MKSK Clarksville Riverfront Concept

River restoration helps catalyze economic development, enhance ecology, and build resilience as part of post-industrial revitalization.

The waterfront of Clarksville, IN, located directly across the Ohio River from Louisville, KY, was once home to factories for industrial giants such as Colgate-Palmolive. Recent decades, however, have seen the departure of much of this industry. With more than 300 acres of the riverfront lying dormant and largely unused, the Town of Clarksville recognized an opportunity for revitalization. Working with MKSK, they crafted a compelling vision for the area that includes a mixed-use district with public gathering spaces, walkable streets, bicycle trails, shopping, dining, and entertainment venues.

The anchors of the plan are the Ohio River itself and the former Colgate-Palmolive factory. As a key consultant providing riverfront restoration and ecological services to MKSK and the Town, Biohabitats completed a natural resources assessment of the area. This includes riverine ecosystem planning and design, conceptual design for features to enhance habitat and resilience, and the integration of ecosystem function and restoration features in the overall site design.