CONNECTING
BROADWAY-FILLMORE
RE-CONNECTION
Introduction
Based on the analysis from phase 1, lack of green infrastructure, poor side-walk conditions, disconnection from the city and a dearth of community character and trust1 were identified as key issues to be addressed. As team 2, we started by prioritizing these issues to arrive at one overall objective - of [re-connecting] the study area at multiple scales of intervention. As straightforward as that sounds, the group proposes that this strategy be used to create a thriving and vibrant community.
Connect Broadway-Fillmore to the Surrounding City
The first strategy that would help tackle connectivity between the neighborhood and the surrounding city is bike lanes. Implementing a bike lane that connects Memorial Drive and Paderewski Drive (two major residential streets in the neighborhood) to Broadway and Fillmore Avenue.
Connect the Broadway Market and Central Terminal
The second planning goal is to connect the Broadway Market and Central Terminal, two significant structures in the community with a lot of potential. There is currently nothing in particular that connects the two buildings as hubs of the community. One strategy that could strengthen this connection is addressing the walkability of sidewalks in the neighborhood, this includes a possible wayfinding system that shows pedestrians how to get to the buildings.
Creating Destinations that Connect Different Groups of Residents
The third planning goal for this neighborhood is to create destinations that connect different groups of residents. The strategies to be presented can allow for engagement that is not limited to one or two groups of residents. The first strategy is to implement more shared facilities. For example, playgrounds, community centers, and community gardens. This welcomes those of all backgrounds with similar interests.
Planned Green Infrastructure and Green Space
The final goal is to better connect people to nature and greenspaces. The first strategy for this goal is to connect the neighborhood to the Olmsted park system. Fillmore Avenue used to be a part of the Olmsted park system, acting as a greenway.
Site Plan
The following site plan brings together all of the strategies into one map. The changes made that are demonstrated include the housing infill, the addition of mixed use building on main corridors, the community garden, an urban farm, a farmers market, additional parks/greenspace, bike lanes, a bike station and commercial connections between the terminal and the market.
INTRODUCTION
In the previous phase of the course we investigated the challenge of disconnection between residents, the surrounding region and neighborhood destinations. The hope is for the design proposal to help address this challenge. The proposals that are to be brought forward are meant to revitalize the spaces surrounding the neighborhood staples that are to be improved. The proposals are separated into two phases, the first phase is meant to represent temporary tactical design changes that are lower in cost. The second phase is more long term and high cost, and is meant to permanently improve the current space. The process for selecting the specific site to focus on, involved the consideration of the location of neighborhood destinations and establishments. We had to consider where foot traffic can be heightened based on the proximity to highly visited destinations. In the end, we chose two blocks and a street that runs parallel to the Broadway Market. The market has a plan for significant improvements that will ideally bring people and businesses to the market, making it even more of a significant destination. An improvement of the nearby area would be an opportunity that could promote even more traffic to both the market and the neighborhood. With the presence of many cultures and backgrounds, it is important to have a space in which everyone can get to know other people in their neighborhood. The market is one of the spaces where one can find a multitude of food vendors selling different kinds of foods from different places. Extending this kind of space to go beyond the market could be very beneficial to creating an environment that promotes diversity and inclusiveness. The site selected for design intervention is located within the Broadway Fillmore triangle, between the Broadway Market and Corpus Christi Church, two significant destinations within the neighborhood. Two blocks and a street were chosen, the chosen blocks are between Lombard Street and Clark Street. The first block (Broadway Block) starts at Broadway. The second block (Church Block) starts at Kent Street, and although the block ends at Paderewski, the design proposal stops at South Market Street.
SITE PLAN
Phase 0
Currently, there is a lack of street activation on Lombard Street, vacant lots that are not being utilized and a parking lot with a lot of opportunity. Phase 0 includes proposals that are meant to be temporary measures but highly effective in use. The site plan for this phase helps give an overall visual for the proposed changes to the selected site Much of the materials included within the design proposals in this phase are at a much lower cost than design interventions that change the existing infrastructure.
BROADWAYÂ BLOCK
Phase Zero
The Broadway block is a significant block that has a lot of potential. The block is located directly off of Broadway and between Lombard Street and Clark Street. Currently, there is a parking lot and a shopping center. This center includes Jericho Road, Key Bank, and several other businesses. Our proposed design could be beneficial in making this block more than just a place to run errands.
Phase 0 of the design plan for the Broadway block, turns the parking lot into a space for people to come and buy food and goods from local vendors (Figure 7.4.A). Shipping containers, and food trucks are best used in this phase because it is low risk. Actual structures do not have to be built and people can come and utilize these spaces without worrying about purchasing or renting a permanent space. Ideally this is a good precursor to bringing in permanent spaces that help further the advancement of local businesses in the neighborhood.
STREETSCAPE
Phase Zero
Phase 0 of the streetscape proposal entails a weekend street market in which Lombard Street would be closed off to traffic and vendors can come and sell their products, whether they want to sell food, art work, etc., this would be the space to do so. People can walk by and browse and purchase items, and the location of this market is an opportunity for visitors of the Broadway Market to participate in the market right outside. The physical changes are visualized in the phase 0 street site plan.
CHURCH BLOCK
Phase Zero
One of our major observations in the Buffalo Fillmore triangle was the lack of a community garden or park that caters to people of all age groups. This is why phase 0 includes a breathing greenspace in the block that can activate the site as well as connect both functionally and programmatically with the market. The space includes 6-8 inch deep planter boxes that could be used to grow Turnips, cucumbers, broccoli, beets, lettuce and green onions. Depending on the availability of skilled labor and local craft, the material could be either wood or concrete. This phase also includes the use of paint to create a pathway that connects the church to the market. This pathway can also facilitate further programming with tents and kiosks.
SITE PLAN
Phase One
Phase 1 is much higher cost, and estimating these costs within the scope of our course is difficult. However, in thinking about funding, it became clear that there is a need for partnerships and champions like Jericho Road, Broadway Market and Corpus Christi Church, to help fund and advocate for funding to create these changes. The permanent pedestrian spaces will bring more people to the street and more people to the businesses. The implantation of this plan could be highly beneficial to neighborhood businesses and entities that are looking for more foot traffic and engagement. These are the entities that should be approached about getting together the resources to implement these designs.
BROADWAY BLOCK
Phase One
Phase 1 of the design plan includes a permanent mixed use structure, and the removal of Key Bank. The parking lot is turned into a permanent pedestrian space and park. This space becomes a destination in which people can sit and enjoy. There is significance in dedicating so much space to pedestrians, this can encourage residents to walk more as opposed to driving. This can also attract those that live in the surrounding area to come visit the spaces. Although the parking lot will no longer be a parking lot, parking is still maintained on surrounding streets. On the several occasions that we visited the site, the parking lot had many cars, however the surrounding streets seem to be underutilized for parking. This helped us come to the decision that removing the parking lot does not sacrifice all parking in the area.
STREETSCAPE
Phase One
Phase 1 of the streetscape proposal turns Lombard Street into a shared street. Essentially, this means that pedestrian space is integrated with car space. There is still a driving lane and parking spaces, however the street becomes one level with an addition of pedestrian infrastructure like seating and trees. The phase 0 programming is something that can still be included in phase 1, which is important in maintaining attraction to the space and promoting pedestrian traffic.
CHURCH BLOCK
Phase One
Phase 1 of this design expands upon phase 0 design changes. The greenspace becomes a full community garden with 35-50 planters. The vacant lots are repaved and match with the repavement proposed in phase 1 of the streetscape design and Broadway block design. In addition to this, transitional housing is put in place for those in need, with housing typologies like tiny homes. Along with this housing, vocational training can be introduced and used to train people to work at the church, the community garden or even the Broadway Market.
