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Council approves concept design for civic space at Downtown Connection Center
Summary
The Flagstaff City Council voted to adopt a concept design for the future civic space east of the new Downtown Connection Center, including proposed elements such as a civic plaza, naturalized park area, an event concourse, public art relocation, and a splash pad.
The Flagstaff City Council voted June 17 to adopt a concept design for the civic space that will sit east of the recently opened Downtown Connection Center (DCC). The adopted concept lays out a civic plaza, a naturalized park in the Rio de Flag floodway, a food-truck/special-event concourse, a small public restroom and mechanical building, and a proposed splash pad feature.
City and Mountain Line staff, and consultant representatives from Norris Design, presented a 30%-level “bubble” concept that places the civic plaza adjacent to the bus bays with a natural park area where the Rio De Flag easement will be daylighted in future phases. The presenters emphasized public outreach themes from prior Mountain Line engagement: “natural,” “fluid/kinetic,” “modern,” and “celebratory.” Staff noted that an existing public art piece (the “Southside Grove”) will be relocated into the civic space when development occurs.
Council members and members of the public asked practical questions about design and operations. Staff said the splash pad would use a recirculating system and would be designed with winterization and maintenance in mind; staff also said they would coordinate with risk-management on lightning and liability questions. Mountain Line representatives and consultants remain responsible for completing design and coordinating construction timing with the Rio De Flag project; the city will maintain the civic space once constructed.
The council motion to adopt the concept design passed by voice vote. Staff indicated the civic space construction is contingent on completion of the Rio De Flag project and that initial surface parking to the north will remain and later could be replaced by structured parking if future funding allows.
Representatives from Mountain Line, the Beautification and Public Art Commission, and community design consultants were in the chamber and available to answer follow-up questions; staff said additional public engagement and design refinement will continue as the project proceeds to detailed design.
