ARCH – 4601

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ARCH 4601 Feasibility Study Presentation II.
Facility Program, C. Area Master Plan (p. 75
84) Jason B. Ashe
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C. Area Master Plan

• Summary of the findings and conclusions of the
  master planning efforts for the Near Northside.

• Key Parts
• Workshop
• Forces and Issues
• Facility Security Concepts
• Conclusions and Recommendations

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C. Area Master Plan

• Workshop

• Conducted in October 2005
• Focus on the development issues surrounding the
  Houston Intermodal Center / Multimodal Terminal
• Concern the planning of the mixed-use development
  of Main and Burnett Streets
• Specify the implementation and availability of
  affordable housing

• 3 Major Topics
• Affordable Housing
• Intermodal Center / Multimodal Terminal
• Master Planning Concepts

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C. Area Master Plan

• Affordable Housing -

• Two local concepts presented by The Metropolitan
  Organization and the Avenue CDC
• Case studies presented by Richard Baron
• Information was presented related to poverty
  levels, incomes, and location

• Intermodal Center -

• Information on such a facility
• Review of other intermodal centers, the general
  area of Houston, and the impact of the facility
• Discussion of joint development possibilities and
  desired characteristics

• Master Planning Concepts -

• Relationship between affordable housing and the
  Intermodal Center
• General land uses and other issues local
  residence have

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C. Area Master Plan

• Forces and Issues

• Study identified Zone A as the preferred location
  for the Intermodal Center
• Located in the north end of downtown Houston and
  areas immediately to the north

Identified Forces and Issues

• Selection of Hypothetical Site for Discussion
  Purposes -

• Can be a catalyst to revitalization of
  underutilized inner core urban neighborhoods if
  properly integrated within the community
• All surrounding areas are either vacant or
  commercial properties
• None include residential neighborhoods and are
  potentially viable

• Forces that Shape the Center The Form Givers -

• Influence of the location of the Intermodal
  Center from the intersection of the commuter rail
  and LRT tracks

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C. Area Master Plan

• Minimum site area will be approximately 7 acres,
  excluding parking
• Site needs sufficient land for transit facility
  program needs and public areas for transitional
  space to integrate into neighboring communities
• Most likely be multi-level due to
  grade-separation requirements

• Intermodal Center Impacts The Ripple Effect -

• To be a positive economic development generator
  and a model of sensitive rebuilding
• Public / Private partnership share vision for
  improvements
• Street / rail crossings and new freeway
  connections will create new elevated structures
• Infrastructure environment needed to support the
  Intermodal Center can become Economic Corridors
  for new development

• Joint Development Opportunities -

• Public / private collaboration is common for the
  city of Houston
• Incorporate joint development within the Houston
  facility, since transit-oriented development is a
  focus of METRO

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C. Area Master Plan

• Neighborhood Integration -

• Located in an area that can support active urban
  environment
• Pedestrian-friendly streetscapes should surround
  the facility
• Day and night mixed-use developments, to enhance
  activity and security
• Transition from institutional Intermodal Center
  to the residential single-family zone

• Facility Security Concepts -

• Principles of Crime Prevention Through
  Environmental Design (CPTED) should be followed
• Open public facility for travelers and transit
  users with amenities to support transportation
  patrons
• Security concepts include Accessibility, Edge
  Zone, Mixed-Use Development Building Zone, and
  Multimodal Terminal Zone

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C. Area Master Plan

• Accessibility -

• Integrated economically with community and easily
  accessed from adjacent neighborhoods
• Facility becomes part of the community and
  creates connectivity

• Edge Zone -

• Edge definition of facility is important for
  security enforcement and establishes the limits
  of perimeter
• Create a positive image to neighboring community

• Mixed-Use Development Building Zone -

• Developments that generate day and night
  activities in public, increase security
• Multi-faced developments increases a passive
  deterrent to crime

• Multimodal Terminal Zone -

• Shared passenger waiting areas, transit ride
  stores, food court / service, other public
  amenities, and storefront police station offers a
  sense off safety and security

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C. Area Master Plan

• Conclusions and Recommendations -

• Affordable housing should be implemented as a
  priority project and integrated into the
  residential component of the plan
• Plan should account for public right of way,
  transit, parks, public services, and development
• Minimum of 8.6 acres or 20 of total residential
  units should be included in development plans,
  whichever one is greater
• Townhomes 14 dwelling units (DU) / per acre
• Up to Mid-Rise 30 DU / acre
• Senior Housing 40 DU / acre

• Integrate adjacent neighborhoods to create a
  sense of community
• Positive impact on the community