On July 25, 2000 over 25 people attended the third workshop to create a strategic framework plan for the Town of Minden. The first workshop focused on planning objectives. The second on alternative futures for land uses and economic activities. The July 25th workshop focused on community image and design.
The workshop objectives included:
- Review the assets and objectives identified in the June 6 workshop
- Identify the best existing design features in Minden
- Identify street patterns, scale and landscape
- Discuss the type of architecture desired
Workshop Summary
The workshop participants worked as planning team members to prepare image and design concept plans for Minden. Each team reviewed two land use concepts that reflected the input from the community at the June 6 workshop. The teams picked a preferred land use plan, added photographs of streets, buildings and other features they valued in the town, and identified a set of community design features to their maps.
Four of the five planning teams picked Land Use Concept #1. This plan focuses new community facility development and private investment around the traditional downtown. The following summarizes key points made by teams in their concept presentations.
Minden's most important civic streets:
- Esmeralda
- County Road
- 6th Street
- 395
The best residential, commercial and institutional buildings in Minden:
- Farmers Bank
- Old Bank of Italy
- COD façade
- Historic housing
Urban design features:
- Gateways
- Streetscape identity for civic streets
- Gateway features
- Open space and trail systems
The summarizes the planning teams' concept plans.
TEAM 1: Land Use Concept #1-Focus on Downtown
Key Planning Features:
- Non-industrialized, non-standard look
- Walker friendly
- Historic themes
TEAM 2: Land Use Concept #2-Multi-center Community
Key Planning Features:
- Building architecture and houses
- Walking areas with access and links (to the community)
- Cultural museum and community center
TEAM 3 (visiting Murphys, California Team)
Key Planning Features:
- Big trees on Esmeralda
- Gateways to Esmeralda
- Transportation
- Multiple small paths/focal points
TEAM 4: Land Use Concept #1-Focus on Downtown
Key Planning Features:
- Bike/walking path
- Entry points off 395 and 88
- Centralization of Downtown
(no Team 5)
TEAM 6: Land Use Concept #1-Focus on Downtown
Key Planning Features:
- Two lanes on 395 with parking, sidewalks and trees
- Architectural integrity and consistent landscape
- Identify Minden's gateways
TEAM 7: Land Use Concept #1-Focus on Downtown
Key Planning Features:
- Landscaped roads and medians
- Greenbelt open space
- Historical ambiance (residential and commercial) design guidelines and standards
