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25 Connects
By : Stantec Experts Conseils Ltée
GRANDS PRIX DU DESIGN – 15th edition
Discipline : Landscape & Territories
Categories : Urban Design / TOD Project : Bronze Certification
25 Connects is a community planning process that aims to provide design recommendations and tools to support a future West 25th Street corridor, particularly a 3.5 mile-segment running between Detroit Avenue and Broadview Road, that is focused on transit-supportive mixed-use community development that will support the investment of the RTA’s MetroHealth Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) line.
The 25 Connects project proposes to develop the MetroHealth line stations in a way that promotes the use of public transit. The project is based on a participatory effort that puts forward the wishes of the residents of the areas affected by the project.
The West 25th Transit Corridor is characterized by narrow sidewalks where the layout of stations is at times constraining. The challenge of the 25 Connects project is to try to work around or correct these constraints to create coherent stations that maximize user comfort while fitting into a small space. The station typologies propose, when necessary, agreements with private property owners to expand the space for users and enhance their experience. In addition to providing adequate space, bus shelters, landscaping, generous sidewalks, diverse street furniture, and the integration of other modes of transportation with MetroHealth lines reinforce the package and encourage transit use.
Analysis of the corridor's real estate market conditions, built environment and exemplary TOD precedents has identified high potential redevelopment sites and defined building typologies. These typologies aim to improve the quality of life for citizens, use land more efficiently but in a way that respects the character of the neighborhoods and the wishes of their residents, and encourage the creation of economic vibrancy while preserving residential opportunities for the vulnerable population and ensuring their access to the MetroHealth line. To facilitate development, the project identifies financial mechanisms for public-private partnerships to encourage investment around stations that will break up the monotony of the single-family built environment and provide a variety of housing options and first floor retail, creating transit-supportive densities and active streets.
A key component of the 25 Connects project is understanding the barriers affecting TOD-type developments along West 25th Avenue. A diagnosis of the regulatory framework, overlay zones, and conversations with the City of Cleveland and stakeholders identified procedures to simplify the process for anyone wishing to engage in development along the corridor and adjacent communities.
Collaboration
