TAYLOR FIRESTINE
Urban Planning + Design Portfolio
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contents
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01 | CONTACT + RESUME
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02 | CAPSTONE PROJECT
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03 | OLD WEST END NEIGHBORHOOD ACTION PLAN
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04 | MAPPING
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05 | WRITING SAMPLES
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06 | VISUAL COMMUNICATION
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07 | PARKVIEW FOUNDATION MUROSITY PROJECT
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PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
01 | contact+ Resume
Site Strategies Advisory, LLC Oct. 2015–present
Real Estate Intern Indianapolis, Ind.
City of Fishers May 2014–August 2014
Community Development Intern Fishers, Ind.
Generate maps utilizing public access GIS databases, such as Beacon. Compile supplemental research to assemble exhibits for prospective real estate transactions. Exercise independent judgment in document layout and graphic design. Update company website and online real estate listings.
Utilized ESRI ArcGIS to generate maps supplementing 2040 Transportation Plan. Collected data in the field and interpreted findings in city’s first report on recreational trail usage. Conducted qualitative and quantitative analyses on municipal park conditions. Reorganized and updated Preferred Planting Guide and Urban Forestry Program documents.
EDUCATION
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Ball State University College of Architecture and Planning August 2015–July 2016
Master of Urban Design Indianapolis, Ind.
Ball State University College of Architecture and Planning August 2011–May 2015
Bachelor of Arts in Urban Planning and Development Minor in Sociology Muncie, Ind.
VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE Keep Indianapolis Beautiful, Inc. Oct. 2015–present
Ball State University Dance Marathon Jan. 2014–Feb. 2015
contact 241 E. 9th St., Apt. 8 Indianapolis, IN 46204 260.466.5281 tdfirestine@gmail.com
Certified Tree Tender Indianapolis, Ind. Completed nine hours of training with instruction from professional arborists. Plant and prune trees enhancing urban canopy in Indianapolis neighborhoods. Represent KIB at community events. Independent Recruiter Muncie, Ind. Assisted with recruitment and fundraising, leading to a 12% increase in participation and 46% increase in funds benefiting Riley Hospital for Children.
HONORS • • • • • •
Urban Land Institute Hines Student Competition Team Leader (Jan. 2016) APA Indiana Chapter Hoosier Planning Award for Outstanding Student Project (Mar. 2015) APA Indiana Chapter Spring Conference Co-Presenter (Mar. 2015) CAP Spring Commencement Junior Marshal (May 2014) AICP Student Project Honor Award (Apr. 2014) CAP Faculty and Student Symposium Co-Presenter (Apr. 2014)
proficiencies Software
Skills
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• • • •
• • • •
ESRI ArcGIS ESRI Community + Business Analyst Adobe Creative Suite Microsoft Office Trimble SketchUp Lumion
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Data collection Report writing Hand sketching Graphic design + document layout Public speaking + interpersonal communication
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02 | capstone project
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th eat er blocks est. 2016
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Partnering with local non-profit Reconnecting to Our Waterways (ROW), the Ball State University College of Architecture and Planning: Indianapolis Center Master of Urban Design (MUD) Studio selected seven sites ripe for redevelopment along Indianapolis’ waterways. A former coke manufacturing facility and an abandoned drive-in movie theater near Pleasant Run on the city’s near-southeast side was selected for my project. Citizens Energy Group intends to sell the property to developers once environmental remediation and demolition are complete.
02 | MUD capstone project
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The redevelopment plan focuses on an extension of S. Rural St. through the property in anticipation of a bus rapid transit (BRT) route. This multimodal corridor encourages a dense, transitoriented, mixed-use neighborhood center, anchored by social services, including a United Way Center for Working Families, health clinic, and library. Likewise, refocusing activity on the area’s historical connection to Pleasant Run is achieved through an expanded Pleasant Run Trail, central bioswale for on-site stormwater collection and retention, and a major investment in recreational spaces. Software used for the research, development, and design of this project included Trimble SketchUp, Lumion, Google Earth Pro, Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, and ESRI Business and Community Analyst.
demographic analysis 3% 3% 8%
< $15,000
35%
$15,000 - $24,999 $25,000 - $34,999
income 1 mi. radius from ceg indianapolis coke site
owner-occupied housing units by value 1 mi. radius from ceg indianapolis coke site
Goal 1.1 Reclaim Brownfield and Underutilized Land for Community Benefit Goal 1.2 Improve and Enhance Social Services and Educational Opportunities Goal 1.3 Improve Hydrological Function and Ecology
race + ethnicity 1 mi. radius from ceg indianapolis coke site
objective 2 Facilitate growth and Reinvestment for future success
15%
$35,000 - $49,999 $50,000 - $74,999 $75,000 - $99,999 $100,000+
16% 20%
4% 25%
23%
objective 1 stabilize the neighborhood through accessible social services and environmental stewardship
< $50,000 $50,000 - $99,999 $100,000 - $149,999 $150,000 +
48%
1% 0% White Alone
5% 10%
0%
Black Alone American Indian Alone
Asian Alone
17%
Pacific Islander Alone Some Other Race Alone
67%
Two or More Races
Population 25+ by Educational Attainment 1 mi. radius from ceg indianapolis coke site
Less Than 9th Grade Some High School, No Degree High School Graduate GED/Alternative Credential
4%
9%
12%
30%
Some College, No Degree Associate Degree Bachelor's Degree or Higher
4%
14%
27%
Goal 2.1 Increase Transit Accessibility and Multi-Modal Transportation Options Goal 2.2 Offer Diverse Housing Typologies for Multigenerational Users Goal 2.3 Implement a Sequence of Programmable Public Spaces and Events Goal 2.4 Organize, Market, and Brand Community to Improve Identity
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prospect st. ceg indianapolis coke remains
pleasant run
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02 | MUD capstone project
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The proposed extension of S. Rural St. (from Hoyt Ave. to Prospect St.) includes two dedicated bus rapid transit lanes, two parking lanes, two conventional traffic lanes, and two protected bike lanes. Widened sidewalks and street trees provide pedestrians a feeling of comfort and safety. The area is a hub of activity during the morning commute (pictured above).
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During normal conditions (right), The Run Bioswale is a lush band of constructed wetlands winding through the site. Native plants and grasses help absorb stormwater runoff, cleansing rainwater and mitigating flooding before flowing south to Pleasant Run (far right). The creek bed provides a natural buffer between the transit corridor and Lawn, helping manage the siteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s microclimate.
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02 | MUD capstone project
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Twin Aire Lawn is a fiveacre open green space for public use. Interior to the residential, commercial, and institutional development abutting it, the Lawn is programmable for numerous community events, including fairs, music festivals, winter ice skating, and even outdoor movie viewings in the summer months.
The Temple Promenade Interactive Fountains are a favorite for family gatherings. Music from street performers reverberates throughout the adjoining Marketplace Plaza. The plaza is flooded with visitors every Saturday morning for the weekly Farmersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Market.
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Theater Blocks Community Garden and Urban Agriculture Center provides residents with the opportunity to produce their own food. Families can choose to consume their yields, donate, or sell produce in the weekend Farmersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Market at the Temple Promenade. Though gardening plots are limited, the gardens are open to the public, offering residents and visitors a respite from city living. P. 13
03 |
old west end neighborhood
action plan
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The Old West End Neighborhood Action Plan was a Ball State University Immersive Learning project in collaboration with the residents of Muncie, Indiana’s Old West End Neighborhood Association, the Muncie Action Plan, and the College of Architecture and Planning’s Neighborhood Analysis Studio. This plan was entirely citizen-driven. Based on public input, several quality of life strategies were composed into initiatives, with contacts and funding sources to ensure residents had the tools necessary to complete initiatives moving forward. ArcView GIS software and U.S. Census Bureau statistics were integrated to communicate areas most suitable for improvements. Within the plan, I focused on two initiatives: Public Art and Wayfinding and Signage. The Public Art Initiative outlined suggestions for how to involve residents in the artistic process, where art installations could be placed or created, and positive outcomes public art provides the neighborhood. Public art is a relatively simple way to engage neighbors in collaboration and stimulating dialogue, market the neighborhood, attract visitors, and instill pride and ownership in the Old West
End. The Wayfinding and Signage Initiative provides contact information for residents to report missing, damaged, or otherwise insufficient city-owned signage for fixing or updates. The section outlines possible alternatives to create a more inviting and welcoming atmosphere in the Old West End through the installation of decorative informational signs or banners for the benefit of visitors and students. A request for proposals was opened in May 2014 inviting local artists to paint a traffic box at a prominent intersection in the neighborhood and kick-off the community’s Public Art Initiative. In a field of over 20 planning program applicants nationwide, this project was selected for the American Planning Association’s 2014 AICP Student Project Honor Award, which was accepted at the National Conference in Atlanta. I was also grateful enough to present the project at the APA-Indiana Chapter’s 2015 Spring Conference, where the Neighborhood Analysis Studio received the 2015 Hoosier Planning Award.
Left: A sample GIS map was created to help analyze the areas most conducive for improved wayfinding and street signage in the Old West End neighborhood. Right: Taylor Firestine and peers present findings at a monthly Old West End Neighborhood Association meeting. (Photo by Lisa Dunaway)
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04 | mapping
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Access to Trails and Recreational Facilities in Upper White River Counties
Taylor Firestine | PLAN 412 | GIS Final Project | Fall 2014
Potential Area One *not to scale
04 | mapping
Legend Recreational Facilities Recreational Facilities (1 mi. Buffer) Trails Trails (1 mi. Buffer) Urbanized Areas Counties Upper White River Watershed
[
0 5 10
20
30
Miles 40
Potential Area Two *not to scale
Preceding page: Mapping Marion County, Indianaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s recreational amenities, including public parks and trails, for analysis purposes. Top: The final project for PLAN 412 involved determining the most suitable areas for additional recreation centers in underserved municipalities located within the Upper White River Watershed (Central Indiana) using ArcView GIS software and U.S. Census data. In finalizing my two selections, I was mindful to choose areas already within urbanized areas in densely populated counties that were outside a one-mile radius of existing recreational facilities but within walking distance to trails. I determined that Potential Area One would include a portion of Hendricks County, near Plainfield, Indiana. Potential Area Two would include a portion of Johnson County, near Greenwood, Indiana.These areas were deemed most suitable due to their accessibility to trails while lying outside of the one-mile radii of existing recreational facilities, serving a growing suburban population within the Indianapolis metropolitan area.
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Right: As part of the aforementioned Capstone Project, regional and neighborhood mapping was used to pinpoint surrounding influencers on the proposed Theater Blocks site. Maps were created using Google Earth Pro, Adobe Photoshop, and Adobe Illustrator.
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An urban design strategy Modeled on Economic, Social, and Environmental Sustainability chicago, il 170 mi.
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carmel
eagle creek park avon
Fishers
broad ripple speedway
indianapolis international airport
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downtown Indianapolis
fort wayne, in 100 mi.
state fairgrounds
fountain square
lawrence irvington
columbus, oh 175 mi. st. louis, mo 230 mi.
1 MILE southport
citizens energy group indianapolis coke
5 MILEs beech grove
greenwood
cincinnati, oh 100 mi.
louisville, ky 105 mi.
10 MILEs
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neighborhood context taylor firestine | master of urban design | ball state university | capstone project | summer 2016
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NURTURING SOCIAL JUSTICE: SPATIAL DISTRI This excerpt is from a literature review evaluating the body of research regarding urban tree canopy as applied to social justice in Indianapolis, Indiana. The literature review was produced for CAP 651 (Research Methods) in spring 2016.
05 | writing sample II
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According to the National Urban and Community Forestry
While research has confirmed distinct negative correlations
Advisory Council, urban forestry is defined as “the art,
between urban tree canopy and certain socioeconomic
science, and technology of managing trees, forests, and
factors in many U.S. cities (Heynen, Perkins, & Roy, 2006;
natural systems in and around cities, suburbs, and towns
Jesdale, Morello-Frosch, & Cushing, 2013; Landry &
for the health and wellbeing of all people” (Schwab, 2009,
Chakraborty, 2009), other findings have arrived at more
p. 2). In 2008, the City of Indianapolis Urban Forestry (a
complex conclusions (Schwartz, et al. 2015; Donovan &
division of the Public Works Dept.) maintained 117,525
Mills, 2014). Studying these connections within Indianapolis
street trees, or approximately one street tree for every seven
neighborhoods will require site-specific evaluation and
residents (Peper, McPherson, Simpson, Vargas, & Xiao,
locally-sourced solutions addressing the city’s distinct
2008). Municipal street trees (within the public right-of-way)
historical, political, cultural, and environmental context.
act as an integrated layer in urban infrastructure, offering quantifiable benefits to the environment and social fabric
Heynen, Perkins, & Roy (2006) investigated the influence
of the city. These benefits include but are not limited to
race and ethnicity had in the “social production of
cleaner air, mitigated urban heat island effect, increased
Milwaukee’s urban forest” (p. 3). Researchers analyzed
property values, reduced stormwater runoff, and improved
aerial photography, U.S. Census Bureau demographics and
psychological wellbeing (Cowett, 2014). Years of research
tracts, and qualitative data collected through interviews,
have confirmed the importance a healthy and robust urban
revealing a “spatially inequitable distribution of urban trees in
tree canopy has for city dwellers. However, environmental
relation to race and ethnicity” (Haynen, Perkins, & Roy, 2006,
justice advocates have only recently started studying the
p. 3). Perhaps the most striking finding in this study was the
relationship street trees have with socioeconomic factors,
positive correlation between median income and tree canopy
such as race or income. In other words, are municipal tree
coverage. The assets offered by dense urban tree canopy
programs distributing these environmental assets equitably
are disproportionately enjoyed by residents living in wealthier
among all residents, regardless of socioeconomic standing?
census tracts, whereas “marginalized communities, living
IBUTION OF STREET TREES IN INDIANAPOLIS NEIGHBORHOODS mostly in inner cities… remain largely underserved” (p. 13). These connections were
low socioeconomic characteristics are apathetic to tree planting efforts, due partly
perhaps best illustrated in heavily renter-occupied census tracts or areas with extensive
“to their struggle with day-to-day economic and social problems” (Schwab, 2009, p.
vacant housing. Researchers assert that property owners in devaluing neighborhoods are
9). Understandably, trees are not a priority for people struggling to provide for their
less likely to spend more than necessary on upkeep, with trees seen as an unnecessary
families. This study presents a paradox for public officials and environmental justice
expense. This is especially true in situations where swaths of neighborhoods have been
advocates striving for a more equitable and balanced urban tree canopy. Under these
cleared of vacant housing or derelict properties are acquired by absentee landlords that
assumptions, municipalities may attain their numeric goals for planting more trees, and
have little to no financial incentive to maintain trees or landscaping. Similar results were
thereby increasing their urban tree canopies, but neighborhoods with high socioeconomic
documented by Landry & Chakraborty (2009) in analyzing the disparities between race,
status will disproportionately benefit. However, if the program were focused strictly on
income, and urban tree canopy in Tampa, Fla. The researchers hypothesized that a lower
disadvantaged neighborhoods, there is a greater likelihood that less trees would be
proportion of tree cover would be found on the public right-of-ways in socioeconomically
planted, lessening the collective tree canopy growth potential.
marginalized neighborhoods, relying on a theoretical framework that unequitable tree canopy is the result of “past and present processes associated with socioeconomic status
Schwartz, et al. (2015) also arrived at somewhat confounding conclusions. Though the
and power relations” (p. 2654).
researchers hypothesized that race or ethnicity would have a negative correlation with urban tree cover, few selected cities actually followed this pattern. However, income was
Interestingly, Donovan & Mills (2014) found that Portland, Ore. residents’ participation
a statistically significant determinant in urban tree cover within most of the selected cities.
in a public tree planting program actually may “inadvertently exacerbate environmental
In other words, the wealthier the neighborhood, the denser the tree canopy. Building on
inequality” (p. 71). According to this study, homeowners with existing street trees
the recommendations of past studies, Schwartz, et al. notes that tree planting should not
who were asked to participate in the planting program were more likely to agree than
be a panacea for environmental justice, as in some circumstances, the costs of trees can
those residents without street trees. Moreover, census blocks with low high school
become burdensome, especially in neighborhoods where resources for proper care and
graduation rates were the least likely to agree to planting trees. The researchers
maintenance are limited.
noted the correlation between low high school graduation rates, lower median income, and more non-white residents. Madeline Williams, Executive Director of the National Association of Black Environmentalists theorized that residents in neighborhoods with
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URBAN LAND INSTITUTE HINES STUDENT COM The following are the development/design and financial narratives that accompanied the Urban Land Institute (ULI) Hines Student Competition entry, submitted in January 2016. The narratives described the overall design and development concept for a transit-oriented development in Midtown, Atlanta, Georgia.
05 | writing sample II
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The concept behind Loblolly Station lies on prominent
an amphitheater, ice rink, revolving public art collection,
sightlines through the site. A viewshed analysis carved
adventure playground, open green space, and farmers
the design’s circulation patterns and massing through
markets.
the surrounding rigid street grid. Building masses frame
ROOT
particular sightlines, many linking landmarks or icons
By bridging major economic players in the neighborhood
adjacent to the site, including Georgia Tech’s Bobby Dodd
and capitalizing on existing assets, the Loblolly Station
Stadium, The Varsity, Bank of America Plaza, and the
plan promotes a synergistic relationship between new and
Olympic Torch. The forms composing Loblolly Station
existing. Providing space for a community center, daycare
do not turn inward from the existing context, but directly
center, preschool, and replacing an existing high school
communication with it.
within the site are crucial components to a neighborhood
CULTIVATE
with strong roots, while delivering inclusive and equitable
According to the American Planning Association, the Atlanta
access, supporting multigenerational users of all abilities.
metro area’s tree canopy is valued $47 million, removing 19
BRANCH
million pounds of pollutants annually. As noted in Greenprint
The pedestrian bridge over the Downtown Connector
Midtown, the community’s existing 2,000 street trees are
(I-75/85) offers pedestrians a separate point of access
a distinguished asset. A lush esplanade winds through
between the campus of Georgia Tech and Midtown improves
the street grid, acting as a nexus of neighborhood activity
the neighborhood’s walkability and pedestrian safety.
and creating a visual axis between Tech Square and the
Currently, 96 percent of existing office and residential
North Avenue MARTA Station. The esplanade, saturated
sits within a six minute walk of a MARTA station. Building
with native dogwoods, oaks, and namesake loblolly, is
on this existing transit node and enhancing street-level
an inviting front door to Midtown’s students, residents,
activity continues to foster a convenient, pedestrian-centric
workers, and visitors. Annual event programming includes
neighborhood.
MPETITION LOBLOLLY STATION NARRATIVES FLOURISH
growth in accordance with PLAN 2040.
Loblolly Station embraces iconic Atlanta institutions, such as Emory University Hospital
PHASE I
Midtown and Fox Theatre, while considering nearby landmarks Bank of America Plaza
Phase I (2017-2019) construction will commence after the air rights purchase over the
and The Varsity, in the design process. The design employs ULI’s “Ten Principles for
North Avenue MARTA Station. The proposal will begin to densify this block as a transit
Building Healthy Places” by incorporating a mix of land uses integrated into a well-
oriented development (TOD), including a 103-room boutique hotel, commercial/office
connected pedestrian, bicycle, and transit network. These programs facilitate an active,
space, and market-rate and affordable housing options targeting young professionals and
dense neighborhood center that capitalizes on Midtown’s dynamic growth, stitching
Emory medical staff. At-grade bus rapid transit (BRT) stations at street level will replace
together three vital Midtown nodes: Georgia Tech, Technology Square, and the North
the outdated bus turnaround existing on site to encourage more pedestrian activity on the
Avenue MARTA Station. Loblolly Station complements Midtown’s urban fabric.
station’s perimeters (West Peachtree Street, North Avenue, and Ponce de Leon Avenue).
NURTURE
PHASE II
Loblolly Station includes environmental and financial sustainability principles. Urban
Phase II (2019-2022) will require the acquisition of several parcels directly northwest
gardens and edible landscapes, on-site stormwater management, and green roofs,
of the North Avenue MARTA Station. Business owners relocating for completion of this
demonstrate the development’s LEED and SITES sustainability certifications. Utilizing
phase will be offered priority space within Phase I in an effort to alleviate or stem any
locally-sourced materials while maintaining at least 20 percent affordable housing
negative impacts construction may have on local businesses. Stormwater collection,
throughout the project bolsters economical sustainability, providing a socially-responsible
green roofs, pedestrian plazas, and native plantings flourish in the program of Phase II,
and equitable approach to neighborhood building in Midtown. Sustainability, by our
raising the value of an area currently lagging in revenue generation. Surface parking is
definition, includes social health and well-being. Promoting a socially balanced space that
removed with the intent that structured parking will replace it soon after in Phase III.
rejuvenates and inspires at the human scale is crucial to realizing our plan for this lively
PHASE III
neighborhood core.
Phase III (2022-2024) marks the completion of the diagonal pedestrian esplanade linking
FINANCING
Georgia Tech to the MARTA TOD. Besides a mixed-use concept prevalent in the previous
In 2014, the Midtown Alliance reported the improvement district has attracted more than
two phases, the first of two parking structures is completed, as well as a neighborhood
$4 billion in public and private investment since 2000. In that same period, commercial
park containing an amphitheater and adventure playground cantilevered over the
property values have risen from $1.5 billion to $3.4 billion. Midtown’s arts and cultural
Downtown Connector. Phase III is vital to in connecting the development to Georgia Tech
destinations have also helped attract more than 6.5 million annual visitors. Loblolly
(via pedestrian bridge) and the adjacent Technology Square district directly north.
Station is a $256.6 million development designed to capitalize on and leverage this
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06 | visual
communication
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06 | visual
communication
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The selected illustrations are hypothetical exercises in hand graphic techniques, especially in the charretting process. Each graphic was created using a combination of Prismacolor colored pencils, Pilot Fineliner pens, and Chartpak markers.
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06 | visual
communication
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07 | parkview foundation murosity project
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07 | parkview foundation murosity project
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The Murosity Project was a community-driven art initiative designed between March and November 2011. Sponsored by the Parkview Foundation of Fort Wayne, Indiana, the project was spearheaded by local artists, philanthropists, and students. Each of the 160 canvases were painted as a tribute to “everyday stars” within Northeast Indiana that have positively impacted the community. My canvas was painted in honor of Fr. Tom O’Connor, founder of St. Mary’s Soup Kitchen, which serves 300,000 meals to impoverished Fort Wayne residents each year. Fr. Tom also
rallied the community in a rebuilding effort after the original 1887 church (featured in the painting) was consumed by fire in 1993. The Murosity Project, a portmanteau of “mural” and “generosity,” was a volunteer effort with the goal of creating a piece of art that would instill community pride and healing. Today, the 160-canvas mural hangs in the Parkview Regional Medical Center emergency room where it brings joy and comfort to daily hospital visitors.
Preceding page: The Murosity Project at completion, including 160 separate canvases. Far left: Taylor Firestine sketches concept ideas in the brainstorming phase of the project. (Photo by Teri Marquart) Bottom left: Taylor Firestine’s completed canvas, honoring St. Mary’s Catholic Church Soup Kitchen founder, Fr. Tom O’Connor.
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Taylor Firestine 260.466.5281 P. 34tdfirestine@gmail.com linkedin.com/in/taylorfirestine