Developing a Vision for the I-11/I-40 Gateway

The City of Kingman, located in northwestern Arizona on the Colorado Plateau, is shaped by its historic resources, transportation legacy along Historic Route 66, and proximity to regional recreational assets, and is seeking planning strategies that preserve its historic significance while strengthening downtown economic activity. As the City examines connectivity, visibility, and traveler engagement within the I-11/I-40 gateway amid evolving traffic patterns, signage changes, and interchange planning, it aims to identify planning, design, and placemaking strategies that encourage interstate travelers to exit and engage with downtown rather than bypass it. MUEP students will evaluate existing conditions related to land use, multimodal access, trail connectivity on both sides of the interstate, historic resources, and recreational assets, incorporating findings from an ongoing historic resources survey where available. Through peer community research, stakeholder interviews, and targeted surveys, students will identify strategies that leverage recreation, heritage, retail opportunities, and gateway visibility to support downtown-focused economic development. The project will culminate in a set of research-informed planning and policy recommendations that strengthen connections between the interstate gateway and downtown, preserve historic character, and position Kingman to capture visitor interest and economic activity while reinforcing its regional identity.