LaredoBuzz.Com

 Courtesy Xochitl Mora,

(June 25, 2010—Laredo, TX)  Recently, the City of Laredo hired Kell Munoz Architects out of San Antonio “for professional services in the development of a Downtown Master Plan.”  Kell Munoz Architects will assist the City of Laredo in developing a vision for the downtown that features a viable mix of residential, commercial, retail, dining, entertainment and public space uses, which integrate mobility in a workable environment that enhances Laredo’s economy, quality of life and sense of place.

 The project kicked-off today when the website was unveiled to the City of Laredo and other key downtown stakeholders.  The website, www.rediscoverlaredo.com, will invite members of the Laredo community to participate in a survey to see what kind of elements they would like to see as part of the plan.  The website will have other features of the plan, as well.

 “Downtown is Laredo’s historic heart,” said City of Laredo Mayor Raul G. Salinas.  “By developing this downtown master plan, then we can move forward in helping to make sure downtown becomes the spirit of our community, as well” he concluded.

 According to Keith Selman, director for the City of Laredo Planning & Zoning Department, the objectives of the downtown master plan are to define the desired character and vision of downtown by defining the desired land use, development patterns, growth objectives and ordinance-based design criteria that will enhance and sustain a vibrant and attractive downtown, including identifying the importance of economic investment in the redevelopment and revitalization of downtown Laredo. 

 “The overall aim is to provide a guide and establish the catalysts for economic viability combined with aesthetic enhancement,” said Selman.  “Optimizing all ‘greening’ opportunities and the creation of urban spaces will be key elements.  While we can anticipate the general content, we do not want to overly preconceive the outcome given the amount of public participation desired,” he concluded.

 Other areas the plan will focus on will include defining the desired social, cultural and economic connections between surrounding neighborhoods, downtown and the region.  Another feature will be defining capital improvements and a regulatory framework that guide public and private investment toward his shared vision of downtown of downtown and provide an implementation plan outlining specific strategies related to economic development and reinvestment to achieve the vision, goals and future land use.

 “We are excited to be collaborating with the City of Laredo on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to re-invision and re-imagine one of the most historically important downtowns in the United States,” said Henry R. Muñoz III, CEO or Kell Muñoz Architects.

 Key components of the study and master plan reports will be access to the Rio Grande and river bend; developing an arts and entertainment district; pedestrian and vehicular bridge access; capital and infrastructure improvements; sidewalk access and ADA-compliant improvements; street lighting; traffic signal analysis; utilities underground relocation; convention center; market analysis and economic development; El Portal; form-based zoning; architectural guidelines and design standards; Laredo Main Street; preservation of historic resources and neighborhoods; public safety and security issues; river vega; streetcars; and tax incentives, including but not limited to tax abatements and tax increment financing.

 Kell Muñoz will also host a series of private meetings with key downtown stakeholders, as well as public meetings to solicit even more input from Laredo about their expectations for downtown.  

 After soliciting input and developing various urban models and examples from comparative cities and towns, they will form different scenarios, finally presenting one final preferred scenario in about six months.

 “With the initiation of this first phase of developing a master plan for downtown, a new era of optimism will surely permeate throughout the downtown community of merchants and businesses,” said Les Norton, a Laredo downtown merchant.  “By developing a master plan for downtown, Laredo will be taking the first step in making our city a major destination point for tourists, from both the north and the south,” he concluded.