CONNECTING
BROADWAY-FILLMORE
GROW TEAM
The Broadway Fillmore triangle has served as a microcosm of many larger issues that face many East-side neighborhoods in the city of Buffalo. As has been outlined previously, some of the pressing issues for residents of the triangle include but are not limited to high vacancy rates, lack of investment from public institutions, and rapidly shifting neighborhood demographics that alter existing place-making efforts. To combat the general issues described, the team crafted goals and strategies focused on the expansion of green infrastructure, the addition of family-oriented amenities, and investments in both accessible housing and commercial development. The background information (outlined in chapter 1) detailing the community character, needs, and wants was used to inform the general elements of design revitalization.
CONCEPT MAP
Green Space
Parkways
Housing
Communal Spaces
Multi-use
Birds Eye View
PHASE ZERO
The first steps of implementing the design into the Broadway-Fillmore triangle begin in phase zero. This phase allows low-cost streetscape interventions to begin such as placement of street bollards, or something as simple as painting a bike lane. Not only is the street addressed in this early phase, but the vacant lots on the blocks are also temporarily activated. Phase zero will take place on the blocks between Paderewski Drive and Peckham Street, with Gibson Street running between them. These two blocks were found to hold the most potential for providing new housing opportunities and improving the streets.
Phase zero of the block allows low-cost measures to be deployed on the streetscape which can be taken into effect immediately. During this phase, Paderewski is planned to have bump-outs to decrease the walking distance while crossing the street, this also improves safety for pedestrians and slows traffic. Low-cost measures such as crosswalk paint and bike lanes have also been planned for the streetscape. The vacant lots on this site plan to be temporarily used as a playscape for children, made from recycled materials such as pallets and old car tires. The southern end of the block also plans for raised bed gardens during this phase.
BIRDS-EYE PHASE ZERO
PHASE ZERO
PHASE ONE
Phase one of the block design allows more permanent streetscape designs and introduces infill into vacant lots. Our team responded to the neighborhood’s need for housing and planned for a variety of housing typologies. The streetscape was also seen as a great asset for the neighborhood and improvement was heavily emphasized.
For phase one, the neighborhood will see mixed-use housing to the North of the site, with local business on the first floor and apartments on top. The middle of the site along Fillmore Ave will be used for row housing and duplexes, this typology increases neighborhood density but still gives people a certain degree of privacy and independence. The southern end of the site is used for large, single-family homes. These dwellings are planned to support the influx of the new American families on Buffalo’s East side. The street of Paderewski will also drastically change during phase one. The bollards will be replaced with bioswales which also act as bump outs. More vegetation, as well as a bus stop, and benches are planned along the street.
BIRDS-EYE PHASE ONE
