INNOVATION DISTRICT PROPOSAL | ITHACA, NY
ANNICE LEE CLAIRE CHOI DANIELA GOTTESMAN EMILY CHEN
AEM 4375 ADVANCED DESIGN & INNOVATION
INDEX I. II. III. IV. V. VI. VII. VIII. IX. X. XI. XII. XIII. XIV. XV.
GOALS ITHACA’S HISTORIC TIMELINE ITHACA’S STARTUP HISTORY ITHACA’S STARTUP LIFECYCLE KEY STAKEHOLDERS WHO'S INVOLVED INTERACTIONS KEY PLAYERS WHAT IS AN INNOVATION DISTRICT ANALOGOUS PLACES CASE STUDIES CRITERIA FOR INNOVATION DISTRICT STATE OF ITHACA INNOVATION DISTRICT PROPOSAL APPENDIX
1 PLAN, 3 GOALS UNDERSTAND the wants and needs of users and stakeholders through research. PROMOTE and bridge the gap between Cornell’s entrepreneurship and Ithaca's community. DISCOVER and propose a successful Innovation District for the City of Ithaca
UNDERSTAND ITHACA’S HISTORIC TIMELINE
4
UNDERSTAND ITHACA’S STARTUP HISTORY
A night in turned cookie success, Ian and Samantha started Emmy's Cookies in 2006 in Ian's Mom's kitchen. Now almost 10 years later, these vegan, gluten-free, and organic cookies have gained foothold beyond Ithaca, while maintaining their original roots.
Founded by Chris Kirby, Ithaca Hummus delivers a fresh, preservative-free product, bringing new meaning to a worldly loved food item. Available now at Wegmans and Wholefoods. [Appendix A]
5
UNDERSTAND ITHACA’S STARTUP LIFE CYCLE 1. Ideation + Innovation • Lover of food and brands doing quality the right way • Opportunity to make a local, fresh product Started in a family kitchen due to a gluten-free diet restriction
2. Discovery Lack of cold pressed, local hummus
Lack of tasty, diet accommodating desserts
3. Validation • Wegmans • Cornell Greek Life • Local stores
Family and friends tested
A hit at the Farmers Market
ITHACA HUMMUS EMMY'S COOKIES BOTH
4. Customer Creations Re-branding and development of product shelf life
• Build relationships with local community, Rev, alliances, etc. • Present sustainable practices
5. Company Building • Global reach to Europe • Official B-CORP certification • Expand to stores (Starbucks, CVS, Whole Food's) • Facility expansion • Global reach
REV Southern Tier Startup Alliance Cornell University
valuation
6
PROMOTE PRIMARY STAKEHOLDERS
CITY OF ITHACA
CORNELL UNIVERSITY
Government and body proposing the Innovation District.
Institution for student entrepreneurship and research.
7
PROMOTE WHO'S INVOLVED
CORNELL UNIVERSITY Institution for student entrepreneurship and research.
CORNELL BUSINESS & TECHNOLOGY PARK Beautiful spaces and development opportunities that accommodate an innovative and resourceful community for success for entrepreneurs
ENTREPRENUERSHIP AT CORNELL Gateway to everything entrepreneurial at Cornell University. [Appendix A]
REV: ITHACA STARTUP WORKS Business incubator and workspace that drives to serve its region, community, and economy as a core within the larger innovation community SOUTHERN TIER STARTUP ALLIANCE Network of business incubators in the Southern Tier focused on strengthening economy and diversifying employment base.
CAYUGA VENTURE FUND Investor of New York State Startups-"The Upstate startup market is undercapitalized and NYC is unavoidable!" 8
Rev: Ithaca Startup Works • Investor relationships are between company and investor • Rev has no equity or ownership of companies • Priorities on relationships and family • Entrepreneurs in residence for mentorship
PROMOTE INTERACTIONS eHub Funding + Facilities
coworking
Cornell
Business & Tech Park
fu n
coworking
Cornell Universi ty
Cayuga Venture Fund
REV: Ithaca Startup Works
funding
Entrepre neurship @ Cornell
di ng
eLab
Souther n Tier Startup Alliance
Subjective/Indirect Programmatic
[Appendix A]
Entrepreneurship at Cornell • eLab and eHub (collaborative spaces, startup development) • Partner with Rev, STSA, McGovern Center (incubators) Cornell Business+ Technology Park • Cheap leases with lab facilities and supplies that Rev cannot provide • Rev grads have moved into this park Cornell University • Annual supporter of Rev, keeps it alive • Not a built, programmatic relationship, work with consulting, faculty, facilities • Student labor (interns, etc.), hub of new ideas Southern Tier Startup Alliance • Rev and McGovern Center @ Cornell fall within this umbrella • Bring together ecosystem of entrepreneurs and support organizations leveraging their contributions (mentorship, larger network) Cayuga Venture Fund • Ties with Cornell Tech (resources) • Most active venture capital investor in Upstate New York for startups within this ecosystem 9
PROMOTE KEY PLAYERS: EMPLOYEES
AMENITIES + CULTURE • Gym, food and beverage • Young, inclusive, laid back • Communal couch areas, libraries, outdoor eating space • Conferences and company sponsored events, happy hours and after work events
NETWORKING + ENTREPRENEURSHIP • Networking with LinkedIn and conferences, but disconnect with other companies • If they were to hire for a new company, immediate turn to industry and university friends • Locate somewhere with outside city amenities and close to home (proximity and work/life balance)
*based on employee interview
RELATIONSHIP TO CITY (TRANSPORT) SILICON VALLEY • Personal vehicle, commuter subsidy • Push for alternative transportation • Socioeconomic gap caused by tech professionals moving to the area NEW YORK CITY • Subway, bus, rail, paratransit, ferry, walking, ridesharing, biking and vanpool • Various options • Traffic and overpopulation BOSTON (CAMBRIDGE) • Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority • Bluebike for quicker commute • Overcrowding and delays due to MBTA
10
PROMOTE KEY PLAYERS: STUDENT ENTREPRENEURS
NEEDS + WANTS • Entrepreneurial courses to learn how to be entrepreneurs • Non-isolated and vibrantly social location • Support from families and peers and mentors
• Ways to gain confidence in idea.
RESOURCES • Hackathons and Pitch competitions. • Networking events sponsored by VC's and large companies. • Guest lectures and symposiums. • Kessler Fellows, Entrepreneurship @Cornell, eLab, BlackStone La unchpad:
"Many of the resources Cornell provides are fragmented so there is a lot of duplicity among departments."
*based on student interview
11
PROMOTE KEY PLAYERS: FOUNDERS
FUNDING RESOURCES
NETWORKING RESOURCES
• Fellowships
• Professors
• Competitions
• Peers
• Grants & scholarships • Crowdfunding
• Alumni networks
• Tax breaks • Labor laws
• Campus resources (entrepreneurship hub, legal services, etc) • Consultants and facilitators to provide guidance during startup process • Local community
PHYSICAL RESOURCES • Facilities available to create and test new products and technologies (ex: lab, kitchen, office) • Temporary co working spaces for ideation and getting the company started • Accessible public areas to reach a lot of people for user interviews and testing • Lively community for motivation
*based on founder interview
12
DISCOVER WHAT IS AN INNOVATION DISTRICT?
DEFINTION place-based urban development strategy that aims to regenerate an under-performing downtown neighborhood into a desirable location for innovative and creative companies and workers.
GOALS Revitalize depressed downtown areas Modernize economy from industrial based to technology driven Cluster innovative sectors and research strengths in one area Celebrate the city's culture and history
13
DISCOVER ANALOGOUS PLACES ADLA
KIPD
A creative, cultural hub in Los Angeles that aims to transform the sprawled metropolis into a thriving urban core.
A government institution in Korea that provides a ‘Design Industry Converged Business Platform’ for startup & mid-size design companies in the nation.
beautifies district to invite more business and create an aesthetic ecosystem [Appendix B]
offers Korea Design Membership for students and opportunities including funding and internships 14
DISCOVER CASE STUDIES KENDALL SQUARE, Cambridge MA •
Blend of housing, research, retail, open, and corporate office spaces.
•
Coworking spaces and labs in partner with MIT.
•
Cambridge Innovation Center at the core which hosts networking events
•
Lively, walkable streets
•
Transportation to connect communities
Innovation district connecting MIT to the Cambridge community. [Appendix C]
CHATTANOOGA, TN •
Lacks a major research-focused university,
•
Installation of a fiber optic network to all homes and businesses attracts start-ups and investments.
•
Surrounding variety of housing options
•
Member of the MetroLab network, a partnership between 35 city-universities that brings innovation to city government
Innovation district born from an old manufacturing city. 15
DISCOVER CRITERIA FOR SUCCESSFUL INNOVATION DISTRICT
DIVERSE ECONOMY
STRONG CONNECTIVITY
• Dense diverse businesses, retail, and amenities to improve convenience and sustainability.
• Strong relations with the leading research university in order to attract innovative businesses.
• Provide housing for young families. Provide Middle-income housing. [Appendix C]
• Increase chance encounters by providing pathways and open spaces. • Lively and walkable and bikeable streets. • Connect interior and exterior spaces.
DIVERSE CULTURE • Restaurants, bars.
WEBBED NETWORK
• Local arts events.
• Weekly networking events for start-ups, investors, and bigger companies to nurture innovative culture.
• Educational or cultural facilities.
• Expand incubator spaces.
[Appendix B & C]
• Core large companies at the center of the ID attract initial talent.
• City programming.
[Appendix C]
• Reliable transportation throughout district and with partners. [Appendix B & C] 16
DISCOVER STATE OF ITHACA
WHAT WE HAVE WHAT WE NEED
DIVERSE ECONOMY
STRONG CONNECTIVITY
DIVERSE CULTURE
• Agriculture, vet, fabrics, computer scien ce, and architecture companies
• Ithaca Commons (walkable) • Lime bikes •TCAT, Uber, Lyft • Public spaces • short commutes within a small city • family centered, high quality of life, and metropolitan living without the traffic
• Live music, Salsa night, Open-mic night, Ithaca Ballet, Cer amics, Farmers Market • Family-friendly • Local farms, wineries •Theatre, Cinema, Circus school •Arts and Lectures series by Cornell.
• Ithaca offers around 66,300 jobs (2019) • Unemployment rate of 3.4 %, lower than that of New York state and the nation
• Economy is heavily centered around Cornell.
• Connectivity suffers during harsh weather conditions. • Need to create even more incentive for people to spend time in the innovation district. • Ithaca locals don't frequent Collegetown.
WEBBED NETWORK • Entrepreneurship @Cornell events •Rev networking events • eHub, BlackStone Launchpad • Hackathons
• Lack of community engageme nt in events outside of Cornell by Cornell students. • Not enough public spaces in Cornell and Ithaca
• Inefficient advertising of current events, overall disconnection
17
Based on our interviews, research, and analysis:
We believe Ithaca will benefit from an Innovation District. With this new development, Ithaca will see improvements in its economy, connectivity, culture, and network - ultimately becoming the new popular hub for students, businesses, and the wider Ithaca community.
18
PROPOSAL SCENARIO MATRIX — Definitions
CONNECTIVITY
•
Ease and accessibility of transportation. • Increase in bus stops and trips, ridesharing drivers, and Lime scooters/city bikes etc. • Bike-friendly roads • Pedestrian-friendly paths • High density of car and bike parking spaces
•
Virtual communal channels • Friendly UI
• • • •
To support discovering, engaging, and sharing Info aggregated, searchable, and sorted by relevance Seamless broadcasting and marketing
Frequently provided events • Available networking and informational events • Open to the community
PROPOSAL SCENARIO MATRIX — Definitions COMMUNITY CULTURE •
Active food/beverage, entertainment, and social spaces
•
Strong community knowledge, eagerness, and engagement for networking and informational events
•
High potential for feedback during Validation and Customer Creation stages.
INDIVIDUALISM •
Low collaboration among start-ups.
•
Low collaboration among start-ups and Cornell academic/research initiatives.
•
Low interaction between start-ups and accelerators.
•
Low interaction between start-ups and potential local Ithacan user-base.
PROPOSAL SCENARIO MATRIX
HIGH CONNECTIVITY
Competitive • High competition for access to resources. • Overlapping ideas, stunting speed of growth.
COMMUNITY CULTURE
INDIVIDUALISM
LOW CONNECTIVITY
PROPOSAL SCENARIO MATRIX
HIGH CONNECTIVITY
Competitive
Vibrant
• High competition for access to resources. • Overlapping ideas, stunting speed of growth.
• Networking events creating vibrant social space • Advanced transportation systems • Further housing development opportunities • Easy access to investors and user base. • Robust and strong economy. • Collaborations with Cornell, startups, & local businesses
COMMUNITY CULTURE
INDIVIDUALISM
Desolate
Sporadic
• Hard to access initial user base. • Testing and validation stages of start-up lifecycle are difficult.
• Low engagement in local events • Weak transportation system • Distinct groups with high internal community culture, but low cross-group interaction.
LOW CONNECTIVITY
PROPOSAL SCENARIO MATRIX
HIGH CONNECTIVITY
Vibrant • Networking events creating vibrant social space • Advanced transportation systems • Further housing development opportunities ITHACA IN THE FUTURE • Easy access to investors and user base. • Robust and strong economy. • Collaborations with Cornell, startups, & local businesses
COMMUNITY CULTURE
INDIVIDUALISM
Sporadic • Low engagement in local events • Weak transportation system • Distinct groups with high internal ITHACA NOWcommunity culture, but low cross-group interaction.
LOW CONNECTIVITY
23
HOW MIGHT WE ACHIEVE A BETTER ITHACA?
24
PROPOSAL PHASE 1 OF A SUCCESSFUL INNOVATION DISTRICT
PHASE 1 CREATING A DIGITAL COMMUNITY
25
PROPOSAL CLOSING THE NETWORK GAP
CURRENT STATE Low engagement in local events, especially Cornell Students within the Ithaca community. Very low retention rate of Cornell talent. MAJOR BRAIN DRAIN Struggle with lack of information about events and resources in Ithaca (disconnection)
NETWORK GAP
DESIRED STATE Digital channels to gain information about networking and entrepreneurship events, specific companies, and ways to be involved. A cost-effective solution for building a community. = WEBBED NETWORK
26
PROPOSAL CREATING A DIGITAL COMMUNITY
PHASE 1 Create effective marketing solutions to address the engagement gap between Cornell and the Ithaca community to prevent brain drain, gain more traction at Ithaca’s networking events, and share consistent information/updates
https://onestore.nokia.com/asset/201065
Virtual Marketing and Website • Campaign video of a virtual Innovation District • Social outreach (Instagram, FB, etc.) to provide investor info/mentorship for budding entrepreneurs • Share personal storytelling content from existing community to share awareness of current projects • Constant event updates on virtual calendar • Livestream feature for those unable to physically attend events Physical Digital Platforms • Digital advertising platforms placed around Ithaca to share digital content within physical space • Can also display transportation information to help interested locals/students physically attend events 27
PROPOSAL PHASE 2 OF A SUCCESSFUL INNOVATION DISTRICT
PHASE 1 CREATING A DIGITAL PHASE 1 COMMUNITY
PHASE 2 PHYSICALLY CONNECTING COMMUNITY
28
PROPOSAL CLOSING THE CONNECTIVTY GAP
CURRENT STATE Weak transportation system blocking Ithaca from Cornell community Limited travel options Uninviting building-fronts No incentive for students to be interested
CONNECTIVITY GAP
DESIRED STATE Improved transportation and community opportunities to physically connect people, increase incentives, and help people feel invited inside hubs such as Rev. = STRONG CONNECTIVITY
29
PROPOSAL PHYSICALLY CONNECTING COMMUNITY
PHASE 2 Physically connect the established online community through transportation & renovation of existing buildings. Improved Transportation • Free bike and scooter rentals • Renovated bike lanes & walking trails • Increase in bus stops and trips • Renovated bus shelters with accurate bus time information • Improved ride-sharing options • Comfortable transport to/from airports Renovation of Existing Buildings • Renovation of building exteriors to create a more inviting, open-to-everyone feel • Incorporate larger, storefront windows • Add fun, bright lighting that lures people inside • Design large, eye-catching signs that informs the community of current events
30
PROPOSAL PHASE 3 OF A SUCCESSFUL INNOVATION DISTRICT
PHASE 1 CREATING A DIGITAL PHASE 1 COMMUNITY
PHASE 2 PHYSICALLY CONNECTING COMMUNITY
PHASE 3 ESTABLISHING A DISTRICT
31
PROPOSAL CLOSING THE DIVERSE ECONOMY & CULTURE GAP
CURRENT STATE
ECONOMY & CULTURE
DESIRED STATE
GAP Distinct groups with frequent internal interaction but low rate of cross-group interaction. Heavy Cornell-centric economy. Limited pool of people for user studies and consumer tests. Not enough public spaces for networking and entertainment events.
A physically built district to bring people together revolved around entrepreneurship Open to anyone interested including students, Ithaca community, visitors, and outside potential businesses In additional to established virtual community space = DIVERSE ECONOMY & CULTURE 32
PROPOSAL ESTABLISHING A DISTRICT
PHASE 3 Establish a well-connected district, both digitally and physically through new spaces, socialization opportunities, and entertainment. New spaces • Visitors center • Rentable conference centers • Multipurpose event spaces • Exhibits, galleries, museums Socialization opportunities • Common street with places to sit and eat • Paved roads for easy walking • Informal working spots (cafes, outdoor lounge seating etc.) • Network nights • Parks Entertainment / F&B • Bars • Locally own boutiques • Outdoor trails and mini-gardens • Food truck park
33
THANK YOU QUESTIONS / COMMENTS
APPENDIX
DETAIL INFORMATION
A. Historical Background B. Analogous Places C. Case Studies
SECONDARY RESEARCH A. HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
1. 2. 3. 4.
Cornell Business + Technology Park Emmy’s Cookies Ithaca Hummus Rev Startup Works
THE PAST & PRESENT CORNELL’S BUSINESS + TECHOLOGY PARK (1951) Beautiful spaces for entrepreneurs and development opportunities that can accommodate future expansion or downsizing and an innovative community with resources that support success.
2838 PEOPLE
$61 M PAYROLL
90+ COMPANIES
$45 M RETAIL SALES INTERFACE
+ National/International companies and research firms + Specific focuses in tech, wet lab, manufacturing, aviation, office, education, recreation, connected to medical district
CORNELL
BUSINESS COMMUNITY
+ Land development and leasing for future expansions 37
THE PAST & PRESENT EMMY’S COOKIES A night in turned cookie success, Ian and Samantha started Emmy's Cookies in 2006 in Ian's Mom's kitchen. Now almost 10 years later, these vegan, gluten-free, and organic cookies have gained foothold beyond Ithaca, while maintaining their original roots.
MOM'S KITCHEN
FARMERS MARKET
STARBUCKS, C VS, 20,000+ Stores
+ B Corp Certification + Family and community oriented + Sustainable business focused on their carbon footprint + Originally planned to expand facilities to Cherry Street (soil unable to support concrete) + Still looking to expand from West Buffalo St.
38
THE PAST & PRESENT
"A huge factor in keeping the company here was finding this facility"
ITHACA HUMMUS With a fresh, preservative-free product, Ithaca Hummus brings new meaning to a worldly loved food item.
+ Immediate facility to house small business + Lease not invest + Challenge workforce solutions *the supporters*
ECOSYSTEM OF SUCCESS
WEGMANS
SOUTHERN TIER STARTUP ALLIANCE
TOMPKINS COUNTY
SOUTHERN TIER
CORNELL CAMPUS
REV COMMUNITY CHALLENGE WORKFORCE SOLUTIONS
UPSTATE NEW YORK
+ Started at Cornell University by Chris Kirby + Sold at sororities, fraternities, and other local stores + Now at Wegmans and Whole Foods 39
THE PAST & PRESENT REV: STARTUP WORKS As a business incubator and workspace, Rev is an entrepreneurial ecosystem within the larger innovation community that drives to serve its region, community, and economy. SUMMER PROGRAM SERVICES NAPKIN -TOPROTOTYPE HARDWARE
ACCELERATION
PROTOTYPE -TOPRODUCTION HARDWARE
CORNELL
NEXTCORPS + REV HARDWARE
ACCELERATION
+ Recognized a need for new and growing businesses open to all + In 2019, raised $21M in capital, $20.1M in revenue, and hired 136 new employees + Focus on companies with the potential to create Ithaca jobs and benefit economy + Virtual and community memberships with Entrepreneurs in Residence to act as mentors + Community events and workshops
TOMPKINS CORTLAND COMMUNITY
ITHACA COLLEGE ITHACA COMMUNITY TECH + INNOVATION
What can we provide for students and startups postgrad? How do we bridge the gap between universities and the larger city of Ithaca? 40
SECONDARY RESEARCH B. ANALOGOUS PLACES
1. 2.
Arts District, DTLA Korea Institute of Design Promotion
DEFINITION [designkit.org] Isolating elements of an experience, interaction or product to apply to your project.
ANALOGOUS PLACES ARTS DISTRICT, DTLA
The creative, cultural hub of Los Angeles that aims to transform the sprawled metropolis into a thriving urban core.
Arts District, DTLA
Map of neighboring districts/important landmarks in LA and the relationship of the Arts District amongst them.
Future rendering of Arts District,42 DTLA
42
ANALOGOUS PLACES ARTS DISTRICT, DTLA
1
PERSONAL VALUES
+ promotes well-being of all residents, artists, and businesses in the area + walkable district with countless opportunities for young artists + educational classes for open to public
2
BUSINESS VALUES
+ provides variety of business opportunities (retail, eat & drink, night life, recreation, public art) + beautifies district to invite more business and create an aesthetic ecosystem
3
COMMUNITY VALUES
+ provides community involvement pertaining to entertainment + community safety enforcement + promotes love for artist community
43
ANALOGOUS PLACES KOREA INSTITUTE OF DESIGN PROMOTION, S.KOREA
A government institution that provides a ‘Design Industry Converged Business Platform’ for startup & mid-size design companies in the nation.
KIDP, South Korea
Map of diverse resources surrounding KIDP Community event, KIDP
44
ANALOGOUS PLACES KOREA INSTITUTE OF DESIGN PROMOTION, S.KOREA
1
PERSONAL VALUES
+ emphasizes importance of a design education + provides “dessert� seminars for employees + offers Korea Design Membership for students and provides special opportunities for them including funding and internships
2
BUSINESS VALUES
3
COMMUNITY VALUES
+ provides funding, consulting, and support for startup and midsized design business
+ hosts city wide events for students, entrepreneurs, and general public
+ leases offices in building to other companies related in industry
+ continuous research on service design and its impact on the Korean community
+ builds a global design ecosystem through design awards and exports.
+ develops online platform to give public access to information
45
SECONDARY RESEARCH C. CASE STUDIES
1. 2.
Arts District, DTLA Korea Institute of Design Promotion
DEFINITION [designkit.org] Isolating elements of an experience, interaction or product to apply to your project.
CASE STUDIES INNOVATION DISTRICT ASSETS
1
ECONOMIC ASSETS
3
NETWORK ASSETS
Drive, cultivate, support Innovative environment. Economic ecosystem + Firms + Institutions + Organizations
Generate, sharpen, accelerate idea advancement. Relationships between + Individuals + Firms + Institutions
2
PHYSICAL ASSETS
Stimulate connectivity, collaboration, innovation. Public or Privately owned spaces + Buildings + Open spaces + Streets
4
CULTURAL ASSETS
Foster social values and community involvement. Diverse uses + Food + Retail + Streets 47
CASE STUDIES TAGLIT INNOVATION CENTER, ISRAELI
A multi-use visitor’s center that exhibits Israeli’s immense startup nation while hosting entrepreneur information sessions.
48
CASE STUDIES TAGLIT INNOVATION CENTER, ISRAELI
1
ECONOMIC ASSETS
3
NETWORK ASSETS
+ efficient economic ecosystem through connections with Israel.
+ hosts networking and information sessions with renowned entrepreneurs
2
PHYSICAL ASSETS
+ visitor center open to public + exhibit centers + transforms into a meeting place at night
4
CULTURAL ASSETS
+ prioritizes the boasting of the Israeli innovation to the international community
+ networking programs and job offers
49
CASE STUDIES RIDGELINE, NEVADA
Builds enterprise cloud for investment managers
Located in a more secluded area of Nevada, Ridgeline appeals to a certain target group of people.
Provides unified suite of applications that aim to transform how investors work.
50
CASE STUDIES RIDGELINE, NEVADA
1
ECONOMIC ASSETS
3
NETWORK ASSETS
+ privately funded + goals in profitability and investment
+ founder David Duffield opens opportunities to network with other
2
PHYSICAL ASSETS
+ company based in the Lake Tahoe Basin + second office in Manhattan, New York
4
CULTURAL ASSETS
+ natural surroundings of Tahoe location offers tranquility and well-being to employees
professionals in the
+ walkable commute
industry
+ unlimited vacation days
51
CASE STUDIES KENDALL SQUARE, CAMBRIDGE
Cluster of labs, research centers, and corporate offices adjacent to MIT.
Support high density of innovative organizations and centers to stimulate collaboration. District expansion plan objectives: + Housing expansion + Collaborative spaces + Pedestrian/Bike friendly transportation. + Road-side attractions/retail. + Accessibility to MIT. 52
CASE STUDIES KENDALL SQUARE, CAMBRIDGE
1
ECONOMIC ASSETS
+ Boeing autonomous flight research center + MIT (expansion plan) + NASA Technical Center
2
+ Rail Station
PHYSICAL ASSETS
+ Kendall Square Initiative (neighborhood expansion) + Volpe Transportation Center + Lively, walkable
+ Incubator spaces
streets interconnect open spaces.
3
NETWORK ASSETS
+ Cambridge Innovation Center weekly networking events.
4
CULTURAL ASSETS
+ Collegetown setting offers diverse place to eat and drink + night life + cinema known for indie films
Pain points Physical infrastructure not supporting rapid growth. Growth accelerated inequality and traffic and housing affordability challenges.
+ MIT Museum
53
CASE STUDIES CHATTANOOGA, TENNESSEE
The first mid-sized city with an established innovation district named one of the most startup friendly cities in Tennessee.
With the Edney Innovation Center as its core, the Innovation District has about a quarter-mile walking radius.
Robust day to night activities and significant connectivity amongst the public.
54
CASE STUDIES CHATTANOOGA, TENNESSEE
1
+ Gig gigabit internet
ECONOMIC ASSETS
program + UTC university + EPB (telecommunications
2
+ Walkability
PHYSICAL ASSETS
+ Dense uses + Incorporate city's public buildings into district (library)
company)
+ Variety of housing options
+ Co.Lab accelerator
offered
+ Edney Innovation Center + Society of Work
3
NETWORK ASSETS
+ Events in Miller Plaza + Base-camp: co-working series by River City Company + Co.Lab hosts "Office
4
CULTURAL ASSETS
+ Coffee shops + Bars + Restaurants + Diverse meeting points
Hours" seminars (legal,
(formal & casual)
design etc.)
+ Public parks
Key Insights Prioritize collaboration, location of innovation district is in center of downtown, builds upon the city's African American history and culture by supporting minority communities, repurposed underutilized buildings. 55