Vision Fairbanks Downtown Plan - Fairbanks North Star Borough

Vision Fairbanks
Downtown Plan
Adopted August 21, 2008
Vision Fairbanks Downtown Plan |Crandall Arambula PC |Adopted August 21, 2008

Credits
Downtown Association of Fairbanks
Board of Directors
Therese Sharp, Walsh, Kelliher and Sharp, Board
President
Monty Rostad, Big Ray’s Clothing Store, Board
Vice President
Peter Beaver, General Manager, Sadler’s Home
Furnishings
Charles Bettisworth, Bettisworth & Company
Buzzy Chiu, General Manager, Bridgewater Hotel
Mike Cook, Cook & Haugeberg, Partner
Jeff Hammermeister, General Manager, Westmark
Fairbanks
Ken Henry, Owner, Hops Stationery
Bart LeBon, Executive Vice President, Commercial
Lending, Mt. McKinley Bank
Sue Rainey, Owner, Riverview Realty
Cindy Schumaker, Project Director, Morris
Thompson Cultural & Visitors Center
Georjean Seeliger, Owner, If Only...
Urban Plan Task Force
Charles Bettisworth, Bettisworth & Company
Bruce Carr, Director of Strategic Planning, Alaska
Railroad
Judy Chapman, Area Planner Department of
Transportation, State of Alaska
Dr. Kathryn Dodge, Economic Development
Specialist, Fairbanks North Star Borough
Bernardo Hernandez, Director, Department
of Community Planning, Fairbanks North Star
Borough
David Jacoby, City of Fairbanks
Monty Rostad, Big Ray’s Clothing Store
Therese Sharp, Walsh, Kelliher and Sharp
Mike Schmetzer, City Engineer, City of Fairbanks
Emma Wilson, Downtown Association of Fairbanks
Community Advisory Committee
Emily Bratcher, Regional Development
Coordinator, JL Properties
Joan Busam, Owner, l’assiette de Pomegranate
Maurine Canarsky, Downtown Resident
Jim Dodson, President & CEO of Fairbanks
Economic Development Corporation
Frank Eagle, Owner, Lavelle’s Bistro
Bob Eley, Board President, Fairbanks Community
Museum
Julie Estey, Director of Development, University of
Alaska Museum of the North
Elyse Guttenberg, Director of Planning &
Development, Fairbanks Native Association
Mary Karhhahn-Stark, City Resident
Shirley Lee, Executive Director, Fairbanks Native
Association
Jewelz Nutter, President & CEO, Greater Fairbanks
Chamber of Commerce
Michelle Roberts, Executive Director, Festival
Fairbanks
June Rogers, Executive Director, Fairbanks Arts
Association, Owner, McCafferty’s
Marilyn Russell, City Resident
Tim Staton, Owner, Alaska Gold’n’Gems
Melissa Stepovich, Governor Palin’s Office
Vivian Stiver, Owner, Two Street Station
Fairbanks North Star Borough
Mayor Jim Whitaker
Bernardo Hernandez, Director, Department of
Community Planning
Dr. Kathryn Dodge, Economic Development
Specialist
City of Fairbanks
Mayor Terry Strle
Mayor Steve Thompson
Mike Schmetzer, City Engineer
Gerry Colp, Engineer III
Bob Pristash, Engineer IV
Downtown Association of Fairbanks
Emma Wilson, Director
Jerri Layman, Operations Director
Ingrid Pabon, Community Development Director
Kelly Meeks
FMATS Policy and Technical Committee
Citizens of Fairbanks North Star Borough
Consultant:
Crandall Arambula PC
George Crandall, Principal
Don Arambula, Principal
Jason N Graf, Associate/Senior Urban Designer
Dawn Sharpnack, Urban Designer
Erin Carter, Urban Designer
Karen Wall, Graphics Coordinator
Julia Reed, Urban Designer
Kinney Engineering
Randy Kinney, Principal
Kelley Hegarty and Associates
Kelley Hegarty, Principal
Vision Fairbanks Downtown Plan |Crandall Arambula PC |Adopted August 21, 2008
Credits

Table of Contents
Glossary
Downtown Plan Area Map
Executive Summary 1
Introduction 2
Why This Plan Was Prepared 3
Community Process and Schedule 4
Guiding Principles 5
The Fundamental Concept 6
Land Use Framework 7
Circulation Framework 8
Implementation 9
Developmental Capacity 10
Catalyst Projects 11
Time Sensitive Projects 24
Build Out Projects 28
Schedule 35
Action Plan: Catalyst and Time Sensitive Projects 36
Land Use Framework 37
Overview 38
Retail Framework 40
Retail Parking Framework 47
Commercial Framework 48
Civic/Cultural Framework 49
Office Framework 50
Education Framework 51
Residential Framework 52
Squares, Parks & Open Spaces Framework 55
Circulation Framework 65
Overview 66
Automobile and Truck Framework 68
Pedestrian Framework 82
Bicycle Framework 93
Transit Framework 97
Vision Fairbanks Downtown Plan |Crandall Arambula PC |Adopted August 21, 2008
Table of Contents

Glossary of Terms
Accessory dwelling unit- A separate additional
living unit, including separate kitchen, sleeping and
bathroom facilities attached or detached from the
primary residential unit, on a single-family lot.
Arcade- A roofed passageway or lane, especially
one with shops on one or both sides.
Awning- A roof-like structure, often made of
canvas, glass, or concrete that serves as a shelter, as
over a storefront, window, door, or deck.
Build-out projects- those projects having the
potential to create downtown development
momentum after initiation or completion of the
catalyst projects.
Catalyst Projects- those projects that have the
ability to stimulate significant new downtown
development and private investment. These projects
need to be initiated or completed before public
funds are used to implement build-out projects.
Capacity diagram- an illustration identifying the
character and intensity of new development within a
given area over the next 20 years.
Civic forest- a design concept for organizing
the civic uses along the sound end of Cushman
Street around a landscaping theme and orientation
of buildings that reflect the nature and character
of local gardening traditions in Fairbanks and
incorporates its native landscape materials such as
trees and shrubs.
Community park- provide for a wide range of
community recreation facilities such as athletic
fields, passive recreation and are generally larger
than 15 acres and serve the whole community.
Framework- a primary organizing unit identifying
hierarchy and location of specific land uses and
circulation types.
Development capacity- a description of the
type and amount of development, new and reused
buildings and infrastructure that could be
accommodated as illustrated in the capacity diagram
illustration.
Downtown - the area within the boundaries depicted
on the map on the following page.
High density residential- the highest allowable
accumulation of housing units within a designated
area; would include buildings up to 5 stories with front
doors facing the street and parking behind groundfloor
units under a structured podium. Typically 40-45
dwelling units per acre.
Low density residential- primarily single family lots
that allow for up to two-dwellings per lot in the form
of accessory dwelling units. Typically 14-16 dwelling
units an acre.
Medium density residential- includes townhomes,
garden apartments and other multi-family housing
types that allow up to 3 levels of housing with parking
behind buildings and front doors oriented to the
sidewalk. Typically 30 dwelling units an acre.
Neighborhood park- a combination playground and
park, designed for multi-purpose activity and nonorganized
recreation such as picnicking. These are
generally 1 to 15 acres and serve an area within 1/4 to
1/2 mile.
Park block- a linear open space with a central biking
and walking path lined with trees and planting beds on
both sides.
Pedestrian-oriented- design of buildings, streets
and public areas with an emphasis on pedestrian
facilities such as sidewalks and amenities including
landscaping, lighting, signage, and building openings
facing the sidewalk.
Transit-oriented- located next to or within an easy
walk of a major transit stop or facility. Generally
includes a mix of moderate to high density
development for residential, employment, and
shopping opportunities.
Retail anchor- A large department store or
supermarket, that is prominently located at one end of
a retail main street to attract customers who are then
expected to patronize the other shops along the street.
Retail hot spot- provides an essential focal point and
concentration of retail uses that will attract citizens
and visitors to downtown Fairbanks. Cushman Square
forms the center of the retail hot spot and includes a
retail anchor and parking, additional retail and parking
around Cushman Square facing 4th Avenue, 5th
avenue and a new north/south street along the east side
of the square.
Supporting retail- includes a mix of retail and
commercial uses and requires less restrictive standards
than for the primary retail environment and includes
uses such as dry-cleaners, photocopying, and banks.
Time-sensitive projects- should be initiated and
completed within the first 12 months of plan adoption.
Their main function is to create the regulatory
framework needed to implement the plan and indicate
immediate progress in implementing some of the
plan’s recommendations.
Tax increment finance- a tool to use future gains
in taxes to finance the current improvements that
will create those gains. When a new project such
as a road or new building, is carried out, there is
an increase in the value of surrounding real estate,
and often new investment. This increased value and
investment creates more taxable property, and greater
tax revenues. The increased tax revenues are the “tax
increment.” Tax Increment Financing dedicates that
increased revenue to finance debt issued to pay for
the project. TIF is designed to be used in distressed or
underdeveloped areas where development would not
otherwise occur.
Tax increment finance district- a special tax district
used to promote redevelopment in distressed areas.
Urban renewal- a state-authorized, redevelopment
and financing program designed to help communities
improve physically deteriorating, economically
stagnant or poorly planned areas.
Urban renewal agency- an agency established to
propose and oversee the successful implementation of
the Urban Renewal Plan.
Vision Fairbanks Downtown Plan |Crandall Arambula PC |Adopted August 21, 2008
Glossary of Terms

Definition of Downtown
Vision Fairbanks Downtown Plan |Crandall Arambula PC |Adopted August 21, 2008

Executive Summary
Vision Fairbanks Downtown Plan | Executive Summary | Adopted August 21, 2008 1

Introduction
The Fairbanks North Star Borough Regional
Comprehensive Plan (Comprehensive Plan)
recognizes the challenges and opportunities growth
brings and strongly supports an effort to revitalize and
improve downtown Fairbanks. The Borough Planning
Department and Downtown Association of Fairbanks
partnered together and hired an urban planning firm,
Crandall Arambula, to prepare a community driven
and sustainable urban design, land use and economic
development plan for the downtown area, now known
as the Vision Fairbanks Downtown Plan.
The Vision Fairbanks Downtown Plan includes an
implementation strategy, recognizing that for it to
succeed momentum must be established quickly
after its adoption. The overall plan factors in many
elements unique to the Fairbanks’ community
including the Chena River, the historic nature of
Fairbanks and our northern climate and environment.
The Comprehensive Plan
The Vision Fairbanks Downtown Plan is an element of
the Comprehensive Plan and applies to the downtown
core area. The Vision Fairbanks Downtown Plan
includes updates to the comprehensive land use
plan, the comprehensive economic development
plan, and the transportation plan for the downtown
core area by promoting mixed uses in the downtown
area; recommending structures and uses in the
downtown area that encourage activity both during
the usual workday and beyond; guiding the future
development of downtown with the goals of increasing
private investment, employment, commerce, and
sustainability of our quality of life; and, suggesting a
balanced transportation network to meet downtown
planning objectives.
Legal Impact of the Vision Fairbanks
Downtown Plan
Because the Vision Fairbanks Downtown Plan is an
element of the Comprehensive Plan, it is the official
vision for future downtown development. Additional
steps are needed to implement the vision, and this may
take a number of years. These steps could include the
development of new zoning districts for downtown,
the development of detailed design guidelines, and a
strategy for completing high-priority projects.
It is important to note that while the Vision Fairbanks
Downtown Plan will reflect the Borough’s official
policy for the downtown core area, it is not the same
thing as a zoning ordinance and does not codify any
design standards. The Vision Fairbanks Downtown
Plan may be modified in the course of implementation
decisions and it should not be interpreted as restricting
the Assembly’s ability to accommodate the actual
development of the downtown core area and the
changing needs of the community. It is a set of
recommendations that should be considered in future
land use determinations including requests for future
zoning changes, development, and public investments
in infrastructure in the downtown core area.
The Vision Fairbanks Downtown Plan will not
have any effect on a landowner’s ability to sell their
property. It additionally will not stop anyone from
developing property under current zoning ordinances.
Vision Fairbanks Downtown Plan |Crandall Arambula PC |Adopted August 21, 2008
2

Why This Plan Was Prepared
The Vision Fairbanks Downtown Plan identifies
opportunities to increase the vitality and quality of life
in the downtown. The plan outlines the components
that will make this vision a reality. It builds upon
existing assets and historic character, capitalizes
on significant land uses and features the natural
environment. It also sets out a realistic strategy for
implementation that public officials, private investors
and the community can follow.
“Boom and Bust” Cycle
Historically, Fairbanks has experienced a “boom and
bust” growth cycle associated with gold and natural
resource extraction. Today, unmanaged growth is
occurring throughout the borough. The result is an
increase in development sprawl, including big-box
retail, and service and entertainment uses that are
contributing to a loss of local identity and character.
On the other hand, the area’s natural environment
supports a substantial local and national tourism
market, and a way of life for local residents that is
unique to Alaska.
The major emphasis of this plan is to reverse the trend
of suburban sprawl and inefficient use of resources and
take the first step toward reclaiming downtown as an
active and vital center that preserves its position as the
historic and cultural heart of the community.
Continuing Momentum
Recently built or planned projects are contributing to
an increased focus on the viability of the downtown.
Recent or planned downtown projects include, but are
not limited to:
Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitor Center
Illinois/Barnette Reconstruction Project
Chena Riverfront Plan
Cushman Bridge and Landscape Beautification
Convention Center Planning
New Fire Station
Mt. McKinley Bank
Land Use and Circulation Frameworks
With renewed interest in downtown, the Vision
Fairbanks Downtown Plan outlines specific land
use and circulation frameworks that will guide the
development of privately- and publicly-owned
parcels of land. With formal adoption by the
borough and City Council, the plan will provide
the public supported mandate to direct downtown
development.
Study Area
The agreed upon core study area is identified below and
includes:
Neighborhood
Planning Area
The Garden Island/Illinois Street corridor
The Chena River and 1st Avenue corridor from
Cowles Street to the Steese Highway
The Barnette Street and Cushman Street corridors
from Wickersham Street on the west to Dunkel
Street on the east, the Chena River on the north and
Airport Way to the south
The neighborhood planning area is identified
below. The land use and circulation frameworks
for neighborhood area support the downtown core
area and can be found in a separate document:
“Vision Fairbanks Neighborhood Planning
Recommendations.”
Core Study
Area
Study Area Context
Vision Fairbanks Downtown Plan | Executive Summary | Adopted August 21, 2008 3
Why This Plan Was Prepared

Community Process and Schedule
A Plan Created by Citizens
The Vision Fairbanks Downtown Plan was created
in response to the public’s vision for future growth.
It serves as a tool for citizens to proactively plan
for development rather than reactively respond to
development pressures. The master plan brings
certainty to investors, developers, business people
and residents by providing a clear vision of the
community’s goals and a basis for development review
and project approval. The plan is based on information
gathered through an extensive community involvement
process with well-attended meetings and workshops.
The process included:
1. Stakeholder Meetings
The stakeholder committee, comprised of local public
officials, citizens and business people, reviewed all
plan materials and provided input before and after
each workshop throughout the process.
2. Public Workshops
All four public sessions were interactive and engaged
the community. Each session consisted of two parts:
Presentation: project background, issues and
designs were described
Workshop: a “town hall” type workshop was
facilitated by Crandall Arambula. Participants
responded to specific planned alternatives and
summarized their issues by completing individual
response sheets. Average attendance at each
workshop was approximately 300 people
3. Additional Meetings
Additional meetings were held with policy
committees, local advocacy groups and stakeholders.
4. Online Questionnaire
Additional information and interactive on-line
response sheets were available on the Downtown
Association of Fairbanks’ website.
Schedule
The community process and vision plan was
developed over a 10-month period as illustrated in the
schedule below.
Vision Fairbanks Downtown Plan | Executive Summary | Adopted August 21, 2008 4
Community Process and Schedule

Guiding Principles
As the guide to future development in the downtown
area, it is essential that the Vision Fairbanks
Downtown Plan is based on the community’s core
values and goals.
Key community issues, concerns and goals for
downtown Fairbanks were developed over a three
month period including the public Workshop #1, online
questionnaires, and additional meetings with a
broad section of the community. The responses were
tallied and summarized to become a comprehensive
list of guiding principles. These principles were
subsequently affirmed at each workshop and used to
evaluate plan alternatives.
The project’s guiding principles established by
the community, are identified to the right. The
sustainability goal (18) was added by the consultant
and is a critical component of preserving a high quality
of life by:
Maximizing resources and maintaining the natural
environment
Making planning accountable and public investment
measurable
Looking at development holistically
Vision Fairbanks Downtown Plan | Executive Summary | Adopted August 21, 2008 5
Guiding Principles

Fundamental Concept
A fundamental concept to improve vitality and
economic viability in the downtown was developed
in response to the identified community goals.
The community goals, and local issues and
concerns formed the basis for seven key downtown
revitalization strategies represented in the concept
shown below.
The fundamental concept:
Identifies Cushman Street as the signature street
linking the civic anchor with the retail hot spot and
the Chena waterfront
Preserves and improves pedestrian, auto and truck
safety and circulation along the Barnette/Illinois
Parkway
Showcases downtown as the local and visitor Retail
Hot Spot around a center for community activities at
Cushman Square
Improves access to and enhances the Chena
waterfront for an increased variety of all-season
events to support the Chena River Celebration
Anchors the south end of Cushman Street with a
Civic Anchor, supporting the arts, culture and major
events in the downtown
Brings housing and families back to downtown in
strategic areas that form a Residential Anchor as
a foundation that supports retail, employment and
cultural activities
Anchors Cushman Street with roundabouts to create
a beginning and end to the street and form a highlyidentifiable
Cushman Gateway
Chena River
Celebration
Fundamental Concept
Vision Fairbanks Downtown Plan | Executive Summary | Adopted August 21, 2008 6
Fundamental Concept

Land-Use Framework
The land-use framework for downtown Fairbanks
establishes districts and corridors of unique yet
complementary uses that respond to the current
and future marketplace and developer needs. The
framework will inform the updates to the Fairbanks
North Star Borough comprehensive plan and land-use
codes to be developed by borough planning staff and
planning commission.
A Unified and Diverse Downtown
While the land-use diagram indicates primary uses,
in many cases a mix of uses, both vertically and
horizontally, is recommended.
All development should be transit- and pedestrianoriented
and employ sustainable practices for
construction and habitation.
Legend
Retail High Density Residential P Public Parking
Commercial
Medium Density Residential H Hotel
Civic/Cultural
New Parks/Open Space
Other Uses
Education
Office
Existing Parks/Open Space
Land Use Framework
Vision Fairbanks Downtown Plan | Executive Summary | Adopted August 21, 2008 7
Land-Use Framework

Circulation Framework
Today, transportation in Fairbanks is critically
dependent on the automobile. The transportation
framework broadens this focus, providing a balanced
network of alternatives for getting into and around
downtown along safe and direct routes to key sites and
destinations. The circulation framework will be used
to inform and update the Fairbanks Metropolitan Area
Transportation System Plan (FMATS).
Supporting Multiple Modes of Travel
The transportation framework is an integrated and
comprehensive system that supports the ability of
locals and visitors to walk, bike, ride transit and drive
to their destinations.
The circulation framework includes a multi-modal
system for:
Autos and trucks
Pedestrians
Bicycles
Transit
Legend
Auto and Truck Framework
Pedestrian Framework
Bicycle Framework
Transit Framework
Circulation Framework
Vision Fairbanks Downtown Plan | Executive Summary | Adopted August 21, 2008 8
Circulation Framework

Implementation
The Vision Fairbanks Downtown Plan provides a
long-term ambitious blueprint for strengthening
downtown’s quality of life and regaining its role as the
center of the community. This implementation strategy
prescribes a realistic and timely guide for immediate
positive change.
It is important to seize the opportunity to honor
the tremendous commitment, time and energy that
citizens, business people and community leaders
have devoted to the creation of the plan.
This implementation strategy is founded on the
principle that public dollars must be spent on projects
that leverage significant private investment and spark
widespread sustainable reinvestment in the downtown.
The implementation strategy includes a development
capacity diagram shown on the following page that
illustrates the full development potential within the
study area. The development potential of downtown
Fairbanks builds on underdeveloped, vacant and
under-utilized sites.
The implementation strategy identifies the key steps
the city and borough need to take to create immediate
development momentum. The strategy illustrates three
types of high-priority projects that are described on the
following pages, including:
Catalyst projects – The highest priority projects that
have immediate and sustained results.
Time-sensitive projects – Create the regulatory
framework needed to implement the plan and
indicate immediate progress in implementing some
of the plan’s recommendations
Build-out projects – have the potential to continue
downtown development momentum after initiation
or completion of the catalyst projects.
Following the description of the high-priority projects,
are the implementation schedule and action plan.
Existing Downtown Aerial
Vision Fairbanks Downtown Plan | Executive Summary | Adopted August 21, 2008 9
Implementation

Development Capacity
The development capacity diagram provides a
snapshot of the character and intensity of what new
development might look like over the next 20 years.
How the Diagram is Used
New private investment for land uses can be
generalized from this capacity diagram. Public
improvements required to stimulate private investment
are also considered and can be used to determine the
likely “return on investment ratio.”
New Development Capacity Summary
Retail/Commercial – 315,000 SF
Hotels– 500 rooms
Residential – 1,675 units
Office – 1,200,000 SF
Civic/Cultural – 263,000 SF
Public/Private Parking – 6,450 spaces
Legend
Retail
Commercial
Civic/Cultural
Office
Residential
New and Enhanced Parks/Open Space
Existing Parks/Open Space
Parking
Significant Downtown Buildings and sites
Other Uses
H Hotel
P Public Parking Structure
H
P
P
Development Capacity Diagram
Vision Fairbanks Downtown Plan | Executive Summary | Adopted August 21, 2008 10
H
P
Implementation

Catalyst Projects
The highest priority must be given to projects that
have immediate and sustained results.
Catalyst projects have the ability to stimulate
significant new downtown development and private
investment. These projects need to be initiated or
completed before public funds are used to implement
build-out projects.
The catalyst projects are a combination of public
and private initiatives. For example, the investment
summary on the right identifies key public
infrastructure improvements required to be a catalyst
for private development of the retail hot spot. To
support a concentration of new retail in the downtown,
an estimated $28 million in public investment has
the potential to leverage $148 million in private
development (see investment summary at right) for a
total “return on investment ratio” of 5 to 1.
The catalyst projects are listed on the following pages
and include:
Cushman Street Improvements
- Phase I
- Phase II
The Retail Hot Spot
- Cushman Square
- Retail anchor and parking
- Retail and parking around Cushman Square
Retail Hot Spot Projects
Vision Fairbanks Downtown Plan | Executive Summary | Adopted August 21, 2008 11
Implementation

Cushman Street Improvements
Cushman Street has been designated, through
community support, as the “signature two-way street”
for downtown Fairbanks that supports a revitalized
retail environment and links downtown civic uses with
the Chena River. The design of Cushman Street is
underway and may occur in two phases as indicated on
the right.
Phase I
Two-way traffic
On-street parking
Streetscape improvements
All-season pedestrian enhancements
Phase II
Streetscape improvements
Roundabout
Cushman Bridge enhancements
Pedestrian and bicycle enhancements
Catalyst Projects
Cushman Street
Improvements
Cushman Street
Roundabout Cushman & Street Bridge
Phase Phase III
Cushman Street
Phase I
Cushman Street
Phase III
Cushman Street Phasing
Vision Fairbanks Downtown Plan | Executive Summary | Adopted August 21, 2008 12
Implementation

Cushman Street Improvements – Phase I
Cushman Street has a variable right-of-way. Two
types of roadway cross sections were developed to
comply with Cushman Street’s existing conditions
and ensure auto, truck, pedestrian and bicycle access
and movement supports retail development within the
retail hot spot. These cross-sections are shown on the
right and describe conditions that are:
Constrained by existing buildings
Unconstrained by existing buildings (additional
space may be available for wider sidewalks and
an additional parking lane; covered and heated
sidewalks are illustrated)
Cushman Street Phase I
Heated Sidewalks
Heated Sidewalks
Heated Sidewalks
Constrained
Heated Sidewalks
Unconstrained
Vision Fairbanks Downtown Plan | Executive Summary | Adopted August 21, 2008 13
Implementation

Cushman Street Improvements – Phase II
Cushman Bridge
The Cushman Bridge design creates a signature
crossing and gateway to the Chena River. The new
bridge design improves pedestrian/bike access to both
sides of the river and provides benches for sitting
and viewing downtown and the river. The proposed
adjustments are illustrated to the right and below:
Increase the pedestrian and bicycle realm on both
sides of the roadway
Reduce auto travel lanes from four to two
Cushman Bridge, Proposed Adjustments
6’
Sidewalk
12’
Sidewalk
6’
Sidewalk
Existing Conditions
20’
Sidewalk
Proposed Adjustments
Vision Fairbanks Downtown Plan | Executive Summary | Adopted August 21, 2008 14
Implementation

Cushman Street Improvements – Phase II
Cushman Street
The Cushman Street improvements south of 8th
Avenue establish a green transition between the autooriented
Airport Way and the pedestrian-oriented retail
hot spot north of 8th Avenue. The green character
of the Phase II improvements is consistent with the
planned civic and commercial services that front the
street. Proposed improvements south of 8th Avenue to
Airport Way are illustrated to the right. Improvements
include:
• Maintaining existing curb-to-curb dimension of
34 ft.
•
•
Increasing pedestrian comfort by separating an 8-
to 10-ft. sidewalk from the roadway with a 7- to
9-ft. landscaped parkway
Additional area is required on each side of the
right-of-way to accommodate landscaping and
sidewalks
Catalyst Projects
Cushman Street
Improvements -
Phase II
Proposed Improvements
Vision Fairbanks Downtown Plan | Executive Summary | Adopted August 21, 2008 15
Implementation

Retail Hot Spot
Concept
The retail hot spot provides an essential focal point
and concentration of retail uses (approximately
240,000 SF) that is intended to attract residents and
visitors to downtown Fairbanks. Cushman Square
forms the center of the retail hot spot and is bordered
by Cushman Street to the west, 5th Street to the north,
6th Street to the south and a new proposed street to
the east.
Primary Elements
The retail hot spot is comprised of the catalyst projects
outlined in detail on the following pages, including:
Cushman Square
Retail anchor and parking
Retail and parking around Cushman Square
The retail hot spot should have a strong pedestrian
orientation that supports all-season use.
Catalyst Projects
Retail Hot Spot
Cushman Street
4th Street
5th Street
Cushman
Square
6th Street
7th Street
Vision Fairbanks Downtown Plan | Executive Summary | Adopted August 21, 2008 16
New Street
Office
Lobby
Existing Aerial
Lacey Street
Proposed Retail Hot Spot
Implementation

Cushman Square
Cushman Square serves as a focus for retail and civic
activity. It is an essential amenity that will attract
downtown retail activity.
Land Assembly
The Cushman Square proposed site is located east
of Cushman Street between 5th and 6th avenues.
Assembly of the land required to implement Cushman
Square includes a public parcel (the existing transit
center) and nine private parcels under a single
ownership that total 50,529 SF (see below right).
The following page outlines the conceptual square
design and action items needed to implement
Cushman Square.
Final design should consider a phasing option that
maintains the transit station buildings, drop-off areas
and circulation until a new transit center within the
retail anchor area (or other location) is built.
Catalyst Projects
Cushman
Square
Consider Phasing
Option
Property Lines
Privately Owned Property - 19,136 SF
Publicly Owned Property
Existing Aerial
- 27,139 SF
Ownerships
Vision Fairbanks Downtown Plan | Executive Summary | Adopted August 21, 2008 17
Implementation

Cushman Square
Fundamental Characteristics
The square’s size, location and design are based on
the fundamental characteristics found in successful
public squares. The characteristics of Cushman Square
include:
Flexible function space for events and staging areas
Permeable design features that promote safety
A retail pavilion located within the square near the
street
Enclosures on all sides of the square created by the
adjacent buildings
Retail uses located on all sides of the square
Heated paved areas and sidewalks connecting the
square to the all-weather retail arcades/awnings of
adjacent buildings
A children’s feature/fountain
Relocation of the transit facility on the south side
of the Sadler’s block, along 7th Street west of
Cushman Street
High-quality, low-maintenance construction
materials
All Weather Retail
Awnings/Arcades
Retail
Feature
Cushman Children’s
Retail
5th Ave.
6th Ave.
Retail
Enclosure on
All Sides
Retail
Pavilion
Concept Diagram
Cushman Square
Vision Fairbanks Downtown Plan | Executive Summary | Adopted August 21, 2008 18
New Street
Retail
Implementation

Retail Anchor and Parking
The retail anchor is envisioned as a single major
retail destination or a collection of retail uses that
draw shoppers from the entire Alaskan interior,
Fairbanks North Star Borough as well as tourists to the
downtown core. The retail anchor includes a multimodal
transit center.
Land Assembly
Development of the anchor retail building and adjacent
parking structure will require assembly of four parcels
of land (see below right). This property includes the
Sadler’s building, an adjacent surface parking lot and
vacant lots. All four parcels are owned by Cushman
St. LLC. The total land area is 150,921 SF.
Catalyst Projects
Retail Anchor
and Parking
Property Lines
Existing Aerial
Privately Owned Property - 150,921 SF
Ownerships
Vision Fairbanks Downtown Plan | Executive Summary | Adopted August 21, 2008 19
Implementation

Retail Anchor and Parking
Development Summary
The retail anchor building is designed to accommodate
a single large tenant and/or multiple tenants. The
ground floor of the building should be pedestrian
friendly and oriented toward Cushman Street and
Cushman Square. Additional design features include a
central atrium and all-weather arcade.
The retail parking should be located in an adjacent
parking structure behind the anchor retail building.
The first story of the parking garage, which faces 5th
Avenue, should include a multi-modal transit center
located on the ground floor of the parking structure.
It should be designed to accommodate transit, parkride
spaces and tour buses. Dedicated rental car
agency parking spaces and bicycle facilities should
be considered. Stops for the relocated transit facility,
currently located on the property that will become
Cushman Square, should move to 7th Street near the
intersection with Cushman Street. A transit facility
should be integrated into the anchor retail building.
Retail anchor – 148,000 SF
Retail anchor parking – 800 cars
Commercial – 10,000 SF
Expected private investment – $40 million
Transit Center on
Ground Floor
Concept Sketch
Design Concept
Vision Fairbanks Downtown Plan | Executive Summary | Adopted August 21, 2008 20
Implementation

Retail and Parking Around Cushman Square
The retail framework provides a continuous row of
pedestrian-friendly retail along Cushman Street and
surrounding Cushman Square that strengthens the
retail anchor by fully enclosing Cushman Square with
retail on all sides.
Land Assembly
The property parcels to the north, east and south of
the new Cushman Square are recommended locations
for mixed-use buildings, all of which should include
ground-floor retail.
These sites are comprised of 18 parcels of land, owned
by 10 individuals, businesses or agencies.
Retail & Parking around
Cushman Square
Existing Aerial
Property Lines
Privately Owned Property
Publicly Owned Property
Catalyst Projects Ownerships
Vision Fairbanks Downtown Plan | Executive Summary | Adopted August 21, 2008 21
Implementation

Retail and Parking Around Cushman Square
Development Summary
The buildings surrounding Cushman Square are ideal
for ground-floor retail. The buildings should have
active edges and all-weather retail arcades to provide
shelter for winter users. Buildings should be three or
more stories in height. This will provide a necessary
sense of enclosure and make the projects financially
feasible. Upper stories should include a mix of uses,
including office space, residential units and parking
spaces. The figure below indicates a recommended
ground-floor plan for development of the buildings
surrounding Cushman Square.
E1 – Retail and Office
Retail – 28,000 SF
Office – 140,000 SF
Parking – 280 cars
E2 – Retail, Housing, Commercial and Public
Parking
Retail – 6,000 SF
Commercial – 5,000 SF
Residential – 30 units
Public Parking – 175 cars
E3 and E4 – Retail, Office and Commercial
Retail – 26,000 SF
Office – 190,000 SF
Commercial – 17,000 SF
Retail Parking – 175 cars
Office Parking – 380 cars
Action Items
Implementation of the retail and parking around
Cushman Square would require:
Securing the land
Updating the design framework
Providing community review opportunities
Recruiting retail developers
Constructing improvements
Cushman Street
4th Street
5th Street
6th Street
E3
7th Street
Vision Fairbanks Downtown Plan | Executive Summary | Adopted August 21, 2008 22
E1
New Street
E2
Office
Lobby
E4
Lacey Street
Design Concept
Implementation

Illinois and Barnette Street Improvements
Improvements to Illinois and Barnette streets should
be implemented as designed by the appropriate public
agencies. Future two-way traffic along Barnette Street
is encouraged. The Barnette Bridge should include
enhanced pedestrian and bicycle improvements as
illustrated at the lower right.
Catalyst Projects
Illinois/Barnette Street
Improvements
40’
R.O.W.
60’
R.O.W.
Existing Design
Proposed Pedestrian/Bike Enhancements
Vision Fairbanks Downtown Plan | Executive Summary | Adopted August 21, 2008 23
Implementation

Time-Sensitive Projects
Time-sensitive projects include the projects,
regulatory documents and public policy
decisions that should be initiated and completed
within the first 12 months of plan adoption.
Recommended time-sensitive projects are
outlined below and on the following pages:
Policies regulations and guidelines
Urban renewal and tax increment financing
A skate park feasibility study
Policies, Regulations and Guidelines
Existing city and borough policies and
regulations do not provide the administrative
framework necessary to ensure that development
of the downtown area will occur as envisioned
in the plan. The following recommendations
are designed to assure that regulatory changes
support the plan.
Policies
The city and the borough should initiate a
process that explores policies that support
downtown retail revitalization. These may
include:
Encouraging the development of retail
supportive/high-activity uses such as multiplex
movie theaters within the downtown core
Regulations
New zoning categories should be developed that reinforce
the mixed-use, urban scale of downtown and reflect the
land use framework identified in this report
Permitted uses should limit or severely restrict autooriented
uses
Development standards should be created for both the
private and public realm that promote a pedestrian-,
bicycle- and transit-friendly downtown
Guidelines
Design guidelines should be created to ensure a
degree of order, harmony and quality within the
built environment
A discretionary review process for development
projects using design guidelines should be created
A reviewing body, likely a design commission
of citizens, should be formed to administer the
guidelines for larger projects
Study Area
Fairbanks North Star Borough Existing Zoning
Vision Fairbanks Downtown Plan | Executive Summary | Adopted August 21, 2008 24
Implementation

Urban Renewal and Tax Increment Financing
The following information describes the purpose and
intent of urban renewal and tax increment financing
as a tool for downtown revitalization within a district.
It is the recommendation of this plan that the City and
Borough seriously consider and pursue active reform
of Alaska state statutes to allow for full utilization
of an urban renewal program for a district wide area
versus a project by project basis as currently exists by
law.
As a first step in downtown revitalization, many
communities create an urban renewal program.
Coupled with tools such as tax increment financing
(TIF), urban renewal provides the necessary
mechanisms to revitalize an area.
The theory behind urban renewal is that strategic
public improvements (parking, streets, sidewalk
improvements, etc.) built using urban renewal
funds within a specified area will stimulate private
development and economic revitalization that would
not have otherwise occurred.
Typical Urban Renewal Program
Urban renewal is a state-authorized, redevelopment
and financing program designed to help communities
improve physically deteriorating, economically
stagnant or poorly planned areas. Municipalities use
urban renewal as a tool to focus public attention and
resources on blighted or underused areas to promote
private investment and improve neighborhood
livability. Temporary in nature, urban renewal
programs are dissolved upon successful revitalization
or an established time period. Any municipality can
use urban renewal, but it must:
Establish an urban renewal agency
Adopt an urban renewal plan
Urban Renewal Agency
Urban renewal agencies are created by state law;
however, they are authorized by the municipality’s
governing body. It is the urban renewal agency’s
mandate to propose and oversee the successful
implementation of the urban renewal plan.
Urban Renewal District
An urban renewal agency proposes an urban
renewal district to the municipality and asks that the
municipality designate it as such.
Urban Renewal Plan
The urban renewal plan is developed to successfully
revitalize the urban renewal district. The plan
needs to be a comprehensive, sustainable guide that
identifies strategic projects and potential funding
mechanisms, such as TIF (see following page) that,
when implemented, will revitalize and strengthen the
economic vitality of the district. The urban renewal
plan is usually required to contain:
Goals and objectives
Authorized urban renewal projects
Limit on the expenditures
Specific provisions regarding acquisitions and
disposition of land
Provisions regarding amendments to the plan
An urban renewal plan is accompanied by an urban
renewal report containing:
Analysis on conditions of ‘blighted’ areas
Detailed proposed financing and schedule
information
Adoption of an Urban Renewal Plan
When a governing body or urban renewal agency
decides that it wants to consider an area for a possible
plan, it must:
Conduct a feasibility study of the designated
area. The study will typically include information
regarding property values, development conditions,
infrastructure conditions and other key factors
Present the urban renewal plan to the planning
commission for recommendations
Obtain plan approval through a public hearing
led by the local authorizing municipal body (city
council/borough assembly).
Urban Renewal Plan Projects
Urban renewal agencies can approve certain projects
and activities under an adopted urban renewal plan,
including:
Construction improvements of streets, utilities and
other public uses
Rehabilitation or conservation of existing buildings
Acquisition and improvement of property
Resale or lease of property
Vision Fairbanks Downtown Plan | Executive Summary | Adopted August 21, 2008 25
Implementation

Tax Increment Financing
Tax increment financing can work within an urban
renewal area or as a separate district. A TIF district is
drawn so that it includes properties that will increase
in value as a result of public investments.
The public invests in community purpose
improvements that support existing development and
encourage private investment. These improvements
are funded by the tax increment generated within the
TIF district. The municipality issues a bond that is
used to pay for the improvements and is repaid by the
increment.
The property owners within the district pay the same
tax rate as other property owners.
How TIF Works
Public improvements are funded by the tax increment
generated within the tax increment district.
Assessed value in a designated district is “frozen” at
a point in time
Each taxing jurisdiction – city, borough – continues
to collect revenue calculated by multiplying their
respective tax rates times the frozen assessed value
base
Frozen Base = Assessed value at time plan is adopted
Increment = Growth above the equalized base
This “increment” is multiplied by the total tax rate and
credited to the TIF district until the bond is retired.
Total Accessed
Value
Time
Source : Urban Renewal in Oregon, Association of Oregon Redevelopment Agency
Vision Fairbanks Downtown Plan | Executive Summary | Adopted August 21, 2008 26
Implementation

Skate Park Feasibility Study
A public skate park was supported by strong
community sentiment and a well-organized group
of advocates. A recommended site would be located
behind the new fire station between 11th Avenue and
12th Avenue as indicated on the right.
A Statement of Values
Building of the skate park will reflect the value and
commitment the citizens of Fairbanks have made
to the community’s youth. A coordinated effort
should be initiated by the DTA, City, and Borough,
to identify the feasibility of locating the skate park
at this location and should include the input of the
skateboard community and local citizens. This site
represents “a first stake in the ground” for securing
this area as the civic, arts and cultural anchor at the
south end of Cushman Street.
Time-Sensitive Project
Skate Park
Development Summary
The skate park is strategically located to provide:
Good visibility and access
A high-quality and adequately-sized skate park
Safety and security since it is located across from
the fire station
The skate park would accommodate:
Up to 20,000 SF of skateable area
A combined outdoor/indoor bike and skateboard
center
Off-street parking along Lacey Street
Existing Aerial
Skate Park Location and Illustration
Vision Fairbanks Downtown Plan | Executive Summary | Adopted August 21, 2008 27
Parking
Implementation

Build-Out Projects
Build-out projects should be developed only after
initiation or completion of the catalyst projects.
The build-out projects are shown on the right and
identified on the following pages. These projects
are not prioritized; although, the top five public
recommended projects are identified below. The
build-out projects include:
Grocery store
Pedestrian/bike improvements
Chena River celebration
Residential anchor
Civic anchor
- Winter garden
- Performing arts center
- Convention center
- Convention center hotel
- Community and skate center
Chena and Barnette office districts
Streetcar route
Top Five Recommended Projects
There is broad community support for the following
five build-out projects:
1.) Grocery store
2.) Pedestrian/bike improvements
3.) Chena River celebration
4.) Residential anchor
5.) Winter garden and performing arts center (tied)
Chena River Celebration
Build-Out Diagram
Vision Fairbanks Downtown Plan | Executive Summary | Adopted August 21, 2008 28
Implementation

Grocery Store
A downtown grocery store is planned for a location
with adequate area to serve as a full-service
supermarket. The store should be oriented to major
transportation routes along Barnette Street and Airport
Way and include pedestrian access to the downtown
core. The grocery store anchor should include:
Grocery store building – 50,000 SF (minimum)
Additional commercial space – 30,000 SF
(maximum)
Existing Aerial Proposed Grocery Store Location
Vision Fairbanks Downtown Plan | Executive Summary | Adopted August 21, 2008 29
Implementation

Pedestrian/Bike Improvements
A pedestrian and bike loop should be located along
8th Avenue, Cowles Street, the waterfront north of the
Chena River and Lacey Street. This loop surrounds
the downtown core with connections to adjacent
neighborhoods and the Chena River and will serve as a
downtown amenity.
The loop would be built within the existing streets’
right of way and should include:
Widened sidewalks for pedestrians
New street trees, shrubs and groundcover
An easily identifiable recreational bike route or
bicycle boulevard with signage and traffic calming
measures to slow traffic and provide for bicycle
safety
Existing Aerial Proposed Bike/Pedestrian Loop
Vision Fairbanks Downtown Plan | Executive Summary | Adopted August 21, 2008 30
Implementation

Chena River Celebration
The Chena Riverfront Plan is a guiding framework
to maintain and enhance the Chena River as a world
class public amenity. In conjunction with the Chena
Riverfront Commission and Festival Fairbanks
numerous pedestrian and bike improvements along
with interpretive signage and look-outs have been
developed along the waterfront on both sides of the
river. The Chena River celebration includes additional
access, activity centers and historical interpretation
areas that build off of these built projects, including:
Chena River Celebration
1.) The Festival Loop, an off-street pedestrian and
bike path that follows along both sides of the river
from the Centennial Bridge to a new pedestrian
and bike bridge at Cowles Street
2.) The Heritage Anchor sites that highlight
Fairbanks’ history and architectural heritage
3.) The Cultural Anchor at the Morris Thompson
Cultural and Visitors Center
4.) A Festival Lawn located in Griffin Park to include
programming for large, all-season assembly
for events such as the Open North American
Championship sled dog race
5.) Chena Outfitters located between the Barnette
and Cushman bridges that includes a restaurant
and facilities for the sale, repair and rental of
waterfront and recreational equipment
Proposed Chena Outfitters
Existing Aerial Proposed Chena River Celebration Area
Vision Fairbanks Downtown Plan | Executive Summary | Adopted August 21, 2008 31
Implementation

Residential Anchor
Owner occupied and rental properties were identified
and include approximately 1,675 new housing units in
three key areas downtown (see images below):
1.) The Alaska Railroad Properties – 1230 units
2.) Midtown along Noble Street – 215 units
3.) South side off of Noble Street near Airport Way –
230 units
Alaska Railroad
Properties
Midtown along
Noble Street
South End of
Noble Street
Existing Aerial Proposed Residential Anchor
Vision Fairbanks Downtown Plan | Executive Summary | Adopted August 21, 2008 32
Implementation

Civic Anchor
The civic anchor includes a range of visitor and local
arts, cultural, recreation and entertainment venues
that support and strengthen the community’s existing
facilities. The civic anchor projects are indicated
below and include:
Winter garden – 60,000 SF
Performing arts center – 28,000 SF
Convention center – 75,000 SF
Convention center hotel – 350 rooms
Community and skate center – 80,000 SF
Convention
Center
Community
Center
Existing Aerial Proposed Civic Anchor
Vision Fairbanks Downtown Plan | Executive Summary | Adopted August 21, 2008 33
Implementation

Chena and Barnette Office Districts
New office districts were identified in the locations
indicated below:
The Chena Office District adjacent to the Chena
River and the Rabinowitz State Courthouse Building
– four sites (six- to ten-story buildings) with
525,000 SF of office space
The Barnette Office District along Barnette Street
– five sites (three- to four-story buildings) with
350,000 SF of office space
* Commercial uses could be included on the ground
floor of each of these districts along Barnette Street,
1st Avenue and 2nd Avenue
Existing Aerial Proposed Office Districts
Vision Fairbanks Downtown Plan | Executive Summary | Adopted August 21, 2008 34
Implementation

Schedule
The schedule shown on the right identifies the
highest priority projects – catalyst and time-sensitive
projects – for implementation of the Vision Fairbanks
Downtown Plan.
Development Around Cushman Square
Schedule
Vision Fairbanks Downtown Plan | Executive Summary | Adopted August 21, 2008 35
Implementation

Action Plan: Catalyst and Time-Sensitive
Projects
The action plan shown on the right identifies
preliminary budget implications, and the required steps
to implement the catalyst and time- sensitive projects.
SP
Priority Catalyst and Time Sensitive Projects
Action Plan: Catalyst and Time-Sensitive Projects
Vision Fairbanks Downtown Plan | Executive Summary | Adopted August 21, 2008 36
Implementation

Land-Use Framework
Vision Fairbanks Downtown Plan | Land Use Framework | Adopted August 21, 2008 37

Overview
With few exceptions over time, changes within
downtown Fairbanks are inevitable. The land-use
framework directs change and creates a unified and
coherent whole that is consistent with the community’s
vision for anticipated future growth.
The framework will inform updates to the
comprehensive plan and land-use codes to be made
by the North Star Borough planning staff and
planning commission.
Realistic and Achievable
The land-use framework outlines development patterns
that attract new uses and maintain and strengthen existing
desirable uses. The framework responds to the following
essential requirements:
Development sites meet proven fundamental real
estate needs for housing, employment, retail and
parking
Development considers opportunities for
incorporating sustainable design and construction
practices for cold weather climates
Development builds upon and preserves downtown
Fairbanks’ greatest assets: its historic buildings,
network of streets and the Chena River
Long-Range Plan
In some situations, new uses are identified for parcels
that are already occupied by a viable use. In these special
cases:
Existing uses are “grandfathered” – Businesses and
uses of a site may remain and operate for as long as
they wish; if the property changes hands, the new
owner may continue the existing use
New parks and open spaces must be acquired –
Existing parcels designated as new open space must
be purchased by a public entity or developer, or
transferred to public use by easement, dedication or
other means
Historic Cushman Street
Vision Fairbanks Downtown Plan | Land Use Framework | Adopted August 21, 2008 38
Overview

A Mix of Uses
The land-use framework identifies nine categories of land
uses for downtown Fairbanks. The diagram to the right
illustrates the land uses suggested for downtown parcels.
In some instances mixed-use development may occur
where feasible.
When parcels contain a vertical mix of uses, the color
shown on the land-use framework typically indicates
the predominate use or the most important groundfloor
use; in some cases, as with parking structures or
housing, the predominate use can be located on the upper
floors, which make up the bulk of the building. Further
definition of permitted uses and design standards will
need to be clarified in future zoning codes.
These land use categories are described in detail on the
following pages. The graphics associated with each landuse
framework category depict one concept of what each
area will look like at build-out.
Legend
Retail High Density Residential P Public Parking
Commercial
Medium Density Residential H Hotel
Civic/Cultural
New Parks/Open Space
Other Uses
Education
Existing Parks/Open Space
Office
Land-Use Framework
Vision Fairbanks Downtown Plan | Land Use Framework | Adopted August 21, 2008 39
Overview

Retail Framework
The diagram to the right illustrates a configuration of
retail sites that will reestablish downtown as the premier
shopping location for Fairbanks. The downtown retail is
comprised of two primary districts:
The Retail Hot Spot: an aggregate of downtown
retail along Cushman Street and surrounding
Cushman Square; future improvements to Cushman
Street will provide adequate drive-by traffic volumes
and on-street parking to support this primary retail
location
Supporting Retail: includes historic storefront
retail shops to the north of the retail hot spot and a
full-service downtown grocery store located along
Barnette Street and Airport Way
Retail Fundamentals
Each retail type must meet the same fundamental physical
configurations and requirements to attract investors,
developers and tenants. Each must be:
Compact and walkable – a five-minute walk
Street-oriented and active – located to activate
ground floors of buildings on both sides of the
streets
Served by adequate parking – especially adjacent
on-street parking
Highly visible – exposed to sufficiently high
volumes of foot and auto traffic
Historic
Storefront
(Supporting Retail)
Retail Hot Spot
Downtown
Grocery
(Supporting
Retail)
Legend
Retail P Parking
Supporting
Retail
Cushman Square
Retail Framework
Vision Fairbanks Downtown Plan | Land Use Framework | Adopted August 21, 2008 40
Retail Framework

Retail Hot Spot
The retail hot spot includes:
Retail along Cushman from 5th to 7th avenues
Retail around Cushman Square
The retail hot spot reestablishes a viable retail
environment for downtown by capitalizing on:
Planned Cushman Street improvements that will
convert Cushman to a two-way street with on-street
parking, maximizing retail exposure and providing
a critical link with existing retail along Cushman
Street, 2nd and 3rd Avenues
Available redevelopment parcels to create the
critical mass and edge-to-edge retail necessary to
compete with other retail centers and organized
around a new public amenity
Proximity and direct access to the Chena River
Retail Anchor
Retail Parking
Retail Anchor
P
New Retail
Cushman Street
5th Ave
Cushman
Square
6th Ave
New and Existing Retail
Ground-Floor
Retail Around
Cushman Square
Retail Hot Spot
Vision Fairbanks Downtown Plan | Land Use Framework | Adopted August 21, 2008 41
Golden
Heart
Plaza
Cushman
Square
New Street
Existing and Renovated
Supporting Retail
Retail Around
Cushman Square
P
Retail Framework
Land Use Framework

Supporting Retail
Supporting retail locations should complement the
retail hot spot. These types of retail uses include:
Local-serving uses, such as specialty grocery stores,
drug stores, banks, hair salons, office suppliers or
similar uses that are needed on a daily or weekly
basis
Locally-based retailers that do not require the driveby
visibility offered by the retail hot spot
Retailers that are more auto-oriented (along Airport
Way)
Downtown Grocery
A new “urban-style” full-service grocery store is
proposed to serve downtown employees, anticipated
new housing and adjacent neighborhoods. The proposed
location provides excellent visibility, the ability to capture
a.m. and p.m. auto trips, and is close to neighborhoods.
The downtown grocery store should provide:
80,000 to 100,000 SF of retail to meet the demand
for neighborhood-serving retail uses
A pedestrian orientation with commercial/retail pads
oriented to engage the street
Support for local businesses, including
complementary neighborhood serving uses such as a
dry cleaners or cafe
A full-service neighborhood anchor store that serves
as a hub for residential and commercial development
Generous landscaping screening “back of the
store” functions and parking to reduce the impact
on adjacent residential areas and support a “green
corridor” along Airport Way
Would not preclude a smaller specilaty grocer
within the retail hot spot or historic storefrontsupporting
retail along 2nd and 3rd Avenues
Downtown
Grocery
(Supporting
Retail)
Historic
Storefront
(Supporting Retail)
11th Avenue
Commercial/
Retail Services Full-Service
Grocery
Landscaping
Barnette Street
Landscaping
Airport Way
Supporting Retail
Downtown Grocery
Vision Fairbanks Downtown Plan | Land Use Framework | Adopted August 21, 2008 42
Retail Framework

Essential Retail Hot Spot Development Standards
It is often said that retail is the hardest part of any
development project to “get right.” With this in mind,
conditions affecting successful pedestrian-oriented
retail development have been examined by the retail
development industry and applied to shopping malls
and “lifestyle centers,” the very competition with which
downtown Fairbanks grapples.
Historic Main Streets
Successful retail principles and requirements are based
on the experiences of main street merchants in historic
downtowns. Buildings of rich architectural character,
built to the sidewalk, with large windows and doors
for retail display, awnings and wide sidewalks for
pedestrians have been replaced. These fundamentals
have been forgotten and new retail development tends
to be suburban in character and detrimental to a strong
downtown retail core.
Retail Standards Intent
The following standards should be a part of the new
zoning ordinance developed for downtown. The intent
of the Essential Retail Development Standards on the
following page is to establish a template that prescribes
only those requirements that are necessary to create a
competitive, whole and integrated retail development.
These requirements include:
Required ground-floor retail
Build-to lines
Active edges
Retail Use
Retail merchandise shops or restaurants should be
required for all ground-floor development on the parcel
street frontages identified on the diagram to the right.
Barnette Street
1st Ave
2nd Ave
3rd Ave
4th Ave
5th Ave
6th Ave
Cushman Street
Golden
Heart Plaza
Cushman
Square
Required
Ground-Floor
Retail
Required Ground-Floor Retail Diagram
Vision Fairbanks Downtown Plan | Land Use Framework | Adopted August 21, 2008 43
Lacey Street
Retail Framework

Build-to-Lines
Consistent minimum ground-floor setbacks from
the street will create a “street wall” and provide a
comfortable sense of enclosure for the pedestrian. To
create a “street wall” required setbacks or property
acquisitions would be required and are shown on the
diagram to the right and below. Areas not shown should
generally engage the sidewalk.
Within the retail hot spot, buildings should be setback
or acquisition of a portion of properties should occur to
expand the existing right-of-way as indicated to create
a 15-ft. sidewalk. Where setbacks or acquisitions occur,
upper floors of buildings could be built over the sidewalk
as shown below.
Setback
or Acquisition
Area
Upper Floor Built
Within Existing
Right-of-Way
Upper Floors Allowed Over Sidewalk
Barnette Street
1st Ave
2nd Ave
3rd Ave
4th Ave
5th Ave
6th Ave
Cushman Street
Golden
Heart Plaza
Setback or
Acquisition area
Cushman
Square
Vision Fairbanks Downtown Plan | Land Use Framework | Adopted August 21, 2008 44
Lacey Street
Required Ground-Floor Setbacks
Retail Framework

Required Active Edges
Building activity should be focused at street level to
animate the sidewalk and public square, and provide a
sense of security for pedestrians both day and night.
At a minimum, frontages must include the following:
Front doors should face the street or public spaces
Retail ground-floor openings (windows and doors)
should comprise a minimum of 75 percent of the
building’s ground-floor facade
Ground-floor retail windows and doors should
open to views in and out of the building without
obstructions (tinted or obscured glass)
Active Edge
For building frontages illustrated on the diagram below,
active edges are required. For all frontages not identified,
active edges are encouraged, but not required.
Barnette Street
1st Ave
2nd Ave
3rd Ave
4th Ave
5th Ave
6th Ave
Cushman Street
Golden
Heart Plaza
Cushman
Square
Required
Active Edges
Active Edges Diagram
Vision Fairbanks Downtown Plan | Land Use Framework | Adopted August 21, 2008 45
Lacey Street
Retail Framework

Cushman Square - Active Edges
There is a tremendous opportunity to introduce a
comfortable all-season use of retail and businesses
that expands retailing and service use year round.
Recommended all-weather design elements are illustrated
to the right and below and include:
Heated Sidewalks along Cushman Street, and 5th
and 6th Streets surrounding the Cushman Square
High ceiling arcades to maximize light exposure
Roll-up doors to support summer and winter uses
Heated
Sidewalks and
Arcade
Radiant Heat
Radiant Heating Under Sidewalks
Summer Arcades – With Roll-Up Doors Open
Winter Arcades – With Roll-Up Doors Closed
Vision Fairbanks Downtown Plan | Land Use Framework | Adopted August 21, 2008 46

Retail Parking Framework
The downtown public parking facility, whether private-
or publicly-owned, is a city’s “front door,” leaving
a lasting impression on visitors and residents alike.
It makes good business sense to provide parking that
welcomes the shopper and supports the retail framework.
A parking study should be initiated to reassess parking
in the downtown and would include the parking strategy
identified below. The parking framework identifies
key strategic locations for downtown public parking
structures and on-street parking as critical retail-serving
components.
Shopper-Friendly Parking
It is a common phenomenon that downtowns often
provide more than ample parking to meet demand;
however, the public often believes “there’s nowhere to
park.” Parking must be strategically located and easy to
use to support retail and downtown activity.
The fundamental characteristics of successful parking
structures include:
Convenient access to the primary retail street
Active uses at the ground floor, including corner
entries to shops
Facades compatible with adjacent uses
High-quality durable materials and design details
Safe, well-lighted, well-maintained facilities
Easily understandable auto circulation, a minimum
240-ft. wide structure that provides four parking
bays with easy, one-way auto travel
On-street
Parking
Retail Parking Framework
Vision Fairbanks Downtown Plan | Land Use Framework | Adopted August 21, 2008 47
P
Existing Parking
Garage
New Public
Parking Structures
Retail Parking Framework

Commercial Framework
The commercial framework identifies key downtown
parcels where service uses (sale of services) and/or
retail uses (sale of goods and restaurants) are located
to meet the day-to-day needs of workers, residents and
hotels that cater to business travelers and tourists.
Downtown Supporting Commercial
The downtown supporting commercial framework
should be:
Located along busy streets and include stand-alone
businesses, businesses that are a part of ground-floor
office buildings, or commercial uses associated with
the new housing development along Barnette Street
and Noble Street
Local-serving small to moderate businesses that are
locally-owned and operated
Would require cooperation and coordination with
the Alaska Railroad Corporation (ARR)
Legend
Downtown
Commercial
Downtown Supporting Commercial
Commercial Framework
Vision Fairbanks Downtown Plan | Land Use Framework | Adopted August 21, 2008 48
Commercial Framework

Civic/Cultural Framework
The civic/cultural diagram to the right identifies existing
and planned locations for public buildings, churches,
galleries, performing art and entertainment centers, and
other similar facilities. It incorporates family-friendly
venues such as the skate park, community center and
winter garden. This framework includes existing city and
borough functions, the Immaculate Conception Church,
the Noel Wien Library and the Morris Thompson Cultural
and Visitors Center.
A Civic Anchor
A center piece of the framework is the clustered
development of venues that create a civic campus
along the southern end of Cushman Street. This civic
campus serves as a supporting anchor for downtown
revitalization. The civic campus includes parcels that can
accommodate the:
Winter garden – 60,000 SF
Performing arts center – 28,000 SF
Convention center – 75,000 SF
Convention center hotel – 350 rooms
Community and skate center – 80,000 SF
Skate park – a 20,000-SF minimum, all-weather
facility
Mutual Benefit
Clustering these new venues on the southern end of
Cushman Street creates a synergy of uses that mutually
benefits both the civic campus and retail hot spot. Their
nearby locations give conventioneers, shoppers and
other visitors the ability to easily walk between the two.
Conventioneers have easy access to restaurants and shops
and shoppers have easy access to civic, art and cultural
facilities.
Wien
Library
Legend
Civic/Cultural
H Convention Center Hotel
Borough Offices and
Potential Expansion Site
City Hall and
Police Station
Immaculate
Conception
Church
Morris Thompson
Cultural and Visitors
Center
Civic
Anchor
Civic/Cultural Framework
Vision Fairbanks Downtown Plan | Land Use Framework | Adopted August 21, 2008 49
H
Civic/Cultural Framework

Office Framework
The office framework identifies existing downtown
office locations and new development sites that will
accommodate both employers requiring large floor
plates with multiple floors and smaller tenants within
the Chena and Barnette office districts. The framework
can accommodate up to one million SF of additional
downtown office space.
New Office Districts
The framework outlines new focus areas for increased
office development, including:
The Chena Office District – Office sites targeted for
legal, financial and major employers, such as energy
companies that may benefit by a location adjacent to
the Rabinowitz Courthouse; includes redevelopment
of the Polaris block (525,000 SF in four 10-story
buildings)
The Barnette Office District – smaller sites ideal for
professional offices that may benefit from a location
along the Barnette Street corridor (350,000 SF in
five, 5-story buildings)
The framework provides for offices within:
Easy walking distance to services – transit, retail and
business services are located within a quarter mile
Parking – sufficient, convenient garage spaces are
located within office districts
Barnette Office
District
Chena Office
District
New Office Districts
Legend
Offices
Barnette
District
Chena
District
Office Framework
Vision Fairbanks Downtown Plan | Land Use Framework | Adopted August 21, 2008 50
Office Framework

Education Framework
The education framework identifies existing primary
and secondary schools, such as the Catholic Schools
of Fairbanks, the Barnette Magnet School and higher
education facilities provided by the University of Alaska,
Fairbanks, Tanana Valley Campus (UAF-TVC).
Benefits of Close-In Schools
School locations directly impact the livability of the
community, student health and safety, and a school
district’s financial resources. The city and borough
should encourage long-range facility planning that keeps
these institutions in place and promotes infrastructure
that allows for safe routes to school. Well-located and
maintained facilities allow:
Students to walk or bike to school
Districts to realize a savings on fuel and other costs
associated with increased busing
Environmental impacts to be reduced due to
less driving
Valuable community anchors to be retained,
which strengthens the vitality of surrounding
neighborhoods and the downtown
Higher Education in Downtown
The downtown location of UAF-TVC has many benefits.
The city and borough should:
Promote retention and expansion of the UAF-TVC
campus along Barnette Street
Promote extended learning and job creation
by encouraging programs for new business
development, job opportunities with local employers
and practical learning programs within the
community
Legend
Education
Higher Education
and Extended
Learning
Lathrop/Ryan
Schools
Barnette
School
Primary and
Secondary
Education
UAF-TVC
Monroe
School
Education Framework
Vision Fairbanks Downtown Plan | Land Use Framework | Adopted August 21, 2008 51
Education Framework

Residential Framework
The residential framework identifies strategic locations
for a range of medium- and high-density housing types
(townhomes, lofts, apartments and condominiums)
suitable for a range of incomes. These locations support
both long term and immediate housing needs and are
located to maximize redevelopment of underutilized or
vacant parcels and preserve the low density character of
existing neighborhoods. Housing types should include a
variety of rental and owner-occupied housing. Additional
housing will bring economic vitality to downtown by
fostering 24-hour activity and lively, vibrant streets.
Additionally, urban dwellers help financially support
downtown retail, restaurants and other services.
Urban housing is highly desirable to 50- to 60-year-old
parents moving out of larger homes, and 20- to 30-yearold,
urban-oriented singles who prefer downtown
amenities to the maintenance associated with detached,
single-family homes.
Fundamental Requirements
Key requirements for the housing framework provide:
Transit located within walking distance
Amenities such as parks and open spaces, and
neighborhood retail services located within walking
distance
Parking located on site
If these requirements are fulfilled, downtown could
accommodate an additional 1,700 housing units at buildout.
Elements of the residential framework include:
High-density residential at 40 to 60 units per acre
Medium-density residential at 15 to 40 units per acre
Legend
High Density Residential
Medium Density Residential
Residential Framework
Vision Fairbanks Downtown Plan | Land Use Framework | Adopted August 21, 2008 52
Residential Framework

High-Density Residential
The residential framework identifies three downtown
locations for increased high-density housing. Downtown
high-density housing reduces impacts on established
neighborhoods, supports downtown employment and
reclaims vacant, industrial brownfield and underutilized
infill properties. The housing sites include:
The Railroad District between Phillips Field Road
and Charles Street is considered a long term housing
location and would require cooperation with the
Alaska Railroad Corporation.
Mid-Town along Noble Street between 4th and 7th
avenues and along 10th Avenue and Cushman Street
The South End along Noble Street between 12th
Avenue and Airport Way
The design and orientation of the residential housing
units should encourage:
Up to five stories – three or four housing levels over
ground-floor units and/or podium parking
An urban character – front doors facing the street
Respect for the existing downtown street grid – new
blocks should fit within the prevailing street pattern;
no “super blocks” should be developed
Amenities – planned transit, new parks, jobs, retail
stores and services should be within easy walking
distance
On-site parking – structured podium or surface
parking that is screened from the pedestrian realm
should be integrated into each housing block
Railroad District
(4-5 stories)
Mid-Town
District
(4-5 stories)
South End
District
(4-5 Stories)
High-Density Residential Concept
Vision Fairbanks Downtown Plan | Land Use Framework | Adopted August 21, 2008 53
Residential Framework

Medium-Density Residential
Townhomes, garden apartments and other mediumdensity
types of multi-family housing should
be encouraged. If possible, it should be sited on
underutilized or vacant infill parcels and provide a
transition from high- to low-density residential housing.
Medium-density housing can offer residents a variety of
rental and home ownership opportunities. The housing
sites include:
The Railroad District – north of Charles Street
to the Chena Slough includes long term housing
sites that would require cooperation with the
Alaska Railroad Corporation and those leasing
railroad property such as the Golden Valley Electric
Association (GVEA)
Mid-Town – along Noble Street between 5th and 7th
avenues; along 10th Avenue between Barnette and
Cushman streets
The design and orientation of medium-density housing
should:
Allow up to three stories – three housing levels with
surface parking located in the back
Orient front doors toward streets and sidewalks –
access to sidewalks should be provided
Respect the existing downtown street grid – new
blocks should fit within the prevailing street pattern;
no “super blocks” should be developed
Be compatible with its neighbors – scale, massing,
materials and forms should create appropriate
transitions to adjacent neighborhoods
Include Amenities – planned transit, new parks,
jobs, retail stores and services should be within easy
walking distance
Provide parking – surface parking or detached
garages for townhomes should be integrated into
each housing block
Mid-Town
(3 stories)
Railroad District
(2-Story
Townhomes)
Railroad District
(3 Stories)
Medium-Density Residential Concept
Vision Fairbanks Downtown Plan | Land Use Framework | Adopted August 21, 2008 54
Residential Framework

Squares, Parks and Open Space
Framework
Well-designed open spaces can encourage private
investment and improve the quality of life for those who
live, work or visit downtown Fairbanks.
Today, a variety of neighborhood parks, recreational
areas, waterfront open spaces and the Golden Heart
Plaza contribute to the overall character of the city.
Integrating these spaces into a cohesive system will
provide Fairbanks with a complete “green network.”
This network will not only ensure the addition of a
central public square and new open spaces, but will help
to preserve and enhance what exists today.
The squares, parks and open space framework describes a
collection of new and enhanced outdoor areas, including
public parks, squares and trails that complement the
existing parks and open space areas. These areas are:
For public use
Sited within housing districts as a focus for activity
and development
Adaptable for a variety of active and passive uses
Able to incorporate sustainable practices where
appropriate
Safe both day and night
Easily accessible within the off-street pedestrian/
bicycle system
Key Framework Elements
Elements of the squares, parks and open space framework
include:
Cushman Square
Chena Celebration
Charles Street Community Park
Neighborhood parks and park blocks
Civic Forest
These elements are described in detail on the following
pages.
New Parks and
Open Space
Legend
Existing Parks and Open Space
New Parks and Open Space
Existing and
Enhanced Parks
and Open Space
Cushman
Square
Parks and Open Space Framework
Vision Fairbanks Downtown Plan | Land Use Framework | Adopted August 21, 2008 55
Squares, Parks and Open Space Framework

Cushman Square
Public squares are an essential part of a successful
downtown and provide public open space for gatherings,
special events and socializing. They serve as a focus for
downtown retail and office development.
Cushman Square is located along Cushman Street
between 5th and 6th avenues and will be the center of
downtown retail revitalization.
Transit Center
Cushman Square should be designed to accommodate
phased or interim use of the transit center at its current
location without impacting the function of either the
transit facility or square use.
Design Elements
Design of the square should support year-round, allweather
use and activity. Design elements should
include:
Special brick or concrete pavers throughout
Curbless design to expand the usable space and
perceived visual dimensions of the assembly area
Possible expansion of the primary assembly area
for special events by temporarily closing auto traffic
along 5th and 6th avenues and the new street east of
the square
A retail pavilion, cafe and restrooms
Distribution of underground radiant heat for
sidewalks and hard surfaces to reduce snow and ice
accumulation
Areas for landscaping and seating
A children’s feature or fountain
The design elements are identified to the right and on
the following page.
All Weather
Activity Area
Cushman Street
6th Avenue
Special Children’s
Feature
Retail Pavilion
5th Avenue
Cushman Square Concept
Vision Fairbanks Downtown Plan | Land Use Framework | Adopted August 21, 2008 56
Squares, Parks and Open Space Framework

Chena River Celebration
The Chena River serves as a central defining feature of
downtown, a link to Fairbanks’ history and a gateway
to nature. Through the guidance of the Chena Riverfront
Commission, considerable investment has occurred
along the waterfront, including the implementation of the
Golden Heart Plaza, Centennial Bridge, and waterfront
trails. The Chena River celebration is a strategy for:
Connecting Morris Thompson Center visitors to
downtown restaurants and shops
Knitting together the patchwork of existing
parks, historic and cultural sites, and waterfront
improvements on both sides of the river through an
interpretative signage and trail system
Providing locals and visitors with information on
Fairbanks’ history and the Chena River
Expanding year-round use of the Chena River and
waterfront
Key Framework Components
The Chena River celebration would consist of:
The Golden Heart Plaza and Festival Lawn (Griffin
Park) – integrates the Plaza and Griffin Park, or
festival lawn into a large waterfront event space
serving summer and winter festivals
The Chena Historic and Cultural Loop – an
interpretive trail linking the Morris Thompson
Center with downtown and historic sites on each
side of the Chena River
Chena Outfitters – an all-season recreation
equipment rental, repair and retail space located
between the Barnette and Cushman bridges
These components are described in detail on the
following pages.
1. Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center
2. Golden Heart Plaza & Log Cabin
3. Masonic Temple
4. Bath House & Memorial Library
5. Locally Significant Buildings
6. Immaculate Conception Church
7. Doyon Foundation
8. Centennial Bridge
9. Griffin Park
Chena
Loop
4
3
5
Chena
Outfitters
6
7
2
8
Heritage Sites
Festival Lawn
(Griffin Park)
Golden Heart
Plaza
Vision Fairbanks Downtown Plan | Land Use Framework | Adopted August 21, 2008 57
9
1
Existing Chena Corridor
Chena Celebration Concept
Squares, Parks and Open Space Framework

Golden Heart Plaza and Festival Lawn
The programming and seasonal use of the Golden Heart
Plaza could be expanded by linking the plaza with Griffin
Park to create a large outdoor gathering space or festival
lawn that will support summer and winter events.
Current Conditions
Today, the physical and visual connection between the
plaza, Griffin Park and the Centennial Bridge is weak
due to:
Lack of clear route for pedestrians and bikes that
connect the plaza to Centennial Bridge
The courthouse parking lot that takes up valuable
waterfront area that is ideal for public use
Creating a Festival Lawn
The graphic to the below right illustrates a concept of
how the Festival Lawn and Golden Heart Plaza could be
strengthened. By improving access between the plaza
and park, a unified space could be created to support
additional all-season use. This would require:
Acquiring some of the land currently used as a
parking lot to expand the waterfront park assembly
area
Providing clear direct access from the plaza to the
Centennial Bridge and Griffin Park
Expanding sidewalks to create a seamless route
between the plaza and the park
Outdoor Festival
Improve View and
Access to Park, Plaza
and River
Cushman
Street
Chena
Chena
Golden Heart
Plaza
River
River
Griffin Park
Griffin Park
1st Ave
Create a “Festival Lawn”
by linking Plaza and Park
into Large Assembly Area
Expand Open
Space Into
Parking Lot
1st Ave
Existing Conditions
Festival Lawn Concept
Vision Fairbanks Downtown Plan | Land Use Framework | Adopted August 21, 2008 58
Squares, Parks and Open Space Framework

Chena Historic and Cultural Loop
Historic and cultural sites exist between Cowles
Street and the Centennial Bridge on both sides of
the Chena River. An interpretive trail that highlights
these heritage sites (see image at right) would provide
information on Fairbanks’ history to visitors and locals
as they experience the Chena River and downtown.
The Chena Loop should:
Provide a waterfront trail amenity that links heritage
sites on both sides of the river
Supplement the Morris Thompson Cultural and
Visitors Center (MTCVC) with an interactive
outdoor trail experience
Provide educational information and direct exposure
to historic structures, fostering preservation and
environmental stewardship
Improve the connection between the MTCVC and
downtown
Provide an alternative for pedestrians crossing heavy
auto traffic on the Cushman Street Bridge
Key Components of the Chena Loop
The components of the Chena Loop could include:
Use of existing trails within Griffin Park, the plaza
and Centennial Bridge
A new bridge crossing at Cowles Street across from
the historic Thomas Memorial Library that does
not disrupt the pedestrian overlook and seating that
currently exists along 1st Avenue
A new trail segment from the Cowles Bridge to
the planned trail under the Cushman and Barnette
bridges that would link the Borough, Chena
Outfitters and Immaculate Conception Church along
the north side of the river
Expanded interpretative signage and historical
kiosks that include all heritage sites and the Chena
River
4
New Cowles
Bridge
1. Morris Thompson Center 2. Log Cabin/Golden Heart Plaza 3. Masonic Temple
4. Bath House and Library 5. Immaculate Conception Church 6. Doyon Foundation
3
Existing Sidewalk Trail
New Trail
Segment
Chena
Outfitters
5
6
2
Centennial
Bridge
Heritage Sites
Existing Trails
Griffin Park
Chena Celebration – An Historic Sites Interpretive Trail and River Loop
Vision Fairbanks Downtown Plan | Land Use Framework | Adopted August 21, 2008 59
1
Squares, Parks and Open Space Framework

Chena Outfitters
Surrounded by nature, Fairbanks is an all-weather city
with long, warm summer nights and arctic, snow-filled
winters that foster an active, outdoor lifestyle. The
intent of Chena Outfitters is to establish a destination for
year-round recreational use of the Chena River, whether
boating, canoeing, snowshoeing, skiing or ice skating.
Supporting Year-Round Use of the Chena River
Located between the Barnette and Cushman bridges,
Chena Outfitters would create a venue for rental and
purchase of all-season outdoor recreational gear. Direct
access to Chena Outfitters would be provided from the
Cushman Bridge and the planned Chena River Trail along
the waterfront. (See image to the right and below) The
facility could provide for:
Purchase and rental of summer and winter clothing
and sporting goods for activities such as biking,
skiing, boating and fishing
Repair facilities and storage area
A viable destination and use of land between the
Barnette and Cushman bridges
Key Components of the Chena Outfitters
This facility and site could include:
Up to 12,800 SF of retail shops and restaurants, and
rental and repair space on two levels (6,400 SF per
floor)
A plaza entry off of the Cushman Bridge
A viewing deck
Ramp access to the planned waterfront trail and
dock
A removable dock for launching boats, fishing and
river viewing
Riparian and native landscaping to preserve the
integrity and health of the Chena River
Outfitter for Summer Activities Outfitter for Winter Activities
Chena Outfitters
Vision Fairbanks Downtown Plan | Land Use Framework | Adopted August 21, 2008 60
Squares, Parks and Open Space Framework

Charles Street Community Park
The Charles Street Community Park provides a venue
for year-round recreational activity. The park serves the
larger Fairbanks North Star Borough community and has
easy access from the Johansen Expressway and Illinois
Street.
Benefits of Community Parks and Open Space
Parks provide recreational, environmental and economic
value to communities. Benefits include:
Opportunities for physical activity and social
interaction for youth, individuals and families
An increase in private property values for properties
located adjacent to parks
Sustainable green spaces that provide environmental
benefits, natural habitat areas, buffers for screening
rail and industrial uses, and natural drainage areas
for water runoff
Outdoor and indoor meeting spaces for community
groups and organizations
Key Components
The park concepts includes over 16 acres of land
that will serve active and passive uses as well as an
indoor community center for activities and educational
classrooms. Key components could include:
ADA accessibility
On-site parking for autos and bikes
A 23,000-SF activity center
Public restrooms and fountain
Shared pedestrian and bike sidewalks, paths and
links to the regional trail network
Ski trails
Playground, active play fields and tennis courts
ARR Rail Line
Recreation
Areas
ARR Rail Line
Restroom and
Fountain
Trail Easement
to Slough
Realigned Charles Street
Potential Park
Location
Tennis Courts
Activity Center
Vision Fairbanks Downtown Plan | Land Use Framework | Adopted August 21, 2008 61
Illinois Street
Monroe
School
Existing Site
Monroe
School
Charles Street Community Park
Squares, Parks and Open Space Framework

Neighborhood Parks and Park Blocks
The neighborhood parks and park blocks provide for
non-organized activities and are a central amenity for the
development of higher-density housing. The parks and
park blocks will provide:
A focus and amenity for nearby redevelopment
Green linkages for residents and the public to key
destinations
Lawn areas for passive and active impromptu
recreational opportunities
A dog run
A multi-use (bike/ped) pathway linking adjacent
parks, park blocks and existing and planned bike
facilities
Neighborhood Parks
The neighborhood parks will serve the intense residential
development proposed for the railyard area and housing
along Airport Way. The graphic to the right illustrates the
location and approximate size of park area required to
create an amenity for residential uses. Over 7.5 acres of
new parks are illustrated to serve more than 1,000 new
residential units.
Park Blocks
The linear park blocks provide pedestrian, bike and
auto access to key destinations, such as downtown, the
community park, Dunkel Street and Griffin Park
Railyard Park Block – seven linear green spaces linking
the railyard district to downtown
Dunkel Street Park Block – six linear green spaces
adjacent to new office and housing uses; links
neighborhoods with Griffin Park
Railyard
Park Blocks
Neighborhood
Parks
Veterans
Memorial Park
Dunkel Street
Park Blocks
Neighborhood Parks and Park Blocks Concept
Vision Fairbanks Downtown Plan | Land Use Framework | Adopted August 21, 2008 62
Squares, Parks and Open Space Framework

Park Blocks
The following sections on the right identify the
conceptual dimensions suitable for usable linear green
spaces.
The Dunkel Street park blocks would require an
acquisition or easement of approximately 25 ft. of private
property within existing parcels along the west side of
Dunkel Street. The park blocks could be acquired by the
public and built all at one time; or, they could be built
incrementally as parcels redevelop.
Chena
Dunkel Street
River
Morris Thompson
Cultural and Visitors
Center
Dunkel Street Park Blocks Concept
Park
Block
Park
Block
Railyard Park Blocks Concept
Existing
Dunkel Street
Dunkel Street Park Blocks Concept
Vision Fairbanks Downtown Plan | Land Use Framework | Adopted August 21, 2008 63
Squares, Parks and Open Space Framework

Civic Forest
The gateway into downtown Fairbanks should be
memorable and provide visitors with an image that
captures the spirit of the surrounding landscape. The
intent of the Civic Forest is to:
Provide a transition and buffer between the outlying
areas and the downtown
Create a green, campus-like setting for civic and
adjacent uses along Airport Way
Include formal and informal elements depending on
the use and function within the Civic Campus area
Screen and mitigate the visual impacts of surface
parking lots
Key Components of the Civic Forest
There are four major components that comprise the
Civic Forest. Each component integrates the civic
anchors into a coherent whole. The components
include:
Outdoor Winter Garden – a northern climate,
botanical garden setting with courtyard areas for
formal plantings that surround the indoor winter
garden building
Promenade – a new formally planted greenway that
connects the winter garden to the convention center
Cushman Boulevard – a tree-lined street and median
from 7th Avenue to Airport Way, connecting the
civic anchors with the retail hot spot
Airport Way – informal, dense plantings of
evergreen and flowering trees within a wide setback
along the north side of Airport Way and within the
right-of-way along the south side from Barnette
Street to Noble Street
Outdoor Winter
Garden
Courtyards
Promenade
Cushman
Boulevard
Landscaping
Landscaping
along Airport
Way
Illustration
Civic Forest Concept
Vision Fairbanks Downtown Plan | Land Use Framework | Adopted August 21, 2008 64
Squares, Parks and Open Space Framework

Circulation Framework
Vision Fairbanks Downtown Plan | Circulation Framework | Adopted August 21, 2008 65

Overview
Currently, the downtown study area serves as a
throughway for traffic along Cushman and Barnette
streets from Airport Way to College Road. The need
to move traffic has eroded the pedestrian environment
along Cushman Street and impacted the downtown retail
environment due to the loss of on-street parking.
Downtown Fairbanks’ existing circulation conditions
include:
Largely auto-dominated streets and roadways
Regionally significant routes - Barnette and
Cushman streets play a significant role in boroughwide
mobility
Proposed improvements to Barnette Street and a
new Barnette Street bridge
Providing a Balanced Transportation Network
The circulation framework ensures that:
The Illinois/Barnette project moves forward and
improvements meet downtown planning objectives
Auto mobility is maintained and redirected to benefit
downtown – rather than simply passing through
downtown
Multiple modes of transportation are addressed –
especially bicycles and pedestrians
The circulation framework will be used to
inform and update the Fairbanks Metropolitan
Area Transportation System Plan (FMATS) and
implementation of the planned Barnette Street and
bridge improvements.
Traffic Analysis
A traffic analysis report was prepared by Kinney and
Associates (refer to Vision Fairbanks Concept Traffic
Analysis Draft Report, April 30, 2007) to study traffic
impacts of the proposed development identified in the
land-use framework and test the ability to transform
one-way streets to two-way streets in the downtown. In
addition, The abandonment of Gaffney Street between
Cushman and Noble Street was recommended to serve
new development for the proposed grocery store, hotel
and convention center.
Auto and Bike Traffic on 1st Avenue
Vision Fairbanks Downtown Plan | Circulation Framework | Adopted August 21, 2008 66
Overview

Key Circulation Elements
The circulation framework consists of multiple modes
of transportation: auto, pedestrian, bicycle and transit as
illustrated on the diagram to the right.
Auto and Truck Framework
Autos will be the primary mode of access into and
throughout downtown; proposed improvements include:
New streets
Planned street improvements
New two-way traffic streets
Pedestrian Framework
Proposed pedestrian infrastructure improvements,
including new and widened sidewalks and trails, are
identified along:
Cushman Main Street
Downtown pedestrian and bicycle loop
Chena River crossings
Neighborhood streets
Bicycle Framework
The bicycle facilities include:
Shared off-street facilities
Bike boulevards
Bike lanes
Bike routes
Transit Framework
Short- and long-term improvements to the transit
framework include:
Transit center relocation
Streetcar
Shuttle
The circulation framework plans are identified in detail
on the following pages.
Legend
Auto and Truck Framework
Pedestrian Framework
Bicycle Framework
Transit Framework
Circulation Framework
Vision Fairbanks Downtown Plan | Circulation Framework | Adopted August 21, 2008 67
Overview

Automobile and Truck Framework
Components of the auto framework are described and
identified below; each component is detailed on the
following pages.
One-Way Streets Converted to Two-Way – two-way
streets help reroute traffic and improve downtown
access and air quality by reducing vehicle miles
traveled
Improved Streets – modification and realignment
of existing streets improve traffic movement and
capacity while supporting alternative modes of
travel, such as bike and pedestrian routes
New Streets – provide access to new and existing
development and maintain the historic street grid
Legend
New Two-Way Streets
Improved Streets
New Streets
PHILLIPS FIELD ROAD
Automobile and Truck Framework
Vision Fairbanks Downtown Plan | Circulation Framework | Adopted August 21, 2008 68
Automobile and Truck Framework

One-Way Streets Converted to Two-Way
For years, traffic movement was evaluated by how
quickly morning and afternoon rush-hour drivers
moved through downtown. To increase traffic speeds,
many downtown streets were converted to one way; this
removed conflicting auto movements, and increased
roadway capacity and traffic signal “green” time.
Recently, communities have recognized that these
operational changes negatively impact the environment.
For instance, one-way roads have fostered out-ofdirection
travel, increasing vehicle miles traveled and
degrading air quality.
Numerous benefits that contribute to downtown’s
revitalization will be realized by converting one-way
streets to two-way, including:
Easier navigation for drivers – visitors and locals
in search of parking structures or other downtown
amenities are often confused by one-way streets
Existing One-Way Streets
Easier transit system use – when designed for a oneway
street network, transit stops for the same routes
are forced to be located on two different streets;
however, on a two-way street network, stops can be
located across from each other on the same street
Increased pedestrian safety – two-way streets can
result in 30-40 percent fewer auto and pedestrian
conflicts than one-way streets
Cushman Two-Way: Revitalizing Retail
Converting Cushman to a two-way street is essential
to creating a successful “retail hot spot,” as described
in the land-use framework. This conversion will:
Allow on-street parking where there is none today
Accommodate widening of existing narrow
sidewalks for pedestrians’ comfort
Provide the benefits of a two-way system as
previous described, while maintaining adequate
drive-by traffic essential for retail viability
Two-Way
Streets
Key Elements:
Conversion to two-way traffic is proposed for the
following streets:
Cushman and Barnette streets – from 1st Avenue to
Airport Way
1st Avenue – from Barnette Street to Cushman Street
2nd Avenue – from Wickersham Street to Noble
Street
5th Avenue – from Barnette Street to Noble Street
6th Avenue – from Wickersham Street to Barnette
Street
Traffic Study Results
The results of the traffic study performed by Kinney and
Associates indicate that the proposed two-way street
network will operate at desirable levels of service in
downtown Fairbanks into the year 2025. The full traffic
analysis can be found in the Vision Fairbanks Concept
Traffic Analysis Draft Report, April 30, 2007.
One-Way Streets Converted to Two-Way
Vision Fairbanks Downtown Plan | Circulation Framework | Adopted August 21, 2008 69
Automobile and Truck Framework

Improved Realigned and Extended Streets
These streets represent existing high-traffic, major arterial
streets that need improvement to accommodate increased
traffic volumes created by the expected redevelopment
identified in the land-use framework. Improvements
would result in:
Enhanced north/south traffic movement through
downtown
Maintained east/west traffic movement from Peger
Road to Illinois Street
Better access to retail and proposed civic uses along
Cushman Street
Better access from the Fairbanks Depot to
downtown
Improved access for non-motorized modes and
transit that are described on later pages of this
report.
Key Elements
Key elements of the improved streets include:
Cushman Signature Street – improvements would
include a variety of roadway treatments to create
a memorable and lasting impression for motorists,
pedestrians and cyclists while improving vehicle
mobility; three treatment subsections are suggested
for the roadway and sidewalks, depending on
adjacent land uses
Illinois Street and Barnette Street Mobility Corridor
– the planned improvements are intended to enhance
the traffic movement heading north /south through
downtown during the a.m. and p.m. peak travel
times while creating and maintaining a comfortable
and safe ped/bike environment
Phillips Field Road – realignment would
accommodate new housing development in the
Railyard District and maintain east/west traffic
levels from Peger Road to Illinois Street
Charles Street – extension of and improvements to
Charles Street would provide direct auto connection
to downtown from the Fairbanks Depot and access
to proposed new housing and community park
within the Railyard District
Legend
Improved Streets
PHILLIPS FIELD ROAD
Improved Streets
Vision Fairbanks Downtown Plan | Circulation Framework | Adopted August 21, 2008 70
Automobile and Truck Framework

Cushman Signature Street
Much as the Chena River was in Fairbanks’ early history,
Cushman Street is envisioned as the primary organizing
element for downtown Fairbanks. Cushman Street is
where people will live, work, carry out business, shop or
just visit. It is expected that major land use investors will
be attracted to this street because of its prominence, easy
access, and if developed as proposed, the prestige it will
bring to businesses located along this premier street.
The design of Cushman Street is comprised of three
distinct sections that provide downtown auto access,
including:
Cushman Bridge and Roundabout – maintains
two-way auto access across the Chena River with a
narrowed curb-to-curb dimension to accommodate
pedestrians and bicyclists
Cushman Retail Main Street – supports auto access
to retail hot spot businesses
Cushman Boulevard and Roundabout – beginning
with a roundabout at Airport Way, this tree-lined
boulevard serves as a gateway to the retail hot spot
and provides access to adjacent civic uses; the
boulevard or “movement zone,” would provide for
two-way traffic and a turn lane for both north and
southbound traffic.
The three components of Cushman Street are indicated
on the right and defined in greater detail on the following
pages.
Barnette Street
Airport Way
1st Avenue
7th Avenue
Cushman Bridge
and Roundabout –
Narrowed Roadway
Cushman Retail Main Street –
Retail Hot Spot Emphasis
Cushman Boulevard and
Roundabout –
May Include Turn Lanes
Cushman Signature Street
Vision Fairbanks Downtown Plan | Circulation Framework | Adopted August 21, 2008 71
Automobile and Truck Framework

Cushman Street Bridge and Roundabout
The Cushman Street Bridge will be improved to
accommodate a balanced auto, bike and pedestrian
crossing over the Chena River.
The Cushman Street Bridge Improvements
Because of the additional auto capacity created by the
new Barnette Street Bridge, less auto capacity will be
required along Cushman Street The excess capacity will
be transferred to pedestrian and bicycle facilities. The
improved Cushman Street bridge will:
Maintain two-way traffic (one lane in each direction)
Not include curbside parking
The Cushman, Illinois and Barnette Roundabout
A proposed roundabout will be studied for later
implementation during the Illinois Street/Barnette Street
project by the Alaska Department of Transportation, the
city and the borough. The roundabout benefits include:
A gateway feature to downtown
Improved auto circulation at a difficult intersection
of five streets: Illinois, Cushman, Barnette, Doyon,
and Terminal
Reduced long-term maintenance cost associated
with the alternative – a signalized intersection
Preferred Cushman Roundabout
Existing Cushman Street Bridge
Proposed Cushman Street Bridge
Vision Fairbanks Downtown Plan | Circulation Framework | Adopted August 21, 2008 72
Automobile and Truck Framework

Cushman Retail Main Street
Proposed auto improvements for the Cushman Retail Main Street
are identified below. Improvements to Cushman Retail Main Street
vary depending on adjacent existing building proximity.
Constrained – With Existing Buildings on Both Sides of the
Street
The proposed section shown to the right and below illustrates
a roadway condition applicable to Cushman Retail Street from
2nd Avenue to 3rd Avenue. This street section is constrained by
buildings on both sides of the street. Due to this constraint, auto
traffic would be served by:
A single traffic lane in each direction
On-street parking on the west side of the street
Unconstrained - Without Buildings on One or Both Sides of the
Street
The proposed section shown on the lower left illustrates an
ideal condition applicable to areas unconstrained by existing
buildings where additional space may be available to expand
the right-of-way from 50 ft. to 68 ft. In this situation, auto
traffic would be served by:
A single traffic lane in each direction
On-street parking on both sides of the street
Existing Cushman Street Section
Proposed Unconstrained Cushman Retail Main Street Section Proposed Constrained Cushman Retail Main Street Section
Vision Fairbanks Downtown Plan | Circulation Framework | Adopted August 21, 2008 73
Automobile and Truck Framework

Cushman Boulevard and Roundabout
Cushman Boulevard and roundabout improvements
would extend from Airport Way to 7th Avenue.
Cushman Boulevard Improvements include:
Maintaining existing 34 ft. curb-to-curb dimension
Two-way traffic with one lane each direction and a
center turn lane
New street light poles and banners
10 ft. sidewalks on both sides of the street
Roundabout Improvements
Further study and analysis should be conducted to
implement the roundabout. Benefits include:
A signature gateway into downtown
Improved access on and off Airport Way to
Cushman Street
Decreases in vehicle delay time and reductions in
fuel consumption
Possible reduction of air pollutants
Proposed Roundabout
Existing
Typical Cushman Street Boulevard Section
Vision Fairbanks Downtown Plan | Circulation Framework | Adopted August 21, 2008 74
Automobile and Truck Framework

Illinois and Barnette Street Mobility Corridor
Planned Alaska Department of Transportation
improvements to Illinois and Barnette streets will
accommodate future two-way traffic for existing
and new development identified in this plan and
outlined in the traffic analysis report by Kinney and
Associates. The additional traffic capacity served by
these improvements will reduce the traffic demand on
Cushman Street, thereby allowing the street to serve
retail and downtown services, rather than throughtown
traffic.
Illinois and Barnette Street Mobility Corridor
Illinois and Barnette Street
Mobility Corridor
Vision Fairbanks Downtown Plan | Circulation Framework | Adopted August 21, 2008 75
Automobile and Truck Framework

Phillips Field Road
Over time, Phillips Field Road will serve as a primary
access street to future housing proposed in the
Railyard District and the east/west connector on the
north side of the river. Street improvements include:
The realignment of the east end of Phillips Field
Road to the north, intersecting with Illinois Street at
Minnie Street
Two-way traffic with one lane each direction
Auto access to proposed neighborhood streets
Bike lanes on both sides of the street
12-ft. sidewalks on both sides of the street
Proposed Phillips Field Road Improvements
Existing Phillips Field Road
New Phillips Field Road Alignment
Existing Phillips Field Road Conditions
Proposed Phillips Field Road Improvements
Vision Fairbanks Downtown Plan | Circulation Framework | Adopted August 21, 2008 76
Illinois Street
Illinois Street
Minnie St.
Minnie St.
Automobile and Truck Framework

Charles Street
Today, the only access to the Fairbanks Train Depot is
from the Johansen Expressway, a limited-access freeway
along the north boundary of the study area. This limited
access increases vehicle miles traveled and overall travel
time. Charles Street improvements allow for additional
access to the depot and downtown.
Proposed Charles Street Improvements
The benefits include:
More direct downtown and neighborhood access to
and from the depot
Increased visitor and tourist access to downtown
businesses and hotels
A high-quality street serving as a gateway to new
housing, a new community center and downtown
Fairbanks
Train Depot
Fairbanks
Train Depot
The design of the street would include:
Two-way traffic with two lanes in each direction
Direct access from the depot to Illinois Street
Allowance for a future streetcar to travel with auto
traffic in the outer lanes of the street
14-ft. sidewalks on both sides of the street
6’ bike lanes on both sides
Pedestrian-scaled lighting
Charles Street
Charles Street
Existing Charles Street Conditions
Vision Fairbanks Downtown Plan | Circulation Framework | Adopted August 21, 2008 77
Illinois Street
Illinois Street
Proposed Charles Street Improvements
Automobile and Truck Framework

New Streets
New streets provide circulation for proposed
development in the Railyard District, along south
Noble Street and the civic anchor area. New streets
will also improve movement along Wendell Street into
the downtown. These streets may be constructed all at
once or in phases as a part of individual redevelopment
proposals. The streets, described in detail on the next
pages, include:
The Railyard District – a grid of streets within the
proposed Railyard District redevelopment
The South End District – a grid of streets within the
redevelopment along Noble Street near the Airport
Way intersection
Civic Anchor Streets – a new north/south street
connecting the winter garden to the civic center
Wendell Street Bridge Intersection– a new street
connecting the Wendell Street Bridge to 1st Avenue
The Railyard
District
Legend
New Streets
PHILLIPS FIELD ROAD
Civic Anchor
Streets
South End District
Wendell Street
Bridge Intersection
New Streets
Vision Fairbanks Downtown Plan | Circulation Framework | Adopted August 21, 2008 78
Automobile and Truck Framework

The Railyard District and South End District
New streets within the Railyard and South End
districts will serve new housing areas and maintain
the historic grid pattern of the existing nearby
neighborhoods. The two types of new streets include:
The Railyard Park Blocks Street – a parallel street west
of the Illinois Street corridor that extends from Charles
Street to Terminal Street and serves neighborhood
traffic. This street would provide:
Two-way traffic with one lane in each direction on
either side of a pedestrian and bike greenspace or
“park block,” as shown on the right
A future streetcar within the travel lane
On-street parking
The Typical Neighborhood Street – a new grid of
streets. This street would provide:
Two-way traffic with one lane in each direction
On-street parking
Railyard Park Blocks Street
Typical Neighborhood Street
Vision Fairbanks Downtown Plan | Circulation Framework | Adopted August 21, 2008 79
Automobile and Truck Framework

Civic Anchor Streets
The civic anchor streets provide improved access
to civic uses and add on-street parking capacity by
introducing new mid-block street frontage parallel to
Cushman Street between 10th and 12th avenues. The
design of these blocks should include:
Two-way traffic with one lane on both sides of a
landscaped pedestrian promenade
On-street parking
Cushman Street
Cushman Street
Fire Station
10TH Avenue
Fire
Station
Winter
Garden
Civic Center
10TH Avenue
12TH Avenue
Performing
Arts Center
12TH Avenue
Existing Aerial
Civic Anchor Streets
Vision Fairbanks Downtown Plan | Circulation Framework | Adopted August 21, 2008 80
Lacey Street
Pedestrian
Promenade
Lacey Street
Two-way
Traffic
On Street
Parking
Automobile and Truck Framework

Wendell Street Bridge Intersection
In the 2001 Fairbanks Downtown Transportation
Study, Wendell Street, Hall Street and 1st Avenue were
identified as needing improvements in anticipation
of new development in the area. Since this report
was completed, the Courthouse has been built and
the Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center
is under construction. The Wendell Street Bridge
intersection will continue to have a tremendous impact
on local traffic circulation and the visitor economy.
Future study of this intersection should include:
A new, two-way street connecting the Wendell Street
Bridge to 1st Avenue
A minimum of 12-ft. sidewalks on each side of the
street to accommodate bikes and pedestrians
Street trees
New street lights with banner poles to advertise
events and the Morris Thompson Center
Identification of traffic management techniques
including realignment of Hall Street and reducing
conflicts of automobile access to Wendell Street
Reorganization of TCC parking lot circulation
Dunkel Street
Clay Street
Morris Thompson
Cultural and Visitors
Center
Wendell Street
1st Avenue
Existing Aerial
Vision Fairbanks Downtown Plan | Circulation Framework | Adopted August 21, 2008 81
Hall Street
TCC
Automobile and Truck Framework

Pedestrian Framework
Design for the Pedestrian
Streets and sidewalks make up more than 40 percent of
the land area within downtown Fairbanks. Well-designed,
pedestrian-friendly streets contribute to a successful
and vibrant town. The pedestrian framework focuses
specifically on expanding and improving the pedestrian
environment.
Key Framework Elements
The pedestrian framework provides a blueprint for the
improvement and creation of new pedestrian amenities
throughout the downtown; specific design concept
proposals would require further refinement, review and
approval. The framework’s key elements include the
following street types, summarized below and detailed on
subsequent pages:
Cushman Signature Street – includes three distinct
pedestrian zones that support retail, recreation and
other adjacent land-use functions.
Downtown Pedestrian and Bike Loop –
improvements within existing rights-of-way are
suggested for a safe and convenient pedestrian and
bike route around the downtown core, connecting
the Chena River, civic uses and surrounding
neighborhoods
New Neighborhood Streets – minimum requirements
are identified for pedestrian-friendly streets serving
new housing development in the Railyard District
and the south end of downtown
Legend
New
Neighborhood
Streets
Downtown
Pedestrian and
Bicycle Loop
Cushman Signature Street
PHILLIPS FIELD ROAD
Downtown Off-Street Pedestrian/Bike Loop
Railyard Park Blocks
Cushman
Signature Street
New Neighborhood Streets
Pedestrian Framework
Vision Fairbanks Downtown Plan | Circulation Framework | Adopted August 21, 2008 82
Pedestrian Framework

Cushman Signature Street
The Cushman signature street design is comprised of
three parts identified below and discussed in detail on the
follow pages. The design includes:
Cushman Retail Main Street
Cushman Boulevard
Cushman Bridge
Barnette Street
Airport Way
1st Avenue
Bridge
Retail
Main Street
7th Avenue
Boulevard
Cushman Signature Street
Vision Fairbanks Downtown Plan | Circulation Framework | Adopted August 21, 2008 83
Pedestrian Framework

Cushman Retail Main Street
A well-design streetscape is critical to the success of the
retail hot spot.
Proposed Elements
The following proposed streetscape improvements along
this portion of Cushman Street create the ideal pedestrian
environment to support successful retail. These elements
include:
Widened sidewalks – to 15 ft.
Pedestrian scale – with elements such as lighting,
landscaping, benches and signs
Comfortable pedestrian environment – with
awnings, arcades and heated sidewalks to support
all-weather use
High-quality paving – such as distinctive brick or
well-detailed concrete for sidewalks and pedestrian
crossings
Streetscape zones – including a pedestrian “through
zone,” building zone for seating or retail display
and a furniture zone for seating, trash cans or bike
parking
Curb extensions – landscaped with ornamental trees
at intersections to slow traffic and reduce pedestrian
crossing distances
Additional landscaping – canopy trees and planting
strips between the sidewalk and roadway
Chena
8’ Sidewalk
Retail
Development
Sites
Highway
Lighting along
Streets
1st Avenue
Cushman Street
River
Minimal
Crosswalk
Treatment
Little or No
Landscaping
No On-Street
Parking
Cushman
Square
7th Avenue
Chena
Two-Way
Streets
New Decorative
Lighting and
Benches
New On-Street
Parking
Arcades or
Awnings
1st Avenue
Existing Cushman Street Conditions
Proposed Cushman Retail Main Street
Improvements
Vision Fairbanks Downtown Plan | Circulation Framework | Adopted August 21, 2008 84
Cushman Street
River
New Crosswalks
Curb Extensions and
Landscaping at all
Intersections
Widen Sidewalks -
10’ to 15’
New Retail
Development Sites
Cushman
Square
7th Avenue
Pedestrian Framework

Cushman Retail Main Street Sections - Unconstrained
The previous page identifies the full breath of streetscape
improvements that would support pedestrian and retail
activity along Cushman Retail Main Street. The preferred
pedestrian environment would include:
15-ft. sidewalks on each side of the street
8-ft. on-street parking to buffer pedestrians from
traffic and reduce auto speeds
Arcades with roll-up doors for all-season use
Heated sidewalks using district heat
9’ Sidewalk
Easement or
Acquisition
Area
Upper Floor
Built Over
Sidewalk
Arcade
Built Over
Sidewalk
Cushman Retail Main Street Unconstrained
Vision Fairbanks Downtown Plan | Circulation Framework | Adopted August 21, 2008 85
Pedestrian Framework

Cushman Retail Main Street – Constrained Street
Section
The creation of an ideal 68-ft. street section as
indicated on the previous page is not possible between
2nd and 3rd avenues due to existing buildings.
However, significant sidewalk improvements might
include:
Widening the sidewalk to 10 ft. on both sides of the
street
Providing on-street parking only on one side of the
street to buffer pedestrians from traffic
Providing weather protecting awnings on existing
buildings
Turner Street
Old Federal
Courthouse If Only
Cushman Street
2nd Avenue
3rd Avenue
Constrained Block
10’ Wide
Sidewalk
Weather
Protection
On-Street
Parking
10’ Wide
Sidewalk
Heated Sidewalks Heated Sidewalks
Cushman Retail Main Street – Constrained
Vision Fairbanks Downtown Plan | Circulation Framework | Adopted August 21, 2008 86
Pedestrian Framework

Cushman Boulevard
Beginning at Airport Way as a roundabout and threshold
to a new convention center, this tree-lined boulevard
extends through the civic anchor area and transitions to
Cushman Main Street at 7th Avenue.
Pedestrian improvements between 7th Avenue and
Airport Way are intended to encourage pedestrian
movement between civic uses and the retail hot spot.
Proposed Elements
The character of the streetscape should be consistent with
and complement adjacent uses. The following streetscape
elements and design treatments along this portion of
Cushman Boulevard include:
Widened sidewalks – to 10 ft.
Pedestrian scale elements – lighting, benches and
signs add to the pedestrian-friendly environment
Pedestrian buffer – trees and shrub plantings create
separation between the sidewalk and roadway
Parkway landscaping – use of natural visual
enhancements, including native, hardy plant
materials and layers of trees accented with shrubs
and groundcover within the planting strip, create a
buffer between pedestrians and vehicles
City
Hall
7th Avenue
One-Way
Street
8’ Sidewalks
Highway
Lighting along
Streets
Airport Way
Cushman Street
Civic Anchor
Development
Sites
Fire
Station
Existing Cushman Street Conditions
New Decorative
Lighting
Two-Way
Traffic
Setback
for Dense
Evergreen Trees
New Gateway
Monument and
Landscaping
7th Avenue
Proposed Cushman Boulevard Improvements
Vision Fairbanks Downtown Plan | Circulation Framework | Adopted August 21, 2008 87
Hotel
Cushman Boulevard
New Crosswalks
Winter
Garden
10’ Sidewalks
7’ Landscape Strip
with street trees,
shrubs, and
perennials
Civic
Center
Airport Way
Pedestrian Framework

Cushman Boulevard Street Sections
To implement the design of Cushman Boulevard,
the existing right-of-way shown on the street section
below and to the right would need to be increased from
50 ft. to 68 ft. A 9-ft. easement or acquisition would
be required on both sides of the street. The proposed
street pedestrian improvements would include:
A 17-ft. pedestrian zone on both sides of the street
with an 8-ft. to 10-ft. sidewalk and a 7-ft. to 9-ft.
planting strip with trees, shrubs and groundcover
Decorative street lighting and pole mounts for event
signs
Easement or
Acquisition
Existing
Easement or
Acquisition
Typical Cushman Boulevard Section
Vision Fairbanks Downtown Plan | Circulation Framework | Adopted August 21, 2008 88
Pedestrian Framework

Cushman Bridge
The Cushman Bridge design creates a distinctive
crossing and gateway to the retail hot spot. The
redesign of the bridge will greatly improve the
pedestrian crossing environment and provide direct
access to and from Cushman Retail Main Street. The
bridge design should:
Include a 20-ft. pedestrian/bicycle walkway on the
east side and a 12-ft. walkway on the west side
Include new landscaped planters that buffer
pedestrians from traffic
Include new pedestrian-scale lighting and pole
mounts for event signs
Include areas with benches for sitting and viewing
downtown and the river
Provide riverfront trail access underneath the
structure
Maintain access to the Immaculate Conception
Church and open space along the waterfront on the
north side of the river
Maintain access to and from the Golden Heart Plaza
along 1st Avenue
Provide direct access to the proposed Chena
Outfitters between the Barnette Street and Cushman
Street bridges
Existing Cushman Street Bridge
Proposed Cushman Street Bridge
Vision Fairbanks Downtown Plan | Circulation Framework | Adopted August 21, 2008 89
Pedestrian Framework

Downtown Pedestrian and Bicycle Loop
The shared pedestrian and bicycle loop will serve as an
amenity for development and provide safe and convenient
access to the downtown’s adjacent neighborhoods
and major attractions. Due to the limited right-ofway
dimensions along many of the downtown streets,
low-speed recreational bicyclists, such as families and
children, would ride in safe, well-marked “bicycle
boulevards,” where bicyclists share existing low-speed
traffic lanes with automobiles, or, where possible, along
widened sidewalks.
The shared pedestrian and bicycle loop may include:
Improved sidewalks
Crosswalks
Lighting
Pedestrian-scaled enhanced landscaping
Curb extensions at intersections
A New Recreation Loop
The loop would accommodate a variety of different users,
including:
Walkers
Walkers with strollers
Joggers
Low-speed bicyclists – especially children and
families
The new pedestrian loop would:
Be constructed within existing public rights-of-way
Be comprised of four segments –
- Lacey Street – 8th Avenue to the Chena River
- 8th Avenue – Lacey Street to Cowles Street
- Cowles Street – 8th Avenue to the Chena River
- Riverfront Trail and Chena Crossing – Cowles
Street to the Centennial Bridge on the north side of
the river
Legend
Cowles Street
PHILLIPS FIELD ROAD
Riverfront Trail
and Crossings
Proposed Downtown Off-Street Loop
8th Avenue
Lacey Street
Downtown Pedestrian and Bicycle Loop
Vision Fairbanks Downtown Plan | Circulation Framework | Adopted August 21, 2008 90
Pedestrian Framework

New Neighborhood Streets
The new neighborhood streets are intended to be
pedestrian friendly and encourage walking to nearby
destinations, employment centers and the downtown.
The pedestrian system should support active and safe
lifestyles for adults and children.
Pedestrian improvements for the new neighborhood
streets should be completed for the following sections:
a typical neighborhood section for new housing
blocks
a park block section that extends through the
Railyard District, connecting to the downtown street
network and forming a direct link between the north
and south sides of the river
The following page details the recommended street
sections required to implement these pedestrian
improvements for the new neighborhood streets.
Legend
Railyard Park Blocks
Typical
Neighborhood
Street
Neighborhood Streets
PHILLIPS FIELD ROAD
Park Blocks
Street
New Neighborhood Streets
Vision Fairbanks Downtown Plan | Circulation Framework | Adopted August 21, 2008 91
Pedestrian Framework

New Neighborhood Street Sections
The new neighborhood street sections are shown to the
right. Typical neighborhood streets include:
Sidewalks separated from curb with street trees, and
landscaping
Street trees and landscaped planters
On-street parking on both sides providing a buffer
between the sidewalk and travel lanes
Ornamental pedestrian-scaled lighting
The park block streets include:
Sidewalks separated from curb with street trees,
shrubs and grass
A central park space for pedestrian and bike
circulation with landscaped planting beds and a row
of trees on each side of the park to buffer traffic
On-street parking on both sides of the street
providing a buffer between the sidewalk and street
travel lanes
Ornamental pedestrian-scaled lighting
6’ (min.)
Sidewalk
Sidewalk Sidewalk
6’
4’
and
LANDSCAPING
6’ (min.)
Sidewalk
Proposed Typical Neighborhood Street
Proposed Railyard Park Block Streets
Vision Fairbanks Downtown Plan | Circulation Framework | Adopted August 21, 2008 92
4’ 6’
and
LANDSCAPING
Sidewalk
8’ 4’
4’ 8’
Pedestrian Framework

Bicycle Framework
The bicycle system is intended to provide a range of
opportunities for commuters and recreational cyclists.
The framework identifies a series of new routes
connected to existing and planned routes. It consists
of three types of bicycle facilities that together form a
complete bike network. The facilities include:
Shared off-street facilities – shares the off-street
facility with pedestrians and supports recreational
bike use; located within street rights-of-way or as
trails through parks and open spaces
Bicycle Boulevards – shares the roadway with
autos along low traffic volume streets and supports
recreational and commuter bike use; may include
traffic calming elements such as speed bumps
Bicycle Lanes – shares the roadway with autos and
supports commuter bike use; has a clearly identified
“bike-only” lane separated from traffic within the
curb-to-curb street surface
Legend
Existing Off-Street Pedestrian/Bicycle Routes
Proposed Off-Street Pedestrian/Bicycle Routes
Proposed Bicycle Boulevards
Proposed Bicycle Lanes
Bicycle Framework
Vision Fairbanks Downtown Plan | Circulation Framework | Adopted August 21, 2008 93
Bicycle Framework

Shared Off-Street Facilities
The shared off-street bike system is identified on the
right. The design of off-street routes should include:
A paved surface with separated pedestrian and bike
travel lanes
Route designation signs and bike network maps
Bike facilities such as bike racks and storage areas
placed at key destinations
Design considerations that allow winter use by
cross-country skiers or others
Legend
Proposed Shared Off-Street
Pedestrian/Bicycle Routes
Proposed Off-Street Pedestrian/Bicycle Routes
Shared Off-Street Bicycle Routes
Vision Fairbanks Downtown Plan | Circulation Framework | Adopted August 21, 2008 94
Bicycle Framework

Bicycle Boulevards
Bike boulevards provide a safe route for bicyclists
within existing traffic lanes. They signal drivers that
street traffic includes bicyclists and to share the road
accordingly. These routes are generally on low-trafficvolume
streets with limited rights-of-way of less than
50’. The design of these routes should include:
On-pavement decal and sign posts, identifying a
street as a bicycle boulevard.
Bike facilities such as bike racks and storage areas
placed at key destinations
Bike boxes placed in front of and in full view of
drivers at signalized busy street intersections. (See
image on next page)
Traffic calming devices such as speed bumps to keep
auto speeds low*
Bike activated traffic signals should be considered
for major intersections
* Where projected future traffic volumes are predicted
to increase such as Minnie Street and Cowles Street
traffic calming devices would be required to lower
traffic speeds and improve safety for bicyclists. If
traffic calming is not feasible these streets should only
be designated as bike routes.
Bicycle Boulevard Decal on Pavement
Legend
Proposed Bicycle
Boulevards
Proposed Bicycle Boulevards
Potential Bike Box Locations
Bicycle Boulevards
Vision Fairbanks Downtown Plan | Circulation Framework | Adopted August 21, 2008 95
Bicycle Framework

Bicycle Lanes
Bike lanes are intended to provide separate, welldefined
routes for commuters to travel to key
destinations within and outside of the downtown.
These routes are most appropriate along busy collector
and arterial streets, where mixing of cyclists, autos
and trucks would be safe. The design of these routes
should include:
On-pavement signs and sign posts, identifying a
street as a bicycle lane
Bike boxes placed in front of and in full view of
drivers at signalized busy street intersections. (See
image below)
Bike facilities such as bike racks and storage areas
placed at key destinations
A minimum bike-lane width of 5 ft.
Bicycle Boxes
Bicycle Lanes and Signage
Proposed
Bicycle Lanes
Legend
Proposed Bicycle Lanes
Potential Bike Box Locations
Bicycle Lanes
Vision Fairbanks Downtown Plan | Circulation Framework | Adopted August 21, 2008 96
Bicycle Framework

Transit Framework
The transit framework recognizes that downtown
growth and rising oil costs will make transit more
viable and attractive over time.
The framework addresses both short-term bus needs
and proposes a long-term streetcar system that will
meet the need for higher vehicle capacity and quality.
The framework connects major regional destinations,
such as the airport, UAF, and military bases, to the
downtown.
The framework components include:
Transit Center – siting and development of a new
downtown center
Streetcar – concepts for a long-term rail circulator
Downtown Bus Shuttle System – short- and longterm
services
These components are explained on the following pages.
Legend
Bus Routes
Proposed Shuttle Route
Proposed Streetcar Route
Future Streetcar Connections
Transit Center
Transit Framework
Vision Fairbanks Downtown Plan | Circulation Framework | Adopted August 21, 2008 97
TC
Transit Framework

Multi-Modal Transit Center
The current transit center, located off of Cushman Street
between 5th and 6th avenues, was recently improved to
include a transit ticketing, waiting and driver comfort
facility. While the site meets current demand for adequate
bus pick-up, drop-off and layover, a new multi-modal
facility is proposed to expand and improve transit service.
An Opportunity to Improve Transit Services and
Build a Public Square
A strategy should be developed to identify short- and
long-term facility needs for downtown transit.
Short Term – develop a phased plan for construction of
the Cushman Square that maintains the existing transit
facilities and functions.
Long Term – develop a plan to create a multi-modal
facility that provides for future expansion. The plan
should include:
A transit facility built on the ground floor of a
parking structure, including public transit and tour
busses, park-and-ride spaces, bicycle facilities and
reserved parking space for rental car agencies.
Potential Multi-Modal
Transit Center within
Parking Structure
Cushman Street
4th Avenue
5th Avenue
7th Avenue
Existing Transit Center Conditions
Phase Construction
of Square to Maintain
Existing Transit Facility
6th Avenue
Office
Lobby
Vision Fairbanks Downtown Plan | Circulation Framework | Adopted August 21, 2008 98
Lacey Street
Options for Transit Center Locations
Transit Framework

Streetcar
Unlike bus transit services, which are typically used
solely for commuter trips or “lifeline” transportation
for people who do not own a car or cannot drive,
streetcars provide transit for a broader user market.
While the streetcar mode may be a long-term project,
all efforts to expedite its implementation will, in turn,
foster earlier and increased private sector development
along its route.
As an explicit development-inducing tool, streetcars are
effective for several reasons:
The permanence of rail – the commitment involved
in building a fixed-rail line can be a convincing
factor in influencing developers, residents and
businesses that a location is an attractive investment.
No such situation occurs with bus routes, since they
can be easily rerouted
The streetcar line provides a physical “focus” –
transit-oriented development organizes around the
streetcar station stops and travel routes, spreading
out within a convenient, quarter-mile walking
radius
Streetcars attract tourists and “occasional riders”
– with streetcars, a particular market for “choice”
riders is tourists. Rail systems in general, and
vintage streetcar systems in particular, have many
qualities that tourists value. As Fairbanks continues
to expand into a cultural and recreational center, the
needs of tourists become an ever important concern
in planning transit infrastructure
The proposed phase I streetcar route would link the
Fairbanks Train Depot to downtown and the civic
uses identified on the south end of Cushman Street at
Airport Way. This route would link:
Transit-oriented development and new housing in
the Railyard District
The depot to downtown hotels, the civic center,
riverfront and shopping
Phase II Connection
to the University of
Alaska
Phase II Connection
to the Airport
Detailed sections showing the streetcar route are
Legend
Proposed Streetcar Route
TC Transit Center
identified on the following page.
Future Streetcar Connections
Proposed Streetcar Circulation
Phase I
Vision Fairbanks Downtown Plan | Circulation Framework | Adopted August 21, 2008 99
Transit Framework

Streetcar
The streetcar route would run from the Fairbanks Train
Depot west along an improved Charles Street to the new
Railyard District park block street and across the Chena
River at the Cushman Bridge, following along Cushman
Street to the roundabout at Airport Way and return north
along the same route. The following sections identify
the location of the streetcar within these existing and
proposed streets. The streetcar design would include:
Rails located in the street within the travel lanes
along Cushman Street, Charles Street and the new
Railyard park blocks
Streetcar running in traffic in each direction
Catenary wires attached to poles for electric
propulsion
Platforms at key streetcar stop locations that provide
for a flat-floor entry serving ADA requirements for
persons with disabilities
Streetcar in Cold Climate
Southbound
Streetcars/Autos
Shared Lane
Proposed Railyard Park Blocks Section
Streetcars/Auto
Shared Travel
Lanes
Northbound
Streetcars/Autos
Shared Lane
Southbound Northbound
Proposed Cushman Street Section
Vision Fairbanks Downtown Plan | Circulation Framework | Adopted August 21, 2008 100
Transit Framework

Shuttle
A rubber-wheeled “local circulator” should be provided
to link major destinations outside the downtown core
that are not within walking distance. The borough
and city should coordinate on the study, design and
implementation of a shuttle route as proposed in the plan.
Key destinations include:
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
FTD
Pioneer Park (Alaskaland)
Noel Wien Library
Transit Center
Cushman Square and the retail hot spot
Golden Heart Plaza
Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors
Center
Carlson Center
Fairbanks Train Depot
Key principles that would apply to the design of the
shuttle service are:
Simple, two-way routes – focus on straightforward,
easy-to-understand, two-way travel; one-way loops
discourage passengers who wish to travel in both
directions
Frequent service – plan frequent intervals between
bus headways
“Design branding” – signature, memorable
design of buses and shelters will increase system
identification
Legend
Proposed Shuttle Route
TC
1
Transit Center
7
FTD
2
Proposed Shuttle Circulation
Vision Fairbanks Downtown Plan | Land Use Framework | Adopted August 21, 2008 101
3
5
4
To Mall
6
Transit Framework

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