Mark Twain Riverfront Park Revitalization by Lee Pouliot

Mark Twain Riverfront Park Revitalization Project

Mark Twain Riverfront Park Revitalization Proposal for the City of Elmira

Prepared by DesignConnect Students Brooke Eddis Chris Hardy Julie Johnstone Nick Pettinati Lee M. Pouliot Howie Russell Matt Sturz Josh Yost

Advisor:

Jamie Vanucchi

Business & Real Estate Landscape Architecture City & Regional Planning Landscape Architecture Landscape Architecture Architecture Landscape Architecture City & Regional Planning

Lecturer, Cornell University Landscape Architecture

Acknowledgements

We are very grateful to the City of Elmira and Mayor John Tonello for providing direction, resources and support, enabling us to engage in a meaningful project. We would also like to thank our Project Advisor Jamie Vanucchi, and Community Contact, Zsuzi Kadar, as well as the Department of Landscape Architecture at Cornell University: their support and advice were critical to the success of this process. We would like to thank all the steering committee members: Andy Avery (City of Elmira), Ron Bentley (Chemung Canal Trust Company), Sherri Geary (Southern Tier Economic Growth), Jenn Herrick (Elmira Downtown Development), Mike Hosey (Elmira Savings Bank), Zsuzsi Kadar (Elmira Community Development), Mike Kenna (Clemens Center), Jim Lynch (NYSDEC), John Maycumber (City of Elmira), Jenn Miller (Elmira Community Development), Bill Ostrander (Chemung Valley Audubon Society), Jim Pfiffer (Friends of the Chemung River Watershed), Scott Rodabaugh (NYSDEC), Charlie Shaffer (City of Elmira), and Dan Smithers (City of Elmira). Forming a solid foundation for the project, the steering committee guided our goals and objectives. They helped us form strong ties with the community at large and also disseminated information about community meetings. The participants in community meetings and design charrettes fundamentally shaped the Mark Twain Riverfront Park Revitalization proposal. We relied on participantsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; intrinsic expertise about the City of Elmira and Riverfront Park. As we moved forward through process stages, from research to concept and then to proposal formation, City of Elmira residents provided both qualitative and quantitative information about design preferences, priorities, program preferences and goals. We would also like to thank the Elmira Star-Gazette, WENY, and WETM for diligently tracking our progress and reporting back to Elmira.

Mark Twain Riverfront Park Revitalization

Contents Project Background Introduction............................................................................................................................................................................ 1

History..................................................................................................................................................................................... 2 Context.................................................................................................................................................................................... 5 Problem & Precedent............................................................................................................................................................. 9 Intentions................................................................................................................................................................................ 10

Public Participation........................................................................................................................................ 11

Participation Philosophy, Process and Outcomes............................................................................................................... 12 Community Meeting (1): Action Survey................................................................................................................................ 13 Design Charrette (2): Model Making.......................................................................................................................... .......... 17 Illustrating Design Frameworks (3)....................................................................................................................................... 21 Preferred Option...................................................................................................................................................... .............. 25

SCHEMATIC DESIGN PHASE................................................................................................................................. 27 A New Program for the Riverfront Park............................................................................................................... ................. 28

Riverfront Amphitheater......................................................................................................................................................... 30 River Trail................................................................................................................................................................................ 33 Recreational Lawn Area......................................................................................................................................................... 36 The Butterfly Garden.............................................................................................................................................................. 39 Rain And Poetry Garden........................................................................................................................................................ 42 Rain Garden & Picnic Area.................................................................................................................................................... 45 The Citizenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Plaza................................................................................................................................................................. 48 The Drumlins.......................................................................................................................................................................... 54 Conclusion and Vision........................................................................................................................................................... 56

Appendix I: Cost Estimate............................................................................................................................... 57 Appendix II: Complete Plant List.................................................................................................................. 59

Mark Twain Riverfront Park Revitalization

Project Background

Introduction In Fall 2009, Mayor John Tonello invited a team of DesignConnect students from Cornell to Elmira to take a new look Mark Twain Riverfront Park. Located adjacent to the beautiful Chemung River, the Mark Twain Riverfront Park occupies a unique spot in the middle of downtown Elmira and next to the river. Over the years, the Mark Twain Riverfront park has fallen into disrepair. Though its location is prominent in downtown Elmira, it is under utilized by residents. This disinvestment corresponds directly to the downtown disinvestment experienced in Elmira over the past half-century. Despite many physical and economic constraints, there is a great deal of community interest in the revitalization of this park.

Elmira, NY

Mark Twain Riverfront Park

Together with the City of Elmira, the DesignConnect team began a year long visioning process. This process incorporated research of the site and city, community participation and schematic design. This document is a summary of results from research, community participation and final visioning activities/ efforts. Top: Map of New York State. Bottom: Map of downtown Elmira. (Reference: maps.google.com)

Mark Twain Riverfront Park Revitalization

View of Chemung River looking south west from the eastern end of Mark Twain Riverfront Park.

History

Canal

Brief History of the City of Elmira: The Town of Elmira was the result of the combination of three adjacent settlements along the banks of the Chemung River. The City of Elmira grew from the town as a result of the economic activity generated by the Chemung Canal that connected the Southern Tier to the Eire Canal. Elmira became a transportation hub during the 1800â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and early 1900â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s peaking at 50,000 residents in the 1950s.

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Canal Outlet

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Corning Elmira

Mark Twain Riverfront Park Revitalization

C Chemung Above: A map of the Chemung River watershed with urban areas in Orange. The call outs show historic maps of the Chemung Canal, which followed the current day Route 14 that crosses the middle of Mark Twain Riverfront Park.

History (cont.) The Origin of Mark Twain Riverfront Park: In 1972 the Chemung River rose above the existing 20 foot flood wall along its banks in downtown Elmira . After the waters receded, two riverfront blocks were irreparably damaged and were subsequently cleared. The City reinvested in the vacant lots through the construction of Mark Twain Riverfront Park, completed in 1976. The original intent for the property was to provide a strolling park for those who worked and lived downtown. The park was built around the flood safety structures which are still necessary to this day. These included the 20 foot pre-WWII floodwall that divides downtown from the flood plain, as well as toe drains and pumping stations.

Above: A picture of Water Street during the 1972 flood. (Courtesy of Chemung County Historical Society.)

Below: The reconstruction of downtown Elmira: Mark Twain Riverfront Strolling Park.

Above: Flood probability for the Chemung River. (Data courtesy of NOAA.)

Mark Twain Riverfront Park Revitalization

Mark Twain Riverfront Park Today: Since the 1970’s, Elmira’s downtown population has significantly decreased and the buildings adjacent to the park have high rates of vacancy. Many of the elements of the park have degraded through lack of maintenance, disinvestment or simple wear and tear. In recent years, downtown Elmira has seen the beginnings of a renaissance. On the western end of Water Street, new businesses have been moving into formerly vacant buildings, including a newly renovated mixed-use commercial and residential building. The formation of Elmira Downtown Development and new activities such as the street painting festival have begun to reverse the spread of urban blight in downtown. The refurbishment of Riverfront Park is the natural next step toward Elmira’s downtown revitalization.

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ente Above: A map of downtown Elmira with the Mark Twain Riverfront Park in orange.

Mark Twain Riverfront Park Revitalization

Above: Examples of failing hardscape and site elements in the park.

Context Project Context: Downtown Elmira is undergoing dramatic redevelopment thanks to several public-private partnerships. Over the past three years, millions of dollars have been invested in new facades, whole-building renovations and a major upgrade of the Clemens Performing Arts Center. More work is planned. Riverfront Park runs between the Chemung River and businesses housed in historic buildings across Water Street. The city hopes to refurbish the park, including the addition of more visual and physical connections to the river, the provision of a new downtown gathering space and also connect to old & new amenities and projects downtown. Some of the existing amenities include the Clemens Center (a regional hub for the performing arts), the revitalized west end of Water Street and the Chemung River. Some of the new projects include the proposed River Trail and refurbishment of historic buildings across from the park and the downtown Promenade Project converting space below the railroad viaduct into a pedestrian walkway. Below: Existing Downtown Amenities, from left to right: The Clemens Center, Water Street - Street Painting Festival, the Chemung River.

Above: The Chemung River Master Plan including the proposed River Trail, courtesy of Mike Haas & Associates.

Below: The Viaduct to Promenade project, and the Haroldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s building, one of the buildings eligible for refurbishment and conversion to mixed-use.

Mark Twain Riverfront Park Revitalization

Community Context: Elmiraâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s general population is a blue collar, working community. The vast majority if the population was born and raised in the community. Residents are also unusually involved in the community, with significant turnout for city sponsored events. DEMOGRAPHICS AT A GLANCE: 11,000 households Average household size 2.3 Education: High School Diploma 81% of people 25 years and over 13 percent had a bachelorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s degree or higher 19% no high school diploma

Above: Civic engagement at the Elmira Downtown Cleanup. Below: Income Distribution in Downtown Elmira: note the lowest percentiles are adjacent to the park.

Income: The median household income $29,409 Poverty: 28% of people were in poverty Housing: 13,000 housing units, 13 percent vacant. Of the total housing units, 50% were in single-unit structures, 50% were in multi-unit structures Population: 29,000 Median age was 31.6 years 22% of the population was under 18 years and 12% was 65 years and older Mark Twain Riverfront Park Revitalization

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Roads and rail lines segment the park creating odd spaces, pedestrian underpasses, or way-finding confusion that inhibits pedestrian access and comfortable utilization.

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Transportation Conclusions: The park is located in a significantly vehicular trafficked part of downtown, but not particularly well trafficked by pedestrians.

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After spending time observing vehicle and pedestrian traffic in and outside the park, we were able to supplement traffic data provided to us by the city with experiential data. Together, this information informed the following conclusions about transportation around and way-finding within the park:

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Transportation Context:

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The only true destination is a plaza in the center of the park. Water features throughout the park create inaccessible areas and non-usable spaces. Several connections exist to the surrounding area, including the new Promenade Project. There is no circulation or physical connection to the river due to the flood wall.

Above Top: A map of the street hierarchy surrounding Riverfront park. Above Bottom: A map of the current entrances, flood wall and circulation patterns of Riverfront Park.

Mark Twain Riverfront Park Revitalization

Physical Context: The 1200 foot long, 100 foot wide park is situated on the city side of the flood wall. The park is between 15 to 20 feet higher that the flood plain on the other side of the Chemung River. Elmira is a ‘City of bridges,’ with bridges connecting the city’s two areas together across the Chemung River. Immediately adjacent to / within the park there are four bridges crossing in the river. Where each bridge touches down the park divided.

Above: Lake Street Bridge.

Above: Clemens Center Parkway Bridge.

Above: Railroad Viaduct Bridge.

Above: Main Street Bridge.

Vegetation Context: The original planting plan for the park was unusually diverse. In the last 30 years, many of the trees have grown to be mature, canopy trees. One of the team members conducted a tree survey, identifying which trees were healthy and would be valuable to preserve. Most of the ground plane of the park is devoted to turf grass in such a manner as to require significant expense in maintenance. Additionally, soil samples were taken the length of the park and results show that the soil is of high quality, with neutral to slightly alkaline pH levels save adjacent to the railroad viaduct which has acidic soils. Below Top: Map of current canopy structure overlaid on a Google Earth aerial image. Below Bottom: Map of topography for stormwater analysis.

Mark Twain Riverfront Park Revitalization

Above: Soil testing.

Problem & Precedent Problem Statement: The Mark Twain Riverfront Park is currently under-utilized and adds little to no value to downtown Elmira. This is largely due to disconnection and a perception that the space is unsafe or not cared for. The park is disconnected from the river by the flood wall, disconnected within itself by bridges and the existing artificial stream and from pedestrians by limited street side sidewalks and few crosswalks. The perception of the park is informed by the lack of maintenance funds necessary for material and hardscape repair, site amenities such as benches and â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;uncomfortableâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; spaces including the sunken pedestrian connection under the Clemens Center Parkway.

Precedent: To inform how these problems can turn into opportunities, students compiled as series of local, regional and national precedents of refurbished riverfront parks than served as catalysts in their respective communities.

Mark Twain Riverfront Park Revitalization

Intentions Site Context as an Opportunity The parkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new design can maximize the connections to planned developments downtown, including the pedestrian promenade that will link Riverfront Park to the Clemens Center, for example. This promenade is a vital link to catalyzing downtown Elmira, as it will help create much-needed pedestrian circulation between two important amenities: the riverfront and the Clemens Center. Friends of the Chemung River Watershed is partnering with residents, the City of Elmira and Chemung County officials to create a comprehensive bike trail system. This trail system will theoretically link to Mark Twain Riverfront Park, also increasing park utilization. The vacant historic buildings adjacent to the site can also be an asset. As these buildings are restored, they present a great opportunity for Water Street because they will not only beautify but hopefully also attract residents, businesses and visitors downtown.

Catalyze Downtown Elmira Activate the Waterfront

DesignConnect Team Intentions To facilitate a full community participation process informing the citizens about the opportunities of the park and solicit their opinions on the future of the park. To create a steering committee with the City of Elmira to continue this project into the future.

Bridge the Divide

To create visioning documents through a schematic design of what the park could be at the end of a redevelopment process. Mark Twain Riverfront Park Revitalization

Public Participation

Participation Philosophy, Process & Outcomes In order to ensure that the community begins to utilize Riverfront Park more often, we decided to engage community stakeholders. We thought the best way to engage Elmira would be through a steering committee. Once DesignConnect and the City of Elmira had identified community leaders, Mayor John Tonello invited them to join this steering committee.

Below: The preliminary time line for the community participation process.

When we began working with the steering committee and Elmira residents, we hoped to function as a unit attempting to arrive at consensus about park uses and priorities. Ultimately, we hoped that through asking the community to voice their vision for Riverfront Park that they would see how the plan realized their vision, which would generate a higher sense of community ownership. Each community meeting built upon the previous one. Thus, when we arrived at the conclusion that seemed the most desirable to participants, we could trace back the logic starting at the first meeting. Throughout the two semesters, the steering committee met seven times, discussing goals, objectives and reviewing public meeting results. Our team facilitated three open community participation meetings with the City of Elmira and four additional public presentations. In the first participation meeting we asked community members about their design preferences, park usage activities and program preferences. Then, at the next design charrette we asked groups of participants to design a scaled model of the park utilizing scaled park elements and then describe to other groups their plan. Once we had compiled design charrette information, we could sketch potential park frameworks. We presented these frameworks to Elmira residents and asked them to give opinions about specific elements and program placement. In May 2010, we presented the final design during the Elmira Downtown Cleanup event. In the following pages, we present the results from steering committee meetings and community meetings. Ultimately, the participants shaped the design proposal from the beginning and we believe that the present document accurately reflects their vision.

Qualitative and Quantitative Input

Foundations for public investment

Community Meetings

Community Ownership

Design Charrette

Mark Twain Riverfront Park Revitalization

Community Meeting (1): Action Survey Survey Method

Information was solicited through five different exercises. These exercises include a preservation exercise, an activity preference exercise, a visual preference exercise, a current usage exercise and a short written survey. At the meeting, 32 participants took the complete action survey and students staffed each station to answer questions and take notes on the comments discussed with participants. This information was compiled and analyzed both on the raw values and the percentages of total participants. With 32 respondents we were able to identify trends, but these trends had to be qualified by the fact that the participating population was both older and more highly educated than the average Elmira citizen. We kept the survey open and brought the materials with us to successive meetings to gather more data.

Above: The four posters from the Action Survey. Top Left: Preservation Poster, Top Right: Usage Poster, Bottom Left: Program Poster, Bottom Right: Visual Preference Poster. The following page: Community members and students at the Steele Memorial Library.

Mark Twain Riverfront Park Revitalization

Community Meeting (1) Selected Results Activities Preferences

Below: Selective results based on percentage of sample.

The participants ranked how much they valued certain park related activities. We found that participants clearly preferred walking trails over basketball areas for park recreation opportunities. Next, participants ranked that a riverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s edge promenade was most desirable, while a community center was least desirable for civic spaces. Participants liked festival activities most and memorials the least. Finally, participants liked the idea of river access more than other types of environmental opportunities like community gardens.

Quantitative Written Survey Through the written survey we were able to identify what aspects of the current park design participants liked or disliked, what were the most important problems in the park and what they would like to see preserved within the parkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s future.

Mark Twain Riverfront Park Revitalization

Community Meeting (1) Selected Results Activities Preferences

Below: Selective results based on percentage of sample.

Mark Twain Riverfront Park Revitalization

Visual Preferences

Below: Selective results based on percentage of sample.

In this exercise, the participants ranked how much they liked certain physical and design elements. We found that participants liked the idea of a waterfront park identity, as opposed to a health park. Also, they would like to see a bike path/ greenway, though they did not like a open lawn suggestion. In terms of suggested path types, participants liked riverfront paths as opposed to gravel paths. Finally, participants liked naturalistic plantings, while formal design was not as well-liked. From these visual preference results we could narrow down potential programmatic and design elements for the subsequent design charrette.

Usage Survey

Through the usage survey we were able to verify our assumptions on the circulation and accessibility issues within the park, as well as map access points and gathering places.

Above: Map of all usage survey results overlaid on one another.

Mark Twain Riverfront Park Revitalization

Design Charrette (2): Model Making Charrette Design: The goal of the second meeting was to begin to apply priority and location to different programs within the park. To do so, participants were divided into four teams. Each team was given a 1” = 20’-0” model of the site and a kit of parts. The kit of parts included labeled pieces of all the preferred programs identified in the action survey. Each piece was scaled, so that when participants placed pieces they took up an accurate amount of space on the model. As the 40 participants worked on their models, they had to agree upon both position of each program and program preference due to the lack of space for all possible program elements. After 45 minutes, the teams were asked to nominate a member to present their model to the other teams. At the end of the meeting, a ballot was collected ranking all used programs and placements. The information from each model was diagramed out and overlaid with the other models. Consistent placement of specific programs enabled us to develop the skeleton for the park’s programming. Since there was significant variation, we used this skeleton to generate three different frameworks for the park’s design. Above: Program Pieces & Model The following page: Community team presentation of their model at the Clemens Center.

Mark Twain Riverfront Park Revitalization

Susan Shidawre Paul DiPietro Mike Kenna

Design Charrette (2): Selected Results Chess Area

General Results

Interpretive Water Feature Entrance Plaza

River Trail Greenway New Pathway New Sidewalks Reference plans.Image Some focused Call out

Popularity of Program Elements

Parking Lot

Chess Area

Water Feature

Charrette Results Mark Twain Riverfront

The teams had diverse approaches to their design on creative design elements while others focused on practical details. Eventually, at Plaza/Gathering Space the end, a representative from each team presented their plan to the rest of the Water Feature group. Each person was exposed to at least three community generated design Special Feature options. Though their plans were quite different, we gathered a lot of priorities River Connection from the groups. The majority of groups designed a larger community gathering area, like an amphitheater and also designed a bike/pedestrian path.

Carol Worden Tom Trifoso Bob Briley Lynn Brewer Carole Knowlton Robert Butcher Skip Mills Kaye Newbury

Info. Kiosk

Plaza

Raised Path

Low

26 Regional Trail Access 24 Raised Boardwalk 24 Observation Platform 22 Kayak Access 21 Amphitheater 19 Tree Lined Street

17 Plantings by Fountains 17 Walkway over Clemens Center Highway 16 Chemung Canal Historic Interpretive Area 15 Butterfly Garden 14 Peace Park 11 Poetry Post

8 7 6 4 3

Riverside Greenway

with the generous support of

Entrance Plaza

Parking Lot

Chess Area

Bill Ostrander Andy Avery Bob Harris Zsuzsi Kadar Kevin Wolfe Butch Monroe Donne Tangone Jenny Cole Jim Pfiffer

Amphitheater Plaza

Riverside Greenway

Env. Center

Plaza

Mary Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Leary Susan King Lois Kang Jim Arey Jenn Miller Jason Whong Sam David Gary Wilson Joe Caparulo Mark Williams

Fishing Station

Water Feature

Mark Twain Riverfront Park Revitalization Bill Ostrander Andy Avery Bob Harris Zsuzsi Kadar Kevin Wolfe Butch Monroe Donne Tangone

Environmental Center

Greenway

Water Feature

Amphitheater

Water Feature

Tree Arcade & Continous Sidewalks

Labyrinth

Tree Arcade & Continous Sidewalks

Labyrinth

Environmental Center

Riverside Greenway

Chess Area Market Plaza

Fishing Station

Fishing Pavilion Community Garden Gateway Billboard Parking

Plaza

Water Feature & Lunch Plaza

Carol Worden Tom Trifoso Bob Briley Lynn Brewer Carole Knowlton Robert Butcher Skip Mills Kaye Newbury

Env. Center

Medium

Below: The four models generated during the design charrette. Amphitheater Plaza

Riverside Greenway

High

Market Plaza

Brian Dugan Mary Jane Dugan Mike Mitchell Lee Younge Dennis Younge Susan Shidawre Paul DiPietro Mike Kenna

Amphitheater Plaza

Amphitheater

River Trail Greenway New Pathway New Sidewalks Image Reference Call out Plaza/Gathering Space

Continuous Sidewalks

Park Greenway

Fishing Pavilion

Interpretive Water Feature

Popularity of Program Elements

esults t

g Pavilion

Overlay of All Models & Conclusions Fishing Pavilion

Below: The four models generated in the charrette overlaid and diagramed out for consistent location of program.

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clusions

Conclusions

1) The existing plaza is a prefered choice for a new plaza / amenity space. 2) The corner of Water and Main is a preferred choice for plaza and gathering space (amphitheater, fishing area, etc.). 3) The corner of Main is a clear choice for River Access 4) The majority wanted both Riverside Greenway’s and top of wall paths. 5) Continuous Sidewalks were preferred. 6) The existing topography on the south should be preserved. 7) Kayak pullouts are popular.

Common Areas Common Areas

River Connection River Connection Location Overlap

Location Overlap

g plaza is a prefered choice for a new plaza / amenity space. ofLow Water and Main is a preferred choice for plaza and gathering s 8 Fishing Pavilion s 7 Community Garden area, etc.). theater, fishing 6 Gateway of4 Main Billboard is a clear choice for River Access 1) The existing plaza is a prefered choice for a new plaza / amenity space. 3 Parking y wanted both Riverside Greenway’s and top2)ofThe wallcorner paths.of Water and Main is a preferred choice for plaza and gathering Sidewalks were preferred. space (amphitheater, fishing area, etc.). g topography on the south should be preserved. 3) The corner of Main is a clear choice for River Access uts are popular. 4) The majority wanted both Riverside Greenway’s and top of wall paths. Project Description:

nclusions

Common Areas River Connection Location Overlap

isting plaza is a prefered choice for a new plaza / amenity space. rner of Water and Main is a preferred choice for plaza and gathering mphitheater, fishing area, etc.). rner of Main is a clear choice for River Access ajority wanted both Riverside Greenway’s and top of wall paths. uous Sidewalks were preferred. isting topography on the south should be preserved.

Mark Twain Riverfront Park Revitalization

Redesign and revitalize this dow 5) Continuous Sidewalks were preferred. strip park along the Chemung R require signiﬁcant landscap 6) The existing topography on the south should be preserved. will tecture work, design, parking so 7) Kayak pullouts are popular. www.DesignConnectCornell.com · Cornell University · 440 Kennedy Hall · Ithaca NY · 14850 engineering.

Illustrating Design Frameworks (3) Generating Design Options

Below: Sample illustrations from design options.

With the information gathered from the public participation meeting we were able to generate a skeleton plan with public spaces anchoring Main and Baldwin Streets, a rough path system and some program elements including water features. With this information, we generated three plans. Each plan used a different approach to the park based off of the agreed upon programs. The most conservative plan was the Preservation Framework, which focused primarily on repairing existing site elements and a few choice new interventions. The Formal Framework used modernist ideas with orthogonal geometry to connect site elements. The Naturalistic Framework used the English park style with organic geometry to connect similar programmatic elements. These frameworks were represented through hand drawn plans, perspectives and sections, with precedent called out for each program element. These boards were then used for a dot preference survey and written feedback cards held at the Steele Memorial Library. The 28 participants were mostly different from the previous group who had participated and provided a fresh look at the designs. With their preferences recorded, the final design was developed with the assistance of the Public Services Department and our faculty sponsor. The preferred option that was generated took into account all the community meetings, plus physical and economic constraints on the site. The following three pages show the three frameworks and precedents presented at the meeting.

Mark Twain Riverfront Park Revitalization

Preservation Framework

Framework Reception This was the least popular of the three frameworks. The participants commented consistently that they wanted something more to change; they are tired of the existing park and are looking forward to a place that works better for the community. Elements that were popular included the decorative crosswalks and rain gardens. The elements that were not popular included the mist and rock water feature and bicycle rental station. Mark Twain Riverfront Park Revitalization

Illustrating Design Frameworks (3) (con.) Formal Framework

Framework Reception This was the moderately popular framework. The participants responded well to the orthogonal amphitheater and the jet plaza, but did not like the straight angles of the paths. Popular elements of this design included the pavilion and staircase to the river. Unpopular elements included the bus shelter and observation shelter. Mark Twain Riverfront Park Revitalization

Naturalistic Framework

Framework Reception This was the most popular framework. The participants responded well to the organic path system and the extension of this system into the flood plain. Popular elements of this design included the kayak docking area, the butterfly garden and the Chemung Canal Historic Interpretation rain garden. Unpopular elements included the wet plaza water feature and the revisions to Water Street. Mark Twain Riverfront Park Revitalization

Preferred Option Opportunity for the City

This under-utilized park can be the key for a Main Street revitalization in Elmira. The park is adjacent to new in-fill development, the Chemung River with grade A water quality and trout fishing and civic amenities including the Clemens Center, a regional performing arts center. This park can be a catalyzing agent to facilitate and accelerate the downtown redevelopment. The results of three public participation meetings, including an action survey, a design charrette and a design preference exercise, guided the program, layout and aesthetic of this design.

Design Concept: Bridging the Divide

The Mark Twain Riverfront Redesign envisions the park as part of both the City of Elmira and the Chemung River floodplain. The park becomes an extension of the Chemung River through the provision for physical access for pedestrians, the ecological connection through the creation of rain gardens and the historical connection through the interpretation of the Chemung Canal. The park extends the City with continuous sidewalks, raised crosswalks and tabled intersections on Water Street and two key public gathering places. The first gathering space is an amphitheater which also provides river access. The second is a civic plaza and environmental overlook. The park becomes a bridge for the community to the river, a departure disconnections created by the four existing bridges over the river.

SCHEMATIC DESIGN PHASE

A New Program for the Riverfront Park Program Location

Historic Interpretation Rain Garden

Gateway to Main Street Recreational Lawn New Street Trees

New Raised Crosswalks Butterfly Garden

The new program for the Riverfront Park was developed from the most popular activities as identified by the community.

Gateway to Lake Street

Grade Fills in Pedestrian Underpass

Converted Office Replanted Drumlins into Pavilion Tabled Intersection

Top of Wall River Walk

Fountain Plaza

Event Lawn

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Civic gathering areas are located at the corners of Main and Water and Baldwin and Water Streets respectively. Since Main Street is very active for downtown events, the Amphitheater is located here to support concerts, performances, rallies and community events. Baldwin Street is between the Chemung Canal Trust Bank and Elmira Savings Bank and is a logical site for a flexible plaza with seating for lunch and water jets for play.

Water Street

Bottom of Wall River Walk

Top of Wall River Walk Kayak Docking Area Amphitheater Acoustic Planting Buffer

Bottom of Wall River Walk New At Grade Crosswalks Rain Garden Picnic & Poetry Post Area Promenade Gateway

Program Types

Lunch Plaza

Ramp to River

Cantilever Overlook New Continuous Sidewalks

The participants wanted a naturalistic park with gardens and green spaces as well as areas for civic activities. This design uses the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;outdoor roomsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; created by existing infrastructure to create a sequence of program that responds to site conditions and downtown adjacencies.

Lake Street Pedestrian Bridge

In small spaces, programs that enable ecosystem services and quiet observation are utilized. Active recreation is encouraged on the open lawn and naturalist exploration is enabled with the river walk below the flood wall.

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Main Street District Water Street

Civic Gathering Active Recreation Environmental Gardens Passive Recreation & Observation

Mark Twain Riverfront Park Revitalization

Circulation

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Key Pedestrian Gateway River Access Continuous Sidewalk & Crosswalks on Water Street Top of the Wall River Walk Bottom of the Wall River Walk Major Interior Park Path Minor Interior Park Path

Mark Twain Riverfront Park Revitalization

The park’s new circulation patterns focus on two elements: access & viewshed development. Better access to the park will encourage greater use. To accomplish this, raised crosswalks and tabled intersections create formal entrances to the park. This design also shows Water Street with lanes reduced to minimum standard dimensions, thereby shrinking the amount of asphalt without compromising parallel parking spaces or the number of lanes. This reduces a perceived barrier to pedestrians while slowing traffic. Combined with a continuous sidewalk, Water Street becomes permeable for pedestrians to cross opportunistically. Access to the river is selectively provided on either end of the park. The amphitheater functions as a grand gesture, program and access on the western end of the park while a ramp serves as access on the eastern end. Viewsheds are the focus of the ‘top of wall river walk’ and ‘bottom of wall river walk.’ These views capitalize on the Chemung River’s existing beauty bringing a naturalistic appreciation into the park. 29

Design Recommendations: Riverfront Amphitheater

Program Characteristics: Relative Popularity in Public Meetings: ☻☻☻☻☻ $ $ $ $ $

Construction Possibilities:

Licensed General Contractor Lake S

Regulatory Complexity:

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Very Complex including ACE, NYS DEC & FEMA among others

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Relative Cost:

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Proposed Condition

Existing Condition

The Chemung River is currently separated from downtown by a large flood wall. It is impossible to access the river at any point along the park’s length.

The proposed amphitheater solves this problem by providing access down to the river. It also creates a much needed and desired outdoor performance space for Elmira. The amphitheater is intended to become an downtown icon and popular gathering space for Elmira’s residents and potential visitors. Mark Twain Riverfront Park Revitalization 30

Riverfront Amphitheater: Hardscape Recommendations Amphitheater Hardscape Plan

Amphitheater Illustrative Plan

Amphitheater Details Cut and Fill

New Flood Wall

Gateway

Old Flood Wall Bluestone on Concrete Path Overlook

Landings

Ramp & Seating

Stage / Sun Deck

Constructing River Access The construction of the amphitheater necessitates manipulation of the flood wall, which will require ACE and DEC compliance and permitting. After multiple interviews with local DEC officials, it is clear that this project is possible, as long as the net flood volume and wall height remain constant. Projects have been built with similar principles in Binghamton on the Susquehanna River and Ithaca on Six Mile Creek. With this in mind, the amphitheater bumps the top of the wall into riverfront park while extending into the flood plain. The top of wall is maintained and graded from Water Street at a 5% slope. The cut and fill must be balanced so that the river has the same designed flood space available. This has been overcompensated for in this particular design. The flood pipe adjacent to the wall must also be covered by 3 feet of soil. This is possible with the current design. The amphitheater includes a ramp built into the 18â&#x20AC;? high terraces to provide ADA access to the river as well. Focusing the audienceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s attention on the stage enables the Chemung River to be a charismatic backdrop for any outdoor event. Mark Twain Riverfront Park Revitalization

Integrated Ramps

Model: Stepping from city grade to flood plain grade

Riverfront Amphitheater: Planting Recommendations Amphitheater Illustrative Planting Plan

A ‘Green’ Gateway To construct the amphitheater, this area of the park will require regrading to create necessary topography and remove existing water features. As such, much of the existing vegetation will have to be removed and replaced after regrading and construction are completed. The new planting scheme devised for the Riverfront Amphitheater serves to meet a dual purpose. First, the area functions as a gateway signaling entrance into Mark Twain Riverfront Park. Plants are selected to create a multi-layered vegetative structure, mimicking that of a typical forest community. In doing so, the planing plan allows for the area’s secondary function while seamlessly flowing into the vegetative structure of the Recreational Lawn. The area’s secondary function is as a protective frame and main path to and from the amphitheater. Plantings to the west are intentionally denser and more evergreen the most other areas to help attenuate noise created by traffic on the bridge. Such naturalistic plantings are abstracted into the formal plantings of the amphitheater’s fore court before fading away along the newly constructed trail leading into the Recreational Lawn. Mark Twain Riverfront Park Revitalization

Amphitheater Technical Plant Layout

Selected Plant List Trees: Acer x freemanii ‘Autumn Fantasy’ Betula populifolia ‘Whitespire’ Cercis canadensis ‘Forest Pansy’ Cornus mas Quercus rubra Ulmus x ‘Frontier’ Shrubs: Aesculus parviflora Hydrangea quercifolia Ilex glabra ‘Densa’ Physocarpus opulioflius ‘Center Glow’ Spiraea japonica ‘Macrophylla’ Thuja occidentalis ‘Nigra’ Forbs: Panicum virgatum ‘Cloud Nine’ Panicum virgatum ‘Rotstrahlbusch’ Schizachyrium scoparium ‘The Blues’

Autumn Fantasy Maple Whitespire Birch Forest Pansy Redbud Corneliancherry Dogwood Red Oak Frontier Hybrid Elm Bottlebrush Buckeye Oakleaf Hydrangea Densa Compact Inkberry Center Glow Ninebark Macrophylla Spirea Dark Green Arborvitae Cloud Nine Switch Grass Rotstrahlbusch Switch Grass The Blues Little Bluestem 32

Design Recommendations: River Trail

Program Characteristics: $

Construction Possibilities:

Public Services Department

Regulatory Complexity:

Mildly Complex with NYS DEC

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Water Street

Proposed Condition Existing Condition

The Chemung River has a grade A water quality classification from the DEC and supports a diverse biological community. Currently, many citizens of Elmira climb over the wall on the south side of the river or drive out of downtown crossing the levy to fish or walk along the river. The Chemung River is an unrealized natural asset for the City of Elmira. The city was created because of the Chemung River and Canal’s ability to provide transportation from Pennsylvania to the Erie Canal. The Chemung River can also catalyze the redevelopment of downtown by providing a beautiful natural asset for recreation and wildlife observation. Mark Twain Riverfront Park Revitalization

River Trail: Hardscape Recommendations River Trail Hardscape Plan

Trail Design The construction of the River Trail is one of the simpler hardscape recommendations for the Riverfront Redevelopment and can happen in anticipation of the physical connectivity provided by the River Amphitheater. If the trail is built ahead of time, it should be connected on the east end of Elmira at the Farmersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Market where the levy enables pedestrian access.

Methods for resin bonded aggregate decorative surfacing

The trail is recommended to be primarily built on the current access road below the flood wall. The trail itself should be built out of a material that will be resistant to the violent erosion that can happen during spring floods. Since the path surface will also be within the flood plane, the use of impervious surface may be frowned upon by the DEC. If more traditional materials are ruled out, we suggest the path be constructed with a porous epoxy / gravel mixture. Through the use of uniform 1a gravel and epoxy, a strong compactible surface can be built to support maintenance vehicles. The color of the aggregate can also be selected to add interest to the path. More information of resin based paths can be found at: http://www. pavingexpert.com/resin.htm. Mark Twain Riverfront Park Revitalization

River Trail: Planting Recommendations River Trail Illustrative Planting Plan

Mark Twain Riverfront Park Revitalization

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The proposed planting plan for the River Trail aims to reestablish a riparian plant community that is ecologically appropriate while able to withstand necessary maintenance work and seasonal high and low flows of the river. The plan specifies the planting of rooting cuttings in a 10’ swath on either side of the trail. These cuttings should be planted on 3’ centers within the 10’ swaths. Once these cuttings are in place, a riparian seed mix specifically designed for this region, can be seeded over the entire riparian area. Once every two years, the herbaceous areas can be mowed to minimize succession to a woody plant community and the rooting cutting swaths can be coppiced to maintain the plants at smaller statures allowing river views to remain open.

Street

Existing plant material along the Chemung River is composed of both native and invasive species. One such plant, Fallopia japonica syn. Polygonum cuspidatum / Reynoutria japonica (Japanese Knotweed) is known for its ability to spread quickly, forming dense thickets that exclude native vegetation and greatly alter natural ecosystems. Japanese Knotweed poses a significant threat to riparian areas where it can survive floods and rapidly colonize shores and islands. The plant is extremely persistent and needs to be controlled prior to installing new plant materials. (http://www.nps.gov/plants/alien/fact/faja1.htm)

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Restoring a Riparian Plant Community

Water Street

Selected Plant List Shrubs: Cornus amomum Cornus sericea (stolonifera) Salix alba ‘Britensis’ Salix sericea Salix purpurea Salix exigua ssp. interior

Silky Dogwood Red Osier Dogwood Coral Bark Willow Silky Willow Streamco Willow Sandbar Willow

Seed Mixes: A number of seed companies offer seed mixes specifically designed for Riparian Zones. However, most companies will create a ‘specialized’ mix based on any number of factors. A suggested mix that would be appropriate for the River Trail is the Riparian Buffer Mix (ERNMX-178) offered by Ernst Conservation Seeds (www.ernstseed.com). A second company that offers similar mixes is Prairie Moon Nursery (www.prairiemoon.com). Prairie Moon offers one mix titled, Detention Basin Mix (#DET) which may be appropriate along the River Trail. Either company should be contacted to review pre-designed seed mixes for appropriateness in Elmira and if necessary a custom mix should be designed. 35

Design Recommendations: Recreational Lawn Area

Program Characteristics: Relative Popularity in Public Meetings: â&#x2DC;ť

Regulatory Complexity:

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Public Services Department Certified Arborist Not complex: requires the demolition of existing hardscape and some tree removal

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Relative Cost:

Water Street

Proposed Condition

Existing Condition

Much of the park is currently inaccessible due to an artificial stream water feature that weaves through the site. As a result, there are no open areas large enough to enable informal sports, such as catch, frisbee or pickup games of soccer.

Since the water feature has degraded beyond repair and is the highest maintenance item in the park, we suggest that it be replaced with a recreational turf area. This will encourage more activity in the park and create an amenity for the residential in-fill proposed for the North side of Water Street.

Mark Twain Riverfront Park Revitalization

Recreational Lawn Area: Hardscape Recommendations Recreational Lawn Illustrative Plan

Recreational Lawn Hardscape Plan

Sidewalk along Water Street

Above Wall River Walk

Hardscape Recommendations

The bricks used on the parkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s current pathways require a significant amount of maintenance. Weeds, traffic and erosion push the bricks out of alignment and there are not enough maintenance hours available to mitigate this problem. Over time this has resulted in the creation of costly tripping hazards throughout the park. We propose swept concrete paths with a soldier course of granite on both sides of the path to provide an aesthetic edge as well as protect the path from damage from mowers and other maintenance equipment.

Concrete with Granite Sailor Course

Existing Conditions

Mark Twain Riverfront Park Revitalization

Recreational Lawn Area: Planting Recommendations Recreational Lawn Illustrative Planting Plan

‘Framed’ Activity As with the River Amphitheater planting scheme, the Recreational Lawn depends on the removal of existing water features and regrading to accommodate the area’s new purpose. The new planting scheme for the area strives to quickly reestablish shade tree canopies while continuing the multilayered planting concept of the amphitheater. Plant selections for this area are based on a number of factors. Plantings closer to Water Street receive less sunlight than those facing the lawn. Shade tolerant species were utilized along Water Street while more colorful, sun-loving species were integrated along the lawn’s edge. A sequence of bloom periods beginning in early spring and lasting through late summer with a mosaic of fall foliage colors gives the Recreational Lawn a dynamic energy appropriate for an active space. Also important is the heights of plants and the framing of views. Openings and breaks in the multi-layered structure of the plantings allows for easy views to the lawn from Water Street while heights scale down towards the river to enhance viewsheds of the Chemung River and the wildlife it supports. Mark Twain Riverfront Park Revitalization

Recreational Lawn Technical Plant Layout

Selected Plant List Trees: Amelanchier laevis Allegheny Serviceberry Cercis canadensis Eastern Redbud Cornus mas Corneliancherry Dogwood Hamamelis virginiana Common Witchhazel Liriodendron tulipifera Tuliptree Maclura pomifera ‘Whiteshield’ Whiteshield Osage Orange Ulmus americana ‘Valley Forge’ Valley Forge American Elm Shrubs: Callicarpa dichotoma ‘Early Amethyst’ Early Amethyst Beautyberry Calycanthus floridus Sweetshrub Deutzia gracilis ‘Chardonnay Pearls’ Chardonnay Pearls Deutzia Hydrangea quercifolia ctvrs. Oakleaf Hydrangea cultivars Spiraea nipponica ‘White Carpet’ White Carpet Spirea Wigela florida ctvrs. Wigela cultivars Forbs: Panicum virgatum ‘Cloud Nine’ Cloud Nine Switch Grass Panicum virgatum ‘Rotstrahlbusch’ Rotstrahlbusch Switch Grass Schizachyrium scoparium ‘The Blues’ The Blues Little Bluestem 38

Design Recommendations: The Butterfly Garden

Program Characteristics: Relative Popularity in Public Meetings: ☻☻☻ Elementary School, Community Group, Master Gardeners Group

Regulatory Complexity:

None

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The area adjacent to the Railroad Viaduct is a challenging space. Underneath the viaduct is a lost space that is fenced off while passing trains are extremely noisy. The are also continues more acidic soils. These conditions are not optimal for many uses, however, they would support the plantings associated with butterfly gardens, one of the more popular programs defined by the community.

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Existing Condition

Relative Cost:

Water Street

Proposed Condition

Butterfly gardens are a great opportunity to create habitat in urban areas. Plants can be chosen that attract butterflies and are able to survive under great stress. Butterfly gardens can be either high or low maintenance, depending on the species selected. We are recommending a low maintenance mix that will only require occasional weeding and be cut back once a year. These tasks could be tied to an educational component in a local school, creating community investment in the care of the redeveloped Riverfront Park.

Mark Twain Riverfront Park Revitalization

Butterfly Garden: Hardscape Recommendations Butterfly Garden Illustrative Plan

Butterfly Garden Hardscape Plan

Stamped Concrete Gateway to the Promenade Project

Stone Dust Path

Hardscape Recommendations To explore the butterfly garden, we suggest a smaller scale, informal stone dust Stone Dust Path path. This path may require occasional maintenance through the addition of more stone dust, but otherwise will be easily maintained by the Public Services Department. A small winding path will engender a sense of seclusion next to the Railroad Viaduct. This will encourage children to explore the plants and butterflies found in the garden. The path could terminate at the Railroad Viaduct itself, connecting to the promenade project currently underway. When finished, the Stamped Concrete promenade project will connect the Riverfront Park to the Clemens Center thus creating a pedestrian friendly environment for patrons of the theater to walk to Water Street after a show to a cafe or for a stroll in the park. We recommend stamped concrete for the hardscape under the viaduct as a way to indicate the destination at the park as well as mitigate cost / maintenance associated with paver plazas. Mark Twain Riverfront Park Revitalization

Butterfly Garden: Planting Recommendations Butterfly Garden Illustrative Planting Plan

Habitat and Oasis

Butterfly Garden Technical Plant Layout

Selected Plant List Trees: Aralia spinosa Nyssa sylvatica ‘Wildfire’ Shrubs: Cornus racemosa Cornus sanguinea ‘Midwinter Fire’ Lindera benzoin Morella pensylvatica Viburnum x carlesii ‘Cayuga’ From a list of plant species known for their importance to butterfly species, Sambucus nigra ‘Black Beauty’ plants are selected to meet regional and local conditions. The mixture of species Forbs: Amsonia x ‘Blue Ice’ provides habitat and food sources to both life stages of butterflies; the actual Asclepias sp. winged creature and caterpillars. By doing this, the garden holds the possibility Babtisia ‘Midnight’ of becoming a habitat area instead of just a feeding ground. For example, Monarch Butterfly caterpillars require plants in the genus Asclepias to feed on Echinacea Big Sky™ cltvrs. prior to maturing. The matured Monarch Butterflies then feed on the nectar Eupatorium dubium ‘Little Joe’ Lillium canadense of the same genus and many others. A majority of the forb species in this garden are installed as plugs making this garden a perfect opportunity to involve Symphyotrichum sp. student and community groups during the installation process. The planting scheme for the Butterfly Garden is the first in which an existing, mature tree is preserved from the park’s original planting plan, becoming the garden’s organizing feature. A Quercus palustris (Pin Oak) has matured beautifully over the past 30 years, resulting in a highly valuable canopy tree from an extremely slow growing species.

Mark Twain Riverfront Park Revitalization

Devil’s Walkingstick Wildfire Blackgum Gray Dogwood Redtwig Dogwood Spicebush Bayberry Cayuga Viburnum Black Beauty Elderberry Blue Star Milkweed species Midnight Prairieblues False Indigo Big Sky Coneflower cultivars Joe Pye Weed Canada Lily Aster species 41

Design Recommendations: Rain & Poetry Garden

Program Characteristics: Relative Popularity in Public Meetings: â&#x2DC;ťâ&#x2DC;ť Public Services Department + Master Gardeners Group

Regulatory Complexity:

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The space between the Clemens Center Parkway and the Railroad Viaduct is currently lost space. With a lack of anchors in the urban landscape and the separation of this are of the park, we recommend providing an ecological program in this space in order to create a utility in addition to passive recreation.

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Existing

Relative Cost:

Water Street

Proposed Condition

Since the site is adjacent to the future promenade project, we suggest the construction of a rain garden and a number of poetry posts to bring ecological functionality to the area while supporting local writers. Mark Twain Riverfront Park Revitalization 42

Rain & Poetry Garden: Hardscape Recommendations Rain & Poetry Illustrative Plan

Recreational Lawn Hardscape Plan

Stone Dust Path

Grade against wall

Grading Recommendations For this garden we recommend a stone dust path in the same manner as the butterfly garden.

Pedestrian Underpass Below Clemens Center Parkway

The most significant change in this area is grading. Currently there is an underpass below the Clemens Center parkway. Citizens indicated a discomfort with this space in all three community participation events. The space accumulates trash & graffiti and is periodically used as an informal shelter. Even though the City of Elmira invested in lighting, the underpass remains undesirable. We suggest that the grade be raised to the height of the wall using cut soil removed when forming the infiltration basins for the two rain gardens. The crossing would then take place at street level through a raised crosswalk or tabled intersection at the corner of Clemens Center Parkway and Water Street. A surface mounted handrail will be required on the top of the wall, however, this regrading creates new river views. Mark Twain Riverfront Park Revitalization

Rain & Poetry Garden: Planting Recommendations Rain & Poetry Garden Illustrative Planting Plan

Rain & Poetry Garden Technical Plant Layout

Stormwater as Artistic Expression

Selected Plant List

The Rain & Poetry Garden is a second garden in which existing trees are preserved. Two Quercus rubra (Red Oak) near the railroad bridge should be preserved to create the a ‘Poetry Picnic Grove’ outside the main garden. The rain garden planting scheme utilizes a slightly different plant palette than previous gardens. In a rain garden, species must be adapted to both wet and dry conditions as water levels within the system fluctuate depending on weather patterns. Species selected can deal with such conditions while offering four season interest (as the system will function year round). Additionally, as with the Butterfly Garden, the Rain Garden provides an opportunity to teach park visitors about stormwater and how it can be utilized as a resource in garden settings. Forb species are again planted as plugs making this garden another opportunity for youth and community involvement in planting the garden and maintaining it through the future.

Mark Twain Riverfront Park Revitalization

Trees: Betula nigra ‘Heritage’ Nyssa sylvatica ‘Wildfire’ Taxodium distichum ‘Shawnee Brave’ Shrubs: Cornus racemosa Cornus sanguinea ‘Midwinter Fire’ Clethra alnifolia ‘Ruby Spice’ Salix integra ‘Hakuro-Nishiki’ Salix purpurea ‘Nana’ Forbs: Asclepias syriaca Echinacea Big Sky™ cltvrs. Eupatorium dubium ‘Little Joe’ Iris versicolor Liatris spicata Osmunda cinnamomea Osmunda regalis var. spectabilis Symphyotrichum sp.

Heritage River Birch Wildfire Blackgum Shawnee Brave Bald Cypress Gray Dogwood Redtwig Dogwood Ruby Spice Summersweet Clethra Nishiki Willow Dwarf Arctic Willow Common Milkweed Big Sky Coneflower cultivars Joe Pye Weed Blue Flag Iris Spike Gayfeather Cinnamon Fern Royal Fern Aster species 44

Design Recommendations: Rain Garden & Picnic Area

Program Characteristics: Relative Popularity in Public Meetings: ☻☻ Public Services Department + Master Gardeners Group

Regulatory Complexity:

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Relative Cost:

Water Street

Proposed Condition

Existing Condition

Currently, the park has no at grade pedestrian crossings at the intersection of Clemens Center Parkway and Water Street. Through the use of a traffic bump out and sidewalk, way finding legibility can be significantly improved. There is also an opportunity for a rain garden due to the cut required for the fill against the bridge.

Mark Twain Riverfront Park Revitalization

The Clemens Center Parkway follows the original footprint of the Chemung Canal, built in 1833 and filled in 1878. Although the canal functioned for only 45 years, it enabled Elmira to grow from a small village into a city, which peaked in 1950 at about 50,000 people. Today, with roughly 31,000 people, Elmira is revisiting it’s history to bolster the city’s identity. We suggest a canal interpretation area, with a rain garden evoking canal locks formerly adjacent to this site. 45

Rain Garden & Picnic Area: Hardscape Recommendations Rain Garden & Picnic Area Illustrative Plan

Rain Garden & Picnic Area Hardscape Plan

Curb bump out

Existing rotary statue

Existing pump station

Concrete with granite soldier course path

Hardscape Recommendations At the corner of Clemens Center Parkway and Water Street, we suggest a sidewalk bump out as a traffic calming device. This will help make the intersection more pedestrian friendly through traffic dampening, while making parallel parking more legible. Within the rain garden we recommend the reuse of granite taken from the existing water plaza at the intersection of Baldwin and Water Streets.

Curb Bump Out

Salvaged Stone in Rain Garden

The architectural salvage process for the granite pieces would be a simple excavation using a bobcat or excavator. For reuse in the rain garden, the more time consuming process of stripping mortar would not be necessary, the stone may be laid mortar down on tamped crusher run. Mark Twain Riverfront Park Revitalization

Rain Garden & Picnic Area: Planting Recommendations Rain Garden & Picnic Area Illustrative Planting Plan

Rain Garden & Picnic Area Technical Plant Layout

‘Functioning’ Abstract History

Selected Plant List

Trees: Betula nigra ‘Heritage’ Chamaecyparis nootkatensis ‘Pendula’ Gymnocladus dioicus Nyssa sylvatica ‘Wildfire’ Quercus bicolor Taxodium distichum ‘Shawnee Brave’ Shrubs: Clethra alnifolia ‘Ruby Spice’ Deutzia gracilis ‘Nikko’ Juniperus virginiana ‘Grey Owl’ Microbiota decussata The second purpose of this area is to serve as a transition into the Citizen’s Plaza Spiraea nipponica ‘White Carpet’ with a slightly different plant palette than the western half of the park. This Viburnum carlesii ‘Cayuga’ new language, which also helps create a picnic area for the new pavilion, is a Viburnum x rhytidophylloides ‘Allegheny’ more calm and reserved language (with respect to color) carrying through to the Drumlins Area to the park’s terminus. Plant species, especially shrubs were Forbs: Andropogon gerardii chosen for their more majestic stature to bring importance to the Plaza and Deschampsia flexuosa Drumlins Area where many older, existing trees are preserved. The planting scheme for this area again serves a dual purpose. The first purpose is a second rain garden. This rain garden is designed to be an abstract reference to the original Chemung Canal. Stone weirs represent locks over which stormwater collected from Water Street will flow over to a final collection pool. The plant selections for this area take on an ‘evergreen’ nature speaking to the timelessness of the canal and its importance to Elmira’s history. A few plant species carry over from the first rain garden to create continuity across the Clemens Center Parkway.

Mark Twain Riverfront Park Revitalization

Heritage River Birch Weeping Nootka False Cypress Kentucky Coffeetree Wildfire Blackgum Swamp White Oak Shawnee Brave Bald Cypress Ruby Spice Summersweet Clethra Dwarf Nikko Deutzia Grey Owl Juniper Siberian Cypress White Carpet Spirea Cayuga Viburnum Allegheny Viburnum

Big Bluestem Wavy Hair Grass

Design Recommendations: The Citizen’s Plaza

Existing Condition

The program for the existing plaza combines seating with a large water feature. These programs are popular and through the community participation process it was revealed that the citizens of Elmira see this space as a urban, civic space.

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Water Street

Proposed Condition

We suggest a simplification of the high maintenance degraded water feature into a jet plaza, simple detached chairs and tables for a gathering & eating space and the conversion of the existing law office into a public pavilion. In addition, we suggest an environmental overlook adjacent to the plaza, so that this civic space is also connected to the Chemung River.

Mark Twain Riverfront Park Revitalization

The Citizen’s Plaza: Pavilion Pavilion Illustrative Plan

Pavilion Hardscape Plan

Refurbishment Recommendations The existing private commercial building at the intersection of Baldwin and Water Streets presents a unique challenge and opportunity. The building’s current configuration creates a barrier between two areas of the park, both physically and visually. Yet, the building’s unique construction provides an exciting opportunity for adaptive reuse as a public pavilion. The building is of simple post and beam construction with a tongue and groove wood ceiling and no exterior or interior load bearing walls. By simply removing the outside walls, the building can be converted to a beautiful open pavilion. This opportunity makes the purchase of the building serve multiple purposes. Not only is a significant barrier removed from the park, but a beautiful new gathering space is gained.

Mark Twain Riverfront Park Revitalization

Reuse of Office Structure

Reconnecting the Plaza to the Park

The Citizenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Plaza: Seating Plaza Seating Area Illustrative Plan

Seating Area Hardscape Plan

Refurbishment Recommendations The plaza was once a popular destination for gathering and lunch. Since the fountain has degraded, the space has been used less and less by the over 1,000 employees within a 5 minute walking radius.

Envisioned Movable Furniture

Reconnecting the Plaza to the Park

According to William Whiteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s research, simple movable chairs and tables are the most effective furnishings for public gathering places. We encourage the city to program less constructed landscape in the plaza and invest in simple movable chairs and tables that enable the user to move the items and therefore claim their space. Also integral to the refurbished plaza is a row of trees planted in structural soil and surrounded by porous pavers. These trees define and separate the space from the adjacent jet plaza.

Mark Twain Riverfront Park Revitalization

The Citizenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Plaza: Environmental Overlook Environmental Overlook Illustrative Plan

Environmental Overlook Hardscape Plan

Motivation for Construction

Reconnecting the Plaza to the Park

The location of the plaza overlooks part of the key migratory waterfowl habitat along the Chemung River. Through talks with local wildlife experts, we concluded this site is the preferred option to celebrate the observation of wildlife. The construction of the cantilever deck would require a steel support to extend far enough beyond the wall to make the observes feel the sense of suspension above the flood plain. As long as the structure was free of potential snags below the top of wall and does not damage the wall, it will comply with ACE regulations. We recommend locally grown and harvested black locust or certified sustainably harvested Ipe for the decking. Black locust is an extremely resilient wood, both rot and pest resistant. Ipe is a fast growing hardwood similar to teak grown in Brazil on plantations, but requires a large carbon footprint in shipping expenditures.

Mark Twain Riverfront Park Revitalization

The Citizenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Plaza: Play Fountain Play Fountain Illustrative Plan

Play Fountain Hardscape Plan Envisioned Jet Fountain

A Water Feature Intended for Play

Reconnecting the Plaza to the Park

Jet fountains were the preferred water feature chosen by community participants. Jet fountains are designed to enable children to play in them, using a water treatment system that varies per product. When the season no longer supports active play in the water feature, the fountain can serve an aesthetic function or be turned off and the adjacent gathering plaza can claim the fountainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s space. On hot summer days this feature would be very successful in gathering the public and creating community. Already children use the existing fountain for play, regardless of potential water contaminants. This energy and excitement can be channeled into a legitimate venue with the appropriate equipment.

Mark Twain Riverfront Park Revitalization

The Citizen’s Plaza: Planting Recommendations The Citizen’s Plaza Illustrative Planting Plan

The Citizen’s Plaza Technical Plant Layout

Civic Identity & Transition

Selected Plant List

Trees: Acer x freemanii ‘Autumn Fantasy’ Autumn Fantasy Maple Betula populifolia ‘Whitespire’ Whitespire Birch Cercis canadensis ‘Forest Pansy’ Forest Pansy Redbud Liriodendron tulipifera Tuliptree Hamamelis virginiana Common Witchhazel Shrubs: Deutzia gracilis ‘Nikko’ Dwarf Nikko Deutzia Itea virginica ‘Henry’s Garnet’ Henry’s Garnet Virginia Sweetspire Morella pensylvanica Bayberry Plant selections here continue the reserved nature (with respect to color) that Salix integra ‘Hakuro-Nishiki’ Nishiki Willow began in the Rain Garden & Picnic Area. Heights scale down moving towards Spiraea nipponica ‘White Carpet’ White Carpet Spirea the river to enhance open expanse views from the river overlook. Plants in Forbs: Andropogon gerardii Big Bluestem Panicum virgatum ‘Rotstrahlbusch’ Rotstrahlbusch Switch Grass this area were also selected to withstand full sun and drier conditions with increased re-radiated heat coming from the plaza’s hardscape surfaces. Schizachrium scoparium ‘The Blues’ The Blues Little Bluestem The People’s Plaza is the most important formal area within the park, second to the fore court of the River Amphitheater. The planting scheme for the plaza, mimics that of the Amphitheater in form and species selection, attempting to sync the visual character and feelings of both spaces. Trees within the plaza serve to screen a quiet lunch area from the water jet fountain and the rest of the area. Transitional plantings continue from the Rain Garden & Picnic area leading visually into the Drumlins area.

Mark Twain Riverfront Park Revitalization

Design Recommendations: The Drumlins

Regulatory Complexity:

None

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Program Characteristics:

Water Street

Proposed Condition

Existing Condition

In our preservation exercises with the community, there were two features identified as important for preservation. One is the Rotary Statue and the other is the small hills, or drumlins, on the east end of the park. There the trees planted in 1975 have matured and created a closed canopy while the hardscape and benches have degraded beyond repair.

In the redevelopment plan the drumlins and most of the existing trees are preserved. We recommend material upgrades to the paths, an extension of the continuous roadside sidewalk and the planting of low growing shrubs and ground covers as an alternative to turf to reduce maintenance costs from string-lining the steep grades.

Mark Twain Riverfront Park Revitalization

The Drumlins: Planting Recommendations The Drumlins Illustrative Planting Plan

The Drumlins Technical Plant Layout

Preserving Vegetative Legacy

Selected Plant List

The Drumlins area contains the majority of mature trees that should be evaluated by a licensed arborist for health and preservation. A number of trees have been selected for preservation solely by a visual health inspection by the DesignConnect team. However, more trees may be preserved if deemed heathy by the arborist. The planting scheme for this area enhances the existing canopy structure with a diversity of new tree species (continuing the build on those used in the Recreational Lawn area). Understory plantings are added in areas away from preserved trees. Views from the drumlins out over the wall and to the river beyond are opened through the removal of declining specimens near the wall. Plants are dense to re-create the forested feel of this area as it was originally intended.

Mark Twain Riverfront Park Revitalization

Trees: Acer x freemanii ‘Autumn Fantasy’ Autumn Fantasy Maple Amelanchier laevis Allegheny Serviceberry Cornus mas Corneliancherry Dogwood Celtis occidentalis Common Hackberry Maclura pomifera ‘Whiteshield’ Whiteshield Osage Orange Quercus rubra Red Oak Ulmus x ‘Frontier’ Frontier Hybrid Elm Shrubs: Callicarpa dichotoma ‘Early Amethyst’ Early Amethyst Beautyberry Calycanthus floridus Sweetshrub Deutzia gracilis ‘Nikko’ Nikko Dwarf Deutzia Hydrangea quercifolia cltvrs. Oakleaf Hydrangea cultivars Ilex glabra ‘Densa’ Densa Compact Inkberry Spiraea sp. cltvrs. Spirea species, cultivars Wigela florida cltvrs. Wigela cultivars Viburnum carlesii ‘Cayuga’ Cayuga Virburnum Viburnum x rhytidophylloides ‘Allegheny’ Allegheny Viburnum 55

Conclusion and Vision We, the DesignConnect student team, are very grateful for the opportunity to develop this revitalization proposal. Through our qualitative and quantitative participatory research process, we hope that this proposal reflects Elmiraâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s unique character and will ultimately achieve the three main intentions of the revitalization. The riverfront access points and the riverfront trail will help bridge the divide between the Chemung River and downtown. Main activity points, like the amphitheater, will help catalyze downtown Elmira by bringing live performances to the area. Finally, a combination of the proposed park elements (amphitheater, pavilion, overlook, trail system) together will activate the waterfront as Elmira residents can both interact with the river from a distance or at the riverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s edge. These pages show a future vision for Mark Twain Riverfront Park, as communicated to us by the citizens of Elmira.

Mark Twain Riverfront Park Revitalization

Appendix I: Cost Estimate

Estimated Cost (000's)

Program Budget costs for the project were developed through consultation with Streeter Associates and are represented in todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s costs. Estimated costs were developed based on conceptual plans and discussions with Don Rottmann of Streeter Associates. Due to the highly conceptual level of plans and the current stage of design development, a 20% contingency was applied for items that have not yet been detailed in the plans. The costs have been provided to provide an order of magnitude feeling for a project budget. Based on the cost study the project budget is suggested at $5.6 million.

Demolition and Clearing 475 General Site work (Landscaping, paths, etc) East of Clemens Center Parkway

600

West of Clemens Center Parkway Pavilion Construction from existing Building

700

Pavilion Patio and Observation Deck

445

New Amphitheater

1,200

Access to River at East end

290

Path at River bed and Kayak tie up

280

Contingency @ 20%

934

680

Suggested Project Budget: 5,604

Mark Twain Riverfront Park Revitalization

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Appendix II: Complete Plant List Please see Tree, Shrub & Herbaceous Technical Planting Plans for intended layouts.

Mark Twain Riverfront Park Revitalization

General Turf Recommendations Managed Turf Areas In areas of higher use, specifically the open lawn area to the west of the rail viaduct and the picnic area adjacent to the pavillion, we would recommend seeding a mix of tall fescue (Festuca) and Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis). Tall fescue is a drought and shade tolerant grass with good wear. There are improved cultivars that allow for denser stands and mix well with Kentucky bluegrass. Kentucky bluegrass is most commonly used for athletic fields and lawns. It is slow to establish but extremely tolerant. These two species together will provide for a wear tolerant stand perfect for the passive lawn area and picnic areas in the park. Maintenance of the managed areas would be similar to the current regime for the park. Regular mowing every couple weeks would be necessary. Please keep any intense use off the area in the first year of growth. Damage during this period may result in the death of the grass. Irrigation in the summer months only is recommended, but not necessary. Low-Mow Turf Areas In the other areas specified as turf, we are recommending a low-mow maintenance regime. This requires maintenance staff to observe areas of the park that are not used regularly. In these areas tall fescue should be planted and mowed only twice a year during the growing season.

Mark Twain Riverfront Park Revitalization