Downtown Duluth Visioning

Connectivity between Duluth’s Central Hillside neighborhood and its waterfront has long been challenged by steep topography, fragmented pedestrian routes, and layers of infrastructure that separate neighborhoods from Lake Superior. Despite their close physical proximity, these barriers have made everyday access to the lake and downtown amenities difficult, limiting economic vitality and diminishing the pedestrian experience.

To address these challenges, Damon Farber partnered with the City of Duluth to reimagine a series of downtown spaces along the 1st Avenue East corridor, stretching from Fourth Street down to the waterfront at Gichi-Ode’ Akiing. Rather than proposing a single large intervention, the project established a vision for a connected sequence of public spaces, streetscape improvements, and redevelopment opportunities that together strengthen the relationship between the hillside and the lake.

The plan focused on improving walkability, comfort, and legibility along this critical north–south connection. Recommended strategies included enhanced wayfinding, intersection improvements, expanded sidewalks, and traffic-calming measures, paired with a network of new and revitalized public spaces such as pocket parks, terraces, and flexible gathering areas. Key opportunity sites were identified to support phased implementation, allowing the City to advance improvements incrementally as funding and partnerships became available.

By prioritizing human-scale design, visible activity, and intuitive connections, the vision seeks to catalyze reinvestment, increase foot traffic between downtown and the Lakewalk, and create a more engaging, welcoming experience for residents and visitors traveling between Duluth’s hillside neighborhoods and its waterfront.