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.

5th Avenue

EXISTING: This image shows existing conditions along 5th Avenue from the parking area of the Russell County Courthouse. This view shows large expanses of pavement, limited shade, and vacant buildings.

PROPOSED: Creating bump-outs and planting beds in existing parking areas could make downtown Phenix City more attractive and accessible for pedestrians. The bump-outs shown reduce pedestrian crossing distances and make exploring the area on foot safer. This image shows formalized on-street parking and sidewalks extended along 5th Avenue, connecting the growing area around the 14th Street pedestrian bridge with points north. The rendering shows the addition of a multistory, mixed-use infill development. A development like this could bring housing or other Troy University programming to the area.

Existing

Trail Map

Proposed

This conceptual plan view shows the extension of the existing trails in Phenix City. From the Phenix City Amphitheater, this concept shows trails extended southward to the future replacement of Oglethorpe Bridge. Incorporating bike lanes on the future bridge would further connect the Phenix City and Columbus trail networks. Near the intersection with the bridge, an expanse of attractive publicly-owned property offers the opportunity for a public park and infill development complex. This concept also shows a bike lane extended northward along Broad Street to connect future development along the corridor with the heart of Phenix City.