By: Deborah Johnson Wood
If the Creston Corridor Initiative Design Charrette results are any indication of the good things to come, infill development opportunities in the Creston Business Corridor will increase business density and spur pedestrian traffic. Design Plus facilitated the charrette, compiled the results, and presented a proposed design plan to residents, business owners, and Creston Neighborhood Association staff at a public meeting on March 22.
"Infill adds to the density of the corridor and its efficiency," said Jim Horman, a partner and architect for Design Plus. "It introduces complementary businesses and creates opportunities for businesses to fill a need. That's what we're trying to do."
Developing vacant property, reusing existing buildings, or replacing dilapidated buildings to complete the streetscape and business offerings is crucial to developing the corridor as a shopping destination. Using these spaces for new businesses, or for public development such as green spaces or transportation hubs, is vital, Horman said.
"There is strong support for what's going on," said Suzanne Bladey, program manager for the Initiative. "Some infill opportunities proposed in the plan were just to give a sense of uniformity. There are definitely opportunities here; some of the infill spaces we looked at are even for sale right now."
One important finding of the design charrette was the desire to maintain the character of the corridor, most of which was established in the 1800s. Putting older buildings to new use, yet maintaining the architectural elements true to that era, is a key factor in the proposed design.
"We're trying to discover what's already there and showcase it," Jim Horman said.
The Creston Corridor Initiative Design Charrette final report is posted on the Creston Neighborhood Association's Website.
Source: Jim Horman, Design Plus
Deborah Johnson Wood is the Development News Editor for Rapid Growth. She can be reached at [email protected].
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