| Important changes took place in the years between the adoption of Lake Stevens’ “Recreating Main Street” plan in 1997 and the Towncenter Vision plan in 2003. Some of the proposed elements were no longer under consideration. In addition, anticipated tax revenues were expected to decline over the next few years. New home construction, which had been generating revenues, was predicted to decrease while service levels would increase as families moved into the new homes. New income sources needed to be found.
Perteet and Callison Architecture worked with a citizen’s task force to explore new concepts based on Lake Stevens’ traditions. The designers held public meetings and interviewed citizens, property owners and city staff about the vision for the Towncenter.
The following features were considered essential to the project:
- Connection to and along the waterfront
- Extended hours
- Activities that support residents and visitors
- Direct road access to the Main Street center
- Spaces that draw the waterfront into the downtown
- Downtown housing
- Small block sizes
- Connection to the waterfront
- On-street parking/narrow streets
- Streets for pedestrians
- Distinctive architectural forms
- City Hall as an integral part of downtown
- Strategic location of SnoIsle library
As a result of these efforts, Lake Stevens Towncenter will be designed as a people-friendly destination to generate income for shop owners while providing pleasant walking, shopping and leisure activity for the community. |
