Input Sought for Millwork District Community Space Design

The original Historic Millwork District Master Plan adopted in 2009 called for a "multi-use, flexible plaza and park in the heart of the district" on a 0.70 acre (30,500 sq. ft.) area known as Foundry Square located at the corner of 10 St. and Elm St.

In 2012, a temporary parking lot with 57 spaces was constructed to meet parking needs while the adjacent Intermodal Parking Facility was being built. That facility, which includes 292 spaces, was completed in 2015. Today, the Millwork District offers a total of 517 public off-street parking spaces, distributed among the Intermodal Ramp and three surface lots, along with 164 metered on-street spaces. Just two blocks away, additional parking is available at the 471-space Central Avenue Ramp and 404 metered on-street spaces.

An updated version of the Historic Millwork District Master Plan was adopted in 2024. The update was facilitated by a 13-member steering committee consisting of business and property owners, residents, community leaders, and City staff. The committee worked with a consultant to engage the community and various stakeholders within and outside the district. Efforts included six focus group meetings and an online survey that garnered more than 600 responses. The updated plan identified the design and construction of a community space on the previously identified site as a priority project and top primary recommendation.

Residents and stakeholders are encouraged to utilize an online survey to provide input on the potential uses, amenities, landscaping, and site elements for the community space. The survey is available at https://engage.thinkconfluence.com/historic-millwork-district and will be open until Oct. 12, 2025. In-person public input opportunities are being planned for November and December. Input collected through the survey and in-person events will guide development of final designs for the space.