We met in the Pickle Company (thanks to Imbue Design and the Barretts for hosting), had some drinks and snacks (thanks Kevin Blalock and others for providing) and got to work!

The topic: how to break down the huge 10 acre blocks in the Granary. We started this process by looking at two things first; north/south divisions and existing railway spurs.

We split up into three groups with each groups looking at a key block to brainstorm solutions and ideas to breaking down the block. The group thought breaking down the block would be very beneficial for the future of the District because it can create a much better scale for pedestrians, created more street frontage and developable parcels, and creates a more interesting environment — like how Broadway in New York City runs diagonally through the grid, creating really iconic spaces, like the Flatiron building and plazas. The Granary has several 'Broadways' running through it in the form of old railway spurs that we'd like to see utilized to create iconic neighborhood spaces (click here for a short clip of this discussion at the Klatch).

(Ideas for breaking down the 10 acre blocks, represented above)

So, for the next klatch the idea was thrown around to start looking at what it's going to take to start making some of these block thoroughfares realities. What due diligence is needed for this? Legal issues, property owners consensus, funding, design issues (emergency vehicle right-of-ways, etc.)

Also, what kinds of streets would these potentially be: alleys, streets, roads; auto-focused, auto/ pedestrian, pedestrian/ bike focused?

We'd love to hear comments on the recent coffee klatch and feedback if we're heading in the right direction for the next one, so leave your thoughts in the comment section below, please!

We're having the next klatch same time, same place, every Wednesday leading up to the charrette. Look for it on the 'Event' page soon, and join us!

Comment by Lou Barrett on March 15, 2012 at 11:19am: Thanks James, it was great to see so many interested people there I think a little momentum is building. I would love to see more property owners and buisness owners involved in the discussion.

Comment by Vincent Oles on March 15, 2012 at 11:53am: James, thanks for another great night of idea sharing and concept development!

Comment by Quinn McCallum-Law on March 15, 2012 at 2:52pm: Was glad to be there last night. A lot of great people, thanks James! And a special thank you to Lou and the Imbue guys!

Comment by James Alfandre on March 16, 2012 at 11:36am: Thank you all for coming and collaborating! Look forward to the the next one!

Comment by Lou Barrett on March 16, 2012 at 12:46pm: James, could I get a couple off copies of the large maps we were using. If Kevin is printing them I can pay for them.

Comment by James Alfandre on March 16, 2012 at 4:17pm: Lou, Yes, Kevin printed them out for the first Klatch as a favor, and I don't think he's selling them, but you can ask. I might have one or two extra copies. We can talk at the next klatch.

And I agree, I hope that more business and property owners get involved, but it's like herding cats! If you have any contacts to reach out to and invite, please do.

Comment by Kinde Nebeker on March 16, 2012 at 5:38pm: I had such a great time being in co-creative space with everyone. I felt the power of our collective intelligence. Very invigorating.

Comment by James Alfandre on March 17, 2012 at 7:01pm: Thanks for being a part of the intelligence and collaboration, Kinde!

2nd Coffee Klatch Recap

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