North Magnolia Redevelopment

Scope: Redevelopment of the North Magnolia Business District in Ocala, FL

In recent years the Ocala CRA has made significant improvements to Downtown Ocala resulting in many new businesses opening in the area and an increase in visitor activity. Some of these improvements include rehabbed storefronts, a large new parking garage adjacent to downtown, and streetscape improvements.

The North Magnolia Business District is approximately 1 mile from Downtown Ocala. It has historically housed many businesses but has now entered a state of decline.

The North Magnolia CRA has created a plan to improve the North Magnolia Business District. This project looks at that plan and makes recommendations for what should exist in the area.

The map below shows the North Magnolia CRA's improvement plan.

How can the redevelopment design of the North Magnolia Business District best revitalize the space and connect the area to downtown?

• Study the redevelopment area to determine what should be done.
• Talk to city officials and local residents about what kind of development should go in the area.
• Create 3D models to show the improvements that can be made to the area.

• Studies of other redevelopment projects in small cities.
• City of Ocala development plans.

• Lacking a quality grocery store nearby, closest is Harvey's 1.5 miles away (~20 mins via bus).
• Area lacks unique identity and attractors for new businesses and residents.
• CRA plan includes a warehouse/industrial building on the main roadway. I'd recommend that section gets a second look to make sure the development can help activate the street front.
• Ensure a smooth transition from new development to the existing neighborhood, because it's a quiet and sparse area.
• Consider transitional development- establishing temporary space for businesses/events before investing in permanent infrastructure.

Goal: livable, low-rise density in a human-scaled neighborhood. Smooth transect from public realm to neighborhood realm.

Anchored by permanent food businesses but room for temporary food providers such as food trucks or farmer's market stands.

While there are many parks in the area, there is only one dog park in city limits. Programming a dog park in the neighborhood will benefit local residents with dogs, draw people into the area to the benefit of restaurants and retailers, and entice dog owners to move into the newly built homes and apartments. This dog park will be located very close to the Humane Society of Marion County, and they could bring adoption-available dogs to the park.

Build mixed-use small grocery store - like Ward's or Aldi. Consider a locally owned co-op grocery store.

Create affordable housing through ADU's or co-op housing (buy duplexs/apartments) Provide the "missing middle" of housing through duplexes, multiplexes, courtyards, etc. neighborhood is more suited to low-rise density.

Public park/sports fields transect into apartments modeled after park in Gainesville. Effective transect from roadway to public play to dense private residence. Retain some of the nature that is already there.

The Osceola Trak was recently built as a multi-use rail trail in downtown. It is proposed to continue through midtown. I propose that it continues as a multi-use path along the railway to connect Downtown, Midtown, North Magnolia and the new Ocala Wetland Recharge Park.

Additionally, a circulator trolley (on the railroad or on the roadway) would connect the 3 districts and reduce car travel.