WHISTLE STOP PARK

Located in the heart of downtown Redding, Whistle Stop Park honors the city’s long-standing connection to the California and Oregon Railroad. With its permanent stage and central location, the park will host special events and be welcoming for everyday passive use. It establishes a 1,600-square foot area of vibrant civic realm within a two-acre mixed-use, transformational effort known as Redding Block 7. The $111-million Block 7 project improves housing access through 78 affordable residences available at mixed-income rates from 30% to 80% of the area’s median. The development also focuses on diversifying local businesses, increasing outdoor comfort, improving pedestrian connectivity, and increasing bicycle mobility.  

As the integral hub of the larger development project, Whistle Stop Park provides a variety of uses and programming possibilities to attract both residents and visitors. The park features abundant shade to mitigate intense summer heat, a multifunctioning performance kiosk, a playful lawn, varied seating options, and a cooling mist garden inspired by the regional geology and ecology of Redding. The park is a refreshing microclimate oasis and a comfortable public amenity for passive and active use throughout the year.

Community leaders have been working hard for several years to lay the groundwork for this downtown revitalization project. Block 7 is a joint effort by The McConnell Foundation, K2 Development, and The City of Redding and was created through the design collaboration of OLIN, Modus Studio, and DMARCstudio. Modern Building is the general contractor.              

Location
Redding, CA

Owner
City of Redding

Status
Completed 2024

Key Team Members
Trevor Lee, Partner
Jamee Kominsky, Project Manager
Mick Ding, Landscape Designer
Madison Murray, Landscape Designer

Photography courtesy of Modus Studio