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INTRODUCTION
<br />A Vision for Downtown Louisville
<br />Through two public open house events,
<br />workshops, and online interactions, several
<br />consistent themes emerged These included
<br />an emphasis on creating authentic Louisville
<br />experiences, focusing on inclusion so that
<br />downtown benefits evert/one, connechaty to/
<br />from downtown area destinations, branding
<br />and identity for the downtown area
<br />PROJECT VISION STATEMENT
<br />In the heart of Louisville
<br />is envisioned a downtown
<br />that is more than just a
<br />destination — it is a dynamic
<br />and welcoming expression
<br />of our community's spirit.
<br />This 2024 Downtown Vision
<br />Plan integrates branding,
<br />wayfinding, transportation,
<br />and placemaking, weaving a
<br />tapestry of connectivity and
<br />creativity that reflects the
<br />unique identity of Louisville.
<br />The Downtown Plan vision statement
<br />incorporates these themes and g the
<br />foundation for our recommendations
<br />Plan Framework and Goals
<br />This asmn statement a ambitious How to
<br />make it real a the focus of the remainder of the
<br />report Three Framework Themes have been
<br />developed which elaborate on the vision and
<br />contain specific goals and actions necessary
<br />to implemenet the theme The Framework
<br />Themes are detailed and summarized below
<br />AMPLIFY Enhance downtown Louisville's
<br />vibrancy and diversity by building on
<br />existing strengths while introducing new
<br />programming and activation opportunities for
<br />year-round enjoyment Focus on placemaking,
<br />public realm activation, and showcasing
<br />Louisville's creativity and history Update
<br />streetscape amenities with unified materials,
<br />furnishings, and refreshed aesthetics
<br />LINK Make it easy for Louisville residents,
<br />employees, and visitors to access downtown
<br />and nearby destinations whether travelling
<br />locally or regionally. This theme supports the
<br />vision for better connectivity and sustainability
<br />by encouraging connectivity to parks, trails, bike
<br />lanes, and nearby attractions to/from downtown
<br />NAVIGATE Emphasize effective wayfinding
<br />systems which do not overload users with
<br />information, advoc.ing for a consistent
<br />strategy that includes clear and legible
<br />visual cues to enhance comprehension
<br />and navigation in complex spaces
<br />Plan Objectives
<br />The coon statement and plan goals
<br />create a series of vision plan objectives,
<br />each operating underneath the broader
<br />plan framework and goals
<br />AMPUFY
<br />• Respect and celebrate the unique cultural
<br />heritage of Louisville by preserving
<br />historical sites, promoting public art, and
<br />integrating cultural elements into the
<br />urban fabric, ensuring an amplified sense
<br />of identity and pride for residents
<br />• Foster a sense of place by incorporating
<br />distinctive elements, public art installations,
<br />and landscaping that reflect the
<br />unique identity of downtown Louisville,
<br />an residents and victors to
<br />connect with their surroundings.
<br />• Transform underutilized areas into lively
<br />and engaging public spaces that cater
<br />to diverse community needs, providing
<br />platforms for cultural events, recreational
<br />activities, and social gatherings
<br />• Design and activate public spaces that serve
<br />hubs for community events, markets,
<br />and recreational achafies, promoting a
<br />sense of belonging and community
<br />• Implement strategies to activate streetscapes
<br />through the introduction of street -level
<br />retail, pop-up shops, and interactive
<br />CITY OF LOUISVILLE, COLORADO
<br />DOWNTOWN
<br />BY THE NUMBERS
<br />100
<br />Unique and charming
<br />businesses on
<br />Main, Front & Pine Street
<br />30
<br />restaurants and
<br />eateries in Downtown
<br />20
<br />boutique shops offering
<br />clothing, gifts, and
<br />artisanal products
<br />30
<br />downtown events
<br />in the summer
<br />installaions, fostering a vibrant and lively
<br />atmosphere throughout downtown
<br />• Integrate green infrastructure, such as street
<br />trees, pocket parks, and landscaping to
<br />enhance the aesthetic appeal of downtown
<br />while also improve air and water quality,
<br />and contribute to the overall well-being
<br />and attractiveness of the community
<br />UNK
<br />• Develop transportation options that welcome
<br />people of all ages, abilities, and vaned
<br />backgrounds to downtown Louisville
<br />• Design complete streets that are Inviting,
<br />attractive, foster social connection, and
<br />reflect the cuy's small-town atmosphere
<br />• Promote community health and environmental
<br />sustainability by encouraging downtown
<br />access by alternate modes to driving,
<br />especially for short trips from within Louisville
<br />• Support local businesses and
<br />economic development
<br />• Foster a sense of community by creating
<br />interconnected public spaces, plazas,
<br />and gather!, areas that encourage
<br />social interaction and strengthen
<br />the bonds among residents
<br />• Create layered sidewalk, trail, bikeway,
<br />transt, and roadway networks that make
<br />it convenient and safe for users of all
<br />modes to access downtown Louisville
<br />011
<br />• Consider how to support drivers of electric
<br />vehicles (both cars and micromobility)
<br />through public charging options.
<br />• Improve transit access with first -and -last
<br />mile connections to bus stops and by
<br />incorporating trana,Mented development
<br />• Encourage safe speeds downtown by
<br />installing traffic calming intrastruaure.
<br />• Improve crossings for people walking,
<br />rolling, and biking, especially across key
<br />barriers such as South Boulder Road,
<br />CO-42, and the railroad tracks
<br />NAVIGATE
<br />Provide an easy -to -understand visual
<br />hierarchy to the information bang provided
<br />• Use a macro -to -micro lens when creating
<br />the messaging strategy and order
<br />destinations from closest to furthest
<br />Consider the number of messages per sign,
<br />or sign panel, ideally a maximum of five per
<br />sign or three per sign for vehicular signs
<br />• Consider using symbols when possible —
<br />they are great shorthand and multhlingual
<br />• Be consistent with messages and the
<br />messaging of other existing signs in the area
<br />• Resist the urge to over -direct and
<br />message — simplicity a key
<br />Transformative Projects
<br />Framewor emes are given physioa form
<br />through a series of Transformative Projects
<br />which are illustrated in Chapter 4. These
<br />focus areas and strategies were chosen
<br />as the most strategic interventions where
<br />public and private interactions could have a
<br />transformative impact on downtown Louisville.
<br />The Transformative Projects are as follows;
<br />1. STEINBAUGH PLAZA
<br />Concentrate short-term investments on creating
<br />a dynamic streetscape between Spruce Street
<br />and Walnut Street which supports the numerous
<br />events and activities like Street Fare and the
<br />Farmer's Market and the Stambaugh Pavilion area
<br />Front Street sees a high amount of use during
<br />events and festivals Permanent conversion of
<br />this block of Front Street amplifies the best
<br />characteristics and most active areas of downtown
<br />while creating a more flexible, welcoming
<br />experience for attendees of these events
<br />2. FRONT STREET CURBLESS STREET
<br />Transform the existing parking areas around
<br />the Pavilion to become a plaza an active
<br />community node with all -season and all-weather
<br />activations and community gathering Given
<br />its position at the intersection of Spruce Street
<br />and Front Street, it can be the new secondary
<br />destination away from Man Street and act as
<br />compliment to the activity of Man Street. As
<br />needs arise, 0 could be used as curbless parking
<br />2024 DOWNTOWN VISION PLAN
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