Quincy Riverfront Master Plan
Concept Alternatives for Community Input
Thank you for your interest and participation in the Quincy Riverfront Master Plan. A community vision for the riverfront is in process, based on community feedback and the direction laid out in the Quincy Next Strategic Plan – “Of all the great, unrealized efforts that lie before Quincy, development of its waterfront is arguably the most potentially catalytic and transformative. Revitalizing the riverfront is the next major opportunity to elevate the status of the city’s most visible and valuable anchor.”
Now the design team needs your input to determine which variations on the vision are incorporated into the final design.
To participate, simply scroll down on your web browser. We recommend viewing on as large a display as possible. When you have finished reading about each concept, please take a few minutes to respond to our online survey by following the link at the end of this page.
Please watch this introductory video from Steering Committee Member, Rick Ehrhart
Master Plan Study Area
The Riverfront Master Plan’s main area of focus is the riverfront between the Bayview Bridge and the proposed York Street Bridge with additional consideration of the connections to the larger network of parks along the Mississippi and Quincy Bay. The study area expands from All America Park on the North to Kentucky Street on the South and from the Mississippi River to 3rd Street.
The following highlight adjacent projects that have been the driving forces for this master plan. These efforts offer opportunities to align forces, investment, and a coordinated vision for the future of the Quincy Riverfront.
Project Driver
The proposed York Street Bridge with Bike Lanes connecting to Missouri
*The Meredosia Bridge image shown is a reference image only
Project Driver
Demolition of Memorial Bridge
Project Driver
Reimagining Maine Street from the Bridge to 3rd Street
Project Driver
Water Treatment Plant Downsizing on Riverfront
Project Driver
Bill Klingner Trail Extension to Lincoln Park & Riverfront Parks
Project Driver
Buried Ameren Lines Along the Riverfront
Public Input Highlights
Since January 2020, the Riverfront Master Planning team and Steering Committee have offered several opportunities to provide input. Below are highlights from input to-date from over thousands of survey responses and stakeholder interviews.
Create a Destination
Develop Flood Control
Address Removal of Memorial Bridge
Provide Outdoor Gathering Space
Incorporate a Play Place
Support Existing & Attract Restaurants / Food Trucks
Attract Mixed-Use Development
Include a Pedestrian Ramp Connecting Downtown to the Riverfront
Improve Connection to Quinsippi Island
Kayak / Boat Rentals, Riverboat Docking
Develop Boardwalk / Water’s Edge Trails
Link to Nature / Nature Trails / Botanical Gardens
Fundamental Considerations
In response to the community input to-date, the concepts developed have several common elements centered around fundamental considerations. The following section describes these fundamental unchanging components of the initial plan recommendations. You will be asked to provide your input on these fundamental considerations in the online survey.
FLOOD MITIGATION
Concern has been expressed for investing in the riverfront when it is likely to flood in its current condition. The majority of survey responses indicated it is important to protect some areas from flooding at all times but that it was okay to allow some areas to flood periodically.
Mississippi River flood probabilities are changing based on updated available data. Updated data results in flood probabilities that are approximately two (2) feet higher than previous probability calculations. Options are being explored to provide flood mitigation in the core riverfront area to assist in reducing frequency of flooding. Current riverfront elevations are at an elevation having a 20% probability of flooding in any given year.
Option 1- Measures to Reduce Flood Probability to 10% :
Option 1 is to incorporate flood mitigation measures in the Clat Adams Park area between Broadway and the existing higher elevations at Hampshire Street and the Water Treatment Plant, providing protection to reduce the probability of flooding in any given year to 10% (elevation 484.0). This would require approximately a 2-foot-tall wall incorporated in the riverfront promenade. The wall would double as a seat wall and removable wall sections would be incorporated where openings are desirable for river access, the railroad crossing and Front Street. Major features and structures would be elevated to a 2% to 0.2% probability.
Flood Mitigation Option 1 Section
Option 2- Measures to Reduce Flood Probability to 4% :
Option 2 provides for a combination of fill and a wall incorporated into the riverfront promenade to reduce the probability of flooding in any given year to 4% (elevation 486.0). This could reduce the flood probability from the current 20% to 4% within the core riverfront area. Approximately 2 feet of fill would be required in combination with a 2-foot-tall wall. As with Option 1, the wall would double as a seat wall and removable wall sections would be incorporated where openings are desirable for river access, the railroad crossing and Front Street. Major features and structures would be elevated to a 2% to 0.2% probability.
Flood Mitigation Option 2 Section
MAINE STREET IMPROVEMENTS
A key element, and one of the main drivers for this project, is developing a plan for Maine Street once the Memorial Bridge is removed and the new connection is made at York Street. The Quincy Regional Transportation Plan recommends converting 3rd and 4th Streets from one-way traffic arteries to two-way. Given the relocation of the bridge and modifications to 3rd and 4th Streets, Maine Street between 3rd and the River will only be necessary for local traffic. There are several businesses along 2nd Street that will utilize Maine Street for local truck traffic. The concept reduces Maine Street pavement width to two (2) lanes with sufficient space to accommodate truck turning movements. This provides additional space along the east side of Maine Street for a pleasing pedestrian corridor connecting the District to the Riverfront.
Benefit: Economic Catalyst + Quality of Life
The pedestrian corridor along Maine Street incorporates a meandering pathway connecting sculptural seating areas and sculpture pods for pedestrians to experience as they travel between the riverfront and downtown. The meandering walkway provides opportunities to tell the Quincy story through sculpture, signs and illustrations along the walkway. Additional space will be available for landscaping and green space to make the streetscape more inviting, safe, accessible and attractive. This Maine Street connection will terminate in a riverfront overlook opportunity that differs slightly in the concept alternatives that follow.
BILL KLINGNER TRAIL LOCATION
The Quincy Park District is planning connections between the Bill Klingner trail, nature trails and the Lincoln Park bike park. This will link pedestrians to these facilities and the existing riverfront parks. The main trail extends along Bonansinga Drive with another route extending along the riverfront, providing the “rivers edge experience” desired by the public.
Benefit: Improved Public Health
The riverfront trail would connect Lincoln Park to Kesler Park with an extension located between the Quincy Bay and “The Dock.” A portion of this connection would need to be an elevated boardwalk which would provide variety in the trail experience as pedestrians travel between the parks.
LINCOLN PARK
The Quincy Park District has been working diligently on the programming, design, and construction of features in Lincoln Park. The Riverfront Master Plan will work in conjunction with these improvements. Specifically, the volunteer-driven All America Mountain Bike Park currently under construction and further study evaluating an outdoor stage are underway. The Riverfront Master Planning team is working to synergize these elements with the overall vision for the riverfront. To learn more about the progress and see what has been completed, visit the Quincy Park District page on Facebook
CONCEPT ALTERNATIVES
Building upon the foundational considerations, the following section presents variations in concepts to which the Riverfront Master Planning team is seeking your feedback. Two concepts focused on the core study area between the bridges are described below. Concept A: The Gateway and Concept B: Riverside Loop have intentional differences. We look forward to receiving your feedback and preferences on both concepts (not choosing between the two) in your online survey responses.
Please slide the bar to the left and right to quickly compare the two concepts.
Compare and contrast The Gateway and Riverside Loop illustrations to determine what variations you want to see in the final plan
CONCEPT A: THE GATEWAY
Overview:
Quincy has a storied history of providing sanctuary to neighbors in need. The Gateway concept is centered around the creation of an observational overlook by reusing a portion of the Memorial Bridge infrastructure. Additionally, a large event plaza sets the stage for festivals and community events, and Hampshire Street becomes a “Restaurant Row” providing a connection between the riverfront and Washington Park in the heart of The District.
Benefit: Population Retention & Recruitment
Key Features:
1. The Gateway Overlook
An architecturally significant overlook utilizing a portion of the Memorial Bridge infrastructure provides an incredible and one-of-a-kind opportunity to view the Mississippi River while also telling Quincy's history of graciously welcoming visitors and those in need.
2. Event Plaza
A centralized community gathering area and multipurpose event lawn/plaza provides flexible space for a variety of scalable events from family picnics to community-wide festivals and celebrations. Intentionally designed to support events of smaller sizes than the outdoor stage being studied in Lincoln Park offers complimentary opportunities for larger music festivals and Riverfront events. Functions on the riverfront simultaneously support adjacent economic development and existing businesses with increased foot traffic and visitation.
Benefit: Economic Diversification
3. Restaurant Row on Hampshire
The Gateway concept highlights Hampshire Street as an expanding catalyst of restaurants and entrepreneurial spirit. Building upon this momentum, this concept strengthens the physical connection from the River to The District with the enhanced streetscape, storefronts and density of tenants fronting Hampshire.
Benefit: Strengthen Quincy Identity
4. Riverboat Docking at Base of Hampshire
A large cruise ship dock will sit at the base of restaurant row, allowing visitors direct access to area amenities. Riverboat Cruises have steadily increased in popularity on the Upper Mississippi River. Existing cruise lines are seeing more repeat customers and are looking for new locations to dock.
5. Public Docks
Boating along the Mississippi is a regional pastime. Public docks provide boaters on short visits to the area access to enjoy the nearby restaurants, shops, entertainment, and hotels.
CONCEPT B: RIVERSIDE LOOP
Overview:
Riverside Loop embraces the expansive parkland along the riverfront, and provides several opportunities for interaction and observation. Connecting to the planned Trailhead in Lincoln Park, a trail will extend along the river's edge and ultimately become a boardwalk experience between the bridges. Rounding out the experience are steps at the base of Hampshire Street that meet the water. A connection to downtown is achieved through mixed-use infill and small pocket parks, stretching the green of the riverfront up the bluff. Additionally, a pedestrian ramp will wind down from Maine Street and turn into a walkway that ultimately crosses a pedestrian bridge to Quinsippi Island.
KEY FEATURES:
1. Maine Street Ramp
A winding experiential ramp from Maine Street to the park below provides views of the City and the River while improving accessibility to the riverfront.
Benefit: Improved Accessibility and Connectivity
2. Steps to Rivers Edge
At the base of Hampshire Street, a series of steps will cascade down from the park to the river’s edge, providing visitors closer interaction with the Mississippi River.
3. Interactive Play Place
A dynamic, captivating interactive play place will give residents and visitors the most unique play experience in the region. Custom amenities allow children (and adults) to learn about local history through playfulness.
Benefit: Everyday Amenities
An interactive play place will inspire the next generation using the machines and innovation that built Quincy – wagon wheels, truck bodies, tires, the steamboat, agriculture, the car radio, communications technology, and more.
4. Bridge to Quinsippi Island
Quincy has the distinction of being one of the only Mississippi river towns with an island. A pedestrian bridge connection to Quinsippi Island offers a unique opportunity to expand recreational experiences as well as vistas along the riverfront and back towards the Quincy skyline. The bridge itself will be aesthetically interesting, drawing visitors to the riverfront.
Who wouldn’t want to travel to an island in the middle of the Mississippi? The proposed cable bridge would allow additional access, providing a key component to the Riverside Loop. Quinsippi Island is home to a host of wild life, naturalized beach areas, and the log cabin village.
5. Riverfront Edge Trail
Following the curves of the river, the trail will provide a peaceful path for pedestrians and cyclists alike.
6. Mixed-Use Infill with Park Space
The Riverside Loop concept stretches up the bluff on Vermont Street, stringing along a series of parks as well as mixed-use residential buildings. With stunning views and the convenience of adjacent retail and recreational opportunities, this concept adds vibrancy and connectivity to the rest of the community.
Benefit: Market + Housing Diversity
Review Core Concept Alternatives The Gateway vs Riverside Loop
Compare and contrast The Gateway and Riverside Loop illustrations to determine what variations you want to see in the final plan.
Thank You!
Thank you again for your participation in this planning process. Please click on the link below to respond to a quick survey that will provide our team with your thoughts about the fundamental considerations, proposed concepts, features and overall riverfront plan. The survey will remain open until January 27th.
Next Steps
Mark your calendar. Our team will host live Q&A sessions on January 20th at 5 PM and January 21st at 12 PM to answer any questions you may have about the concepts presented above. We look forward to your participation and feedback.
Following the results of your input via the online survey, the Quincy Riverfront Master Planning team will refine the vision for the riverfront into one cohesive concept. This concept will be further developed to facilitate discussions about phasing, priorities and funding mechanisms. We encourage you to stay engaged in the planning process by visiting quincyriverfront.com or joining the Riverfront Master Plan Facebook group. We will come back to the community to seek input on these design refinements and phasing priorities.
The process is currently on schedule to deliver an overall master plan vision and implementation plan in March 2021.
