JASON KEITH URBAN PLANNING PORTFOLIO
Jason Keith E D U C A T I O N
653 Parkland Dr, Cincinnati, OH 45244
University of Cincinnati Cincinnati, OH Bachelor of Urban Planning / GPA: 3.94 Certificate in Historic Preservation
August 2019 - May 2024 APA Ohio Member, Dean’s List, DAAP Tribunal Member Alpha Lambda Delta: National Honor Society for First-Year Success Participating in the Professional Practice Program, alternating semesters of classroom study with work in the field of planning.
West Clermont High School Cincinnati, OH Honors Diploma / GPA: 4.46 / Rank: 9
August 2015 - May 2019 Coursework: College Credit Plus (CCP), AP and Honors National Honor Society Member Varsity Sports Captain
E Union Township Planning and Zoning Cincinnati, OH X June 2020 - Present Built the search database for the department used to archive P zoning documents and past plans. Assist in daily tasks for the office E which includes accepting/filing zoning permits, executing planning R and zoning review for new projects, and directing community questions/concerns to appropriate zoning resource contacts. I A Cornerstone Development Inc New Richmond, OH N June 2019 - August 2019, June 2020 - August 2020 in daily tasks involved with the construction of gravel C Assisted roadways, downspout lines, plumbing, culverts and retention walls E with the use and operation of heavy equipment. Rincon Mexicano Eastgate, OH July 2017 - Present
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S K I L L S
Responsible for greeting and seating guests, answering phone calls, collecting customer payments, operating cash register, completing daily transaction reconciliation and sales reports.
+1(513)787-9681
keithja@mail.uc.edu
Microsoft Office SketchUp Adobe Suite ArcGIS/ArcMap AutoCAD V-Ray Photography
A C T I V I T I E S
•APA Ohio Member
C O U R S E S
•Principles of Planning Design Graphics
•Cincinnati Preservation Association Project Volunteer •Member of Horizon Community Church •Renaissance New Richmond Volunteer •Great Parks of Hamilton County Volunteer •DAAP Tribunal Member
•Introduction to Historic Preservation •Introduction to GIS •Foundations for Planning Urban Economies •Land Use Planning •Site Planning Design
Contents Greetings From...
Site Planning: English Woods 4-13
Historic Preservation: The Dennison House 14-17
Neighborhood Study: Camp Washington 18-27
University of Cincinnati Analysis 28-31
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Site Planning English Woods
Tasked with developing a site in a West Side neighborhood of Cincinnati, almost entirely vacant and publicly owned. Goal was to create a more sustainable and diverse mix of land uses to support the redeveloping area.
English Woods
1 of 52 Cincinnati Neighborhoods
A temporary community of the past, pushing for a promising plan in the future The neighborhood of English Woods began as a temporary housing project of the 1940s, its temporary status however grew into a permanent settlement. In recent years, it has been subject to demolition due to neglect and is now looking for a plan for the future that will provide sustainable living for the Mill Creek Community.
Smallest Neighborhood by population and land Population of 402 in 2010 Census
Overall Goals
1
Housing Diversity
An overarching goal from the beginning of the analysis was to fix the lack of housing and housing diversity in the area.
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2
Connectivity
With only one through street in the neighborhood, improving how cars and pedestrians would move was a large focus in this analysis.
3
Address Community Issues
The community surrounding English Woods faces many problems such as lack of basic needs and resources, so the new neighborhood needed to serve more than just its residents.
Current Site Conditions Only two main entryways with one through street
Past Development Pattern Large Tree Canopy
Marquette Manor: senior housing project
Sutter View: most recent housing project; renovations in 2020
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Conceptual Design Plan
Boost to Economy
The conceptual plan for English woods focuses on improving connectivty by estabilgh new roads, diversifying land uses to create more activty and a greater mix of living options, and aims to retain the neighborhoods hilltop appeal.
Improved Housing Stock
Med. Density/ Intensity Commercial
High Intensity Mixed Use
ve rA tte Su
High Intensity Mixed Use
Westw Preserved Hillside/Open Space Pub
ood No
rthern
Increased Ground Activity
Blvd
3.45 acres
li c
Use
Single Family Attached Assited Living Preserved Hillside/Open Space
Med. Denisty Multi-family
Diversity of Business
High Density Multi-family
Forested Space/Light Recreation
Community Park Desire d Drain
age Pa
th
L
Residential Public Use
2.84 acres
Senior Living/ Cottages
Preserved Space
Single Family Attached
Existing Development
Mixed Use Recreation Assisted/Senior Living
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Preserved Hillside/ Open Space Existing Development
Site Develo
pment Boun
dary
Design Development Plan
6 2 5
Directory 1
Townhouses
2
Bus Station
3
Single Family Homes
4
Assisted Living
5
Community Center
6
Mixed Use Building
7
Senior Landominium
3
6 4
1
1
7 1 3
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A complete community
What resulted from much research, design and revision was a new English Woods made for the community. An emphasis on resources and diversified land uses help make the English Woods more adaptable and created an asset for the community. The West Side of Cincinnati has gone through many changes, the changes made for English Woods hope to rebuild a lost community and help existing residents find stable housing. Many project housing developments create cold spaces, this development offers a new look at how large housing developments can intertwine with the community and become a place residents want to live, not forced to live.
Street Network
• Promotes Walkabilty • Traffic Calming • Active Street Level • Introduce Roundabouts • Limit Cul-de-sacs
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Public Space System
• Large Trail Network • Public Park • Community Resource • Retain Natural Hillside
Block Patterns
• Enhance Mobility • Retain Natural Topography • Facilitate Development Phasing • Better Connection
High Density Commercial District
Total Units 174
English Woods Commercial District may just be it’s most unique and ambitious aspect. Unlike much of its surroundings, this high density commercial district was made to accommodate for the needs that this isolated site has while also providing community wide assets. Offering a large amount of 1, 2, & 3 bedroom apartments, ground level retail, parking garages, a grocery store, dedicated bus station and a community center. Wide sidewalks and 4 lanes of road allow for all the circulation of traffic that will eventually fill this vibrant neighborhood center.
Grocery Store, Apartments and Community Center surrounding Roundabout
1 Bed 84 2 Bed 62 3 Bed 28
New Dedicated Bus Station Commercial District
Tools: Illustrator, Photoshop
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Multi-Family/Single Family Residential The multi-family/single-family residential district focused on here was designed to be dense and promote walking through the neighborhood not driving past it. The roadway network in this area is largely meant to limit driving unless necessary. Parking has been concealed as much as possible to limits the large setbacks that they usually require. The area was meant to resemble development of the past, in traditional garden cities.
Residential Streetscape showing Single-Family and Multi-Family units
Total Units 158 Single Family 36 Multi Family 122
Relation of Multi-Family and Single-Family units to Commercial District North View of Single/Multi-Family Street Tools: Illustrator, Photoshop
Relation of Multi-Family and Single-Family units to Commercial District
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Assisted Living/Senior Living The proximity of assisted living to the senior landominiums was no coincidence but rather a thought out way to allow access for emergency services to the independent living if necessary. The large assisted living complex allows for 32 units of assisted living, an on site parking garage and a green roof implemented for aesthetics and to reduce cooling needs. This space is truly unique not only to the site but to the surrounding area as a dedicated space for Cincinnati’s aging residents.
Looking North to Assisted Living Center and nearby Senior Living
Total Units 112 Assisted 80 Independent 32
Senior Landominiums along tree lined median
Senior Living Landominiums Tools: Illustrator, Photoshop
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Historic Preservation Batavia, OH
A collaborative effort between University of Cincinnati DAAP students and Cincinnati Preservation Association to document a historic residence.
The Dennison House After many years of vacancy and disrepair the Dennison House on Water St in Batavia, OH was at a crossroads for its future. In collaboration with the University, Cincinnati Preservation Association (CPA) asked myself and a group of students to help document and create imagery for the dilapidated structure. Our efforts in learning about the building helped CPA for promotional purposes as they looked for a buyer for the home to help restore. Remodeled Front Face Tools: Illustrator
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Pantry
Screened Porch
Kitchen
First Floor
Tools: Illustrator
Dining Room
Living Room
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Neighborhood Study Camp Washington
In collaboration with another planning student, we conducted a semester long study into the Mill Creek neighborhood of Camp Washington. We analyzed the neighborhood to learn about the past of the, its rise to prominence, its eventual decline, the present day state, and provided a number of ways to help improve its current state.
Inset Map: Camp Washington Tools: ArcMap, CAGIS2015
Neighborhood Analysis To better understand the current state of Camp Washington, it was essential to us to create visualizations of the current capacity for change (building footprint map), how the neighborhood was traversed (linkages map), and how we felt these two combined to create the current state of the neighborhood and what areas were unique (imageability map).
Building Inventory
Tools: ArcMap, CAGIS2015
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Land Use
Tools: ArcMap, CAGIS2015
Linkages
Imageability
Tools: ArcMap, CAGIS2015
Street Hierarchy Local Primary Arterial
Intersection Density Low Medium High
Tools: Illustrator, Pen/Pencil
Major
Minor
Node Path Edge Districts Industrial Residential Commercial
Rail
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Neighborhood Surveying Hopple St
Colerain Avenue Section
Sidney Ave
Colerain Ave Rachel St
Henshaw Ave
Jessamine St
Henshaw Avenue Section Township St
Mixed Use/Residential Camp Washington’s industrial heritage and heavy population density at one time created a mixed-use environment within much of the neighborhood. With lack of space due to large industrial buildings many homes and businesses crowded along the other valuable pieces of land. Analyzing the mixed use typology of the neighborhood helped us understand what the neighborhood’s capacity for redevelopment would be.
1 in. = 20 ft.
0 ft
10 ft
20 ft
Sidewalk
12'-0"
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2-Lane Traffic 18'-0"
2-Lane Traffic 18'-0"
60'-0"
Sidewalk
12'-0"
Typology Model
Tools: SketchUp, V-Ray, On the Map
Colerain Ave Elevation Tools: Illustrator
1 in. = 20 ft.
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SWOT Analysis
SWOT Analysis Flexing
Strengths
Adressing
Weaknesses
Highway Connectivity
Low Tree Canopy Density
Existing Building Density
Absence of Welcome Signs
Sidewalks/Walkability Camp Washington Community Board Strong Community Ties Historic Character Capitalize on
Opportunities Exisiting Parking Infrastructure Vacant Buildings
Large Industrial lots could pose threat to future expansion
A threat to future residential development, this is the only large apartment style housing
No Public School Railyard boundry Lack of Retail Business
Countering
Threats Food Desert Public Attention
Rezoned Colerain Ave
Hopple Street Growth
Mill Creek Accessability
Residential Diversity
Create Walkable Destinations
Industrial Lots
Widening and attention to vehicles has made Hopple St. an intimidating street for walkers and bikers
Rezoning of Colerain Avenue allows for more restaurants to move into Camp
Provide walkable destinations for the two large residential districts
These sections denote spaces where there is little to no tree canopy or cover at all
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Possible location for neighborhood welcome signage
A pathway or trail along Mill Creek to improve connectivity
Multiple access points to I-75 allow easy entrance/exit to neighborhood
The only food shopping source in the neighorhood is Family Dollar
Overview of Reccomendations
Recommendations
CAMP WASHINGTON
Extend Mill Creek Bike Path
Introduce Neighborhood Welcome Signage
Improve structural integrity of storefronts along Colerain Ave Community clean up of open spaces and streets
Branding the Community
Restore Building Facades
Incentivize Development
Additon of welcome signs at neighborhood entrances Increased neighborhood awareness through visual aids
Improve Mill Creek Access Introduction of a park
10”
Promote Community Outreach
Camp Washington
Camp Washington
Extension of Mill Creek Bike Path Increased access to surrounding neighborhoods
1 in. = 20 ft.
0 ft
10 ft
20 ft
Branding and Beautification along Hopple and Colerian
Restoring Vacant Building Facades
Increase neighborhood activities and events Neighborhood wide clean up Communication boxes placed around neighborhood
Street Beautification Addition of banners, light posts, trash cans and benches Improve tree canopy along streets Scheduled street clean up Repair potholes in road and sidewalk
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Camp Washington
Camp Washington
Branding the Community
10”
1 in. = 20 ft.
0 ft
Colerain Ave. and Hopple St. are extremely trafficked areas of the neighborhood and deserve attention and beautification to attract stores and people. To do this, it’s proposed adding street lamps and benches. Adding Camp’s name creates an image that imprints in passer-byers and shows the neighborhood investment, as well providing adequate lighting to an otherwise dim area.
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Colerain Ave Section
Camp Washington
ColerainN Ave Corridor
10 ft
20 ft
Tools: Illustrator, Photoshop
Street Furniture Tools: Illustrator
CW
0
2 ft
4 ft
Along the two main entryways of the neighborhood, Colerain Ave. and Spring Grove Ave., there are no signs that show where you are located. Many neighborhoods in Cincinnati have such welcome signs and seeing the important role Camp has played in the city’s history, Camp should have a proper introduction.
CAMP WASHINGTON
Camp Washington
CAMP WASHINGTON
Eastern Entrance: Hopple Street
Northern Entrance: Spring Grove Ave
Camp Washington Entrance Sign Tools: Illustrator
CAMP WASHINGTON
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U. of Cincinnati Analysis Examining the broad physical features of Cincinnati’s campus to find a specific thematic topic to research. From this we can draw conclusions about possible improvements to be made to campus.
Gathering the Information The beginning analysis of Cincinnati’s campus started with overarching impressions. Looking at the current building inventory, the pathways and network connections, as well as how campus was divided up from the eyes of myself. All these maps helped me form a research question about campus to further study and use to help improve the urban environment of campus.
Figure Ground
Hand Drawn Pen
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Imageabilty Map
Hand Drawn Pencil
Linkages/Pathways Hand Drawn Pen
Searching for a solution
McMicken Hall SketchUp, V-Ray
After creating a base knowledge of the form of campus, I chose to study the photogenics (photogenic places) of campus and what certain elements made areas more appealing. To assist in the visualization I created a model of campus showing photogenic areas and renderings from the model. Learning about how prominent builds, tree canopies, accessibility and the field of view of certain areas helped to show how other parts of campus could become more photogenic and attractive. Learning from this helped me gather reasons why people find parts of campus enjoyable or comfortable, while highlighting the portions of campus that could use more attention to become an active part of the university.
Baldwin Square SketchUp, V-Ray
3-D Model of Campus SketchUp, On the Map
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Reflection
Throughout my education of Urban Planning, I’ve been provided with new ideas that have helped me realize what I believe the goal of the profession to be. Trying to improve the urban and built environment to become as sustainable and efficient as possible in order to provide the best place for community members to live, work, build and enjoy life. A planner must be objective with the principles they use to create and convey ideas for a community, but must also be subjective to meet each individual community’s needs. Contact Mobile: +1(513)787-9681 E-Mail:keithja@mail.uc.edu LinkedIn:linkedin.com/in/jason-keith-734394198