Visioning the Allen Creek Greenway: Designing a Path, Creating a Place

Abstract

This report describes background, analysis, layout and design for the Allen Creek Greenway in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The authors define the greenway land use form as a linear park which fits within a large network of regional green infrastructure; examine the history of greenways and their strong public appeal; and describe the significant ecological, social, and economic benefits which the Allen Creek Greenway could bring to Ann Arbor. The report describes the preliminary layout and design for the Allen Creek Greenway along the Ann Arbor Railroad as well as conceptual open space designs for three city-owned parcels that occur along its length: the parcels at First St. and William St., 415 W. Washington St., and 721 N. Main St. GIS software was used to analyze existing site conditions so that the designs take into account the full complexity of the context including current land use, topography, and water movement. The proposed route is almost entirely within the Ann Arbor Railroad ROW, running from just south of the University of Michigan stadium to the Huron River, where it will connect to Washtenaw County’s Border to Border trail, giving residents better access to regional greenspace. The greenway approximately follows the historic path of Allen Creek; the creek is now buried in a pipe. Because of this, most of the greenway is within the floodplain and a significant portion is within the floodway of the creek. There are federal restrictions on development within this designated flood area and thus the greenway is ideal because it is one of the few permitted uses. Because of the complexity of the greenway project, this report details a phased implementation plan, beginning with the creation of designated on-street routes. The Allen Creek Greenway, mentioned by name increasingly in city plans, has the capacity to serve as an anchor and a green amenity to the downtown core and provide a catalyst for economic and sustainable development in the surrounding area along its entire length.