Sarah M. McColleyGeorgia Institute of Technology Master of City and Regional Planning

Contextual DesignBall State University Bachelor of Landscape Architecture

Contents:

Experience AECOMAtlanta Regional CommissionNorthern Kentucky Area Planning CommissionOtto’s Parking Marking Company and Streetscape Solutions

Precision Site Engineering 413: Quahog Nature Center Site ImprovementsMaterials for Sustainable Sites 312: Bracken Stormwater AmphitheatreSite Engineering 311: Sustainable ResidenceComputer Graphics 280: INASLA Competition Brochure

Design 2012 ULI Gerald D. Hines Urban Design CompetitionComprehensive Project 404: Indianapolis Latino Neighborhood RevitalizationUrban Design 403: Muncie-Main Arts CommunityRegional Planning 401: [agri]cultural DirectionPlanting Design 302: Light Energy, The Butterfly GardenCommunity and Neighborhood Design 301: The Gardens of Strawberry Row

Writing Research Methods 451: Indianapolis Latino Neighborhood Revitalization Proposal Excerpt

[3-4][5-6][7-10][11-12]

[15][16][17][18]

[21-22]

[23-24][25][26][27][28]

[31-33]

Experience

[AECOM] Raleigh Blount-Person Corridor Study[Atlanta Regional Commission] Plan 2040 Development Guide Illustrations Senoia, Georgia, Urban Design Guidelines[Northern Kentucky Area Planning Commission] Subdivision Regulations Illustrations Zoning Ordinance Illustrations Small Area Studies[Otto’ s Parking Marking] Service Mailers Service Brochures

AECOM Internship[3] Raleigh, North Carolina Blount-Person Corridor Study [2012-2013]

Bicycle Facilities [Subdivision Regulations, above]Front, Side, and Rear Yard Definitions [Subdivision Regulations and Zoning Ordinance, right]Channelization [Subdivision Regulations, below]

Internship Responsibilities:

Created diagrams of existing and potential new conditions using ArcGIS and Adobe Illustrator Illustrated components of the streetscape as conceptual design options for the final report

Coordinated with project manager for the layout and organization of report Used a combination of AutoCAD, the Adobe Creative Suite, SketchUp, and ArcGIS to create graphics

Existing Parks and Trails Diagram [top]Created with ArcGIS and Illustrator

Existing Overlay District Diagram [above] Created with ArcGIS and Illustrator

Roundabout with Pedestrian accommodations [right]Created with Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator and AutoCAD

AECOM Internship [4]Raleigh, North Carolina Blount-Person Corridor Study [2012-2013]

Components of the Streetscape Plan [above]Corner Bulb-Out Options [below, left to middle]Pedestrian Crossing Median [below, right]

All images on this page created using Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator and AutoCAD

Atlanta Regional Commission Internship[5] PLAN 2040 Development Guide Illustrations [2012]

Maturing Neighborhoods Existing Development [top]Park Addition and Infill for Maturing Neighborhoods [top, right]Commercial, Park, and Industrial Infill for Maturing Neighborhoods [bottom, right]Developing Suburbs Existing Development [bottom, left]

Overall Main Street Master Concept Plan with Infill and Sidewalk Recommendations [left]

Intersection Treatment Recommendations [below, right]

Standard Main Street Right-of-Way Section [bottom]

[All drawings on trace paper with pen and markers]

Atlanta Regional Commission Internship [6]Senoia, Georgia, Urban Design Recommendations [2012]

NKAPC Internship[7] Subdivision Regulations and Zoning Ordinances [2010]

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StreetSidewalk

Lot Line

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TrailheadMulti-Use Path

Park

Bike Trail

Sidewalk

Street

StreetBike Lane

Bicycle Facilities [Subdivision Regulations, above]Front, Side, and Rear Yard Defi nitions [Subdivision Regulations and Zoning Ordinance, right]Channelization [Subdivision Regulations, below]

Internship Responsibilities:

Illustrated Subdivision Regulations and Zoning Ordinances for better understanding

Attended departmental staff meetings and public meetings

Designed and created drawings for other projects in diff erent departments, like small area studies

Provided input about landscape architectural elements

CL

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Lot Line

3+ Units

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2

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Lot Line

Unit 1 Unit 2

Green Infrastructure Definition [Zoning Ordinance, left]

Basement Definition[Zoning Ordinance, below]

Multi-Family, Single-Family Attached, and Single-Family Detached Definitions [Zoning Ordinance, bottom]

[All drawings on trace with pen and markers]

NKAPC Internship [8]Subdivision Regulations and Zoning Ordinance [2010]

Basement

Grade Level

BasementWalk-out

Not a Basement

Permeable Pavement

Bioswales

Street

Str

eet

Rain Gardens

Street

Green Roof

Drainage

Tree Box

Bioswale Median

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nEXAMPLE of Green Infrastructure Systems Functioning Together

NKAPC Internship[9] Small Area Studies [2010]

Final Phase Development,Site Concept PlanLatonia Small Area Study[Latonia, KY, top]

Development Phases 2 and 3, Site Concept PlanLatonia Small Area Study [Latonia, KY, right]

Google SketchUp Buildings for Existing Conditions ModelLatonia Small Area Study[Latonia, KY, far right]

[All drawings on trace with pen and markers]

NKAPC Internship [10]Small Area Studies [2010]

Mixed Use Corridor12th Street Zoning [Covington, KY, right]

Mixed Use TransparencyRequirements12th Street Zoning[Covington, KY, below]

Site Concept AxonometricCrescent Springs Small Area Study[Crescent Springs, KY,bottom left]

Site Concept PlanCrescent Springs Small Area Study[Crescent Springs, KY,bottom right]

[All drawings on trace with pens and markers]

Otto’s Parking Marking Company[11] Brochures and Mailers [2007-2010]

Striping Season Mailer [2009, top; Photoshop and Illustrator]Game Court Striping Mailer [2009, below right; drawing over photo, edited in Illustrator]Striping Season Mailer [2008, below left; hand drawing, edited in Photoshop]

Update your look...Start with the parking lot!

It’s your customers’ �rst AND last impression, so make it a good one.

Update your look...Start with the parking lot!

It’s your customers’ �rst AND last impression, so make it a good one.

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Otto’s Parking Marking Company is a construction company that specializes in parking lot striping and maintenance.

Otto’s Streetscape Solutions provides decorative and custom streetscape features, such as mailboxes, street lights, and street and trail signs.

2449 E. Main StreetGreenwood, IN 46143

317-882-8933800-888-7996

www.ottospm.com

Your playground painter for all game courts, maps, and logos!

Make recess even more fun with a splash of color!

Otto’s doesn’t just stripe parking lots.We keep it exciting by offering

custom-painted game courts and logos!

2449 E. Main Street

Call today to speak with an estimator!

All marketing materials are sent to 1,000 to 5,000 customers, depending on the service advertised. Brochures are used for trade shows, mailed, or distributed by estimators to potential customers.

Otto’s Streetscape Solutions [12]Brochures and Mailers [2007-2010]

Trail Signs Brochure [2010, top and below left; Photoshop and Illustrator]Mailbox Mailer for Advertisement Booklet [2010, below right; Photoshop and Illustrator]

Enhance the Curb Appeal of Your Home!Update Your Mailbox and Post!

r HHome!e!Homr Hoo !eerst!

10% ONLINE

(Not valid with any other offer or discount. Limit one coupon per customer.)

Standard Mailboxes from $30.00 - $90.00 Custom Cedar Posts from $70.00 - $225.00 Vinyl Numbers and Letters from $15.00 - $25.00 Decorative Mailbox Units and Graphics

Otto’s can meet your neighborhood specifications for:

Visit us at www.ostreetscape.com to request an estimate and place an order!

317-882-8933

800-888-7996

Discount!!July 26th - August 31stPromo Code: RE0810

Installation and Shipping services available

[13]

Precision

[Fourth Year] Engineering 413[Third Year] Engineering 311 Materials for Sustainable Sites 312[Second Year] Computer Graphics 280

[14]

Engineering 413[15] Quahog Nature Center Site Improvements [2009]

Location: Fictional Place, Indiana

The site improvements for the given building and plaza footprints included most pages in a construction document.

Rain gardens, bioswales, and parking lot medians create a better stormwater management system.

Small Gathering Space Planting Plan [above]Plaza Rain Garden Detail [below left]Site Layout Plan [below right]

Front Plaza Layout Plan

Location: Ball State University

Scuppers collect Bracken Library’s rain water and send it to rain gardens, rock gardens, additional scuppers, and underground pipes to the water feature. A thin sheet of water covers a black granite water feature flush with the pavement.

Materials for Sustainable Sites 312 [16]Bracken Stormwater Amphitheatre [2009]

Water Reservoir Detail

AmphitheatreLayout Plan

Water Reservoir Detail

Location: Fictional Place, Indiana

The residential grading plan uses good stormwater management practices. The design includes bioswales, rain gardens, and a green roof to filter the on-site stormwater.

Engineering 311[17] Sustainable Residence [2008]

Native plantings are used in the rain gardens and bioswales. As a priority, all existing trees are saved and on-site run-off is treated before entering the intermittent stream.

Computer Graphics 280 [18]INASLA National Landscape Architecture Month Brochure [2008]

Schedule of Events:

Sunday, April 15: INASLA Afternoon with

the Indiana Pacers Conseco Fieldhouse; 3:30 P.M. Tip-o�

INASLA will be hosting an afternoon with the Pacers when they play the New Jersey Nets. INASLA will be featured on the big screen during the game and members will have a chance to go down on the court and shoot a free throw.

Thursday, April 19: Arbor Day Tree Planting with Kids MIll Rose Park, Columbus, IN; 9:30-11:30 A.M. INASLA has agreed to team with the City of Columbus, Indiana to sponsor and participate in their annual Arbor Day Tree Planting program. This event will be a way for the membership to educate younger children on the bene�ts of tree planting, and the basics of the profession.

Saturday, April 21: Susan G. Komen Walk (INASLA Team) IUPUI Campus; 9:00 A.M. INASLA will form a team that will participate in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure event. Not only will the money raised by the team go to

support a wonderful cause, but we can also use the opportunity to promote landscape architecture and design for

healthy living.

Wednesday, April 4: Student Practicioner Project Site VisitsDowntown Indianapolis; 1:00-5:00 P.M.Students from Ball State and Purdue will have the opportunity to inter-act wtih professionals by way of a variety of site tours. The students will be invited to several downtown locations to discuss the design process with the �rm responsible for the project.

Friday, April 13: CAP Indianapolis Center Open HouseCAP Indy Center; 1:00 - 8:30 P.M.INASLA will be hosting an open house at theirn ew home; the CAP Indianapolis Center. This event is in conjunction with the AIA 150th celebration and will feature an afternoon full of continuing education events and keynote speakers. More information will follow on the detailed agenda and registration.

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April: Continuing Education Lunch w/Professionals CAP:IC; 11:30 A.M.-1:00 P.M.INASLA will host a series of lunch time chats throughout the month of April. These lunch time chats will count towards continuing education credits, which are needed by licensed professionals throughout the state. These sessions will be held at CAP:IC and lunch will be provided for the participants.

April: 2007 INASLA Awards Project DisplayBall State Event: April 5Each year Indiana members are invited to attend the Purdue or Ball State student award juries. This process allows members tobe involved in the selection of student Merit and Honor award recipients from each school. Purdue’s student award jury was held earlier in March.

Personal Photo

IMAIndianapolis Museum of Art

NationalLandscape Architecture

Month

Designers: Browning Day Mullins Dierdorf ArchitectsLocation: 4000 Michigan Road, Indianapolis, INYear of Completion: 2005

The Oldfields estate, managed by the museum, was designed by the Olmsted Brothers , and it became an inspiration for the new lawn expansion.

The new design incorporates an alleé that leads into the entrance of the museum. This design emulates the alleé that leads out of the Oldfields’ Estate, north of the museum. The alleés are “opposite” in that the estate’s alleé moves the view from the inside to the outside, and the Museum’s alleé forces the view to the entrance and inside the museum.

The new lawn space was designed to accommodate various uses and events.rather than as another art display. However, sculptures are placed at various locations on the grounds near the lawn, including the famous Robert Indiana “LOVE” sculpture on axis with the fountain.

The circular fountain near the entrance of the museum is the only remaining part of the original Sasaki Associates design.

Additional parking is located underground below the “Grand Lawn” with a skylit tunnel leading into the museum from the garage.

Look for the new addition of an Art and Nature Park in 2009.

Information from Landscapr Architecture Magazine, October 2007

INA

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IMA Facts:

Personal PhotoSarah McColley

INASLA sponsored a design competition for a brochure celebrating National Landscape Architecture Month. A landscape design or Landscape Architecture firm located in Indiana was inspiration, and I chose the Indianapolis Museum of Art re-design.

The adjacent [and IMA-owned] Oldfield property alleé guides the eye inward, and the IMA’s grounds alleé guides the eye outward, which became the layout.

The original Sasaki-designed fountain is also used for organization and colors.

Brochure Interior [right]Brochure Exterior [below]

[19]

Design: Studio

[First Year City and Regional Planning] ULI Gerald D. Hines Urban Design Competition[Fifth Year Landscape Architecture] Comprehensive Project Urban Design[Fourth Year Landscape Architecture] Regional Planning[Third Year Landscape Architecture] Planting Design Housing and Community Design

[20]

Georgia Tech[21] ULI Gerald D. Hines Urban Design Competition [2012]

Framework Plan [above] illustrates the overall goals and concepts for the larger areaFigure Ground Comparisons [below, left and middle] show the building additions to the siteAxonometric [below, right] shows the urban design changes and the opening of the Buaffl o Bayou

Location: Houston, Texas

Formed a new “Port District” along the Buff alo Bayou and on the old United States Postal Service offi ce and warehouse site

Reconnected streets and opened the Bayou by removing the Smith Street bridge, adding streets, and moving Franklin Street

Created “ports” along the Buff alo Bayou for small boat and kayak rental

Increased the amount of accessible and usable open space and number of buildings

Provided space for University of Houston- Downtown expansion, a hotel, aff ordable housing, and mixed-use retail and offi ce

Incorporated provisions for increased transit service [bus and light rail]

Green Infrastructure Definition [Zoning Ordinance, left]

Basement Definition[Zoning Ordinance, below]

Multi-Family, Single-Family Attached, and Single-Family Detached Definitions [Zoning Ordinance, bottom]

[All drawings on trace with pen and markers]

Georgia Tech [22]ULI Gerald D. Hines Urban Design Competition [2012]

Master Plan [above] shows the additions to the USPS site and the connection to University of Houston - DowntownPerspective [below] shows the use of the ports and terraces to access the Buffalo Bayou

Team Members: Susannah Lee, Wenwen Zhang, Landon Reed, Sonya Fambro

Location: Indianapolis, Indiana Irvington Neighborhood Comprehensive Project, In Progress

The design concept is derived from the importance of dance to Latino culture.

The 350-acre framework plan includes trail and street adjustments, housing and commercial infi ll, and accommodations for the growing Latino population.

The master plan focuses on an 85-acre area that includes mixed-use development, a green space network, and a main plaza.

Comprehensive Project 404[23] Latino Neighborhood Revitalization [2011]

Legend

Increased Street Activity

Open Space/Single-Family Infill

Street Improvements

Master Plan Area

Vacant / Under-utilized space

New Street

Important Development Node

NORTHCONCEPT: ENERGIZE THE STREETS + DANCE

Active Development: Focus major street improvements on less pedestrian-friendly streets (Ritter Avenue, Arlington Avenue, Washington Street, Bonna Avenue) Connect Streets through Irvington Plaza area, and simulate the historic Romantic layout Use development nodes as catalysts for increasing street activity Increase commercial and mixed-use space in current node areas Add open space, agriculture, plazas, and single-family infill in vacant lots Design open space in larger mixed-use developments (Irvington Plaza, Bonna Avenue, along Washington Street)

Pennsy Trail

Concept Diagram: using dance to revive the streets[ArcGIS base fi le; diagram created in Adobe Illustrator]

Master Plan including the primarily vacant Irvington Plaza Shopping Center and the Washington Street / US 40 Corridor[above; hand drawing on trace with markers]

Central Plaza Character Perspective [right; Photoshop photo montage]

Comprehensive Project 404 [24]Latino Neighborhood Revitalization [2011]

Site Plan of the Central Plaza [above; hand drawing on trace with markers]Washington Street / US 40 Streetscape Improvements Perspective [below left; Photoshop montage]Pennsy Trail Corridor and adjacent Townhomes Perspective [below right; Photoshop montage]

Urban Design 403 [25] Muncie-Main Arts Community [2010]

Location: Muncie, Indiana The arts community uses typically blank surfaces as “canvas” with paving material design, vegetation, art installations, and murals.

Stormwater management is used as a visible and interactive art form. The existing social and commercial corridors are maintained with mixed-use infill and designated use areas.

Main Street Redevelopment Master Plan [above]Delaware County Building Plaza Perspective [below left] and Collector Street Section [below right]

Concept Diagrams [above] Vertical Surfaces [top] and Stormwater Systems as Art [bottom]

Regional Planning 401 [26][agri]Cultural Direction [2009]

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Agricultural Tourism

Environmental Preservation

Lakes

Growth Boundaries

Preserve Agricultural Use

Noble County

County Lines

0 2.5 5 7.5 10Miles¯

Proposed Trails

State Road Proposal

Priority Wayfinding Locations

Important Local Roads

Trails

State Roads

Interstates

Location: Northeast Indiana Region

Our group analyzed and created goals and objectives to improve the connections between cities in northeast Indiana, focusing on Kendallville and Rome City.

The Regional Plan includes a bike network, agricultural tourism, growth boundaries, industrial and educational additions, and ecological preservation.

Individual site plans demonstrate how all the units connect at a site scale.

Regional Plan Goals:

Encourage Sustainable Development

Grow Local Economies

Preserve Existing Ecosystems

Expand Recreation and Well-being

Celebrate Cultural Heritage

Rome City

Kendallville

Site Location

Design Vision

Site Plan

[agri] CULTURAL DIRECTION: Northeast Indiana Comprehensive Plan (McColley)

Goals & Objectives

3

Location: IndianaBotanic Garden

Butterfl ies and hummingbirds can feed on fl owers and bask in the sun on rock walls and extended water features.

The arrangement of the plants and fl owers illustrates the spectrum of colors formed when light is refl ected on butterfl y wings.

Sculptures that signify the butterfl y’s life cycle emphasize the theme of glimmering light creating colors on butterfl y wings.

Transparent informational signs at the entrances allow visitors to see the colors refl ected by the sunlight through them.

Special Plant Choices! Where Do I Go?

Go Here!

1. Main Entrance: Butter�y Information. Look through transparent butter�ies to see the garden’s colors. 2. Sculpture 1: The Coccoon3. Small Mud Puddle4. Terracing Waterfall to small pond. 5. Sculpture 2: Birth6. Rock wall for basking (and climbing for humans!)7. Sculpture 3: Butter�y8. Trees for sleeping/shelter9. Butter�y Meadow

a. Cercis canadensis: eastern redbud (Pink Flowers in the Spring)

b. Aesculus pavia: red buckeye (Brilliant Red Flowers in the spring)

c. Hemerocallis: daylilies (All Di�erent Colors Blooming for a Day)

d. Buddleja davidii ‘White Profusion’: butter�y bush (White Blooms, also come in other colors

e. Asclepias tuberosa: butter�y weed (Orange �owers)

All butter�y photos from: The Butter�y Website. Accessed January 27, 2009 Copyright 2001-2009 http://butter�ywebsite.com/gallery/speciesphotos.ctm?speciesid=89

Edwin Hutchinson (c)

Gulf FritilliaryBlack Swallowtail

Gregg Pasterick (c)Gregg Pasterick (c)

Clouded Sulfur

Emil Pignetti (c)

Monarch

Norman Ulmann (c)

Tiger SwallowtailCommon Buckeye

Gregg Pasterick (c)

Planting Design 302[27] Light Energy: The Butterfl y Garden [2009]

Botanic Garden Site Plan [top right]Section Northwest to Southeast through the whole site [above]Model Photos and Brochure Interior [below]

development summary121 residential units14.0 acres in developed area26.97% green space in developed area commercial mixed use residential (33 units at 1000 sq. ft. community/institutional locations existing large homes clustered homes (24 units at 1500 sq. ft.) densely clustered homes (12 units at 1500 sq. f townhomes (20 units at 1100 sq. ft.) apartments (32 units at 900-1000 sq. ft.)

Community and Neighborhood Design 301 [28]Gardens of Strawberry Row [2008]

Location: Bainbridge Island, Washington

The island’s past culture of berry farms and timbering drove the concept.

Most homes overlook pockets of green space, and berry gardens provide community-building opportunities.

The second generation forest and constructed wetland are saved from construction, and development only occurs on suitable soil.

The community meets LEED-ND Silver standards.

Community Master Plan [left]Community Axonometric [top]Study Model Photos [bottom right and middle]Development Summary [bottom left]

[29]

Writing

[Landscape Architecture 451: Research Methods] Comprehensive Project Proposal Excerpt

[30]

Research Methods 451[31] Comprehensive Project Excerpt [2010]

Latino Urban Transformation

Latinos “bring energy and change to run-down cores and inner suburbs of many cities” (Davis 52). This is most apparent where Latinos have the opportunity for home and business ownership because they repaint homes and storefronts and make repairs as needed. Street vending, street corner labor markets, festivals, and bright colors make up many Latino neighborhoods. However, Latino immigrants are often faced with laws, regulations, and discrimination that hinder their attempts to create vibrant communities. Some examples include neighbors complaining about bright paint colors on houses, difficulty gaining work in other stores, and cities banning street vending and corner labor markets (Davis 52-55).

Plazas and Open Space

“Latin American immigrants and their children, perhaps more than any other element in the population, exult in playgrounds, parks, squares, libraries, and other endangered species of U.S. public space, and thus form one of the most important constituencies for the preservation of our urban commons” (Davis 55). Latinos change dying spaces into social spaces with gardens, outdoor restaurants, murals, art, booksellers, and other activities (Davis 55). Although this is more noticeable in cities other than Indianapolis because they have specific Latino neighborhoods, or “barrios,” the Latin flavor has also transformed Indianapolis’ streetscape. Using existing changes and building upon them can create a more active and colorful community within the Indianapolis area.

Plazas can be an important part of a community because they encourage interaction between people and provide cultural importance and activities, but careful planning should ensure that the design fits the context. Although most Hispanic plazas have become tourist attractions, Las Vegas Plaza is a Hispanic urban plaza in Las Vegas, New Mexico, that has retained its use and remains the heart of the community. People have used the plaza since the 1800s, and 918 buildings in the city are on the National Register of Historic Places. People use the plaza daily and the commercial activity is the main use, but annual festivals, community sponsored events, parades, music performances, patriotic commemorations, and an annual Fourth of July celebration take place there (Arreola 43-53). “In Hispanic American communities, the daily lives of people unfold on the public plaza, and the space serves as an integral landscape that reinforces the local culture” (qtd. in Arreola 50). Commercial uses and community events form an atmosphere conducive to daily and frequent use. The Las Vegas plaza is historical, which helps provide more significance and pride for the community, but it is a good example of the importance of plazas to Latino culture. In New York City, small parks and playgrounds function as “plazas” and many Latino neighborhoods use wide sidewalks that have become social spaces with the addition of benches, temporary furniture, and card tables for dominos (Arreola 147). In San Diego, the primarily Mexican population improved the dying spaces that they inherited as their homes, created a cultural center, and fought to create parks (Arreola 105). Barriers including large freeways and commercial developments are destructive to their communities; however, the residents opposed development efforts and created a park called “Chicano Park” under a freeway bridge, which became a source of pride for the community. The park includes murals and an Aztec-style kiosk (Arreola 114-115). The ability of this community to successfully fight against a development plan to create their own neighborhood park demonstrates the

importance of parks and plazas to the culture, and should be recognized in a revitalization process. The master plan will address the multiple uses of plazas and include a plaza as an important and vibrant space for the community.

Festivals, Art, Business, Streets

Across the country, Latinos use the public realm for a variety of socializing events. In the Mission District in San Francisco, Latinos congregate mostly on the plazas near the transit systems, but the streets also become active and vibrant places. Mission Street feels like a market, or “mercado,” with street vendors and pedestrians gathering. The main commercial uses are music stores, groceries, travel agencies, money-transfer locations, bars and clubs, restaurants, a Latino arts center, and stores with products from countries of origin (Arreola 89). The community also has festivals, community art, and annual Cinco de Mayo celebrations. Over 100 murals and many art galleries decorate the streets, and residents, not professionals, give tours of all the murals. The residents put in the effort to preserve their community’s character, but they also fear displacement due to revitalization projects (Arreola 98). In Indianapolis, La Plaza hosts an annual September festival called FIESTA Indianapolis, which has been in existence since 1980 and features food, dancing, and cultural festivities at the American Legion Mall. The event usually attracts approximately 35,000 people (La Plaza-Indy). In 2009, the Indianapolis Museum of Art sponsored a special event called CineLatino, which featured South American films (Indianapolis Museum of Art).

Similar to San Francisco, in the Latino community of San Diego, California, the residents aim to create a homeland and unique ethnic space (Arreola 104). Parades, holiday festivals, and cultural events celebrate the Latino culture and the community as a whole (Arreola 105). In New York City, the large population of Puerto Ricans and Dominicans creates a distinct Caribbean influence. Sidewalks are packed with vendors selling churro, tamal and fruit drinks, and feature loud music, conversation, and playing children. The commercial streets have been converted to an “ethnic main street,” and businesses use colors of national flags, religious symbols, and actual national flags to demonstrate their origins. The residents take advantage of the housing situation and proximity to transportation (Arreola 157). Commercial districts appear to be the fundamental aspect of the Latino community, as they become the centers for activity with many people gathering on the streets and plazas.

The Puerto Rican population in Cleveland, Ohio, is prominent, and its rich influence is obvious because Spanish is spoken many places and the grocery stores sell Goya products as a main food line. The Latino commercial base, which was started in the 1980s and 1990s, includes nightclubs with Merengue and Salsa dancing, small bars, restaurants with Puerto Rican food, grocery stores, music stores, and specialty shops, many of which are in the core of the community. The community also has a map with Hispanic landscape elements marked (Arreola 195). The residents have changed the landscape with signs in Spanish, advertisements for Goya products, and political signs for Hispanic candidates (Arreola 197). Integrating these types of business into the commercial core of redevelopment will create a vibrant center celebrating Latino culture and heritage that attracts all residents and visitors. Revitalization in Indianapolis

Research Methods 451 [32]Comprehensive Project Excerpt [2010]

Research Methods 451[33] Comprehensive Project Excerpt [2010]

neighborhoods should make the retention and improvement of Latino businesses and residents’ lives a priority.

Building Transformations

In New York City, like many locations, Latinos were “latecomers to an already-built environment” of primarily multi-unit housing in the city (Arreola 146). However, they have been able to apply their transformations of the urban space with colors on facades, religious shrines, flags from their countries of origin, and cacti pictures. Similarly, in Cleveland, Ohio, because the Latino immigrants inherited an established and built environment, the residents change “semi-fixed features” with religious shrines, fences, bright-colored paint, and well-kept front yards and flower gardens (Arreola 188). Many Catholic churches are in the community because religion and religious institutions are important to the immigrant residents. Some churches operate from old store buildings, and others use old churches and adapt the buildings to their specific needs (Arreola 198). Organizations and social groups form an important part of the community and support those in need of food or help. In addition, the organizations advocate the preservation of the Puerto Rican culture and educate children about their heritage (Arreola 197).

The Latino population’s changes are important considerations during a revitalization process. Many cities in the United States experience the immigration increase, and the new Latino residents transform the urban landscape. Although the Latino group includes many ethnicities, the changes to the urban landscape are similar throughout the country, specifically with commercial uses and plaza and park space. As they transform the dying landscapes into more lively spaces, they start their own revitalization process. Preserving improvements, providing incentives for additional improvements, and working with the citizens of the community can create a more inviting and exciting place for Latino residents. The master plan and site scale plan will consider these transformations and build upon them to embrace the culture.

Community Design for Latinos

Latinos want to share their sense of culture with their new communities, and it is best to do this in a place where fostering a sense of community is easy (Cisneros 89). Latinos enjoy compact communities with play space for children, interconnected sidewalks, walking and biking trails, soccer fields, small parks, plazas, and places to gather large groups. Names of places and architectural detailing that are reminiscent of their heritage also create an increased sense of place. Family-size rental units are necessary because Latino families are larger than most in the United States. Latinos view schools as important civic centers, so a community near a school where opportunities for interaction exist is ideal (Cisneros 24-26). All of these components shape the community and how the Latinos will use it. Because of the preference for park and open space to hold community or family events, well-designed and integrated open space will be in the master plan. Multiple small parks and plazas, and distinct connections to existing larger parks will create a cohesive environment that encourages building community and strengthening family.

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