On February 28, MPC, the American Institute of Architects and the city’s Community Development Division held a public meeting to present the concepts of the Magnolia Avenue Corridor Plan and gain feedback from attendees.

The plan envisions Magnolia Avenue becoming a vibrant mix of strong, businesses, good housing and well designed civic spaces where residents and visitors can safely walk down the street.

An artist rendering depicting the proposed changes in the Winona area. Drawing by Ken Moffett of AIA.

The first step would be to celebrate the areas history by preserving the few blocks of historic buildings that remain along the corridor by utilizing an historic overlay designation and façade improvement programs. Façade programs could also be used to help improve vacant lots and partially vacant buildings, which comprise more than 30 percent of the area.

The adoption of form-based codes in various districts from the Old City to Burlington would allow a mix of uses including multi-unit residential, office and retail or a vertical mix of these uses. By replacing the area’s current single purpose zoning, the new codes would provide guidance for the height and placement of buildings and establish a setting relative to the streets.

The plan also suggests new parking regulations that would reduce parking requirements for retail businesses and residential development. These new guidelines also would credit on-street parking towards meeting those requirements.

This ties into the next suggestion of making the corridor more pedestrian-friendly by adding street trees, lighting and landscaped medians and defining pedestrian spaces with the addition of crosswalks and transit lanes.

Finally, the plan recommends the creation of a task force modeled after the “Broadway Fifth” to address public safety, homeless and economic development issues.