HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-10-24 Public Comment - B. MacFawn - Bozeman YardFrom:Beth MacFawn
To:Bozeman Public CommentSubject:[EXTERNAL]Bozeman Yard
Date:Tuesday, December 10, 2024 10:17:10 AMAttachments:Bozeman+FINAL+Report+4.24.17_optimized.pdf
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Hello Commissioners,I am attaching the link to the Bozeman R/Dat final report. As you will see, there was then as there is now, concern of gentrification and the change of affordabilitythat comes with that.The NE area of town has always been the part of town with the most affordable housing.With the TIF district, it is becoming a place for luxury apartments, while displacing the people who made it the desirable place to live that it is today.Please read the report and vote against both approving the TIF funding, as well as the scale of this developement. Having only (2) “affordable” units in this $65million project is appalling.Does this project fit the Scale? Character? Fitting with the neighbourhood? It absolutely does not. And I urge you to listen to the people who live in thisneighbourhood, and contribute to the character of this part of town.Allowing this development to move forward as it is currently planned would be a lasting negative impact to the NE side of town. And a slap in the face of all thosewho attended the R/Dat meetings, workshops, as well as the design team who spent hours listening to neighbours here. And the city asked for this report, pleaselisten to the citizens, your constituents.Thank you for your time and consideration,Beth MacFawn605 N Tracy
https://static1.squarespace.com/static/58af59a3be659464a660c767/t/59011891e4fcb5989e13f8eb/1493244079504/Bozeman+FINAL+Report+4.24.17_optimized.pdf
Best, Beth
Beth MacFawn Landscape Design,Inc.
A Vision for the Northeast Neighborhood
Bozeman, MT R/UDAT Report
Table of Contents
THE BOZEMAN R/UDAT 1
WHAT WE HEARD 7
CONTEXT 15
VISION 29
-DISTRICT 1: THE CORE 32
-DISTRICT 2: TRANSITIONAL 39
-DISTRICT 3: THE GATEWAY 42
-DISTRICT 4: THE POLE YARD 47
-OPEN SPACE 50
-CONNECTIVITY 57
-STREETSCAPE 59
IMPLEMENTATION TOOLKIT 62
PLACEMAKING 66
COMMUNITIES IN ACTION 72
TEAM ROSTER & THANKS 79
1
THE R/UDAT PROGRAM – HOW IT WORKS
The Regional and Urban Design Assistance Team (R/UDAT) program is a public service
of the American Institute of Architects. The Bozeman R/UDAT represents the 155th
R/UDAT project the AIA has held since 1967. The program has served a variety of
communities over time, with populations ranging from less than 1,000 people to
large jurisdictions of several hundred thousand. Through the program, over 1,000
professionals from more than 30 disciplines have provided millions of dollars in
professional pro bono services to communities all over the country, engaging tens of
thousands of participants in community-driven planning processes. It has made major
contributions to unique and authentic places in America, such as the Embarcadero in
San Francisco, the Pearl District in Portland and the Santa Fe Railyard Redevelopment
in New Mexico. The process has also been widely adapted around the world.
THE DESIGN ASSISTANCE PHILOSOPHY
The design assistance philosophy is built around a whole-systems approach to
communities. While the normal public decision-making process is conducted within
the parameters of representative government, design assistance transcends the
political process and expands the public dialogue to include other sectors with the
intent of building a platform for cross-sector collaboration, civic leadership, and a new
approach to public work. The design assistance process brings together government
and civic leaders, the business sector, non-profit leaders and the general public in an
integrated, ‘whole-community dialogue’ to build collective action plans for the future.
The Design Assistance program operates with four key considerations:
Context. Every community represents a unique place that is the product its own history,
tradition and evolution. There are no one-size-fits-all approaches to community
building. Therefore, each project is designed as a customized approach to community
assistance which incorporates local realities and the unique challenges and assets
of each community. National experts are matched by subject matter expertise and
contextual experience to fit each project. Public processes are designed to fit local
practices, experiences and culture.
Systems Thinking. Successful community strategies require whole systems analyses
and integrated strategies. As a result, each design assistance team includes an
interdisciplinary focus and a systems approach to assessment and recommendations,
incorporating and examining cross-cutting topics and relationships between issues.
In order to accomplish this task, the Center forms teams that combine a range of
disciplines and professions in an integrated assessment and design process.
Community Engagement and Partnership. Community building requires collective
public work. Each design assistance project is a public event, an act of democracy. The
‘citizen expert’ is central to the design assistance process. The AIA has a five decade
tradition of designing community-driven processes that incorporate dozens of
techniques to engage the public in a multi-faceted format and involve the community
across sectors. This approach allows the national team to build on the substantial local
expertise already present and available within the community and leverage the best
existing knowledge available in formulating its recommendations. It also provides a
platform for relationship building, partnership, and collaboration for implementation
of the plan.
Public Interest. Successful communities work together for the common good, moving
beyond narrow agendas to serve the whole. The goal of the design assistance
team program is to provide communities with a framework for collective action.
Consequently, each project team is constructed with the goal of bringing an objective
perspective to the community that transcends the normal politics of community
issues. Team members are deliberately selected from geographic regions outside of
the host community, and national AIA teams are typically representative of a wide
range of community settings. Team members all agree to serve pro bono, and do not
engage in business development activity in association with their service. They do
not serve a particular client. The team’s role is to listen and observe, and to provide
an independent analysis and unencumbered technical advice that serves the public
interest.
BACKGROUND: BOZEMAN R/UDAT
The American Institute of Architects received an official application inviting a
Regional/Urban Design Assistance Team (R/UDAT) program to Bozeman in January.
Upon accepting the application, team leader Terry Ammons traveled to Bozeman
with AIA staff to conduct an initial visit, which was completed on February 6, 2017.
The application and initial visit informed the kinds of key expertise that were needed
and an interdisciplinary national team was formed to work with the Northeast
Neighborhood community.
Purpose
The purpose of this process was described as providing “recommendations and
actionable goals for our community’s future.” The following key project objectives
were identified by the local R/UDAT steering committee, consistent with the city’s
Northeast Urban Renewal District Guiding Principles, approved in 2005:
“We aren’t going to rebuild our cities from
the top down. We must rebuild them from the
bottom up.”- David Lewis, FAIA
“Consultants work for somebody. R/UDAT works
for everybody.” - Chuck Redmon, FAIA
2
• Neighborhood Character. The R/UDAT will help us preserve the unique character
of existing NE neighborhoods and ensure that all values and desires of both
residents and businesses alike are addressed. Our goal is for people to want to visit,
live, and work here. The R/UDAT project will ensure that the City of Bozeman and
other neighborhoods harmoniously support these developments and consider
the impact of city-wide actions as a whole.
• Land use, zoning, infrastructure, and safety considerations. The R/UDAT will
explore redevelopment opportunities along the Rouse Corridor and Idaho Pole
Site. It will look to improve parking and safety measures, and address public
facilities and density efficiency in the NEURD. It will also work to integrate Story
Mill Park to surrounding areas and explore the development and expansion of
future public spaces for an appealing urban environment.
• Sub Districts. The R/UDAT will help us outline development concepts and
integration ideas for vacant portions of the area’s sub districts. It will also help us
better define the “essence” or ambiance of these areas within the larger Bozeman
character, while working around and preserving current structures (train tracks,
old depot building, etc.). Future development projects will embrace sustainable
practices as well as excellence in urban design.
• Connectivity of the NE to Downtown Bozeman. The R/UDAT will explore ways
to improve connectivity, such as pedestrian and transit opportunities and the
opportunity for multi-modal transportation, in a way that services the North 7th
Corridor and the greater Downtown area.
• A 10-year plan. The R/UDAT is skilled and proficient in outlining three-to-four
actionable projects that Bozeman and its community members can implement in
the near-term, mid-term, and long-term over the next decade. They will make this
project tangible for all Bozemanites.
The Community Process
From April 7-10, 2017, a community process was conducted with broad participation
from Northeast Neighborhood residents, business owners and stakeholders. It
included the following key elements:
• An extensive bike, car, and walking tour of the neighborhood was led by local
steering committee members and university students
• Meetings were held with city planning staff concerning current land use for the
neighborhood and ongoing city initiatives.
• Focus groups were held with key neighborhood stakeholders, including local
business owners, neighborhood association representatives, and residents
• A public workshop was held involving over 150 participants across two locations
in the neighborhood. The event opened with a welcome block party. At the
event, participants worked to answer several key questions posed by the design
assistance team:
Ř If you were sending out postcards from the Northeast Neighborhood, what 3
places/images would you use to capture the place?
Ř The Northeast Neighborhood is…
Ř In ideal circumstances, what additional amenities would you like to see to make
the neighborhood even more livable than it is currently?
Ř Going back to the postcard images, in 10 years’ time what places or images
would you hope would capture the neighborhood in a postcard?
Ř Knowing the area is going to change, what would success look like for you
under an ideal scenario 15 years from now?
Team members asked additional questions about residents’ hopes and concerns, as
well as invited additional ideas on subjects not mentioned in the structured questions.
Following these exercises, students from Montana State University led the workshop
through some mapping exercises to solicit input on key neighborhood characteristics
and thoughts for the future.
A weekend studio workshop was organized with the team members, university
students, and local professionals to analyze community input and existing conditions
to produce a series of key recommendations, captured in this report.
3
4
5
6
What We Heard
8
WHAT THE TEAM HEARD
Through its public process with the Northeast Neighborhood community, the R/UDAT team
learned several key themes about local identity, community values, and both fears and
aspirations for its future. These ideas have informed our work to develop a series of strategies
for the area, and are summarized below.
The Northeast Neighborhood is…
The characteristics that make up the identity of the Northeast Neighborhood are widely
held community values. The community told the team that the neighborhood is “funky.”
The neighborhood’s character is authentic and unique in the context of Bozeman. It is a real
place. The community also put intense value on the eclectic identity of the area and its mix of
uses – a quality that is embraced and celebrated. The Northeast Neighborhood is also made
up of creative and artistic people who value its diversity and freedom of self-expression. The
neighborhood was widely described as livable, both for its adjacency to downtown and the
quality of life it provides to the people who work and live here. The neighborhood was also
described as “changing” and “in flux,” with some people characterizing it as “quiet” and others as
“busy.” Finally, the Northeast Neighborhood is most importantly a community of people who
call it home.
Neighborhood ‘Postcards’
The team asked the community to think visually about what components of the neighborhood
they most value today. When asked to identify what places in the Northeast Neighborhood
would best represent you on a postcard, there was widespread support for a select group of
places. The train depot, the silos, Lehrkind Mansion, the Misco Mill and Story Hills and Story
Mill were all identified as iconic and representative places. The lumber yards and Bicycle House
were also identified. Finally, the natural setting and viewsheds to the mountains were seen as
important representations of the Northeast Neighborhood.
Community Amenities
In terms of the kinds of amenities the community would like to see in the neighborhood, there
was widespread support for a small market or grocer, or a farmers market, cafes or food trucks.
Additionally, people placed value on additional open space and trails as well as recreational
opportunities. However, one of the most widely shared ideas on future improvements
concerned the need to better connect existing assets throughout the neighborhood and make
its streets more friendly to pedestrians and bicyclists.
What is most important to protect?
The team inquired among participants regarding what characteristics of the Northeast
Neighborhood are so important and carry so much intrinsic value to community identity that
9
they must be protected and preserved. Without question, two manifold interests
emerged as important. The first is the preservation and strengthening of the unique
sense of place in the neighborhood and its contributing components. The second
characteristic is the accessible and affordable housing proposition that has traditionally
prevailed in the neighborhood, and the value that affordability has in producing a
diverse neighborhood that can support creative professionals and working families.
Affordability plays a strong role in the underpinning values that predominate in the
neighborhood, including a sense of inclusion, freedom of expression and creativity,
and compassion for and civic engagement with one another. The Northeast
Neighborhoods’ sense of community is directly tied to the concept of affordability, as
it has produced a mix of residents that share values which honor diversity, the eclectic
self-identity of the area, and a shared sense of ownership that respects individual
expression. Residents cherish the eclectic neighborhood makeup, the authentic
feel of the area, and the key contributing structures that make it what it is. Those
structures include things like the mills and the depot, the industrial buildings and
modest residential buildings, and the collective funky neighborhood character that is
produced by their relationship to one another. Citizens also prioritized the viewsheds
of the Montana landscape, including the creeks and trees, the open space, trails, and
natural setting; and the small-town friendliness and family-oriented community that
exist today.
Postcards of the Future
The team asked community participants to share some of their aspirations for the
future by creating a series of postcard images that expressed what kinds of positive
change people would like to see. Here the community’s message was clear: strengthen
what we have – do not fundamentally change its character. When it was described
in details, this translated into “more of the same,” building on some of the cherished
components that make the neighborhood what it is today while better connecting it
and adding upon it. Some of the ideas included development of the depot building,
Story Mill, the Idaho Pole site. People would love to see the Bozeman creek enhanced
in a way that it is a stronger amenity and more accessible, and they would like to
see additional green space and public art. It also included additional housing, with
an emphasis on modest and affordable housing. There was also interest in additional
cafes and market options. The community articulated that they would like to see
more pedestrian-friendly and bike-friendly streets, and greater connectivity across
the neighborhood as well as traffic calming. The idea of creating connected, people
friendly streets for all ages was a strong theme of the exercise. Finally, there was
interest in strengthening the bonds of community further and building a cooperative
civic spirit across the neighborhood.
What keeps You Up at Night…
The team also explored an honest conversation about residents’ fears and uncertainty
about the neighborhood’s future given the pressures of growth and change. This
exercise contained some important learning for the team. Two main themes emerged,
reflecting the core values and cherished characteristics that define the neighborhood
today. First, there is widespread fear about growth and new development leading to
gentrification. This concern was two-fold, including both the concern that existing
residents might be priced out of the neighborhood, and more importantly, that the
very identity and sense of community that exists in the Northeast Neighborhood today
would be fundamentally and permanently altered by such change. Second, there is
widespread concern about new development altering the unique sense of place that
exists in the community today, and this concern is backed by perceptions of recent
experience with development elsewhere in town. Residents shared concern that new
development would cause them to lose important viewsheds to the natural landscape.
Even more importantly, there was significant feeling of complete disempowerment
and lack of agency to influence the direction of future development. Some residents
expressed dismay that the community they cherish may be lost forever and they
have little influence to change the course of events that may be coming. Concerns
included perceptions about moneyed interests carrying powerful influence over
future development at the expense of the existing community and big developers
defining the future of the Northeast Neighborhood rather than the people who give
it life and vibrancy today. There was frustration expressed over the governing process
and lack of community voice in it. There was also fear that citizens are struggling with
understanding what change represents and it is causing greater angst and a loss of
community more generally. These are fundamental issues to address moving forward,
and everyone must play their part in the solution.
How Do You Define Success?
The team asked participants to explain how they would define community success in
the next 15 years. Again, there was a clear community message that was consistent
with the preceding dialogue. The community wants to maintain its unique character,
evidence of its history, and sustain its vitality and livability. Affordable housing plays
a clear role in maintaining accessibility and providing a means for a mix of residents
to call the Northeast Neighborhood home. As one person offered, “change means
that in 15 years anyone in the Northeast Neighborhood now (in 2017) would not
feel like a stranger on their own land.” Residents want new development to reflect
and strengthen the unique sense of place that exists today, rather than “generic” or
“cookie-cutter development” that has been seen elsewhere. As one person said, “our
fear is that the unique fabric we have will be replaced by antiseptic blocks with no
character.” They want to maintain the eclectic mix of buildings, uses, and people that
make up the neighborhood today, and build upon existing conditions with adaptive
reuse and appropriate new development that honors that fundamental identity.
They want new development to promote a stronger community, but one that is not
fundamentally altered in identity or makeup. As one participant concluded, it must be
“thoughtful development.” They want to maintain the “small-town feel” that is shared
by the people who live and work in the Northeast Neighborhood today. For the
10
neighborhood to be successful, growth and new development must reinforce these
key characteristics rather than diverge from them.
Conclusions
The team did not find a community in the Northeast Neighborhood that is
anti-development or “NIMBY” (Not-In-My-Back-Yard). The team heard that this
community is expressly concerned about how to maintain its funky identity, its overall
affordability and continued accessibility to a mix of residents and workers, and its
unique sense of place and community as it grows and evolves.
11
“This area historically has been the affordable
part of Bozeman - where families get started,
and people grow old. Please don’t gentrify!”
12
“We love the ‘funkiness’ of the NE neighborhood.
It’s wonderful seeing the neighbors’ creative use
of their space. Too much these days is commercial
or modern-looking.”
13
“As you can see by the size of the crowd and the
earthiness of the group, we value the quality of
life!”
14
“The NE has character because of the diversity,
because of the tolerance of a variety of income,
house size, industrial, commercial, and historic
structures. So far it has remained a place for
everyone.”
Context
16
ABOUT BOZEMAN
Bozeman’s rich history and future is the result of its strategic location and beauty. The
city originated as a connector to access the gold from mines in Virginia City through
the Gallatin Valley and on the Oregon Trail. The town was formed 1864, and although
vulnerable to Indian attacks, its economic importance survived the conflicts of
Western expansion. Montana’s fertile prairies led the way to agricultural dominance.
Bozeman’s economy still continues to benefit from its natural assets and calculated
location. As such, Bozeman has become a nationally recognized place to live; with
it’s robust economy and broad outdoor recreation opportunities the city has evolved
from a small settlement to one of the most desirable regions of the western United
States.
Bozeman, once a gateway trail, has now become the economic center of the State. With
a world-class university, first-class international airport and idyllic setting, Bozeman
has been able to build an economy consisting of strong industry clusters. Major sectors
include photonics and optics, recreation, bioscience, technology, manufacturing, and
tourism. Growth continues to be driven by strong home construction, software and
technology and visitor spending.
A Population Explosion
Since the 1980’s, Bozeman has grown to become the 4th largest city in Montana, and
the fastest growing Micropolitan city in the U.S. (July 2014 and July 2015) among cities
with populations less than 50,000. (U.S. Census Bureau).
One of the greatest contributors to this population explosion is a shift in generational
preferences and flexibility. Traditionally, workers were tethered to urban centers for
workforce activity. However, today technology has enabled Millennials to choose
locations, like Bozeman, with amenities that contribute to quality of life, scenery, and
nearby recreation. In fact, almost 75% of the local population growth stems from
in-migration, which is bringing increased investment and jobs to the local economy.
The population comparison chart reflects the high number of Millennials within
Bozeman, which is almost twice the rate of the state of Montana.1
Currently Bozeman has a population over 45,200. Gallatin County has an estimated
population of over 100,700. Assuming existing growth rates, Bozeman would exceed
75,000 people by 2030. Assuming 2.2 units per household. There is a demand over
the next 15 years for over 15,000 new residential units in Bozeman. This population
increase is both a problem and opportunity. The increased population will increase
demand from a broad market which will increase opportunity for the Northeast
Neighborhood, however the increased demand and limited supply is increasing
values and pricing some people out of the market.
1 US Census
“There is demand over the next 15 years for
another 15,000 housing units in Bozeman. The
challenge will be to harness the growth while
maintaining Bozeman’s authentic character.”
17
Income
Bozeman’s income per capita of $26,506 and the median household income is $45,729.
The income by range chart shows the percentage of income for Bozeman compared
the US. According to the Census data, one out of every five people in Bozeman is
impoverished and HUD shows that over 30% of households in the Northeast
Neighborhood are impoverished. People with limited income have different needs,
values, and attitudes which should be considered in the Northeast Neighborhood
initiative. Poverty compromises the economic potential of the market and also has a
higher propensity for lack of healthcare and social services.
According to the Census data, one out of every five people in Bozeman is impoverished
and HUD shows that over 30% of households in the Northeast Neighborhood are
impoverished. People with limited income have different needs, values, and attitudes
which should be considered in the Northeast Neighborhood initiative. Poverty
compromises the economic potential of the market and also has a higher propensity
for lack of healthcare and social services.
Impacts of Tourism
Another contemporary factor driving Bozeman’s growth today is tourism. A recent
report by the city of Bozeman indicated the City attracted 5 million tourists last year
who spent $732 million. More and more families are seeking destinations to escape
dense cities and explore areas with strong historical significance that can support
active lifestyles. Bozeman’s national reputation for hiking, skiing, fishing, and rafting
is unparalleled.
Bozeman’s strategic location serves as a major entry point into Montana. In fact, the
Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport is the busiest airport in Montana, and the
8th busiest airport in the western U.S. (Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport).
Due to the international airport, Bozeman serves as a northern gateway to one of
the most visited parks in the Nation. The airport is located less than two hours from
Yellowstone National Park, which attracts over 4.1M people per year .
Total tourism In Montana equates to an $3.6B industry and attracts over 12M visitors
per year. A portion of these tourism dollars could be captured within the district if
there were additional uses to create destination traffic.
Growth is creating significant management issues for the economy. The population
growth and increased tourism has affected both Bozeman and the Northeast
Neighborhood study area. One of the greatest challenges when you have such
accelerated population growth is maintaining an adequate housing supply. Housing
within the district has increased over 127% in the last year.
According to community feedback, housing is one of the biggest concerns for the
Northeast Neighborhood. Sourcing skilled construction labor supply is an issue,
and a large portion of skilled labor are being absorbed in resort areas of Big Sky or
West Yellowstone, where skilled construction workers earn a premium on higher
construction projects from wealthy owners building second, or third or fourth, homes.
Increased real estate and labor costs are affecting the ability to maintain attainable
housing. As a result, the median home price is greater than $300,000, the highest in
the State. Increased housing costs, with the fact that Montana’s economy has relatively
lower earnings relative to the US, creates a unique imbalance that is a potential threat
to maintaining the existing context of the City and study area.
18
Another issues to mention is the shift in housing preferences. A majority of growth in
the region over the last 40 years occurred outside Bozeman city limits. Generational
and cultural preferences have shifted populations back to urban areas, but lack of
housing choices and affordability is creating challenges for infill, including in the
Northeast neighborhood. This has increased the number of rental units. Currently
55.6% of the population rents and 44.4% of the population are homeowners.
Currently median rents are $849/month. For over ½ of the population in Bozeman, this
equates to over 30% of household income. Mortgage costs also average more than
30% for over 1/3 of the population. Generally, the income share devoted to housing
that is below 15 percent is a good proxy for highly affordable, while the income share
devoted to housing that is above 30 percent is a good proxy for unaffordable.
To understand demand, this process explored capacity for new residential, both
in terms of rental and ownership. The following chart shows the potential annual
multifamily demand by income affordability ranges.
Using historical absorption and existing incomes, current estimates show the market
could support approximately 3,100 new rental units per year, However, due to
depressed wages, only 50% of the new construction would qualify for market rate
housing. Most of the landlords interviewed within the study area stated that they are
achieving greater than $800/m in the Northeast Neighborhood.
Using historical absorption rates and existing Bozeman incomes, Bozeman could
support 327 new owner-occupied single-family units per year, of which only 10
new single family units would qualify above $300,000. This means the majority of
construction velocity is non-local, as the local market demands a higher number of
buyers are non-local.
This increased growth is also placing pressure on facilities and infrastructure. Higher
traffic creates congestion and greater wear on infrastructure. As a result, the natural
response creates suburban sprawl towards Belgrade, and beyond, where land costs
are less.
19
Using the history and honoring the character to inform the
vision of the Northeast Neighborhood.
The Northeast Neighborhood was once the economic center of
Bozeman. In the 1880s, the district was created as a result of the
Northern Pacific Railway. In 1882, Bozeman merchant Nelson Story
orchestrated the depot and rail spur. As part of the infrastructure, Story
constructed a massive water-powered grain milling complex. Additional
improvements included a roundhouse, passenger station and freight
depot. The rail and associated infrastructure spawned additional
residential development and became a significant manufacturing and
distribution hub for the entire region . Early businesses included flour
mills, grain elevators, freight storage, ice houses and General Lager
Brewery.
The Northeast Neighborhood is located in the northeast sector of
the city of Bozeman. The district is approximately ¾ of a mile from
Downtown Bozeman. The area completes the block pattern extending
from downtown and follows the I-90 Interstate as it curves West
towards Rouse Avenue. The R/UDAT study area includes approximately
241 acres and includes over 158 individual parcels. According to the
Gallatin County, the current market value of improvements is over
$80M.
The area is generally laid out in a traditional grid pattern, until it reaches
the North Pacific Railroad. A majority of the historic structures fan out
from the original railroad depot, as it once served the economic center
of the district. Bozeman Creek is a tributary from Palisades Mountain
to the south and generally runs north south through the district, and
feeds into Gallatin River to the north. This watershed bifurcates several
blocks paralleling Rouse as it traverses the district, creating several
small and irregular lots.
Historic Character
One of the greatest assets within the study area is the historic center,
which is located near E Tamarack and Front Street. This area includes
a number of historic structures including the historic Bozeman train
depot, Lehrkind Mansion and former Brewery site and the MISCO Grain
Elevator.
The district contains approximately 56 residential units, however
the majority of the district is influenced by established residential
neighborhoods, and original houses within the original Northern
Pacific Addition.
Connectivity
There is strong connectivity between the Northeast Neighborhood and downtown, as well as
Interstate 90. The grid pattern also allows easy alternative pedestrian options to connect to the
remainder of greater Bozeman.
Bozeman R/UDAT project area.
20
Typical walking radius.
n
21
EXISTING PARKS
While there is plenty of open space within
Bozeman, there is a specific lack of civic parks
and social gathering spaces in the North
East neighborhood. The existing parks are
more regional in nature and do not provide
opportunities for day to day activities and
recreation. They are also disconnected from
the North east neighborhood core and not
very easily accessible.
Existing parks and open space around the NE neighborhood.
n
story mill
park
beall park
creekside
park
lindley park
soroptomist park
centennial
park
22
Historic structures within the project area.
23
Residential units within the project area.
24
Primary connections with downtown Bozeman and the highway.
25
sector of the district is Empire Building Materials with large industrial metal buildings and outside storage.
Within the southern most portion of the district and adjacent to the North Pacific rail line is Simkins-Hallin
building supply.
Adjacent Influences
Directly West of the district is the Gallatin County Fair
Grounds. The Fair Grounds are active year round and also
houses the Bozeman Bucks American Legion Baseball Team,
the Bozeman Amateur Hockey Association and the Bozeman
Rifle and Pistol Club indoors shooting Range. On the southern
end of the district, developers recently constructed The
Village Downtown, a planned development with a modern
interpretation of a New England theme. The project contains
luxury lofts in mid rise towers, 23 existing condominiums, as
well as future home sites.
Just south of the study area is the Babcock and Davis
subdivision. This area is bounded by Lamme to the south,
Peach to the north, Perkins to the west and Wallace is the
central street within the subdivision. Most of the area consists
of small lot residential and also contains the Karst State bus
depot. A majority of the houses range from 800 to 1,200
square feet in size.
District Gateways
The main gateway to the district is at Rouse and Interstate
90, along the northwest edge of the study area. The district
is bounded to the East by Interstate 90. Rouse is the major
transportation corridor of the district and also serves as the
western boundary of the study area. The district is bisected by
the Northern Pacific Rail Line. Peach Street, a local residential
collector, serves as the southern boundary.
New Developments
New development in the core includes contemporary tri-level
condos at 626 E Cottonwood. These 3 story units are valued
at over $850,000 each. Newer retail includes the Wild Crumb,
a local bakery and coffee shop, Treeline Roasters and Coffee
Shop, and Bespoke Bicycles. Other notable retailers include
the Meat Shoppe and the Bozeman Brewery.
Commercial and Industrial Buildings
The area is interspersed with industrial and commercial
buildings. The area contains several heavy industrial users,
including the city of Bozeman shops at Rouse and E Tamarack,
and M&W repair across Rouse to the West. On the northeast
District Gateways.
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New retail and residential developments within the district.
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Industrial and commercial structures located with the project area.
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The Northeast Neighborhood, a Historic District With Rich Potential.
Today, the Northeast Neighborhood is strategically located and can support the
housing shortage and leverage existing infrastructure encouraging a contemporary
form of multi-modal transportation due it’s proximity to downtown, the university
and access to adjacent natural amenities. The question will be how the Northeast
Neighborhood can be strategic without destroying its character and the attributes
that make it unique.
The challenge will be accommodating new housing and commercial development
with appropriate policies and design standards to maintain the integrity and quality
of life for residents and business owners in the existing area. Design must also honor
the past and the historical significance of the location. New policies should regulate
new construction so that it fits within the neighborhood and focuses on quality
context-sensitive design.
As Bozeman continues to grow, a focus on great public spaces, walkability, and
opportunities to cater to active lifestyles will continue to enhance Bozeman as a place
and reinforce its great quality of life and economy of choice for knowledge workers
and talented professionals.
One fear of additional development in the Northeast Neighborhood is gentrification
of the area and increased values in an already price sensitive market. The City should
explore a regional policy to make housing more attainable to the region as a whole.
However, certain developments could implement a portion of housing that is below
market rates in exchange for other concessions. For example, public property could
be made available to those developers that conscientiously address some levels
of affordable housing Design should be unique and reflect the existing character
distinguishable from other parts of the neighborhood.
Vision
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VISION
This plan envisions leveraging the historic core as the anchor of the
Northeast Neighborhood’s vision for the future. The central core would
provide the key neighborhood “amenities” such as grocery, small
makers spaces, retail shops and local businesses surrounded by high
quality housing to retain local flair and feel. In this sense, we envision
a new economic hub emerging that enhances livability and preserves
the integrity of the neighborhood. The reconfigured neighborhood
would create new economic vitality in the district while maintaining
the existing constituency that understands the importance of the local
character and environment and gives voice to the issues and concerns
needed to protect what makes Bozeman so great.
Rather than following a legacy of ad-hoc decision-making and
unguided developments, this plan supports the neighborhood vision
with a renewed set of sustainable policies and initiatives to support
multiple generations of residents from a broad range of income levels.
APPROACH
The R/UDAT project area within the Northeast Neighborhood is a
diverse and textured urban area where the story of Bozeman’s past,
present, and future intersect. It is the location of some of Bozeman’s
most historic structures and sites and is home to a community
of passionate residents intent on seeing the neighborhood fulfill
its creative potential. The forces of expansion and development
are currently being felt throughout Bozeman, and the Northeast
Neighborhood is no exception. Property values are climbing steeply
while opportunities for residents to both live and work in the city
are shrinking. Change is coming to the Northeast Neighborhood.
Managed properly, and responsibly, this change can enhance and
enrich the lives of Northeast residents, artists, and business owners.
In order to strategically address the range of key neighborhood
issues related to preservation, livability, and economic development
in the Northeast Neighborhood, we have designated four primary
development districts within the R/UDAT project area. This approach
allows each zone to have its own unique strategy for preserving
what is valued most by the neighborhood residents and managing
the inevitable development pressures that are already significantly
impacting the neighborhood. Within each district, the issues the
community felt were most important to them fall under three main
tenets that will help structure recommended projects/improvements
in each area.
TENETS
Preservation
• History
• Character (Look and Feel)
• Sense of Community
• Sustainability
• Open Space and Views
• Guidelines and Protections
Livability (Quality of Life)
• Affordability
• Housing Mix
• Green Space
• Safety
• Family Friendly
• Creative Culture
• Walking / Biking
• Services and Amenities
• Public Space
• Incompatible Uses
Economic Development
• Blight and Dis-Investment
• Adaptive Re-use
• New Development
• Improved Regulatory Structure
• Branding and Merchandising (Identity)
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PLACEMAKING URBAN ROOMS
Using this 4-part zoning approach, development challenges in each zone can be addressed by utilizing a
‘placemaking’ approach to design based on the development of “urban rooms” within each zone. This urban
room approach allows for a mix of formal and informal methods to be applied in different ways in different
zones with the primary focus being the quality, diversity, and vitality of new and renewed urban spaces. These
urban rooms are meant to be lived in and cared for, giving residents a sense of ownership and pride in their
community. An urban room can be a tiny place to appreciate a small gesture along a neighborhood sidewalk or
the informal space between industrial buildings and storage sheds. Streets, alleys, and paths act like hallways
connecting urban rooms which can be developed as public space, or by a property or business owner on their
private property as a community amenity.
District 1 — THE CORE
The Core is the central portion of the R/UDAT project area and
is an eclectic mix of light industrial buildings intermingled with
small cottages, walking paths and historic sites. The look and
feel of the core is central to how the resident’s see themselves.
Developing a strategy for Defining and protecting the Core is
essential to maintaining the residents’ cultural connection to
the city’s history as well as their neighborhood identity as a
“funky,” creative, and diverse place to live, work and play.
District 2 — TRANSITIONAL AREAS
As an aging light industrial area, it is understood that some of
the business that currently operate in the Core may outgrow
their existing locations or may choose to relocate as more
suitable or less expensive sites become available elsewhere.
Many of these industries are not very compatible with the
adjacent, single family, residential areas where noise or truck
traffic can have a negative impact on the quality of life for the
residents. These areas have been designated as “Transition
Areas,” and offer opportunities for adaptive re-use and
re-development that maintains the light industrial feel of the
core.
District 3 — GATEWAY CORRIDOR
The northern most portion of the R/UDAT project area has
been designated as the “Gateway Corridor” and lies along both
sides of Rouse Avenue as it cuts through the neighborhood.
The Gateway Corridor offers opportunities to create mixed
income, high density development that, if designed and
managed properly, will reduce the potential impact of new
development on the Neighborhood Core and its surrounding
single family residential areas.
District 4 — POLE YARD
As a brownfield site the Idaho Pole property has limited
development potential but represents an wonderful
opportunity to expand the local trail network, provide
active and passive recreation opportunities for Bozeman
residents, open access to a new wetlands preserve, and still
provide room for expanding or transitioning industrial uses
in designated areas.
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DISTRICT 1 — THE CORE
The Core is the central portion of the R/UDAT project area and is an eclectic mix of
light industrial buildings intermingled with small cottages, walking paths and historic
sites. Residents see the Core as the heart of their neighborhood; a place that is active,
energetic and full of creative potential. In the face of new growth and development
challenges, residents want to nurture this potential while insuring that they are on a
path to maintaining good heart health.
The Core is bounded by the Rouse Corridor on the West and the railroad on the East
with its Southern edge along Wallace street where the residential and light industrial
areas meet. Tamarack Street forms the North boundary of The Core running along the
edge of the, now demolished, historic brewery property. The look and feel of the core
is central to how the resident’s see themselves and identify with the neighborhood.
Developing a strategy for Defining and protecting the Core is essential to maintaining
the residents’ cultural connection to the city’s history as well as their neighborhood
identity as a “funky,” creative, and diverse place to live, work and play. If you want to
see the essence of the Northeast Neighborhood, head down Rouse and “cut to The
Core.”
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Preservation
Preserving and interpreting Bozeman’s rich history: The story of the railroad and Story
Mill is a key part of Bozeman’s early history and can best be told right here in The Core
of the Northeast Neighborhood. The railroad and the mills are not only historically
important, but they are a primary character defining feature of the neighborhood.
Recommendations
1) Install new interpretive signage at key locations to help tell the story.
2) Utilize zoning overlays and best code enforcement practices to protect and preserve
historic structures.
3) Begin planning for the eventual renovation of the train station as the community
meeting hall and interpretive center where the full story of the railroad and Bozeman
can be shared.
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Protecting the character of the neighborhood along with its creative culture and
eclectic feel is essential to maintaining the neighborhood’s identity and sense of value.
Recommendations
1) Minimize new development and focus on the adaptive re-use of existing light
industrial structures when possible.
2) Establish new guidelines and protections through a form-based zoning that
recognizes and responds to the inherent character of the neighborhood {building
size and scale; setbacks, open space, public space, density, etc.) and provides a
mechanism for insuring that specific character is maintained as new development or
improvements occur. Appropriate guidelines can help insure that views to local iconic
landmarks (the train station or Misco Mill tower) are preserved along with views to the
Bridgers and the general sense of open space that currently exists.
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3) Insure that the “Sheds Walk” continues and is expanded, in some form, to include
artists studios and other similarly informal businesses throughout the core.
Livability (Quality of Life)
Although the landscape in the Core are is a mix of light industrial with a few pockets of
residential, new family friendly businesses have recently located here providing new
amenities to the neighborhood and places to meet and gather. Treeline a new coffee
shop and Wild Crumb a local bakery have quickly become the places where neighbors
gather to see each other and hang out. Evenings and weekends, when most of the
industries are closed, the streets and alleys throughout the core are relatively quiet and
lend themselves to family strolls, bike riding, or walking with the creekside trail and
the Story Mill Park Spur Trail providing optional outdoor biking/hiking experiences.
Recommendations
1) Find ways to isolate industrial truck traffic to connecting routes either along the
edge or outside of the Core (see section 3-Gateway District).
2) Use form based zoning and new regulations to limit density in this area (leave it
relatively unchanged).
3) Complete connections along the trails and walks that are currently broken due to
dead end streets or natural barriers.
4) create more opportunities for artist live/work space or studio space.
5) Provide new and needed public amenities at a scale that is compatible with the
neighborhood.
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Economic Development
Economic Development in the Core should focus on the
addition of a limited amount of appropriately scaled retail and
professional business along with expansion of opportunities
for artists and artisans to live, work, and transact business with
the public. The artists and their art should be more visible
throughout the Core helping to solidify and sustain the Core’s
identity and sense of vitality. The neighborhood is already
a gateway for outdoor enthusiasts and weekend riders to
embark on hiking and biking trails. These low impact uses,
if better integrated into the Core through the development
and completion of current and new trails and walks will help
support new and existing businesses while maintaining the
casual and eclectic feel of the area.
Recommendations
1) Develop Wallace Street into the neighborhood’s “Village
Main Street” where there can be a light concentration of new
retail, spaces for art and artists, and public gathering spaces.
2) Develop new artist studio/gallery space with a public art
part as a gathering space at the historic brewery site. (see
following pages).
3) Develop an Art Mews along the trail across Wallace St.
from the Art Park utilizing the full width of the preserved
right-of-way between the two existing warehouse buildings.
(see following pages).
4) As these buildings transition over time, they could be
re-developed as artist studio spaces opening onto the Art
Mews.
URBAN ROOMS — ART PARK AT THE CORE
The site of the historic brewery is both a reminder of the
neighborhood’s history and a reminder of what can go wrong
when valued historic assets are not properly protected and
preserved. The demolishing of the brewery and its last
remaining wall has left a deep void in the fabric and soul
of the neighborhood. For this reason we feel that this site,
for which the community has such deep affections, be the
location of a new transformative project focused on how the
neighborhood defines its vision for the future. The “Art Park at
the Core” is a proposal for the development of a new building and public space which would:
• Help establish Wallace Street as the neighborhood Main Street.
• Be a symbol of new life and the future of the neighborhood.
• Contribute to the economic well being of the neighborhood with new retail/gallery space.
• Create a public gathering space, centered around local art and community values.
The project is built out with a “U” shaped with artist studios along the east side of the property and arts oriented
retail located in the wings. The building is a low, two story structure which does not compete with the scale of
its Queen Anne neighbor. The second floor would contain additional artist studio space with living units above
the retail. The art park is an urban room with green space and a pergola shade garden providing a range of
seating an gathering spaces in an environment filled with a backdrop of sculpture and local art.
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URBAN ROOMS — THE ARTISTS’ MEWS
Currently Wallace Street is connected to the train station and rock climbing park by a
small foot path running along side an undeveloped grassy right-of-way between two
one story industrial storage buildings.
We envision transforming this area into The Artist’ Mews, a walk through a meadow
full of sculpture and places to sit and relax. Along each side, as transitional buildings,
the metal warehouses would be converted to artist studios that open out onto the
mews allowing the artists to be seen when they are working and for their process to
be a part of the art on Wallace Street.
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Preservation
Transitional Districts are, by their nature, preservation tools that work to help preserve
and protect the character districts where incompatible uses along district boundaries
create abrupt scale changes or might have a negative impact on the quality of life
where a small-scale single family residential neighborhood edge buts up against large
metal industrial buildings.
Recommendations
1) Explore the adaptive re-use potential for existing industrial buildings to be
converted into multi-family or artist studio housing providing new and affordable
opportunities to live and work in the Northeast Neighborhood.
Livability (Quality of Life)
Some transitional buildings may be positioned at strategic location in or around The
Core and would serve the community best as a location for neighborhood amenities
that currently do not exist. These buildings might be seen as opportunities to locate
a small grocery store, Montessori school, public meeting rooms, or any number of
supporting uses. In general, transitioning buildings present an opportunity to
become more integrated into community fabric if its new use and configuration fit
with the neighborhood’s vision for its future.
DISTRICT 2 — TRANSITIONAL DISTRICT
As an aging light industrial area, it is understood that some of the business that
currently operate in the Core may outgrow their existing locations or may choose to
relocate as more suitable or less expensive sites become available elsewhere. Many of
these industries are not very compatible with the adjacent, single family, residential
areas where noise or truck traffic can have a negative impact on the quality of life
for the residents. These areas have been designated as “Transition Zones,” and offer
opportunities for adaptive re-use and re-development that maintains the light
industrial feel of the core. The Transitional Zone is not a contiguous zone where one set
of rules should apply. Transitional Zones provide opportunities for the development
of new types of multifamily housing or artist studio/housing at a transitioning
location. This approach helps softening the residential neighborhood edge through
the introduction of new residential development and green space combined with the
adaptive re-use of light industrial buildings maintaining character defining elements
of The Core. Transitional Zones are not only located along what would be considered
the perimeter of The Core but they can also occur within the core where industrial
buildings might go through a transition in use — getting reprogrammed in a way that
is compatible with the neighborhood’s vision for its future.
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Recommendations
1) Convert the Karst Stage buildings into cool industrial apartments with artist live/
work spaces and a new green space buffer along the South property line helping to
provide screening from the adjacent single family residences.
2) Convert the current beer distribution buildings into artist studio/lofts as a transitional
anchor at the end of Peach Street and a gateway project to a new pedestrian/bike
tunnel under the railroad and connecting to a new trail network on the Idaho Pole site.
3) Convert the quonset hut and adjacent metal building at Tamarack and Wallace into
a Montessori school.
4) Two block infill development at Tamarack and Rouse utilizing the concept of
creating urban rooms and green spaces on the interior of the blocks and establishing
a transition from the single family neighborhood to a more urban feel and density
along the Rouse Corridor and Tamarack.
Economic Development
Buildings in the Transitional Districts are most valuable to economic development
when they are adapted into new forms of mixed-income housing or specialty retail,
helping to provide an opportunity for people to live, work, and spend their money
in the same neighborhood contributing to the community’s long term sustainability.
Recommendations
1) Include small specialty commercial components on the ground level of
mixed-income adaptive re-use projects. Target businesses that fill an existing void in
available good and services for neighborhood residents.
Karst Bus Barns — The Karst Stage industrial buildings re-envisioned as artist studio/housing as a transitional project between the residential neighborhood and The Core.
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Tamarack/Rouse blocks showing infill development helping to make the transition between the existing residential neighborhood and the new higher
density housing north of Tamarack.
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DISTRICT 3 — THE GATEWAY
The Gateway district is the largest development opportunity
for the Northeast Neighborhood. Currently made up of
large tracks of undeveloped and underutilized parcels, the
Gateway provides the opportunity, over time, to completely
transform into a unique, new compact gateway which can
service the Northeast Neighborhood and also create regional
economic development opportunities due to its regional
location at Rouse and Interstate 90. The Gateway can support
over 1,000 new residents, offering a variety of housing
options, with an expanded, connected green network that
defines the Gateway and has safe and walkable paths to the
historic Core. The central natural feature for the Gateway
to the east of the Rouse Avenue is a newly celebrated and
protected Bozeman Creek with anew featured green space
just to the east of Bozeman Creek as a pedestrian refuge and
small park to enjoy the natural setting. These new amenities
will include new networks of trails, multi-modal connections,
and a neighborhood-scaled market and retail services.
The Gateway’s development potential can provide economic
capacity to support the entire Northeast Neighborhood.
The Gateway becomes the welcoming portal to the Rouse
Corridor, providing a resurgent example for how Bozeman
can leverage quality growth to create a unique new village
that embraces change as it integrates with and supports the
old soul of Bozeman, as represented with the Core.
Preservation
The largest preservation opportunity in the Gateway’s
redevelopment is to protect and reclaim Bozeman Creek. As
the lumber yard owned by Kenyon-Noble property chooses
to redevelop, Bozeman Creek can be restored and celebrated
as the central north-south organizing feature for the Gateway
area east of the Rouse Avenue.
The other consideration would be to carry thought
architectural rhythm from The Cannery and provide common
pedestrian, vehicular and other adjacency considerations
to respect existing development and make the Gateway
compatible with the adjacent development.
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Recommendations
1) Reclaim and protect Bozeman Creek from Tamarack Street to the rail line to the
north. Maintain a critical setback along Bozeman Creek to promote water-quality and
riparian health, and maintain easements to provide for trail access and connections.
2) Ensure the regulation plan and form-based code considers The Cannery and future
potential relocation of The Gallatin Fairgrounds.
Livability (Quality of Life)
Besides the reclamation of Bozeman Creek, the other complementary big move that
sets up the Gateway’s redevelopment is to introduce a new connector street from the
railroad crossing @ Wallace
Street to Rouse Avenue. In the near-term, this new connector would cut across the
Kenyon-Noble lumber yard, providing more direct access for heavy truck traffic to
Rouse Avenue for the lumber companies that operate adjacent to L Street and the rail
line. This new access also reduces the impact of the truck traffic on the Core, creating
a safer and more pedestrian-friendly environment for the Core. If the Kenyon-Noble
lumber company chooses to redevelop this lumber yard site in the future, the new
truck access route can transform into a new complete street that begins to define the
block structure for the Gateway east.
In the future, this new street connection, in concert with the reclaimed Bozeman
Creek, provide central organizing features for the new redevelopment east of the
Rouse Corridor, as it provides pedestrian paths through the Gateway and into the
Core.
A new featured green space that is reclaimed between the triangle between the new
connector street, Bozeman Creek, and the rail line protects the views to the mountains
for the new development, as well as providing a new gathering place for the whole
Northeast Neighborhood.
Recommendations
1) Coordinate with the owners to explore creating a new truck access route through
the Kenyon-Noble lumber yard.
2) In the future, if the Kenyon-Noble lumber yard owner chooses to redevelop, the
potential truck access route transforms in to a compete street that accommodate all
modes of travel and prioritizes the pedestrian experience.
Economic Development
The Gateway is poised for a wholesale transformation. The reclaimed Bozeman Creek
and the creation of the new street from Rouse Avenue and Wallace Street provides
a rational framework for new redevelopment to the Gateway’s eastern section. The
new block that is created between Tamarack Street and the new street provide for
a transitionally-scaled row house development on the north face of the new block.
North of the new street, higher density mid-rise residential development orients to
the mountain views in the distance, and Bozeman Creek and the new green space in
the foreground.
The large development site to the west of Rouse Avenue at the site of the former
Montana DOT, mirrors the midrise residential development pattern from the eastside.
The scale and massing of the two residential developments are articulated along
Rouse Corridor to provide for entry courts. This street-facing articulation provides
an interesting and varied street wall that frames the view for the gateway along the
Rouse Corridor.
The triangular site that is defined by I-90, Rouse Avenue, and Oak Street provides
the opportunity to develop a quality convenience market with gas station at the
northern entry to the Gateway district. This new convenience market can serve both
the Northeast Neighborhoods and travels alike.
The Gateway’s new residential developments provide up to 500 new dwelling for a
thousand new residents.
Altogether, the density and scale of the Gateway development opportunity provides
capacity to support regional retail uses. If the TIF district is expanded to include
the Gateway, the whole neighborhood can take advantage of the vastly increased
taxable basis. This expanded TIF district would then provide for new value-capture
which could fund community benefits throughout the Northeast Neighborhood,
particularly the Core.
Recommendations
1) Expand the TIF district to include the Gateway area.
2) Establish design guidelines and regulatory frameworks to ensure compatible
development.
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Three Big Moves: Physical Framework for the New District
The new district is organized around three defining features:
1. Bozeman Creek is reclaimed and celebrated
2. The new neighborhood green space provides views, a gathering
place, and a district “open room” adjacent to the creek
3. The new complete street provides connectivity between Rouse
Avenue and the Northeast Neighborhood, defines the block structure
to the south, and provides an edge to the denser development to
the north
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Three Development Areas: Compact and Connected
Development for a Complete Community
A. Row Houses are oriented towards the new street and the creek, filling in
the new block and providing a scale of housing that mediates between the
lower density of the Core and the higher density of the new development
to the north
B. Mid-rise residential development to the east of Rouse Avenue responds
to the views, creek and open spaces to the east, and both residential
developments on either side of Rouse Avenue are articulated to provide a
series of entry courts along the avenue
C. The Gateway Convenience Market is designed with iconic architecture
and siting to provide a gateway development to the Rouse Corridor.
The Market provides the Northeast Neighborhood with services that are
walkable for many, as well as travelers as they enter Bozeman.
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Bird’s eye view of the Gateway District. A compact and connected new place that models how Bozeman can grow to respect and support the preservation of the old soul of the
Northeast Neighborhood.
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DISTRICT 4 — THE POLE YARD
As a brownfield site the Idaho Pole property has limited development
potential but represents an wonderful opportunity to expand the
local trail network, provide active and passive recreation opportunities
for Bozeman residents, open access to a new wetlands preserve, and
still provide room for expanding or transitioning industrial uses in
designated areas.
PRESERVATION
The Pole yard is a complicated site with a portion of the area
categorized as a brownfield site, and a portion covered by naturally
occurring wetlands. Future development should be focussed around
preserving the natural wetlands, and remediating brownfields. Natural
plant and wildlife habitat associated with the wetlands and adjoining
corridors should be protected. New development should also consider
preserving existing view sheds to the mountains.
Recommendations
1) Explore creating a Wetland Preserve area complete with trails,
overlooks, picnic facilities, education signage and a nature center. This
would include provisions for protecting the wetlands, and providing
people with open space for camping and camp like activities.
LIVABILITY (QUALITY OF LIFE)
The Brownfield portion of the site could be an opportunity to provide
open space amenities that require large tracts of land currently not
available easily to the neighborhood, such as sports and athletic fields,
trail connections etc.
Recommendations
1) Explore creating an Athletic Park that incorporates field sports such
as football, soccer, tennis etc. Provide adequate surface parking.
2) Create a new trail and buffer area along the northern side of the
rail line which connects the wetland preserve, and athletic park
to the story mill trail and the core of the north east neighborhood.
Recommend planting palettes that help clean the soil, and provide a
visual buffer from the existing industrial areas.
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49
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
With its adjaceny to the freeway and the rail lines, limited accessibility, and its
classification as a brownfield site this area is not the most suitable for standard
economic development. However it does have the potential for accommodating
some of the light industrial uses from the core neighborhood, and therefore creating
opportunities there for development that carries forward the vision of the core
neighborhood. It also has opportunities to for green infrastructure projects that could
be economically beneficial for the larger Bozeman area.
Recommendations
1) Recommend relocation of existing light industrial uses currently south of the rail lines
to the western portion of the pole yard adjacent to existing industrial areas.
2) Recommend installing a solar energy farm in area right adjacent to the freeway that
is large enough to provide a considerable amount of energy to the city of Bozeman.
Solar panels can also be accommodated on parking areas serving the athletic park
and wetland preserve.
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EXPANDING OPEN SPACE
The North East neighborhood provides
unique opportunities for new open space
which engage with the neighborhood as well
as provide opportunities for civic, and social
uses for the residents.
Flexibility should be inherently built into the
open space design allowing for changing uses,
different design approaches and evolving
neighborhood changes.
The following strategies can start informing
the open space network:
1. Create flexible, multi use, sustainable
landscapes.
2. Open Spaces cater to all types of users, by
providing a diverse range of programming
and allowing people to gather and interact in
a broad variety of activities.
3. Create open spaces that capture and
emphasize the essence and eclectic character
of the North east neighborhood.
The adjacent diagram starts to indicate a
few opportunities of how new open spaces
can be easily integrated into the current
infrastructure , but also could be used as a tool
for new development to integrate new public
spaces.
Open Space typologies in the following pages
will help identifying new opportunities for
additional public space implementation.
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EXPANDING OPEN SPACE
The North East neighborhood trails in their
current state are disjointed, and sporadic.
Creating connections at strategic locations
provide a more immersive experience for the
users.
The recommended new trails will connect
the various new open spaces creating a
comprehensive network, as well as provide
connections to other regional trails such as Story
Mill Trail, etc.
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- Street furniture interventions
- Crosswalks & Trail Connections
- Interstitial Seating
- Art Installations
LANDSCAPE TYPOLOGIES xs
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- Interstitial Gardens
- Pocket Parks
- Overlooks
- Social meeting spaces
LANDSCAPE TYPOLOGIES s
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- Alley Installations
- Community gardens
- Neighborhood Parks
- Playgrounds
LANDSCAPE TYPOLOGIES m
55
- Civic parks / plazas
- Picnic areas
- Nature Centers
LANDSCAPE TYPOLOGIES lg
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- Nature Preserves
- Camp Grounds
- Education Center
- Trails
LANDSCAPE TYPOLOGIES xl
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Typical Vehicular circulation. Proposed new streets. Truck re-route.
n
VEHICULAR CIRCULATION
There are some specific traffic issues that
need to be resolved within the North East
neighborhood such as conflicts between
truck and vehicular traffic. Adding new
connections near the Interstate will help
mitigate some of the heavily used truck
routes and allow for a more neighborhood
scaled street.
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PEDESTRIAN + BIKE CONNECTIONS
The Street system is an integral part of the
pedestrian and bike system and is essential in
providing connectivity to the neighborhood.
Overtime design implementations should
be applied to the street designs to create
‘Complete Streets’’, which serve a multitude
of social, recreational and ecological needs
by integrating social activities (sidewalk
seating, art installations), multiple modes
of transportation (bike lanes, public
transportation), and sustainable landscape
features (storm water capturing, street trees).
Planting, materials, furnishings and other
design details are intended to enrich the
pedestrian experience and meet goals for
sustainability and usability.
Building upon the existing bike routes,
additional connections are added to
create additional connectivity within the
NE neighborhood. Sidewalks along heavy
pedestrian use streets should be the first
ones to improved.
Changes can occur immediately with tactical
interventions such as painted asphalt
to indicate sidewalk or bike routes, and
more permanent changes can occur as the
neighborhood develops further.
Following are recommended street sections
for Rouse Ave, Wallace and Pearl streets
that serve as prototypes for different street
conditions for the neighborhood.
Pedestrian & Bike connections
n
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ROUSE AVE. STREETSCAPE
Rouse Ave is the major arterial street
running through the neighborhood.
Adding wider bike paths at 5’ is
recommended due to faster moving
heavy traffic. A wider landscape
buffer between the pedestrian
sidewalk and street will provide an
additional sense of security and
increase the overall pedestrian
experience.
Recommended Rouse Ave Section
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Recommended Wallace St. Section
WALLACE STREETSCAPE
Serving as the main retail corridor,
the Wallace streetscape design is
intended to provide a high level of
activity and energy on the street.
The wide sidewalks allow for retail,
cafes and restaurants to expand
seating outside during summer time
to activate the street. Artists will be
encourages to have installations
that function as site furniture
providing casual social settings.
Street trees can still be incorporated
within the sidewalk without a
parkway encouraging a more urban
experience. Eliminating parking one
side will help add designated bike
lanes in each direction.
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PEACH STREETSCAPE
Peach street is primarily a residential
street but is heavily used by
pedestrians and bike users to get
to the core of the neighborhood.
Eliminating one side of parking,
allows for incorporation of 3’ bike
lanes in each direction. Wider
parkways help buffer excess
traffic , allow for a neighborhood
scaled environment and enhance
pedestrian experience.
Recommended Peach St. Section
Implementation Toolkit
63
IMPLEMENTATION PLAN
As part of this initiative, the R/UDAT explored a list of recommendations and actions
that are critical to the success of the outcomes. These recommendations include
actions that should be considered across all districts and specific actions for the Core
district, the Transitional district, Gateway and The Yard.
In addition, the team assembled a list of potential funding options that can be
explored, which includes both local, state and federal funding options to support
preservation, livability and economic development for the Northeast Neighborhood.
The following is a summary of recommendations.
DISTRICT-WIDE
Element ACTION TIMELINE PARTNERS COSTS
short med. long
Planning Expand TIF District
ü Adopt and champion the existing Goals & Implementation Actions from the NURD Plan
ü NURD Board $
Planning Align TIF infrastructure projects with SID and CIP
strategy to ensure strategic allocation of funds for
catalytic infrastructure
ü NURD Board
City of Bozeman
$
Planning Negotiate new access road to connect lumberyards with Rouse to mitigate traffic conflicts ü Landowner City of Bozeman
MT.DOT
NURD Board
$
Planning Negotiate with Northern Pacific Railroad for pedestrian underpass connection from Core to The Yard for additional circulation and public safety
ü Montana Rail Line & Burlington Northern RRs City of Bozeman
$
Planning Consider implementing a public art program to
commission local artists to create unique streetscape
components (benches, bike racks, etc) to reflect the distinctive character of the district
ü City of Bozeman
NURD Board
$
Project Refine master plan and regulatory plan and adopt
form based code for Northeast Area to coincide with
expanded TIF district
ü City of Bozeman $
Project Partner with EDC in retail recruitment strategy to identify and conduct outreach to suitable merchants ü City of Bozeman EDC S
CORE district
Element ACTION TIMELINE PARTNERS COSTS
-
short med. long
Policy Expand Historic District to include the entire Core ü City of Bozeman $
Policy Develop and Adopt Design Guidelines to protect iconic structures and ensure compatible new development ü City of Bozeman $
Project Design and install interpretative trail ü City of Bozeman $
Project Design and install way finding system ü City of Bozeman NURD Board $
Project Construct a new Central Park on the former Old
Brewery site
ü City of Bozeman $$
Project Tactical Demonstration Interventions ü City of Bozeman
NURD Board
$
Project Adopt street standards for the Core ü City of Bozeman $
Project Construct new sidewalks, streetscape, bike lanes
according to new standards
ü City of Bozeman $$$
Project Upgrade Bozeman Stream corridor ü City of Bozeman $$
TRANSITONAL
Element ACTION TIMELINE PARTNERS COSTS
short med. long
Planning/Process Work with MDot on Rouse Street improvements to
ensure computability. Explore turn-back options to
allow for alternative standards
ü MDOT
City of Bozeman
$
Policy Expand TIF to include Transitional district ü City of Bozeman NURB $
Project Construct new sidewalks, streetscape, bike lanes
according to new standards
City of Bozeman $$
GATEWAY
Element ACTION TIMELINE PARTNERS COSTS
short med. long
Planning/Process Reclaim and protect Bozeman Creek with setback
along Bozeman Creek to promote water-quality and
riparian health
ü City of Bozeman
NURB
$
Project Ensure the regulation plan and form-based code
considers The Cannery and future potential relocation
of The Gallatin Fairgrounds.
ü City of Bozeman $
Project Coordinate with the owners to explore creating a new
truck access route through the Kenyon-Noble lumber
yard.
ü City of Bozeman $
Project Phase II would be to upgrade the truck access into a
compete street that accommodate all modes of travel
and prioritizes the pedestrian experience.
ü City of Bozeman $$
Policy Expand the TIF district to include the Gateway area. ü City of Bozeman NURB $
Policy Establish design guidelines and regulatory framework
to ensure compatible development.
ü City of Bozeman $
THE YARD
Element ACTION TIMELINE PARTNERS COSTS
short med. long
Planning/Process Acquire athletic fields and parking ü City of Bozeman $$$
Project Explore new interchange with I-90 ü MDOT $$$
Project Explore solar farm potential ü City of Bozeman EDC
Project Add trail connection under railroad ü Burlington Northern RRs
City of Bozeman
$$
Project Add trail and green buffer along corridor ü City of Bozeman Burlington Rail Line $$
Project Wetlands Preserve & Education Center ü Public Land Trust
City of Bozeman
$$
Project Planting for bioremediation ü $
Project Install wayside horns to minimize noise from train whistle ü Montana Rail, Burlington Northern RRs and City $
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FUNDING TOOLKIT
The project team evaluated possible funding tools based upon local needs specifically
for the Northeast Neighborhood. This should be used as a guide to identify potential
funding strategies to address factors and support outcomes outlined for the district.
The financial toolkit identifies funding tools that can fund public improvements and
offset development costs that otherwise would not occur, if not for the economic
incentives “but-for test.” The potential tools include:
Public
Infrastructure
Parks and
Open Space
Affordable
Housing
Workforce
Development
Example funding sources:
Tax Increment Financing (TIF)X X
GO bonds X1
CIP funds X
Special Improvement District (SID)X X
Montana Board of Housing (MBOH)
bond
X
Montana’s CDBG Program X
Bozeman Revolving Loan Fund
(Bozeman RLF)
X
Department of Commerce CDBG-ED X X
Privately Funded
Low Income Housing Tax Credit X
New Market Tax Credits X
Tax Abatement for Remodeling
1. TOP committee administers GO Bond revenue for parks
2. Trust Land Grant
Example Funding Sources
Tax Increment Financing (TIF) is one of the few economic development tools available
to local municipalities and TIFs provide needed gap financing and offset public
improvements on a performance basis within the district rather than burdening the
general fund. A TIF only is funded by the portion or increment above the original value
of the properties within the TIF when formed. The additional revenue accrues and then
can be reinvested within in the TIF district, based upon certain rules. TiFs can be used
for demolition and removal of structures, construction and improvement of public
improvements or infrastructure, including streets, curbs, gutters, sidewalks, alleys,
parking lots and off-street parking facilities, sewer lines, storm sewers, waterlines, and
impact fees.
Special Improvement Districts can be used for improvements for a period not
exceeding 20 years or, if refunding bonds then 30 years to make the assessments and
pay all expenses of whatever character incurred in making the improvements with
special improvement warrants or bonds. A SID can be used for irrigation or other
water, municipal swimming pools and other recreation facilities, street improvements,
sidewalks, crosswalks, culverts, bridges, gutters, curbs, steps, parkings (including
the planting of grassplots and setting out of trees), sanitary or storm sewers, water,
public facilities, opening of streets, avenues, and alleys and the planting of trees
on the streets, avenues, and alleys, natural gas and electric distribution lines and
telecommunications facilities, public park or open-spaces, conversion of overhead
utilities to underground alternative energy and maintain, preserve, and care for any of
the improvements authorized in this section.
Department of Commerce (CDBG funding): Job Creation/Retention: The CDBG-ED
Program is designed to stimulate economic development activity by assisting the
private sector to create or retain jobs for low and moderate-income persons primarily
through loans to businesses, provide public improvements, and training.
The Bozeman Revolving Loan Fund (Bozeman RLF) provides capital to local
Bozeman companies to further economic expansion and the creation of “quality” jobs
within the city. Typically, these loans are made to local projects that cannot attract
sufficient private financing or are unable to secure all of their financing needs
through a commercial lender. Eligible businesses must be located within the Bozeman
city limits. Priority is given to those businesses engaged in basic economic activities
providing “quality jobs”, with 50% or more of their gross annual revenues derived
from outside Gallatin County. “ Bozeman RLF loan funds can be used for most typical
business start up and expansion activities including land purchase, construction,
rehabilitation, expansion or installation of commercial and industrial buildings
or facilities, purchase of machinery or equipment; working capital and employee
training.
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CDBG Grants is inclusive of new construction of multi-family housing or multiple
single family housing development, rehabilitation of multi-family rental housing,
temporary housing facilities such as homeless shelters or domestic violence shelters,
neighborhood revitalization and renewal activities such as improvements to
sidewalks, street lighting, or neighborhood playgrounds. Projects are for rehabilitation
of substandard housing, construction of new housing, finance or subsidize the
construction of new residential units, site improvements of public facilities for new
housing, demolition of vacant, deteriorated housing units for development and
acquisition, and other neighborhood renewal activities (cleaning up junk and debris,
constructing sidewalks, streets, or neighborhood parks).
CDBG Single-Family Housing Rehabilitation Grants are for the rehabilitation of
occupied homes and residential properties determined to have critical health and
safety deficiencies and new construction of in fill development residential properties
on vacant lots; and demolition of blighted structures that results in replacement of
housing on a one-for-one basis. Eligible housing units must have an inspection to
determine the specific health and safety deficiencies, ADA improvements needed,
and housing units cannot exceed the median home price for the project area;
New Markets Tax Credits use federal tax credits to fund business start ups and
expansions in Montana and Idaho. Northeast Neighborhood is within a qualified
census tract. Qualified projects must demonstrate high community impact, with a
total project cost $4.0M+. 25% of income from the completed project will come
from commercial use (nonresidential).
Reduced Rate for Remodeling of Building or Structures is a tax abatement for the
remodeling of existing buildings or structures is eligible for a reduced tax rate for five
years following construction.
The Montana Department of Commerce works with seven Micro business Development
Corporations around the state that can provide loan financing to micro businesses.
Loans can be made for up to $100,000 to qualified Montana micro businesses. A
qualified micro business has 10 or fewer employees, and gross annual revenue of less
than $1,000,000. Micro business Development Corporations can provide capital to
businesses, in addition to training and technical assistance.
The Rehabilitation Tax Credit program is for commercial buildings such as rental
housing, commercial space, barns, or offices.
Low Income Federal Tax Credit Program is a federal income tax credit for owners
of qualifying rental housing which meets certain low income occupancy and rent
limitation requirements. The credit is taken as a reduction in participant’s tax liability
over a 10 year period. The credit can also be sold to investors to act as a financing
source.
Except for certain buildings substantially financed with tax-exempt bonds, an owner
must first obtain a credit allocation from the appropriate state agency before claiming
the tax credit. The amount of tax credit which may be allocated annually for housing
within each state is limited to the greater of $2.30 per state resident or the minimum
dollar amount dictated by IRC (as of year 2014 such minimum dollar amount is just
over $2.60 million). The Montana Board of Housing (MBOH) is the state agency which
allocates the tax credit for housing located in Montana. The Board will provide fixed
rate mortgages for low income rental housing which meet underwriting eligibility
and receive approval of HUD mortgage insurance.
The Montana Board of Housing offers Multifamily Loans, including Risk Share and
General Obligation, to produce rental housing that is affordable for low-income
Montanans.
Placemaking
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WHAT IS PLACEMAKING?
The concept of placemaking is built on honoring and respecting the
distinct identity of place. When the values of place are embedded in the
design and development philosophy of new projects, they contribute to
unique identity, rather than change it. Placemaking takes its inspiration
from what exists: context, history, people and culture. It includes
architecture and urban design, public art and public space, and people. It
is development that leverages the essential qualities of a place to amplify
and strengthen them. It is development that not only aspires to achieve
performance outcomes economically, environmentally and socially, but
more importantly seeks to capture and represent the meaning of place.
Placemaking elevates the importance of citizens because they are the
place experts of their neighborhood. No one understands the experience
of place better than the citizens who contribute to it every day – the people
who give a neighborhood narrative life and meaning. As Marjorie Smith
writes in Outside Bozeman, “Nothing epitomizes the combination of funk
and attitude that is Northeast Bozeman better than its annual Parade of
Sheds.” The event is a fantastic model of the kinds of organizing efforts
that capture place identity and community culture. As the community
moves forward, the team believes the Northeast Neighborhood should
seek opportunities to expand placemaking and community efforts that
reinforce your unique sense of place and leverage it to pursue your vision
for the future. Almost every successful community narrative around
placemaking is centered on how neighbors have leveraged small actions
to build momentum for large investments and long-term attainment of
community visions.
What You Can Do: Start Tomorrow!
The Northeast Neighborhood should organize a placemaking initiative. A
leadership committee could be organized from the R/UDAT Local Steering
Committee, or the neighborhood association, or the creative community.
Regardless of how it is led or organized, it should seek to engage the
entire community in the effort. Everything you do should reinforce your
community identity, your values and your aspirations for the future of the
Northeast Neighborhood. Every action should serve as an articulation of
identity and vision. There are dozens of people-friendly interventions
that the Northeast Neighborhood can engage in to reinforce its quirky
self-expression and promote the animation of its vision for the future.
The following is a brief illustrative selection of examples. Some of them
require virtually no resources, and others require volunteers, materials,
and other resources. The examples are illustrative, but the Northeast
Neighborhood should decide what it might take inspiration from and
create its own unique path to placemaking.
Quebec Frame Bozeman Parade of Sheds
Detroit, MI
Bozeman Parade of Sheds
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Creating Community Together
The Northeast Neighborhood’s industrial character should be leveraged for “tactical
urbanism,” small-scale interventions that use materials and volunteers to build
opportunities for public gathering and a stronger, people-friendly public realm. For
instance, “chair bombing” has become a popular phenomenon in many communities –
especially warehouse areas. Chair bombing involves using donated warehouse pallets
to build chairs and then program a public area as a people-friendly gathering space.
These kinds of creative ideas are easily scalable. For instance, in Christchurch, New
Zealand, volunteers came together to build the “Pallet Pavilion” as a public gathering
and event space following an earthquake event that left many properties vacant and in
need of activation. In Houston’s Fifth Ward, local artists gathered lumber from housing
demolitions and built the “Fifth Ward Community Jam” amphitheater which quickly
became the main civic space in the neighborhood and is programmed for community
events throughout the year. Given the Northeast neighborhood’s industrial character
and creative community, these kinds of interventions represent ripe opportunities.
Leverage Public Art for Placemaking
Public art has played an important role in placemaking initiatives across the country.
The Northeast neighborhood’s emphasis on diversity, creativity and self-expression -
as well as its self-image as a funky community – lend themselves to public art projects
that engage residents as well as produce important cultural representations and
animate place. For one, it offers the opportunity to hold community events that feature
local artists and their work. The team heard that there has already been a successful
pilot of an Art Walk, and we recommend that programs like this expand. Public art also
offers an opportunity to engage the community in continuing self-expression about
its collective vision for the future. Artist Candy Chang’s “Before I Die..” chalk designs
are a global phenomenon, and the team saw a version of one of those projects in city
hall. Those kinds of participatory art projects can help engage the community in the
Northeast Neighborhood too, and offer an opportunity for the community to put its
unique stamp on them culturally as well as the chance to articulate aspirations for the
future. For example, one neighborhood in Seattle held a planning process to envision
what they would like to see for a vacant block. They had an artist produce a large scale
mural of the envisioned uses for the block, and it created so much interest that an
investor developed the block accordingly as a result. In the Fremont neighborhood of
Seattle, a community planning process reimagined a derelict area under a bridge with
a giant Troll. The troll has now become the iconic image for the neighborhood, is the
central meeting location for civic life, and draws visitors from around the world. The
derelict space has now become a hub and an economic asset. In Frederick, Maryland,
the community organized a participatory art project for a concrete bridge, and the
Community Bridge solicited ideas, symbols and stories from thousands of people for
the resulting project. The result was not only a spectacular piece of public art, but
a meaningful contribution to the community that led to exponential investment in
surrounding development the community wanted. One can also imagine how public
art could play a role in neighborhood wayfinding and placebranding, creating a
formal “Funk Trail” for Bozeman’s funkiest neighborhood.Christchurch “Pallet Pavillion”
Fifth Ward Community Jam Amphitheater Community chair bombing event Candy Chang’s “Before I Die...” chalk installation.
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Take it to the Streets
Placemaking ideas can also extend into strengthening the public realm, particularly
streets. For instance, in Portland, Oregon neighbors organized to pain the streets as a
traffic calming measure. In Tampa, locals organized street festivals to reclaim the public
realm for people and test new ideas regarding street design. Through the Build a Better
Block initiative, communities all over the world have engaged in community-driven
pop-up street design interventions to reclaim public space and create a more
human-friendly neighborhood context. It is not hard to imagine how these ideas
might apply to the Northeast Neighborhood context, whether they are forerunners
to the Rouse Avenue improvements or pilots for change in other neighborhood
streets. They can also complement organizing efforts for resident activities like critical
mass bike rides or night rides that are often organized to demonstrate demand for
bike facilities or experience biking at untraditional times. The alleys in the area offer
further opportunities for community gathering and creative placemaking design
pilots. Vacant lots could be sites for pop-up dog parks or community events. Even if
these initiatives are organized as one-off events, they help the community imagine
how improvements to connectivity and the public realm would promote community
and improve livability. They also build momentum for additional interest in the
community’s vision for its future.Seattle’s Fremont Troll.
Frederick, MD Community Bridge.
Portland, Oregon street painting.
Tampa, FL Street Festival.
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Enhancing Livability
Placemaking can also be used to enhance livability. For instance, Newport, Vermont
started its R/UDAT implementation by focusing on a donated parking lot, with donated
materials and volunteer labor, to produce a community garden. This led to the “Grow
A Neighborhood” program, giving families plots and teaching them urban agriculture.
The effort began supplying local restaurants with produce, which led to 6 new cafes
opening. Several years later, it has expanded to a full community farming effort with
plots all over the city. Similarly, community tree planting efforts can enhance livability
by adding to the tree canopy on streets or enhancing local parks. Once again, it can
also be connected to specific programming like trail walks and related activities which
share the community’s identity and vision. One can see the opportunities for these
kinds of efforts expanding as Story Mill Park becomes a reality as well.
Seasonal Pop-up Parks: Join the Winter Party
Bozeman is a winter city and seems to have an active winter culture regarding parks
and open space, events like Winterfest, seasonal ice skating, skiing and ice climbing.
The Northeast Neighborhood should become an active part of this tradition with its
own offerings that reflect its unique assets and culture. Its industrial character, natural
setting and open space, and its creative community offer unique assets to leverage.
The Russian city of Krasnoyarsk, there is a winter ‘Parade of Snowmen’ competition
which offers a creative opportunity for community self-expression that requires
nothing more than a space and competitors to organize, and can be expanded
to include food, retail and other offerings. In Washington, DC, a “Snowball Fight
Association” formed several years ago to organize a flash mob snowball fight in Dupont
Circle – over 2,000 people turned out for the event. It has now become a tradition
whenever weather permits, and occasionally includes themes such as all competitors
dressing as characters from the star wars movies. Other communities have organized
snow sculpture events, something that may suit the Northeast Neighborhood’s artistic
community well.
Newport, VT community garden.Tasting Center for locally grown food.
Pop-up Parks and Seasonal Opportunities
As Story Mill Park and trail connections come into play, greater opportunities
for winter placemaking opportunities will become available. However, given the
number of vacant spaces and public areas in the Northeast Neighborhood today, the
opportunity for winter pop-up parks and placemaking events is a great way for the
community to express its identity and animate active uses that reinforce its vision for
the future. Often, communities miss these opportunities in industrial neighborhoods,
but there are recent urban trends that have produced exciting placemaking in
industrial neighborhoods.
In Philadelphia an industrial site at Penn’s Landing into a winterized riverfront park
as a seasonal pop-up. The team is aware that the Bozeman Fairgrounds hosts such
an event for the city currently, but the opportunity for the Northeast Neighborhood
to think about complementary pop-up programming that is specific to its industrial
character and artistic culture is something that shouldn’t be missed. In Philadelphia’s
version, a parking lot is used to create a skating rink, more than 100,000 LED lights
illuminate the area, a ski-chalet-style heated tent offers sofas and fireplaces, and
Russian ‘Parade of Snowmen’.
71
industrial storage containers are programmed to sell food, house games, create bars, and produce retail
offerings. The industrial heritage and character of the area is leveraged and celebrated while animating it
and making it a people-friendly environment. These kinds of strategies would apply well in the Northeast
Neighborhood and reinforce its eclectic identity and creativity while expressing a vision for the kind of
place it wants to be in the future. The team believes that the community should think creatively about
these kinds of interventions and make sure they express your unique, funky culture and existing assets.
The Newport, Vermont R/UDAT included recommendations for re-establishing the community’s
connection to its lakefront. One of the events Newport has begun hosting is the United States Winter
Swimming Championship, an outdoor swim complete with swimming lanes cut into the frozen lake.
The competition brings swimmers from all over the world, but the main impact is a celebration of the
community and its connection to its natural environment. The Northeast Neighborhood offers many
similar opportunities.
Philadelphia’s Winterfest.
Build Understanding for Your Vision
Where possible, the Northeast Neighborhood should continue
to pursue community dialogue about its future, particularly
surrounding growth and development. It was clear from the
R/UDAT public process that there is existing mistrust of the
development community. Additionally, many residents expressed
feelings of frustration and disempowerment regarding the
community voice in government and development decisions.
There are two key things that productive dialogue would serve
well here. First, it is important that community residents and
stakeholders understand the inevitability of growth and change,
and the consequences of different policy approaches to address
the challenges it poses to existing communities. Secondly, it is
important for the city and development community to understand
the neighborhood’s values and vision for its future. Too much of
the existing debate in the city is driven by development proposals
as they emerge. What is needed at this stage is a broader shared
vision about how the city will accommodate growth while
protecting affordability and strengthening the existing fabric
and sense of place – elements that the Northeast Neighborhood
identified as absolute priorities in the public process for the R/
UDAT. The Northeast Neighborhood Association is the logical
convener for these dialogues at the local level, though a citywide
dialogue would be warranted at this stage. The costs of not having
such a dialogue will be an inevitable further erosion of trust in
local government, frustration with the development process,
and a greater likelihood of gentrification and negative impacts to
maintenance of community character over the long term.
Communities in Action
73
BUILDING MOMENTUM OVER TIME
There are a number of illustrative community stories that provide
interesting associations for the Northeast Neighborhood. While
every community is unique, these accounts of what has happened
in other communities are instructive regarding what is possible
with vision and collaboration. These are places that have deep
meaning to the people who call them home or work in them or
visit them. Their physical character is a representation of their
civic identity, and as a result they inspire remarkable pride from
their citizens, who work together to protect and enhance them.
The Power of Community – Broadmoor, New Orleans
The Broadmoor neighborhood revitalization effort demonstrates
how grassroots neighborhood efforts can serve as a game-changer
in achieving community aspirations. Five months after Hurricane
Katrina, the Broadmoor Neighborhood Improvement Association
(BIA) rallied residents to join a neighborhood revitalization
crusade. The neighborhood, home to both wealthy families and
low-income residents, made plain the urgency in their message
with a tangible and salient call to participate:
“In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, the time for action is now.
It is imperative that we unite as one to rebuild a stronger Broadmoor; not one of us can do it alone. Being
faced with the challenges of crafting a vision for the future of our community, BIA needs your presence
and voices every step of the way. So let’s pull together, join the Broadmoor Improvement Association
and put a better Broadmoor in the center of the map of New Orleans. The BIA exists for every resident of
Broadmoor. Our neighborhood has a sense of awareness, unity, and pride.”
The initial catalyst for this effort was a recommendation from urban planners in one recovery plan that
their neighborhood not be redeveloped after the storm, but be turned into green space instead. A now
infamous planning map with a green dot on the Broadmoor neighborhood outraged residents and kicked
off a sustained neighborhood effort led by the neighborhood association. As a result, citizens led and
implemented a multi-faceted campaign that started with a neighborhood-based recovery masterplan
which outlined the values of the neighborhood and the goals for recovery, with the goal to be “Better than
Before.” The resulting effort leveraged over 13,000 volunteers and over 300,000 hours of volunteer public
service to the community. The neighborhood formed its own community development corporation, and
leveraged over $40 million in resources to restore the neighborhood’s historic housing stock, the Andrew
H. Wilson Charter School, and the Rosa F. Keller Library and Community Center. Residents successfully
lobbied the Louisiana legislature for a bill to designate Broadmoor as a Neighborhood Improvement District.
Broadmoor voters approved funding the improvement district through an annual $100 parcel-fee. These
investments tipped the scales and made the neighborhood an attractive place, and drew new residents.
Over the first seven years, the effort led to the recovery of 85% of all Broadmoor residential properties
– in an area where 100% of properties suffered between 6 and 10 feet of flooding following Hurricane
Katrina. Underpinning the entire effort was a commitment to participation in every step of the process.
The contrast with other city neighborhoods that did not organize successful public participation early on
was clear in the outcomes that were realized. The team feels that Bozeman’s Northeast Neighborhood has
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the necessary capacity to organize its residents and stakeholders for efforts that can
fuel implementation of their aspirations. By doing so, the neighborhood can begin
to advance a vision of what it wants to become and draw new partners from the
public and private sectors in support of that vision, rather than having to use so much
energy to fight development battles over things the neighborhood does not want
to see. By organizing around a clearly articulated vision and beginning to draw the
community together for implementation efforts, the Northeast Neighborhood can
build momentum to strengthen its eclectic character and sense of place.
The Barlow, Sebastopol, California
Sebastopol, California is a community of less than 8,000 residents that has
long-struggled with community debates over growth and density, place and character.
As one local history reports, “closure in 2004 of Sebastopol’s last major apple juice
and sauce processor, the Barlow Company, left 54 acres of outdated warehouses and
vacant land straddling Highway 12 along Sebastopol Avenue.” In this former industrial
neighborhood, a proposal emerged that built on the key characteristics of the existing
place to create an innovative new development that respects and honors the local
context. As the New York Times described it, “In Sebastopol, about an hour north of
San Francisco, a development called the Barlow has replaced a 12.5-acre industrial
site largely devoted to apple processing with an artisan-friendly commercial district.
It’s now home to wineries, a distillery, microbreweries and boutique producers of
everything from soap to furniture. Planters filled with herbs and vegetables edge
newly plotted streets separating buildings clad in corrugated metal. An outdoor
fire pit, bocce court and public lawns invite lingering on the campus, which also has
restaurants and tasting rooms. A hotel with rooftop pool is on the drawing board.” The
local perspective describes the evolution of the area as follows:
“After five long years of the West Country’s renowned civic and community deliberation
on what best to do with an antiquated, starting-to-be dilapidated apple packing
warehouse district, walking distance to the east of the small city of Sebastopol’s
quirky little downtown, all eyes are on the wine country’s most ambitious regional
development in recent years. The 12-acre former Barlow Apple Cannery is busting out
at the seams of a $23.5 million project touting itself as the first business community in
the U.S. to focus on connecting customers not only with products and the people who
make them, but also with the production itself. This bold, expansive new adaptation
of a warehouse district that provided work for generations is not just a marketplace
but a creative center for regional food, wine and art.”
Respect for place was honored through design, commemorating the heritage of the
district by preserving original signage and paying attention to architectural details.
Today, “you’ll find an area populated with artists, craftsmen, brew pubs, bakeries, wine
tasting rooms, cafes and restaurants. And more.” The character of place is honored and
celebrated while giving it new life.
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Improving Public Dialogue – Alexandria, Virginia
Following some heated development conflicts on its waterfront, the City of
Alexandria underwent an innovative process to design how it should engage citizens
in decision-making in the future. From 2012-2013, the city conducted a community
engagement process aimed at strengthening the relationship between municipal
government and residents. It included a series of citywide meetings and online
engagement focused on building a process people could support and trust. As they
reported, “the focus of the process asked residents to envision and design the ideal
process through which the City should engage citizens in decision-making.” The
outcomes of the What’s Next Alexandria process resulted in three key elements:
• Principles for civic engagement.
• Standard Framework for civic engagement.
• Tools and Strategies for communications and engagement.
Together, these important pieces make up Alexandria’s Civic Engagement Handbook,
which serves as a guide for public decision-making processes in the city. The city
included the following additional goals as it moves forward with improving citizen
engagement, including aspirations to enhance the following:
• Understanding about how to participate in public decision-making in Alexandria.
• Knowledge about planning and development in Alexandria.
• Skills to participate in civic engagement processes in a meaningful way.
• Participation to include a broad representation of our diverse city.
• Solutions for cooperative, productive, and sustainable public decision-making.
The Wynward Quarter, Auckland, New Zealand
The Wynward Quarter in Auckland represents another community placemaking
achievement that creates a spectacular setting for civic gatherings and a people-friendly
public realm while accommodating ongoing industrial use and the unique heritage of
the district. As one local description offers,“Bordered on three sides by the sparkling
Waitemata Harbour, the 37 hectare area has been home to the hard-working marine
and fishing industries for decades. Recently, alongside the ongoing marine activity,
some exciting developments have taken place. This once industrial and port area,
closed off to public access for many years, is now being opened up. The first stage
of the Wynyard Quarter revitalization centred around Jellicoe Street opened in 2011
- and Aucklanders haven’t looked back since. With a variety of restaurants, cafes
and a healthy calendar of events, this area quickly established itself as a popular
destination for both locals and visitors.” The goal to achieve a balanced approach
to place is explicit in their vision for the district. As they explain,“The vision for the
Wynyard Quarter is to create a mix of residential, retail and commercial development
to enable the growth of a strong, diverse, resilient and vibrant residential and business
community whilst retaining and celebrating the existing successful marine and fishing
industries. Panuku Development Auckland, as the major landowner, will ensure the
project area is developed in an environmentally sustainable way. Taking a design-led
approach it will deliver a high quality public space, new parks, sustainable built form
that is comfortable in scale, providing light, views and weather protection and an
environment where people want to develop business, live and visit.”
Silo Park
The center of Wynward Quarter is defined by a spectacular civic space, Silo Park. As
Panuku Development describes it, “Silo Park is a free public space that can be enjoyed
by both young and old. During the summer season, Silo Park plays host to more
than 50 events, activations and exhibitions attracting people from all over Auckland.
Events include the ever-popular Silo Cinema where films are projected onto the side
of Silo7 to create a magical open-air movie theatre.Silo Sessions bring live music to
Silo Park in a range of different ways, with local and international artists taking to the
stage around the area. The Silo Sessions and Silo Cinema are complemented by the
hustle and bustle of the Silo Markets that take place on Friday nights and Saturday
afternoons - weather permitting.” Silo 6 has been re-envisioned as a unique gallery
space. As they describe it, “From a repository for cement to Auckland’s newest art
and exhibition space, Silo 6 is a great example of how iconic structures from the
past can be cherished by being given a new lease of life. It’s been home to stunning
photography, cutting edge audio installations, pop-up theatre, live traditional Maori
carving and many other art events - all benefitting tangibly from an exhibition space
unlike any other in the world.” Silo Park also includes major public art installations
such as the Wind Tree sculpture, as well as recreational facilities, playgrounds, and
green space. Silo Park has provided the community with a spectacular civic space
that pays homage to the character and history of place while accommodating both
people-friendly activity and ongoing industrial use.
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The AIA’s R/UDAT program has a long history of community
success stories that also relate well to some of the
recommended actions for the Northeast Neighborhood.
The Pearl District, Portland, Oregon
In Portland, Oregon, a derelict warehouse district with
rampant vacancy and no identity was transformed during the
last two decades of the 20th century into the “Pearl District,”
a neighborhood known worldwide for its vibrant life and
unique character. The city brought a R/UDAT team to examine
the area in the 1980s. At the time, the conventional thinking
was focused on demolition for the entire district as a strategy
to facilitate new development. The public process changed
the course of future development. One local reflection
captures the area’s transformation:
“Ever squinted your eyes and tried to imagine something
that’s only in your head? That’s how it was for those of us who
looked over the rail yards and abandoned warehouses of
inner northwest Portland some 20 years ago. Rundown and
dilapidated, it was a sight that even the best of us squinters
had trouble overcoming. And yet, slowly, a largely forgotten
part of Portland’s past became an urban icon of living unlike
anything the country had ever seen: A unique blend of verve
and vibrancy, with more than a passing nod to Portland’s
uncommon brand of originality. Today, the Pearl District has
earned a worldwide reputation for urban renaissance.”
The components of the plan for the Pearl included specific
affordable housing strategies built into new development,
innovative parking strategies, important investments in the
public realm and civic space – particularly Jamison Square
– and an emphasis on adaptive reuse of existing historic
buildings as well as preservation of the historic fabric of the
area. A creative community was nourished and grew, and
the Pearl today is known for its unique sense of place and
vibrancy.
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Santa Fe Railyard Redevelopment, Santa Fe, New Mexico
In Santa Fe, a conventional development slated for a former rail yard was rejected by the community
in favor of a bold experiment that achieved an authentic community place celebrated by locals and
recognized as a national model for placemaking. As one local leader noted, “It was an experiment
in deep democracy which resulted in the Community Plan, approved by the City Council in 1997
as a conceptual Master Plan.” The plan was then developed through an innovative partnership that
produced a uniquely local district celebrated by citizens. As a local account notes, “The Santa Fe
Railyard Redevelopment is a testament to the power of community involvement in the realization
of great civic spaces. When the 40-acre rail yard was threatened by private development in the early
1990s, the city mobilized to purchase and protect the historic site for a local vision. With involvement
from over 6,000 community members, a master plan was developed and implemented over the next
decade through a unique partnership between a non-profit community corporation and the Trust
for Public Land. Today, Santa Fe enjoys a vibrant, multi-use civic space that preserves the industrial
heritage of the rail line while strengthening the city's future. The historic rail depot now serves as
the northern terminus of New Mexico's commuter rail, and the Railyard's cultural and commercial
amenities draw new visitors every year.” Locals in Santa Fe now refer to the area as the community’s
“family room,” as opposed to the central square downtown (the “living room”), a place where local
residents gather to experience community. It is a remarkable achievement. As local architect Gayla
Bechtol reflects, “People see it as a real community space. I’m most proud of the democracy that
happened. Helping someone have a voice who otherwise wouldn’t have a voice in the process, was
to me the most gratifying part. The greatest lesson is that we can work together.”
San Angelo, Texas
In 1992, San Angelo, Texas was suffering. As one account relates,
“Civic-minded residents fretted about the discouraging situation,
meeting informally but unable to pinpoint the necessary steps
toward progress. Above all, what was missing was a unified vision for
wrangling the disparate pieces of San Angelo into a cohesive working
whole.” The R/UDAT process was organized to work on that goal. What
happened as a result was noteworthy. By one estimate, “more than
$70 million in public and private projects were successfully completed
in the decade that followed the R/UDAT. More recently, the $16 million
renovation of a former department store transformed the abandoned
building into a new public library. Other projects include a $11.2
million restoration and renovation of the historic San Angelo City Hall,
Meanwhile, ongoing discussions are taking place to create a master
plan for a 200-acre cultural district that will encompass the Museum
of Fine Arts, Fort Concho, the historic railroad depot, and other
properties on both sides of the river. On the 20th anniversary of the R/
UDAT process, the editor of the local newspaper published a letter to
the team. As he noted, “When I tell my younger friends about the part
you played in revitalizing our city, they think it's an urban fairy tale:
Once upon a time, a group of architects, planners and urban design
experts from around the nation volunteered to travel to San Angelo
and work day and night to find ways to change the future of the city.
You had help, of course. You carefully listened to our homegrown
ideas, hundreds of them. Everyone from children to civic leaders
stepped up to the microphone and shared dreams for San Angelo. It
was an exciting week, which ended with a strategy laying out short,
medium and long-term actions." Reflecting on all that had occurred
in the community, and its achievements to date, he observed that,
“Many San Angeloans worked many years to transform the Historic
City Center. But you affirmed our ideas, planted seeds and sketched a
possible map for our future. And you gave us hope. Back in 1992, your
ideas seemed like dreams. Now we are living those dreams”.
Conclusion
The Bozeman community should investigate these and other succesful
models to inform its efforts and find inspiration for the challenges
ahead. During the Bozeman R/UDAT, residents were asked to think
ahead 15 years and imagine their key community and the potential
key changes that could occur to help achieve their aspirations. Now
we are asking you to join hands to pursue your collective aspirations.
Great achievements are not beyond your grasp if you choose to work
together in the public interest. Come together to take control of your
future now, and you may have much to celebrate in 15 years.
Team Roster & Thanks
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TERRY AMMONS, TEAM LEADER
Terry Ammons, the Principal of StudioAmmons, is
a 1987 architectural graduate of Virginia Tech and
has worked for over 28 years in the architecture
and museum fields working on museums
throughout the U.S. and Europe. His recent
interpretive designs at Sailor’s Creek Battlefield
and several Virginia state parks have won plaudits
across the state. He also provided award winning
restoration and exhibit design for the recently
completed Robert Russa Moton Museum, the
national center for the study of Civil Rights in
Education and has recently provided planning and design services to such nationally
recognized museums as Wyoming’s National Museum of Wildlife Art and the Chrysler
Museum in Norfolk, Virginia.
THOMAS LAGING, FAIA
Tom Laging is an emeritus professor of the
architecture at the University of Nebraska
and a Killinger Distinguished Professor of
Urban Design. He has been an invited critic at
numerous universities–including the Isthmus
School in Panama and Tianjin University. He
was a Fullbright Scholar at Simon Bolivar
University in Caracus and contributed to the
first metropolitan plan for Lima as a Peace Corps
Volunteer. As a skilled environmental visualizer
Professor Laging informs his teaching though an
urban design consulting practice and many years on community design teams. He
has been involved with retail and environmental graphics projects for many Barnes
and Noble College bookstores; town center design developments for St. Louis, MO,
Anchorage, AK and Fairfax, VA and many campus-design efforts including University
of New Mexico and DePaul University. Laging is serving his sixteenth year on the
Nebraska State Board of Engineers and Architects. He is a founding member of the
Nebraska Capitol Environs Commission and was a member of the recently completed
Centennial Mall design team. He was elevated to fellow in the AIA for his service to
communities and was awarded the Cunningham gold medal for distinguished service
to the Nebraska architecture community. He holds a Masters Degree from the Harvard
Graduate School of Design.
KUSH PAREKH, ASLA
Kush Parekh, a Senior Associate at Mia Lehrer
& Associates has over 12 years of project
experience in design, strategic planning, and
construction administration. Passionate about
cities, he is inspired by the complex relationships
between socio-cultural factors and ecological
systems in urban environments. With a holistic
understanding of the built environment, he
strives to apply the highest level of design and
sustainable principles while exploring creative
use of materials and building techniques. Kush is
currently leading MLA’s effort for the new LA NFL Stadium and Entertainment District–
a 298 acre, multi phased project to reimagine, design and build on the site of the old
Hollywood Park race track.
JASON CLAUNCH
Jason Claunch is President of Catalyst, a retail
consulting and recruiting firm based in Dallas,
Texas. Catalyst has recently completed market
analysis and recruitment projects with many
communities including Arlington, Farmers
Branch, Kyle, Edmond, Red Oak, Midlothian,
Colleyville, Northlake, Trophy Club and DFW
International Airport. Jason is currently working
on projects that included Panera, Whole Foods,
HEB and Wal-Mart as well as over 100 local
and regional tenants. Jason has consummated
over 1,000,000 square feet of leases and closed over 190 raw land transactions. Jason
is experienced with the full lifecycle of real estate from initial market strategy,
planning, entitlements, due diligence, design, vertical development and disposition
using his extensive relationships with owners, developers, vendors, end users, and
the brokerage community. Prior to Catalyst Commercial, Jason directed Billingsley’s
retail division, consisting of over 4,000 acres of raw land and portfolio value of
over $1B. Prior to joining Billingsley Company, Jason was a partner of a Dallas
based development company and was responsible for site/market planning,
acquisition and development of projects in Colorado, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana,
Georgia, and Texas for national tenants. Jason also worked as a National Accounts
Broker on multiple projects in Dallas, exclusively representing national accounts such
as Wachovia Bank, Valvoline, Taco Bueno, CVS Pharmacy, Walgreens. Additionally, he
completed projects for Target, Albertson’s, Wendy’s, Brinker, Eckerd’s, Home Depot,
Ross, PetsMart, Pier One, Staples and many other national concepts. He also developed
additional business opportunities with third parties, and was responsible for internal
development projects. Jason is an active member of the North Texas Commercial
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Association of Realtors (NTCAR), International Conference of Shopping Centers (ICSC),
Certified Commercial Investment Manager (CCIM), Urban Land Institute (ULI), National
Association of Industrial and Office Professionals, (NAIOP), Texas Municipal League
(TML), Oklahoma Municipal League (OML), Texas Economic Development (TEDC) and
NTCAR Young Professionals. Jason has previously served on national design assistance
teams in Georgia, Illinois, and Utah.
ALAN HOLT, AIA
Alan Holt has focused his career as an architect
in promoting well designed, vibrant, healthy
communities with positions in municipal
government, education, and his own private
practice. Alan obtained his Masters in Architecture
from Columbia University, spent his early career
working for architectural offices in NYC, and
practiced most of his career in New England until
moving to Austin in 2010. Since then, he has
served as a Principal Planner in the City of Austin’s
Urban Design Division where he leads the City’s
waterfront planning. His previous stents as a municipal urban designer include
serving as the Deputy Director of Design for the City of New Bedford, Massachusetts,
and as the City of Portland, Maine’s Urban Designer. Alan has served as the chair of
the Texas Society of Architect’s Urban Design Committee, and now serves on the AIA
Regional and Urban Design Committee Leadership Group. AIA Austin awarded him
the 2015 Community Service Award for his efforts to plan Austin’s South Waterfront,
which was begun with an SDAT in 2012 and culminated in the creation and adoption
of the South Central Waterfront Master Plan in 2016. Since adoption last summer, the
Plan has received planning honors by Texas chapters of both the American Planning
Association and the American Society of Landscape Architects.
JOEL MILLS
Joel Mills is Senior Director of the American Institute of Architects’ Center for
Communities by Design. The Center is a leading provider of pro bono technical
assistance and democratic design for community success. Its programs have catalyzed
billions of dollars in sustainable development across the country, helping to create
some of the most vibrant places in America today. The Center’s design assistance
process has been recognized with numerous awards and has been replicated and
adapted across the world. Joel’s 24-year career has been focused on strengthening
civic capacity and civic institutions around the world. This work has helped millions of
people participate in democratic processes, visioning efforts, and community planning
initiatives across four continents. In the United States, Joel has worked with over 100
communities, leading participatory processes that facilitated community-generated
strategies for success. His past work has been featured in over 1,000 media stories,
including ABC World News Tonight, Nightline, CNN, The Next American City, The
National Civic Review, The Washington Post, and dozens of other sources. He has
served on numerous expert working groups, boards, juries, and panels focused on
civic discourse and participation, sustainability, and design. He has also spoken at
dozens of national and international conferences and events, including the Remaking
Cities Congress, the World Eco-City Summit, the Global Democracy Conference, the
National Conference on Citizenship, and many others.
ERIN SIMMONS
Erin Simmons is the Senior Director of Design Assistance at the Center for Communities
by Design at the American Institute of Architects in Washington, DC. The Center is
a leading provider of pro bono technical assistance and participatory planning for
community revitalization. Through its design assistance programs, the AIA has worked
in over 250 communities across 47 states, and has been the recipient of numerous
awards including “Organization of the Year” by the International Association for Public
Participation (IAP2) and the “Outstanding Program Award” from the Community
Development Society. Erin is a leading practitioner of the design assistance process,
providing expertise, facilitation, and support for the Center’s Sustainable Design
Assistance Team (SDAT) and Regional and Urban Design Assistance Team (R/UDAT
) programs. In this capacity, she works with AIA components, members, partner
organizations and community leaders to provide technical design assistance to
communities across the country. Her portfolio includes work in over 100 communities
across the United States. A frequent lecturer on the subject of creating livable
communities and sustainability, Erin contributed to the recent publication “Assessing
Sustainability: A guide for Local Governments”. Prior to joining the AIA, Erin worked
as historic preservationist and architectural historian for an environmental and
engineering firm, where she practiced preservation planning, created historic district
design guidelines and zoning ordinances, and conducted historic resource surveys.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in History from Florida State University and a
Master’s degree in Historic Preservation from the University of Georgia.
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Carson Taylor, Mayor of Bozeman
Martin Matsen, Planning Director
Ralph Johnson, MSU
Brian Caldwell, R/UDAT sponsor
Amy Hoitsma, NENA
Tod Hoitsma, NENA
Paul House, NENA
Jeanne Wesley-Wiese, NENA
Chris Nixion, Business Owner/Resident
Bobbi Clem, TIF Board Member
Alan McCollim, Kenyon Noble
Brodey Simkins, Simkins Hallin
Dave Curry, Simkins Hallin/Resident
Troy Scherer, Landscape Architect
Erik “Ole” Nelson, Business owner
Ethan Barlow, Business owner
Shane Strong, KLJ Engineering/NEURB
engineer
Jessica Johnson, City of Bozeman
Neighborhood Coordinator
Erik Nelson, Thinktank Design Group INC
Rob Pertzborn, Intrinsk Architecture
Stacie Wunsch, MERCURYCSC
BOZEMAN R/UDAT STEERING COMMITTEE
MSU STUDENT VOLUNTEERS
Cara Bionde
Kelsey Corti
Shane Caye
Adam Schilling
Stephanie Irwin
Kara Baldwin
Marley Robb
Katherine Schmachtenberger
Katie O’Niell
Tanner Houselog
Brooke Jackson
Jordan Cann
WITH SPECIAL THANKS TO THE R/UDAT SPONSORS
The Northeast Urban Renewal District Board
Big Sky Trust Foundation
Prospera Business Network
Volunteerism from the Steering committee
Wild Crumb
Montana State University
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