Agenda - Parks and Recreation Commission - 01/11/2018

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Municipal Plaza Alternative Plan for Consideration (Jacobson/LHB 2015) Simply stated, Municipal Plaza is the single most important component of the COR Public Realm Framework. It is the place to meet, the orientation point for wayfinding in The COR, and serves as the gateway to other public amenities and attractions nearby. Sitting at the crossroads of strong civic presence, residential density, transit options and retail storefronts, this location brings together all the elements of innovative and sustainable city -building. Exploring several possible configurations confirmed the need to fully integrate uses, amenities and materials with Sunwood Drive (Ramsey's Main Street) while creating a clearly visible and accessible connection between the proposed Mississippi Skyway and Lake Ramsey Commons. This vital `public promenade' along Center Street provides the primary north/south armature through The COR and also links a variety of facilities and amenities such as the Regional Park, The Draw, North Commons and other destinations. (See also the document addressing a realigned Regional Trail through The COR along Center Street, entitled `Central Anoka County Trail and connection to Mississippi West Regional Park) For the purposes of defining potential costs for future construction, a preliminary list of park elements (or a basic design program) was discussed including: • Flexible use, paved plaza area to accommodate special events such as Happy Days • Interactive, decorative, sculptural water feature as a City icon • Integrated stormwater management and other infrastructure systems • Formalized planting design representing Minnesota landscapes (lake, prairie, woodland, etc.) • Lighting, furniture, art and other elements to create unique identity and character Recommendations The Municipal Plaza will clearly identify the center of civic life and support a variety of daily activities within The COR. This key public PLACE represents a rare opportunity within the City of Ramsey to encourage vertical mixed -use development, with restaurants (and future retail stores) fronting the plaza. The relationship between The COR's Main Street (Sunwood Drive) and the Municipal Plaza as completely integrated pieces of the whole, is critical for the success of this district. When completed as envisioned, the combined presence of these two public realm components, The Plaza and Main Street, will create a signature destination, and will leverage additional private -sector investment in this area. `Restaurant Row, as part of the unique mix of uses within and adjacent to the Municipal Plaza, will contribute to the intensity and vibrant street life that characterize successful placemaking. To realize its full potential at this location (in contrast to sites along Lake Ramsey) will require a solid commitment from both public and private participants to integrate these types of ground floor uses within development projects near the Plaza. District parking strategies need to be explored and pursued to address issues related to vehicle movement, convenient access, and to provide maximum benefit/support for mixed -use development throughout The COR—and this is true for the park spaces too. While district parking is likely to begin with centrally located surface lots, over time, as new development intensifies, these will be converted to structured parking, either as stand- alone facilities (meeting specific design standards) or fully integrated within creatively designed development sites close to the Plaza. There are many precedent projects, local and national examples, which illustrate the variety of options available, from traditional approaches to the latest advancements in flat floor, flex-use/convertible strategies.