The Waterfront
“…The drive meanders along the riverbank providing views toward the water and across the Red River to the French Quarter. Once you have entered the gates motorists share the route with bicyclists, roller bladers, joggers, and casual strollers. Toward the water is Stephen Juba Park, redeveloped to accommodate the new needs of the neighborhood. On the Downtown side of the drive, new infill buildings have replaced the gravel parking lots. Businesses have invested well, as offices, restaurants and bars, ice cream parlors, and boutiques all share the prestigious waterfront addresses. Further north toward James Avenue, and as far as Old Point Douglas, character condominium housing has sprung up, rejuvenating historic buildings and enticing new condominium construction.” …and so went the vision statement used to entice three levels of government to invest in a major downtown community revitalization project.
In the spring of 1999 a volunteer Waterfront Committee, chaired by Mike Scatliff, was formed to investigate the potential of developing a scenic drive along the river in the historic Exchange District. The group formed a compelling argument for the development of the waterfront, based on increasing land values and potential economic development and supported by a feasibility report, creating cause for a new urban renewal project.
The SMM team was hired to create a new vision for this downtown waterfront that would stimulate new commercial, office and residential development. In the spring of 2001 the City of Winnipeg and CentreVenture Development Corporation moved forward to create Waterfront Drive. This street was designed to act as a focal point for new development, the re-emergence of the Exchange District and to present a positive image for our City.
Along with the design of the new Waterfront Park and Drive, SMM completed a management plan for the East Exchange District, including an inventory and analysis of the existing conditions of the area to be impacted by the development of Waterfront Drive. SMM worked closely with CentreVenture and the development community to develop inten-based Architectural Guidelines for new development to encourage and enhance the character of the Exchange District National Historic site. These guidelines promoted excellence over heritage reinterpretation as well as the inclusion of public art as part of improving the richness of the urban environment.
The development of the Master Plan was created through strategic design workshops and solidified through a unique public engagement approach that allowed for meaningful input throughout the design and implementation process. Since its completion, Waterfront Drive has firmly cemented itself as a scenic green hub for active and passive recreation and everyday living.
Awards:
2006 CSLA Regional Honour
2004 Exchange District BIZ – Certificate of Excellence
2003 Consulting Engineers of Manitoba, Design Excellence
