New Park at 31st and Riverside?

[we vs us]

So the World did a pretty expansive article on George Kaiser a couple of Sundays ago, and in the piece someone affiliated with the GKFF (can't remember who) mentioned that they or a group affiliated with them have purchased the two apartment complexes at 31st and Riverside, the Sundance and the Legacy and that they (the GKFF) are planning a spectacular new park for the city that will really be something "momentous" or "special" or some adjective that I can't remember specifically but that I do remember was remarkable.


So, without finding or posting the article, or having any other source material other than my faulty memory . . . does anything know anything about this?   

[Conan71]

So the World did a pretty expansive article on George Kaiser a couple of Sundays ago, and in the piece someone affiliated with the GKFF (can't remember who) mentioned that they or a group affiliated with them have purchased the two apartment complexes at 31st and Riverside, the Sundance and the Legacy and that they (the GKFF) are planning a spectacular new park for the city that will really be something "momentous" or "special" or some adjective that I can't remember specifically but that I do remember was remarkable.


So, without finding or posting the article, or having any other source material other than my faulty memory . . . does anything know anything about this?   

On the one hand, a park is nice.  On the other, this would drastically drop affordable living options that front the river.  I had assumed any park would be part of the Blair land GKFF bought a couple of years back.

[Townsend]

Only thing I've heard so far is the removal of some of the apartments nearest the creek.  I'd imagine the speaker was unable to elaborate at the time.

[rdj]

They sent out a RFQ several months ago for this area.  It was online at one time, but I can't recall where I saw it.

The chatter I've heard is it will encompass Blair Mansion, existing RP land east of Riverside, Sundance apartments, Legacy at Riverview and several other properties GKFF owns along Crow Creek between Riverside and Peoria.  All residential structures would be demolished, with the north side of Crow Creek being public space and the south side being new construction residential.

A possible realignment of Riverside Dr in the area has also been discussed.

[we vs us]

They sent out a RFQ several months ago for this area.  It was online at one time, but I can't recall where I saw it.

The chatter I've heard is it will encompass Blair Mansion, existing RP land east of Riverside, Sundance apartments, Legacy at Riverview and several other properties GKFF owns along Crow Creek between Riverside and Peoria.  All residential structures would be demolished, with the north side of Crow Creek being public space and the south side being new construction residential.

A possible realignment of Riverside Dr in the area has also been discussed.

Zow!  That's some crazy chatter!

[rdj]

http://www.planning.org/uploads/consultants/requests/6240_GKFFRFQ092101.pdf

[we vs us]

http://www.planning.org/uploads/consultants/requests/6240_GKFFRFQ092101.pdf

Very nice.  Thanks.

[YoungTulsan]

Sounds like that area would turn into a construction wasteland for a few years.

Riverside's bridge over Crow Creek is slated to be replaced, hopefully this would all coincidence rather than be an endless parade of construction projects.  Does anyone know how that bridge would be replaced without closing Riverside completely for an extended period of time?

[Teatownclown]

So the World did a pretty expansive article on George Kaiser a couple of Sundays ago, and in the piece someone affiliated with the GKFF (can't remember who) mentioned that they or a group affiliated with them have purchased the two apartment complexes at 31st and Riverside, the Sundance and the Legacy and that they (the GKFF) are planning a spectacular new park for the city that will really be something "momentous" or "special" or some adjective that I can't remember specifically but that I do remember was remarkable.


So, without finding or posting the article, or having any other source material other than my faulty memory . . . does anything know anything about this?   

I recall reading something about 100 years....

Good luck pushing Riverside closer to the Maple Ridge neighbors....

[SXSW]

This has the potential to be a huge project for the city.  I hope it includes a mix of residential types from single family homes to townhomes to apartments.  I do think it needs to remain residential since it abuts existing neighborhoods and is close to existing retail/restaurants on Brookside.  I think any kind of "park" should be along Crow Creek as a greenbelt with a trail connecting the river to Brookside and Zink Park.

[we vs us]

Based on the map in rdj's RFQ, it looks like the parcels don't just follow Riverside but are actually triangular and follow Crow Creek through to Peoria.  It would make a terrific corridor connecting Brookside to the river.  And yeah, SXSW, talk about transformative.  That whole area would change character. 

[jacobi]

GKFF did a fine job with the river trails so I'll trust them.  At first I thought, NO!  Density replaced with open space! NO!  Then  I realized that they are dated and awful apartments.  They would be just at home at 91st and what-the hell.  Maybe the park can be lined with muti purpose zoning.  Also, I wonder what this manes for the midland valley.  Probs, it's prettiest section runs along the blair mansion through the trees.

[carltonplace]

GKFF did a fine job with the river trails so I'll trust them.  At first I thought, NO!  Density replaced with open space! NO!  Then  I realized that they are dated and awful apartments.  They would be just at home at 91st and what-the hell.  Maybe the park can be lined with muti purpose zoning.  Also, I wonder what this manes for the midland valley.  Probs, it's prettiest section runs along the blair mansion through the trees.

To be fair; the Riverparks Authority planned the trails and GKFF paid most of the bills.

[carltonplace]

I like option B the most with Riverside Dr going through the park below grade with frequent padestrain crossings.

Task 2: Create and analyze three scenarios for the relocation of Riverside Drive
A. Scenario with no relocation but with best possible crossings of Riverside Drive between Blair Property and Arkansas River
B. Scenario with a mid-parcel relocation
1) Include engineering studies
2) Suggest Central Park solution of depressed road and frequent pedestrian crossings
C. Scenario with a Rear Parcel relocation
1) Include engineering studies
2) Describe concept of design at the rea

[Red Arrow]

I like option B the most with Riverside Dr Canal going through the park below grade with frequent padestrain crossings.

Riverside Dr. below grade will probably change character with a heavy rain.