Dwight P. Mitchell City Center Park Site PlacePlan Benton Harbor, MI
What is placemaking?
Place Plans Request for Letters rs of Intent • Perfect timing • City Center Park was an obvious choice • Met with a few partners, responded to LOI and was successful! • Communicated the award, convened the SC and the work began!
PlacePlans Process March December 2015 And beyond! Source: Michigan Municipal League A Stronger Understand Engage & Project Community Benton Harbor Design Implementation Source: SPDC
Pro roject Sponsors rs • Michigan State Housing • Cornerstone Alliance Development Authority (MSHDA) • Kinexus • City of Benton Harbor • Benton Harbor Parks & Recreation Conservancy
Square 1 Steering Committee Members • Ken Ankli, Brammall Supply • Bryan Joseph, Michigan Pizza Hut • Mamie Yarbrough, Berrien County • Prairie Real Estate Group (Peter, Commission Christine, Paul) • Bill LaDitka, Wightman & Associates • Corey Bell, Morton Hill Association • Felicia Smith, BH Sunrise Rotary • Bryan Tutton, Downtown Development Authority • Ade Adewoye, Brooks Architectural Inc. • Sharon Henderson, Benton Harbor City • Marshall Downs/ Ryan Simpson, Kinexus Commission • Tracey-Ann Jennings, Emergency Shelter • Stephannnie Harvey-Vandenberg, BHPRC Services • Alloyd Blackmon, BH Promise • • Audrey Elwell, AKA Sorority, Inc. Garden • Ryan Soucy/ Guatam Mani SWMPC • Barbara Henderson, AKA Sorority, Inc. • Jerry Price, UWSM • Lee Reed, Resident • Joanne Johnson, Disability Network Southwest MI
Me Meet etin ing 1: Vi g 1: Visi sion onin ing g Work orksh shop op PROUD FUTURE VISION SORRY • • Public art Current events & • Poor streetscape & • Year-round activities connectivity programming • Diverse & engaged • Lacks permanent • Amenities community amenities • Low-maintenance • Potential as central • Underutilized green space open space • Lacking beauty
Me Meet eting ng 2: 2: De Desi sign gn W Works ksho hop
Mo More de e desi sign gn i inp nput ut!
Me Meet eting ng 3 3: D Draft ft Pr Pres esen entat ation on
Conceptual design true for all seasons. As the invigorating focus of a vibrant and on the move Benton Harbor, it reflects the history of the community while at the same time providing a symbol of the future at the core of the city MSU Design Narrative
Key design principles Respect the scale of the park. Beautification. Adjacent streetscape needs to Sustainable design practices. be part of the design. Connectivity to the surrounding area, especially location. the library and Arts District. Opportunity for community Historical reflection. resurgence. Setting for activities. Consider maintenance needs. Year round opportunities. Think security. Family oriented. Think green. Positive energy. Opportunities for all ages and Support facilities; ex. abilities. Restrooms. Cohesive design. Consider expansion of the park Public art. area. Multiple use facilities and Respect culture, diversity and areas. inclusion.
Next Steps 1 . October: Develop phasing recommendations 2. November: Deliver final report and supporting recommendations 3. Ongoing: Coordinate with City, Parks Conservancy, community, and agency partners to target funding opportunities
Case Study: Allegan
Case Study: Cadillac
Opportunity: Cro rowdfunding http://www.crowdfundingmi.com/
Implementation: getting there re fro rom here re • Activate the park with events and people • Connect the park to surrounding destinations • Engage residents and partners in the vision • Support park with appropriate private investment on nearby sites
Activate Create high-visibility events board & community posting space. Image:
Activate critical mass, and sustainability
Activate Build a collection of games and activities that park visitors can use
Connect Use art and history to draw visitors through downtown and neighborhoods Images courtesy of Candy Chang
Connect Highlight connections to nearby destinations and neighborhoods. Image: Flickr user cdejabet
Engage Provide opportunities for partners and community groups to bring plans to life
Engage test out designs
Invest Discuss vacant property concepts with development partners
Invest Engage employers in live-where-you-work programs. Image: EMU Foundation
Invest Coordinate with state agency partners to pursue mixed-income development around park
Thank you! Contacts: Wayne Beyea, MSU beyea@ msu.edu (51 7) 432-7600 Richard Murphy, MML rmurphy@ mml.org (734) 669-6329
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