Susy - The ULA Cafe in Jamaica Plain could be another example of a local, environmentally-conscious cafe: http://www.ulacafe.com/
I just discovered it a couple of weeks ago. They also display local artwork on the walls in the cafe, so if integrates our ideas for having a cafe with our idea of using local art.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Monday, March 23, 2009
Meeting Notes - March 23, 2009
Time: 8:00-9:00am
Date: Monday, March 23rd, 2009
Attendees: Christine Cousineau, Pete Kane, Sarah Spicer, Susy Jones, Nupur Hiremath
Location: Room 207, Campus Center, Tufts University
Meeting Objectives
- Discuss Mid-Term Presentation
- Improve site design
Meeting Minutes
1. Problems with Site Design Proposed in Mid-term Presentation:
• Building has awkward angles that are not always pedestrian-friendly.
• Entrance to the underground parking lot cuts off access to the building by pedestrians exiting the T station or coming down Medford Street.
• Open space is on the North side of the building which may not get much direct sunlight.
2. Proposed Elements/Features to Incorporate into Site Design:
• Glass fronts and increased transparency to allow people on the sidewalk to see right through the building (not figuratively) – makes for better shopping experience and improves accessibility. An atrium within the building with glass front is one idea. Also, retail space should be 70% transparent.
• Green wall or heat storage “solar” wall, perhaps on the South side?
• Wall with water running down it to mitigate noise from the T.
• Incorporate history of the site into the design, possibly as some sort of exhibit either in the building or near it?
• Adequate access/entry points into the building (stairwells, lobbies, garage entrance, elevators, etc.)
• Break up the linearity of the sidewalk if you can.
• Break up the monotony of the façade on the street side.
• Sidewalk width should be at least 15-20 feet.
• Can look at the zoning code and find out what the lowest (Parking Area: Number of Parking Spaces) ratio is in any distrit of Somerville (even if it’s not ours) and use this ratio for our site.
• Daycare also has a area per child requirement – look this up.
3. Christine’s Suggestions for How To Distribute Uses at this Site (Within and Outside the Building):
• Underground parking garage should have 2 levels.
• Building should be 4 stories.
• Maintain the park parallel to School Street. Park space could also be used as a farmer’s market, as we suggested.
• Allow the building to extend to shelter the park from the noise of the T but make this portion of the building only 2 stories.
• Daycare could be on the 2nd floor with the terrace as the open space for kids.’
• Two cafes – one at either end of the building.
• Two open spaces – one larger one near School Street and one smaller one by the T stop with some outdoor seating for the café at that end of the building.
• Open atrium near garage entrance.
• 2nd, 3rd, and 4th floors could be all office space (except for the Daycare space on the 2nd floor).
4. Things to Do for Final Presentation:
• Present shadow studies (Christine mentioned that these would very useful).
• Dedicate half the presentation to presenting the site design:
(a) Aerial site design view
(b) SketchUp model (optional)
(c) Cross-section of the building along the North-South axis
(d) Cross-section of the building along the East-West axis
• The other half of the presentation can be devoted to explaining how we plan to incorporate LEED-ND principles into our design.
Date: Monday, March 23rd, 2009
Attendees: Christine Cousineau, Pete Kane, Sarah Spicer, Susy Jones, Nupur Hiremath
Location: Room 207, Campus Center, Tufts University
Meeting Objectives
- Discuss Mid-Term Presentation
- Improve site design
Meeting Minutes
1. Problems with Site Design Proposed in Mid-term Presentation:
• Building has awkward angles that are not always pedestrian-friendly.
• Entrance to the underground parking lot cuts off access to the building by pedestrians exiting the T station or coming down Medford Street.
• Open space is on the North side of the building which may not get much direct sunlight.
2. Proposed Elements/Features to Incorporate into Site Design:
• Glass fronts and increased transparency to allow people on the sidewalk to see right through the building (not figuratively) – makes for better shopping experience and improves accessibility. An atrium within the building with glass front is one idea. Also, retail space should be 70% transparent.
• Green wall or heat storage “solar” wall, perhaps on the South side?
• Wall with water running down it to mitigate noise from the T.
• Incorporate history of the site into the design, possibly as some sort of exhibit either in the building or near it?
• Adequate access/entry points into the building (stairwells, lobbies, garage entrance, elevators, etc.)
• Break up the linearity of the sidewalk if you can.
• Break up the monotony of the façade on the street side.
• Sidewalk width should be at least 15-20 feet.
• Can look at the zoning code and find out what the lowest (Parking Area: Number of Parking Spaces) ratio is in any distrit of Somerville (even if it’s not ours) and use this ratio for our site.
• Daycare also has a area per child requirement – look this up.
3. Christine’s Suggestions for How To Distribute Uses at this Site (Within and Outside the Building):
• Underground parking garage should have 2 levels.
• Building should be 4 stories.
• Maintain the park parallel to School Street. Park space could also be used as a farmer’s market, as we suggested.
• Allow the building to extend to shelter the park from the noise of the T but make this portion of the building only 2 stories.
• Daycare could be on the 2nd floor with the terrace as the open space for kids.’
• Two cafes – one at either end of the building.
• Two open spaces – one larger one near School Street and one smaller one by the T stop with some outdoor seating for the café at that end of the building.
• Open atrium near garage entrance.
• 2nd, 3rd, and 4th floors could be all office space (except for the Daycare space on the 2nd floor).
4. Things to Do for Final Presentation:
• Present shadow studies (Christine mentioned that these would very useful).
• Dedicate half the presentation to presenting the site design:
(a) Aerial site design view
(b) SketchUp model (optional)
(c) Cross-section of the building along the North-South axis
(d) Cross-section of the building along the East-West axis
• The other half of the presentation can be devoted to explaining how we plan to incorporate LEED-ND principles into our design.
Grocery and Sq. Footage
Here are two excerpts from articles about "City Feed" in JP (a local-focused convenient store/deli), which is 3000 sq. feet. And Harvest CoOp in JP and Cambridge, which are 6,000sq. ft. and 19,000 sq. ft. respectively (according to article). Note: the Harvest article says they were thinking about expanding to Somerville (in 2005).
City Feed, Jamaica Plain (nov 2007)
http://www.jamaicaplaingazette.com/node/2348
“It’s a little more than three times bigger than Boylston Street, but we’re not going to have three times more of everything,” said City Feed owner David Warner in a Gazette interview, explaining he’s shooting for an “airy feel” to the 3,000-square-foot space.
But some improvements will be hot soups and sandwiches on the menu, and some type of seating for up to 18 people along the large front windows.
City Feed prides itself on a local focus, especially targeting pedestrian traffic—what the store’s web site calls the “Ped Set.”
Likewise, the store features local and regional products. That will increase in the new location, including in the bigger fresh produce section, Warner said.
Harvest CoOp, Jamaica Plain and Cambridge (june 2005)
http://www.naturalfoodsmerchandiser.com/tabId/107/itemId/1637/pageId/2/Coop-and-community-a-perfect-match.aspx
It was then that Harvest Co-op cast its eyes towards Jamaica Plain, purchasing a 6,000-square-foot building in the heart of the neighborhood?s central business district. The new co-op opened its doors to the public in May 1999.
The 19,000-square-foot Cambridge location also serves as a community center, hosting free classes, movie screenings and lectures. Recent events included a Russian language class, an afternoon of Japanese anime films and a session focused on how to use herbs in a variety of recipes.
With combined membership for both stores at a robust 5,500, Harvest Co-op is currently in a comfortable place. We’d like to expand to other neighborhoods, like Somerville, which is similar to Jamaica Plain. They don't have a good natural market, says Durkin. But right now we’re just concentrating on doing what it is we do, better.?
City Feed, Jamaica Plain (nov 2007)
http://www.jamaicaplaingazette.com/node/2348
“It’s a little more than three times bigger than Boylston Street, but we’re not going to have three times more of everything,” said City Feed owner David Warner in a Gazette interview, explaining he’s shooting for an “airy feel” to the 3,000-square-foot space.
But some improvements will be hot soups and sandwiches on the menu, and some type of seating for up to 18 people along the large front windows.
City Feed prides itself on a local focus, especially targeting pedestrian traffic—what the store’s web site calls the “Ped Set.”
Likewise, the store features local and regional products. That will increase in the new location, including in the bigger fresh produce section, Warner said.
Harvest CoOp, Jamaica Plain and Cambridge (june 2005)
http://www.naturalfoodsmerchandiser.com/tabId/107/itemId/1637/pageId/2/Coop-and-community-a-perfect-match.aspx
It was then that Harvest Co-op cast its eyes towards Jamaica Plain, purchasing a 6,000-square-foot building in the heart of the neighborhood?s central business district. The new co-op opened its doors to the public in May 1999.
The 19,000-square-foot Cambridge location also serves as a community center, hosting free classes, movie screenings and lectures. Recent events included a Russian language class, an afternoon of Japanese anime films and a session focused on how to use herbs in a variety of recipes.
With combined membership for both stores at a robust 5,500, Harvest Co-op is currently in a comfortable place. We’d like to expand to other neighborhoods, like Somerville, which is similar to Jamaica Plain. They don't have a good natural market, says Durkin. But right now we’re just concentrating on doing what it is we do, better.?
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Community Path Funding
Looks like the funding has now come through for the Community Path. Somerville has been able to get the EOT to agree to fund the extension of the Community Path. Great news for our project.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Light-Transmitting Concrete
I just saw this today and think it's the coolest thing. Not really sure if it would work in our design but thought I should throw it out there.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Amazing green roof in Japan
Here's the link:
http://www.metaefficient.com/architecture-and-building/amazing-green-building-the-acros-fukuoka.html
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Energy Star Focus
This post reminded me that we should incorporate Energy Star efficiency suggestions for our project. The savings are certainly a benefit for the developer/potential buyer.
Map of Incomes in Somerville
Here are some maps of Somerville showing income distribution and the change in income distribution over time. These are based on the last national census so we should just be able to use these.
Source: City of Somerville (Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development). 2008. Consolidated Plan 2008-2013 - Section 12: Appendices and Maps. Available online at: http://www.somervillema.gov/aud3.cfm?aud=res&cat=Con%20Plan&instance_id=67. Accessed on February 15, 2009.
Source: City of Somerville (Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development). 2008. Consolidated Plan 2008-2013 - Section 12: Appendices and Maps. Available online at: http://www.somervillema.gov/aud3.cfm?aud=res&cat=Con%20Plan&instance_id=67. Accessed on February 15, 2009.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Green Construction
Found this great article on green construction. Seems they've found a way to build that's cheaper and more sustainable. May be worth including for our project.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Meeting Notes - March 2, 2009
Time: 5:30-7:00pm
Date: Monday, March 2nd, 2009
Attendees: Pete Kane, Sarah Spicer, Susy Jones, Nupur Hiremath
Location: (har har) Dunkin’ Donuts, Davis Square
Meeting Objectives
- Discuss Mid-Term Presentation
Mid-term Presentation Section Outline and Presenter:
1. Presentation Outline
I. Opening - The Site **Pete**
A. Present Boundaries
B. Extended Parcel
II. The Neighborhood **Nupur**
A. History
B. Characteristics/Demographics
C. Project green line extension plans (connection to historical site characteristics) [Note: Pete, in the version you sent us at 7:47pm on 3/2/09 this section is missing].
III. Pros and Cons **Sarah**
A. Present State [Note: Pete, in the version you sent us at 7:47pm on 3/2/09 this section is also repeated in Section II].
B. List of Pros and Cons
IV. Intended Program **Susy**
A. Build Out - Uses
B. Features to be included
C. Intended LEED-ND Items
V. Sketches/Inspiration
A. Rough Sketch (of our proposed site plan) **Sarah**
B. Inspiration images/designs **Pete**
2. Details of Section III: Pros and Cons
Pros
• Proximity to Gilman Square T stop
• Proximity to City Hall, High School, Middle School, Public Library, Senior Center
• Located along a major artery (i.e. Medford Street
• Historical significance of Gilman Square (mixed-use neighborhood serviced by the train)
• Walkable neighborhood (can generate high volume of foot traffic for retail)
• Accessible by proposed community path
Cons
• Poor construction of the Homans building
• Unreliable timeline for Green Line extension project
• Proximity to train tracks (noise and safety issues)
• Reduced accessibility due to location at the bottom of a steep hill
• Possibly a poor choice for retail businesses? [Note: Nupur will research this further]
3. Details of Section IV: Intended Program
Build out/Uses:
• Tear down the Homans building
• Create open/park/garden space
• Locate retail store(s) on the 1st floor
o Grocery store
o Café
o Ethnic restaurants (as it is located in an ethnically diverse neighborhood)
• Locate office/civic space on 2nd floor
o Day care
o Energy or environmental non-profits or small businesses
o Gym (makes sense as the community path will be used by joggers and bicyclists)
o City offices (spill over from City Hall)
o Arts Center
o Community Center
Features:
• Green roof
• Underground parking lot
• Rain garden
• Outdoor seating
• Tiered roof
• Large glass windows on 1st floor
• Well-lit building
• Local artwork on site
• Bike service station (free air)
• Community path [Note: Mention that this is incidental as it is not in our hands].
4. Action Items for Monday, March 9, 2009
# Action (Person responsible)
1 Investigate whether this neighborhood of Somerville is good for retail - Nupur
2 Create a map of landmarks/resources (school, city hall, library, etc. - Susy
3 Look for a map of median incomes in the immediate vicinity of Homans - Nupur
4 Create a rough sketch of our proposed site plan - Sarah
5 Pull together inspiration images - Pete
6 Populate remaining powerpoint slides with info from Sarah/Susy/Nupur - Pete
7 Create a map of land use (residential, civic, retail, etc.) in Homans neighborhood - Susy/Sarah*
*Only if time permits.
Date: Monday, March 2nd, 2009
Attendees: Pete Kane, Sarah Spicer, Susy Jones, Nupur Hiremath
Location: (har har) Dunkin’ Donuts, Davis Square
Meeting Objectives
- Discuss Mid-Term Presentation
Mid-term Presentation Section Outline and Presenter:
1. Presentation Outline
I. Opening - The Site **Pete**
A. Present Boundaries
B. Extended Parcel
II. The Neighborhood **Nupur**
A. History
B. Characteristics/Demographics
C. Project green line extension plans (connection to historical site characteristics) [Note: Pete, in the version you sent us at 7:47pm on 3/2/09 this section is missing].
III. Pros and Cons **Sarah**
A. Present State [Note: Pete, in the version you sent us at 7:47pm on 3/2/09 this section is also repeated in Section II].
B. List of Pros and Cons
IV. Intended Program **Susy**
A. Build Out - Uses
B. Features to be included
C. Intended LEED-ND Items
V. Sketches/Inspiration
A. Rough Sketch (of our proposed site plan) **Sarah**
B. Inspiration images/designs **Pete**
2. Details of Section III: Pros and Cons
Pros
• Proximity to Gilman Square T stop
• Proximity to City Hall, High School, Middle School, Public Library, Senior Center
• Located along a major artery (i.e. Medford Street
• Historical significance of Gilman Square (mixed-use neighborhood serviced by the train)
• Walkable neighborhood (can generate high volume of foot traffic for retail)
• Accessible by proposed community path
Cons
• Poor construction of the Homans building
• Unreliable timeline for Green Line extension project
• Proximity to train tracks (noise and safety issues)
• Reduced accessibility due to location at the bottom of a steep hill
• Possibly a poor choice for retail businesses? [Note: Nupur will research this further]
3. Details of Section IV: Intended Program
Build out/Uses:
• Tear down the Homans building
• Create open/park/garden space
• Locate retail store(s) on the 1st floor
o Grocery store
o Café
o Ethnic restaurants (as it is located in an ethnically diverse neighborhood)
• Locate office/civic space on 2nd floor
o Day care
o Energy or environmental non-profits or small businesses
o Gym (makes sense as the community path will be used by joggers and bicyclists)
o City offices (spill over from City Hall)
o Arts Center
o Community Center
Features:
• Green roof
• Underground parking lot
• Rain garden
• Outdoor seating
• Tiered roof
• Large glass windows on 1st floor
• Well-lit building
• Local artwork on site
• Bike service station (free air)
• Community path [Note: Mention that this is incidental as it is not in our hands].
4. Action Items for Monday, March 9, 2009
# Action (Person responsible)
1 Investigate whether this neighborhood of Somerville is good for retail - Nupur
2 Create a map of landmarks/resources (school, city hall, library, etc. - Susy
3 Look for a map of median incomes in the immediate vicinity of Homans - Nupur
4 Create a rough sketch of our proposed site plan - Sarah
5 Pull together inspiration images - Pete
6 Populate remaining powerpoint slides with info from Sarah/Susy/Nupur - Pete
7 Create a map of land use (residential, civic, retail, etc.) in Homans neighborhood - Susy/Sarah*
*Only if time permits.
Old Gilman Square
I found this image on a blog about how wonderful Gilman Square was when it had a train stop, and how it has declined without transit. Is this a better quality than the scanned image we have of the same view? I like the idea of restoring the neighborhood through our project, not just redeveloping it.
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