The proposed plan would allot around 85 acres of land from the Kenai River to the Sterling Highway that have been set for this design.
Project Manager Jason Graf, from firm First Forty Feet, and Cadence Petros, of firm ECONorthwest were both at the meeting to present the proposed master design plan, along with estimated costs and impacts.
The City first applied for a $360,000 grant from the U.S. Economic Development Agency to fund planning efforts for a new and improved waterfront. After two years of anticipation, the city was awarded the grant last summer. In preparation of the project, the council had held various community events to hear the public’s opinion the project.
One of the big elements that have come into fruition with public comment is a riverfront trail, a public market, and an extension of existing pathways to the Kenai River. Members of the community have suggested these gathering spaces as a way to cozy up any empty areas.
The proposed public mall would be 32,000 square feet, with a three-story building on the western end of Soldotna Creek Park, which would be connected to a two-level parking structure.
The main floor of the mall would be designated for vendor stalls and a central commons. The lower level would be made to accommodate for business that need more space than a stall can provide. The upper level would house meeting and community rooms.
There would also be four small areas, referred to as “hubs,” that would have their own unique designs and development plans. For instance, the “Riverside Hub” would be located where the Sterling Highway crosses the Kenai River. It would also include retail and dining establishments, as well as new housing developments.
Another planned item would be an extension of the Soldotna Creek Park’s existing boardwalk and riverfront trails.
A separate “Sterling Trail” would parallel the Sterling Highway and be separated from traffic by a variety of landscaping. A third multi-use trail would connect different parts of the redevelopment project area.
The council is set to further discuss any changes to the master plan at their next regular meeting on December 13th.
To view the presentation from the Joint Work Session with Planning & Zoning Commission click here.