Planning for the Waller Creek District

Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce DelegationApril 4, 2013

June 2007 - Funding in place for the Waller Creek Tunnel (TIF and Bonds)

August 2007 - Tunnel design and engineering begins

April 2007 – Waller Creek Citizen’s Advisory Committee created

Nov 2007 – City issues Request for Qualification for Consultant Team

Spring 2008 - Planning Consultant team begins work

Dec 2010 – Tunnel construction begins

Overview

Consultant will create a master plan that:

Consultant tasks:Assess baseline conditions

Identify community vision

Identify challenges and opportunities

Identify recommended baseline creek restoration and trail improvements

Develop implementation plan with cost estimates

Overview

Three guiding principles of community vision:

Environmental Restoration

Connectivity Activity & Investment

Three Guiding Principles

Maximize, enhance and connect the open space of the creek corridor.

Principle 1: Environmental Restoration

“Enhance the ecological, hydrological, and open space value of the creek corridor.”

Extend the landscape of Lady Bird Lake.

Principle 1: Environmental Restoration

Restore the native, riparian ecosystem of Waller Creek.

Principle 1: Environmental Restoration

Create pathways with a light touch through the landscape.

Principle 1: Environmental Restoration

Link Lady Bird Lake, Downtown, East Austin, Capitol Complex and UT.Create and interconnect multiple and diverse types of routes and experiences for bicyclists and pedestrians, both at street level and within the creek bank.

Principle 2: Connectivity

Principle 3: Activities and Investment

“Promote development activity and investment along the creek and throughout the district.”

9.7 – 11.4 million SF potential development capacity in TIF District

Put in place design and use regulations and incentives to achieve a livable, mixed-use district.

Principle 3: Activities and Investment

Principle 3: Activities and Investment

Encourage a variety of development opportunities – different scales, different uses, private and public/private.

Increase the residential population within the District, including affordable units and housing for families and the creative community.

Principle 3: Activities and Investment

Support the creative community by promoting live-work housing, live music, public art, creative businesses, etc.

Principle 3: Activities and Investment

Consultant will create a master plan that:

Planning Process Input to the Waller Creek Conservancy

Design Competition:

Baseline conditions – topographic survey, infrastructure inventory, etc.

Principles for community vision

Identifies challenges and opportunities

Potential phasing plan and planning-level cost estimates

Technical Advisory Group

Overview

Planning for the Waller Creek District

george.adams@austintexas.gov