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Home > Charrette Journal > 12.11.07 |
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 December 11, 2007 – “This will be the paradigm shift through which we find our way to a Renaissance,” said Bexar County Commissioner Tommy Atkinson at Monday’s night’s final presentation of Andres Duany’s proposals for redevelopment in Northeast San Antonio. The shift Commissioner Atkinson was talking about is one from outmoded suburban sprawl patterns to communities that are more compact, diverse, and walkable. [ STORY CONTINUES BELOW PHOTOS > ]  For the last week, Duany’s DPZ team has concentrated on the two parcels, adding up to slightly more than 300 acres south of the former Windsor Park Mall. But the impact of DPZ’s designs are likely to extend far beyond the immediate area to include all of the I-35 corridor northeast of San Antonio. “I think this can be quite a model,” said Duany. Among the ideas presented Monday night were: Overall Site PlanThis aerial plan shows both the western site, a more vibrant and urban environment in the City of Windcrest, and the eastern site, a more relaxed and largely residential design for the City of San Antonio.Main StreetThe project’s signature thoroughfare, Main Street, is expected to run north/south between Rackspace Headquarters and Eisenhower Road. This aerial shows the street as viewed facing south. Note the innovative “wrapping” approach to the existing stand-alone restaurants currently facing I35, using Main Street buildings to mask the auto-focused infrastructure.Block Cluster NeighborhoodsPrimary streets within the project create collections of four smaller blocks, which work together to form a small neighborhood. This cluster here has multiple housing types, with higher densities at the edge and a lower density center based on the forms found in La Villita.Live/WorksThis single-owner building features a ground floor workspace that can operate as an office, boutique/retail, art studio or even overnight guest suite. Above are two stories of residential loft space, typically 2-3 bedrooms. Parking is in rear. And topping it all off is the possibility of roof terraces.A community-friendly gas station?This innovative gas station design bridges the needs of pedestrians with those of their cars. By moving the convenience store to the front and automotive services around the side and back, a formerly negative neighborhood use can become a real asset, featuring a corner store or sidewalk cafe. The addition of Art Deco architecture further enhances the harmonious sense of place.Village HomesThese homes take an alternate approach to the more common, garage-heavy model. Intended for the secondary street network, within the block clusters, they feature building styles that span the local vernacular – indigenous cottages, Monterey inspired compounds, Victorian side court homes – and contribute to an eclectic neighborhood character.Neighborhood CottageBased on the Texas Sunday house (a home for farmers that came into the city to worship), this modest dwelling is ideal for empty nesters, singles, or young couples. The vernacular styling exudes organic sophistication, perfect for the aspiring artist.Neighborhood Street SectionTypical street within the more residentially-focused sections of the project. Especially the eastern parcel, within the City of San Antonio.The evening closed with Developer Gary Cain asking for the crowd’s help in naming his project. Any suggestions you might have can be submitted here. |
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