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17 <br />THE PROCESS <br />Project Goals <br />The Downtown Elk River Master Plan establishes a refined vision and set of <br />implementation steps for Downtown and the immediately surrounding area. <br />This vision builds on the City’s 2040 Comprehensive Plan, while reflecting a <br />deeper analysis of downtown’s issues and opportunities. <br />The Plan is guided by a set of Goals to promote a place that is unique to Elk <br />River—one that affirms the historic center of economic and social activity that <br />Downtown played for the City, while affirming a need to continue evolving into <br />a modern center. <br />It is envisioned that much of the existing fabric of Downtown will generally <br />remain in place - the current roadway network, the types of land uses allowed, <br />and the majority of the area’s public spaces. However, a series of targeted <br />interventions are suggested that build on this foundation towards a more <br />robust destination and year-round place of social and economic activity. <br />A Market-Supported Vision <br />A Place People Can Comfortably Get To, And Get Around <br />Getting to downtown is critical <br />considering the constraints of <br />adjacent roadways, rail, and the river. <br />Equally as important are clear ways to <br />move around downtown once you’ve <br />arrived. Downtown must therefore <br />provide comfortable means of driving, <br />walking, and biking to and around <br />downtown for it to continue being <br />successful. <br />The future vision of downtown should <br />be aspirational, while supported <br />by current and anticipated market <br />realities. Implementation steps should <br />balance city resources with long-term <br />returns on public investments. <br />A Public Realm That Supports Businesses and Events <br />Appropriately-Scaled Development <br />The scale of future development <br />in and around downtown must <br />complement existing development, <br />offer transitions in height and scale, <br />and support the city’s long-range <br />vision. <br />Downtown’s public realm is the <br />lifeblood of gathering and activity. <br />Improvements to the Public Realm <br />must continue to support current <br />downtown events and businesses, <br />who rely on the public realm for their <br />success. In turn, improving these <br />spaces must set the stage for strong <br />events and business growth. <br />Balance Evolution with Predictability <br />Events and Businesses that Bring People Downtown <br />Continued business success in <br />downtown will require a level of <br />predictability in the pace and scale <br />of change. Future improvements <br />downtown should be communicated <br />proactively and regularly with <br />downtown business owners. In doing <br />so, local businesses can become active <br />partners and champions of change. <br />The busiest days in downtown are <br />driven by events. The continuation and <br />growth of downtown events should <br />be paired with destination businesses <br />that encourage people to visit the <br />area more often, and extend their stay <br />while downtown. <br />Page 87 of 157