Rather than bringing a powerpoint presentation and ritzy renderings to a meeting with neighborhood residents, developer Omar Blaik brought blank sheets of paper. The result? A process devoid of the usual rancor and a denser design than zoning allows.
"Over three meetings this summer that were fueled by platters of falafel and bottles of beer, [Blaik's] company, U3 Ventures, and the Spruce Hill Community Association hashed out the kind of building that they thought suited both the neighborhood and the investors," writes Inga Saffron. "Then they proceeded to literally sketch the broad outlines of the design with help from Blaik's architect, Cecil Baker + Partners."
"The architecture of the building, which would face Clark Park on its 43d Street side, is still rough, but Blaik's collaborative process offers an intriguing model for Philadelphia's rapidly changing rowhouse neighborhoods - from South Kensington to South Philadelphia - that are seeing a surge in apartment projects."
FULL STORY: Changing Skyline: Including neighbors in planning process
New Zoning in Historic Philadelphia Neighborhood Will Protect Victorian Homes
A rezoning expected to go into effect in the neighborhood of Spruce Hill in Philadelphia chooses historic preservation over potential student housing developments.
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Public Mistrust Fuels Opposition to Special Tax District
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Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Restoring Northern India’s Himalayan ‘Water Temples’
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DC Extends Application Window for Outdoor Dining Permits
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Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
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Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
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