Community Research

Welcome to the East Lewiston Revitalization Master Plan and Focus Design project presentation by Emily Lunden.

 

Goals

The main goal for the East Lewiston Community project was to create a multi-use community that would act as a regional attractor.  Finding, creating, utilizing any and all open space to benefit the public was a major goal as well. 

 

Program

* To create a community that would be unique and attractive to various age groups

        - use river promenade as a large draw for public

         - create various themed "rooms" along river promenade to attract from each age group

                  *for relaxation on the weekend

                  *for eating

                  *for observing the stars

                  *for secluded lover's

                  *for water jokes

                  *for sitting by the dock

                  *for art or central meeting point, etc.

* To address the flood hazard, yet utilize as much land as possible

* To create access and views to the river

        - redesign the shore line to get rid of the levy and allow for flooding

         - create river promenade to increase use of river  edge

* To introduce a light rail system to reduce commuting and traffic

* To keep traffic at a minimum

        - direct through traffic around the community

         - make the main street bend and curve to slow traffic

* To distribute and utilize any available open space

        - linear parkways, bike paths, pocket parks

* To create a continuity throughout the community without it becoming redundant

        - similar paving patterns

        - same unique curves and arcs reappearing  through out the landscape

* To maintain railway system

        - re-route around the outskirts of town

* To create affordable and nice high density housing for all ages.

        - includes 2-8 story housing, some with retail, some without retail

        - includes town houses

        - includes single family housing

 

Schematic Design

The process used for schematic designing was very general and included the meshing of six different aspects: Multi use area, residential, circulation routes, green (or open) spaces, central nodes (town squares) and industrial areas.

The first schematic design redirected the main commuter route around the community leaving the topography undisturbed.  The multi-use, residential, and industrial areas all mixed together with the green spaces strung out between them. 

   Pros:

      * redirect major traffic, thus cutting down on noise

      * mixed use areas bring convenience to public

      * topography left undisturbed

   Cons:

      * brings noisy industry to public

      * doesn't take advantage of river     opportunity

 

   The second schematic design took the main commuter route right through through the main part of town, adding curves and narrow streets to slow traffic down.  The multi-use areas, residential, and industrial areas were laced out in-between the curves in the road. 

   Pros:

      * mixed use areas bring convenience to public

      * topography left undisturbed

   Cons:

      * brings noisy industry to public

      * doesn't take advantage of river  opportunity

      * creates headache for commuters

 

The third schematic design was a little more drastic. The shoreline of the river was completely re-located by removing the levy.  This plan adopted the curvy main road from the second plan, but still directed the commuter traffic around the town, as in the first plan.  A light rail system was also introduced.   Industry was left in an area by itself.

   Pros:

      * mixed use areas bring convenience to  public

      * light rail system

      * pedestrian friendly

      * lots of green space

      * no noise from light industry

      * takes advantage of river

   Cons:

      * disturbs topography

 

Master Plan

 
The master plan was created with the goals and objectives in mind as well.  The basis for the design was the third schematic design.

Housing:

   4% of all housing is 2 story complexes

   18% of all housing is 3 story complexes

   17% of all housing is 4 story complexes

   12.4% of all housing is 5 story complexes

   2% of all housing is 6 story complexes

   3% of all housing is 7 story complexes

   .6% of all housing is 8 story complexes

   38% of all housing is town houses

   5% of all housing is single family housing

Retail and Industry:

   19% of all structure is retail

   5% of all structure is industry

Green Space:

   45% of all area is green space

 

Light Rail Stations

 

Enlarge image to see detail of light rail station

This and the next three images enlarge portions of the master plan shown above. This image shows the detail of a light rail station at the eastern end of the site. There are four stations throughout the community, one of these stations is located near the major town plaza.  All the stations are surrounded by retail and residential areas.  This creates a small neighborhood at each station. 

Also in this image is the activity center and amphitheater.  They are surrounded by a lot of open space to create a park like atmosphere. 

 

 

Park and Pond

 

Enlarge image to see details of pond and park

This image shows the park and pond area near the entrance of the community.  This is also the site for the beginning of the river promenade.  The location of the pond was chosen based upon the fact that there is an existing stream (although seasonal) in this area of the site.  The pond was created to allow for flooding as well as provide a place of recreation. 

 

 

Mixed Housing

 

Enlarge image to see mixed housing and green space.

This image shows the mixed used housing and its interaction with green space.  Shown in this image is both town houses, and multi-level complexes (both with and without retail on the lower floor).  This also shows the main commuter route at the bottom, and how it connects are various places to the main street of the community.  The green spaces are places thought the community in a eddying pattern.  This reflects the nature of the main street and light rail system. 

 

 

Main Plaza

 

Enlarge image to see detail of main plaza

 

This image shows the main plaza of East Lewiston.  Flanking this plaza is retail as well as some housing farther out.  Cars are not hindered by the plaza, for there is ample room for both car and pedestrian.  The main light rail station is located here, thus drawing the heart of the community here. 

 

 

Focus Area

 

Overview

 

Enlarge image for detailed views and discussions

 The area of focus is the river promenade.  This promenade offers something unique to the public, for as the viewer strolls along the path, they encounter seven different "rooms" of interest.  The first of the seven rooms focuses on relaxation, and area to get away from it all, if you will. 

The second "room" encountered is located directly on the water. This area has a dock for direct access to the river and offers a place to throw out a line or just enjoy the sunset. 

The third "room" features water jokes.  An ideal area for the children to cool off and have some fun while they're at it. 

The fourth "room" offers a place to sit down and grab a bite to eat. (Click for more detail)

The fifth "room" is a landmark with its and interactive large clocks.

The sixth "room" is for the lovers.  Secluded and safe, this is an ideal location for intimate conversation. (Click for more detail)

The seventh, and final, "room" is the location of the telescope.  Far enough away from the major town lights, this area offers a great spot to star gaze.  (Click for more detail)