Fruitland Downtown Master Plan
The Revitalization Plan

Prepared for The City of Fruitland
Prepared by PlanMakers



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The Revitalization Plan
(Page 9)
Fruitland's city center has excellent opportunities for improvement and growth. Expansion of retail, office and residential uses should be encouraged. Sound planning and development decisions will be required for the downtown to maintain its unique character and to improve and expand in an orderly manner. Fruitland's new and historic buildings require design guidelines to assure that construction activity be in keeping with the character of the historic environment.

A number of planning policies supporting downtown revitalization are required to achieve lasting city center success. Most important is that downtown Fruitland be maintained as the commercial, social and civic center of southern Payette County. The business district requires compactness and centrality so that a strong economic environment can be maintained.

Future planning is also recommended for the areas at both ends of 3rd Street. Currently agricultural, these land parcels represent a valuable resource for the city center's future development. Small piecemeal development, which would prevent future large-scale developments should be discouraged.

The following plan serves as a long-range working document for guiding development, preparing policies, determining design details and setting priorities. Decisions relative to the downtown can be assured continuity as the plan serves to encourage and guide the area's development of the mutual benefit of the city, property owners, and the individuals who will use it. These design guidelines will maintain the architectural integrity and work to protect, preserve, and enhance those qualities which make downtown Fruitland a special place.



Main Street Name
(Page 9)
To create a new image and better identify downtown Fruitland, SW 3rd Street would be changed to Main Street, starting in January 2002. The change would help identify the community center and serve as a good marketing opportunity to promote the downtown.

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Streetscape Improvements
(Page 9 - 10)
Fruitland's downtown retailing area requires more appeal for the pedestrian. A major element of the plan is to undertake an enhancement program along Main Street (SW 3rd Street) from South Pennsylvania Avenue to U.S. 95. An attractive streetscape improvement program will assure the downtown its place as a prime commercial destination and help to induce shopper traffic. Currently, many downtown sidewalks present a difficult walking surface because they are worn and broken. Some areas do not have sidewalks.

New sidewalk construction throughout most of the downtown is recommended to insure good pedestrian movement, improve walking safety and provide an attractive entrance to businesses. The first phase would be three blocks of Main Street from Minnesota Avenue to Kansas Avenue.

The sidewalk area, or streetscape, can be improved to play a major role in the revitalization of downtown. An overall singular identity can be established by utilizing consistent paving materials, streetlights, and trees. Street trees would add a natural amenity to the street and provide a continuous and changing element which helps link the downtown together. Good lighting would allow the downtown to be fully used at night, provide security and enhance the city. Single globe standards would provide a warmth of light and personalized atmosphere. These streetscape improvements would enhance the shopping and entertainment atmosphere by providing a comfortable environment and a unifying design theme throughout the downtown.

A variety of dimensions exist in the downtown. The Original Townsite is platted on a north-south grid, with the majority of blocks being square, 300 feet by 300 feet. Facing 3rd Street are 25-foot by 142-foot lots. The alleys are 16 feet. The Forty Acre Addition to the west contains large lots and parcels for school grounds, now the Fruitland Community Park and Old School Community Center. Street rights-of-way are typically 60 feet. Main Street and Iowa Avenue are 80 feet wide. Generally, sidewalks are 12 feet wide, including a 6-inch curb. The railroad right-of-way is 100 feet and the Farmers Cooperative Canal is 50 feet.

Streetscape prototype, including twelve parallel parking spaces on one side of block, five staggered lights per block and four street trees on each side of block.

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Streetscape Prototype
(Page 11)
As illustrated on the preceding page, a streetscape prototype has been developed to guide future sidewalk construction in the downtown. All downtown projects should follow this design allowing for a consistent theme and unifying city center.

The texture of the shopping floor is an essential visual element of the city center. It is recommended that scored concrete sidewalks be constructed. The sidewalk design includes 2-foot square scored patterns and a 12-inch decorative brick pattern (stamped concrete) along the curb. Utility sleeves are placed uniformly for lighting and irrigation needs. Utility improvements should coincide with the excavation of old sidewalk, when access is available and cost saving can be realized.

Trees are centered in 4-foot square tree wells and located 3 feet 6 inches from the curb. The tree well is covered by a 4-foot square tree grate with a breakaway center to accommodate tree growth. Trees are planted between light fixtures and spaced to avoid business entrances and driveways. For areas of anticipated vandalism, tree guards should be installed to protect the trees.



Main Street Streetscape Prototype
(Page 11)
New 15 foot wide sidewalks, street lights, and trees are proposed for Main Street. As identified, scored concrete sidewalks would be set off with a brick pattern border along the curb with four trees per block on each side and five historic street lights serving both sides of the block, installed on a staggered pattern. The four trees and grates are spaced approximately 73 feet apart per block.

Intersection of SW 3rd and Iowa Avneue around 1920 with the Hecke Building, on the left, RE. Johnson Building, and Fruitland State Bank. Notice school addition and circus posters.



Iowa Avenue and Main Street Intersection
(Page 11)
Expanded intersection corners are proposed for the Iowa Avenue and Main Street intersection, the historic center of Fruitland, where the two widest streets meet. As illustrated the intersections are redesigned to shorten the pedestrian's street-crossing distance and better identify downtown Fruitland. The design improves sight distance between the driver and the pedestrian entering the cross walk and is beneficial in encouraging traffic to slow down. An interpretive sign at the intersection would tell the story of this corner's E.A. Stegner grocery and the Fruitland State Bank and its fountain. The expanded sidewalk area at the corners also offers optional uses such as additional landscaping, a street clock, bike rack, trash receptacles or a drinking fountain.

Proposed facade rehabilitation on 200 Main Street block.

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Kansas Avenue and Main Street Intersection
(Page 12)
Expanded intersection corners are also proposed for the Kansas Avenue and Main Street intersection. Similar to the Iowa and Main intersection, the expanded pedestrian area would better serve school children crossing Main Street and pedestrians using the post office and the Old School Community Center.







Lighting
(Page 12)
Single globe lights would provide needed light and help reinforce the historic character of Fruitland. The 14-to 16-feet high lights could include a flag pole holder on the street side and an electrical outlet for decorations. New lights would have a textured polycarbonate globe and energy-efficient luminaries. Fruitland Electric recently installed 14-foot fiberglass, Whatley Westchester Series 204 series street lights in the Fruitland Community Park and along a short portion of Main Street. These lights at 175 watts are bright and should be reduced to 150 watts. Poles are available in cast iron, aluminum and fiberglass. Electric outlets are available for seasonal lighting. Power Solutions, part of Idaho Power Company, can assist the City of Fruitland in the placement of street lights. Like street trees, lighting will provide a unifying environment for the business district.

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Trees
(Page 12)
Street trees are a major component of the streetscape plan and help link and enhance the downtown. Trees add a natural amenity to the downtown and provide continuous and changing element. The streetscape plans for Main Street blocks call for four trees on each side of the block. An irrigation system is essential for the survival and low maintenance of the trees. For both protection and appeal a 4-foot square Chinook 2000 grate, resting on a steel frame, is recommended for Main Street. They are manufactured by Urban Accessories of Woodinville,Washington (urbanaccessories.com).

Trees in the downtown have to fit the growing site. Existing downtown trees need to be trimmed periodically and new trees should be small to medium species with good upright growths which fit narrow areas and are relatively maintenance free. It is recommended that upright pears be planted on Main Street. Other appropriate species include ornamentals, such as a flowering plum.

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Plantings
(Page 12)
In addition to trees, areas adjacent to parking lots require screening. Evergreen hedges or other plant material are encouraged to minimize views of parking areas. A minimum 5-foot landscaped setback for all downtown parking areas is recommended.



Street Furniture
(Page 13)
Incorporating these pedestrian amenities into the center of Fruitland will create a pedestrian area with great appeal to shoppers and visitors. Such streetscape improvements will help to increase retail patronage, encourage private investments by creating a progressive environment for business actions, and carry over to create a new image for the city. The following are suggested for inclusion:



Street Benches
(Page 13)
Seating for pedestrians allows visitors a rest from shopping. They are located in such a way as to facilitate conversation and pedestrian viewing. Potential locations for benches and other street furniture include City Hall, the Old School Community Center, and the intersection of Iowa and Main.

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Bicycle Parking
(Page 13)
Bike racks are located in accessible high activity areas of the downtown.



Trash Receptacles
(Page 13)
Unimposing small receptacles should be placed throughout the area to aid in litter control.



Drinking Fountains
(Page 13)
Outdoor fountains should be encouraged to serve the pedestrian environment.



Banner Wire
(Page 13)
An overhead wire, located at entrances to the downtown, for banners, flags or promotions will assist in announcing special city events.



Interpretive Signs
(Page 13)
Free standing and building signs will tell the story of the city, its economy and its people.







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