The areas immediately surrounding and adjacent to the new campus site are as critically important to take into account as the campus itself.  Consideration of how these spaces might evolve as the campus and the downtown area develops should be a high priority early in the process.  The overviews provided here are possibilities and suggestions as to how one might begin to incorporate a master plan for greater downtown Show Low that includes a college setting and how that setting might expand and influence the city physically, economically, socially, and environmentally.  Suggestions include:

• Integration of business, academic, social and residential downtown communities
• Should be inspired by the surrounding ecological systems and the existing neighborhood scale
• Creation of microclimates for year-round comfort while reducing rainwater runoff and energy consumption
• Respect of circulation and topography while emphasizing key focal areas
• Creation of economic vitality by reinforcing campus connections and bringing tourists, residents, and students downtown

1/4 mile area surrounding the proposed campus site that will have the greatest impact on the campus and is also the area that the campus will impact most significantly.

The parcels to the north of the campus site and Huning to the east of the site offer tremendous opportunities for growth and linking the campus with Show Low’s business districts.

To the west of the campus site lays the Fire and Police Stations; these established structures are not likely to move.  Easy in-and-out access and expansion potential for both should be incorporated into any short or long-term planning.

To the south of the campus site lie numerous residential homes and the intermediate school.  The residential areas should be encouraged to remain as they are, with little or no modification based on the new campus site.  These residential areas provide a balance to the academic and business density of downtown and may provide students and faculty access to housing that is near the campus.

The intermediate school provides an interesting link to the college campus, creating an academic corridor.

To the east and northeast is the proposed new civic center of Show Low.  In particular, Huning Avenue offers tremendous potential to link pedestrian, residential, business, and recreational activities to the academic campus.  This is worth exploring as a potential pedestrian mall rich with restaurants, stores, housing, and opportunities to spur economic activity downtown and near the campus.

To the north is a broad expanse of lightly-developed properties that extend to the Deuce.  This too offers tremendous opportunities for growth and linking the campus more intimately with the heavily traveled Deuce business district, the high school, and Fools Hollow Lake park.