Community Foundation releases results of University Avenue Corridor Study

The Community Foundation of Grand Forks, East Grand Forks & Region has released the findings of the University Avenue Corridor Study. The study, commissioned by the Community Foundation in partnership with the Knight Foundation Donor-Advised Fund, was administered by JLG Architects.

The study was undertaken in an effort to look at ways of improving and enhancing the University Avenue corridor between Columbia Road and downtown Grand Forks. With the ongoing efforts to improve the aesthetics and infrastructure on campus, and the improvements made to downtown, the study looked at ways to improve the physical connection between the two areas.

“Embracing our unique partnership with Knight Foundation over the past two decades, the Community Foundation has focused on creating and enhancing connections between the University of North Dakota and downtown Grand Forks, between our students and our community as a whole, “ said Becca Baumbach, executive director of the Community Foundation. “This corridor may be that physical connection, but, through a shared commitment from our community, it also presents exciting opportunities for engagement, retention, and innovation.”

The results of this collaboration are a Vision Document, meant to encourage the community to think differently about what the corridor could be. This is different from a traditional master plan document which outlines direct initiatives with a detailed implementation plan for each item. The Foundation hopes that the community can rally around the possibilities on the corridor and work together to implement improvements over time. The results have been presented to different community groups and will be available to the public to use as inspiration and motivation to work together to build a dynamic, safe, inviting connection between the campus and downtown areas.

The study was built on a foundation of engaging the community for their feedback and ideas. It began with a community-wide online survey and was followed by two public engagement events. The final opportunity for public input was at The Longest Table event, which was held on University Avenue in September 2019. In addition to public engagement, the study was guided by a steering committee, comprised of people from throughout the community representing different organizations, in addition to residents that live along the corridor. The study findings are broken down into four categories that were identified during the process: Enhancing Corridor Safety, Integrating All Forms of Transportation, Boosting Corridor Activity, and Celebrating Neighborhood Identity.

“Throughout the public engagement process, a few things became quite clear”, said Mike McLean, Senior Project Manager and Grand Forks Market Leader for JLG Architects. “This corridor in itself is a historic and unique neighborhood that represents an important part of Grand Forks. It was important to us to be sure that we gave the neighborhood its due respect and took a thoughtful approach as we discussed potential changes and enhancements to University Avenue.”

The full study results can be found on the Community Foundation’s website at www.gofoundation.org.

The Community Foundation of Grand Forks, East Grand Forks & Region was established in 1998 as a nonprofit, community foundation created by and for the people of the region to encourage a spirit of philanthropy. Working in partnership with individuals, families, businesses, and trusted advisers, the Foundation manages over 100 charitable funds and provides grants to qualified nonprofit organizations and causes. With approximately $15 million in assets, the Foundation has granted $8 million to date to create stronger, more vibrant communities across the region.