Plans to develop a riverfront area just north of the downtown Kansas River bridge have a ways to go, but the idea has some wonderful potential.

City commissioners reacted positively Tuesday night to plans to redevelop an area roughly between Johnny’s Tavern and the Kansas River. The developers envision shops and restaurants and perhaps offices and residential uses – all taking advantage of the area’s proximity to the river.

Those pursuing the project acknowledge that it isn’t a short-term goal. Although the developers own considerable property in the area, they hope to purchase additional property from the city, the Kaw River Drainage District and private owners. Because of the location of the land, the project also will have to receive the approval of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which is responsible for the Kansas River levee system.

Lawrence long has been concerned about the impression motorists get when they enter the city from the north. Various efforts along North Third and North Second Streets have improved the entrance to the city in recent years, but having an attractive development just north of the bridge would be a boon for downtown and the rest of the city. With the Lawrence Visitor Center in the former Union Pacific Depot just across the street, the area could provide a wonderful welcome to those visiting Lawrence.

Of course, the area does present some challenges, and it will be interesting to see how the developers deal with those issues as their plans progress. The biggest obstacle would seem to be the levee, which protects North Lawrence from flooding but also cuts off any view of the river from the proposed development – at least at the ground level. There would, however, be some spectacular views of the river valley and Mount Oread from a rooftop or raised dining area. The trains that pass nearby also could be an issue for residential development or a hotel but there may be ways to address the noise problems.

At any rate, Lawrence residents should be grateful to Johnny’s owner Rick Renfro and the other partners in his North Mass Development Group for their efforts to improve this highly visible and potentially scenic corner of Lawrence. Their creative thinking could pay off nicely, not only for North Lawrence residents, but for the entire community.