2018 Rapson Traveling Study Fellowship | Infill Ecology

INFILL ECOLOGY

Cities, neighborhoods, and buildings all go through cycles of renewal and decay. This project proposes the development of mixed-use affordable housing and retail within vacant pockets of an established neighborhood. Community businesses, services, and infrastructure will be strengthened, and residents will benefit from the ease of access to transportation and daily necessities. Like ecological systems, our urban neighborhoods are strengthened through abundant and diverse interconnected relationships.

PROGRAM

1001 West Broadway is comprised of two volumes, the original brick storefront and a modern addition, connected by a soaring light-filled lobby. This 12,300 gsf mixed-use building includes 14 affordable dwellings units and 2 retail fronts. A portion of the rear yard is fenced to provide a secure play area for children, while the other half permits two parking stalls. While the basement of the existing structure houses the mechanical systems, the new building supports a solar system that generates renewable energy to neutralize the building’s energy load. This eliminates the energy burden often faced by low-income families.

NEIGHBORHOOD

1001 West Broadway is located along the heart of Near North’s main street. Within a 1/4 mile radius, or 5 minute walk, residents can access several grocery stores, pharmacies, salons, restaurants, and parks. Directly across the street is the University of Minnesota’s Broadway Family Medicine Clinic. MetroTransit’s 14, 30, and 32 bus lines arrive just outside the front door.