Public Spaces & Programs: The level of volunteerism and community support from the citizens of Waurika has led to the several efforts to revitalize its downtown area through programming of public spaces to create a sense of place. Some of the products of these efforts include the Veteran’s Park; The Lawn, Farmer’s Market; and Sorosis Park. The beauty of the brick streets conecting all of these spaces is of significant value.
Process & Site Visits
Waurika Events Calendar January February X
X
March
April
May
June
July
August
Jefferson County Rattlesnake Downtown Again Summer Reading Program Jr. Livestock Festival Downtown Dash 5k
Ranch Rodeo
Elementary school carnival
Fourth of July Festival
September
October
November
December
Jefferson County Homecoming Veteran's Day Christmas Free Fair Parade Parade parade Friends of the Christmas Tree Brick Street lighting ceremony Library "Santa's Classic Car Show & cocoa and carols Workshop" Lions Club Golf High school band Lions Club Tournament carnival Pancake Day Waurika Book Sale ‐ elementary school Friends of the veteran's day Library program
Place Evaluations- Power of #3 PLACE GAME Identify Oppurtunities
P L ACE P ER FO R MAN CE EVAL UAT I O N
1. What do you like best about this place?
2. List things that you would do to improve this place that could be done right away and that wouldn’t cost a lot.
3. What changes would you make in the long term that would have the biggest impact?
4. Ask someone who is in the “place” what they like about it and what they would do to improve it.
During the workshop, among the several interactive activities facilitated, was the Place Game piloted by Hope Mander. As a result of the huge interest in public spaces downtown Waurika, it was important to assess the strengths, weaknesses, and opportunites of key locations on Main Street. The Place Game is a community workshop activity employed from Project for Public Spaces (PPS) in evaluating public spaces, giving “local residents an easy tool with which to identify the assets and shortcomings of the public spaces they use everyday”. The results of the three (3) spaces evaluated are seen on the next page.
EVALUATIONS Comfort & Image Overall attractiveness Feeling of safety Cleanliness/quality of maintenance Comfort of places to sit Access & Linkages Visibility from a distance Ease in walking to the place Well conneected Clarity of information/signage Uses & Activities Any visible activity Frequency of community events/activities Overall busy-ness of area Economic vitality Sociability Number of people in groups Evidence of volunteerism Sense of pride and ownership Presence of different age groups
Assets
Short-Term Changes
FARMER'S MARKET
SOROSIS PARK
THE LAWN
2.2 2.8
2.2 3.6
2.6 3.8
2.0 1.6
2.4 1.6
2.0 1.6
1.8 3.6 3.0 2.8
3.4 3.6 3.6 1.8
2.8 3.4 3.2 2.2
3.2
3.2
2.4
2.8 2.8 3.0
2.4 1.8 1.6
1.8 1.8 1.6
3.0 3.2 3.0 3.2
3.2 2.8 2.6 2.8
1.6 2.8 2.6 3.0
FARMER'S MARKET
SOROSIS PARK
THE LAWN
Sense of home and community participation Keeps money in town Uses extra produce
Openness and Visibility Versatility Performance area
Programming and activities Landscaping
Install electricity and lighting
Move existing picnic tables Renovate mural and clean wall
Install electricity and lighting Locate performance stage area
Remove crumbling stucco
Add more lighting in/on tree
Seating and trash cans
Weather cover/shade Permanent signage on brick Permanent waterwashing station
Replace concrete
Easel sign and portable event signage
Long-Term Changes
Relocate stage Complete mural restoration
Improve landscaping Install restrooms Improve shading
Scenes from the 2019 Waurika Downtown Again & Downtown Dash 5K/1M For the past 6 years Waurika Chamber of Commerce has put together a great event where Waurika residents come together to promote their town, engage with one another and bring vitality to the streets of Waurika.
( Photo Credit, Waurika News Journal)
Key Recommendations
Recommendation 1: Transform the current farmers market into Eagle Plaza.
Recommendation 2: Incorporate the Farmers Market into Sorosis Park. Recommendation 3: Energize “The Lawn.� Recommendation 4: Gateway Entry & Signage.
Recommendation 5: Historic Preservation-Findings & Recommendations.
BROADWAY AVENUE MAIN STREET
Eagle Plaza
The Lawn
W D AVENUE
E D AVENUE
Sorosis Park
Recommendation 1:
Transform the farmers market into Eagle Plaza EXISTING CONDITIONS: The image on the left shows the space proposed for the Eagle Plaza. It is currently used as a Farmer’s Market on Saturdays between 8:30 and 11:00am. The space is located along Main Street, on the west side of the block north of Broadway Avenue. It possesses a hard ground surface that requires little improvement, hence, the potential for a sitting space to host community engagement events such as Movie Nights and gardening.
PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS: The graphics on the following pages show conceptual ideas for the proposed Eagle plaza.
Sitting Benches
Clean-up hard flooring
Canopy shade
Movie Projector
Restore Brick Wall
Planters
Recommendation 2:
Incorporate the Farmer’s Market into Sorosis Park EXISTING CONDITIONS: The image on the left shows the Sorosis Park, currently an open space used for music concerts and club meetings. It possesses a hard ground surface and stage area, including trees for shading and a remarkable art mural on the wall. The space has more potential than is currently employed, hence, the proposal for a public space that could serve multiple functions. Also, the orientation of the stage causes music to escape outwards. A seat wall provides a strong corner for the Sorosis Market area. This location is ideal for commercial activation because of its location on the corner of Main Street and D Avenue.
PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS: The graphics on the following pages show conceptual ideas for the proposed improvements to the Sorosis Park.
Preserve Trees for Shading
Food Delivery Truck
Farmer’s Market Stall Tents
Restore Art Mural
Restore Flooring
Picnic Area/Sitting
Recommendation 3:
Energize “The Lawn” EXISTING CONDITIONS: The image on the left shows “The Lawn”, which is a public space currently used for informally programmed events, including sports and recreational activities. It has a permeable ground surface, creating the potential for mixed-use activities. Also, its location close to the proposed Eagle Plaza allows for a possible walking experience between both spaces. In a downtown retail environment, safe crossings should be spaced frequently for freedom of movement. A mid-block crosswalk from The Lawn to the east side of Main Street creates another opportunity for pedestrians to move freely between the Eagle Plaza and The Lawn to the Sorosis Market.
PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS: The graphics on the following pages show conceptual ideas for improvements on
The Lawn, and the space connecting it to the Eagle Plaza. The proposed pedlet is a temporary sidewalk extension that fills a few parking spaces and acts as a public picnic area. Canopy shade
Incorporate temporary cross-walk
Preserve Name
Wooden Pedlet
Trees for Shading Picnic Area/Sitting
Visible Entrance
Food Truck
Design-Spaces-Pedlet-Street The beautiful commercial structure located between Eagle Plaza and The Lawn could become a valuable civic asset to help activate these downtown open spaces. The structure appears to be in good condition. If acquired by the community, the building could house important functional spaces like restrooms and storage. It could also offer space to pursue complementary uses like space for indoor events, meetings, and a coworking environment with Internet access.
The parklet may be constructed with materials such as wood, that can sustain exposure to the elements and is easily maintained. It should be slip resistant and level with the sidewalk to avoid gap.
Recommendation 4:
Gateway Entry & Signage EXISTING CONDITIONS: Downtown Waurika currently lacks proper way-finding signage that could serve as a landmark for those walking or driving along the Main Street. There is a need to incorporate a powerful landmark that draws attention, at the same time, represent an image of Waurika.
PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS: Waurika ‘s slogan is “ On the Trail, By the Lake which the cowboy on the fish beautifily symbolises Waurika’s location and its history. This symbol should become a landmark at the intersection of Main street and U.S. Route 70 highway.
View of rendering looking North on the intersection of Waurika’s Mainstreet and U.S. Highway 70.
Recommendation 5:
Historic Preservation- findings & recommendations First Appearance on the Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps First Appearance on the Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps ! (
C AVE
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W BROADWAY ST 2ND ST
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ANDERSON AVE
MERIDIAN
N Main St
NW 1ST ST
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ASH
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T DS OA ILR RA
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S Main St
F ST
Primary Road
W G ST
Local Road
SW 1ST ST
First Appearance
0
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Unknown
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1910
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1916
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1923
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1932
US Hwy 70
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E G ST
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MERIDIAN
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Brick Road
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0.125
0.25 Miles
RAIL ROAD
The survey involved exploring the historic uses and timeline of the buildings downtown as presented on the next pages. The maps shown represent findings from comparing the Sanborn maps to the existing structures along mainstreet. The aim of this project was to assess the historic buildings, taking inventory of existing conditions and to outline possible adaptive reuse and business strategies for local implementation. The findings are archived for the City of Waurika to make submissions to the Oklahoma Landmark Inventory in order to list on the National Register of Historic Places.
E H ST
W H ST
The Historic Preservation Planning students from the Gibbs College of Architecture at the University of Oklahoma carried out surveys for historic buildings downtown Waurika. Prior to the visit, the students analyzed Sanborn Fire Insurance maps that date as far back as 1910, examining changes that have since occured.
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Downtown Waurika, Oklahoma Surveyed Buildings 45! (
C AVE
49! (
6! (
2ND ST
41! ( 40! (
ANDERSON AVE
E AVE
MERIDIAN
48! (
39! (
W BROADWAY ST
11! ( 10! ( 9! (
N Main St
NW 1ST ST
47! (46! (
5! ( ( 3! ( 2! 13! ( ( 14! ! ( 16 ! ( 19! ( 22 ! ( 23 ! ( 24 ! (
52! (
D AVE
8! ( 7! ( 4! ( 43! (
1! (
12 ! ( 15! ( 18 ! (
42! (
BROADWAY
44! (
20 ! ( 21! ( 51! ( ( 53!
25 ! ( 26! ( ( 27!
54! (
50! (
S Main St
T DS OA ILR RA
28! ( ! ( 29! ( 30! ( 31
ASH
C AVE
F ST
34! ( 35 ! (
Brick Road
36! (
W H ST
Primary Road
33! (
E G ST
MERIDIAN
W G ST
SW 1ST ST
32! (
E H ST
37 ! (
Local Road ! (
0
Surveyed Building
US Hwy 70
0.125
38! (
0.25 Miles
RAIL ROAD
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Historic Use of the Surveyed Buildings C AVE MERIDIAN
NW 1ST ST
Local Road Historic Use Unknown
N Main St
Brick Road Primary Road
ASH
C AVE
D AVE
Auto Sales & Service Bank W BROADWAY ST Barber
BROADWAY
2ND ST
Church Drugs
Dry Goods DwellingAVE ANDERSON
E AVE
Filling Station Funiture Storage
Grocery Lodge Hall Office Printing Store Tailor
W G ST
E G ST
SW 1ST ST
Meat
MERIDIAN
General Store
F ST
S Main St
Garage
T DS OA ILR RA
Furniture
E H ST
W H ST
Tin Shop Vacant Wood Frame
0
US Hwy 70
0.125
0.25 Miles
RAIL ROAD
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Next Steps This document provides basic concepts for improving public spaces and engaging community activities downtown. The three (3) spaces on the block north of Broadway Avenue and south of West D & East D Avenue are chosen based on community members’ evaluations from the Place Game. They are the prime locations for increasing activities that would, in turn, catalyze developments along the brickstreet corridor. FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES: TSET Incentive Grants: Waurika is eligible for approximately $22,000 from TSET Healthy Living Program Incentive Grants. These funds would be ideal matching funds for key sidewalk construction or a signage program. AARP Community Challenge Grants: This annual grant program funds ‘quick-action’ projects that are ready to go. In 2017, the grant program helped city officials in Shawnee construct a traffic mini-circle. In 2018, Vinita won a $25,000 grant to construct a public space in a downtown alley. Wewoka may consider competing for funds from this program. America Walks: This is a community change grant program, that awards $1,500 to communities for projects that help create healthy, active, and engaged places to live, work, and play. The purpose of the grant is to advocate environmental sustainability, through locally supported efforts to improve walking and walkability.
Collaborators City of Waurika
OU Institute for Quality Communities
Jacob Eck, Waurika Chamber Crystal Hinshaw, Waurika Chamber Joanna Dyer, Waurika Chamber Lauren Nitschke, Waurika Chamber Adam Brinson, Waurika Chamber Jon Waid, Waurika Chamber Michael W. Bryant, City of Waurika Catrina Watters, City of Waurika Brad Scott, City of Waurika Richard Gillespie, County Hospital Heather Bryant, County Hospital Amy Eck, Teacher Roy Bartling Gary Duncan Sharon Duncan Charles Schultheis Carter Waid Pat Mc Griff Dana Biff Eck Mike Rung Paula Driggers Brenda Estep Bryce Bohot Jennifer Aldridge
Shane Hampton, Director Hope Mander, Associate Director Ron Frantz, Environmental Design Coordinator Amy Hostetter, OU Division of Architecture Folasayo Salami, OU Division of Regional and City Planning Goutam Vella, OU Division of Landscape Architecture Sridhar Yalamanchili, OU Division of Landscape Architecture Student Participants Brad Anderson David B. Campillo Jennifer Connett Cameron Conyers Armani Frye Trevor DeBee Sephra Kolker Tanner Dixon Emma Mangum Katie Fiddler Madison McKinnis Youssef Guessab Jacob Miller Madeline Harris Sonia Ramirez Matthew Mcclure Marshall Stringer Aidas Rudis Sarah Wickersham Erick Silva Daniel Woodruff Ignacio Velasco Gil Clay Dobbins Erica Grayson Bethany Grissom Max Harris Zach Hicks Jon Scharton Sean Harrell Noel Jenkin Brendan Summerville Petya Stefanoff, Ph.D Candidate Jake Pitcher, Guest Linda Gary Skaggs, Guest
Report Prepared By: The University of Oklahoma Institute for Quality Communities Christopher C. Gibbs College of Architecture 830 Van Vleet Oval, Gould Hall Norman, OK 73019 iqc.ou.edu