VISION FOR PHENIX CITY and for Russell County

In addition to being located in a different state, Russell County and Phenix City, Alabama, are unique when compared to other communities engaged in this project. With almost 60,000 residents, Phenix City–Russell County is several times larger in population than any other community involved in this project, though it is still far from being “urban.” Unlike some of its more rural neighbors, this area is growing. Instead of searching for a vision for how the community can spark economic development, development is already happening in Russell County and Phenix City. Nonetheless, the area faces the challenge of how to direct and manage that development so that it supports the long-term resilience and sustainability of the community and its largest employer, Fort Moore. Despite differences, the development strategy that emerged from the input and discussions with this community follows the models conceived by the other communities: focus on downtown, promote outdoor recreation, and build on local arts and culture to promote quality of life and foster tourism. The projects proposed seek to bring people into downtown by enhancing existing attractions, developing new ones, fostering new development, and building on existing partnerships like the one with Troy University.

This plan for 5th Avenue in Phenix City shows attractive streetscaping extended down the corridor from the downtown parking garage. This concept formalizes on-street parking, extends continuous sidewalks down 5th Avenue, marks potential locations for street trees, and highlights potential redevelopment sites.

Straightening 15th Street creates the potential for a multistory mixed-use development or housing for Troy University students.