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TRANSCRIPT
Carleton CollegeArts Union Neighborhood Impact Study April 2009
CONTENTS:
1. Introduction
2. Carleton Neighbors Wiki Synopsis
• Arts Union Discussion Questions
• Wiki Comments
• Graphic Summary of Responses
3. Neighborhood Impact Study Background Information
• Presentation 1
- OAA Firm Overview
- NIS Overview
- Arts Union project Plans and Progress
- Campus Parking - Analysis
• Presentation 2
- Introduction to the Carleton Neighbors Wiki
- Arts Union Discussion Questions
- Arts Union: Building Program and Pedestrian Traffi c
- Campus Parking - Potential Solutions
• Presentation 3
- Wiki - Synopsis of Commentary (OAA)
- Neighborhood Meetings Summary (Neighbor Liaisons)
- Campus Parking - Potential Solutions II
oslund.and.assoc. A ‘Walk Radii’ diagram illustrates the connections between Carleton College, the proposed Arts Union, and the Northfi eld Neighborhoods.
Carleton CollegeArts Union Neighborhood Impact Study April 2009
INTRODUCTION
Carleton College partnered with Oslund and Associates and the Northeast Side
Neighborhood Association (NESNA) to conduct a neighborhood impact study
regarding the development of the new Arts Union (Formerly Northfi eld Middle
School) with the following three goals:
1. Communicate the college’s plans for the design, construction, and programming of
the new Arts Union.
2. Solicit and document neighbor comments/concerns regarding the development of
the new Arts Union.
3. Use this forum to help integrate the new Arts Union into the neighborhood such
that it adds value to both campus and community.
The primary vehicle for accomplishing these goals is the Carleton Neighbors Wiki
Web site at: http://carletonneighbors.pbwiki.com/. It is an open, online form, which
includes links to information about the design and development of the Arts Union, as
well as comments posted by Northfi eld residents. The web site content and discussion
questions were developed with the input of neighbor liaisons during two campus
meetings in October and November 2008. The liaisons also advertised the Wiki Web
site as an information resource throughout the neighborhood, encouraged participation
in the online discussion, and assisted groups with the use of this online forum. As a
result,78 comments were posted by 16 respondents, plus 20 anonymous neighbors.
Oslund and Associates downloaded and compiled the neighborhood responses to the
discussion questions on March 27, 2009. Graphic summaries of the neighborhood
responses are presented alongside the neighborhood commentary. Also included in
this report are slideshow presentations that were posted to the Wiki, which provided
the most current information about the Arts Union design and development at the
time of this study.
Although the development of the Arts Union is currently on hold, the Wiki site will
remain open to commentary, which will be used to inform the design, construction,
and program of the Arts Union in the future. Thank you to the neighbor liaisons and
the Northfi eld neighbors that have provided their input, which will help Carleton
to develop a state of the art facility that will benefi t both the college and the
community.
oslund.and.assoc.
Carleton CollegeArts Union Neighborhood
Impact Study - April 2009
oslund.and.assoc.
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CARLETON NEIGHBORS WIKI SYNOPSIS:
Residents of Northfi eld were invited to participate in an online
forum about the development of the Arts Union over the winter of
2008 - 2009. Neighbor liaisons assisted groups of neighbors with the
resources provided on the Carleton Neighbors Wiki Website (http://
carletonneighbors.pbwiki.com/) by encouraging them to review the
background material and respond to a series of discussion questions
that were posted on the site. Active promotion of the Wiki and assistance
by the neighbor liaisons resulted in broad neighborhood participation in
the survey, with 16 respondents, plus 20 anonymous responses. All of the
responses (up to 03.27.09) are included on the following pages.
Graphic summaries of the neighbor responses to six questions are shown
at right. Four main themes dominated the responses in the online forum;
parking and circulation, the future of Central Park, the historic integrity of
the neighborhood, and public use of the new Arts Union.
Neighborhood bikeability and walkability was referenced most frequently
in terms of neighborhood values. Accordingly, parking and circulation
between campus and the community was cited as a top concern (Q3, Q6).
Some neighbors also indicated that the new Arts Union would enhance
community walkability with the addition of arts facilities within the
neighborhood (Q2).
Central Park is a highly valued neighborhood amenity (Q1), which raised
several concerns about the continued, comfortable, and safe use of the park
by families and small children (Q3). Responses to question 4 centered on
the concern that older students would take over the public space. Some
responses also indicated that the development of the Arts Union may offer
the opportunity to enhance the park for public use (Q4).
The historic integrity of the neighborhood is also high on the list of
neighborhood values (Q1), and many of the neighbors indicated that the
reuse and renovation of the Middle School adds value to the neighborhood
(Q2). They also expressed the desire for a balance between the new and old
architecture (Q2), with concerns about the modern design that is currently
depicted in the architectural renderings (Q2, Q3, Q6).
Overall, the neighbors expressed positive responses to the reuse of the
Middle School as a College Arts Union, and they also expressed a strong
desire to participate in its program - as well as other programs on the Carleton
Campus (Q2, Q6). Responses to question 4 included several suggestions
for the development of public programs in the new Arts Union - particularly
for cinema and fi lm screenings and summer programs (Q4).
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QUESTION 6: Add your own question: Feel free to add a question
that you feel will engender constructive discussion about the Arts
Union and/or its impact on the surrounding neighborhood. You can
direct your question to the Project Planners at Carleton and ask them
to answer it, or you can pose a question to all participants in this web-
based discussion. You are also most welcome to provide your own
answer to your question, as a way of getting discussion underway.
QUESTION 5. Please share your thoughts
(both hopes and/or concerns) about how the re-
development of the Middle School as the Carleton
Arts Union might impact the use of Central Park.
We invite you to also share specifi c suggestions
relating to these concerns and hopes.
QUESTION 3. What do you feel are the biggest challenges
facing the neighborhood related to the Arts Union?
QUESTION 2. How might the re-development of the
Middle School as the Carleton Arts Union add value to its
surrounding neighborhood and/or the wider community?
QUESTION 1. What do you value most about your
neighborhood? Please indicate in general or specifi c
terms, where you live in Northfi eld.
QUESTION 4. What would you like to see in the
way of public programming associated with the
Carleton Arts Union?
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Carleton CollegeArts Union Neighborhood Impact Study April 2009
I value the park with all the shrubs & trees , and enjoy seeing the small children playing there. I also value the community activities held there, e.g., the plays,
activities of Jesse James Days. (Resident across from the park)
Question 1. We live at 201 Elm, directly across from the Faculty Club and faculty housing on Second Street. We value the people who live around us more than
any physical attribute of the neighborhood. We know that many of those people were attracted here by Carleton, and we regularly attend Carleton functions, so I
guess physical proximity to the campus is a second valued attribute. Thirdly, and very important to us, is the fact that we can walk or bike practically anywhere we
want to go. Finally, we value the tree lined streets and historical and beautifully preserved residences we see throughout the East Side neighborhood. (Susan and
Mike Harper)
Our family chose to move from Eagan to our home in Northfi eld eight years ago for the following reasons:
a. We desired a yard and a neighborhood fi lled with mature trees.
b. We love our traditional Cape Cod house on Prairie Street.
c. We enjoy walking through our neighborhood to admire the older homes and yards of our neighbors.
d. We love the open space of the golf course, arb, Memorial Park, and Central Park.
e. Our family appreciates being within walking distance of so many amenities.
These are my responses to the questions on the yellow sheet, in general: The historic nature of our neighborhood, in terms of the integrity of homes, mature
plantings, etc and the neighbors are what I value. It has been a good place to raise children, with intergenerational relationships, friendships with residents of Laura
Baker School, sitters from Carleton. It is nice to be able to walk to church on Sunday. It is a safe area and we have a lovely park in our midst. I hope that the arts
complex recognizes the area and respects that integrity. I would wish that the park maintain its family friendly atmosphere, that parking be available to park users,
usually young families. That the park does not become the domain of smokers, etc. I hope that parking is discussed, in terms of events, daily parking needs of
employees, etc. Will staff park on campus? I hope there is a cooperative effort with local businesses, not a competitive one, particularly in this current economic
climate. I would really like to see the building occupied; would there be options for use until the monies are raised for the arts renovations? The yard is maintained
and the walks kept clean, but it is still empty, not good for the surrounding neighbors. Thanks for adding these opinions to the rest! Anne (Meyer Ruppel)
We live on East 2nd Street near entrance to the Upper Arb, so are somewhat removed from Central Park. As residents here for several decades, we enjoy the sense
of history and community shared among the residents, younger and older, plus the proximity to the college and the town. It still seems like a safe neighborhood in
which we can walk at night. It’s a delight to be so close to Carleton and to be able to stroll through the campus. Central Park has its own integrity as a meeting place
for children and adults for recreation and discussion — or summer theater — and we hope this will remain so in the future. We look forward to a time when the Arts
Union is up and running, and think it will enhance the quality of life for Northfi elders.
We live on the corner of 4th and College so will be living directly across from the new addition. We most value the historic nature of our neighborhood and the
many lovely old homes. We also like the livability and walkability of the neighborhood with the downtown nearby. Finally, we enjoy living around different age
groups. (Terri Melnychenko)
We live on Winona Street between two Carleton-owned properties. We value all the components of our very special neighborhood, including long-standing
friendships with neighbors, pleasant relations with Carleton students and faculty who live near, the ability to walk downtown safely and pleasantly (excepting the
brief aberration with the pit bull living in the rental property on Second Street this summer), a strong neighborhood association, the close proximity of the beautiful
Carleton campus (and the way we feel welcome on campus), and the great gathering space offered by Central Park. We especially enjoy meeting neighbors to
socialize and garden at Central Park and on the grounds of the Northfi eld Public Library. We also cherish the Japanese garden and the Carleton Arboretum. We
appreciate the quiet of the street, the relative lack of light and noise pollution, all the mature trees and green spaces, and the way most people maintain their property.
We plan to live in our house for decades to come.
I value the sense of neighborhood among the residents, e.g., people care and watch out for one another; the safe environment in which children can grow, e.g.,
children know they can seek help from neighbors if needed; and the shared sense of the historical signifi cance of our neighborhood, e.g., home owners value and
keep their historical houses well maintained and compatible with the historical neighborhood. - a neighbor within a block.
The historic aspects of the East Side. We value Central Park, that neighbors maintain their property, that it is a relatively quiet neighborhood with friendly, helpful
neighbors. (Corrine & Elvin Heiberg)
I live at 703 4th St E. My favorite thing about our neighborhood is that we can easily walk both to the middle of downtown and to the edge of town through the
Arboretum. I love going on walks and looking at the different styles of houses and what people do to maintain and change them and how they care for their yards.
I also like that we are close to Carleton and can take advantage of the public programs they have. (Heidi Rubenstein)
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QUESTION 1. What do you value most about your neighborhood? Please indicate in
general or specifi c terms, where you live in Northfi eld.
Carleton CollegeArts Union Neighborhood Impact Study April 2009
I live at 109 Winona St. I like the residential nature of the neighborhood, coupled with the liveliness of living near Carleton. I enjoy the student foot traffi c. I like
being close to campus, close to downtown (especially the public library), and consider Central Park an important amenity. (Victoria Morse)
We live on E. 2nd and Winona. We value walkability in the neighborhood and downtown, the fact that most of what we need is downtown and walkable, the historic
feel of the neighborhood, the ebb and fl ow of students throughout the year, and our wonderful neighbors themselves. (Matt and Sarah Forester)
Carleton preserve the auditorium, built during the Depression using federal funds. It has wonderful acoustics. (I think Carleton is aware of this,but it would be
good to make sure. (Barbara Clark)
Most importantly, I value the people who live in my neighborhood and the relationships we have together as families and individuals. Secondly, I value an
environment that is very friendly to children (and in this way, Central Park is truly “central”); thirdly, I enjoy the beauty of the gardens, trees, and architecture.
(Anonymous)
We live a block south of the proposed Arts Union. We love this neighborhood for many reasons. One of my favorite things about our neighborhood is the
“walkability” factor – there are plenty of sidewalks and we use them to walk/bike to the library, downtown, parks, the Arb, Carleton campus, the city pool, and more.
Equally important, we have terrifi c people in our neighborhood and I value greatly, the feeling of connectedness I have with the many other families here. I feel a
great sense of community and involvement here. Lastly, I love the diversity and beauty of the older homes in this neighborhood.
Our house is on Elm between 2nd and 3rd. We love the quiet classic character of our neighborhood, as well as its proximity (walking distance) to many wonderful
activities. The people who live near us are all wonderful neighbors. We love our neighborhood also for the things it does NOT have: lots of car traffi c and student-
occupied homes. (John and Peggy Hanson)
We have lived at 106 Nevada for 30 years. Why has this been home to us all of these years? It’s a wonderful neighborhood. Because of the sidewalks and the
proximity to Carleton, downtown, and Central Park, people are out walking in the neighborhood. And when people are out in the neighborhood, this helps us get
to know one another and form friendships. We also like the historic nature of our neighborhood with historic homes that people are enjoying renovating and the
beautiful gardens people have planted. (Steve and Jennifer Edwins)
We value the close proximity for easy pedestrian access and social life to both the downtown and Carleton College. That the neighborhood has a mixture of house sizes fosters a
variety of family sizes ages and includes rentals, too. The neighborhood is part of the Carleton ambiance, and it part of the neighborhood. That college faculty can live close to work,
and that students are easily invited into faculty houses is part of that unique ambiance. (Steven Edwins)
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QUESTION 1. What do you value most about your neighborhood? Please indicate in
general or specifi c terms, where you live in Northfi eld.
Carleton CollegeArts Union Neighborhood Impact Study April 2009
I don’t know that the redevelopment will add value. I’d have to see the fi nal plans for the Union. (Resident across from the park)
To the extent that the Arts Union provides better venues for the arts, especially the performing arts, and to the extent that these venues can be made available to all
Northfi eld people, our City will be enhanced. But the existing performing venues are adequate from our point of view, so the new facilities won’t provide signifi cant
value to us unless the effect of having the facilities available is to encourage additional publicly accessible performances.
We’re not architects. It seems to us, though, that the Arts Union building, as proposed, presents a big, fl at, blank wall to Central Park and the neighbors to the
Northwest and Southwest. By building the new part of the facility right up to the property line, this sense of overpowering bulk is exaggerated. If design is again on
the table when the Arts Union project can be funded, we hope Carleton will reconsider the need to maximize interior space, and possibly step back the upper stories
of the building. (Susan and Mike Harper)
The location of the current building is part of a community link to our neighborhood. The other buildings that draw in people are the public library, United Church
of Christ, and the Carleton College campus. When people attend events at these locations, typically they are also drawn to the historic charm of our neighborhood,
recognizing that our neighborhood is the gem of Northfi eld, both for beauty and access to cultural events. Of course we homeowners will benefi t from the proposed
Arts Union because we can enjoy even more events within walking distance of our homes.
By purchasing the old Middle School, Carleton has stepped forward to greatly enhance this neighborhood and the City. Renovating an old building is extremely
expensive (tens of millions of dollars), and there were really no other viable players in the City with deep enough pockets to make it happen. If Carleton hadn’t stepped
forward and purchased this property, it might have gone into further disrepair and torn down. To have an Arts Union located so close to downtown and the Campus it
extremely exciting and brilliant. Even though this project is years away from completion, it offers a true vision and goal for the Campus, City and the neighborhood.
Carleton badly needs more art space (just compare what Carleton offers in exhibition space compared to St. Olaf). The 1950’s cafeteria addition is an eye sore and I
am glad the plans have completely revamped that end of the building. Being an Arts Union, the exterior of the building blends the old main building architecture with
the new, fresh ideas of the “modern age” with the bold addition. I can picture in my mind the inside of the new, large metal addition as being a wonderfully bright,
creative space - a space I would want to be in as I walk downtown as a stop over, sit and drink a cup of coffee from a small cafe, read the newspaper, or view some
artwork. I can also picture the space used for receptions before and after evening concerts and plays, with a glass of wine. In my opinion, I believe the old style and
new style parts of the building provide a nice contrast and should be kept as designed. I am against opening up College St. through Central Park. There is simple
too much foot traffi c including small children. It isn’t safe to open up College St, and I think College St. should remain closed between 3rd and 4th Streets. As far
as outdoor lighting, there should be enough to make it safe to walk around the outside of the building at nighttime but not so bright as to seem like a football stadium.
The landscaping in the plans seems quite traditional and there isn’t a lot of landscape enhancements. There isn’t mush lawn space as is, but to create inviting gardens
with small paths on what lawn space there is can enhance the focus on arts, by using the natural world (plants) to create “art” outside too. I can picture color themes
with the plants, trees and fl owers interspersed with sculptures. I would also encourage Carleton to start using this building now rather than later. It would be better
to fi x it up as needed to open up the space and maintain it rather than let it sit for several more years boarded up. The new riverwalk in downtown Northfi eld along
the Cannon River as a wonderful sculpture called “Harvest”. Would it be possible the Carleton and the City to agree on one or two strategically-placed sculptures
in and around the Arts Union, perhaps in Central Park? The indoor space can be quite stunning, are there plans to allow members of the community to rent out that
space for private events, such as weddings, large parties, anniversaries, corporate functions, etc.? The summer months would be slow for the Arts Union, I would
guess, and many weddings take place in the summer. Perhaps an outdoor wedding could even be facilitated in conjunction with the City at Central Park (for a fee,
and another way the City can generate revenue) with the reception in the Arts Union. As long as there are no confl icts with Carleton events, I would think it would be
a way of the Arts Union to support itself fi nancially, as maintaining such a building doesn’t come cheap. Are there plans for a small shop inside so the art students can
sell their artwork? One diffi cult transition I heard about from my art student friends upon graduation is there total lack of any business skills to manage themselves
as independent artists. The gift shop would provide a learning opportunity for the art students to market themselves and one way of inviting the community to enter
the building.
Ever since hearing about the idea of an Arts Union I have had a fantasy that, in addition to its many functions, it might also house a movie theater that would
(periodically, if not routinely) offer fi lms of interest to the general public. Okay, the fantasy is that it might become Lagoon Theatre South with 1st run fi lms. In fact,
we now live without any movie theater in town. My sense is that some open nights of screenings where the public is welcome, and people from town feel comfortable
in beautiful new spaces will go far to create genuine good feelings and town-gown relations. I’m not sure I agree with some other commentators who think the
architecture must be all more or less the same. Some sense of the historic building is desired, and planned for, and I think the newer spaces will certainly be a vast
improvement over what we’ve been living with in the 1950s style cafeteria wing for many decades.
The exterior design should blend with the old school and with the neighborhood. The current design does neither. Carleton has shown over the years that they can
produce beautiful architecture that fi ts into the historic neighborhood. Please do it again in the Arts Union. An addition that respects the exiting historic architecture
could tremendously benefi t the area. Gardens reminiscent of those in the middle of Central Park would enhance the building and draw people to the Arts Union.
Sidewalks incorporating a sense of inclusion of the public around the building would further add to the design. Lighting, of course, must light well enough for
protection but also be subtle enough to enhance the historic building. Having a smaller scale and a less intrusive presence on Central Park would also aid in the designs
overall beauty and acceptance. (Terri Melnychenko)
First, we think that investment of Carleton in new arts facilities is an appropriate use for this former City property and is in keeping with Northfi eld’s goal of becoming oslund.and.assoc.
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QUESTION 2. How might the re-development of the Middle School as the Carleton
Arts Union add value to its surrounding neighborhood and/or the wider community?
In addressing this question, and question 3, below, consider both the potential public
programs associated with the Arts Union, as well as the design of the facility. Please
include specifi c features such as; exterior design, landscape design/plantings, sidewalks,
lighting schemes, public seating, etc.
Carleton CollegeArts Union Neighborhood Impact Study April 2009
an arts town/arts destination. The arts (and artists -- should there be a residential component for visiting artists) are good for neighborhoods and local economy. The
arts offer natural meeting ground for all kinds of people, and we are all for giving the arts more visibility.
Second, regarding the design, we want to make sure that all exterior design elements are sensitive to the residential character of the neighborhood. Specifi cally, we
would not want the new structure to be larger than the current one. We are opposed to bright lights at night and to loud music or other sounds leaking out of the structure
-- anything audible from the sidewalk would be something we would consider intrusive.
We also appreciate the necessity for contemporary art to be controversial on many occasions; HOWEVER, we would be opposed to having any graphically violent,
sexual, racist, or misogynistic art displayed outside the building (banners, posters, sculptures, etc.) where children might encounter it. That said, we think of many ways
that art installations and plantings, such as we have enjoyed at Walker Art Center’s Sculpture Garden, the Franconia Art Park, and the University Landscape Arboretum,
for example would be stimulating and welcome additions to the neighborhood. If there are publicly accessible galleries, coffee shop/meeting places, performances,
lectures, or class options, we think any or all of these would enhance the neighborhood. We also think it is better to have this structure in use than standing vacant.
I have not heard about specifi c public programs that are being considered by the college. I would assume that it might involve some public programs that are currently
offered to the public on the main campus, e.g., art exhibits and theater performances. I am not aware of offerings that would be in addition/different from those
currently available to the public but assume there are. Of course, if the architecture, landscaping, lighting, etc. complemented the Neighborhood, it would be an asset.
I do not, however, believe the current plans do that (see 3a below) - a neighbor within a block.
Boarded up windows and old middle school is an eyesore. The parking area is in disrepair. We hope a historical architect can redesign the building to fi t in with the
neighborhood and enhance it. (Corrine & Elvin Heiberg)
I am extremely excited about the Arts Union plans! Since we live on 4th Street, I imagine it being a stop for us on the way to Division Street. I would like to stop in
with my family to see gallery shows or sit at the cafe. I really like the idea of looking at art of all different kinds with my daughter as she grows. I like how in Boliou
Hall there is a cozy seating area with the latest art magazines out on shelves and I think it would be nice to replicate that in the Arts Union - a peaceful place to think
creative thoughts. (Heidi Rubenstein)
Having the old Middle School building in use is important to the neighborhood, and I look forward to improved landscaping. I would be happy to see the community
coming to the Arts Union for exhibits, talks, and fi lm showings. (Victoria Morse)
We are grateful to Carleton for it’s commitment to purchase and maintain the historic buildings. The redevelopment plans in our mind have taken into account the
surrounding setting, and will provide a great mix of old and new. In terms of programming, we are grateful to Carleton for all the tremendous opportunities it extends
to the community in the arts, lectures, etc., and think the arts union will be a wonderful facility in which new creative endeavors will be shared in a spectacular venue.
(Matt and Sarah Forester)
I hope Carleton tears down the cafeteria building. It has no redeeming architectural value. The street between 3rd and 4th could then be restored. (Barbara Clark)
If the design of the new addition were to be correctly aligned with the existing architecture of the surrounding area, then there would be good reason to celebrate
the removal of the decaying older addition. It benefi ts the neighborhood when buildings are well maintained, and Carleton generally does a great job of maintaining
buildings and landscaping. (Anonymous)
I think, in general, Carleton does a beautiful job maintaining its campus and buildings. One of the greatest advantages of living near Carleton College is the vast amount
of beautiful green space to roam around on. I think the re-development could benefi t the neighborhood by improving the external view of the building (removing bad
60’s add on, improving run down parking area/sidewalks, adding appropriate landscaping/lighting, etc.) Unfortunately, I do not care for the proposed design and feel
it does not fi t with the neighborhood. I think the historic nature of this neighborhood is important to the residents and the college needs to be more sensitive to that. I
think the current design is inappropriate for this neighborhood. Additionally, I think the college could offer programming and space to local residents and artists.
I think the Arts Union could host exhibitions and concerts that would be great things for the surrounding community. Perhaps an email mailing list of “what’s coming
this month at the Arts Union...” sent to students, faculty, and the local community would be a good idea. (John and Peggy Hanson)
Starting with the community, the project does fulfi ll a number of the key goals for the old Middle School reuse as studied extensively by community leaders. The
current arts education orientation is potentially a good neighbor in the east side neighborhood context. It is supportive of the historic downtown, by having activity that
can ‘spill over’ and make use of services there, as well as provide events that can become part of a downtown ‘destination’ for the community. The Project intends, I
believe, to preserve the two oldest buildings that are quite important symbolically in our heritage: the large high school building that replace the fi rst high school, and a
depression era auditorium built when not much seemed hopeful, and then provided generation of residents a place for memorable family events for both years of high
school programs and middle school events. The combination of retaining these ‘landmarks’ of town heritage and re-programming such that the public can participate
in the years to come is of high value.oslund.and.assoc.
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QUESTION 2. How might the re-development of the Middle School as the Carleton
Arts Union add value to its surrounding neighborhood and/or the wider community?
In addressing this question, and question 3, below, consider both the potential public
programs associated with the Arts Union, as well as the design of the facility. Please
include specifi c features such as; exterior design, landscape design/plantings, sidewalks,
lighting schemes, public seating, etc.
Carleton CollegeArts Union Neighborhood Impact Study April 2009
The challenges to the neighborhood include the obvious ones, such as assuring that parking is adequate and that noise and light are contained in a manner consistent
with a residential neighborhood. We trust Carleton to deal with these challenges.
We’re concerned at the College’s lack of an announced plan for the several blocks between the “traditional” campus and the Arts Union. We assume that Carleton,
which already owns much of the property in this area, will want to own and develop it all, effectively extending the campus up to 4th Street (rather than allowing the
Arts Union to be an isolated outpost). How will these blocks be developed? If the plan is for additional green space, or to return buildings to residential uses, the
neighborhood will probably be enhanced. If the College wants to put parking ramps or administrative buildings there, or to close existing streets, the neighborhood
could be adversely affected. We’re concerned that Carleton hasn’t said anything at all about this potential “college development zone,” and we wonder how plans
for the Arts Union itself can have progressed so far without any public reference to this area. (Susan and Mike Harper)
Parking. Where are the cars going to park? It sounds like there will be a high level of activity over there. Where are the faculty going to park? Where are the
visitors going to park? There is already parking from Carleton going on in the neighborhood now – apparently connected with the building project. The park is
still a public park; the public and neighbors should have fi rst use. Carleton should be considerate of the children. Earlier, the school district wanted to turn the
park into an athletic fi eld but the state supreme court said they could not because it had been designated as a neighborhood park. I opposed the school’s project
then because it should be for the neighborhood. I think it should remain so; I don’t want someone else deciding how the park should be used. I’ve seen some
students using the park at times when children wouldn’t be (when is too dark or cold) and I don’t have a problem with that. The building plans look like we might
feel crowded by the building. If they could at least set it back off of the park side, i.e., provide more setback than the current Building on the east side. (Resident
across from the park)
No opinion – I don’t know enough about what they could do. (Resident across from the park)
My concerns relate to safety for pedestrians and adequate parking for visitors.
Again, as stated above, I feel differently than others about the modern metal addition proposed on the east side of the building - the world evolves, adapts and
changes. I think preserving the historic main building is appropriate and is being done. And because this building is an Arts Union afterall, it deserves to have a
bold, new-age, modern section to it. The inside of the new space will be quite striking, dramatic, and really wonderful. A building is used for both the outside and
inside. I could imagine that having just the old building will not provide the needed space and variety of different spaces for the Arts Union. Therefore, I strongly
support the new addition. If there are large events open to the community, parking will be an issue (vs. if an event was targeting mainly students, they would
presumably be walking to the Arts Union). I lived in Bloomington, Indiana for many years, connected to Indiana University. At one of the studio art buildings
for Indiana University, the students often would have to take large pieces of sculpture outside the building, on the parking lot, to create, paint, mold, build, etc. In
some cases, you could picture this really being necessary for ventilation and space needs. The same would apply to the Carleton students - the Arts Union needs
to provide the students with a safe, well-ventilated, clean and protected outdoor space for their creative process that won’t be an eye sore for people walking on
the sidewalks.
Perhaps it is because we live somewhat further away from Central Park, but I don’t see any immediate challenges that will impact us personally.
Parking for events and by students/faculity/staff in general already adds crowding to the neighborhood and the Art Union could make this even worse.
Central Park is a valued resource for many families in the neighborhood, especially those with young children. Overuse of the park by students, especially if there are
uncontrolled problems with litter (there is already a problem with cigarette buts and broken glass bottles that neighborhood clean-up addresses) and alcohol/drugs
could make the park unsafe or unwelcoming. The whole town depends upon the park space for such events as Northfi eld Arts Guild theater productions, and Books
and Stars concerts, Defeat of Jesse James Days art fairs. We want to make sure that this remains true. Excessive lighting on some Carleton properties, such as off-
campus housing, adds unwelcome light pollution to the night sky, and, the Arts Union could make this worse.
I believe there are three major, very consequential challenges to the neighborhood that need to be addressed;
a) The planned façade of the building is not at all compatible with or complementary to the architecture of 1) the older, early 1900s sections of the building and the 2)
neighborhood residences. The “modern”, stark appearance of the addition strikes me an affront to older building. That need not be the case. We have good examples
of additions to existing structures in this town that were compatible and enhanced the existing building and enhanced the area, e.g., the library. The solid brick north
side of the old building is less compromised by the planed addition. While the incompatibility with the existing building is most grievous, the incompatibility of the
planned architecture with the neighborhood is also an issue. The interior does not have any effect on the neighborhood. Thus, as a minimum, I think the design of
the addition should be drastically modifi ed on the east, south, and west side out of respect for the existing building and the surrounding neighborhood architecture.
Since the north side of the old building is already solid brick and since the north side “neighbors” are Carleton buildings, that is less problematic for me as a near-by
resident.
b) The lack of parking is a serious problem. Usually buildings located in a neighborhood would be required to provide enough parking for at least some of those
working in the building (as the school did). Out of respect for the neighbors, I would have expected Carleton to do at least that much. Even that much would leave
a void for parking of 1) students (the neighbors witness students living in our area every day who drive into Carleton; students living in other neighborhoods will oslund.and.assoc.
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QUESTION 3. What do you feel are the biggest challenges facing the neighborhood
related to the Arts Union?
Carleton CollegeArts Union Neighborhood Impact Study April 2009
certainly drive to this building) and 2) public event participants. While I wouldn’t expect Carleton to put in public parking on this property for large occasional
events, to ignore the parking for students and those working in the building is not at all respectful of the neighbors. Parking was allowed on the south side of the
building when Carleton obtained a permit but since that time the parking has been modifi ed to prohibit on-street parking on the south side. I am not aware of any
action by Carleton to address the change in parking on the street. Students and staff should not be allowed to park in the neighborhood. Perhaps they could be given
permits to park on the streets north of the building that have only Carleton properties.
c) The use of the park is also a problem. I have registered this concern previously and I feel very strongly about it given my experiences. The park is already often
used as a “playground” for some college students who live in the neighborhood. They often occupy the west end of the park for Frisbee. Children dare not use the
diagonal sidewalks on the west end of the park for safety reasons when the students are playing Frisbee – but yet, the crosswalk for the children entering the park
from the south is on the west end. The most grievous use of the park by students is their “playing” on the children’s playground equipment. I understand they may
enjoy swinging and climbing on the bars but I have observed on several occasions their occupying this equipment with small children standing around “waiting” for
a turn. The students seem to be totally oblivious to the fact that the children want to use it. Once I went over and stood very close to the bars with my grand-daughter
and the three students on the bars didn’t acknowledge our presence and continued sit on top of the bars chatting. Carleton must make it clear that this is not their
campus playground. Children should feel safe and comfortable going to and playing in the park. - a neighbor within a block.
Challenges during re-building are safety for Park users. Traffi c will be heavy and noisy with large trucks and equipment. Normal resident traffi c will be impacted.
(Corrine & Elvin Heiberg)
Since we have a young daughter, I want Central Park to always be a safe, comfortable place for her to play. In general, I like the idea of people of different ages and
stages of life sharing the same space, and I think having more college students around won’t be a bother. In my experience so far, Carleton students are respectful
of and entertained by babies and kids. I hope children and parents feel that they “own” the park as much as they do now and continue to gather there and care for
the place. I hope the Lien benches will stay put on the Southeast corner of Central park. We live in the old Lien house and Millie has talked to me about her and
Elton’s benches.
I wish the footprint of the building could be made smaller in the newer addition section, near College Street on the South side, so that it doesn’t come so close to
the sidewalk and it didn’t ruin the view of the downtown buildings and beyond as you down 4th walk from the East. Could it go up another story instead of out so
far? (Heidi Rubenstein)
Use of the park; see number 5. Parking seems like the other big challenge, along with some concerns over the increased “student corridor” feel of the streets leading
from campus to the Arts Union. (Victoria Morse)
I think the biggest challenge relates to continued open dialogue between the College and other interests. I think communications are very good right now. (Matt
and Sarah Forester)
1. The new section of the building is inappropriately designed for the historic setting in which it will reside for many years to come. Pardon me--I do realize this
is someone’s “baby”--but frankly, it looks like a giant spaceship. Although we could just ignore it as in “A Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy,” I think this would
be a huge mistake. Many good examples can be found of how to create new buildings that blend well with old ones and yet maintain a sense of contemporary fl air.
Carleton has accomplished this feat with excellent style in the past with its new construction. In this case, however, the exterior design of the proposed addition is
a radical juxtaposition with its surroundings.
2. I am also concerned about light pollution, and I hope this will be mitigated by thoughtful attention to this important aspect. I would encourage the architects to
do their research and come up with some creative and innovative solutions.
3. It is important how artistic freedom will be expressed. Artwork displayed outside of the building should be carefully monitored and must be appropriate for our
youngest children who frequently use the park. It should be rated “G” artwork. Furthermore, sculptures would be natural places for kids to try climbing, and there
is a playground nearby, after all. So it is important that those installed or stored (even temporarily) outside the building are safe to climb on or are carefully secured.
(Anonymous)
As noted above, I am concerned with the design of the new building. I think the current design is unattractive. I think any renovation should fi t with the original
structure as well as the surrounding neighborhood. I am greatly concerned about traffi c and parking along the streets surrounding the Arts Union specifi cally Central
Park. I strongly oppose increased on-street parking and/or increasing traffi c in our neighborhood. It will detract from the aesthetics and safety of both Central
Park and the surrounding area. Additionally, I am somewhat concerned about of a “take over” of Central Park by Carleton students during the school year as well
as any intrusion on the park by an expanded building (either with building height or footprint). Furthermore, I think there is a concern of Carleton’s continued
encroachment into the neighborhood. The Arts Union is another example of Carleton moving further and further out from its main campus into our neighborhood
and that can feel threatening. There are many aspects of Carleton that enhance our not only our neighborhood, but our entire community; however, despite all the
positives that Carleton brings, it does bring negatives and the east side of town bears an increased share of these burdens. We have seen blocks of house turned
in administrative offi ces, we have seen increased parking/traffi c in front of our houses from students and staff, and we have seen single-family homes turned into oslund.and.assoc.
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QUESTION 3. What do you feel are the biggest challenges facing the neighborhood
related to the Arts Union?
Carleton CollegeArts Union Neighborhood Impact Study April 2009
dilapidated rental properties overstuffed with college students. So, when the college moves further into the neighborhood – for whatever reason – it gets more and
more diffi cult to feel welcoming.
No major challenges from our point of view, but we live a ways away from the park. (John and Peggy Hanson)
1) My husband and I have a large concern about the appearance of the building. At one of the fi rst meetings Carleton held about the Arts Union project neighbors
were told that Carleton was going to hire an architect that worked with construction of historic building in historic neighborhoods. The architectural renderings seem
to make no effort to blend with the older part of the building or with the neighborhood. We were surprised by this since Carleton is doing a lovely job with the new
dormitories, making sure they blend with other older dormitories. Please rethink the architectural plan and design it to blend with the old part of the school. At this
point the design stands out like a sore thumb. We’re not sure how the current planned addition will fare over time as a beautiful building that people will go out of
their way to see. We were excited by the possibility of having the pleasure of looking at a beautiful building, we’re currently very disappointed.
2) Concern about parking and traffi c. Since there is no plan for parking it must be assumed by Carleton that staff, students and visitors will park on streets around
the Arts Union. that allows no parking. It seems imperative that Carleton work out a plan for parking that does not use only street parking around the Arts Union.
4) There is already Carleton student use of the park. We don’t want that to further expand.
building of some type. Traffi c on
3) Please consider setting the east side of the building further back from the park. The building imposes on the park. 5) Consider moving the loading area from 4th
street. 4th Street is busy with drivers often exceeding the speed limit.
We don’t want Central Park to lose its identity and become the Arts Union’s park. We don’t want to see any changes that would make neighbors, Northfi elders or
children feel misplaced or uncomfortable. (Neighbor at the corner of 4th and College)
Where are people going to park when attending whatever is at the Arts Union? There is a big need for event parking. My opinion would be to tear down the “new”
section of the building and put in a parking ramp. Since my house is directly across 4th Street, many people tend to park in front. This leaves no space for friends
and relatives who want to visit me. Thank you for listening, (Shirley Nelson, 306 E. 4th Street)
Many have discussed issues of parking and noise. After years of staff parking, event parking, dozens of buses lining the site two or three times a day as a school
with at one time over a thousand students, the new likely perimeter traffi c load is predictably much reduced from that past, which for generations was more or less
‘accepted’ by the neighborhood as a whole, though of major impact to residences that were across the street from the site.
The challenge to the neighborhood is more about the very size and scale of the new facilities facing Central Park. The addition facing east will be a very LARGE
building, whose visual and scale impacts are diffi cult to anticipate before it is in place. Thus, a BIG challenge to us is a NOW challenge, that many may not be fully
aware of what this very large entity will be like and how it will alter the nature of Central Park itself. More about this LARGENESS and how it might be corrected
in answer to Question 5, below. (Steven Edwins)
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QUESTION 3. What do you feel are the biggest challenges facing the neighborhood
related to the Arts Union?
Carleton CollegeArts Union Neighborhood Impact Study April 2009
One suggestion for public programming would be to use the auditorium for cinema, available to the public on some sort of a regular basis. (Susan and Mike
Harper)
See my answers to #3. The park use should be kept for the community. Students could use it at some times but be respectful. (Resident across from the park)
I have mentioned the need for fi lm screenings in Northfi eld (above) and hope that this is under consideration in ways that include the town -- not just Carleton
students, and Carleton-related residents in town.
Any or all of the following kinds of programming would be wonderful: summer programs for children, youth, families, and seniors; public lectures and/or
demonstrations; performances and readings; and exhibitions. In addition, there is a dearth of public meeting spaces in Northfi eld. If there were the possibility for
community groups to use Art Union space occasionally (from small gatherings such as writers groups or larger events) that would certainly be of help to the town,
especially if the spaces had natural light and good acoustics.
I would like to see programs that involve the children in the school system in some way but realize that would have budget and space implications. - a neighbor
within a block.
We’d like to see college performances frequently while being open to the public as well. We’d like to see community groups use the Arts Center similar to their
using Skinner Memorial Chapel now. (Corrine & Elvin Heiberg)
The feature I am most excited about in the Arts Union is the Cinema Theater. I hope there are fi lms shown there that are open to the public and of general interest.
(Heidi Rubenstein)
Exhibits, talks, fi lm showings, some events oriented towards or appropriate for children. (Victoria Morse)
I think that keeping Carleton’s programs open to the public is suffi cient public programming. It would be wonderful if there could be collaborations between the
College and community organizations and schools in things like gallery exhibitions, etc. (Matt and Sarah Forester)
Just as the public participates in visual and performing arts events on campus, these events in the Arts Union might seem more ‘accessible’ given the public heritage
of the site. Thus, more opportunities are likely to be considered by faculty and staff for town/campus interactions in the arts. Interactions with the public schools and
charter schools come to mind. Gallery, theater, fi lm-video, and arts-crawl opportunities close to the downtown are very desirable for Northfi eld’s trajectory toward
being an ever self-conscious arts community. As a community quality of life issue, it is valued by existing residents and aids the attraction of new residents.
I would like to see Carleton art students having more interaction and volunteering within the Northfi eld community. Perhaps there could be an effort to create
experiential learning opportunities involving people from different demographic groups. This would be good practice for the Carleton students since so many grants
and artist residencies require a community involvement piece. (Anonymous)
I would enjoy programming that local residents could participate in or attend. I would love to see classes for adults and children in areas such as art, music,
photography, dance, etc. Also, perhaps offering space for local artists to work would be valuable.
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QUESTION 4. What would you like to see in the way of public programming associated
with the Carleton Arts Union?
Carleton CollegeArts Union Neighborhood Impact Study April 2009
Central Park is beautiful, especially in Summer, but we think it’s valued most for its playgrounds, and for the uses to which it’s put by young families. Should we
worry that the park will be taken over by Carls, making it less hospitable for the little ones? We’re not sure, but we’ve heard some concern expressed about this.
I have a concern about how comfortable parents will be if the park has signifi cant numbers of college age students among the small children. Will parents be
comfortable being able to keep track of their children in order to keep them safe? Will the children be as free to run around and use the space freely as they do now?
If that is an issue, could Carleton do something to defi ne the space where young children should feel free to explore and play? I’m not suggesting anything like a
high fence but something that defi nes the space that is designated for smaller children only. (Next to park with small children)
When our children were younger, we frequently played at the park, either walking there or riding our bikes. I love having a neighborhood playground where we can
mingle with neighbors and meet friends. This was especially nice since our former neighborhood in Eagan was dotted with each family’s playground equipment,
which is defi nitely nice, but doesn’t foster the same sense of community. I prefer that the Arts Union remove the “modern” addition to the original brick building,
and use that space as a landscaped buffer between the Arts Union and the park.
Please see above. It is vital that the park remain a true community resource, not something co-opted by the Art Union.
Enhance rather than destroy Central Park and residential neighborhood. (Corrine & Elvin Heiberg)
I answered this in question #3. (Heidi Rubenstein)
I am a bit concerned that the park as a place for families (especially families with small children) may get swamped by Carleton-related users, but it can’t possibly
be worse than when it was the site of the Middle School PE classes. I would be delighted to see people who work in the building and students using the park for
studying, eating lunch, and playing games, so long as the spaces for small children remain available and comfortable for families. There will need to be some care
taken not to “double book” the space for a big Arts Union event and, say, a Books and Stars event in the park. I want the community to feel that the park is still
available for bigger events without worrying that Carleton’s use of the site has already used up all the neighborhood’s good will over parking, crowds, added noise
and the like. (Victoria Morse)
We hope that Central Park continues to be a place where the neighborhood and community gathers regularly. We don’t anticipate that the Arts Union’s redevelopment
will have more of an impact on use of Central Park than when the building was used as a public school. (Matt and Sarah Forester)
I think it depends on how the Carleton students view the park. If they see it as “their” space, then there could be problems, but if they respect it as community space
then there could be a fi ne balance and mutual benefi t.
For my family, the park is a social gathering place—mostly for young people. Older children and teens go there in the summer in groups to play soccer, catch,
kick ball, ultimate Frisbee, and other games. It would be a shame if Carleton students dominated this space, because these neighborhood kids need a safe place to
socialize and engage in healthy activities. People also drive there from all over Northfi eld and the surrounding area to play with their younger children. It is probably
among the most used parks in Northfi eld and deserves respect for its role in supporting community gatherings. (Anonymous)
As noted above, my concerns mostly stem from worries about parking and traffi c. I strongly believe an increase in either parking and/or traffi c will detract greatly
from the park and the neighborhood. I am also concerned about the negative impact a larger/taller building my have on the park as well as increased use of the park
by college students. If there starts to be a lot of use of the park by college students the park will become less attractive for neighborhood families. College-aged
students tend to use a slightly less than “G” rated vocabulary and can, especially in groups, be intimidating to families. I would love to see Carleton invest in Central
park by providing the city with a grant or something to upgrade and/or expand the playground equipment to help reinforce this is a family/children’s park and not
an extension of the Carleton campus.
Additionally, I hope that Carleton will address the parking situation by providing ample, out-of-site parking (perhaps underground) or parking restrictions. Additionally,
I’d like to see landscaping done in a way that it would deter students and faculty from overtaking the park and draw them to the front (Union Street) of the building
with benches and green space on that side of the buidling. Lastly, I hope the design of the new building does not detract or infringe upon from the park.
Our favorite Park activities are Shakespeare in the Park and the summer concerts given by CVRO. Perhaps more such events? The playground should remain, as it
is a valuable resource for young families in the area! Hopefully this will retain it’s character as a true community park (John and Peggy Hanson)
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QUESTION 5. Please share your thoughts (both hopes and/or concerns) about how the
re-development of the Middle School as the Carleton Arts Union might impact the use of
Central Park. We invite you to also share specifi c suggestions relating to these concerns
and hopes.
Carleton CollegeArts Union Neighborhood Impact Study April 2009
Question 6. We have an additional question. How can the Middle School building be used and developed in the near future, i.e. until there’s funding for the Arts
Center? An asset of that magnitude shouldn’t sit idle, because idle buildings deteriorate. Also, Carleton is in need of offi ce and administrative space; we understand
that sorely needed dormitory space is currently used for administrative functions, and many houses owned by Carleton are used for these purposes even though they
are not effi cient and would be better used for faculty residences or sold back to private parties. Of course, we have no idea what the costs of converting parts of
the Middle School to such uses would be; however, we applaud the Trustee’s decision to look into temporary uses, and we hope that the Middle School can be used
productively. (Susan and Mike Harper)
Why does the proposed plan incorporate the two disjointed designs of the existing building? (Currently I think the beautiful historic brick building looks like it has
an odd growth on it’s east side.) I wish the current plan would rather blend the building into one design rather than emphasize the disparity of design. Since this is
an historic neighborhood, I propose that the entire design refl ect the traditional architecture of the original building – or eliminate the addition, as proposed earlier,
and use the space for additional landscaping and outdoor seating.
How is Carleton planning to ameliorate the already congested parking situation in this area of Northfi eld? For example, is underground parking being discussed?
What public programs are feasible for Carleton given space and budget limitations? Because this building is not in the middle of a campus but in the middle of
a neighborhood, what is the architect’s solution to the effects of the large areas of glass on a) the refl ections likely for those using the park in the mornings? the
refl ections likely for residents living across the streets at other times of the day? and b) on light pollution for the neighborhood of the interior lighting? What are
Carleton’s plans regarding parking? . - a neighbor within a block.
The auditorium stage should be enlarged to utilize it fully for large musical or theatrical production. Could community groups use it when more space is required?
Could community groups use the gym? The original chandelier is now in the middle school museum. It was removed when the School District owned the building.
It is a centerpiece of the School Museum and must remain there. Security lights must be subdued so they will be less intrusive to neighbors.
Street parking will continue as it does now. (Corrine & Elvin Heiberg)
I will reiterate a suggestion that I made to Joe Hargis and Steve Richardson a year ago: that the loading dock be moved from 4th Street (a collector street, a main
pedestrian route from downtown to Central Park and the Arts Union, and the urban section of the Mill Towns Trail) and over to Union Street across from the UCC
parking lot. That accomplishes two goals: 1) moving the trucking functions away from immediate neighbors, pedestrians and bicyclists, and 2) allowing the 4th
Street side of phase one to become a gracious, inviting community entrance to the Arts Union. In fact, the entrance could be aligned with the north (main campus)
entrance in such a way as to frame the view of the College through the atrium from the “community” side of the building.
Also has Carleton considered leasing the UCC parking lot during week days and evenings, when it is generally underutilized by the church, to address a portion of
their off-street parking needs? Carleton could gain ca. 20 parking spaces and the UCC could earn some revenue; a win-win for both parties. There would need to
be some agreement about suspending college use during funerals and weddings; but those are about dozen per year maximum. Margit Johnson
The planned addition onto the east side of the re-used school structures is not in character with the residential scale of Central Park for the following reasons.
Problem 1: In the two or three versions of the design shown at public meetings, the three story addition is essentially one large mass - much like large developments
seen along highways. The houses around Central Park are very vertical pieces and with spaces between allowing visible connections to and from the neighborhood.
Four or fi ve house structures face each side of each street, not one large mass. The result is a settled, calm, and quiet ambiance.
Solution 1: Divide the addition into more individual element, at least three or more. The plan suggests at least two entrance opportunities to suggest the separation
of masses. Problem 2: The Arts Union addition is build right up to the west edge of the park, taking over most or all of the property that was street, boulevards and
two sidewalks. Such height and size can, in one sense, begin to ‘take over’ the entire park.
Solution 2: Restore College street as the linkage and buffer between this large building and the park. The street could be designed to maximize parking with dual
benefi ts. It just may be that the Arts Union concept, with apparent great educational merits, results in too much building at a very sensitive and relatively small site.
In summary: the Arts Union’s new addition that faces Central Park, is visually not compatible with the scale of Central Park. This awkwardness is heightened by
this large wide tall facade being directly on the park. Better if it is across a restored College Street as an open area that could be used for needed parking, too. Less
can be more. (Steven Edwins).
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QUESTION 6: Add your own question: Feel free to add a question that you feel
will engender constructive discussion about the Arts Union and/or its impact on the
surrounding neighborhood. You can direct your question to the Project Planners at
Carleton and ask them to answer it, or you can pose a question to all participants in this
web-based discussion. You are also most welcome to provide your own answer to your
question, as a way of getting discussion underway.
5 MIN. WALK
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6TH ST. E.
CITY PARKING ALTERNATIVES AND THE
PROPOSED CAMPUS PARKING PLAN
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NEIGHBORHOOD IMPACT STUDY BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
Slideshows that were presented to the neighbor liaisons are posted to the Carleton
Neighbors Wiki Web Site. They include information about the design of Arts Union
and campus planning activities, which were updated as plans evolved over the
duration of the study. Additional links on the Wiki Web Site connected neighbors to
additional campus and neighborhood information, such as the NESNA Web Site and
the ‘Locally Grown’ neighborhood blog.
The fi rst slide show, presented on October 18, 2008, summarized the initial goals of
the Neighborhood Impact Study, and presented the most current plans and renderings
of the new Arts Union. An analysis of existing campus parking facilities and potential
future parking strategies was also included.
The second slide show, presented on November 5, 2008, includes an introduction to
the Wiki Web Site and a draft of the discussion questions that would be posted to
the Wiki to generate neighbor input. Information that the neighbor liaisons requested
at the previous meeting, such as Arts Union programming, and daytime/evening
building usage estimates was also included. Updated parking plans, which had
evolved through internal campus planning activities, included a comparison between
campus and city parking facilities and future needs.
The fi nal slide show, presented on March 27, 2008, included a synopsis of Wiki
responses to date. The most current campus parking analysis and plan was also
presented.
Please visit http://carletonneighbors.pbworks.com/FrontPage to view the slideshow
presentations.
Carleton CollegeArts Union Neighborhood Impact Study April 2009