Strategic Planning and VisioningFor Economic Development
Community Design Lab Report
2013 - 2014
ISU Community Design Lab
Waukon Visioning 2
College of DesignCOMMUNITY DESIGN LAB
WAUKON VISIONING:Community Design Report
August 2014
Iowa State University
COMMUNITY DESIGN LAB
Directors: Nadia M. Anderson Carl Rogers
Design Fellows: Susan DeBlieck, report writer Joseph Freund Chad Hunter Courtney Long
Graduate Assistants: Clark Colby III Kristen Greteman Sonal Mamgain Henry Narigon Jasmine Singh Xiaofei Zhao
Waukon Visioning ISU Community Design Lab
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Project Overview 5
Historical Background 6
Visioning Process 8
Goal 1: Increase Community Engagement 10
Goal 2: Improve Infrastructure 12
Goal 3: Sustain & Grow the Economy 18
Goal 4: Revitalize Downtown 20
Goal 5: Build Upon Strengths & Assets 22
Goal 6: Promote as an Attractive Destination 24
Recommendations 25
List of Figures 26
Appendices 27
Waukon Visioning Waukon Visioning3 4
PROJECT OVERVIEW
The Waukon Works committee has been meeting with faculty and staff from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach’s Communities to Community (C2C) program to develop a strategic vision for the City of Waukon’s future as a thriving, vibrant, and resilient community. The Communities to Community program provides community development support. Each C2C team is made up of experts who provide guidance on design, business, and leadership services. The goal of C2C is to assist rural communities in taking stock of their assets and creating an action plan for long term economic and community well being.
In 2013 and 2014, a C2C team partnered with the City of Waukon, Iowa. The C2C Waukon team was made up of Nadia Anderson, Lisa Bates, Joshua Clements, Biswa Das, Abbie Gaffey, Nora Ladjahasan, Carl Rogers, and Deb Tootle. Iowa State’s role in this project was to facilitate a participatory process for developing and implementing the community’s vision.
This design report summarizes the research conducted by the Iowa State University Community Design Lab (CDL). Research includes studies of Waukon’s history, land use, recreational opportunities, and connectivity issues. The goals of this project for the CDL were to provide data to support C2C recommendations, and develop maps for Waukon that illustrate its current context. This document will support the work of the Upper Explorerland Regional Planning Commission in creating an updated comprehensive planning and capital improvement plan in 2014.
WAUKON,ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
Waukon Visioning
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
The city of Waukon was founded in the mid 19th century on a bluff north of Paint Creek in Makee Township. The city is named for the Ho Chunk Native American leader Waukon Decorah. Waukon Decorah fought alongside the settlers in the Black Hawk War to avenge his daughter’s death. Pioneers of European decent settled the city after the Ho Chunk were forced to relocate to reservations in Wisconsin and Nebraska.
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ISU Community Design Lab
Waukon Visioning Waukon Visioning5 6
FIGURE 1: Map of Iowa locating WaukonSource: ISU CDL
FIGURE 2: 1950s photographs of WaukonSource: Allamakee Historical Society
SETTLEMENT PATTERN
The topography of the Driftless Region at the intersections of Iowa, Minnesota, and Illinois borders has had a sig-nificant impact on European settlement and town development. Settlers typically founded towns in river valleys for transportation access, or on high ground to grow crops. The City of Waukon, located on high ground, was made the seat of Allamakee County in 1867. By the end of the 19th century, many smaller towns were abandoned after rail-roads and roads caused population to shift to more accessible locations. At the end of that century, people started to abandon towns that were founded along river valleys. In figure 3, violet dots represent towns in Allamakee County that have become ghost towns.
Waukon Visioning
VISIONING PROCESS
Waukon is a strong community in northeast Iowa that is planning for the future. In 2013, the Iowa State University C2C including the Community Design Lab, and Waukon Works team collected, analyzed, and presented socio-economic data, community survey results, retail business design options, and city and regional asset maps. A survey was conducted in September 2013 to understand the sense of place that community members have in the City of Waukon. The C2C team also completed an economic analysis for the City of Waukon and recommendations for business retail design. Over the course of the two year project, the Community Design Lab has conducted research, supported community engagement, and designed recommendations.
In March 2014, the C2C team met with the Waukon Works team to present six recommended goals for community development. These will help the Waukon community to prepare a clear path for the future by addressing current issues.
FIGURE 4: Photo from community meeting on November 11, 2013
ISU Community Design Lab
Waukon Visioning Waukon Visioning7 8
Waterways
Mississippi River
LEGEND
Incorporated City
Ghost Town
VILLAGE CREEK
PAINT CREEK
YELLOW RIVER
UPPER IOWA RIVER
FIGURE 3: Allamakee County historical and current towns showing the regional development of bluffs and valleysSource: ISU CDL
WAUKON
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT GOALS
Six major goals were identified for community development based on observations and data analyses by the C2C team, they are the following:
Increase Community Engagement - Expand participatory process with committees, grant writing group, and volunteer opportunitiesImprove Infrastructure - Increase connectivity between Main Street and amenities; implement green infrastructure system to reduce flooding and enhance streetsSustain & Grow the Economy - Support existing businesses and attract new companiesRevitalize Downtown - Promote Main Street with connectivity and design strategiesBuild Upon Strengths & Assets - Support and improve existing recreational and medical facilitiesPromote as an Attractive Destination - Craft a unique identity to attract businesses and visitors
These six goals were identified by the Communities to Community team, and supported and prioritized by the Waukon Works committee. This document follows the goals based on the Waukon Works team priorities.
Waukon Visioning
The Waukon Works and C2C team identified community engagement as the number one goal at the March 2014 meeting. At that meeting, the CDL used graphic facilitation to collect committee feedback and priorities. To increase engagement, committee members identified citizens and organizations that may be interested in supporting particular goals. The CDL developed a press release, goal talking points, and video about the Waukon Works project and six goals to increase awareness within the community and gather citizens to participate in upcoming events (figure 8). The November 2013 survey results revealed that people are willing to volunteer their time and talents for Waukon. As the Waukon Works team continues to build its vision for a strong community, they will need to continue to gather public input and support.
FIGURE 6: Photos of the community survey and regional maps at the community meeting on November 11, 2013Source: Photos by ISU CDL
FIGURE 7: Graphic facilitation was used in the visioning process to provide information about next steps during the committee meeting on March 3, 2014Source: Drawing by ISU CDL.
GOAL 1: Increase Community Engagement
Waukon Visioning Waukon Visioning9 10
FIGURE 5: Waukon community development goalsSource: Image by ISU CDL
FIGURE 9: Waukon Works committee prioritized community goals on March 3, 2014
FIGURE 8: The ISU Community Design Lab created a video, press release, and talking points document for the Waukon Works committee to use to raise awareness about the six goals
Watch the video here: http://youtu.be/Shiy856MI54
Source: ISU CDL
Waukon Visioning
WE NEED YOUR
INPUT.
WHAT DO YOU THINK SHOULD HAPPEN? HOW CAN YOU BECOME INVOLVED?
please contact Kris Rausch: [email protected]
GOAL 2: Improve Infrastructure
The prominence of waterways in the Driftless region causes cities to suffer from flooding. While Waukon is generally built on higher ground, the topography of the city reveals variation across town as shown in Figure 10, below. These variations are the result of four “mini-watersheds” within Waukon city boundaries, as shown in Figure 11, right. Each of these “mini-wathersheds” is an area that drains to the same point via flowlines that ultimately converge with other flowlines to create creeks, streams, and ultimately rivers. The watersheds within Waukon eventually flow to Paint Creek and ultimately the Mississippi River.
Waukon Visioning Waukon Visioning11 12
FIGURE 10: Sections and transects cut through the topography around Waukon, showing that while the city center is generally on high ground, there are significant low points running through it
Source: Map by ISU CDL.
Waukon Visioning
Over time, flowlines have been buried under roads, parking lots, and buildings. The topography has guided transportation infrastructure development and waterways have been covered with paved surfaces. Impervious surfaces do not allow for water to percolate into the soil and add to surface flow. With an increase of paved surfaces (figure 13), underground storm sewers have become the route for water to move downstream. Unfortunately these sewer systems may no longer be sufficiently sized to accommodate the increased flow of water due to city growth, agricultural tiling, and increased rainfall due to climate change.
To understand the stormwater issue, data about low-lying areas, existing infrastructure such as storm sewers, and water flow was presented to community members in November 2013. The participants, in turn, shared feedback about problem areas that they have experienced. Downtown Waukon is the site of the convergence of buried waterways and a majority of impermeable surfaces . In the summers of 2013 and 2014, water backed up in downtown storm sewers. Based on feedback, problematic flood zones are identified with red circles in figure 14. Moving forward, the City of Waukon needs to improve stormwater infrastructure especially in the downtown district. Strategies here illustrate best practices including drainage areas, curb cuts, permeable pavement, and vegetation (figures 16-19). These strategies will help to increase water infiltration and slow water velocities during flood events.
GOAL 2: Improve Infrastructure
Waukon Visioning Waukon Visioning13 14
Watershed BoundaryCity BoundaryLEGEND
FIGURE 13: Impervious surfaces Source: Map by ISU CDL
Storm Sewer InletCity Boundary
LEGEND
Potential Problem Zones
Impervious SurfacesCity Boundary
LEGEND
FIGURE 11: Mini-watersheds and flowlinesSource: Map by ISU CDL
FIGURE 12: Storm sewer and flowline intersectionsSource: Map by ISU CDL
Problem Zones
LEGEND
City Boundary
Figure 14: Stormwater problem zonesSource: Map by ISU CDL
Waukon Visioning
Figure 20: Community input on walking routes on November 11, 2013Source: Photos by ISU CDL
In addition to managing stormwater, the City of Waukon needs to improve infrastructure for community connectivity. In the survey, Waukon residents identified that street and sidewalk conditions need to be improved for safety and ease of access. At the Waukon Works public presentation in November 2013, community members provided input on city walkability, bicycle paths, and automobile routes. The conclusion from this meeting was that it is difficult to walk and bicycle between key amenities such as parks, schools, and the hospital. Traffic speeds are high and children do not have safe routes to school. Missing sidewalks are highlighted with orange dotted lines in figure 24. To increase connectivity and physical activity within Waukon, the city can develop strong sidewalk infrastructure and engineer complete streets. There is an opportunity to connect sidewalk infrastructure in Waukon to link amenities such as schools and parks.
The majority of households are farther than a half mile from the Waukon City Park (figure 22). There are also few sidewalks that connect residential areas to the park. Major employers are located both downtown and at the city’s periphery (figure 23).
Figure 21: Photos from community meeting on November 11, 2013Source: Photos by ISU CDL
GOAL 2: Improve Infrastructure
Waukon Visioning Waukon Visioning15 16
Figure 15: Vegetated swales provide infiltration of water runoff in Puget Sound, WASource: http://www.lakesuperiorstreams.org/stormwater/toolkit/swales.html
Figure 16: Street swales reduce water flow velocities and remove solids in Indianapolis, INSource: http://www.aplaceofsense.com/2009_03_01_archive.html
Figure 17: Permeable pavement and vegetated swales slow water flow velocities and increase water infiltration in Philadel-phia, PA
Figures 18 & 19: Permeable pavement in parking lots reduce the need for shoveling snow and provide water infiltration in Berkley, CA. Source: http://www.cityofberkeley.info/Public_Works/Sewers_-_Storm/Watershed_Resources.aspx
Waukon Visioning GOAL 3: Sustain& Grow the Economy
Waukon Visioning Waukon Visioning17 18
Park
City Boundary
LEGEND
School
Sidewalk
No Sidewalk
Figure 22: Walkability to city park; concentric circles represent 5 minute walking distance; yellow and blue dots are population that are farther than 10 minutes of walking Source: Map by ISU CDL
Figure 23: Walkability to employers; concentric repre-sent 5 minute walking distances to amenities; yellow dots represent the population that is more than 10 minutes of walking awaySource: Map by ISU CDL
Figure 24: Schools, parks, and sidewalk gaps to amenitiesSource: Map by ISU CDL
The comprehensive plan for the City of Waukon was created in 2001 and will be updated in 2014. This 2001 zoning map provides a pattern of the residential, commercial, and recreational development (figure 26). According to the 2013 survey, 39 percent of respondents live and work in Waukon. Additional citizens may work in nearby towns and cities (figure 25). Fifty-seven percent of respondents to the survey work full time.
Survey respondents purchase groceries, gas, automobile services, beauty salon services, and drug store products within Waukon. The city’s central business district includes these businesses in addition to churches and medical facilities (figure 27). Additional businesses and manufacturing are located at the city’s periphery.
ConservancyCity Boundary
LEGEND
AgricultureLow Density ResidenceSingle Family Residence
Central BusinessGeneral BusinessManufacturing
Transition District
Single and Two Family Residence
Figure 26: City zoning
2,000-3,000Over 3,000
POPULATION
Over 1,000
Communities with
Figure 25: Regional populationSource: Map by ISU CDL
Waukon Visioning 20
Figure 28: Downtown WaukonSource: Photo by ISU CDL
Waukon Visioning
Figure 29: Downtown corridor designSource: Map by ISU CDL
Downtown Waukon is a key location for revitalization to increase community pride and economic well-being. Revitalization can address issues discussed such as stormwater management, sidewalk infrastructure, and community engagement.
To increase connectivity between assets in Waukon, a corridor was designed (figure 29). The corridor design connects the high school and wellness center to Main Street businesses and medical facilities for increased walkability and a strong linkage between amenities. Another way to strengthen the corridor is to connect these assets with a complete street, a zone that supports safety and multiple types of transportation (figure 32). Creating complete streets would provide safe routes for youth and adults to access amenities. The image here depicts a complete street layout that includes sidewalks, street trees, bike lanes, and automobile lanes.
Also, the central business district can improve building facades to grow community pride and strengthen local businesses. The images here showcase public art pieces that encourage people to linger downtown, sculptures on buildings that slow stormwater flow, downtown facade improvements, and infill of old buildings (figures 33-36).
GOAL 4: Revitalize Downtown
Waukon Visioning Waukon Visioning19 20
Figure 27: Downtown corridor building useSource: Map by ISU CDL
City Government
City Boundary
LEGEND
Education
ProfessionalReligious
Dining & GroceryCulturalHealth & Beauty
Gasoline
Motor VehicleElectronics
MedicalCommercialClothingServiceIndustrialVacant
MAIN STREET
ALLAMAKEE STREET
MAIN STREET
ALLAMAKEE STREET
GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB
City Government
Mixed Use Route
LEGEND
Education
ProfessionalReligious
Dining & GroceryCulturalHealth & Beauty
Gasoline
Motor VehicleElectronics
MedicalCommercialClothingServiceIndustrialVacant
Pedestrian RouteAutomobile Route
Figure 32: Complete street in Boston, MA Source: http://bostoncompletestreets.org/
Figure 34: Downspout art in Seattle, WA & Portland, ORSource: http://blog.nau.com/2010/04/02 & http://www.houzz.com
Figure 33: Public art in Ames, IASource: www.iastate.edu
Figure 35: Downtown facade improvement in Des Moines, IA
Figure 36: New business infill in Denver, COSource: www.architects24.com
WAUKON VISIONING D O W N T O W N F L O W L I N E S & P R O P O S E D R O U T E S November 13, 2013
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0 100’ 300’ 700’
9
976
76
WAUKON LEGEND
Routes
Sewer Drain
Flow Lines
Automobile
PedestrianMixed Use
E Main StW Main St
WAUKON VISIONING D O W N T O W N S E W E R D R A I N S & F L O W L I N E S November 13, 2013
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0 100’ 300’ 700’
WAUKON LEGEND
Total Area: 91.7 Hectares Downtown Impervious Calculations
Total Impervious Area: 32 Hectares (35%)
Flowlines
Sewer Drain
E Main StW Main St
9
976
76
Figure 30: Downtown storm sewer inlets Figure 31: Downtown flowlines & corridor
Waukon Visioning
Waukon residents that participated in the 2013 Communities to Community survey were asked about the important factors that drew them to the city. When asked about these factors, survey respondents ranked highly the clean environment, law enforcement, and medical services available in Waukon (figure 41). Allamakee County has many medical clinics, retirement homes, independent living communities, and nursing homes (figure 39). The majority of medical facilities within Waukon are located within the identified downtown corridor (figure 40). Another asset that Waukon has is public art such as murals on buildings (figure 42). Residents can build upon this asset by encouraging more art projects as part of downtown revitalization.
GOAL 5: Build On Existing Strengths& Assets
Waukon Visioning Waukon Visioning21 22
HarpersFerry
WaukonJunction
Postville
Ludlow
Waukon
Waterville
Dalby
Elon
ChurchHanover
Lansing
New Albin
Dorchester
Calmar
Decorah
McGregor
Cresco5 miles West
West Union
Elkader5 miles south
Guttenberg10 miles south
HarpersFerry
WaukonJunction
Postville
Rossville
Ludlow
Egan
Waukon
Waterville
Dalby
Elon
ChurchHanover
Lansing
New Albin
Dorchester
Calmar
Decorah
McGregor
Cresco5 miles West
West Union
Elkader5 miles south
Guttenberg10 miles south
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14
ASSISTED LIVING +
MEDICAL CLINIC
NURSING HOME
INDEPENDENT LIVING + RETIREMENT HOME
Major Highways
County Boundary
Roads
x 6
x 5
x 2
x 3
x 2
x 6x 2
0 1.3 miles 2.6 miles 5.2 miles
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Figure 39: Regional medical facilitiesSource: Map by ISU CDL
Figure 41: Survey results about why people choose to live in WaukonSource: Tables by Nora Ladjahasan, November 2013
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Main Category # of item
Issues Random sample Mean
Live in Waukon
Outside Waukon
Housing 2 Affordable rental housing, houses to own 3.7** 2.7
Social Services 9 Library, k-‐12, childcare, senior, medical, mental health, prof services
4.2** 3.3
Entertainment 5 Arts & culture, outdoor, indoor rec, parks, walking trails
3.9** 3.1
Retail 3 Retail shopping, restaurants, farmers’ market 4.2** 3.5
Economic 2 Employment opportuniNes, wage rates 4.5** 4.0
Social capital 7 Waukon is special, was raised here, favorite place, miss Waukon, be myself, close to relaNves, family/kid-‐friendly
3.7** 2.9
Tourism 3 Natural resources, local food, people empowered & benefit from tourism
4.0** 3.3
General 12 Street, sidewalk, law enforcement, crime, internet, maintenance of retail/commercial prop, public parks, basic services, convenient locaNon, clean environment
4.4** 3.7
QuesNon: If you live in Waukon, how important are the following factors in your decision to LIVE in Waukon? OR If you don’t live in Waukon, how important are the following factors in your decision NOT to LIVE in Waukon?
** sig at .01 level
Itemized important factors why live in Waukon (Waukon Residents only)
16
Main Category Important Decision factors for Waukon
General Clean environment (4.7) Law enforcement (4.6)
Social Services Medical service (4.6)
General Streets/roads (4.5) Crime (4.5) Maintenance of public parks/public spaces (4.5) Good provision of basic services by city (4.5)
Economic Employment opportuniJes (4.5) Wage rate (4.5)
Waukon VisioningGOAL 6: PROMOTE WAUKON AS AN ATTRACTIVE DESTINATIONThe Driftless Region is a popular recreation destination because of its topography and natural resources. Allamakee County is the site of many recreational amenities with the Mississippi River, four major streams, and numerous parks. The many waterways provide for activities such as trout fishing and canoeing. Figure 37 below depicts regional bicycle trails, canoeing routes, snowmobile trails, and parks. At the November 2013 meeting, Waukon residents voiced interest in connecting the city to regional state parks with a trail system.
The Waukon City Park is the site of an aquatic center, trails, and campground. Additional recreation areas include school fields, cemetery, country club, and fairgrounds (figure 38). These spaces provide space for walking, tennis, baseball, golf, and other fitness opportunities. In addition, there are two snowmobile trails that enter Waukon. The recommendation for a strong corridor and complete street would also add to the network of walking and biking paths.
GOAL 6: Promote As An Attractive Destination
Park
LEGEND
Bike & Equestrian TrailScenic Byway
Waterways
Park
City Boundary
LEGEND
Sidewalk
Snow Mobile Trail
Figure 37: Regional recreationSource: Map by ISU CDL
Figure 38: City recreation
Waukon Visioning Waukon Visioning23 24
Figure 42: Waukon muralsSource: Photos by ISU CDL
LEGEND
Recreation
Each square represents approximately 1 minute of walking time.
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Figure 40: City medical facilitiesSource: Map by ISU CDL
City Boundary
LEGEND
Medical Facility
LEGEND
Recreation
Each square represents approximately 1 minute of walking time.
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RECOMMENDATIONSThe City of Waukon is a proud community that has a strong vision for the future. As a next step, Upper Explorerland Regional Planning Commission will create an updated comprehensive plan and capital improvement plan. The information shared here will help support the city and its citizens as they move forward in 2015 and beyond.
Based on research, analysis, and design as part of the Waukon Communities to Community team, the Community Design Lab has the following recommendations for each goal.
GOALS OBJECTIVES NEXT STEPS1: Community Engagement Expand participatory process with com-
mittees, grant writing group, and volunteer opportunities
Hold participatory events in public spaces across the city
2: Improve Infrastructure Improve connectivity between Main Street and amenities; implement green infrastructure system to reduce flooding & enhance streetscapes
Begin design of green infrastructure and complete streets systems
3: Sustain & Grow the Economy Support existing & attract new businesses Improve downtown streetscape to attract businesses, residents, and visitors. Investigate incentives for improving building energy efficiency to reduce operating costs
4: Revitalize Downtown Promote downtown with connectivity and design strategies
Strengthen the connectivity of the corridor with complete streets and public art
5: Build on Existing Strengths & Assets
Support and improve existing recreational and medical facilities
Improve walkability to recreational and medi-cal amenities. Increase accessibility to medical complex
6: Promote as an Attractive Destination
Craft a unique identity to attract businesses and visitors
Create and promote connections to regional trails and recreational amenities
Waukon Visioning
LIST OF FIGURES
ISU Community Design Lab
1: Map of Iowa locating Waukon2: 1950’s photographs of Waukon3: Alamakee County historical and current towns4: Photo from community meeting on November 11, 20135: Waukon Community Development Goals6: Photos of the community survey and regional maps at the community meeting on November 11, 20137: Graphic facilitation was used in the visioning process during the committee meeting on March 3, 20148: Video for the Waukon Works committee to use to raise awareness about the six goals9: Waukon Works committee prioritized community goals on March 3, 201410: Sections and transects cut through the topography around Waukon11: Mini-watersheds and flowlines12: Storm sewer and flowline intersections13: Impervious surfaces14: Stormwater problem zones15: Vegetated swales provide infiltration of water runoff in Puget Sound, WA16: Street swales reduce water flow velocities and remove solids in Indianapolis, IN17: Permeable pavement and vegetated swales slow water flow velocities and increase water infiltration in Philadelphia, PA 18: Permeable pavement in parking lots reduce the need for shoveling snow in Berkley, CA19: Permeable pavement in parking lots provide water infiltration in Berkley, CA
20: Community input on walking routes on November 11, 201321: Photos from community meeting on November 11, 201322: Walkability to city park23: Walkability to employers24: Schools, parks, and sidewalk gaps to amenities25: Regional population26: City zoning27: Downtown corridor building use28: Downtown Waukon29: Downtown corridor design30: Downtown sewer drains31: Downtown flowlines & corridor32: Complete street in Boston, MA 33: Public art in Ames, IA34: Downspout art in Seattle, WA & Portland, OR35: Downtown façade improvement in Des Moines, IA36: New business infill in Denver, CO37: Regional recreation38: City recreation39: Regional medical facilities40: City medical facilities41: Survey results about why people choose to live in Waukon42: Waukon murals43: Downtown Waukon
Waukon Visioning Waukon Visioning25 26
Figure 43: Downtown WaukonSource: Photo by ISU CDL
LIST OF APPENDIXES
The following maps and images are the complete set of maps developed by the Iowa State University Community Design Lab. They support additional research, inventory, and data analysis that aided the Waukon Works participants to make decisions outlined in the Communities to Community final report.
Waukon Visioning
Allamakee waterways 28Allamakee County recreation amenities 29Allamakee community school district 30Impervious surfaces 31Mini watersheds and flow lines 32Building use 33Walkability to recreational and medical amenities 34Walkability to grocery stores 35Footprints of buildings 36Tree canopy cover 37City sections highlighting downtown 38Downtown sections and land use 39Street curbs 40Streets with no curbs, no sidewalks 41Stormwater sewer inlets and problem zones 42Mini watersheds and street runoff flow 43Main Street building use 44Main Street buildings and canopy cover 45Allamakee County bluff & valley settlements 46Nearby towns 47Allamakee retirement community amenities 48Regional medical facilities 49Walkability to City Park 50Walkability to employers 51
Medical facilities 52Topographic elevation 53Recreation amenities 54Traffic counts for major intersections 55Watershed and flowlines 56Stormwater problem zones 57Zoning 58Walkability to recreation amenities 59Water flowlines and problem areas 60Flowlines and footprints of buildings 61Downtown sewer drains & flowlines 62Downtown sewer drains & corridor flowlines 63Corridor best practices 64Stormwater management best practices 65April 2014 press release 66Talking points: Recommended goals 67Allamakee County historical and current towns 70Regional population 71Regional recreation amenities 72Zoning 73Schools, parks, and sidewalk gaps to amenities 74Recreation amenities 75Corridor building use 76Proposed corridor 77
Appendix
Allamakee waterways
Waukon Visioning Waukon Visioning27 28
Waukon Visioning
Allamakee County recreation amenities
ISU Community Design Lab31Appendix
Allamakee community school district
Waukon Visioning Waukon Visioning29 30
Waukon Visioning 32Waukon Visioning
Impervious surfaces
Paved SurfacesCity Outline
LEGEND
Appendix
Mini watersheds and flow lines
Waukon Visioning Waukon Visioning31 32
Waukon Visioning
Building use
Appendix
Walkability to recreational, and medical amenities
Waukon Visioning Waukon Visioning33 34
Waukon Visioning
Walkability to grocery stores
Appendix
Footprints of buildings
Waukon Visioning Waukon Visioning35 36
Waukon Visioning
Tree canopy cover
Appendix
City sections highlighting downtown
Waukon Visioning Waukon Visioning37 38
Waukon Visioning
Downtown sections and land use
Appendix
Street curbs
Waukon Visioning Waukon Visioning39 40
Waukon Visioning
Streets with no curbs, no sidewalks
Appendix
Stormwater sewer inlets and problem zones
Storm SewerCity Outline
LEGEND
Problem Zones
Waukon Visioning Waukon Visioning41 42
Waukon Visioning
Mini watersheds and street runoff flow
Appendix
Main Street building use
MAIN STREET
Waukon Visioning Waukon Visioning43 44
Waukon Visioning
Main Street buildings and canopy cover
MAIN STREET
Appendix
Allamakee County bluff & valley settlements
Waukon Visioning Waukon Visioning45 46
Waukon Visioning
Nearby towns
Appendix
Allamakee retirement community amenities
Waukon Visioning Waukon Visioning47 48
Waukon Visioning
Regional medical facilities
HarpersFerry
WaukonJunction
Postville
Ludlow
Waukon
Waterville
Dalby
Elon
ChurchHanover
Lansing
New Albin
Dorchester
Calmar
Decorah
McGregor
Cresco5 miles West
West Union
Elkader5 miles south
Guttenberg10 miles south
HarpersFerry
WaukonJunction
Postville
Rossville
Ludlow
Egan
Waukon
Waterville
Dalby
Elon
ChurchHanover
Lansing
New Albin
Dorchester
Calmar
Decorah
McGregor
Cresco5 miles West
West Union
Elkader5 miles south
Guttenberg10 miles south
12
14
ASSISTED LIVING +
MEDICAL CLINIC
NURSING HOME
INDEPENDENT LIVING + RETIREMENT HOME
Major Highways
County Boundary
Roads
x 6
x 5
x 2
x 3
x 2
x 6x 2
0 1.3 miles 2.6 miles 5.2 miles
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Walkability to City Park
Waukon Visioning Waukon Visioning49 50
Waukon Visioning
Walkability to employers Medical facilities
LEGEND
Recreation
Each square represents approximately 1 minute of walking time.
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0 375’ 1125’ 2625’
ParkCity Boundary
LEGEND
SidewalkMedical Facility
Appendix
LEGEND
Recreation
Each square represents approximately 1 minute of walking time.
WAUKON VISIONING R E C R E A T I O N O P P O R T U N I T I E S October 4, 2013
ISU Community Design Lab
N
0 375’ 1125’ 2625’
Waukon Visioning Waukon Visioning51 52
Topographic elevation
Waukon Visioning Appendix
LEGENDRecreation ClassificationBike RoutesSnowmobile RoutesRecreation
Golf Course
Ball Fields
Cemetary
City Park
School Recreation Fields
Fairgrounds
Waukon Wellness Center
Driftaway Hot Air Balloons
Allamakee County Master Gardeners
Waukon Trees Forever
Allamakee ArchersAllamakee County Sportsman Club
Ducks Unlimited (New Albin)NE Iowa Whitetails (New Albin)Pheasants Forever (Lansing)
76
76
9
9
76
Rossville R
d
W Main StE Main St
Alam
akee
St
NW
WAUKON VISIONING R E C R E A T I O N O P P O R T U N I T I E S October 28, 2013
ISU Community Design Lab
N
0 375’ 1125’ 2625’
Recreation amenities
Waukon Visioning Waukon Visioning53 54
LEGENDTransportation ClassificationPrimary Minor ArterialMajor CollectorMinor CollectorUrban LocalRural LocalSidewalks
Tra�c CountsHigh (< 2000)Medium (500 - 2000)Low (> 500
WAUKON VISIONING R E C R E A T I O N O P P O R T U N I T I E S October 4, 2013
ISU Community Design Lab
N
0 375’ 1125’ 2625’
Waukon Visioning
Traffic counts for major intersections
Appendix
Watershed BoundaryCity OutlineLEGEND
Watershed and flowlines
Waukon Visioning Waukon Visioning55 56
Waukon Visioning
Problem Zones
LEGEND
City Boundary
Stormwater problem zones
Appendix
“C” Conservancy “A” Agriculture“R-1” Low Density Residence “R-2” Single Family Residence “R-3” Single Family and Two Family Residence “R-4” Transition
WAUKON ZONING LEGEND
“R-5” Mobile Home Park“B-1” Central Business“B-2” General Business “M-1” Manufacturing
76
76
9
9
76
Rossville R
d
W Main St E Main St
Ala
mak
ee S
t NW
WAUKON VISIONING Z O N I N G: O V E R V I E W October, 28 2013
ISU Community Design Lab
N
0 375’ 1125’ 2625’
Zoning
Waukon Visioning Waukon Visioning57 58
Waukon Visioning
Golf Course
Ball Fields
Cemetary
City Park
School Recreation Fields
Fairgrounds
Waukon Wellness Center
76
76
9
9
76
Rossville R
d
W Main StE Main St
Alam
akee
St
NW
9
9th St SW
11th Ave SW
13th Ave SW
9th St SW
3rd Ave NW
LEGENDWalkability ClassificationCity BoundaryRecreationApproximately 1 minute walking time
WAUKON VISIONING W A L K A B I L I T Y November 13, 2013
ISU Community Design Lab
N
0 375’ 1125’ 2625’
Walkability to recreation amenities
Appendix
Water flowlines and problem areas
Waukon Visioning Waukon Visioning59 60
Waukon Visioning
Flowlines and footprints of buildings
Appendix
Downtown sewer drains & flowlines
Waukon Visioning Waukon Visioning61 62
Waukon Visioning
Downtown sewer drains & corridor flowlines
Appendix
WAUKON VISIONING C O R R I D O R November 13, 2013
ISU Community Design Lab
SIDEWALK IMPROVMENTstreetscape opportunity in waukon downtown streetscape improvements: seneca falls, nyhttp://www.mccordla.com/urbanplan.php
STREETSCAPE IMPROVEMENTstreetscape opportunity in waukon downtowncascade venue streetscape: sisters, or http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/HWY/REGION4/pages/us20_cascade_improvements_sisters/us20_cascade_improvements_sisters.aspx
DOWNTOWN FACADE IMPROVEMENTlocate in waukon downtowneast village business facade design: des monies, iahttp://eastvillagedesmoines.com
INFILL NEW BUSINESSES IN DOWNTOWNlocate in waukon downtownsuger cube project: denver, cohttp://www.architects24.com/project/sugar-cube-denver/overview/8213/index.html
OPTION FOR PUBLIC ART GRANTSIncorporate around waukon downtownstatue of former mayor farnsley on main street: louisville, kyhttp://brokensidewalk.com/2011/04/26/public-art-its-the-details-that-matter/
STREETS DESIGNED FOR PEDESTRIANS AND TRANSPORTATION central waukon: main street waukon boston complete street http://bostoncompletestreets.org/
STREETS DESIGNED FOR PEDESTRIANS AND TRANSPORTATIONcentral waukon: main street waukoncomplete street: new york bicycling coalitionhttp://www.nybc.net/advocacy/complete-streets
Green Street Curb Extension: Portland, ORstorm water managementlocate in waukon downtown
GREEN STREET CURB EXTENSION locate along corridor and main streetsgreen street water management: portland, or http://hpigreen.com/tag/portland/
DOWNSPOUT ART FOR FACADE IMPROVEMENT AND STROM WATER MANAGEMENTincorporate around waukon downtownfacade design with downspout art: Seattle, wamusical downspout and water feature: portland, orhttp://blog.nau.com/2010/04/02/downspout-planters/http://www.houzz.com/photos/3253706/Musical-Downspout-and-Water-Feature-traditional-exterior-port-land
Corridor best practices
Waukon Visioning Waukon Visioning63 64
Waukon Visioning
WAUKON VISIONING B E S T M A N A G E M E N T P R A C T I C E S: G R E E N I N F R A S T R U C T U R E November 13, 2013
ISU Community Design Lab
Treats small drainage areas; enhancement to curb and sewer system locate in Waukon residential neighborhoodsVegetated Swale: Puget Sound, WA http://www.lakesuperiorstreams.org/stormwater/toolkit/swales.html
Bio-retention basin allows for infiltration through subsurface pipeslocate in Waukon at prone flooding locationsInfiltration Basin: St. Paul Port; MIMI Studio http://www.mimistudio.com/image/Infiltration-Basin/
Dry detention system to treat runofflocate along corridor near large parking lots CU-structural Soil Infiltration Trench: Blacksburg Aquatic and Community Centerhttp://www.tmdl.bse.vt.edu/stormwater/C131/
Wet detention with ponding to treat runoff locate along corridor near large parking lots Bio-retention Cell: Blacksburg Aquatic and Community Centerhttp://www.tmdl.bse.vt.edu/stormwater/C131/
Permeable paving to assist in drainagelocate along residential streets and primary parking areasPermeable paving in parking lane: Berkley, CAhttp://www.cityofberkeley.info/Public_Works/Sewers_-_Storm/Watershed_Resources.aspx
Filter pollutants through plantings; permeable paving for rainwater filtrationlocate along corridor and main streetsStormwater Management: Blue Island, Chicagohttp://www.stevencanplan.com/2011/chicago-is-the-first-city-when-it-comes-to-permeable-paving/
Permeable paving to assist in drainagelocate along corridor and residential parking streetsPermeable Winter Advantage: Berkley, CAhttp://www.cityofberkeley.info/Public_Works/Sewers_-_Storm/Watershed_Resources.aspx
Control overflows and improve water quality locate along corridor and main streetsGreen Streets: Philadelphia: WRThttp://www.wrtdesign.com/projects/detail/philadelphia-green-streets-projects/140
Curb bumpouts with vegetation and drainage systems for stormwater managementlocate in Waukon residential neighborhoodsGreen Streets Swale: Indianapolis, Indiana http://www.aplaceofsense.com/2009_03_01_archive.html
Collect runoff from impervious surfaceslocate in Waukon residential neighborhoodsRain Gardens: Burnsville, MNhttp://water.epa.gov/infrastructure/greeninfrastructure/gi_what.cfm
Stormwater management best practices
Appendix
April 2014 press release
Waukon Visioning Waukon Visioning65 66
Waukon Works Committee Chooses Goals for a Thriving, Vibrant, and Resilient Community
How can we attract more visitors to Waukon? What are the assets that you would like to promote? How can we support local businesses? Waukon is a strong community in northeast Iowa that is planning for the future. The Waukon Works committee has been meeting with faculty and staff from Iowa State University Extension’s Communities to Community program to develop a strategic vision for Waukon’s future as a thriving, vibrant, and resilient community. Iowa State’s role in this project is to provide technical assistance and facilitate a partic-ipatory process for developing and implementing this vision. This work will also feed into comprehensive plan development by Upper Explorerland Regional Planning Commission.
Over the past year, the Iowa State and Waukon Works team has collected, analyzed, and presented socio-eco-nomic data, community survey results, retail business design options, and city and regional asset maps. A com-munity survey was taken in the fall of 2013 to gather input from the residents on their perception of the commu-nity, the availability of public and private services, their sense of place, and vision for Waukon.
Six major goals were identified for community development based on observations and data analyses. The goals are: Increase community engagement, Sustain and grow the economy, Revitalize downtown, Improve built and technological infrastructure, Build upon and retain existing strengths and assets, and Promote Waukon as an attractive destination and community.
The goals have been approved and prioritized by Waukon Works committee members and will be used to create the overall community vision. Each goal is accompanied by a series of recommended objectives and imple-mentation strategies. For example, an objective for the goal to grow the economy is to foster and nurture entre-preneurship. A strategy for implementing this objective is to turn an unused downtown building into a business incubator.
The Waukon Works committee is now gathering ideas and information from the broader community to assist in prioritizing the strategies for achieving each of the six goals. The Iowa State and Waukon Works team will meet again on May 13, 2014 to discuss this input and identify key short, medium, and long term projects for implementation. After strategies are identified in May, the team will develop specific short-term programs for implementation. For example, maps can be created to show where sidewalk and road improvements are needed to help people walk between home, work, downtown, and recreation amenities. Community input on specific projects will then be gathered through a public meeting in September. Help continue this strategic planning process by attending one of the upcoming meetings or learning more from the website: http://www.extension.iastate.edu/communities/Waukon-C2C
For more information about the May 13th meeting or the Waukon Works project, please contact Kris Rausch, [email protected]
Waukon Visioning
Talking points: Recommended goals and strategies
Draft Talking Points March 18, 2014
Recommended Goals and Strategies Toward a Thriving, Vibrant, & Resilient Waukon How can we attract more visitors to Waukon? What are the assets that you would like to promote? How can we support local businesses? Waukon is a strong community in northeast Iowa that is planning for the future. The Waukon Works committee has been meeting with faculty and staff from Iowa State University Extension’s Communities to Community program to develop a strategic vision for Waukon’s future as a thriving, vibrant, and resilient community. Iowa State’s role in this project is to provide technical assistance and facilitate a participatory process for developing and implementing this vision. This work will also feed into comprehensive plan development by Upper Explorerland Regional Planning Commission. Over the past year, the Iowa State and Waukon Works team has collected, analyzed, and presented socio-‐economic data, community survey results, retail business design options, and city and regional asset maps. Six major goals were identified for community development based on observations and data analyses. The goals are: Increase community engagement, Sustain and grow the economy, Revitalize downtown, Improve built and technological infrastructure, Build upon and retain existing strengths and assets, and Promote Waukon as an attractive destination and community. The goals have been approved and prioritized by Waukon Works committee members and will be used to create the overall community vision. Each goal is accompanied by a series of recommended objectives and implementation strategies. For example, an objective for the goal to grow the economy is to foster and nurture entrepreneurship. A strategy for implementing this objective is to turn an unused downtown building into a business incubator. The Waukon Works committee is now gathering ideas and information from the broader community to assist in prioritizing the strategies for achieving each of the six goals. The Iowa State and Waukon Works team will meet again on May 13, 2014 to discuss this input and identify key short, medium, and long term projects for implementation. After strategies are identified in May, the team will develop specific short-‐term programs for implementation. For example, maps can be created to show where sidewalk and road improvements are needed to help people walk between home, work, downtown, and recreation amenities. Community input on specific projects will then be gathered through a public meeting in September.
Appendix
Waukon Visioning Waukon Visioning67 68
Talking Points March 18, 2014
Goals and Objectives Refer to the 3/13/2014 “Draft: Recommended Goals and Objectives” document for specific strategy and project ideas corresponding to each objective.
Increase community engagement in Waukon
a. Create'action'groups'for'goals'and'objectives'b. Create'participatory'budgeting'and'planning'processes'c. Create'or'expand'grant'writing'group'd. Create'an'initiative'for'events'and'celebrations'e. Identify'and'recruit'additional'community'leaders'to'support,'spearhead'initiatives'Sustain and grow the economy
a. Create'an'initiative'to'increase'“productivity”'of'existing'business'
b. Create'an'initiative'to'expand'capture'of'retail'dollars'
c. Educate'retail'businesses'on'strategies'for'increasing'profitability,'customer'retention'
d. Attract'new'retail,'manufacturing,'and'healthcare'business'
e. Foster'and'nurture'entrepreneurship'
f. Create'venture'capital'fund'to'incentivize'existing'business'expansion'and'fund'startCups'
Revitalize downtown Waukon
a. Initiate'a'business'owners’'association'to'collaborate'on'downtown'retail'initiatives'b. Create'downtown'design'standards'including'facades,'signage,'and'streetscaping''c. Address'issue'of'unused'buildings'by'creating'opportunities'for'temporary'building'
uses'd. Promote'downtown'to'shoppers,'investors,'new'residents,'new'businesses,'tourists,'and'
others'e. Create'tax'incentives'and'abatements'for'existing'and'prospective'businesses''f. Create'an'initiative'for'downtown'events'and'celebrations'Improve Waukon built and technological infrastructure
a. Create'plan'for'city'street'improvements'and'maintenance'b. Create'initiative'to'expand'and'maintain'sidewalks'c. Improve'traffic'flow'to'minimize,'reduce'disruption'to'local'residents'd. Improve'public'buildings’'appearance'and'energy'efficiency'e. Improve'and'expand'broadband'connectivity'and'cellphone'coverage'f. Improve'community'connectivity'through'bicycle,'pedestrian,'vehicular,'and'
recreational'connections'g. Improve'storm'water'management'with'initial'focus'on'downtown'as'a'key'point'of'
convergence'h. Demonstrate'innovative'systems'in'visible'areas'
March 13, Waukon Works Committee Members
Waukon Visioning
Talking Points March 18, 2014
Build upon and retain existing Waukon strengths and assets
a. Sustain and grow healthcare services b. Collaborate with school district on a community-‐wide initiative to improve the school
system c. Promote and integrate the wellness center as a broader community center d. Promote and expand the production sector e. Promote and expand the retail sector f. Promote local agriculture by exploring agribusiness potential such as a dairy museum,
showcasing dairy production through new retail initiatives g. Promote community amenities such as parks, theater, and more h. Maintain high community safety standards i. Promote local and regional recreation destinations and activities
Promote Waukon as an attractive destination and community a. Craft and promote a unique community theme using local history, strengths, and unique
qualities b. Communicate a positive city image by promoting local assets and effectively using the
internet and social media c. Develop more recreation and entertainment options for residents and tourists d. Increase the number of community events e. Develop recreation and arts programs for youth f. Develop affordable and adequate housing to attract families, young professionals, and
retirees g. Promote tourism by collaborating with other cities in the region
March 13, Waukon Works Committee
WaterwaysMississippi River
LEGEND
Incorporated CityGhost Town
VILLAGE CREEK
PAINT CREEK
YELLOW RIVER
UPPER IOWA RIVER
WAUKON
Appendix
Allamakee County historical and current towns
Waukon Visioning Waukon Visioning69 70
Waukon Visioning
Regional population
2,000-3,000Over 3,000
POPULATION
Over 1,000
Communities with
Appendix
Park
Mississippi River
LEGEND
Bike & Equestrian TrailScenic Byway
Waterways
Regional recreation amenities
Waukon Visioning Waukon Visioning71 72
Waukon Visioning
Zoning
ConservancyCity Boundary
LEGEND
AgricultureLow Density ResidenceSingle Family Residence
Central BusinessGeneral BusinessManufacturing
Transition District
Single and Two Family Residence
Appendix
Schools, parks, and sidewalk gaps to amenities
Waukon Visioning Waukon Visioning73 74
ParkCity Boundary
LEGEND
SchoolSidewalkNo Sidewalk
Waukon Visioning
ParkCity Boundary
LEGEND
SidewalkSnow Mobile Trail
Recreation amenities
Appendix
Corridor building use
Waukon Visioning Waukon Visioning75 76
City GovernmentCity Boundary
LEGEND
EducationProfessionalReligious
Dining & GroceryCulturalHealth & Beauty
Gasoline
Motor VehicleElectronics
MedicalCommercialClothingServiceIndustrialVacant
MAIN STREET
ALLAMAKEE STREET
GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB
Waukon Visioning
Proposed corridor
MAIN STREET
ALLAMAKEE STREET
City GovernmentMixed Use Route
LEGEND
EducationProfessionalReligious
Dining & GroceryCulturalHealth & Beauty
Gasoline
Motor VehicleElectronics
MedicalCommercialClothingServiceIndustrialVacant
Pedestrian RouteAutomobile Route
ISU Community Design Lab
Waukon Visioning Waukon Visioning77 78
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Waukon Visioning
Waukon Visioning79