News Release
Date: Feb. 11, 2008
Contact: Connie Spellman, director
Phone: 402.342.3458
Fax: 402.342.3582
PUBLIC VIEWING OF MAPLE STREET DESIGN CHARRETTE RESULTS FEB. 19
OMAHA – At an open forum held in Benson in early February, locals were asked to share their thoughts on what Maple Street should look and feel like in the future. On Feb. 18-19, these thoughts will be transformed into concept drawings at a design charrette sponsored by the Benson-Ames Alliance.
The event is the next step in the development of the Maple Street Corridor Project, a partnership of Omaha by Design, the Benson-Ames Alliance, the Benson Business Association, the Benson Neighborhood Association and the City of Omaha Departments of Planning and Public Works. The project seeks to revitalize Maple Street from Northwest Radial Highway to 64th Street and also focuses on Military Avenue from Maple Street to Northwest Radial Highway. It has two components – a streetscape element that focuses on function and aesthetics, and a housing and retail market analysis that will be used to augment the entrepreneurial growth under way in downtown Benson.
The public will be able to view the results of the design charrette Tuesday, Feb. 19, at 5:30 p.m. at the Masonic Lodge #290, 5903 Maple Street.
RDG Planning and Design will present a series of concept drawings for initial feedback. Features such as public art, public space and the sustainability of design will factor into the concept drawings, said Troy Arthur, chair of the Benson-Ames Alliance’s Business Affairs Committee. “We encourage everyone with an interest in Benson to attend the Feb. 19 evening presentation and participate in the process,” Arthur said. “Input from Benson businesses, residents and civic organizations is vital to the success of this project.”
For more information about the Maple Street Corridor Project, contact Arthur at troy.arthur@bankofthewest.com.
