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4 Building Blocks for the Downtown The plan illustrated below is a hypothetical scheme developed from a set of concepts which defines downtown Chanhassen's future. An example of one of many concepts that could be applied to downtown, this plan blends historical and contemporary elements while drawing meaning from the natural en.,ironment. A summary of this section can be found on page 6. City Commons Marking the center of downtown Chanhassen is the city commons, a group of public spaces and buildings which includes an expanded city hall,. library, senior center and a public open space. It lies at the confluence of the major paths through the downtown and has a strong presence on West 78th Street. A public green extends through the entire site, connecting downtown with the city park at the north side of city hall and the neighborhoods that surround the downtown. By joining these facilities, the city commons becomes the centerpiece for social, recreational and civic activity, as well as a landmark for the community. Today city hall, the library and the senior center are all operating at capacity. Expansion of these facilities as an integrated unit will lower construction costs since many spaces can be shared. But planning in common will also ensure the civic complex's prominence in the community's future. ("~-.. , k~ "'---- ..J ''-\ ~ _, '-<.-"~ "/ j/ - V ~~ ~oCjJb ~~ Commercial Development Downtown will always be the focal point for commercial activity in Chanhassen. However, space for large new commercial development is limited. Opportunities exist for smaller retail and office development which will foster downtown's mixed-use nature and maintain the scale and character of surrounding buildings. As larger projects are proposed, a balance must be created between the expansion of downtown and residents' desire for a compact, walkable commercial core. Pedestrian Ways Pedestrian ways, developed to connect all areas of the downtown, will create a balance with the automobile and enliven the entire downtown. Careful placement will allow people to come to the downtown, park their cars and move between destinations safely and comfortably on foot. The pedestrian network does not stop at the edges of the center-it reaches beyond downtown to connect with the neighborhoods of Chanhassen. Pedestrian space also includes the space between the street and the front door of buildings, where pedestrians will not have to compete with cars to reach their destinations.