Thursday, July 9, 2009

3400 Block of Lancaster Avenue


As part of their Master Plan, Drexel proposed a parking garage for the 3400 block of Lancaster Avenue. Many Powelton Village residents have expressed their hopes that this site gets used for more than just parking. What else could happen there?

This scenario shows how ground-floor retail and student apartments could occur on the site in addition to structured parking.

Dreaming Big at 38th and Lancaster


The public realm at Lancaster Avenue and 38th Streets is greatly affected by the underutilized land at the Drew School and back side of University City High. How could we put some of this land to better use while maintaining the same amount of playgrounds and parking for the schools? What would people like to see here?

This site is a great location for a drug store or small grocery store. These images depict two long-term ideas for the site. While there would be many potential challenges to realizing these ideas, they offer a vision of transformation for such a critical segment of Lancaster Avenue.

Retail Node at 34th and Spring Garden


In the area of 34th and Spring Garden Streets, there is potential for new housing opportunities with ground floor retail. What conflicts might exist for residents living close by? How could these problems be solved with good planning and design guidelines?

This image depicts one idea for what could happen here. In this scenario, the existing warehouse building remains, new residential and retail space is proposed for existing parking lots, and landscaping is used to define the corners.

Thursday, July 2, 2009

Gateway at 31st and Spring Garden


The intersection at 31st and Spring Garden Streets is a critical gateway into Powelton Village. What should happen here? How could we attract Art Museum visitors to venture over the river?

This image depicts one idea for the site. In this scenario, a pocket park would integrate public art, anchor uses would enliven the southwest and northeast corners and terraces would showcase the view of Center City.