Commercial Architecture February 2018 - 6

DEPARTMENT

the architects

Four Factors
Lead To Urban
Revitalization
Brent Zeigler, AIA, IIDA
Dyer Brown

rban-revitalization success stories can be
inspiring to those who love great cities, es-

Redesign of the 116 Huntington building in Boston transformed a stretch of the avenue by introducing inviting and visible retail spaces, a well-lit and
appealing pedestrian arcade, and a 25-ft. glass façade that offers unimpeded views of a redesigned lobby.

pecially when the unique character of a

neighborhood or district is preserved and even celebrated. Cincinnati provides a perfect example. In

hood often resist attempts to increase population

redesign of the 116 Huntington Ave. building in

recent years, the city's Over-the-Rhine section coun-

density. This misses the point-economic develop-

Boston introduced inviting and visible retail spaces,

tered a decades-long decline into crime and urban de-

ment goes where the people are. Communities and

a well-lit and appealing pedestrian arcade, and a 25-

cay. Development efforts reconnected the area to the

interested developers can work with architects, pres-

ft. glass façade offering unimpeded views of a rede-

neighboring business district, which encouraged new

ervationists, and other experts to determine avenues

signed lobby. The result has transformed this stretch

economic activity. Simultaneously, community and

to sensible adaptation of the existing building stock

of Huntington Avenue by making the block more

city leaders stressed social and cultural diversity and

and context-sensitive new construction.

inviting to pedestrians and retailers.

preservation of iconic buildings and Victorian-style

* Make a Main Street. Residential communities and

Of course, all cities and neighborhoods are different,

row houses. The result is a resurgent Over-the-Rhine

developers will find the notion of a new retail zone

and each presents its own challenges. But these four

that makes "hot spot" lists in real estate and lifestyle

enticing. There are proven ways to create a Main

elements will help pave the way to successful revital-

journals, and a neighborhood believed to be one of

Street feel while reducing the risk of empty store-

ization projects. CA

the largest urban historic districts to remain predomi-

fronts just a few years down the road. An important

nantly intact-almost 1,000 notable buildings on more

consideration is adjacency to those same good

Brent D. Zeigler, AIA, IIDA, is president and director

than 3,600 acres.

bones. The key is to build near existing transit hubs,

of design for architecture and interior design firm Dyer

This one example does not mean all revitalization

parks, churches, schools, markets, and cultural facil-

Brown, Boston. An active member of the Boston Society

projects will be successful. However, in our experienc-

ities that already attract visitors. For example, the

of Architects, Zeigler's experience includes the design of

es with several Boston neighborhoods, these four fac-

recently opened Tapestry restaurant, in Boston's

a broad range of hospitality, retail, office, restaurant, residential, and mixed-use spaces.

tors played a major role in project success:

Fenway neighborhood, includes a street-front out-

* Start with good bones. To ensure a broad appeal for

door seating area that leverages nearby attractions

commercial and residential uses, the location needs

and transit offerings. Any new developments should

to have good bones, i.e., fundamentals that sustain

avoid relying on retail and restaurants to sustain

a vibrant community. Parks are one such essential,

new economic activity, however. Cities also need

as are transit options and K-12 schools. Having a

new commercial, professional, and healthcare office

solid, existing building stock helps, too, especially if

space to make Main Streets hum with activity.

Interview With
Brent Zeigler

the buildings help define the local character. Less

* Offer a warm welcome. To encourage new and re-

essential-but certainly helpful-are cultural spaces

turn visits, sidewalks and street-facing buildings

urban-revitalization projects in

such as theaters, churches, symphony halls, and/or

should be well illuminated and provide visibility to

our interview with Brent Zeigler at

community centers.

Learn more about developing successful

interior spaces. The idea is to create a space for foot

commercialarchitecturemagazine.com/

* Promote density. Residents and community organi-

traffic that is welcoming and safe, promoting a sense

architects.

zations looking to re-energize their urban neighbor-

of connection to the businesses inside. Our recent

COMMERCI A L A RCHI T EC T URE

FEBRUARY 2018

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Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Commercial Architecture February 2018