Planned Neighborhood Blog 5: “A Brownfield goes Green”

While arriving at the brownfield site on Kelton and Oak many emotions come to mind. One might feel scared, hopeless, disinterested, or solemn. The surrounding neighbors seem to have an evident divide. Looking through the lens of planner, however, one can see potential for a thriving site that will contribute to a much deserving community.

Street view of the current lot

 

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Street view of the current lot

We have the vision of creating a space that will not only stimulate the area economically, but as a community. We imagine spaces that will narrow divides and provide a forum for unity. Planned Neighborhood aims to develop a local produce hub along with a community-learning center. In addition our plan is to include a local brewery and tap house that will provide the near by residents with a relaxing get away from their normal hustle and bustle. This development will be named The Trolley Barn Block.

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The Westernmost side of the site will house our Barn Brewery and parking area.

 

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Current conditions, westernmost building

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Current conditions, westernmost building

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Bar name and logo

Redevelopment proposal, front view

The more centralized region of the cite will be the home of our community gardens, where local gardeners can purchase a small plot to grow crops, herbs, and flowers.

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Current conditions, mid site

Current conditions, mid site

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Redevelopment proposal

On the Eastern most region of the site will be located the Trolley Car Market, Community Center, learning Kitchen, and Loading Dock. The learning kitchen will act, as an instructional site where families can learn about healthy options and how to prepare fresh meals. Our Community center will be used as a space for family gatherings, community events, etc.

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Current conditions, easternmost building

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Current conditions, easternmost building

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Market name and logo

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Redevelopment proposal, front view

This Brownfield Site will be accessible through many modes of transportation. Our consumers will be able to travel to the site on bus, by bike, driving, or with a quick walk. There will be parking amenities for guests, both for bike and cars, as well as street parking in case of overflow.

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Redevelopment Site Plan

We imagine that although many neighbors will greatly favor our proposal, there will be skeptics. One concern could be that because this site is a brownfield, chemicals and toxins could have infiltrated the ground making it unsafe to grow healthy crops. We have a plan to clean the area of toxins through soil treatments, growth of plants that will revitalize the plots and the use of compost to create a healthy soil for our families. The compost will be provided from our Farmers Market and Brewery leftovers. Another concern might be that our site will cause commotion in what is a relatively calm neighborhood. Although we do hope to bring traffic to the area, our plan is that we will create a serene space that one can visit to relax, run errands, or learn. In addition, we have taken measures that will act as a buffer to minimize noise from inside the development such as trees and shrubbery. Finally, we know that the brewery could have a negative stigmas associated with it. Our vision for the Brewery is to have a tap house restaurant location that would have an inviting and relaxed feel. This would be a family restaurant and have a separate brew room were customers could indulge in a few beverages. The establishment would have normal business hours, closing at ten on weekdays and midnight on the weekends, to respect the neighbors and reduce commotion and noise.

Overall, We know that the Trolley Barn Block will pay tribute to its roots but add a modern twist to the present neighborhood. We want our guests to be able to see landmarks such as the trolley barn and know that was the same trolley barn that their grandparents passed walking home from church each Sunday. In addition, we want to create a space that will one day be a lasting asset for the community and be a new piece of history for the site.

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