D E S I G N /// ck

This is an old project that I've revamped the past few days. It's a mixed use building that would go on a large blank lot in the "downtown" of Mechanicsville. As part of the urban master planning, the historic commercial core of the neighborhood would be rebuilt. Right now there's just a few old brick buildings with a deli and a barber shop. The new building would be built at a scale that compliments the older buildings across the street and the houses nearby. The first floor would house offices and retail, built right at the edge of the sidewalk like the original buildings. Above, two stories of condos/apartments have large glass windows and balconies connecting them to the street life. Buildings like this contribute to a neighborhood's security just as much as policemen. The building and its occupants fully engage the street, not hiding suburban-style behind a large parking lot. The more "eyes on the street" (e.g. shop owners, tenants) there are, the less likely illegal activity is going to occur.

New clients are looking into reviving this project. Best of all, the major commercial tenant they're looking at is the local Food Co-op we frequent. That means that a good sized organic grocery store would only be three blocks from our house! Alice would like that. And I would be able to help out the rougher end of our adopted neighborhood. Let's hope it goes forward!