Renewal Plan
Revitalization Plan
The
revitalization plan for Old Town Pocatello defines the development of Old Town as a cultural and business center which fosters cultural arts, perpetuates economic development, and continues necessary infrastructure. This page contains a map marking the locations of the key projects, sites, and entry points within the renewal plan. For a description of the locations highlighted on the map, simply click on the location you wish to view. Also located on this page is the 2008-2013 Revitalization Plan which outlines the key areas of the revitalization plan.
View the Revitalization Map o 2008-2013 Revitalization Plan o Download the information on this page as a pdf file
Revitalization Map
Click on a number for a description.
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Entry Points
Remaining consistent with Historic Old Town Pocatello's goal to define itself as a unified and cohesive "destination" rather then disjointed clusters of old buildings and independent businesses that people merely "pass through," locations for several official entrances to the Historic Old Town District have been determined. While each entrance may vary in size and stateliness, all will work together to further define the 
district as a single "place." Back to map
Downtown Reach
Extension
Linking green space within Old Town Pocatello and beyond, the portneuf Greenway's Downtown Reach will prove to bee a key element in promoting a pedestrian atmosphere within the district. The Greenway will extend to the Union Pacific Depot, over the underpass to the Lander St. Pedestrian Bridge. To the east, over the bridge, the Greenway will extend through the Historic Warehouse District to the Benton St. overpass and back to Trappers Park. To the west, it will follow W. Freemont St. back to the Portneuf
River.
Back to map
Upper Level Housing
The
encouragement of mixed use development within Historic Old Town Pocatello is essential. Such development in the Yellowstone and Whitman Hotels will serve as models for other multi-story buildings in the district development. Back to map
Chamber of Commerce Relocation
Relocating the Greater Pocatello Chamber of Commerce headquarters to Main Street promise a number of benefits for all. While it is important that the Chamber of Commerce be located in a place that is easy to find and provide convenient access to visitors, it will also help to define the Historic Old Town district as a HUB for Commercial business.
Back to map
Union Pacific Depot
Future use of this historic building could include community performance and entertainment space, a railroad museum with classrooms used to teach railroad and city history or meeting space for community groups. Back to map
Parking
A functional parking system integrated within the Historic Old Town district is essential. While it is important that a pedestrian friendly atmosphere be created and maintained, the convenient usage of the automobile must be accommodated as well. Back to map
Greyhound Station
Acting as a hub for the city's mass transit system, the greyhound station promises to bring people into the Old Town district from throughout the greater Pocatello area, many of whom would not otherwise visit. Back to map
The Triangle
The development of the Triangle property will provide Historic Old Town Pocatello with yet another highly visible area to visitors and residents. Adding streetlights, pavers, benches, and trees will help the area to match the rest of the district aesthetically. Back to map
Business Improvement District (BID)
The Business Improvement District (BID) was established in 1991 by the Pocatello City Council to create a long term funding source, managed by Historic Old Town Pocatello Inc., for the development and implementation of a comprehensive revitalization program. All property located within the BID boundary benefits from this program. Back to map
Old Town Urban Renewal Area (OTURA)
The Old Town Urban Renewal Area was established in 1993 when the Pocatello City Council defined what is know as a revenue allocation area and adopted an urban renewal plan as stated by Idaho Code. Funding for OTURA is generated through the implementation of a procedure known as tax increment financing. Local redevelopment agencies use this additional tax money to fund improvement
s within the OTURA boundary. Back to map
Pocket Parks
The cluster of Parks and green space running along the Portneuf River should be included as key components in Historic Old Town Pocatello's overall revitalization plan. Their location, size, and number provide an added opportunity for privacy among those who wish to use the space.Back to map
Pocatello High School Auditorium
With the completion of the Chief Plaza, it is hoped that Pocatello High School's auditorium will be used for civic events as well as those associated with the school. Securing access to and further developing this auditorium into a premier venue is a critical step in providing the performing arts an opportunity to thrive within Historic Old Town. Back to map
Old Town Pocatello 2008-2013 Revitalization Plan
Acknowledgements o Development Improvements o Transportation Improvements o Public Spaces, Safety & Services
Zoning/Building Code o
Marketing & Promotion o Implementation
The Old Town Pocatello, Inc. Board of Directors wishes to thank the Revitalization Plan Task force Members who spent valuable time reviewing and sharing insight into the development of this plan. Revitalization Plan Taskforce Members |
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Diane Anderson |
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AMIS |
Patrick Anderson |
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NBC News Channel 6 |
Ty Anderson |
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Community Volunteer |
Ed Bala |
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Idaho Department of Transportation |
Ray Carter |
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Community Volunteer |
Mayor Roger Chase |
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City of Pocatello |
Samantha Damron |
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Eastern Idaho Development Corporation |
Kay Dittmann |
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Greater Pocatello Chamber of Commerce |
Connie Doerr |
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Bannock Planning Organization |
Mary Ann Donnelly |
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School District #25 Board of Trustees |
Karen Fisher |
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Centennial Rotary |
Commissioner Larry Ghan |
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Bannock County |
Sherrie Hebert |
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National Weather Service |
Bill Isley |
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Tuscany Hills Development |
Carey Jones |
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Pocatello Neighborhood Housing Services |
Dr. Carolyn Kennedy |
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School District #25 |
Bill Kunerth |
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Idaho State Journal |
Dr. Jonathan Lawson |
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Bannock Development Corporation Board of Directors |
Amy McLaughlin |
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Bannock Civitans |
Sam Nettinga |
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Valley Pride |
Sylvia Raumaker |
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Old Town Pocatello Neighborhood Association |
Stephen Rhoads |
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College Neighborhood Association |
Jess Robison |
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Community Volunteer |
Bekky Ronk |
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Idaho State University Student Government |
Joydean Sorensen |
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The Gallows |
Kathy Watson |
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Marshall Public Library |
The Design Committee Members |
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Jerry Myers |
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Board Member, Old Town Pocatello, Inc.and Design Committee Chair |
Kim Smith |
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Board Member |
Dorsey Hill |
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Board Member |
Dick Carroll |
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Past Board Member |
David Sandquist |
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Past Board Member |
Robert Chambers |
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Director of Community Development & Research, City of Pocatello |
Michelle Pak |
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Associate Planner, City of Pocatello |
Frank Hartlieb |
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Liaison, Pocatello Arts Council |
Mike Doellman |
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Director, Marshall Public Library |
Sylvia Raumaker |
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Community Volunteer |
Stephanie Palagi |
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Executive Director, Old Town Pocatello, Inc. |
Executive Summary
synopsis of the plan contents
This Revitalization Plan outlines key result areas for revitalization during the years 2008-2013. To facilitate successful completion of projects and initiatives relative to each key result area, Old Town Pocatello, Inc. will work in cooperation with a variety of government entities, public and private organizations including:
- City of Pocatello
- Historic Preservation Commission
- Pocatello Development Authority
- Property Owners
- Business Owners
- Pocatello Arts Council
- Idaho State University
- School District #25
- The Greater Pocatello Chamber of Commerce
- Pocatello Neighborhood Housing Services
The
2008 Old Town Revitalization Plan contains five key result areas. The vision of each area is stated. Projects and initiatives are listed for consideration and if determined to be feasible, possible implementation.
Development Improvements
Vision - Continue the development of Old Town as a cultural and business center which fosters cultural arts, perpetuates economic development, and continues necessary infrastructure improvements.
Funding:
- Work cooperatively with the City of Pocatello and the Pocatello Development Authority to develop support and partial funding for proposed projects and initiatives.
- Establish the Old Town Pocatello Urban Renewal District to continue the revitalization efforts in the Old Town area.
Cultural Arts:
- Work
with local organizations such as the Marshall Public Library and the Pocatello Arts Council to establish a cultural arts district. - Facilitate, promote and support the development of activity centers that invite and attract people to the District.
- Work with School District #25 to renovate the Pocatello High School Auditorium.
- Expand
the selection of specialty shopping and restaurants along with businesses needed to provide services for residents living downtown.
Housing:
- Work
with local property owners, investors, federal and state agencies to support the continued efforts to develop housing on the upper floors of buildings in the Business Improvement District and bordering areas such as the Historic Warehouse District. - Support Pocatello Neighborhood Housing Services in their efforts to build strong neighborhoods and promote rehabilitation of homes and buildings in Old Town and surrounding areas.
Infrastructure:
- Secure funding for continued streetscape improvements including sidewalks, trees, electricity, benches and trash cans.
- Work to make continued improvements on the East Side of the Business Improvement District.
- Work to secure funding to finish street light installation.
- Work with the City of Pocatello to assess and define the future of the Center Street underpass.
Transportation Improvements
Vision - Develop long range strategy for streets and parking to enhance the pedestrian friendly nature of the district while making living and shopping convenient for residents and visitors.
Work
with the City of Pocatello, State of Idaho and Bannock Planning Organization to collect research and recent traffic and parking surveys. A comprehensive approach needs to be taken to provide safer vehicle and pedestrian traffic as well as expand parking.
- Streets and automobile traffic
- Parking
- Pedestrian and bicycle traffic
- Public transit
- Signs
Public Spaces, Safety & Services
Vision - Create clean, attractive and safe community wide gathering place.Green Space:
- Preserve existing green space while developing new areas of green space.
- Work with School District #25, the City of Pocatello and the Pocatello Development Authority to build a pedestrian walkway and plaza on Lander St. maintaining the traffic/no traffic option.
- Work with the Portneuf Greenway Foundation to continue the development of green space in the Old Town area including expansion from the Depot to the Pavilion, including an Eastern loop through the Warehouse District via the Lander St. Pedestrian Bridge and a Western path back to the Portneuf River along Fremont St.
Services:
- Secure funding and work with the City of Pocatello to install public restrooms at key locations.
- Continue to work with the City of Pocatello Police Department on property security, public security and graffiti deterrents.
Streetscape:
- Continue to design and secure funding to develop entrances to Old Town similar to Dudunake Park on South Main St.
- Work with property owners and business owners to clean up and create pedestrian friendly areas, outdoor seating and gathering spaces along Union Pacific Avenue.
- Work with the City of Pocatello to install street lights to create the "Downtown Corridor" on Center St. and Clark St. from the I-15 interchange.
- Work to make Union Pacific Avenue the home of historic signs that have been removed from buildings or are in need of restoration.
Zoning/Building Code
Vision - Advocate for zoning, code and building requirements necessary to ensure new development projects and the preservation of historic buildings essential to the integrity of the Old Town Pocatello Business Improvement District.
- Support the Historic Preservation Commission in their effort to manage and implement the Historic Preservation ordinance and the Minimal Maintenance ordinance.
Marketing & Promotion
Vision - Position Old Town as a destination celebrated for its history and uniqueness drawing not only local residents but visitors and tourists.
- Market the amenities of Old Town by focusing on the core assets to build the District into a "destination."
- Continue to expand use of the Pavilion to accommodate private events.
- Continue to build alliances with other organizations such as the Bannock Civitans to work together to benefit the community and bring more people to Old Town.
- Work with property owners and business owners to expand Art Walk, create an "Antique Alley," and continue to expand use of the Pavilion for public events.
Implementation
Future funding, commitment, focus, cooperation and management will be the key deciding factors in the successful implementation of the 2008-2013 Revitalization Plan.
