The Archstone team writes that the Long Wharf Theatre "is critical to the success of the development. Long Wharf's presence will energize the site, giving it a unique identity that will draw tenants and visitors alike... Long Wharf will both benefit from and add to this growth, drawing visitors to area restaurants, after-hours clubs, and potentially a contemporary hotel... the Theatre would occupy the site's most prominent street fronts: the corner of Orange and George Street, becoming the face of the new development."
Regarding the presence along Route 34, Archstone writes, "We envision transforming the facade of the long, low parking garage into a lushly planted area that will provide a transition from the grit and noise of the elevated highway to the protected residential zones of the new development and the friendly, pedestrian-scaled streets of the Ninth Square. For those who remember the Coliseum high above Route 34, the new garage's planted facade and active green roof will be a revolutionary presence: a new approach to city design that emphasizes health, diversity and accessibility - a symbol of New Haven's renaissance." View the images for an excellent summary of how the site can be designed in a more sustainable way.
Heyman Properties proposes a major flagship hotel incorporated with the Theatre, which would allow more than half of the site to remain "available for additional residential and commercial development" and parking (which they note would potentially be created through a joint development agreement with other developers). They believe that the site's "wonderful visibility from the major road arteries serving New Haven, superior access and close proximity to the various business, health care and academic institutions" make the site ideally suited for a major hotel. They also note that, by incorporating the two developments together, "the theatre will also benefit by gaining additional revenue for the use of its facilities by the hotel when the theatre would otherwise be dark."
Calling their proposal "Tenth Square," Northland begins with a reference to Downtown New Haven's extensive history: According to
The Society of Colonial Wars in the State of Connecticut, the activity of colonial-era New Haven "focused on the tenth square - a group of streets plotted to the southeast between the harbor and the original Market Place [i.e., the New Haven Green]. This 'square' held the active mercantile quarter. The Long Wharf [Pier], which stretched to the harbor from the tenth square, housed an extensive shipping industry which controlled New Haven's economy in the early Federal period."
Northland's concept for the Coliseum Site is "a synergistic mix of uses, based upon new urbanism principles, designed to reduce impact on the envrionment, city services and roads while maximizing taxes and jobs. The development will be situated in a manner that respects the historic significance of the adjacent Ninth Square district yet integrates innovative methods of sustainable design.... a variety of public and open spaces, from wide, active sidewalks to commercial gathering places, will contribute to the development's distinctive character, providing a valuable amenity for the surrounding community." To Northland, the project is an "opportunity to resurrect, from a failed urban renewal attempt, the rich culture and diversity that once thrived in this former mixed use neighborhood."
As you can see from the design schemes, the RFQ also suggests a certain permeability to pedestrians, such as a major "Theater Alley", and a pedestrian connection alley from the center of the block through towards the train station. Northland describes this as "a network of streetscapes by which pedestrians can easily circulate around a site is one of the fundamental aspects of good urban design in that it promotes the health and well-being of the local community, economy and environment. This project is designed with the pedestrian in mind... the pedestrian network will be extended to adjacent street corners, providing safe and convenient circulation throughout the area for all pedestrians."
The Northland RFQ also mentions that the streets of New Haven "have become more bicycle friendly with the aim of encouraging residents and students to use bikes for their short range trips. This aids in taking cars off the local roads, making them safer for all users while also promoting healthier active lifestyles and a cleaner, greener environment." Plentiful bicycle racks are identified as a critical need.
Team 5: Related Companies and Robert Orr ArchitectsThis RFQ does not include conceptual sketches of the site, but describes the need to "transform a site that has been desolate for decades into a lively, self-sustaining, mixed-use, mixed-income community that is woven seamlessly into the urban fabric of the Ninth Square and Downtown New Haven.... Related's design for the Coliseum site will include new streets permeating the block, adding value with increased frontage and corners" (
incidentally, a point also brought up at George Knight's Wine Dine Design presentation on the future of the fire-damaged downtown block on Chapel Street). Related also suggests wrapped courtyard parking to minimize the effects that parking has on the cityscape.
Team 6: Richman Group Development and Herbert S. Newman and Partners Architects
Richman's RFQ statement presents an interesting take on their specific approach to the housing market on the site, noting that "there is a strong viable market for housing in a dynamic urban center of culture and education; an alternative to urban sprawl and resort communities. Adult Americans are turning towards cities to provide them a stimulating pedestrian-oriented life among neighbors and community. Our strategy is based upon the idea of bringing a new market of citizens into New Haven."
Richman's project narrative continues, "We are in a period of urban rediscovery and revitalization. New Haven is already a beneficiary of the renewed interest in the urban experience that is drawing people of all ages from the suburbs back to cities - to visit, work and to live.... our investigative research... indicates that there is a strong market for adults who are seeking an alternative to suburban living and retirement communities at resort locations. These studies indicate there is a critical mass of diverse, well-educated people seeking the vitality of close neighbors in an intimate, campus-like setting where they can own a townhouse or apartment."
"New Haven offers stimulating culture and education, excellent medical care, great restaurants, wonderful architecture, and two railroad stations all within a short walk of the Coliseum Site.... We are proposing a village for alumni and others at the Coliseum Site. We believe New Haven's future is in education, culture and research. We think there is a significant contribution that a group of two hundred homeowners can bring to this city in taxes, volunteerism, and purchasing power, without burdening the public school system. Our research indicates that our targeted market group is engaged and civic-minded."
The Richman Group RFQ continues with a very detailed and extensive narrative about the project's design and architectural character, which we will not try to summarize here, but that calls for sidewalk plazas, wide sidewalks for mingling before and after performances, summer outdoor performance areas that can create a destination, and an open public stairway that could integrate the Theatre's uses and "an additional place for the celebration of urban life." Their conclusion is that the project will build on the success of the Ninth Square, "a project that turns outward to emphasize the role of the street in the life of the city. It brings people closer to the train station and encourages the growing strength of the Northeast Corridor infrastructure... adding a welcoming smile at the gateway to our city."
First Robert DeNiro and Kate Beckinsale, now National Train Day. New Haven's elegant Union Station will host the "only National Train Day celebration between New York & Boston" this Saturday from 4:00-5:30 PM, on the 2nd Floor Balcony. See here for more photos courtesy Herbert S. Newman and Partners.
Original Post, 3/30/08: Bicycle parking on trains (
