Identity for the Creek Community District
A Re-Imagined Mill Creek District
Overview of the Project
In its simplest form, identity is defined, by Cambridge Dictionary, as “who a person is, or the qualities of a person or group that make them different from others”. While this is a true definition, as Urban Planners, identity holds a greater meaning. Identity is not only who a community, region, or group of individuals make; but it also consists of environmental, demographic, pre-existing, and numerous other factors that are constantly evolving. The determining factors that make up identity can either work together, like gears on a machine, to be productive, or they can be destructive.
Our vision is to bring the Community-Creek District into the modern age and create an equitable place to live, work, and play. Our objectives to achieve this vision are to create an equitable place to live, enhance accessibility within the site, establish a defined business district, preserve the natural elements within the site, and rework and market activities for all people.
History of the District
History provides a look into what the Mill Creek used to be and what it meant for the people who lived nearby. Starting from its days as an all-natural waterway, the creek began to create an identity for itself as a usable system that directly benefits those along its banks. From the first mill to raging industrial production, the Mill Creek’s identity was strongly rooted in industry. Once that period came to a halt, the waterway had a hard time holding on to an image of itself, with rampant pollution and neglect haunting it. The Mill Creek Valley has a long history of industrialization and pollution, and this has an effect on the district's current identity.
Current State of the District
The map above compares the overall land use of the study district with the land use and vacancies of the district. Vacancies can be repurposed to better suit the community.
Vision and Objectives
To create a re-imagined identity for this district, it is essential to touch all aspects of the existing communities to ensure that the plan and development phases are not only accepted but supported to create to most representative project.
Overview of Plans
An enhanced trail system seeks to better integrate the parks and business districts of the communities around the creek with the existing trails to create an inclusive and encompassing experience.
Investment and further development of the Central Business District in Carthage can enhance the strength of the community and create a balance with the strengthening waterway to the east.
Additions and increased attention on key public greens can add vital informal spaces for the nearby communities that provide amenities to be utilized and enjoyed.
Trail Plan
A cultural trail seeks to improve the integration of the districts rich ecological areas, commercial centers and historic industrial sites, creating a resource for the residents and nearby communities.
Key Partners
- Tri-State Trails
- Rail-to-Trails Conservancy
- P&G
- Greater Parks of Hamilton County
- City of Cincinnati
- Spring Grove, Winton Place, Ivorydale, Carthage
Sources of Funding
Central Business District Plan
Creating a defined business district within the site can help the Community Creek District enhance its identity as a live, work, and play district.
Current Factors of the Central Business District:
The Central Business District currently has a lot to offer, but also has a lot of potential for new uses. As the Creek Community District is already saturated with auto-related businesses, these types of sites within the CBD can be re-purposed and used for things that the district is lacking, such as a market, bars, and other entertainment. There are also some sites that are currently used for single uses that can be shifted to mixed used sites.
Proposals for a Re-Imagined Central Business District
This map shows the parcels within the Central Business District that could be repurposed to better suit the community. Parcels in orange are currently single use parcels but could be mixed use. The red parcels have uses that currently do not benefit the community such as auto businesses, fast food, and a dollar store. These parcels can be repurposed for new businesses, office space, or affordable housing.
Potential New Mixed Use Building
A building like this could include retail such as a market, entertainment such as a bar or small movie theatre, office space, and low income housing. A four story building such as the one featured above could generate over 80 jobs and create 20 units of affordable housing, which would benefit the Community Creek District and align with its re-imagined identity as a space where people can live, work, and play.
Streetscape Proposal
The two cross sections to the right compare the current streetscape of Vine St (top) and the proposed streetscape of Vine St (bottom). The proposed streetscape aims to slow traffic and make the area more pedestrian friendly by reducing the width of driving lanes, implementing street landscaping, and creating lanes for bike travel.
Park Plan
Improvement of the allocated parks will aid in establishing a newly defined identity for the Community Creek District to enhance the live, work, play theme.
Current Land Use Vacancies
Not only would we like to see and are envisioning improvements in the already existing parks, through the catalog of proposed park amenities, but we also envision creating new green spaces and parks by utilizing vacant industrial, commercial, residential, and institutional sites located within the study district.
Catalog of Proposed Park Amenities
The catalog of proposed park amenities includes incorporating spaces for dining and gathering, improving the quality of the landscaping and lighting, implementing new signage, providing trash and recycling vessels, and providing adequate seating.
Elevation Proposal
The proposed vision for the parks plan is pictured below. By implementing new aspects within the park, a better sense of identity will be created for the community. The specific newly proposed aspects for the Community Creek District parks include installing public art, creating an inviting space for pop up events and general gathering.
