1. ARCH – 4601
Feasibility Study Presentation
II. Facility Program, C. Area Master Plan (p. 75 – 84)
Jason B. Ashe

2. C. Area Master Plan
Summary of the findings and conclusions of the master planning efforts for the Near Northside.
Key Parts:
Workshop
Forces and Issues
Facility Security Concepts
Conclusions and Recommendations

3. C. Area Master Plan Workshop Conducted in October 2005
Focus on the development issues surrounding the Houston Intermodal Center / Multimodal Terminal
Concern the planning of the mixed-use development of Main and Burnett Streets
Specify the implementation and availability of affordable housing
3 Major Topics:
Affordable Housing
Intermodal Center / Multimodal Terminal
Master Planning Concepts

4. C. Area Master Plan Affordable Housing - Intermodal Center -
Two local concepts presented by The Metropolitan Organization and the Avenue CDC
Case studies presented by Richard Baron
Information was presented related to poverty levels, incomes, and location
Intermodal Center -
Information on such a facility
Review of other intermodal centers, the general area of Houston, and the impact of the facility
Discussion of joint development possibilities and desired characteristics
Master Planning Concepts -
Relationship between affordable housing and the Intermodal Center
General land uses and other issues local residence have

5. C. Area Master Plan Forces and Issues Identified Forces and Issues:
Study identified Zone A as the preferred location for the Intermodal Center
Located in the north end of downtown Houston and areas immediately to the north
Identified Forces and Issues:
Selection of Hypothetical Site for Discussion Purposes -
Can be a catalyst to revitalization of underutilized inner core urban neighborhoods if properly integrated within the community
All surrounding areas are either vacant or commercial properties
None include residential neighborhoods and are potentially viable
Forces that Shape the Center: “The Form Givers” -
Influence of the location of the Intermodal Center from the intersection of the commuter rail and LRT tracks

6. C. Area Master Plan Intermodal Center Impacts: “The Ripple Effect” -
Minimum site area will be approximately 7 acres, excluding parking
Site needs sufficient land for transit facility program needs and public areas for transitional space to integrate into neighboring communities
Most likely be multi-level due to grade-separation requirements
Intermodal Center Impacts: “The Ripple Effect” -
To be a positive economic development generator and a model of sensitive rebuilding
Public / Private partnership share vision for improvements
Street / rail crossings and new freeway connections will create new elevated structures
Infrastructure environment needed to support the Intermodal Center can become Economic Corridors for new development
Joint Development Opportunities -
Public / private collaboration is common for the city of Houston
Incorporate joint development within the Houston facility, since transit-oriented development is a focus of METRO

7. C. Area Master Plan Neighborhood Integration -
Located in an area that can support active urban environment
Pedestrian-friendly streetscapes should surround the facility
Day and night mixed-use developments, to enhance activity and security
Transition from institutional Intermodal Center to the residential single-family zone
Facility Security Concepts -
Principles of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) should be followed
Open public facility for travelers and transit users with amenities to support transportation patrons
Security concepts include: Accessibility, Edge Zone, Mixed-Use Development Building Zone, and Multimodal Terminal Zone

8. C. Area Master Plan Accessibility - Edge Zone -
Integrated economically with community and easily accessed from adjacent neighborhoods
Facility becomes part of the community and creates connectivity
Edge Zone -
Edge definition of facility is important for security enforcement and establishes the limits of perimeter
Create a positive image to neighboring community
Mixed-Use Development Building Zone -
Developments that generate day and night activities in public, increase security
Multi-faced developments increases a passive deterrent to crime
Multimodal Terminal Zone -
Shared passenger waiting areas, transit ride stores, food court / service, other public amenities, and storefront police station offers a sense off safety and security

9. C. Area Master Plan Conclusions and Recommendations -
Affordable housing should be implemented as a priority project and integrated into the residential component of the plan
Plan should account for public right of way, transit, parks, public services, and development
Minimum of 8.6 acres or 20% of total residential units should be included in development plans, whichever one is greater
Townhomes: 14 dwelling units (DU) / per acre
Up to Mid-Rise: 30 DU / acre
Senior Housing: 40 DU / acre
Integrate adjacent neighborhoods to create a sense of community
Positive impact on the community