Master of Architecture Thesis

REVITALIZATION STRATEGIES FOR LOW RESOURCE COMMUNITIES

An approach towards self sufficiency.

Sierra Gardner December 2022 Master of Architecture The Boston Architectural College

SIERRA GARDNER TABLE OF CONTENTS

RELEVANT SKILLS

Issuu: https://issuu.com/sierrastudio

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sierra-gardner-archi/

AutoCAD Rhinoceros SketchUp Revit Lumion Enscape

Miro Bluebeam Revu Adobe Illustrator Adobe Photoshop Adobe InDesign Microsoft Office

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Gensler, Boston, MA

Technical Designer June 2022 - Present

D’Alessio Architecture, P.C., Huntington, NY

Architectural Designer July 2019 - May 2022

Visioning Brockton, Brockton, MA

Researcher / Designer January 2021 - December 2021

Evolve Architecture & Design, Melville, NY

Architecture Intern August 2018 - December 2018

EDUCATION

Boston Architectural College, Boston, MA

Candidate for Master of Architecture August 2020 - December 2022

New York Institute of Technology, Old Westbury, NY

Bachelor of Science, Architectural Technology; Magna Cum Laude August 2017 - December 2019

Suffolk County Community College, Selden, NY

Associate in Applied Science, Construction Technology / Architectural Technology August 2015 - May 2017

This project aims to examine how racist federal policies have led to the creation of communities that lack access to transportation, education, employment opportunities, and some of the basic neighborhood amenities.1 For much of the 20th century, residential segregation between black and white Americans has remained the source of opportunity gaps.

In smaller towns in the USA, predominantly communities of color lack amenities such as community gathering spaces, adequate community facilities, retail, offices, parks, and public open spaces.2 Through strategies such as tactical urbanism and adaptive reuse, low-resource communities can implement short-term, low-cost, and scalable interventions.

This approach can be used to deliver the needed amenities, alleviate dependency on neighboring towns, create a sense of place, and provide an economic boost to the community.

INTRODUCTION

REVITALIZATION STRATEGIES FOR LOW RESOURCE COMMUNITIES

An approach towards self sufficiency.

1.1

PROBLEM STATEMENT

For much of the 20th century, residential segregation between black and white Americans has remained the source of opportunity gaps. Racist federal policies such as slavery, Jim Crow, redlining, underinvestment, and devaluation have led to the creation of communities that lack access to transportation, education, employment opportunities, and some of the basic neighborhood amenities.3 Today this is especially the case within smaller towns in the USA, where predominately communities of color lack amenities, such as quality community gathering spaces, adequate community facilities, retail, offices, parks, and public open spaces.4 This thesis focuses on Wyandanch, a hamlet located in the Town of Babylon in Suffolk County, New York. The Suffolk County Planning Department back in 2006 reported that Wyandanch had a retail vacancy rate as high as 16%.5 As a result of these factors, Wyandanch residents must travel to nearby towns for basic needs like goods, entertainment, retail, and dining. This also leads to the weakening of the local economy and the ability to be financially self-sufficient and self-sustaining, decreasing local spending.

Figure 01: Redfin Service on Long Island Based Home Listings from August 2020

REVITALIZATION STRATEGIES FOR LOW RESOURCE COMMUNITIES

An approach towards self sufficiency.

INTRODUCTION

REVITALIZATION STRATEGIES FOR LOW RESOURCE COMMUNITIES

An approach towards self sufficiency.

1.2

RESEARCH HYPOTHESIS

Hypothesis

Hypothesis

TACTICAL URBANISM

Hypothesis

By using a combination of tactical urbanism and adaptive reuse strategies, low resource communities can be revitalized by using short-term, low-cost, scalable interventions. This approach can be used to bring the needed amenities, alleviate dependency on neighboring towns, create a sense of place, and provide an economic boost to the community.

1.3

Hypothesis

SCOPE STATEMENT

the creative potential unleashed by social interaction.6 Tactical urbanism can be displayed in multiple forms such as pavements to parks, pavements to plazas, mobile vendors, pop-up shops, crosswalk art, guerilla gardening and more. It can be small beautification projects or scaled up to major city-led revitalization efforts.7 Tactical urbanism gives communities the opportunity to come together, take urban improvement into their own hands and create longterm change. The “Tactical Urbanist’s Guide to Materials and Design Version 1.0”, identifies seven benefits of this approach.8

• Inspire action and expedite project implementation.

• Draw attention to perceived shortcomings in policy and physical design, and allow people to physically experience alternative options.

ADAPTIVE REUSE

With this study I expect to produce a DIY booklet that uses my hometown of Wyandanch, New York as a case study to demonstrate an approach that can be implemented in similar low-resource communities. I will determine how the combination of tactical urbanism and adaptive reuse strategies can be used in a design-based phasing strategy that results in revitalization.

Hypothesis

REVITALIZATION

Tactical urbanism, founded by Mike Lydon and Anthony Garcia, is an approach to neighborhood building and activation using short-term, low-cost and scalable intervention and policies. It makes use of open and iterative development processes, the efficient use of resources, and

02: Research Hypothesis Diagram

• Widen public engagement. As noted in Planning by Doing by Gehl Studio, Tactical Urbanism projects allow for feedback to be expressed through use and demonstrated preferences, rather than stated preferences alone.

• Deepen understanding of local user’s needs at the neighborhood, block or building scale.

• Gather data from the real-world use of streets and other public spaces.

• Encourage people to work together in new ways, strengthening relationships between residents, nonprofits, local businesses, and government agencies.

• Test aspects of a program, project or plan before making large political or financial investments. Iterative design is welcome as part of the process.9

Adaptive reuse in architecture, also known as building reuse, refers to the re-purposing of an existing structure for new use.10 Benefits of adaptive reuse include environmental sustainability, economic sustainability, and historical sustainability. Choosing to re-purpose a new building instead of demolishing it and rebuilding it significantly reduces energy consumption, lowers construction costs, speeds up the construction process and increases cost savings. This strategy is also popular with community locals. The preservation of existing historical buildings or landmarks that hold sentimental value help protect the neighborhood’s identity and charm.11 Factors that need to be considered when re-purposing existing structures are the condition of the building, government regulations and materials value.12

TACTICAL URBANISM REVITALIZATION ADAPTIVE REUSE

TACTICAL URBANISM REVITALIZATION ADAPTIVE REUSE

PRECEDENT RESEARCH

REVITALIZATION STRATEGIES FOR LOW RESOURCE COMMUNITIES

An approach towards self sufficiency.

2.1

POP-UP CAFE

In 2011, the city of Lithonia, Georgia, United States partnered with Blueprints, a fifteen-year-old sustainable community design program of the Georgia Conservancy, to examine redevelopment opportunities for Lithonia’s downtown core.13 Through a process of data collection, stakeholder identification, project preparation, field studies, kick-off meetings, and community workshops, led to the identification of three strategies for revitalization. These strategies include tactical urbanism, plaza revitalization and long-term redevelopment. The goals of the project were to enhance perception of Lithonia, creative identity, and ownership, accentuate sense of community, improve aesthetics of plaza, encourage public communication, improve pedestrian mobility, and complement and actively support LCI (Livable Centers Initiative) plan.14

Figure 04: Lithonia Project Strategy Chart

REVITALIZATION STRATEGIES FOR LOW RESOURCE COMMUNITIES

An approach towards self sufficiency.

RESEARCH

REVITALIZATION STRATEGIES FOR LOW RESOURCE COMMUNITIES

An approach towards self sufficiency.

PRECEDENT

Five tactical urbanism projects were identified.

1. Historic Marker, an installation to identify and communicate the lost history of Lithonia;

2. Bike Lithonia, a program to direct bicyclists to downtown Lithonia and to surrounding amenities;

3. Pop-Up Cafe, a wooden platform that provides seating and signage for businesses along Main Street;

4. Story-Telling Bench, an installation that provides a gathering space for community members to share their stories of Lithonia.

5. Project Lithonia, an event to engage and excite the community about the future of Lithonia and showcase examples of how the above four installations could be implemented.15

Project 3, Pop-Up Café took place outside of a local bakery called Fannie Cakes Bakery Café. One of the identified problems in Lithonia was the lack of access to amenities due to poor signage and poor sidewalk infrastructure. The addition of the wooden platform provided a place for gathering and socializing. The new signage on the wooden platform provided visibility to passing automobiles and pedestrians.16 This temporary structure can be implemented at other businesses and organizations in Lithonia to provide advertising, seating, and local engagement.

2.2

COMMUNITY GARDEN

The plaza revitalization strategy consisted of two phases. Phase one focuses on drawing more people into the plaza and activating downtown Lithonia. This includes demolishing the city-owned portion of the Plaza, reconnecting Stone Mountain Street through the Plaza, creating a new community garden at the site of the demolished building, creating a farmers’ market to sell produce from the garden, building a community center, developing an outdoor plaza that connects to the PATH trail, and relocating City Hall to a more prominent and visible location.17 Phase two focuses on providing more retail to the plaza and more public spaces that can be used by residents during the day and night.

Another problem identified in Lithonia was a lack of gathering spaces to socialize. Through the addition of the community garden, the desired outcome would create a place for the community to gather, learn about the locally grown produce through workshops and buy fresh foods. The garden could also be expanded throughout downtown through the implementation of mobile planters as opposed to stationary in-ground planters. This would serve to beautify the streetscape and provide the opportunity to sell fresh local produce to passersby.18

Figure 08: Study Area

Figure 09: Community Garden Rendering

Figure 10: Community Garden Rendering: Full Build-Out

REVITALIZATION STRATEGIES FOR LOW RESOURCE COMMUNITIES

An approach towards self sufficiency.

PRECEDENT RESEARCH

REVITALIZATION STRATEGIES FOR LOW RESOURCE COMMUNITIES

An approach towards self sufficiency.

PRECEDENT RESEARCH

MADE IN OPA LOCKA

Made in Opa-locka was founded by Jennifer Bonner and Christian Stayner. Jennifer is the Director of Studio Bonner in Atlanta, Georgia and has several years of experience working in distresses communities in rural west Alabama. Christian is a founding partner of Stayner Architects, a Los Angeles-based design practice that provides comprehensive architectural services across a broad range of scales and programs. Together they created Made in Opa-locka, a project that presents a new model for architectural practice that is simultaneously research and realization; both critical and rooted in the difficult realities of race, class, and economics; and that is opportunistic in leveraging new sources of funding for experimental architecture in the public realm.19

Opa-locka is a city located in Miami-Dade County, Florida, United States. It was developed in the 1920s and is among the poorest urban areas in the nation. More than eight of every ten households in Magnolia North are receiving some sort of government assistance, with a third of the families in the City of Opa-locka living below the poverty line. Magnolia North’s high concentrated poverty results in chronic lack of employment or opportunities for economic mobility.20

During the 1980s, the Triangle (renamed Magnolia North in 2011), was named as one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in the nation. The County’s 1986 statistics described one-in-four chance of being assaulted and a onein-60 chance of being murdered in Opa-locka.21

In November 1980 the Opa-locka Community Development Corporation was established. The OLCDC is a non-profit community development corporation that addresses the distressed unemployment conditions in the Opa-locka and North Dade County, Florida communities. Its mission is to transform neighborhoods by capitalizing on community assets, empowering residents, and creating community and economic initiatives that serve as a catalyst in promoting sustainable development.22 The OLCDC created the THRIVE Innovation District, which is a compilation of services and resources located within the City of Opa locka that is designer to assist the community to become financially self sufficient and empowered through education, workforce development, health initiatives and entrepreneurial opportunities.23 This initiative includes nine interventions to revitalization the downtown area of Opalocka.

Figure 11: THRIVE Innovation District Diagram

REVITALIZATION STRATEGIES FOR LOW RESOURCE COMMUNITIES

REVITALIZATION STRATEGIES FOR LOW RESOURCE COMMUNITIES

An approach towards self sufficiency. 12 PRECEDENT RESEARCH 11 PRECEDENT RESEARCH

An approach towards self sufficiency.

Initiative three, within the THRIVE campus, is the VFW (ARC Satellite Studio). It previously served as the Veteran’s of Foreign Wars building. Using the strategy of adaptive reuse, the building’s new proposed use is a dance studio. The design of the studio focused on accommodating the beginner to the most advanced dancer. Currently the studio serves as a physical education resource for the Arts Academy of Excellence. There are two local dance companies utilizing the studio. Collectively the studio serves more than threehundred additional dance students.24

Figure 12: Thrive Dance Studio Floor Plan

Design and revitalization initiatives are still being implemented outside of the THRIVE Innovation District on smaller scales. Spaces such as the Magnolia Market, a combination green grocer, community health hub (offices for community health programs serving Magnolia North), and a neighborhood agriculture facility that produces fresh produce at reasonable prices, in currently in the process of acquiring property.25

As a result of the lack of public space in Magnolia North, an adaptive reuse proposal was implemented by transforming an abandoned church at the end of the neighborhood into a performance space and movie theater. The desired outcome was that this space would provide a much-needed space for a number of civic uses in Magnolia North: seating for theater and music events and film, informal lounging areas, a small lending library and historical exhibition on the neighborhood, and a hang-out space.26

Figure 13: Thrive Dance Studio Seating Plan

Figure 15: Performance Space & Movie Theater Exterior

Figure 16: Performance Space & Movie Theater Interior

Figure 14: Thrive Dance Studio Axonometric

Figure 17: Performance Space & Movie Theater Floor Plan

REVITALIZATION STRATEGIES FOR LOW RESOURCE COMMUNITIES

An approach towards self sufficiency.

REVITALIZATION STRATEGIES FOR LOW RESOURCE COMMUNITIES

An approach towards self sufficiency.

MALMO MARKET HALL

THE HOLLER

The Malmo Market Hall, located in Malmo Sweden, once served as a roofless freight depot. Clients, Nina Totté Karyd and Martin Karyd, commissioned Swedish studio, Wingårdh, to convert and extend the brick building to provide new space for market vendors and restaurateurs.27 The adaptive reuse and expansion project design of the building consisted in preserving the exterior and interior.

A matching weathering Corten steel extension was added to mimic the building’s gabled form. The desired goal of the project was to preserve the building’s historic character while imbuing modern details to create a food lover’s paradise inside an abandoned goods warehouse.28

The Holler is in northern Arkansas in a town named Bentonville. Designed by Brand Bureau, a group of strategists and designers focused on hospitality, and Modus Studio, a design collective that combines architecture, graphic design, prototyping and fabrication.29 Previously using as a food processing plant, it now serves as a multipurpose venue for co-working, dining, and playing shuffleboard. The space includes two bars, three shuffleboard courts, and dining from local restaurants. The project idea was for it to serve as an all-in-one local hangout spot.30

DATA ANALYSIS

REVITALIZATION STRATEGIES FOR LOW RESOURCE COMMUNITIES

An approach towards self sufficiency.

3.1

SITE DEMOGRAPHICS

EXISTING CONDITIONS

The hamlet of Wyandanch is located within Suffolk County, Long Island, New York, United States. As of April 1, 2020, the Census indicates that the population of Wyandanch consists of 12,990 people. Wyandanch has a predominantly African American demographic. The racial breakdown is as follows: 60.4% Black of African American alone, 34.9% Hispanic of Latino alone, 13.1% White alone, 7.2% two or more races, 2.5% White alone (not Hispanic or Latino), 0.8% Asian alone, and 0.7% American Indian and Alaska Native alone.31 50.5% of the population is made up by female persons. The age demographic is as follows: 11.8% are people sixty-five years old and over. 22.6% are under eighteen years old. 7.4% are under five years old. 58.2% are people between eighteen and sixty-five years old.32

In 2020, the median value of owner-occupied housing units within Wyandanch was $294,200. In the previous year the median property value was $252,700.33 The median household income grew from a value of $59,076 in 2019, to $77,083 in 2020.34 19.3% of the population is in poverty. This is approximately three times larger than the rate of its neighboring cities of Deer Park, East Farmingdale, and North Babylon. Deer Park has a poverty rate of 7.3% for 28,837 people, East Farmingdale is 5.1% for 6,617 people, and North Babylon is 5.0% for 17,927 people.35

In May 2009, the Town of Babylon issued a Downtown Revitalization Plan of Wyandanch. The purpose of the proposed project was to alleviate blighted conditions and provide the basis for implementation of revitalization and redevelopment strategies.36 This was in conjunction with a previous effort of revitalization through Wyandanch Rising. Wyandanch Rising was established in 2022 and it was a community-based program for economic revitalization. Their vision was that neighborhood planning and design of the highest quality, rooted in a community vision and based on a handful of simple and traditional principles, has the power to transform and uplift an entire hamlet and its residents.37 The goals of Wyandanch Rising were as follows:

• Urban Renewal Plan. Adopt an Urban Renewal Plan to leverage state funding for various downtown improvement projects.

• Mixed-Use Buildings. Encourage development of mixed-use buildings, which include both a commercial (including retail and office) and residential component, allowing more people to live downtown, improving shopping and amenities, and reducing the need for employees and business owners to commute to work.

An approach towards self sufficiency. 17 DATA ANALYSIS

REVITALIZATION STRATEGIES FOR LOW RESOURCE COMMUNITIES

REVITALIZATION STRATEGIES FOR LOW RESOURCE COMMUNITIES

An approach towards self sufficiency.

• Vacant Buildings. Redevelop vacant buildings and develop vacant lots with consistent building types, strategically located entrances and parking, and utilizing specific site design principles

• Zoning. Evaluate existing zoning codes to determine if they permit the type of development envisioned in Wyandanch Rising.

• Intersections. Implement engineering measures to correct both pedestrian and vehicular safety conditions at the intersection of Long Island Avenue and Straight Path, where the complexity of the current railroad crossing presents many dilemmas and opportunities, as well as at the intersection of Acorn Street and Straight Path.

• Crosswalks, Markings, and Signal Heads. Encourage walkers to use designated crossing points by marking crosswalks and providing pedestrian signal heads at all signalized intersections. Signal timing should automatically provide a walk interval.

• Landscaping. Prune and care for existing trees and add new trees to create a full canopy and provide visual separation between the street and sidewalk.

• Street Design. Redesign Straight Path to allow for wider sidewalks and bicycle lanes.

• Sustainability. Incorporate sustainability into all aspects of redevelopment, including opportunities for transitoriented development and smart growth.

• Housing. Provide for more diverse housing options to accommodate a range of persons and incomes.

• Retail amenities. Provide for a variety of retail uses to support the downtown.

• Community Facilities. Improve existing community facilities in the area and create a new community services hub.

• Design Improvements. Develop progressive architectural and sustainability design guidelines. Incorporate Gateway features at both ends of Straight Path. Institute a façade improvement program in connection with the new architectural design guidelines.

• Public Art. Infuse public art into the redevelopment and revitalization plan.

• Jobs. Create job opportunities for local residents to participate in the revitalization process.38

The three primary issues within Wyandanch are

1. Insufficiency 2. Underutilization 3. Dependency.

Amongst the buildings that are within Wyandanch, there are some buildings that contribute to the area’s sense of place. However, these buildings are not sufficiently integrated into their surrounding area to be considered defining elements of the community.39 At the time, Wyandanch contained a handful of community facilities and gathering spaces. The second issue of underutilization was proven in the blighted conditions study that was conducted. Approximately fourteen acres or 13% of the project area consists of vacant land. Twenty-two lots contained vacant or partially vacant buildings.40 The greatest number of vacancies are located on commercial retail properties. Some locations include along Straight Path, what could be considered Wyandanch’s Main Street. The last issue is dependency. A 2006 report by the Suffolk County Planning Department found that the retail vacancy rate (the number of vacant stores divided by the total number of stores) in downtown Wyandanch was 16 percent, compared with 7.9 percent in the Town of Babylon overall.41 As a result of this disinvestment, residents must travel to nearby cities, such as Deer Park, East Farmingdale and North Babylon, for retail shopping goods, convenience goods, entertainment, and dining.

Figure 24: Existing Conditions Diagram 01

Figure 25: Existing Conditions Diagram 02

INSUFFICIENCY UNDERUTILIZATION DEPENDENCY

Figure 26: Existing Conditions Diagram 03

An approach towards self sufficiency. 19 DATA ANALYSIS

REVITALIZATION STRATEGIES FOR LOW RESOURCE COMMUNITIES

REVITALIZATION STRATEGIES FOR LOW RESOURCE COMMUNITIES

An approach towards self sufficiency.

After a series of site analysis, blight studies, community engagement, and stakeholder meetings, the Town of Babylon proposed seven strategic sites for redevelopment within Wyandanch that represent the most immediate revitalization needs and development opportunities.42 The seven strategic sites are as follows:

generally occupied by vacant or partially vacant retail uses fronting Straight Path, with residential uses and vacant land behind. The site also includes a new U.S. Post Office on parcels fronting on Straight Path and Commonwealth Drive.

• Strategic Site A: This is an approximately 19.71-acre site occupying the area at the northeastern corner of Straight Path and Acorn Avenue and is viewed as the northern gateway into downtown Wyandanch. The site is currently occupied by a mix of blighted or underutilized industrial buildings, free surface parking providing roughly 644 spaces, one vacant parcel, and a retail shopping center.

• Strategic Site B: This site, totaling approximately 8.79 acres, includes multiple parcels fronting on the west side of Straight Path south of Long Island Avenue, including the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Health Center, a vacant Kentucky Fried Chicken, and smaller retail uses. Behind those lots between S. 16th and S. 18th Streets is the Weld Built Body Co. Inc.—an industrial use—and several residences owned by Weld Built. On the lots between S. 18th and S. 19th Streets are two auto repair lots, a bus storage lot, and several vacant parcels, as well as one residence in poor condition.

• Strategic Site C: This approximately 8.65-acres site is bounded by Grand Boulevard to the north, Commonwealth Boulevard to the south, Doe Street to the east, and Straight Path to the west. The site is

• Strategic Site D: This site occupies about 8.63 acres generally along Straight Path between Irving Place to the north and S. 22nd Street to the south. The lots on this site are generally either vacant or represented by underutilized retail uses.

• Strategic Site E: This 9.13-acre site is located in the southern portion of the project area and represents the southern gateway into downtown Wyandanch. The site includes lots fronting on Straight Path and along Booker and Garrison Avenues. The lots are generally associated with industrial uses including a cement manufacturing plant and oil tank services.

• Strategic Site F: This is an approximately 3-acre site fronting on Merritt Avenue, just west of Straight Path, occupied by vacant or partially vacant or otherwise underutilized retail uses and two vacant residences, adjacent to the Town’s Youth Center.

• Strategic Site G: This site includes about 3 acres fronting on the south side of Long Island Avenue, currently occupied by vacant, partially vacant, or otherwise underutilized commercial and industrial uses in blighted condition.43

An approach towards self sufficiency. 21 DATA ANALYSIS

REVITALIZATION STRATEGIES FOR LOW RESOURCE COMMUNITIES

REVITALIZATION STRATEGIES FOR LOW RESOURCE COMMUNITIES

An approach towards self sufficiency.

The implementation of this plan was intended to be carried out over a 12-year period in stages, beginning in November 2008 and ending in the year 2020.

The proposal for Site A consisted of residential, retail, office, plaza, and a parking facility. The short-term goal was 25,310 sf of retail, 23,050 sf of office and 128 new housing units.

The long-term goal was 37,500 sf of retail, 57,610 sf of office and 373 new housing units.44

March of 2016, the Town of Babylon Office of Downtown Revitalization released an updated master plan for Wyandanch. The updated development plan described and displayed the completion of the 40 Station Drive, a fivestory mixed-use building, 10 Station Drive, a four-story mixed-used building, the MTA parking structure, 920 spaces divided among five stories, and the Station Plaza, which includes an ice-skating rink. It also details future implementations for public art, multiple performance spaces and community-wide cultural arts programs and activities with an overall goal to establish Wyandanch as a local and regional destination for cultural arts.45

November of 2017, the Long Island Regional Planning Council released a Wyandanch Rising update. This document detailed further development of Site A, such as more residential units, a community center, a health and wellness center with YMCA, a town resource center, a co-working space through digital ballpark and a senior independent living facility.

Out of the seven total strategic sites indicated in the 2009 Town of Babylon Revitalization Plan, only Site A has seen visible progress towards completion. It was reported in June that the planned YMCA in Wyandanch received $1 million from the state, but a $19 million funding gap remains for the project.46 It can be assumed that the overall slow progress towards the completion of the full revitalization is due to a lack of funding, as it appears that the public is in support of these efforts.

STUDY AREA

My study area focuses on Straight Path and its intersection at Long Island Avenue. This area includes our primary retail amenities, parks, and community facilities. It also captures the Wyandanch train station boarding area for the Long Island Railroad, which is a hot-spot for vehicular and pedestrian traffic.

Figure 29: Map of Study Area

An approach towards self sufficiency. 23 DATA ANALYSIS

REVITALIZATION STRATEGIES FOR LOW RESOURCE COMMUNITIES

REVITALIZATION STRATEGIES FOR LOW RESOURCE COMMUNITIES

An approach towards self sufficiency.

DATA ANALYSIS

Key Findings

• Wyandanch has a walk-ability score of 73 and a bikeable score of 50.47 (Figure 30)

• Wyandanch has a lack of retail, dining, and entertainment amenities. (Figure 31)

• Wyandanch contains many vacant or partially vacant buildings and lots, resulting in the creation of blighted conditions along Straight Path. (Figure 32)

Figure 30: Map of Study Area - Transportation & Walk-ability

Figure 31:

Map of Study Area - Land Use

Figure 32: Map of Study Area - Sites of Interest

REVITALIZATION STRATEGIES FOR LOW RESOURCE COMMUNITIES

An approach towards self sufficiency.

ANALYSIS

Key Findings: The existing community amenities within Wyandanch are the Wyandanch Public Library, the Wyandanch Resource Center, the Martin Luther King Health Center, the Wyandanch Youth Center and the Long Island Head Start.

REVITALIZATION STRATEGIES FOR LOW RESOURCE COMMUNITIES

An approach towards self sufficiency.

DATA ANALYSIS

Key Findings: As a result of the 2009 Town of Babylon Revitalization Plan, a new plaza was created. Bringing the total of existing green spaces to three. These include Wyandanch Park, George Sim’s Veteran Plaza, and the new Wyandanch Plaza.

REVITALIZATION STRATEGIES FOR LOW RESOURCE COMMUNITIES

REVITALIZATION STRATEGIES FOR LOW RESOURCE COMMUNITIES

ANALYSIS

An approach towards self sufficiency. 27 DATA

An approach towards self sufficiency.

DATA ANALYSIS

Figure 35: Google Map of New Town Provided Amenities

Key Findings: Proposed through the 2009 Town of Babylon Revitalization Plan, three new amenities were constructed in Wyandanch. These include the Wyandanch Parking Garage, the Wyandanch Village Apartments, and the Wyandanch Train Station.

Figure 36: Google Map of Proposed Adaptive Reuse

Key Findings: The proposed adaptive reuse lot is composed of three items, the Wyandanch Day Care Center, the Wyandanch Day Care Center Playground, and the Wyandanch Day Care Center Garage.

REVITALIZATION STRATEGIES FOR LOW RESOURCE COMMUNITIES

An approach towards self sufficiency.

Data Analysis Narrative

An approach towards self sufficiency. 29 DATA ANALYSIS

REVITALIZATION STRATEGIES FOR LOW RESOURCE COMMUNITIES

straight path

Due to several factors, Wyandanch throughout the history of its existence has garnered a negative reputation. It has been associated with poverty, poor education, violence, crime, and overall disinvestment. If you were to type Wyandanch into the google.com search bar, the top three related searches would display, “Wyandanch crime”, “Wyandanch shooting”, and “Wyandanch NY ghetto”. Efforts have been made over the years to reshape the view of Wyandanch and make changes within the town, but there has been failed proposals and opposition too great. Unfortunately, the overall destructive narrative that has been attached to Wyandanch has negatively impacted its ability to recover. However, within the last handful of years, progress is slowly being made to shine a positive light on the town.

restrictive commercial zoning ghetto

abandoned wyandanch

1842

Wyandanch became an identifiable community when the LIRR extended its reach into Babylon and Huntington.48

Figure 37: Site Narrative Diagram

Wyandanch became an identifiable community when the LIRR extended its reach into Babylon and Huntington.

1960s

in need of repair

pedestrian safety issue blighted condition redevelopment barbed wire

too great opposition parking conditions

Wyandanch UFSD became one of the poorest on Long Island because there was little property value to be taxed.49

Wyandanch UFSD became one of the poorest on Long Island because there was little property value to be taxed.

1970s

The Urban Development Corporation fought for affordable housing in Wyandanch, but the opposition was too great, and the proposal was defeated.50

The Urban Development Corporation fought for affordable housing in Wyandanch, but the opposition was too great, and

faded crosswalks

broken fencing

long island underutilized lots

Inadequate drainage

strewn lot unsafe environmental condition unsound buildings

retail vacancy rate inappropriate land use critical buildings

critical ratings distressed community

high crime traffic infrastructure

lack of stores damaged facade

1980s

Increasing numbers of homes in Wyandanch were abandoned by owners who were unemployed or unable to afford the costs of maintaining the homes.51

Increasing numbers of homes in Wyandanch were abandoned by owners who were unemployed or unable to afford the costs of maintaining the

2000

In 2000, the Suffolk County Planning Commission named Wyandanch the most economically distressed community on Long Island.52

In 2000, the Suffolk County Planning Commission named Wyandanch the most economicallydistressed

number of stores

insufficient sewer capacity

wyandanch

2006

A 2006 report by the Suffolk County Planning Department found that the retail vacancy rate in downtown Wyandanch was 16 percent, compared with 7.9 percent in the Town of Babylon overall.53

A 2006 report by the Suffolk County Planning Department found that the retail vacancy rate in downtown Wyandanch was 16 percent, compared with 7.9 percent in the

2009

In May, the Town of Babylon issued the Final Wyandanch Downtown Revitalization Plan.54

In May, the Town of Babylon issued the Final Wyandanch Downtown Revitalization Plan.

boarded up needs restoration

Adverse sidewalks defeated proposal related crime

affordable housing

The first phase of development commenced with a five-story mixed use building comprising 91 units of rental residences on four floors, above a floor of retail and residential common areas.55

2013 The first phase of development commenced with a five-story mixed use building comprising 91 units of rental residences on

2016

The new Station Plaza Park & Skating Rink was completed in Spring 2016.56

The new Station Plaza Park & Skating Rink was completed in Spring 2016.

It was reported in June that the planned YMCA in Wyandanch received $1 million from the state, but a $19 million funding gap remains for the project.57

2022 It was reported in June that the planned YMCA in Wyandanch received $1 million from the state, but a $19 million funding gap remains for

REVITALIZATION STRATEGIES FOR LOW RESOURCE COMMUNITIES

An approach towards self sufficiency.

DATA ANALYSIS

REVITALIZATION STRATEGIES FOR LOW RESOURCE COMMUNITIES

An approach towards self sufficiency.

Despite the negative press, Wyandanch residents still triumph and for over fifty years, residents have come together once a year to celebrate the community. Initially called Wyandanch Recognition Day and over time evolved to Wyandanch Family Day, began in 1968 by a group of high school students, Carl Clark, Joe Horton, Bruce Spradley and Furman Simmons.58 It occurs annually on the second Saturday in June. Wyandanch Family Day, known to locals as Wyandanch Day, is a parade and festival that celebrates the entire community. It consists of a parade of floats, marching bands, and representation of sectors of the community and neighboring communities. The parade starts at the intersection of Straight Path and Long Island Avenue and ends at Wyandanch Park. For the event, the park is transformed into a bazaar of food, novelties, community resources, sports events, children’s play area, family fun and live entertainment.59

Figure 38: Wyandanch Day Parade Collage

Figure 39: Google Map of Wyandanch Day Parade Route

Key Findings: The parade for Wyandanch Family Day starts at the intersection of Straight Path and Long Island Avenue and ends at Wyandanch Park (as noted).

REVITALIZATION STRATEGY

REVITALIZATION STRATEGIES FOR LOW RESOURCE COMMUNITIES

An approach towards self sufficiency.

Revitalization Strategy Timeline

PHASE I

4.1 DESIGN TIMELINE

Revitalization Strategy Timeline

small ‐scale, low ‐cost strategies. PHASE I

TACTICAL URBANISM Activate area with

TACTICAL URBANISM

PHASE

Activate area with small‐scale, low‐cost strategies.

Revitalization Strategy Timeline

ADAPTIVE REUSE Reoccupy existing structure with a new program. PHASE II

TACTICAL URBANISM

PHASE I

Activate area with small‐scale, low‐cost strategies.

My revitalization strategy for Wyandanch consists of four design parts phased through time. Phase one is tactical urbanism. Through site analysis, I will identify potential vacant or partially vacant lots and buildings to inhabit. I will then activate the area with small-scale low-cost strategies. Phase two is adaptive reuse. I will reoccupy the existing vacant or partially structure with a new program. Phase three is adaptive reuse plus. This is an optional step and can be applied or omitted based on site circumstance. If applied, I will design and construct an addition to the existing vacant or partially vacant structure. Phase four is the final step and it is to create a commercial corridor through new brick-andmortar structures.

Revitalization Strategy Timeline

PHASE I

TACTICAL URBANISM

Activate area with small‐scale, low‐cost strategies.

TACTICAL URBANISM

Activate area with small‐scale, low‐cost strategies.

ADAPTIVE REUSE

Reoccupy existing structure with a new program.

ADAPTIVE REUSE

ADAPTIVE REUSE

PHASE TACTICAL URBANISM

PHASE III

Timeline

an addition to the

Design and construct

ADAPTIVE REUSE +

Activate area with small-scale, low-cost strategies.

PHASE ADAPTIVE REUSE

Reoccupy existing structure with a new program.

PHASE II ADAPTIVE REUSE + Design and construct an addition to the existing structure.

Revitalization Strategy

BRICK & MORTAR

PHASE III

PHASE II ADAPTIVE REUSE

PHASE II ADAPTIVE REUSE +

PHASE IV

Reoccupy existing structure with a new program.

Create a commercial corridor through builds.

BRICK & MORTAR

PHASE III

Reoccupy existing structure with a new program.

PHASE II ADAPTIVE REUSE +

existing structure. PHASE III

PHASE IV

Design and construct an addition to the existing structure.

PHASE III ADAPTIVE REUSE +

Create a commercial corridor through new builds.

Design and construct an addition to the existing structure. *Optional*

BRICK & MORTAR

PHASE III

Reoccupy existing structure with a new program.

PHASE II ADAPTIVE REUSE +

Design and construct an addition to the existing structure.

Create a commercial corridor through new

BRICK & MORTAR

PHASE IV

Design and construct an addition to the existing structure.

builds. PHASE IV

Create a commercial corridor through new builds.

PHASE IV BRICK & MORTAR

Create a commercial corridor through new builds.

BRICK & MORTAR

Figure 40: Design Timeline Diagram

Create a commercial corridor through new builds.

KIT OF PARTS

REVITALIZATION STRATEGIES FOR LOW RESOURCE COMMUNITIES

An approach towards self sufficiency.

5.1

TACTICAL URBANISM

The proposed approach for site revitalization proposes a combination of strategies that vary from short-term to longterm interventions.

In Phase one, the approach initially starts with tactical urbanism interventions at the beginning and later with identifying opportunities for the adaptive reuse of existing buildings. In this way, some of the temporary amenities and venues will turn into brick-and-mortar type of structures.

SITE SELECTION

REVITALIZATION STRATEGIES FOR LOW RESOURCE COMMUNITIES An approach towards self sufficiency.

6.1 WYANDANCH

DAY CARE CENTER

My selected site is the Wyandanch Day Care Center located at 50 Commonwealth Drive, Wyandanch, New York, 11798.

The site includes three primary areas for revitalization. Area

A, is a vacant building, previously used as a two-car garage.

Area B, is a vacant area, previously used as a playground.

Area C, is a vacant building, previously used as a two-story day care center.

This was an optimal choice for revitalization because it was located near existing amenities and public transportation. It is also located in an area that it already experiencing revitalization attempts nearby.

Figure 43: Google Map of Site Selection

Figure 42: Google Map of Site Selection - Exterior View A B C

REVITALIZATION STRATEGIES FOR LOW RESOURCE COMMUNITIES

An approach towards self sufficiency.

SITE SELECTION

REVITALIZATION STRATEGIES FOR LOW RESOURCE COMMUNITIES

An approach towards self sufficiency.

SITE SELECTION

SITE PROPOSAL

This site will be revitalized through the four-part phasebased design strategy. At phase one, we will begin implementing street murals to promote pedestrian safety and reclaim the roadway. We will also install temporary pop-up shops to promote local businesses and create some engagement along Commonwealth Drive. During phase two, we will reoccupy the existing structure with a new local market program. The idea is to create permanent spaces for local business owners, as well as create a space where residents can gather and socialize. Phase three, if needed, will be to build upon the existing structure with an expansion. This expansion can host new programs that can cater more towards community facilities and less retail. At phase four, we will occupy the adjacent vacate lot with new construction. This will help solidify the connection of new and old facilities, creativity a network of communal hubs throughout Wyandanch.

PHASE I

TACTICAL URBANISM

Activate area with small-scale, lowcost strategies.

Figure 44: Site Proposal Diagram - Series

PHASE II ADAPTIVE

REUSE

Reoccupy existing structure with a new program.

PHASE III ADAPTIVE REUSE +

Design and construct an addition to the existing structure.

*Optional*

PHASE

IV BRICK & MORTAR

Create a commercial corridor through new builds.

I II III IV

III IV I

II

Figure 45: Site Proposal Diagram

REVITALIZATION STRATEGIES FOR LOW RESOURCE COMMUNITIES

REVITALIZATION STRATEGIES FOR LOW RESOURCE COMMUNITIES

An approach towards self sufficiency. 44 DESIGN DIRECTION 43 DESIGN DIRECTION

An approach towards self sufficiency.

Figure 47: Adaptive Reuse Proposal Diagram - Second Floor Plan

Figure 48: Adaptive Reuse Proposal Diagram - First Floor Plan

This is a map of all the current vacant or partially vacant lots. The idea is that these strategies can be tested and interchanged to find the best fit based on site size, vacancy, proximity to existing amenities community response.

REVITALIZATION STRATEGIES FOR LOW RESOURCE COMMUNITIES

An approach towards self sufficiency.

PHASE BASED DESIGN

This thesis aimed to demonstrate how phased based design, using strategies like tactical urbanism and adaptive reuse, can bring the needed amenities, alleviate dependency on neighboring towns, crease a sense of place, provide economic boost, and overall revitalize low resource communities.

As demonstrated in the 2009 Town of Babylon Revitalization Plan, the typical route towards revitalizing low resource communities is through the demolition of vacant or partially vacant buildings and lots and then constructing new buildings in their place. In most scenarios big developers enter these communities, their materials and labor aren’t locally sourced and at the end of construction, the tenants that occupy these new structures, whether residential or retail, are not local as well. For this reason, when discussing change in a community the line between revitalization and gentrification is thin.

What makes revitalization and gentrification different is revitalization focuses on obtaining the needed amenities for a community while keeping residents.

While gentrification, at the opposite end of the spectrum, focuses on creating growth and existing residents leaving or being pushed out. Coined by Kyle Shenandoah,60 the three big questions for responsible urban renewal and revitalization are as follows:

1. Does it really benefit the community?

2. Does the community know about it?

3. Is there a conversation with the community afterwards?

Although some find success using the typical revitalization method of demolish and rebuild, I chose to propose a new strategy that goes beyond the traditional methods while learning from existing projects and precedents. Through this phased based design model, the community is involved at every step of the way. These methods are meant to be tested, interchanged, and scaled at different locations throughout the town. The community chooses what and how these shortterm, low-cost implementations make an impact and later become permanent structures.

REVITALIZATION STRATEGIES

FOR LOW RESOURCE COMMUNITIES

An approach towards self sufficiency.

Figure 52: 2009 Town of Babylon Revitalization Plan - Study Area Context Map

APPENDIX

Figure 53: 2009 Town of Babylon Revitalization Plan - Existing Zoning Map

APPENDIX

APPENDIX APPENDIX

Figure 56: 2009 Town of Babylon Revitalization Plan - Community Facilities Map Figure 57: 2009 Town of Babylon Revitalization Plan - Strategic Sites Map

APPENDIX APPENDIX

Figure 58: 2016 Wyandanch Cultural Arts Master Planning Map

Figure 59: 2017 Wyandanch Rising Update - Northeast Quadrant Map

Town of Babylon · Office of Downtown Revitalization

APPENDIX APPENDIX

Goal: Temporarily activate vacant lot located across from newly renovated LIRR Wyandanch train station with designated areas for food trucks to promote local businesses and create communal gathering spaces.

Strategy: Phase 01 will be broken down into three supplementary phases, consisting of short term actions, mid term evaluations then long term structures.

APPENDIX APPENDIX

Phase 02:

Location: Corner of Long Island Ave and Doe Street

Site Conditions: Vacant Lot/Building + Vacant Playground

Previous Use: Pre-K Program

Current Use: None

Proposed Strategy: Adaptive Reuse

Phase 03:

Location: Doe Street

Site Conditions: Vacant Lot/Building

Previous Use: Residential Building

Current Use: None

Proposed Strategy: Adaptive Reuse

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2 “Final Wyandanch Downtown Revitalization Plan.” Town of Babylon, AKRF, Inc., The RBA Group, Sustainable Long Island, 2009.

3 Quick, Kimberly and Richard D. Kahlenberg. “Attacking the Black-White Opportunity Gap That Comes from Residential Segregation.” The Century Foundation, June 25, 2019. https://tcf.org/content/ report/attacking-black-white-opportunity-gap-comes-residential-segregation/?session=1&session=1

4 “Final Wyandanch Downtown Revitalization Plan.” Town of Babylon, AKRF, Inc., The RBA Group, Sustainable Long Island, 2009.

5 “Final Wyandanch Downtown Revitalization Plan.” Town of Babylon, AKRF, Inc., The RBA Group, Sustainable Long Island, 2009.

6 Lydon, Mike and Anthony Garcia, Tactical Urbanism: Short-term Action for Long-term Change. Washington, DC: Island Press, 2015.

7 Bradley, Sarah. “How Tactical Urbanism Adds Up.” The Nature of Cities. July 20, 2015 https://www.thenatureofcities.com/2015/07/20/how-tactical-urbanism-adds-up/

8 Tactical Urbanist’s Guide to Materials and Design Version 1.0. The Street Plans Collaborative, 2016 http://tacticalurbanismguide.com/

9 Tactical Urbanist’s Guide to Materials and Design Version 1.0. The Street Plans Collaborative, 2016 http://tacticalurbanismguide.com/

10 MasterClass. “What is Adaptive Reuse Architecture and Why It’s Important.” MasterClass. June 7, 2021. https://www.masterclass.com/articles/adaptive-reuse-architecture-guide

11 Henson, Scott. “Benefits of Adaptive Reuse.” Henson Architecture. October 5, 2016.

https://www.hensonarchitect.com/benefits-of-adaptive-reuse/

12 MasterClass. “What is Adaptive Reuse Architecture and Why It’s Important.” MasterClass. June 7, 2021. https://www.masterclass.com/articles/adaptive-reuse-architecture-guide

13 “Lithonia Town Center.” Georgia Conservancy – Blueprints Partners, 2011.

14 “Lithonia Town Center.” Georgia Conservancy – Blueprints Partners, 2011.

15 “Lithonia Town Center.” Georgia Conservancy – Blueprints Partners, 2011.

16 “Lithonia Town Center.” Georgia Conservancy – Blueprints Partners, 2011.

17 “Lithonia Town Center.” Georgia Conservancy – Blueprints Partners, 2011.

18 “Lithonia Town Center.” Georgia Conservancy – Blueprints Partners, 2011.

19 “What is Made in Opa Locka?” Made in Opa Locka. http://www.madeinopalocka.org/what-is-made-in-opa-locka

20 “History of Opa-Locka.” Made in Opa Locka. http://www.madeinopalocka.org/what-is-made-in-opa-locka

21 “History of Opa-Locka.” Made in Opa Locka. http://www.madeinopalocka.org/what-is-made-in-opa-locka

22 “The Opa-Locka CDC” http://www.madeinopalocka.org/opa-locka-community-development-corporation

23 “Made in Opa Locka.” STUDIO Barnes. https://germanebarnes.com/Made-in-Opa-locka

24 “Made in Opa Locka.” STUDIO Barnes. https://germanebarnes.com/Made-in-Opa-locka

25 “Performance Space and Movie Theater.” Made in Opa Locka. http://www.madeinopalocka.org/#/performance-space-and-movie-theater/

26 “Performance Space and Movie Theater.” Made in Opa Locka. http://www.madeinopalocka.org/#/performance-space-and-movie-theater/

27 Maris, Jessica. “Wingårdh transforms roofless freight depot into Malmö Market Hall.” Dezeen. April 25, 2017.

28 Wang, Lucy. “Decrepit freight depot reborn as industrial-chic “food lover’s paradise” in Malmö.” Inhabitat. April 25, 2017.

29 “About Modus Studio.” Modus Studio.

https://www.modusstudio.com/about

30 McKnight, Jenna. “Brand Bureau and Modus Studio transform Arkansas factory into The Holler work-eat-play venue.” Dezeen. March 25, 2019.

https://www.dezeen.com/2019/03/25/the-holler-brand-bureau-arkansas-adaptive-reuse/ 31 “QuickFacts. “Wyandanch CDP, New York; Deer Park CDP, New York; East Farmingdale CDP, New York; North Babylon CDP, New York.” United States Census Bureau. July 1, 2021. https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/wyandanchcdpnewyork,deerparkcdpnewyork,eastfarmingdalecdpnewyork,northbabyloncdpnewyork# 32 “QuickFacts. “Wyandanch CDP, New York; Deer Park CDP, New York; East Farmingdale CDP, New York; North Babylon CDP, New York.” United States Census Bureau. July 1, 2021. https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/wyandanchcdpnewyork,deerparkcdpnewyork,eastfarmingdalecdpnewyork,northbabyloncdpnewyork# 33 “Wyandanch, NY.” DATAUSA.

https://datausa.io/profile/geo/wyandanch-ny#about

34 “Wyandanch, NY.” DATAUSA.

https://datausa.io/profile/geo/wyandanch-ny#about

35 “QuickFacts. “Wyandanch CDP, New York; Deer Park CDP, New York; East Farmingdale CDP, New York; North Babylon CDP, New York.” United States Census Bureau. July 1, 2021. https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/wyandanchcdpnewyork,deerparkcdpnewyork,eastfarmingdalecdpnewyork,northbabyloncdpnewyork#

36 “Final Wyandanch Downtown Revitalization Plan.” Town of Babylon, AKRF, Inc., The RBA Group, Sustainable Long Island, 2009.

37 “Wyandanch Rising: A Community’s Transformation.” Town of Babylon. April 2016.

38 “QuickFacts. “Wyandanch CDP, New York; Deer Park CDP, New York; East Farmingdale CDP, New York; North Babylon CDP, New York.” United States Census Bureau. July 1, 2021. https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/wyandanchcdpnewyork,deerparkcdpnewyork,eastfarmingdalecdpnewyork,northbabyloncdpnewyork#

39 “QuickFacts. “Wyandanch CDP, New York; Deer Park CDP, New York; East Farmingdale CDP, New York; North Babylon CDP, New York.” United States Census Bureau. July 1, 2021. https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/wyandanchcdpnewyork,deerparkcdpnewyork,eastfarmingdalecdpnewyork,northbabyloncdpnewyork#

40 “QuickFacts. “Wyandanch CDP, New York; Deer Park CDP, New York; East Farmingdale CDP, New York; North Babylon CDP, New York.” United States Census Bureau. July 1, 2021. https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/wyandanchcdpnewyork,deerparkcdpnewyork,eastfarmingdalecdpnewyork,northbabyloncdpnewyork#

41 “QuickFacts. “Wyandanch CDP, New York; Deer Park CDP, New York; East Farmingdale CDP, New York; North Babylon CDP, New York.” United States Census Bureau. July 1, 2021. https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/wyandanchcdpnewyork,deerparkcdpnewyork,eastfarmingdalecdpnewyork,northbabyloncdpnewyork#

42 “Final Wyandanch Downtown Revitalization Plan.” Town of Babylon, AKRF, Inc., The RBA Group, Sustainable Long Island, 2009.

43 “Final Wyandanch Downtown Revitalization Plan.” Town of Babylon, AKRF, Inc., The RBA Group, Sustainable Long Island, 2009.

44 “Final Wyandanch Downtown Revitalization Plan.” Town of Babylon, AKRF, Inc., The RBA Group, Sustainable Long Island, 2009.

45 “Wyandanch Cultural Arts Master Planning Community Kickoff Meeting.” Town of Babylon Office of Downtown Revitalization, AKRF, Inc., Global Arts/Media, 2016.

46 “Wyandanch Cultural Arts Master Planning Community Kickoff Meeting.” Town of Babylon Office of Downtown Revitalization, AKRF, Inc., Global Arts/Media, 2016.

47 “Very Walkable.” Walk Score.

https://www.walkscore.com/score/wyandanch-ny

48 “Final Wyandanch Downtown Revitalization Plan.” Town of Babylon, AKRF, Inc., The RBA Group, Sustainable Long Island, 2009.

49 “Final Wyandanch Downtown Revitalization Plan.” Town of Babylon, AKRF, Inc., The RBA Group, Sustainable Long Island, 2009.

50 “Final Wyandanch Downtown Revitalization Plan.” Town of Babylon, AKRF, Inc., The RBA Group, Sustainable Long Island, 2009.

51 “Final Wyandanch Downtown Revitalization Plan.” Town of Babylon, AKRF, Inc., The RBA Group, Sustainable Long Island, 2009.

52 “Final Wyandanch Downtown Revitalization Plan.” Town of Babylon, AKRF, Inc., The RBA Group, Sustainable Long Island, 2009.

53 “Final Wyandanch Downtown Revitalization Plan.” Town of Babylon, AKRF, Inc., The RBA Group, Sustainable Long Island, 2009.

54 “Final Wyandanch Downtown Revitalization Plan.” Town of Babylon, AKRF, Inc., The RBA Group, Sustainable Long Island, 2009.

55 “40 Station Drive.” BHC Architects.

https://www.bhc-architects.com/40-station-drive-residential

56 “Wyandanch Cultural Arts Master Planning Community Kickoff Meeting.” Town of Babylon Office of Downtown Revitalization, AKRF, Inc., Global Arts/Media, 2016.

57 Bonilla, Denise M. “Wyandanch YMCA projects gets $1M in state funding but $19M gap remains.” Newsday. July 22, 2022.

https://www.newsday.com/long-island/suffolk/wyandanch-rising-redevelopment-ymca-state-funding-xg2key6e

58 “Wyandanch Family Day Community Strong” Wyandanch Day. https://wyandanchday.org/

59 “Wyandanch Family Day Community Strong” Wyandanch Day. https://wyandanchday.org/

60 - TEDx Talks. “Embracing Optimism in an Age of Gentrification Kyle Shenandoah TEDxPhiladelphia.” YoutTube. June 24, 2019. Educational video. 20:50.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UtEN-muvEbM&t=27s

FIGURE

01 02

FIGURE PAGE IMAGE DESCRIPTION SOURCE

09 08

Community Garden Rendering “Lithonia Town Center.” Georgia Conservancy – Blueprints Partners, 2011.

10 08

Community Garden Rendering: Full Build-Out “Lithonia Town Center.” Georgia Conservancy – Blueprints Partners, 2011.

11 10

THRIVE Innovation District Diagram https://www.olcdc.org/our-campus

04 06

Lithonia Project Strategy Chart “Lithonia Town Center.” Georgia Conservancy – Blueprints Partners, 2011. 05 07

Pop-Up Cafe “Lithonia Town Center.” Georgia Conservancy – Blueprints Partners, 2011. 06 07

Pop-Up Cafe Seating “Lithonia Town Center.” Georgia Conservancy – Blueprints Partners, 2011. 07 07

Pop-Up Cafe Outside of Fannie Cakes Bakery Cafe “Lithonia Town Center.” Georgia Conservancy – Blueprints Partners, 2011.

08 08 Study Area “Lithonia Town Center.” Georgia Conservancy – Blueprints Partners, 2011.

12 11

Thrive Dance Studio Floor Plan

13 11

“What is Made in Opa Locka?” Made in Opa Locka. http://www.madeinopalocka.org/what-is-made-in-opa-locka

Thrive Dance Studio Seating Plan “What is Made in Opa Locka?” Made in Opa Locka. http://www.madeinopalocka.org/what-is-made-in-opa-locka

14 11

Thrive Dance Studio Axonometric “What is Made in Opa Locka?” Made in Opa Locka. http://www.madeinopalocka.org/what-is-made-in-opa-locka

15 12

Performance Space & Movie Theater Exterior “Performance Space and Movie Theater.” Made in Opa Locka. http://www.madeinopalocka.org/#/performance-space-and-movie-theater/

16 12

Performance Space & Movie Theater Interior “Performance Space and Movie Theater.” Made in Opa Locka. http://www.madeinopalocka.org/#/performance-space-and-movie-theater/

FIGURE PAGE IMAGE DESCRIPTION SOURCE

17 12

Performance Space & Movie Theater Floor Plan “Performance Space and Movie Theater.” Made in Opa Locka. http://www.madeinopalocka.org/#/performance-space-and-movie-theater/

18 13

Malmo Market Hall Floor Plan Wang, Lucy. “Decrepit freight depot reborn as industrial-chic “food lover’s paradise” in Malmö.” Inhabitat. April 25, 2017.

https://inhabitat.com/decrepit-freight-depot-reborn-as-industrial-chic-food-lovers-paradise-in-malmo/malmo-market-hall-by-wingardh-10/

FIGURE PAGE IMAGE DESCRIPTION SOURCE

19 13

Malmo Market Hall Exterior Wang, Lucy. “Decrepit freight depot reborn as industrial-chic “food lover’s paradise” in Malmö.” Inhabitat. April 25, 2017.

https://inhabitat.com/decrepit-freight-depot-reborn-as-industrial-chic-food-lovers-paradise-in-malmo/malmo-market-hall-by-wingardh-10/

20 13

Malmo Market Hall Interior Wang, Lucy. “Decrepit freight depot reborn as industrial-chic “food lover’s paradise” in Malmö.” Inhabitat. April 25, 2017.

https://inhabitat.com/decrepit-freight-depot-reborn-as-industrial-chic-food-lovers-paradise-in-malmo/malmo-market-hall-by-wingardh-10/

21 14

The Holler Interior Entry Signage

McKnight, Jenna. “Brand Bureau and Modus Studio transform Arkansas factory into The Holler work-eat-play venue.” Dezeen. March 25, 2019.

https://www.dezeen.com/2019/03/25/the-holler-brand-bureau-arkansas-adaptive-reuse/

22 14

The Holler Interior Shuffleboard Area McKnight, Jenna. “Brand Bureau and Modus Studio transform Arkansas factory into The Holler work-eat-play venue.” Dezeen. March 25, 2019.

https://www.dezeen.com/2019/03/25/the-holler-brand-bureau-arkansas-adaptive-reuse/

23 14

The Holler Interior Seating Area

McKnight, Jenna. “Brand Bureau and Modus Studio transform Arkansas factory into The Holler work-eat-play venue.” Dezeen. March 25, 2019.

https://www.dezeen.com/2019/03/25/the-holler-brand-bureau-arkansas-adaptive-reuse/

Existing Conditions Diagram 02 Original Work 26 18 Existing Conditions Diagram 03 Original Work 27 20 Strategic Sites, Wyandanch Downtown Revitalization Plan Wyandanch Downtown Revitalization Plan.” Town of Babylon, AKRF, Inc., The RBA Group, Sustainable Long Island, 2009. 28 22 Map of Wyandanch, NY Original Work 29 22 Map of Study Area Original Work 30 23 Map of Study Area - Transportation & Walkability Original Work 31 24 Map of Study Area - Land Use Original Work 32 24 Map of Study Area - Sites of Interest Original Work

¯

50

FIGURE PAGE

IMAGE

DESCRIPTION SOURCE

Proposed

Urbanism

FIGURE PAGE IMAGE DESCRIPTION SOURCE

57 56 2009 Town of Babylon Revitalization PlanStrategic Sites Map

“Final Wyandanch Downtown Revitalization Plan.” Town of Babylon, AKRF, Inc., The RBA Group, Sustainable Long Island, 2009.

Wyandanch Day Parade Route Original Work 51 49 Adaptive Reuse Proposal - Interior Perspective Original Work 52 51 2009 Town of Babylon Revitalization PlanStudy Area Context Map “Final Wyandanch Downtown Revitalization Plan.” Town of Babylon, AKRF, Inc., The RBA Group, Sustainable Long Island, 2009. 53 52 2009 Town of Babylon Revitalization PlanExisting Zoning Map “Final Wyandanch Downtown Revitalization Plan.” Town of Babylon, AKRF, Inc., The RBA Group, Sustainable Long Island, 2009. 54 53 2009 Town of Babylon Revitalization PlanLand Use Study Area Map “Final Wyandanch Downtown Revitalization Plan.” Town of Babylon, AKRF, Inc., The RBA Group, Sustainable Long Island, 2009. 55 54 2009 Town of Babylon Revitalization PlanParks & Open Space Map “Final Wyandanch Downtown Revitalization Plan.” Town of Babylon, AKRF, Inc., The RBA Group, Sustainable Long Island, 2009. 56 55 2009 Town of Babylon Revitalization PlanCommunity Facilities Map “Final Wyandanch Downtown Revitalization Plan.” Town of Babylon, AKRF, Inc., The RBA Group, Sustainable Long Island, 2009.

Map

57 2016 Wyandanch Cultural Arts Master Planning - Map

2017 Wyandanch Rising Update - Northeast Quadrant Map

“Wyandanch Cultural Arts Master Planning Community Kickoff Meeting.” Town of Babylon Office of Downtown Revitalization, AKRF, Inc., Global Arts/Media, 2016.

“Wyandanch Rising Update.” LI Regional Planning Council. November 2017.

REVITALIZATION STRATEGIES

FOR LOW RESOURCE COMMUNITIES

An approach towards self sufficiency.