The Wisconsin Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects last week awarded Ayres’ Altoona River Prairie Development project a 2024 Merit Award in the category of general large-scale design. The project – in which Ayres collaborated with the City of Altoona – turned 40 acres of undeveloped land adjacent to a highway interchange into a whole neighborhood wrapped around a destination park where music and the arts flourish.

The best laid plans have led to exactly what the City of Altoona was after – public facilities that use the “Power of 10” concept to provide a range of activities that entice a range of people to visit. Keeping this public area vibrant is a busy ring of retail, residential, and hospitality spaces surrounding it – all with carefully designed nods to local history and a sense of community spirit.

The public areas include an artificial stream; multiple performance areas and wedding venues; a four seasons plaza, which includes play elements, casual fire features, and a splashpad; complementary pavilions nearby; a large multi-use Main Street plaza design for community events, farmers market, and a breakout area for the new event center constructed nearby. Badminton, ping-pong, and kubb spaces are provided. Extensive landscape beds are throughout the development, especially in the public areas.

Situated along the peaceful Eau Claire River, the project was an exercise in creating a modern, lively downtown space that would bring people together. The project sought to redefine community living by incorporating contemporary trends while preserving the area’s natural charm.

Ayres’ landscape architects played a central role in orchestrating the development of River Prairie in collaboration with Ayres’ municipal and transportation engineers. With a focus on connectivity and community, our landscape architects crafted pathways, gathering spaces, and serene riverbanks that invite people to linger and enjoy the surroundings. River Prairie represents a remarkable transformation from an undeveloped highway interchange quadrant to a thriving center of commerce and recreation. The development seamlessly blends spaces for recreation, markets, dining, and the arts. Its significance lies in its ability to create a bustling yet inviting atmosphere, where the community can come together to celebrate and connect. The preservation of trees and the use of authentic materials added to the development’s charm.