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MICHIGAN OCZM GRANT #NA-80-AA-H-CZ157 SUBTASK@O-) 0, q PETOSKEY BAYFRONT P RK A, A@ A@ A SB 485 T48 -ument was prepared in part P48 nancial assistance provided by 1982 Zone Management Act of 1972 pt.2 ie Off ice of Coastal Zone Management ad I tic and Atmospheric Administration The Setting Petoskey Overview tle Traverse Bay was a great fishing resource as well, via the waterfront. Petoskey is a city blessed with many assets. The city's coastal location and dramatic topography contribute to the attractive The Petoskey waterfront was a place for religious practices and unique setting of the city. A well-maintained and vital cen- amongst the Indians and white man alike. The oldest building in tral business district anchors the town's economy. Colorful Petoskey still stands at its original site on the waterfront. The St. historic buildings and the well-known gaslights provide a com- Francis Solanus Indian Mission Church remains as an artifact of fortable setting for local and visiting shoppers. Tree-lined, com- early Christian settlement in Petoskey. pact neighborhoods border the downtown, offering a nearby population, which supports the city center, Changes in the uses of the waterfront and Bear River were ac- celerated as a result of the Industrial Revolution. In 1866, John Public and private institutions are another important factor in W. Cook began building and renting boats on the waterfront. Petoskey's community strengths. Northern Michigan hospitals Around the same time period limestone mining and kiln opera- and the Burns Medical Clinic provide medical services rivaling tions were introduced at the east end of the waterfront. Other more metropolitan places. North Central Michigan College waterfront businesses included ice storage, coral and agate presents a wide range of vocational and educational oppor- works, and commerical fisheries. By the 1880's, the commercial tunities. The Virginia McCune Arts Center and the Little fisheries were boxing and freezing 15-20 tons of fish per day. Traverse Historical Museum are locally supported cultural facilities. Bear River industries of this era were largely wood products. Logs were usually floated down to the waterfront for shipping. The Petoskey waterfront and the Bear River are a portion of this Wood pulp and paper products were manufactured as well. A city's valuable features. The Bear River provides a rustic, natural flour and grist mill was sited on the Bear River* at this time. setting in the middle of an urban environment. Fishermen gather at the river's mouth each spring and fall. The unrealized poten- Another important influence upon the river and waterfront was tial for this. park is significant, since the city owns or controls the 19th Century boom in transportation technology. In the much of the river's edge. 1870's, four different passenger steamboats continuously made stops in Petoskey. The G.R.& I Limited and Suburban Railroad The fate of Petoskey's waterfront is also in the hands of the com- Depot was handling 90 "dummy" trains per day in 1902. In munity. Nearly half of the city's waterfront area is owned, or 1895, the Army Corps of Engineers built the breakwater to pro- controlled, by the municipality. A public marina is situated east tect Petoskey's harbor. of the Bear River mouth with the Historical Museum and two baseball fields in this area as well. The variety of uses has These transportation improvements generated a new form of generated continued interest in the waterfront of Petoskey. economic growth in the Petoskey region. Persons living in the industrial cities of the Midwest could ride a train to northern Petoskey's waterfront offers a unique opportunity to provide Michigan to "restore" physical and mental health. Mineral wells public access to the Little Traverse Bay. Public improvements to at the mouth of the Bear River were believed to provide lifegiv- the site will be utilized by residents and visitors alike. Improving ing water. Spas, bathhouses and resort hotels were built to ac- the appearance of the waterfront will enhance the image of commodate the tourists. Petoskey as a city gifted with many resources. The forties saw the introduction of the ballparks to the water- front as recreational use of the area grew. In 1950, the Municipal Historic Waterfront Dock was constructed, followed by the bathhouse construction in 1968. Finally, in the early sixties Sunset Boulevard "bypass" The Bear River was tapped for its natural resources even before was constructed between the waterfront and the central business the white man arrived. Chief Petosega, after whom the city is district. While it did much to improve through traffic and cir- named, was reputed to have killed forty bear per month on the culation, it separated the waterfront from the community. Even river during his youth. Undoubtedly, the river was a scene for today, full utilization of the waterfront in the future continues to fur trapping and fishing during initial white settlement. The Lit- be dependent on reducing the barrier effect of the "bypass." Ago" J,@ 717"TPuzza,=" W, V The Plan Planning Process The development plan for the Petoskey waterfront is based upon the guidelines set forth by the Waterfront Resources and In the early seventies, the Water Resources and Development Development Commission for short-medium range im- Commission was formed in order to initiate planning activities provements. The plan, as illustrated, includes those projects that for the waterfront and Bear River. The Commission identified a are implementable without requiring extensive land acquisition need to organize present and future improvements on the water- and assembly, and can therefore, be programmed with a front. In 1980, the Commission, with the assistance of the City reasonable degree of certainty. Planner, prepared the Waterfront Concept Plan as a means to establish priorities regarding use and development of the water- The plan is an illustrative representation of the form and front. character possible for the waterfront area. While the plan is pur- posely detailed to convey design intent, it should be considered The plan documents primary and secondary goals that should only as a guide to development. The future is likely to bring continue to guide development of the waterfront. The primary changes in philosophy, requirements, and opportunities. goals included the following: 1) enhance and preserve the en- Therefore, flexibility is inherent in the plan to allow revisions as vironmental qualities of the waterfront, 2) promote and enhance individual projects are funded and final design detailing is ac- the waterfront for recreation uses, and 3) encourage community complished. unity and participation regarding waterfront development. The secondary goals define means by which the primary goals may The basic components of the plan are organized as follows: be achieved, and include the following: 1) provide for and manage circulation of waterfront users, 2) link the waterfont to Roadway and Parking Improvements other key areas of the city, 3) provide adequate access to the Central Park Improvements waterfront, 4) provide appropriate facilities for waterfront Bear River Improvements users, 5) reduce land use and activity conflicts, 6) promote use of East Park Improvements the waterfront for educational and cultural purposes, and 7) reduce maintenance and operation costs. Roadwayand The Waterfront Concept Plan indicates that environmental im- provements to the waterfront are the highest priority of the Parking Commission. Funding was secured through the Michigan Coastal Zone Management Program to hire a landscape design Entrance and Marina View Area. This project consists of a new firm for preparation of the more detailed plans contained in part roadway and short term parking area at the shoreline of the in this summary brochure. marina basin to allow visitors a direct access to the waterfront. The project also includes a paved shoreline pedestrian area with benches for water viewing, fishing, etc. East Park Access Road and Parking. This project consists of an improved paved roadway connection from the main. park en- trance at Lake Street to the foot of the overlook park area to pro- vide vehicular access to the east park activity area. Parking for the informal day use and arboretum areas will be provided along the roadway. Ball Field and Special Events Parking. This project consists of a paved parking area for approximately 75 car, adjacent to the adult softball field, The parking is intended to alleviate present congestion in the central area and to replace parking that will be lost due to construction of the pedestrian promenade. Breakwater Access. This project consists of constructing a per- manent roadway extension of Wachtel Avenue from Quinlan Street to the foot of the breakwater to provide improved vehicular access. The project also includes a turn-around and short term parking spaces. Central Park Pedestrian Plaza and Tunnel Improvements. This project con- sists of significant improvements to the approaches to the pedestrian tunnel on both sides of U.S. 31 and the creation of barrier free circulation between downtown and the waterfront park area. The Bay and Petoskey Streets intersection will be removed to allow development of a pedestrian plaza including planters, benches, special pavings, decorative lighting, etc. as a terminus to the special downtown shopping area. On the water- front side a system of planters and ramps will provide access from the tunnel to the main pedestrian promenade and special events area. @Vre"-Z ePF5VM AW ^?VA4V7'A2N C4%@5A MMZM M'4w PeWL 11@ ee- @?MIK AM'7tW_W_VM MMMIU47 ItAZ4.4AV TONA& _117WETM_I@ff 5treetscape Improvements (Petoskey-Lake Streets). This project integrative play area in the location of the existing tot lot. The consists of improvements to the sidewalks at the comer of development will include creative play equipment, open play Petoskey and Lake Streets and along Petoskey Street to the tun- area, seating area for adults, and potential special features such nel entrance plaza. Removal of a minimal number of parking as sculpture, drinking fountain, spray pool, etc. spaces will allow expansion of the sidewalk and introduction of special sidewalk paving and street trees. Council Bluff Area Development. This project consists of earth- work and grading to reshape the existing landform to remove Pedestrian Promenade and Special Events Area. This project vehicular access and eliminate bluff erosion due to the steep consists of removal of the roadway between the ball fields and shoreline slope. Stabilization of the area will include planting of the construction of a major pedestrian walkway between the new lawn, native shrubs and shade trees. tunnel ramps and the public pier. A walkway grid, lawn panels, shade trees, and benches adjacent to the promenade will provide Picnic Sites. This project involves development of a series of pic- areas for special events such as art shows, antique fairs, etc. This nic pods, including paved pad, table, and grill throughout the in- space is intended as the major pedestrian focus and activity area formal use zone near the council bluff area and overlook park. of the central park. Sunbathing Beach. This project consists of two sand sunbathing Information Center. This building, located at the beginning of beaches on either side of the council bluff area. Construction will the pedestrian promenade, will contain approximately 900 include reshaping landward of the shoreline, sand fill, and in- square feet and is intended as an information dissemination and stallation of a groin system. convenience center for visitors to the park. The building will in- clude a display and meeting area, public restrooms, and food Park Service Building. This structure, located near the turn- and drink concessions. In addition, tickets for special activities around at the end of the east park access road, will contain ap- such as train rides, boat tours, etc. will be sold in the building. proximately 400 square feet, and is intended to serve the picnic areas, sunbathing beaches and east park activities. The building Shoreline Stabilization. This project will be integral with full will include public restrooms, concessions, and storage space. construction of the pedestrian promenade and will consist of stabilization of the eroding shoreline with a combination of Waterfall Area. Improvements to the waterfall area will include structural sea walls and rock revetments. In addition, moderate reconstruction of the storm sewer outlet pipe, installation of land filling behind the revetment will create an expanded setting natural plantings, and excavation of a small pond at the base of for the softball field and parking area. the waterfall. Redevelopment of this area will create a significant feature for the terminus of the east park access road. Playground Development. This project consists of an expanded MASTER PLAN PETOSKEY BAYFRONT PARK City of Petoskey, Michigan Petoskey Water Resources and Development Commission Beckett and Raeder ft. Landscape Architects and Planners cow@IL &0-1- SAWM" OfAcl 300 500 I'ArNC &rCS PrXsT&"/&CyC45 0 200 .00 MV4. AA@74" Ix lop @VAZ All@'C URI! VIV A&V Bear River Area East Park Bear River Park Improvements. This project consists of renova- Pedestrian/ Bicycle Trail. This project consists of a paved trail tions and additions to the Bear River Park area between Mitchell from the east park access road turn-around to the railroad r.o.w. and Lake Streets. Development will include a new entrance plaza at the eastern boundary of the park. This section of trail will be a as the beginning of a future pedestrian walkway along the Bear part of the future "Little Traverse Bikeway." River Corridor. The main feature of the plaza will be a sculptured fountain utilizing water flow from an existing arte- Overlook Park Improvements. This project consists of im- sian spring. Other features of the park will include new provements to the overlook park area to establish a waterfront walkways, improved plantings, riverbank stabilization, and a orientation area for visitors to the community. Improvements wood fishing and observation deck at the head of the spillway. will include a paved access drive and overlook parking area, landscaping, identification signage, and a waterfront map and City Utility Buildings. This project consists of adaptive renova- directory. tion and re-use of the existing hydro and diesel plant buildings at the rivermouth. Land use strategies suggest use of one of the Lime Kiln Pond. This project consists of a clean-up and reshap- buildings for public activities such as meetings, indoor recrea- ing of the pond and adjacent areas including grading and filling, tion, etc., and use of the other building for private offices or bank stabilization and landscaping consistent with the intended commercial venture such as a restaurant. Re-use of the buildings natural character of the area. Also included is a special feature is a key component of the plan to create greater activity in this water jet in the pond to provide aeration and a visual focus. area of the waterfront. Amphitheater. This project consists of a grassed area for infor- Waterfront Commercial. This project consists of private sector mal performances adjacent to the pond. Improvements will in- development of a special commercial facility at the rivermouth clude earthwork and grading, terracing and landscaping to on property presently owned by the city and property to be pur- create a secluded setting. chased by the city and/or developer. The development may in- clude a restaurant and specialty shops along with a public Arboretum. This project consists of selected plantings of native shoreline walkway with benches, landscaping, visitor boat and ornamental trees, shrubs, and ground covers and overall moorings, etc. to encourage as great a public access to the landscaping of the entire east park area. The intent is to achieve shoreline as possible. a long range vegetative cover of the barren areas for informal ac- tivities such as nature study, walking, jogging, etc. The Pieces The detailing of any plan is a critical step in the transformation All signs will be specially fabricated of wood in a style consistent of the plan idea into reality and can literally "make or break" with the recommendations for new structures within the water- even the best designs. The quality of detailing, coupled with the front area. quality of construction, establishes the character and aesthetic appeal of a project, as well as whether the project is in harmony with its surroundings. This is of particular importance on the Petoskey waterfront as it is not a totally new project but rather a combination of new con- -0 struction and rehabilitation of old. Both the improvements made to the existing facilities and all new construction must be in character and harmony with what is existing as well as with each other. Petoskey is noted for its historic structures and for its small town atmosphere and the waterfront is designed to reinforce this. The plan recommends a reinforcing of this historic character for the waterfront by sympathetic new construction. This means the use of compatable construction materials and special attention to the design and construction of light fixtures, benches, signage, and other amenities. Architecture The architectural style proposed for new structures on the water- front is influenced by the character of the Bear River Park Shelter House and the Historical Museum. Two new structures, Lighting an Information Center and a Park Service Building are included in the plan. The predominant building material for the structures Lighting is a particularly important element in the design of the will be wood and the concept for roof framing, window and waterfront. As the use of strong design, color and materials is to door detailing, and facade development will emphasize the create a special environment during the day, lighting must historic charm for which the community is noted. display and enhance that atmosphere at night. Lighting should add to a dynamic atmosphere identifying important elements and areas, and accent special features while producing a lighting level sufficient to insure safety and security. The lighting concept consists of a higher level of lighting in areas of high or concentrated pedestrian use such as the tunnel en- trance plaza and main promenade. In addition to higher levels of light, a special fixture is recommended to add interest and detail to the environment. The suggested "promenade light" consists of a cast iron standard and acorn globe, both of a style historically compatible with the promenade bench and Information Center architecture. In addition to the new buildings, major renovation and reuse is proposed by the plan for the city utility buildings at the mouth of the Bear River. While private developer participation will be encouraged in redevelopment of the buildings, an attempt will not be made to transform or commercialize the structures by ad- ding false skin-type facades or by creating new roof forms. Rather, the visual character will be modified while retaining the general integrity of the structures through the replacment of win- clows and doors, selective painting, and the addition of "soft" details such as window awnings, grill work, etc. Signage A key to the efficient functioning of the waterfront, as well as its visual image and sense of orientation to visitors, is a coordinated system of signage. The system proposed includes three levels of signage, park identification, facility identification, and traffic control. Furniture Furniture within the waterfront area will consist of benches, trash receptacles, drinking fountains and special amenities such as sculpture and art. Standard Petoskey benches of wood and concrete will be located throughout the waterfront. A special bench of wood with decorative cast iron end supports is recom- mended for the pedestrian promenade. Trash receptacles and drinking fountains will be coordinated as to materials and design character. Sculpture and pieces of art may be used throughout the area to add color, interest, and variety. The type of piece may range from a commissioned work by an established artist or design school to an interesting antique or unique piece of machinery. VE Planting Planting, along with the repetition of paving materials, signage, lighting, and furniture, is an element that will help pull together the many facets of the waterfront design. In the context of a variety of architectural styles, activity areas, and special features, the plantings will serve to unify the whole of the area while softening the "hardness" of the more intensively developed pedestrian areas. The predominant plant material will be shade trees, planted for- mally along U.S. 31 and within the pedestrian promenade and informally in open lawn areas and as the basic structure of the arboretum In special pedestrian areas plants may include flowering trees, shrubs, and ground covers to provide a wider variety of textures and color. The arboretum is intended to be a collection of a complete range "N. of hardy materials and will provide an ideal opportunity for volunteer participation by individuals, groups, or organizations. 3 6668 14104 8357 This brochure was funded in part through financial assistance provided by the Office of Coastal Zone Management, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, United States Department of Commerce, through funds provided under the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 (PL 92-583). And ad- ministered by: The Michigan Department of Natural Resources Chris Shafer, In Charge, Coastal Zone Management Unit Dave Warner, Project Representative City of Petoskey Joe Kilborn, Mayor Steven Hoffner, City Manager Bradley Leech, City Planner Petoskey Water Resources and Development Commission Brent Billideau, Chairman Stephen Selden Rick Neumann Harry Miller Sally Clark Glynn Becker Ed White Maxine Gingras Beckett and Raeder Inc. Landscape Architects and Planners Ann Arbor, Michigan