b.well section plan of the middle fork greenway
DESCRIPTION
In spring 2015, the Middle Fork Greenway Task Force received funding from the Town of Boone to further refine plans for the Middle Fork Greenway. Boone Wellness District (B-Well) is a targeted redevelopment area that encourages urban form, density, and land uses that support Boone's regional medical hub.TRANSCRIPT
page 1
section plan
middle fork greenway of the
summer 2015
boone, nc
B-Well Section Plan of the Middle Fork Greenway
boone + wellness
boone + wellness
Produced for: By:
section plan
middle fork greenway
of the
815 West King Street, Suite 2 | Boone, North Carolina 28607 | 828.386.1866 | www.DbDplanning.com
page 4 B-Well Section Plan of the Middle Fork Greenway
page 5
table of contents
introduction
state of the middle fork greenway
framework plan
project branding and gateways
the plan
b-well birds eye
welcome to b-well
doctors crossing
1
3
5
7
9
11
13
15
page 1 B-Well Section Plan of the Middle Fork Greenway
introduction
planning goals:
background and purpose
In spring 2015, the Middle Fork Greenway Task Force (MFG) received funding from the Town of Boone to further refine plans for the Middle Fork Greenway in Boone’s jurisdiction. The study area includes what is referred to as “Section 6” within the Middle Fork Greenway Master Plan, which was completed in summer 2013. This is one of six planning sections that will need to be developed to ultimately connect the Town of Blow-ing Rock and the Town of Boone with a multi-use greenway.
The Town of Boone provided financial assis-tance for this planning study because the Middle Fork Greenway is not only an import-ant initiative for the Town and region as a whole, but also for its implications for real-izing the vision of the Boone Wellness Dis-trict (B-Well). B-Well is a targeted redevel-opment area that encourages urban form,
density, and land uses that support Boone’s regional medical hub. Upon adoption by the Town of Boone, this plan will serve as an addendum to the Boone Wellness District Plan and help guide future public and private sector infrastructure invest-ments.
The Middle Fork Greenway Task Force: A Vision to Connect
Beginning in the late 90s, a small group of citizens developed a vision for creating a multi-use trail to link the Town of Boone and the Town of Blowing Rock. This trail, the Middle Fork Green-
way, will meander alongside the Middle Fork of the New River for approximate-ly six miles and not only connect these towns, but also many other assets along the way, including the Watauga Medical Center, Tweetsie Railroad, Mystery Hill, Chestnut Ridge Post Acute Care Center, the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Mountains-
to-Sea Trail, and Tanger Shopping Outlets. Now, more than 15 years since its inception, the MFG is managed by a part-time executive director and is organized as a compo-nent of the Blue Ridge Conservancy, a well-established land trust based in Boone, NC.
“The Middle Fork Greenway Taskforce is managed by a part-time executive director and is organized as a component of the Blue Ridge Conservancy, a well-established land trust based in Boone, NC.”{
1 2 3Ensure that an alignment for Middle Fork Greenway is explicitly provided for within the final Boone Wellness District
Plan.
EXPLICIT ALIGNMENT CONSIDER GROWTH EXPLORE BRANDING
Provide specific trail route alternatives that incorporate, to the extent possible, impending
growth and development.
Generate conceptual ideas for branding, wayfinding, and
signage.
page 2
a mission on the move
The MFG Continues to build upon a history of persever-ance and success. The legacy of this organization contin-
ues to unfold. The MFG mission is on the move.
late1990’s
2010
2012
2014
2001
An Idea. Residents along the Middle Fork of the New River start discussing a vision for creating a trail to connect Blowing Rock and Boone.
Part of the Regional Plan. The Watauga County TDA publishes the Boone Area Outdoor Recreation Plan and identifies the Middle Fork Greenway as a pri-ority initiative. The TDA spearheads an effort to place the Highway 321 underpass at Mystery Hill on the NC-DOT Transportation Improvement Plan.
Is it Feasible? The MFGA commissions ASU stu-dents to conduct a feasibility study for establishing the trail from Boone to Blowing Rock. This report determined that the project was feasible and served as the primary planning document until 2013.
On the Ground. Tweetsie Railroad constructs the first segment of the Middle Fork Greenway along its property. A ribbon cutting celebration is held in 2013.
Leadership Capacity. A multi-year grant is award-ed to Blue Ridge Conservancy to MFG administra-tive support. An experienced Executive Director is hired to lead the project.
Big Money. Funds are raised through NCDOT, Appalachian District Health Department and indi-viduals and businesses to fund construction of the extension of the trail through Mystery Hill and under highway 321 through a box culvert to Sterling Creek Park.
First Underpass Complete. Construction is com-pleted for the new section of trail, resulting in ap-proximately one mile of contiguous greenway. A ribbon cutting celebration occurs in October.
Getting Ready. Preliminary engineering is com-pleted for the Blowing Rock section of the gre-enway (Section One), made possible by an Ap-palachian District Health Department and private donors.
We’re a Big Deal. The Town of Blowing Rock iden-tifies the Middle Fork Greenway as one of its top ten priorities in its newly adopted Comprehensive Plan.
1999A Charitable Organization. The Middle Fork Gre-enway Association is incorporated as a 501(c)(3) Corporation.
mid2000s
Pocket Parks. MFGA successfully obtains grant funds and support from landowners along the corri-dor. Three (3) pocket parks are secured: Payne Branch Park, Goldmine Branch Park, and Sterling Creek Park (donated by the Whitener Family).
2011
Team Player. High Country Pathways, Inc. and the Middle Fork Greenway Association merge. The broader mission of Pathways allows the community to secure other trail and river access grant funds be-yond the Middle Fork Greenway.
2015
All Aboard. The Watauga County Tourism Develop-ment Authority (TDA), Blowing Rock TDA, and the Town of Boone all provide leadership and funding support for the MFG.
Let’s Build a Mile. Through partnerships with NC-DOT, Appalachian Regional Healthcare Systems and the National Park Service, progress is made in prepa-ration for construction of Section One.
A Kind Gift. In an unprecedented business collabo-ration, over fifty-five businesses and several individ-uals come together under the leadership of Appala-chian Ski Mtn. to raise over $50,000 during a Easter holiday weekend benefit.
Our Momentum is evident. MFG receives an award for Exceptional Organizational Development at the Boone Recreation Summit.
2013
A Vision Refined. A new master plan is developed for the Middle Fork Greenway Master Plan by local planning firm, Destination by Design. The plan identi-fies six (6) planning sections, ending with a connec-tion to the Boone Greenway.
page 3 B-Well Section Plan of the Middle Fork Greenway
state of the middle fork greenway
proposed blowing rock trailhead
constructed greenway @ tweetsie rr
national park service connection
proposed goldmine branch road
highway 321 side path boone greenway connection
highway 321 side path
proposed mf crossing and hwy 321 underpass
aho road crossing
constructed highway 321 underpass1
7
3
9
5 10
2
8
4
6
The Middle Fork Greenway is presently anchored by a one-mile section of completed trail linking Tweetsie Railroad, Mys-tery Hill, and Sterling Creek Park.
The MFG Task Force is currently working to complete final engineering and then construct trail sections linking the Town of Blowing Rock to the new Post Acute Care Facility located along Blowing Rock Road north of the Blue Ridge Parkway. As noted on the map, trail easements and agreements are in
place to create this trail section.
The B-Well District is also a major priority because of im-pending development, hence the need for this plan. Both the MFG Task Force and the Town of Boone are proactively working to ensure that the greenway is effectively provided for as growth occurs throughout the District.
Key features found throughout the Middle Fork Greenway corridor are noted below.
page 4
POST ACUTE CARE FACILITY
FAITHBRIDGE METHODIST
MYSTERYHILL
STERLING CREEK PARK
TWEETSIE RAILROAD
&HIGH GRAVITY ADVENTURES
GOLDMINEBRANCH
PARK
ALTERNATEROUTE
321
321
321
BLOWINGROCK
BOONE
BOONEWELLNESSDISTRICT
PAYNEBRANCH
PARK
BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY
BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY
1
3
2
4
6
5
8
9
10
7
Legend:MIDDLE FORK GREENWAY TRAILS OTHER TRAILS
EXISTING
CONTROLLED/ UNDEVELOPED
0 0.25 0.5 1.0 MILES
PROPOSED
MOUNTAINS-TO-SEA-TRAIL
MOSES CONE
TOWN OF BOONE GREENWAY
page 5 B-Well Section Plan of the Middle Fork Greenway
be relocated to the south and directly adjacent to the barn. Mary Street could provide access to both future hospital de-velopment and land development along the large tract that also fronts Blowing Rock Road.
Steep slopes exist along the rear of the Watauga Medical Center property. Also, an historic road right-of-way is noted on early subdivision plats along Mary St., but has never been developed. Sewer easements, which often provide a feasible location for greenways, extend along a small tributary and toward the hospital parking deck.
A small section of steep slopes exist along Deerfield Road across from the proposed location of the ASU College of Health Sciences.
The intersection of State Farm Road and Deerfield Road serves another major gateway to the B-Well District.
The Boone Greenway Trailhead serves as the northern termi-nus of the Middle Fork Greenway.
framework plan
The B-Well District is divided by Deerfield Road. The Middle Fork Greenway Master Plan identifies potential trail routes along Deerfield Road and to the rear of Watauga Medical Center. The Framework Plan focuses primarily on properties located east of Deerfield Road.
Located in the southern extent of the study area and ad-jacent to Blowing Rock Road, there are steep slopes that extend toward the Middle Fork Greenway floodplain. Future development could provide for fill within this area, creating an opportunity for trail connectivity.
The Blowing Rock Road and Deerfield Road intersection serves as a major gateway to the Town of Boone and the B-Well District. Walgreens and CVS currently anchor this intersection, but its southeast corner remains undeveloped and provides an opportunity for future enhancement.
A historic barn is noted along Deerfield Road south of Mary Street. Ideally, any future development would attempt to pre-serve the historic barn. Properties just north of the historic barn are owned by the Watauga Medical Center. According to the hospital administration, Mary Street would preferably
Photos: (1) Future Development at the corner of Deerfield Rd. and Blowing Rock Rd. could incorporate trail development. (2) Steep slopes were observed by the planning team behind the Watauga Medical Center. (3) The Watauga Medical Center serves as the prominent anchor in the B-Well District. (4) Mary St. is to be relocated (see framework plan on opposite page). (5) The intersection at Blowing Rock Rd. and Deerfield Rd. serves as
a major gateway into the Town of Boone and the B-Well District. (6) A historic barn is a notable feature in the B-Well District.
1 2
53 4
6
page 6
S TAT E FAR
M R
D
F U R M A N R D .
BOONEWELLNESS DISTRICT
No
rth
Gateway
Gateway
MI D
DL E F
OR K
O
F SO
UTH
FO
RK
OF
NE
W R
I VE
R
Boone Golf Course
ARHS:Watauga Medical
Boone GreenwayTrailhead
Future DevelopmentOpportunity
ParkingDeck
Future DevelopmentOpportunity
Historic Barn
Historic Trees
Mary St. to be Relocated Along Property Line
CVS
0 1 0 0 2 0 0 ’
B L O WI N G R O C K R D .
DE
ER
FI E
LD
RD
.
M A R Y S T .
JOH
NS
ON
ST .
L O N G V U E D R .
HIS
TO
RI C
RO
W
S E W E R E A S E M E NT
F LOO
DW
AY L I MI T
S l o p e s n o tc o n d u c i v e t om u l t i - u s et r a i l d e v e l o p m e n t
On-CallParking
Bus Shelter
Legend:
0 5 0 1 0 0 2 0 0 F E E T
STEEP SLOPES
FLOODPLAIN
GATEWAY
HISTORIC ROW
page 7 B-Well Section Plan of the Middle Fork Greenway
project branding and gateways
project branding
Boone Wellness District continues to develop and redevelop, a distinctive area of Boone will emerge. To provide further definition, a range of brands were explored for use within District’s infrastructure.
The creation of the Boone Wellness District Plan signifies a shift in Boone’s traditional land use and zoning policy. This Plan places greater emphasis on building form, character, and architecture rather than the actual land use itself. As the
page 8
gateways
mountain modern
functional art
boone gate
Gateway SketchesM I D D L E F O R K G R E E N W AY,
B O O N E G R E E N W AY C O N N E C T O R
Gateway SketchesM I D D L E F O R K G R E E N W AY,
B O O N E G R E E N W AY C O N N E C T O R
Gateway SketchesM I D D L E F O R K G R E E N W AY,
B O O N E G R E E N W AY C O N N E C T O R
branding. Various architectural forms and building materials are explored that align with guidelines expressed within the Wellness District Plan.
- Angle Variation - Mixed Materials- Architectural Interest (See Welcome to B-Well Exhibit, page 13)
- Corten steel (warm rust color)- Serves as public art- Appropriate in green setting (away from brick)
- “Moon gate” design- Mixed materials- Top/center focal point
There are multiple locations throughout the study area that are suitable for trail gateways. These features help define the trail, demarcate transitions, create awareness for motor-ists, and provide an opportunity for artistic expression and
page 9 B-Well Section Plan of the Middle Fork Greenway
the plan
The greenway crosses Deerfield Road at the State Farm Road intersection and parallels Deerfield Road on its west side before reaching the Boone Greenway.
Key plan features are noted below.
Welcome to Boone: The Middle Fork Greenway will enter the Town of Boone jurisdiction where Highway 321 crosses the Middle Fork New River.
B-Well Corner and Gateway: Architecture and public art could be used to anchor the B-Well District at this significant intersection.
The Scenic Middle Fork New River: This area serves as the most scenic trail section throughout the study area.
Mary’s Back Door Connector: Connect the Farm loop to the Watauga Medical Loop via Mary Street.
Historic Barn: If preserved, a pocket park could provide respite for trail users.
Mary’s Front Door Connector: Connect the Farm loop to the Watauga Medical Loop via Mary Street and Deerfield Road.
Watauga Medical’s Good Form: New offices along Mary Street could anchor Mary Street and create the “form” supported by the Wellness District plan.
Behind the Scenes: Provided agreements can be obtained with private landowners, the greenway will meander along the edge of the hospital property.
Jump Stream: The parking deck and its landscaping make for limited space, requiring an agreement with a private landowner to cross a small tributary.
All Along Deerfield: The current sidewalk along Deerfield Road will be repurposed to provide for a multi-use greenway.
Deerfield Crossing: A crossing at the intersection of Deerfield Road and State Farm Road will connect the greenway to the future College of Health Sciences.
Don’t Upset the AppalCART: The future College of Health Sciences will provide for an AppalCART access along State Farm Road.
Grand Central Bike Station: The greenway will parallel the future College of Health Sciences along Deerfield Road, providing an ideal location for prominent bike parking.
The Connection: The Boone Greenway trailhead on Deerfield Road serves as the northern terminus of the study area.
The recommended Middle Fork Greenway alignment creates a figure 8 throughout the east section of the B-Well District. A loop will need to surround any future development that occurs on the undeveloped tract adjacent to Blowing Rock Road. Another loop is proposed around Watauga Medical Center. Blowing Rock Road, Deerfield Road, and Mary Street all provide for a multi-use greenway.
key plan features
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
page 10
S TAT E FAR
M R
D
F U R M A N R D .
No
rth
Boone Golf Course
ARHS: Watauga Medical
BOONEWELLNESS DISTRICT
Future Development Opportunity
Proposed ASU College of Health Sciences
Boone Greenway
ParkingDeck
CVS
Bus Shelter
i
0 1 0 0 2 0 0 ’
B L O WI N G R O C K R D .
DE
ER
FI E
LD
RD
.
M A R Y S T . JOH
NS
ON
ST .
L O N G V U E D R .
F LOO
DW
AY L I MI T
MI D
DL E F
OR K
O
F SO
UTH
FO
RK
OF
NE
W R
I VE
R
1
4
3
2
5
6
7 8
9
10
11
12
13
14
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
B e h i n d t h e S c e n e s
J u m p S t r e a m
A l l A l o n g D e e r � e l d
D e e r � e l d C r o s s i n g
D o n ’ t U p s e t t h e A p p a l c a r t
G r a n d C e n t r a l B i k e S t a t i o n
T h e C o n n e c t i o n
W e l c o m e t o B o o n e
B - W e l l C o r n e r a n d G a t e w a y
T h e S c e n i c M i d d l e F o r k N e w R i v e r
M a r y ’ s B a c k D o o r C o n n e c t o r
H i s t o r i c B a r n
M a r y ’ s F r o n t D o o r C o n n e c t o r
W a t a u g a M e d i c a l ’ s G o o d F o r m
Legend:
0 5 0 1 0 0 2 0 0 F E E T
page 11 B-Well Section Plan of the Middle Fork Greenway
b-well bird’s eye
Proposed ASU College of Health Sciences
Parking Deck
Blowing Rock Road
State Farm Road
Deerfi eld Road
p.15
DoctorsCrossing
page 12
b-well bird’s eye
New Watauga Medical Offices Along Relocated Mary St.
Historic Barn
Existing Watauga Medical Center
Blowing Rock Road
Deerfi eld Road
p.13
Middle Fork of South Fork of the New
River
Welcome to B-Well
page 13 B-Well Section Plan of the Middle Fork Greenway
welcome to
page 14
welcome to
existing
page 15 B-Well Section Plan of the Middle Fork Greenway
doctors crossing
page 16
doctors crossing
existing
page 17 B-Well Section Plan of the Middle Fork Greenway
boone + wellness
page 17