Plaza would make downtown Whitewater more vibrant
WHITEWATER — Plans are ramping up to further revitalize downtown with Station Park Plaza, a space for the commercial, recreational and social.
“In trying to revitalize the downtown, we’re trying to create a destination,” said John Patterson, secretary of the Downtown Whitewater board and member of the Main Street Economic Restructuring Committee.
The segment of Whitewater Street from Fremont Street to Center Street and the portion of Cravath Lakefront Park that fronts the street would be redesigned as a pedestrian-friendly plaza.
Plans for the park drawn up in the mid-1990s called for a “town square” with a fountain, brick pavers and benches. The space was intended for downtown events such as a farmers market or an art fair.
The proposed Station Park Plaza fulfills those original plans, Patterson said.
The project has two phases. The first involves:
-- Removing the curbs and replacing them with short, vertical posts, large planters and bicycle racks.
-- Widening the street.
-- Adding angle parking on the north side of the street. Parallel parking would remain on the south side of the street.
The second phase includes improvements to the park such as a multi-purpose gazebo, which could serve as an information center during festivals, a small group meeting space or a performance space.
The Downtown Whitewater board, which presented its plan to the city council, parks and recreation board and plan commission Aug. 26, wanted to preserve the open character of the park, so that the plaza will be a versatile space, Patterson said.
Russell Devitt, president of the Downtown Whitewater board, said the board suggested adding a life-size chess set, a fenced play area and picnic tables with umbrellas.
Although the specifics are up for discussion, “the notion (of a plaza) received almost unanimous support” from the city, he said.
A smaller group of representatives from Downtown Whitewater and the city is working on cost estimates for each phase of the project, Devitt said. The city has given a nod to using tax incremental finance money to fund the project, he said.
Devitt said construction could begin next year.
Patterson said creation of Cravath Lakefront Park in the mid-1990s breathed life into downtown when it was struggling.
“The community made a tremendous investment in the downtown park,” he said. “And now we’re just starting to see the benefits of that.”
Station Park Plaza, he said, would continue the trend.
Sep 8, 2008 at 9:17 a.m.
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This is to clear up a few things.
First, they are considering stop and go lights at the intersection of Main and Whiton (Discussion at the next council meeting of 9/16). It is unfortunate the young man that was injured did not use the current lights that are there, that might have helped.
Second, the Whitewater St. angle parking was discussed with the Fire Dept. heads. It is not set in stone if this will happen.
Third, the intersection of Whitewater and Fourth Sts. have been held up because the contractor went on strike. They have been back at work and should be finishing soon.
Sep 7, 2008 at 6:06 p.m.
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Starin Rd from Prairie to Prince is in the heart of the college campus, mandy, and it was constructed like that to slow traffic and protect the thousands of students who cross it daily not for the convenience of large vehicles. I have an SUV and have no difficulty driving it at the posted limit.
Main St needs a stop and go light at it's intersection with Whiton. I don't think the painted crosswalk and flashing yield signs will be sufficent.
I agree the roundabout could have been made larger. Semis still need to use it to come off of Hwy 12 and get to the industrial park.
Regarding the plaza project I do think it's impact on emergency vehicles which would have to use the area often should be futher evaluated before any changes are made. Doing anything in that area that restricts their ability to operate is counterproductive and puts the community at greater risk.
Sep 7, 2008 at 2:29 p.m.
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Some other great ideas the city has had. Stop, park and watch traffic go thru the undersized roundabout on the east side. Imagine driving a big truck thru this mess. Another bad area for large vehicles is Starin Rd. between Prairie St. and Prince St.
Sep 7, 2008 at 1:54 p.m.
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I've often thought that a "walk UNDER" bridge would be nicer there from Main to Whiton (if it's physically possible). Semis still go down Main Street. The walk over would have to be quite high, wouldn't you think? There's so many tunnels in Whitewater now; why not add one more? Plus it'd keep ppl dry if it's raining... just light it well so ppl feel safe going under at night?
Sep 7, 2008 at 12:51 p.m.
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u know what... this is really bugging me.. lol! seriously to widen the street that much... thats going to slow more traffic down, like it does already on center and main streets (angle parking) and wow.. widening the street will take quite a chunk out of cravath park... meaning less room for the carivals that it holds. And yes about the fire trucks, if they start work on that street its not going to be easy to just get out of the station and go strait down whitewater st to get to the east side of town! My husband is on the fire dept and he thinks this is a very silly idea! Im happy with the way the downtown is now.. and yes... before making plans on soemthing else - please for the love of the darn town fix the damn street you already tore up.. for MONTHS! and also, half the streets of whitewater now for some reason have pea gravel on them... sillyness!
How about putting up a walk over bridge on main street and whiton!!!! Those pedestrian lights were a great idea... but the college kids dont take the time to push the damn button, instead they play chicken and just cross the street whenever they please! It would be much safer for the Wheelchair'd pedestrians also.. Im sure everyone remembered the accident that happened in recent weeks with the car vs pedestrian.
Silly town!!!!
Sep 7, 2008 at 10:36 a.m.
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Fire Department vehicles are large vehicles. Look at the size of the ladder truck. Angle parking adds to the chance of pedestrians walking out between vehicles to get to the park. Most won't take the time to go to a crosswalk. Maybe emergency services should be moved to new building or buildings. Whitewater doesn't have enough land to expand Goose dodo park.
Sep 7, 2008 at 10:22 a.m.
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They say there widening the street? Will it be enough to keep the traffic lane as wide as it is now? With angle parking on the north side, this would mean that the traffic would have to jog to the side to maneuver the lane of traffic. This will be a major safety hazard!!!!!!!!!!! The emergency services are all located in the next block. A large share of our responses would require us navigating this mess.
Sep 7, 2008 at 7:57 a.m.
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I'd be happy if they just fixed the section of Whitewater St. they tore up, and left as gravel for months now. Other than that, I think the whole downtown is pretty idyllic already, whether they upgrade that section or not.
Sep 7, 2008 at 7:52 a.m.
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It's funny seeing all the articles in the recent past about Whitewater trying to become a "destination." I went to college there and haven't been back since graduation! If you go, just watch out for drunk kids downtown and on campus. Just kidding, sort of.
Sep 7, 2008 at 12:24 a.m.
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omg this city is so retarded!
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