8.1 SR 10-18-2021 - Laserfiche WebLink

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-r 7 W � if, it- MOPA00 Uptown Mixed Use Uptown Elk River includes the mixed use area north of Highway 10 and primarily along Third Street. This area is currently comprised of one- to two-story commercial buildings with retail, service, and office uses as well as multi -family developments and under utilized off-street parking lots. Redevelopment and infill development of parking lots and undeveloped sites should be a priority along Third Street in uptown. The city should encourage higher density uses with a primary focus on mixed use which includes buildings that provide ground level/first floor commercial uses and residential or office uses above Mixed use creates opportunities for both new housing and businesses and should be smaller in scale as compared to mixed use development in the downtown to transition between the intense commercial uses in the core to the mixed residential uses at the periphery of uptown. Improve the Pedestrian Realm Currently, uptown is an area in transition. Recent improve- ments to the public right-of-way including the installation of a round -about and mid -crossing pedestrian islands have improved safety for uptown pedestrians. However, a lack of street trees, benches, and pedestrian scaled lighting keeps the district feeling as if it prioritizes vehicles. To remedy this, the city should consider pursuing an uptown Streetscape Plan. To further enhance the pedestrian realm, the city should require that new development or redevelopment include a greater amount of transparency at ground level through storefront windows, horizontal and vertical facade artic- ulation, parking lot screening, and outdoor dining and gathering space. Enhance Facades Today, the city and EDA offer the Downtown Revitalization Financing Loan program which offers downtown busi- nesses and property owners loans of up to $74,999 for secondary financing. The city and EDA should consider expanding this loan program to also apply to properties within uptown. Connect to Downtown Although uptown should be further enhanced as a distinct district from downtown Elk River, visual and phys- ical connections between the two areas is essential to ensuring the vibrancy of both. Visual connectivity should be enhanced through wayfinding and gateway signage while physical connectivity should be explored through the Highway 10 Study and seek to improve pedestrian infra- structure and safety at the intersections of Highway 10 and Jackson Avenue as well as Highway 10 and Main Street. Elk River Comprehensive Plan • Economic Development Plan 07CL\arri]C1ONVADOW9101WO 69