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Project Understanding <br />The connected and surrounding residential neighborhoods are a strength of the Navarre district that complement and support the <br />commercial center. Cimage: Google Maps) <br />We understand the city desires to conduct a community- <br />based, long-range plan for the Navarre commercial district. <br />Pedestrian improvements were made by Hennepin County <br />on Shoreline Drive (CO 15) but the historic railroad village <br />needs to regain it sense of place. With almost 10 acres of <br />land and buildings in some state of vacancy or underutilized <br />value, now is the time to think and dream about how <br />Navarre can thrive as a place for people. <br />Referred to as the `commercial district' and `crossroads <br />center' in the comprehensive plan, Navarre is defined as <br />a "somewhat fragmented business district" that does not <br />know if it is "urban or suburban". The plan goes on to say <br />that the most important development parameter for the area <br />is a "pedestrian -friendly environment" that supports an <br />appropriate scale and type of retail uses. <br />Commercial zoning follows <br />the very linear pattern <br />of Shoreline Drive and <br />Shadywood Road. <br />PERFORMANCE <br />DRIVEN DESIGN. <br />The current character of the district is both pedestrian - <br />friendly and walkable (north side of Shoreline Dr) and <br />defined by multiple surface parking lots (south side of <br />Shoreline Dr). In between, County 15 as well as Shadywood <br />Rd, are multi -lane roadways that do not provide a sense of <br />enclosure or a safe, inviting walking and biking experience. <br />We understand the city would like to reimagine a vision for <br />Navarre that will guide future investment and redevelopment <br />for years to come. The vision must be firmly and fully directed <br />by engaged stakeholders while clearly understanding market <br />conditions, ownerships and fundamental place -making <br />principles such as a prominent public realm (open space and <br />gathering areas), connectivity and mix of uses. <br />Vacant and underutilized <br />(outlined) land and buildings <br />make up a significant amount <br />of the Navarre area, almost <br />10 acres. <br />J <br />The street and block diagram <br />conveys the historic railroad <br />plat and defines a very <br />walkable scale and village <br />pattern. <br />l� <br />The figure ground diagram <br />clearly illustrates a linear <br />arrangement of buildings <br />along Shoreline Drive <br />and shows that the most <br />prominent feature is the <br />large, undefined area at the <br />intersection. <br />City of Orono - Land Use Planning Services for the Navarre Area Plan <br />