Landon Ochsner | Landscape Designer

Creekside Commons | Urban Design and Resilience

Creekside Commons aims to mitigate flooding from
Wildcat Creek while providing a dynamic mixed-use space for residents and visitors in Manhattan, Kansas. The development utilizes extensive infill to reactivate an underutilized space and reinvigorate a highly visible, regionally important intersection. The development calls on low impact development, mixed-use, higher-density design principles to create a space for work, life, and play. The proposed development provides flood protection and ecological improvement for the community by removing the existing Linear Trail embankment and implementing a new protective landform designed to accommodate predicted worsening flood conditions. This landform widens the floodplain, restores riparian habitat, and reduces stormwater runoff into Wildcat Creek.

Additionally, Creekside Commons provides new community amenities, including a competition-grade aquatics center, multipurpose arena with space for indoor soccer and ice hockey, in-demand housing types, and nearly 100 acres of new park space. These amenities augment the ample space created for retail, restaurants, and a hotel. The development adds much needed housing to the community, with the addition of nearly 400 new units, from three-bedroom townhomes to one-bedroom apartments. These new residences have excellent access to a nearby medical clinic, neighborhood market, park space, and numerous other perks of living in Creekside Commons. The development’s walkable design and excellent access to transit makes living and working in the development easy and convenient.

Programming

Creekside Commons’ compact, walkable, and mixed-use layout provides space for a variety of programs and land uses. Mixed-use construction encourages the development of retail and commercial businesses at street-level while providing space on upper levels for apartments and offices.

Creekside Park provides creek access and recreation space to residents of the development and nearby neighborhoods.

Creekside Commons’ compact, walkable, and mixed-use layout provides space for a variety of programs and land uses. Mixed-use construction encourages the development of retail and commercial businesses at street-level while providing space on upper levels for apartments and offices. The development is anchored by an 82,000 square foot aquatic center, which hosts local, regional and national events. A large hotel and conference center augments the aquatic center with accommodations for its out-of-town visitors. These visitors can choose to shop, dine, or play at one of Creekside Commons’ numerous businesses. Ample public space forms the fabric of Creekside Commons. Visitors have access to trails, parks, and recreation amenities just steps away from each building. Creekside Commons is a place for work, rest, and play for residents and visitors alike.

Linear trail access and visibility is improved for its users and visitors. New trailheads directly tie linear trail to the Creekside Commons development. A nature center cuts through the protective landform, providing interpretive experiences for school groups and families.
The creation of functional public space is considered with each building placement. Space between structures is used to defi ne unique and inviting outdoor areas for visitors to Creekside Commons. Lush native plantings provide interest, habitat, and stormwater benefits.

Green Flood Control

The Wildcat Creek floodplain is widened to allow for greater retention of floodwater, while a large landform creates a barrier between the development and the waterway. The landform is designed to shield against FEMA’s future 100-year flood, given climate change and development patterns.