MODEL 1C

Objectives:
Throughout Union Square there are many underutilized spaces. These spaces are often parking spaces connected to high use pedestrian sidewalks. Some of these inlets are derived from historical conditions where deep sites at the rear of the property where used for light farming or to stable animals. As density increased owners often built second houses or other structures in the rear of the property. Most of these spaces are connected by alleys; the alleys act as a type of corridor into the space. Often European cities have utilized these “back door” spaces by activating their edges either as a square for various business interests, other storefront related uses, semi-public and public green space. 

Proposal:
The garage space is arguably the most flexible space in a building; the uses are vast.  I proposed designing garages as a model for the edge of the open inlet spaces.  Garages are conducive for start up type businesses and artist studios.  The design proposed includes potential living space above the garage creating a work, live opportunity.  Space above this model would be additional housing. Although cars are able to access the garages this is not the intention of the overall program.
•    Create space for businesses in underutilized space specifically for mom and pops level establishments.
•    Create open space that could serve the function of community gathering.
•    Create opportunities for affordable housing in the proposed building.
•    Articulate southern exposure.
•    Create open space within the site for pedestrians to walk through the site instead of around it. 
•    Create opportunities for restaurant or café.
•    Address the continuation of the street wall.
•    Address the pedestrian approach from the Market Basket parking lot.
•    Vehicle access; vehicles are able to drive into the site via two streets that cross the site.  However in order to maintain the pedestrian nature of the site I propose limiting access to a tenant and tenant service vehicles only. This can be achieved with bollards at the main entrances which drop into the ground to allow access.

Andrew Shelburne - andrew.shelburne@gmail.com