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INTRODUCTION WHY A VISION FOR STREETSCAPES AND PUBLIC PLACES The livable city is one that offers a variety of attractions and opportunities to citizens and visitors A livable city puts pubic life at the center of planning, strengthened by an overall focus on liveliness, health, attractiveness, sustainabilir and safety The human, cultural and social aspects should be carefully taken into consideration to delver truly sustainable developments for the future Why this plan? Louisville's Downtown area was improved in the early to mid-1990s with improvements to streets, utilities, landscaping, irrigation, lighting and other improvements The bock paving pattern was integrated into these updates as well as other infrastructure updates The intent of this project is to develop a document that will not only provide a vision for the downtown revitalization, but to also provide concept level designs for the recommended improvements to complement the agreed upon vision. Public investment an mfrayucture, such as reetscapes and the pubic realm, can yield signrlcant economic benef that positively impact private investment and overall community prosperity One key benefit as the enhancement of property values When acommunity invests an well -designed streetscapes and public spaces, it improves the attractiveness and dearab lrty of the area, leading to higher property values and higher incentive to locate a business there This increase an valueincentares private property owners to invest further in their properties, thereby contributing to the overall economic growth of the community. Moreover, a thoughtfully planned public realm can stimulate increased business activity Vibrant stretscapes with pedestrian -friendly features, such as widened sidewalks, street furniture, and landscaping, create an invmng environment that encourages people to spend time and money in the area This uptick in foot traffic can translate into higher sales for local businesses, driving economic expansionand Lob creation in sectors such as retail, hospitality, and services Additionally, pubic investment in infrastructure projects generates jobs in the shore term through construction and related industnes The improved attractiveness of the community attractcan w bus encourage existing ones to expand, further contributing to job creation and economic vitality A well -planned pubic realm fosters a unique sense of place within a community attracting tsidnresidents,and businesses draw rt t characterand identity This sense of e of place instills pride among community members, encouraging them to invest in and support local businesses and mmtves. Fora small community like Louisville, investing in a pubic realm and streetscapes plan can be procularly beneficial Small com often rely heavily on their local economies, and improvements to pubic infrastructure can make e significant difference in a tracttng vasators, support ang local businesses, and enhancing overall quality of Me for residents By creating attractive and accessible public spaces, Louisville can diffferenttate itself from neighboring area, attract investment, and foster sustainable economic growth over the long term. Completing a downtown vision plan and activating great pubic places are integral components of urban development and revnalzton efforts Desired activations and programming should also inform the design of the public realm Design and activton work hand -in -hand to create great public places and streetscapes Streetscape activation is the process of enhancing the built environment around streets and pubic spaces with art street furniture, outdoor dining areas, and other activities and amenities to engaging and attractive areas for peoplcreate to gather and interact Adds increased foot traffic, social interaction, and economic activity • Contributes to sense of place and identity • Encourages non -vehicular modes of travel • Creates more opportunities for people to linger and engage with their surroundings • Helps forge strong social ties between people and their downtown Well -designed streetscapes can benefit local businesses annd generate great revenue for downtown and the Casty However, an expertly - crafted pubic spaces not enough. All great public spaces also have activation and programming to continually refresh activities and experiences for residents and visitors CITY OF LOUISVILLE, COLORADO DOWNTOWN OPPORTUNITIES Setting Louisville has a magnificent setting. The and history are great elements of Louisville's identity. All around downtown you can see glimpses of these treasures. The natural amenities sio near the town give an extra dimension to time life of Louisville. Downtown is the Heart — physically and culturally Louisville's downtown is central to its overall community fabric. Downtown is well -situated in the center of multiple neighborhoods, and therefore plays an important role in connecting the various parts of Louisville. The grid structure makes it easy to orient oneself and the fairly flat and wide streets and sidewalks that run north and south form the perfect base for a potential culture of more walking and biking In downtown. Much of the city's social and cultural life is within the downtown area —Street Fore, civic buildings, and events permeate downtown year-round Good Existing Walkability In general, downtown has walkable and easy accessible sidewalks of good quality The short street blocks and four-way crossings make it a fine base for walking in a city. Great Festival and Event Culture Louisville, Colorado, hosts over 30 downtown events each summer like the lively Louisville Street Face with music and local vendors. The Farmers' Market offers fresh produce and family activities Entrepreneurial Spirit Downtown Louisville hosts dozens of charming businesses on Main Street Including 30 restaurants and eateries and 20 unique boutique shops offering clothing, gifts, and artisanal products. Why now? The Marshall Fire in Lousville, Colorado, ha left a profound impact on the community, both emotionally and physically In the aftermath of such a tragedy, investing in the public realm and public spaces downtown IS not)ut appropriate but crucial for several reasons The COVID-19 pandemic, coupled with the devastating effects of the Marshall Fre, has intensified the need for community -focused public spaces The isolation and uncertainty brought by the pandemic have underscored the importance of having accessible, safe, and welcoming public areas where people can reconnect and support one another By investng in downtown public spaces, the residents can come together to rebuild and heal, fostering a sense of unity and resilience in a time of compounded challenges The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated shahs in market trends, with many businesses and consumers prionnzing outdoor flexible, and adaptable spaces. Revitalizing public spaces can Lou lcatalystact as for economic recovery Downtown le, as a commercial hub, stands to benefit significantly from such investments By enhancing is appeal through modern, resilient public infrastructure, businesses can be encouraged to reopen or establish themselves anew This, an es)ob opportunities and stimulates economic ttrvaty, helping the community bounce backnotno only from the fire but also from the broader economic impacts of the pandemic The necessity of updating outdated infrastructure has never been more evident Modernizing infrastructure to meet current business needs and oos community expectations is vital to ensuring that Louisville remains competitive and attractive in a rapidly changing world. The dual impacts of the Marshall Fre and COVID-19 have highlighted the vulnerabilities in the existing public realm Investing in downtown public spaces sends a powerful message of hope and commitment to the community's future. It demonstrates that despite the challenges faced, the City remains dedicated to cretng vibrant, inclusive, and safe environments for its residents The aftermath of the Marshall Fre, coupled with the ongoing challenges posed byCOVID-19 and evolving market trends, presents a unique opportunity to invest in the public realm and public spaces dow n By y fostering unity, driving very, addressing outdated infrastructure, pro ring su nabilty and inspiring hope, these investments can play a pivotal role in the community's healing and resurgence Now more than ever, it as essential to invest in the heart of the city, ensuring that remains a [thriving, resilient, and forward - looking plane for generations to come Who pays? The Louisville Revitalization Committee (LRC) as the Citys urban renewal entity, charged with eliminating and preventing blight within the urban renewal boundary areas The Highway42 Urban Renewal Area was adopted an 2006 and encompasses Downtown Louisville Through the adoption of this urban renewal area, the LRC collects property to be used to eliminateand r mired increment blight within the bouarea In cooperation with property owners and other stakeholders, the LRC seeks to provide assistance to stimulate private investment and accomplish the objectives of each urban renewal plan Publicprivate partnerships and other forms of cooperative development will be critical to the LRC's strategy for stimulating growth and reinvestment and preventing the spread of blight and eliminating the blightng conditions Funds collected by the LRC must be spent within the LRC boundary 2024 DOWNTOWN VISION PLAN This plan was funded by the LRC. The LRC in collaboration with the City of Louisville envision a dynamic urban design plan aimed at transforming downtown into a vibrant and resilient community hub. Projects that appear in this plan will be funded through existing LRC funds and Capital Improvement Plan (CAP) funds through the City. The City does not plan on using bonds or other public financing mechanisms at this time to fund the projects shown in this plan.