Major Goals of the Tower District Specific Plan
Restore and Reinforce the Historical and Mutually Supportive Relationships Between the Tower District and the Central Area.
Many areas and neighborhoods of the Tower District are closely tied to the history and future of the Central Area. In turn, the health and vitality of the Central Area are dependent upon adjacent, stable residential neighborhoods.
Conserve and Enhance Existing Residential Neighborhoods.
The Tower District is an older, predominantly residential area which is characterized by neighborhoods of architecturally significant building and landscaping. Some multi-family dwellings have been successfully integrated into single-family blocks. Many opportunities exist for new construction as well as rehabilitation, all within established development patterns.
Respect and Further Enhance the Historic Character of the Tower District as a Place Not Dominated by the Automobile.
Historically, much of the Tower District developed as a streetcar suburb. Because of this development history, many parts of the district are scaled to the pedestrian. Excessive dependence on the automobile in recent years has increased appreciation of the merits of more pedestrian-oriented neighborhoods close to neighborhood commercial areas, as represented by the Tower District.
Conserve and Revitalize the Tower District's Historic and Architectural Resources.
There are many indications that the architectural quality of the District's historic and cultural resources are being maintained. There is a growing recognition that these resources merit substantial re-investment. And yet, there are other indications, particularly where blight has taken hold, where conflicting land uses exist, or where heavy traffic tends to dominate, to the extent that certain resources are deteriorating.
Maintain and Improve Public Infrastructure Consistent with Levels of Public Investment in Newer Parts of the City.
Streets, alleys, water and sewer lines, and other components of the District's public infrastructure are showing signs of a need beyond routine maintenance (street repaving, streetlight repair, alleyway resurfacing, repair of damaged guardrails along Dry Creek, water and sewer line repair). Street widening or realignments are not appropriate. Rather, the goal is to give the District equal place among other districts of the city and to recognize that the City has responsibility for planned re-investment in older areas.
Provide New Plaza, Park and Open Space Areas.
Existing public open space in the District is limited almost exclusively to school sites and streets. Additional open space is needed for the diverse public life of the District.
