Community Design Workshop
Northfield, Minnesota

The Present and Future Design Workshop (focusing on Northfield’s relationships to the Cannon River) was organized through the City’s Economic Development Authority. The goal was to take a broad overview look at the city, its relationship to the river, and what that has meant and should mean to future planning. The workshop was organized into four teams, each studying a specific area of town. Determining how these forces have impacted the city as a whole, and as related to specific areas around the city, was the biggest challenge addressed over the weekend.

The following specific topics were addressed: Gateway areas into the city were discussed. Transportation flow (both vehicular and bike path traffic) in and around the city was investigated. Specific, identified redevelopment sites along the river both north and south of downtown were studied. Downtown parking options were delineated. Development opportunity zones were identified. Options for a new river crossing were articulated.

The presentation to wrap-up the weekend was well attended and shown later over local cable-access television. Since that weekend, the final report has been used by several planning committees and continues to be a valuable resource.

 

This gateway study of the south end of town illustrates the city planning idea of the “compression and release” of urban space. The pinching down / opening up as you move along a route differentiates that area from others in the city and creates a more memorable experience. The lower left corner of this diagram ended up being the site of the new Village School. The proposed new river crossing is on the top edge of the green-colored area and to the left.

The new river crossing study included sections through the area of the crossing and alternatives for design of a bridge that would cross the river, athletic fields and railroad tracks.