Riverfront Plaza Renovation

CTD-4

Observation

The existing Riverfront Plaza hosts very little activity while constraining useful improvements to the park.

Discussion

This plaza is a type of facility commonly built in the 1970’s that has been prone to failure. In Miami, the similar Bicentennial Park is being demolished. The monumental sculp-ture and the flat area at the top of the levee should be kept, but the unused steps and bridge should be removed. A small cafe or kiosk should be built adjacent to the plaza for festivals or special times (or perhaps sunsets) when the plaza provides an exceptional view. This is the only location, other than the future park at the Capitol Park, where it is possible to be comfortably beside the river. The planetarium to be built in its proximity, is allowed greater freedom of design by the removal of the steps presumably to better define the new Square at the Centroplex. The newly liberated land should be restored to a simple slope and landscaped as a naturalistic park. The Corps of Engineers has a general policy that may not permit trees on a levee. However, at this sector the levee is particularly wide and an exception might be secured for the appropriate species of tree. The southernmost portion of this area should be reserved for a symmetrical expansion of the successful Naval War Museum, its whole to be centered on Government Street as its western terminus. A site should also be reserved for a transit station, to contain much-needed public restrooms and drinking fountains. (See Transportation)

Recommendation

Redesign the Riverfront Plaza, leaving only the monumental sculpture, the flat plaza and the pier. Remove the bridge over River Road. This project should be prepared in conjunction with the design of the proposed planetarium. Reserve a site for a transit station. Detail the restored slope as a park. The Riverfront Development Plan will require adjust-ment to reflect this change.

Responsibility

Downtown Development District

Project Status

On hold until Centroplex’s convention center expansion plans are completed. The DowntownDevelopment District unveiled a Visitors Amenity Package in March 2003 developed by Washer Hill& Lipscomb with Eskew + Dumez + Ripple and Reich & Associates. A proposal for re-energizing the riverfront plaza is included in the Visitors Amenity Package.

Implementation

Explanation of Terms

Product

New Public Plaza

Responsibility

DDD and Allen Eskew

Implementing Agent

DPW

Feasibility Analysis

DPW

Initial Financing

DPW

Project Financing

The Planetarium and Naval War Museum construction

Timing