The main issue my thesis addresses is the need for the redevelopment of a strong connection between the city’s riverfront and the community itself, a connection in Madison which must link together the Central Business District, the adjacent residential area, and the Ohio River. They must all be reactivated as a whole with each existing through the support of the others. Along with this are the issues of reestablishing or enhancing the community's sense of identity and pride, and enhancing the downtown to give the citizens a better chance of maintaining a healthy economic and social base that will allow them to grow and prosper rather than fade away as many city cores have done.Additional issues to be focused on include the need for the development of a riverfront entry and recreational areas along the river, a multi-use facility designed to function as the community's house providing needed educational as well as recreational oppertunities, and the reinforcement of the city-river connection by environmental improvements that will continue from the river area on into the city as well as addressing and reinforcing the CBD and residential area connection.Riverfont EntranceMadison owes its beginning to the river, so it’s only appropriate that the riverfront be its"frontyard" - a recreational area that will make the riverfront more accessible, enjoyable, and usable for the entire community. First, a waterfront entrance will be developed at the end ofJefferson Street. This will be an area thats functions is to greet those people who arrive in Madison via riverboats. It can also be used by Madison citizens as a river look out area. Second, a marina will be located at the base of Broadway Street to allow Madison citizens an area to keep their boats as well as allow visitors from surrounding communities to stop and visit Madison. Next, pedestrian and bicycle paths are to be located along the riverfront. An outdoor performance pavilion for bands to provide community entertainment will be installed as well as a "community green" for festivals and family recreation will be developed as well as tennis courts, fishing piers and overlooks.Mulit-Use FacilityThis facility will be located at the empty lot at the corner of Jefferson St.and Vaughn Dr. and adjacent to the proposed waterfront entrance. It will act as a extension of Madison's history, a regional cultural center as well as a tourist attraction. It will provide displays for all user age groups both citizens and visitors. It will contain a lobby or reception area, a visitor information center for those who come to the city in private boats, steamboats, or cars. It will provide information on events in Madison such as Tour of Homes, Steamboat trips, fleamarkets, Chautaqua of the Arts and so on. A large space will be provided for displays on Madison's development as a rivercity along with steamboat building, Regatta and Chautaqua history. An urban art gallery area will also be incorporated for local and regional artists to display their works year round. Meeting areas for such groups as the Regatta Committee and the Riverfront Committee can also take place here. There will also be a small cafe which will provide a view ofthe river and boats with the hills of Kentucky as a backdrop.Jefferson StreetThere will be a continuation of streetscape materialssuch as paving, signage, lighting, streetfurnishings and planting from the waterfront area up Jefferson St. and on to Main St. This will provide a visual connection between the two while providing for a better street environment for both the surrounding community as well as for visitors. A variety of activities and events will be enhanced and encouraged (flea market, farmers' market, sitting-meeting areas, outdoor display areas for stores) to add to the positive city image that Madison wants to projects.Shopfront renovation and housing in the upper stories will also be incorporated into the project to aid in the creation of a positive image for the area. This will provide a change in the, consumer's perception of the downtown and of the individual businesses currently residing on Jefferson Street. Current vacant spaces will be more attractive to prospective tenants.The currently empty Hunger building through renovation will be restored as a hotel and small restaurant. Madison currently has only a few small hotels in the downtown area. With the increased success of events such as the Chautauqua of the Arts, the Regatta, and the amount of visitors from surrounding ,areas to Madison, there is a need for this type of facility. A small hotel, restored to recreate an atmosphere similar to the one it possessed in the 1800's as the Eagle Hotel would help to enhance the historic image of Madison while also help to reinforce a positive image in this presently run down area.