Union Square is a diverse community made up of many different cultures. What make this area so unique are the people who convey their freedom to live the American dream. Uniting all cultures defines the authenticity of the Square, making it an attraction for genuine entrepreneurial start-ups.
New zoning has classified Union Square as a Commercial Corridor and Arts Overlay District. This zoning classification encourages commercial/retail along the ground floor and provides development incentives for art related industries. The city also intends to redirect vehicular traffic patterns and maximize safety for pedestrians and bicyclists. The redesign of traffic patterns along with the development of the Union Square Green Line station will provide the infrastructural changes necessary to encourage new development.
Proposal:
The design goal of this affordable housing addition to the existing Eberle Building is to connect future residents with the excitement and diversity of the Square. This location has a great potential to become a landmark for Union Square.
The proposal of four additional levels will maximize the gross square footage (habitable space) as allowed by new zoning, passed in April 2009. The open area patios share a social connection with the heart of the Square; allow visibility from many angles of the streetscape while not increasing the building gross square footage. Double level loft spaces may seem small in terms of square footage size, but will feel larger with high ceilings and generous volumes; bringing that excitement from the streets of Union Square into the units and enhancing the social connection. The new zoning ordinances may constrain square footage by limiting the allowable floor area ratio, however, opportunities exists to create spacious volume and community patios wile using minimal floor area.
Wendall Chin - wendall.chin@the-bac.edu
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