ThisOldMill.org
|
|
Master Plan Aerial Views | Master Plan Street Level Views | Master Plan Walk through Views |
FRIENDS OF THE MILL – SITE
PROPOSAL
SLIDE
#1
The Williamsville Water
Mill, the iconic structure of the village, has confounded both politicians and
developers alike as to what its destiny should be.
“Friends of the Mill” is putting forth this proposal in the best
sense of civic duty. We do not
profess to any extraordinary vision or insider information, nor to an
opportunity to make financial gain. Our
development plan merely attempts to address some of the issues that make the
mill such a knotty issue for the Village, and to find solutions that will ensure
its future for generations to come.
SLIDE
#2
Betty Murphy
(nee Niedelander) once remarked that the Mill, as restored by her
parents, was never intended to be a money maker.
Perhaps by itself this is true, but when used in conjunction with other
structures maybe it can “earn its keep”.
Early on, it came to our
attention that one key element was missing from the Mill environs - PARKING.
With events such as a Farmer’s Market, General Store, etc.; where do
people park? A quick look at
consultant reports attests to this deficiency.
Therefore the first issue we dealt with was parking.
We noticed that the
The exterior wall of the
parking structure is executed in concrete to simulate natural stone of the
escarpment. Berms or backfill can be
reconfigured to give a natural appearance to the site.
As visualized in our presentation, the upper level will be walled using
stone (faux?). An exposed stairway
would provide access between the decks and the park.
Stairs and elevator would also be located at the structure’s southwest
corner.
A walkway or concourse
along the serpentine side will face the park.
We further visualize a walkway (brick) from the upper level to the Mill.
This walk could be lantern lit and lined with bench seating.
The concourse would
extend from the parking building, behind the Glen Park Apartments to the north
end of the Mill. Another stair
system to the park would be located here. Behind
the eastern end of the concourse we have placed a gazebo or band stand
structure. Open air shelter and
bridge covering would protect the upper tier walkway from the elements.
The entire area is now open for business.
SLIDES
#17 – 21
We envision this complex
to be an event-oriented center to be rented in part or entirely.
Some examples; farmers market along the west end of the concourse with
vendors able to back into spaces adjacent to the open air sheltered walkway;
arts and craft shows; weddings and reunions along the eastern concourse (using
the Mill itself for guests); outdoor theatrical and musical performances in the
natural amphitheater created by the serpentine wall and winter ice skating
events.
While the Mill itself
might not be the focal point of an event, its presence is value added for any
visitor. It remains open for
specialty impulse shopping, a village museum and educational center.
SLIDES
#24 – 27
The
SLIDE
#28
The two adjacent
buildings will need some rehab work, but they too will become more desirable
with the increase in pedestrian traffic. Office
space, tavern, bed and breakfast, retail shops; all are good possibilities.
The use of the Glen Park Apartments may also change.
Certainly it’s value would be enhanced.
SLIDES
#29 – 35
We believe
this exciting opportunity could be tackled in stages, so as not to interrupt
current traffic and businesses in the area.
At the first phase of development would be the completion of the three
tiered parking facility including the walkway with stairs to the park level.
Phase Two would include extending the serpentine concourse behind the
Glen Apartments to connect at the Mill. This
phase would also see the completion of the second stairway system to access the
park from the Mill side of the development area.
The third phase would construct the open air shelter over the concourse
as well as the covered bridge structure. During
phase four, the gazebo/bandstand structure would be constructed.
Phase five would add a building to the northwest end of the Spring Street
level parking area. This building
would have multiple uses, including (but not limited to) restrooms, storage,
office, parking stairs/elevator and a lookout point.
The connection of the existing exposed sluice to the creek could be
included in the final phase in the redevelopment of this site.
Our humble proposal is
purposely not specific in nature as to the development of the Mill and
surrounding areas. Our intention is
not to micromanage with a business plan doomed for failure.
But rather offer an outline that creates a traffic, business and people
friendly situation. A deepened
commercial area beyond the confines of
For more info contact Tom Young