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Current Information
Gould, Evans, Goodman Associates was contracted by the partnership of
Truman State University, A.T. Still University, the Downtown
Improvement Committee, and the City of Kirksville to evaluate and implement renovations to
the downtown Kirksville area. Completion dates are
tentative, depending on the work involved.
Three alternative frameworks were explored and presented to the public for discussion
and evaluation.
The public meetings were "brain storming" sessions whereby the end
design will most likely be a combination of;
- 1. bringing Franklin and Jefferson streets into a "main street"
framework,
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- 2. expanding Truman State University and A.T. Still University toward the square,
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- 3. linking the broader community with a network of street renovations.
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Complete funding has not been secured. The purpose of the renovation is to improve
current surroundings and attract new businesses to the downtown area. |
Town-Square Alternative
 This
concept relies on the strong development of three nodes for activity. The nodes are
A.T. Still University (KCOM), Truman State and the town square around a
two-block area for the courthouse, park and parking area. Downtown gateways
and markers would be placed in a manner that recognizes ATSU and Truman State campuses as part of downtown. Primary circulation in the area is
along three corridors: Jefferson, Franklin and a trail within the abandoned railroad
right-of-way. Land use along Jefferson and Franklin would be commercial in nature but
opportunities would arise to convert property use or improve property conditions.
Highlights
- The courthouse is the center of a traditional town square.
- The town square extends to the west to include a new plaza/outdoor
multi-use open space.
- A strong commercial mix core is established on all sides of the square.
- Employment opportunities are enhanced and assist in supporting the
downtown.
- Residential and commercial rehabilitation and infill opportunities are
created north of Jefferson Street.
- Jefferson Street and Franklin Street become strong links from
ATSU and
Truman to downtown.
- Downtown markers are used at the entrances of the Colleges to reflect
their inclusion in downtown.
- The intersection of Jefferson Street and Franklin Street becomes a
downtown gateway.
- The armory building becomes a multi-use facility with pedestrian links
to Jefferson and the railroad right-of-way. |
Entertainment District Alternative
 The focus of this alternative is the development of key
destinations in downtown. Elements such as a community center, movie theater and the
armory provide venues and activities that draw people from all segments of the community
into downtown. Strong links between the ATSU and Truman State campuses and the downtown
are reinforced via expansion of campus activities along Jefferson and Franklin. Linkage
elements also support circulation between the destinations in downtown. Commercial
development south of the square results as a spin-off of the major destination activity
and centralized parking is created.
Highlights
- A variety of activities attract visitors throughout the day and evening
hours.
- Downtown anchors include the existing courthouse, a movie theater, a
community center and enhanced
employment areas.
- A central parking area is established near the center of downtown.
- Redevelopment includes a strong commercial and residential mix.
- The armory becomes a multi-use center for the community.
- Pedestrian and visual links are used to connect the downtown anchors.
- The intersection of Jefferson and Franklin is the downtown gateway.
- Jefferson and Franklin Streets become strong links from
ATSU and Truman
to downtown as both campuses
expand along each corridor respectively. |
Main Street Alternative
This concept explores the creation of a traditional "Main Street" character
developed by the extension of viable commercial activities along Franklin and Jefferson
Streets. This linear development patterned along these two corridors is anchored by the
courthouse/square at the north end, ATSU to the west, Truman to the south and the creation
of a community activity center at the intersection of Franklin and Jefferson. An enhanced
wayfinding system is implemented to get people to the intersection so that destination
decisions can be made.
Highlights
- Franklin and Jefferson become strong commercial linear links.
- The commercial mix established along the linear links has a "Main
Street" character.
- The intersection of Jefferson and Franklin Streets is a key decision
point for connecting the elements in the
downtown community.
- By creating a community activity center, the importance of the
Franklin/Jefferson intersection is reinforced.
- The entrance to the institutions are part of the wayfinding system for
downtown.
- Through visual wayfinding elements, the downtown is connected to
Baltimore (Hwy 63).
- Employment areas are enhanced and create an edge to the downtown core.
- The neighboring residential communities are enhanced with the
development of the commercial core. |
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