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1 <br />THE PURPOSE OF THIS DOWNTOWN PLAN <br />The purpose of this Plan is to create a vision and series of <br />action steps for the Downtown Area of Elk River — a vision that <br />responds to the needs of today, and prepares for the desires of <br />the future. <br />Downtown is of particular importance to the community because <br />it is the psychological center of the community. Comprised of <br />small and medium sized properties, it is in many ways a place of <br />opposites - a place of pride and community gatherings; a core <br />separated from the rest of the city; a beautiful river that lacks a <br />strong presence; major regional visibility offered by infrastructure <br />that bisects the area; a community that takes pride in both its <br />downtown, and country identities. <br />It is also of particular importance because downtown Elk River, <br />like many smaller downtown, sits at an inflection point in its <br />history. As it wrestles with a post-COVID economic identity, <br />downtown is seeking to become more than just a place to <br />work and shop - but also one in which people can live, gather, <br />celebrate, and play. <br />With nearly all of the private land in the area developed, <br />or encumbered by highways and rail, Downtown Elk River <br />must creatively pursue strategies of redevelopment, creative <br />connectivity, and people-oriented public spaces. The purpose <br />of this Downtown Plan therefore is to provide clear, attainable <br />guidance to align private and public investments towards goals <br />of a more connected, inviting, vibrant destination for residents <br />and visitors. <br />“Elk River’s attractive and well-programmed downtown will be a destination for residents as well as tourists interested in enjoying a night out for shopping, dining, and entertainment. <br />The downtown will leverage its waterfront to anchor events and draw thousands to the area. <br />Pedestrian connections throughout the downtown will be enhanced, encouraging visitors to park once and explore on foot.” <br />-Elk River 2040 Comprehensive Plan <br />Page 71 of 157