Huntington Riverfront Master Plan
Master Planning Initiative for Huntington Riverfront
Project Introduction
The project initiates a planning effort related to the development of the riverfront that entails the programming, character of the public realm areas, as well as ideas for private development. The project begins with the study that will provide recommendations for a variety of infrastructure, environmental, historical, economic, urban design, archaeological, and hydraulic issues related to the river and adjacent development. This study will be the foundation for land-use decision making and will set forth a proposed development regulatory framework that removes impediments and facilitates future investment.
The project area includes 2 locations:
Study Area 1: Downtown Huntington
Approximately described as the existing Harris Riverfront Park, including extensions along the riverfront (Robert C. Byrd Bridge to the west and east to approximately 15th Street). The north and south limits extend from 4th Avenue to the south, and north to the Ohio River, including the existing flood wall.
Study Area 2: Guyandotte Neighborhood
The immediate area of the Adams Landing Marina located at the confluence of the Guyandotte and Ohio Rivers. This location is approximately bounded by Guyan Street to the west, Buffington Street to the east, 5th Avenue to the south, and the Ohio River to the north.
Huntington Riverfront Master Plan
Regional Context
The study area overlaps with the Central Business District and covers a part of the Old Main Corridor through 4th Avenue.
The Levee/ floodwall spans the entire extent of the Harris Riverfront Park and acts as both a physical and visual barrier.
The study area is in close proximity to Marshall University and the proposed 4th Avenue Innovation District and may be undergoing some changes.
Parks, Trails, Levee & Floodwall
Existing network of parks & trails are relatively disconnected. Levee / Floodwall - openings along the river are limited.
Study Area 1
Downtown Huntington
The study area overlaps with the Central Business District and covers a part of the Old Main Corridor through 4th Avenue.
The Levee / floodwall spans the entire extent of the Harris Riverfront Park and acts as both a physical & visual barrier.
The study area is in close proximity to Marshall University, the Arts District and the proposed 4th Avenue Innovation District and may be undergoing some changes.
Access and Connectivity
The Harris Riverfront Site is accessible from 10th Street and 13th Street along Veterans Memorial Blvd.
There are 2 surface parking lots within the park and a few parking garages within walking distance.
There is an existing trail looped within the park, and bike route connectivity along the 10th street.
At the intersection of 4th and 5th Avenue with 10th street, there is a pedestrian / bike route conflict with the street traffic.
This is a possible opportunity for intersection redevelopment. The closest public transit is the Amtrak Station at about 1/2-mile distance from the Harris Riverfront Park.
There are two vehicular access points through the floodwall with primary pedestrian access point is off of 10th street. Pedestrians can access the park via 13th Street but there is currently no crosswalk across Veterans Memorial Blvd.
Flood Hazard Zones
The Study Area lies within the flood plain with reduced flood risk due to the levee / floodwall. The Harris Riverfront Park lies entirely within the floodplain.
Zoning
The Study Area primarily lies in the Central Business District Zone. Some Industrial and commercial zone parcels span either side of the study area and is primarily surrounded by Commercial zones.
Study Area 2
Guyandotte Neighborhood
The study area comprises of the Adams Landing Marina, The Guyandotte Public Access Site, a part of the Guyandotte residential neighborhood which hosts some historic sites such as the Madie Carroll House and Museum.
Access and Connectivity
The primary vehicular entry into the Marina and the boat launch is from Buffington Street. Other pedestrian access points include 2 gateways along the floodwall on Guyan street, but is restricted to pedestrian level access. The Guyandotte Trail and Guyandotte Water Trail connects pedestrians and kayaker/canoers from the neighborhoods to the Public Access Site.
Flood Hazard Zones
The Guyandotte public access site lies entirely on the floodway, although the study area that falls outside of of the flood wall has a reduced flood risk.
Zoning
The study area lies within a primarily Residential Zone with a Commercial Corridor along Bridge Street.
Project Stages & Schedule
Stage 1 - Discovery
The Stantec team along with the City staff undertake discussions to outline elements along the river that are currently working well and what could be improved upon. Further, existing data will be gathered along with previous studies, regulatory requirements, existing conditions and proceed to prepare base map information and discuss the vision and goals for the project.
Stage 2 - Analysis
A detailed analysis will be performed on the physical environment, existing conditions and data collected in Stage 1 will be used to produce opportunities and constraints. Options for a variety of preliminary recommendations shall also be presented.
Stage 3 - Ideas
A concept plan for the 2 locations will be developed based on the identified opportunities and the development programs. This will include a list of preliminary recommendations for the creation of key riverfront destinations and connections to adjacent areas.
Stage 4 - Delivery
Stantec will work with the City staff to finalize the stability study recommendations and the implementation / governance strategy.
