merson Heights What is a Charrette? - Ball State University

Emerson Heights Village CenterOverview:Creating comfortable places for peopleto shop is important to economicdevelopment and the creation ofactive, safe streets. People want tospend time on commercial streetsbecause there is a variety of thingsto see and do. It is important thatthe commercial areas, especially theVillage, are pedestrian focused. Autoorienteddevelopment does little tosupport neighborhood revitalization.Commercial improvements thatpromote neighborhood, pedestrianactivity include restoring historicarchitectural features, active andtransparent storefronts, awnings,authentic materials like brick,incorporating public spaces like plazasand sidewalk cafes, and keeping thebuilding at the sidewalk with parkingat the rear.6a: 10th StreetFramework PlanThis 3D framework plan explores10th Street as a transit orienteddistrict. Strategically located bus stopshelp to drive the future growth of thecommercial corridor. By consolidatingsigned bus stops they can be moreeconomically upgraded with shelters,benches, and other amenities.TFig. 6AExisting Commercial CoreDistrict ExpansionBus Shelter1000’ Walking RadiusNew RetailNew Retail6b Linwood SquareNew Retailrevitalization:Linwood Square can be consideredan “anchor” to the village, much likea department store is an anchor in atraditional shopping mall. It providesthe draw on which smaller shops cancapitalize. Today the shopping centeris characterized by excessive parkinglots, lack of consistent identity orsignificant architectural features, andlittle connection to the neighborhoodor proposed Village.Fig. 6BAmphitheaterKrogerCulturalCenterSeniorHousingThe area can be upgraded withnew infill retail sites, and the outof-characterapartment complexto the south can be replaced with amore appropriately designed seniorhousing with a cultural center andneighborhood park.6C: Street SectionCommercial areas can be enhancedwith streetscape improvements suchas facade treatments & tree planting.New development can also set backa few extra feet from the propertyline, creating a wider sidewalk. Onstreetparking is vital to retail uses andshould be retained.SetbackVariesFig. 6C11’Sidewalk and Planters9’ParkingVisions for the Future:10’Travel Lane10’Travel Lane60’Existing Right-of-Way9’Parking11’Sidewalk and PlantersHurdles to Overcome:SetbackVariesDesign Charrettemerson Heights