Alleyways of Commerce_Halle Potoczak

Alleyways of Commerce Halle Potoczak Lyceum 2020: Belt Tightening - Bungalows for the Millennial Family Faculty Advisor: Terry Boling “Alleyways of Commerce� introduces a new model of residential/commercial utilization for Chicago neighborhoods. Currently, the typology of the area consists of homes facing the street, with detached rear garages that face a 12 -foot-wide alleyway. In my proposal, these garages will be converted into small business spaces, owned and run by the residents--envision, hair salons, restaurants, boutiques, offices, law firms, pet supplies, and bookstores.

The main commercial strip, South Cottage Grove Avenue, is less than a 10-minute walk from the alleyways. My proposal for that area is to introduce a grocery store, library, recreation center, and an entrepreneurial training hub. The training hub will provide classes and resources for the residents, teaching them how to successfully run and manage their small businesses. In addition, parking will be available for those who travel to visit the alleys of commerce. With these types of businesses and resources within walking distance, car ownership will decline, reducing the cost car ownership and maintenance for the residents, as well as benefiting the environment.

As car ownership continues to decline, the streets running North and South will be converted into green promenades. These strips of green space will create not only beautiful, lush views for the residents, but also a space to spend time in nature and gather with neighbors. Large balconies in the rear will face the alley of commerce, and large windows in the front will grant views of the green promenade. The homes will be a maximum of three stories, with one family owning each floor. Increasing the density will reduce sprawl, attract employers, and increase property values. They will be constructed primarily out of cross laminated timber (CLT), a cost effective, environment-friendly substitute for concrete or steel. CLT has also shown to improve indoor air quality, being that the wood constituents of the building system are non-toxic/non-volatile organic compound (VOC) adhesive.

Revitalization through small businesses and commerce in the alleyways will create a vivacious, thriving, sustainable neighborhood for Chicago.

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S. Langley Ave.

S. Champlain Ave.

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Alleyway of Commerce Residents will convert their garages into studios, workshops, offices, salons, shops, restaurants, etc.

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Green Promenade

As car ownership declines, streets will be converted into park space. Neighbors can gather to socialize, take walks together, and spend time in nature.

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10 Minute Walk

This graphic illustrates a less than 10 minute walk from point A to point B. With resources available within walking distance, car ownership will decline. Not only does this take away a monthly car payment for residents, but the environment benefits from less air pollution by vehicles.

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Future Spre

Neighboring bl begin to develo own alleys of c and green prom

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future grocer y store 5

S. Evans Ave.

future lib r ar y

S. Cottage Grove Ave.

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future recreation center

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Commercial Strip

The nearby commercial area is only a short, under 10 minute walk away. Residents can access resources such as a grocery store, recreation center, library, as well as various shops and restaurants.

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Entrepreneurial Hub

This building will serve the area, especially the alleys of commerce, as an entrepreneurship/business education and resource center.

Events, workshops, seminars, and other public lectures and events can be hosted here.

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Parking

Parking lots are available for easy access to the commercial strip, as well as park-and-walk access to the alleys of commerce. In the future, these spaces can be used for expansion of the commercial strip.