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Media Relations
Kansas State University
9 Anderson Hall
Manhattan, KS 66506
785-532-6415
media@k-state.edu

Information provided by K-State Media Relations, K-State's news service, may be reproduced without permission. The marks and names of Kansas State University are protected trademarks and may not be used in any commercial or private endeavor without the approval of the university.

Sources: Stephanie Rolley, 785-532-2444, srolley@k-state.edu;
and Blake Belanger, 785-532-1096, belanger@k-state.edu
News release prepared by: Diane Potts, 785-532-1090, potts@k-state.edu

Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2008

WORK BY K-STATE LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE STUDENTS ON DISPLAY IN KANSAS CITY

MANHATTAN -- Ideas from Kansas State University students for redeveloping downtown Kansas City, Mo., are on display through Sept. 28 at the Kansas City Public Library, 14 W. 10th St.

Nineteen landscape architecture students from K-State developed these approaches during a summer 2008 studio. Named KC11 for the 11 neighborhoods that form greater downtown, the studio brought together the students with neighborhood leaders and Kansas City's planning consulting team.

The goal of the city's planning effort is to benefit from the rapid economic development taking place in parts of downtown Kansas City while protecting the city's history and character.

Students in the eight-week summer studio participated in initial public meetings, met with consultants and explored possibilities for downtown Kansas City's future.

Walking the neighborhoods, talking with residents and mapping the area led to the 19 design responses displayed in the exhibit. The proposals address the three major issues identified by the students: connection, infrastructure and identity.

The projects envision a future where downtown residents and visitors can walk and bicycle between neighborhoods; storm water is an asset, not a nuisance; light rail is a catalyst for new housing and businesses; abandoned industrial and commercial facilities become new neighborhoods; existing neighborhoods are strengthened; green space connects places and provides recreation and education destinations; and downtown Kansas City becomes a leader in sustainable urban design.

The proposals are intended to encourage discussion as the Greater Downtown Area plan develops over the next year.

The 11 neighborhoods include Harlem, the River Market, Columbus Park, West Bottoms, Downtown Loop, Paseo West, Westside, Crossroads, 18th and Vine, Beacon Hill/Long Fellow and Crown Center/Union Hill.

The studio was directed by K-State's Blake Belanger, assistant professor of landscape architecture/regional and community planning, and Stephanie Rolley, professor of landscape architecture and regional and community planning.

Support came from the Kansas City Planning and Development Department, the COR Team, BNIM Architects, KC Consulting, Taliaferro & Browne, el dorado architects, HDR, ETC Institute, Architectural and Historical Research, the Kansas City Design Center and K-State's department of landscape architecture and regional and community planning.

Participating K-State students, all landscape architecture majors, include:

Andy Schaap, Abilene; Jesse Benedick, Beloit; Jon Champlin, Cedar Vale; Steven Holt, Highland; Amanda White, Garnett; Kim Moss, Lawrence; Andrew Glenski, Leawood; Wes Essmiller and Mike Weber, both of Manhattan; Nick Johnson, Olathe; and Ryan Debold, Salina

From out of state:

Kris Kleinschmidt, Sarasota, Fla.; Chris Enroth, Quincy, Ill.; Emily Hoffmann, Dixon, Iowa.

From Missouri: Megan Bryan, Florissant; Aaron Mitchell, Kansas City; and Wendy Wert, Pacific.

From Nebraska: Ryan Dietrich, Alliance; and Christie Murman, Glenvil.