The City of Two Rivers is starting to shape what future development could look like on the former Hamilton Property.
After reviewing survey results on what people think of the Cool City, Community Development Director Jeff Sachse discussed key themes residents identified for what should be included on the site if and when development begins.
That includes prioritizing public access and green space, such as access to the river or a new walking trail.
At the same time, the consensus is to maintain Two Rivers’ continued small-town character, while also keeping a family focus.
Businesses like casinos or industrial sites are not what residents want to see on the site.
Sachse then presented a concept for what could fit on the Hamilton site, in line with residents’ wants.
“Within this, what we see is that the public preference is that most of the development on the property happens north of 17th Street,” he explained. “Potential for a hotel or some other larger public use on the northwest corner. And then some type of mixed-use, which would include retail and housing. Higher density, higher height, development closure to Jefferson Street.”
Sachse noted that what’s on the map can be moved or adjusted as well.
One item not shown on the site is parking, since it would be determined as to what would be built.
The southern portion of the Hamilton Property would be a small concept, like a park. The community development director then posed the question, “What is considered downtown Two Rivers?”
Many consider it from Washington Street from 15th to 22nd Street. But Sachse explains that could change with Hamilton property development.
“If I think about the areas where there is probably more commercial potential, at least within the private side, it is really on that east side of the river,” he noted. “Because there are a couple of properties that are available now that I have no idea why they are still available. There is potential again for some potential growth there.”
Residents were then given a sheet and asked to highlight 10 business ideas they wanted to see on the property and eliminate those they thought would not work.
City Manager Kyle Kordell explained to SeehaferNews.com after the session that what could come on Hamilton could be “revolutionary.”
The city manager stated, “We know there will be a catalyst development, and it should revolutionize downtown Two Rivers for the next 100 years.”
Residents who couldn’t make it to yesterday’s phase four session get another chance on Saturday (April 25th) at Two Rivers City Hall.
The city will then have two more meetings in May before proposing a vision for the Hamilton property to the city council in July or August.
