USING PRIVATE-PUBLIC INFILL TO CREATE A DESTINATION WATERFRONT PARK IN THE CITY OF BISMARCK, NORTH DAKOTA

A Design Thesis by Austin M. Schmidt I Figure 01 | Cover Photo | Photo Credit: Lewis & Clark Riverboat BISMARCK-MANDAN RAIL USING PRIVATE-PUBLIC INFILL TO CREATE A DESTINATION WATERFRONT PARK IN THE CITY OF BISMARCK, NORTH DAKOTA

A Design Thesis Submitted to the Department of Architecture and Landscape Architecture of North Dakota State University

by

Austin M. Schmidt

In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the degree of Masters of Landscape Architecture

Primary Thesis Advisor, Dominic Fischer

Secondary Thesis Advisor, Anna Maria, Visilia

May 2020 Fargo, North Dakota II III TABLE OF CONTENTS

Project Title and Signature Page II Table of Contents IV List of Tables & Figures V Thesis Abstract 1 Thesis Narrative of the Theoretical Aspect 4 Premise for Investigation Project Typology 5 Precedent Research 6 Bridge Park Waterfront Esplanade Domino Park Tom Hanafan River’s Edge Park Precedent Research Takeways 23 Research Methodology + Results 25 User/Client Description 27 Historical, Social, and Cultural Context of the Thesis 29 The Site + Site Potential 35 Project Goals 38

Plan for Proceeding 41 Documentation for the Design Process Thesis Project Schedule 43

Site Analysis: Biological, Physical, + Cultural 45 Project Justification 61 Performance Criteria + Design Results 63

Design Concept 66 Schematic Design 67 Design Development 68 Construction Details 69

Project Conclusion 71

Thesis Appendix A 73 Visual Reference List Reference List Analytical Case Study Matrix Cost Opinion Process Work

Thesis Appendix B 77 Pre-Design Presentation Slides Schematic Presentation Slides Design Development Presentation Slides Final Document Presentation Slides

Previous Studio Experience 78

IV LIST OF TABLES + FIGURES

Figure 01 | Cover Page Figure 02 | BNSF Rail Bridge at Dusk 2 Figure 03 | Big Lewis, Clark, and Sakakawea 3 Figure 04 | Harbor View Lawn 7 Figure 05 | Site Plan 9 Figure 06 | BBP Kayak Launch 9 Figure 07 | BBP Noise Embankment Section 9 Figure 08 | BBP Pier 1 10 Figure 09 | Esplanade River Steps 11 Figure 10 | East River Esplanade Plan 13 Figure 11 | Esplanade Seating 13 Figure 12 | East River Esplanade 14 Figure 13 FDR Highway Section 14 Figure 14 | Domino Park Isometric Aerial 16 Figure 15 | Domino Park Plan 17 Figure 16 | Waterfront Seating 17 Figure 17 | Aerial 17 Figure 18 | Domino Park 18 Figure 19 | THREP Summer Festival 19 Figure 20 | THREP Site Plan 21 Figure 21 | THREP Site Context 21 Figure 22 | THREP Flood Map 21 Figure 23 | THREP Skyline Walkway 22 Figure 24 | Keel boat Park 24 Figure 25 | User + Client 27 Figure 26 | Site Context 35 Figure 27 | Site Potential 36 Figure 28 | Fall on Missouri River 40 Figure 29 | ND Historical Plaque 48 Figure 30 | Flood Plain Diagram 49 Figure 31 | Views and Vistas Diagram 50 Figure 32 | Annual Wind Patterns 51 Figure 33 | Sun Pattern Study 52 Figure 34 | Slope Analysis 53 Figure 35 | Circulation + Slope Combined 54 Figure 36 | Site Analysis 55 Figure 37 | Site Analysis 56 Figure 38| Site Analysis 57 Figure 39 | Site Analysis 58 Figure 40 | Site Analysis 59 Figure 41 | Site Analysis 60 Figure 42 |Site Recreation 62 Figure 43| Site Concept 66 Figure 44| Schematic Site Layout 67 Figure 45| Construction Details 69 Figure 46 | BNSF Trail 71

V VI THESIS ABSTRACT

This study focuses on the preservation of the Bismarck-Mandan rail bridge and surrounding 200-acre site as a catalyst to transform the waterfront of North Dakota’s capital city into a 21st- Century urban park. Announced by the National Historic Trust for Historical Places, the iconic community structure has been listed as one of “America’s 11 most Most Endange