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Bronson Park Master Plan

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Bronson Park Master Plan B RONSON PARK MASTER PLAN Cover, back, and chapter title page illustration courtesy of David Jameson, Iannelli Collection. &632732ƫ4%6/ƫ1%78)6ƫ40%2 Prepared for: THE CITY OF KALAMAZOO MICHIGAN Prepared by: 3IJ&3=0)'3;)00&0%03'/ %773'-%8)7-2' Kalamazoo, Michigan Grand Rapids, Michigan and 59-22):%27%6',-8)'87 Madison, Wisconsin Ann Arbor, Michigan September 2015 8,-7ƫ4%+)ƫ-28)28-32%00=ƫ0)*8ƫ&0%2/ 8%&0)ƫ3*ƫ'328)287 ',%48)6-2863(9'8-32 Overview ..................................................................................................................................................................................1.1 Location ..................................................................................................................................................................................1.2 Description of the Project Area ...............................................................................................................................1.2 Project Approach and Objectives ..........................................................................................................................1.2 Cultural Landscape Terminology ...........................................................................................................................1.4 ',%48)60%2(7'%4)',632303+= Overview .................................................................................................................................................................................2.1 Native American Land Use ........................................................................................................................................2.2 1831-1846: Public Squares Established ................................................................................................................2.5 1847-1877: Establishment of a Public Park ......................................................................................................2.13 1878-1937: A Formal Design for Bronson Park ...............................................................................................2.21 1938-1940: The Fountain of the Pioneers and a Modern Park ...........................................................2.37 1941-Present: Continued Use and Change at Bronson Park ..............................................................2.47 ',%48)60%2(7'%4)%2%0=7-7 Overview ...............................................................................................................................................................................3.1 National Register Criteria ...........................................................................................................................................3.1 &VSRWSR4EVO7MKRMƉGERGI'VMXIVME &VSRWSR4EVO4IVMSHSJ7MKRMƉGERGI National Register Status ............................................................................................................................................3.3 Landscape Characteristics ........................................................................................................................................3.4 ',%48)66)'311)2(%8-327 Treatment Approach .......................................................................................................................................................4.1 The Design Process ........................................................................................................................................................4.2 Vision Statement ..............................................................................................................................................................4.2 Design Guiding Principles ..........................................................................................................................................4.3 Final Master Plan .............................................................................................................................................................4.5 8,-7ƫ4%+)ƫ-28)28-32%00=ƫ0)*8ƫ&0%2/ ',%48)6ƫ1 ƴƫ-2863(9'8-32 B RONSON PARK MASTER PLAN Kalamazoo, MI INTRODUCTION INTRODUCTION O v e r v i e w Bronson Park has served as both a green oasis and one of the primary public gathering places in downtown Kalamazoo since the early 1800’s. Since 1847, the park’s shaded walking paths, lawns, and canopy trees have combined with the sight and sound of flowing water to provide a relaxing retreat in the city. The focal point of the park landscape is the Fountain of The Pioneers complex, designed by Alfonso Iannelli and installed in 1940. Iannelli intended the fountain to be an artistic representation of the history of Kalamazoo. The design is a skillful presentation of long horizontal planes punctuated by vertical foci and purposeful detail. The subject has been controversial, leading to neglect and threatening loss of this important work. In 1940, Iannelli stated: Regarding the meaning of the Fountain of the pioneers, the scheme of the fountain conveys the advance of the pioneers and the generations that follow, showing the movement westward, culminating in the tower symbol of the pioneer…, while the Indian is shown in posture of noble resistance, yet being absorbed as the white man advances. The pattern of the rail indicates the rich vegetation and produce of the land.1 The park is beloved in the city, a place referred to as the “front porch” of Kalamazoo by many residents. Although the historic design has not been altered extensively, incremental changes have gradually reduced historic characteristics and legibility of the historic design. The current park conditions do not fully support the many ways the park is used today. The Fountain of The Pioneers complex is in poor condition and its relationship to the reflecting pool has been visually and conceptually interrupted. Opinions regarding use of the park as a performance venue are conflicted and concerns about maintenance and safety have led to proposals to remove the Fountain of The Pioneers complex and reflecting pool. The Bronson Park Master Plan project has been undertaken as an inclusive process to assess the history of the park, develop an understanding of the significance and integrity of the landscape, integrate concerns and desires of park users, and create a plan for the future that respects the past and accommodates current and future use. 1 Jameson, David. Alfonso Iannelli, Modern by Design. (Oak Park, Illinois, Top Five Books, 2013), 279. Jameson notes that this account was documented by Flora Roberts, head of the Kalamazoo Public Library, in April 1940. Page 1.1 B RONSON PARK MASTER PLAN Kalamazoo, MI INTRODUCTION L o c a t i o n Bronson Park is located in the heart of downtown Kalamazoo in a two block area bounded by Park Street on the west, Rose Street on the east, South Street on the south, and Academy street on the north. Description of the Project Area Bronson Park is also at the center of the Bronson Park National Historic Register District, which boasts 17 historic structures in a 10-block area. The park is surrounded by numerous important civic buildings, A. First Congregational Church including the First B. First Baptist Church Congregational Church, C. First Reformed Church First Baptist Church, First D. Kalamazoo County Building E. YWCA Building Reformed Church, F. United Methodist Church Kalamazoo County G. First Church of Christ, Sci enti st Building, YWCA Building, H. Civic Auditorium Lawrence House/Park I. First Presbyterian Church J. Ladies’ Library Association Club, Kalamazoo City K. City H all Hall, First Presbyterian L. Lawrence House/Park Club Church, Civic M. Austin-Sill House N. Prange Building Auditorium, First Church O. St. Luke’s Episcopal Church of Christ Scientist, and P. Federal Post O ffice United Methodist The orange box outlines the Bronson Park National Historic Register District Church. Project Approach and Objectives An inclusive process to assess Bronson Park’s history, develop an understanding of the consistent elements through time, and create a plan for the future that respects the past while accommodating current uses was undertaken to develop a master plan. The approach was intended to bring stakeholders and the public to the table to work together to develop a consensus-based master plan. A team of landscape architects, a cultural landscape specialist, an architectural historian, and support staff collaborated with the City of Kalamazoo Parks and Recreation Department and the public to complete a master plan for Bronson Park. The work plan for the master planning process included conducting a transparent, participatory design process; developing a specific and detailed study of the parks’ historic features; and incorporating an understanding of how the park functions as a downtown public space. The approach included evaluation of the issues and relationships related to use of the park for community events and daily activities. Page 1.2 B RONSON PARK MASTER PLAN Kalamazoo, MI INTRODUCTION An important part of the master planning process was to allow the voices of many groups with varying opinions about the existing amenities in the park to be heard and acknowledged through a transparent process. The design team worked collectively with a Steering Committee composed of representatives from agencies and organizations including the Kalamazoo Historic Preservation Commission, the Kalamazoo County Public Art Commission, the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo, The Event Company, the Disability Network of Southwest
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