Meeting Date: May 18, 2023
To: Members of the Planning Commission
From: Mikayla Schmidt, City Planner
Title
Discuss Proposed Bridge Square Plans.
Body
Action Requested:
The Planning Commission is asked to review and provide comments on the revised plans for Bridge Square.
Summary Report:
Bridge Square is a contributing property to the Northfield Commercial Historic District and the District’s period of significance is 1855 to 1945. Bridge Square contains one contributing structure (monument), one non-contributing structure (fountain), and two contributing sites (square and park). Additional details on the historic nature of Bridge Square are included as attachments.
The Planning Commission reviewed the initial Bridge Square concept plans in 2021 and 2022. The last formal presentation on Bridge Square was on February 17, 2022. In April 2022, the Bridge Square concept plans were submitted to the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) for review. The review letter from SHPO is attached. SHPO made two initial recommendations: a Phase I Archaeological Survey and that Water Street should “not be abandoned in order to transform the historic landscape features from two separate green spaces into one large green space.” The City has contracted with 106 Group for the Phase I Archaeological Survey and additional historic research.
On June 21, 2022, City Council approved the Bridge Square concept plan. On November 1, 2022, City Council approved a contract with Damon Farber for the design of Bridge Square. Damon Farber is working on the design plans with a project team composed of:
• Prime Consultant / Landscape Architect - Damon Farber Landscape Architects
• Subconsultant / Design oversight - Bob Close and Bruce Jacobsen
• Subconsultant / Civil Engineer - Bolton & Menk
• Subconsultant / Electrical Engineer - Nelson Rudie Associates
• Subconsultant / Lighting Design - Schuler & Shook
Damon Farber has worked to incorporate the comments from the Heritage Preservation Commission, SHPO, City Council, Planning Commission, Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, Arts and Culture Commission, Chamber of Commerce, Northfield Historical Society, Riverwalk Market Fair, Vintage Band Festival, Defeat of Jesse James Days committee, and other stakeholders and members of the public into the design plans.
Additional information on the presentations to the Arts and Culture Commission, Heritage Preservation Commission, and Parks and Recreation Advisory Board are attached.
Damon Farber will be presenting the most recent Bridge Square plans. The Planning Commission is asked to review the design plans and provide input to Damon Farber and the City.
In addition, the City is seeking input on the Bridge Square plans from other commissions, City Council, and the public. The plans will also be submitted and reviewed by SHPO per MN State Statute requirements.
Alternative Options:
N/A
Financial Impacts:
To be determined.
Tentative Timeline:
See attached timeline within the presentation.