Aaron Hanson Thesis Book.pdf - NDSU - North Dakota State ...

econnecting to a forgotten riveran ecological solutionIntroductionThe design approach for Reconnecting to a Forgotten River in St. Cloud,Minnesota, is an ecological solution that will re-link the urban core to theMississippi River. This is done by creating a one mile riverfront trail systemthat connects to existing trails and links the St. Cloud State University Districtto the Downtown District, providing public destinations, riverfront access,riverfront views, and recreational areas, protecting sensitive habitats, andcreating green stormwater management systems.The inventory and analysis concluded that there are three main elements thatthe design will be focused around ecological renewal, reconnecting to theriverfront, and linking social and cultural facilities. These three elementsdefine three different areas along the riverfront trail: upper town, middle town,and lower town. (The locations of these towns are located on the next page)Upper Town | Ecological RenewalThis river corridor will look to provide river access for watercrafts, interactionwith water, green open space, increase habitat diversity, and public trails tocreate a unified ecosystem.Middle Town | Reconnecting to the RiverfrontThis river corridor will look to provide a strong connection to downtown andthe Mississippi River with overlooks, event areas, small plazas, and publicdestinations for pedestrians and riverboats.Lower Town | Linking Social and Cultural FacilitiesThis river corridor will look to provide a vital social and cultural identitywhile protecting sensitive habitats. It is essential to create a strong connectionbetween St. Cloud State University and downtown.ProgramEach town/district will have one focal design intervention taking place.In upper town there is the Eco Beach, in middle town there is the UrbanRiverfront Hub, and in lower town there is the Educational Conservation. (Thelocations of these programs are located on the next page.)89