Allison Platt & Associates worked on a variety of master plan and implementation projects in New Bern over more than 25 years.
The first plan commenced in 1989, analyzed the downtown core and made recommendations for economic revitalization and streetscape and open space improvements. It also proposed new development and redevelopment, including housing on the river, a convention center, expanded downtown hotels and retail. All of these improvements have been built.
In 2000 Allison Platt & Associates prepared an updated master plan that explored the circulation and infrastructure improvements needed to keep pace with New Bern’s growth and a planned $100 million bridge across the Neuse River. The report was instrumental in convincing NCDOT to replace the swing bridge across the Trent River to bring visitors into the downtown. The plan also recommended improvements to Broad Street which became an important corridor into the downtown once the old Neuse River Bridge was removed. All of these recommendations were funded and have been built.
In 2009, the New Bern Celebration Plan outlined improvements needed in preparation for the 300th Anniversary of New Bern in 2010. The plan included expansion of the Riverwalk, additional parks, visitor and interpretive signage, expanded bike paths, marketing, and the display of artwork and historic and cultural artifacts.
AWARDS: “Great Places in America: Streets”, 2010, American Planning Association. “Great Main Streets”, NCAPA, 2015
RESULTS: From 1990 through 2001, there was $180 million in public and private investment in downtown New Bern.