problem DEFINITION
Despite its historic significance, 1st Avenue is far from achieving its potential.
Dismantled mills. Disconnected neighborhoods. Isolated businesses. Vacant land. New industries have anchored, but their economic benefits have not spread.
Limited food or retail establishments are mostly consolidated in a single shopping center, Parkway Village. Most secondary businesses opt instead for nearby 2nd Avenue and Gateway Drive, the latter of which has no direct access to 1st Avenue. There is, however, much potential. Industry, historical sites, parks, and the vehicle traffic of a minor arterial are consolidated along the single avenue. Developable land provides room for expansion. Strong anchors include Pepperell Village with Shady Park to the southwest and downtown Opelika to the northeast. East Alabama Medical Clinic is a regional employment center. These strengths reside along the corridor or within a few hundred feet of it. This project leverages these advantages to improve the commercial and residential landscapes of 1st Avenue as well as bringing new opportunities to the community. |
VISION
1st Avenue becomes an engaging district, connecting residential communities and light industry in western Opelika to the downtown CBD. Pedestrians and vehicles share the corridor to access a variety of destinations in and out of 1st Avenue.
Commerce along its length is stimulated to provide goods and services to the community as well as employment opportunities. Historically significant sites are used to create meaningful community anchors and reduce blighted lots. All these functions are then consolidated into one complimentary avenue that attracts businesses and residents.
Commerce along its length is stimulated to provide goods and services to the community as well as employment opportunities. Historically significant sites are used to create meaningful community anchors and reduce blighted lots. All these functions are then consolidated into one complimentary avenue that attracts businesses and residents.