2.0. HRSR 03-10-1998 - Laserfiche WebLink

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town; the new commercial areas seem like so many other shopping centers and highway business areas. A way of breathing life into the downtown and instilling Monticello character in the new commercial uses is needed. The key is Walnut Street as a new "main street" that links the Mall and the river, and the introduction of new uses along Walnut Street to create a bridge between Monticello's old and new commercial districts. • The north end of downtown is anchored by the Mississippi River, with Concept'C'Key Ideas Walnut Street extended nearly to its banks. • The Mall becomes an anchor at the south end of downtown, with a sense that Walnut Street extends to its front door. Standing at the front door of the Mall, there is a strong sense that the river lies at the opposite end of Walnut Street. • Pine Street becomes one of Monticello's new "main streets," with an ori- entation to the traffic on this street. • Walnut Street becomes the other new "main street," with a focus on the creation of a great pedestrian environment. • Civic and institutional uses are concentrated at the center of Walnut Street's length, creating a third anchor,representing the people of the Monticello community. • City Hall becomes an integral part of the civic anchor; with a presence on Pine Street and Walnut Street it might resemble a town square. • Pine Street is the primary "through street" in Monticello; traffic is encour- aged to use this street to get through town and across the river. • Significant gathering spaces are created at each of the three anchors. • The bridge at Interstate 94 is redeveloped to create a stronger connection . to the south part of Monticello and to provide an image that is a better reflection of the Monticello community. • A trolley on the existing railroad connects the east and west parts of the community to its downtown; it provides a complement to the Heartland Express with an important hub at a City Hall plaza. The concepts were reviewed at the second community workshop. It was clear that Concept 'C' was favored, but aspects of other plans also received atten- tion. Ultimately, a refined concept was articulated — based on Concept 'C' and incorporating key elements of other alternatives. The future of Monticello's downtown and riverfront would be found in its "new bridge." • A New Bridge Revitalizing Monticello's Downtown and Riverf ont - Page 2:5