Record Details

Renewal and development of urban river-front occupance : the case of Albany, Oregon

ScholarsArchive at Oregon State University

Field Value
Title Renewal and development of urban river-front occupance : the case of Albany, Oregon
Names Frederick, James Jess (creator)
Jensen, J. Granville (advisor)
Date Issued 1965-10-29 (iso8601)
Note Graduation date: 1966
Abstract This thesis is concerned with riverfront land use in Albany,
Oregon, and is addressed to the possibility of orderly development
and redevelopment of the riverfront. It appraises the present situation
particularly in regard to the renewal cycle and the problem of
floods on the river borders. Finally this thesis provides plans for
redevelopment of the CBD fringe including development of the natural
assets of the Willamette River for its aesthetic and recreational
values to the community.
Throughout Albany's history the riverfront has been an important
functional area; however, its role has changed as Albany developed
away from the river. The result has been a declining municipal
riverfront characterized by commercial and industrial obsolescence.
The thesis evaluates the obsolescence which occurs in this riverfront
fringe area. The conclusion is reached that the area needs
redevelopment to bring it back to standards compatible with the total
city.
During the two decades since the Second World War, urbanization
has encroached on the lower ground of the north bank across the
Willamette River. Residential development has occurred over a wide
expanse of the flood plain. This occupance on the flood plain places
increasing numbers of structures, particularly residential, in or adjacent
to the natural floodway of the river. The result has been a
rising level of flood damage and an increasing potential for exposure
of people and facilities to flood dangers. Since the flood plain lands
continue to be subdivided for extensive residential use, justification
is evident for public intervention through regulation to assure more
rational development.
Both areas of the riverfront, the older industrial and commercial
fringe area, and the newer flood plain development, need special
attention if they are to continue to provide a worthy urban environment.
Therefore, the thesis is summed up in proposed plans which
might act as guide lines for rational ordering of riverfront renewal
and development of Albany. One plan deals with broad categories of
land use for the total riverfront, another in more detail is a redevelopment
plan for the CBD riverfront fringe area.
Genre Thesis/Dissertation
Topic Waterfronts -- Oregon -- Albany
Identifier http://hdl.handle.net/1957/48450

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