The Takoma Park City Council asked to see a 34,000 square foot plan for Takoma Junction. But the developer delivered another 50,000+ square foot plan. Here, landscape architect Byrne Kelley and Roger Schlegel give us a New Alternative Plan that could provide a way forward: (for a high-resolution view go HERE).
And, new as of July 10, here’s an elevation!
PLENTY TO SEE AND DO
34,000 square feet (what the City asked for), two stories, and a dynamic streetscape.
An optimal height that is compatible with the historic district.
Great retail spaces, including a generous front-to-back restaurant space on the west side. Office and/or studio space upstairs.
Eye-catching progressive setbacks along Carroll Avenue that bring in afternoon light.
MORE PLEASANT PARKING
Underground garage with more spaces than current surface lot and more natural lighting.
Mid-block entrance with better sight distances and easier left turns in and out.
Potential connections to Co-op lower level and Fire Station parking terrace.
STROLL AROUND THE BACK (AND MAKE DELIVERIES, TOO!)
On the west side, a pedestrian-friendly “mews” allows standard trucks to access the rear.
This route turns onto a rear terrace where tenants’ delivery and trash operations can occur.
The Co-op can use this same terrace route for deliveries, trash, and recycling.
The terrace offers a lovely woodside connection between the restaurant and the piazza.
DID YOU SAY “PIAZZA”?
Yes! Between the new building and the Co-op, there’s a 40’ by 100’ multi-use public plaza.
This space can host vendors, games, picnics, flea markets, movies, and beer gardens.
A retractable canopy and a portable dance floor provide event space to draw us all together.
4,000 square feet = plenty of room for the Halloween festival and holiday tree sales, too!
The piazza can have a canopy connecting to expanded Co-op space in the new building.
A DESIGN THAT DRAWS PEOPLE IN AND KNITS TOGETHER NEIGHBORHOODS
The east front corner is a focal point for visitors coming up Grant, Carroll, and Ethan Allen. That focal point entrance leads into a glass-enclosed gallery space alongside the piazza.
The gallery space connects to a light-filled central atrium enlivening the building’s interior. The elevator tower is just twenty steps from the Co-op, at the atrium entrance.
NO MUSS, NO FUSS
Construction can be phased, with initial “Piazza” serving Co-op needs during “Phase Two.”
The Grant Avenue crosswalk, bus stop, and bikeshare station can stay where they are!
Pesky 18-wheelers can be accommodated via a lay-by OR via off-hours use of the piazza.
Win-Win-Win. City gets real public space, Junction gains vibrancy, NDC gets showcase project.
