Vision Fairbanks Downtown Plan - Fairbanks North Star Borough

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