Chamberbrook Design Guide

ABOUT THIS GUIDEBOOK

The Chamberbrook Business and Arts District Design Guidebook was created to be a tool for community members and business owners to generate ideas. It was assembled using initial recommendations gathered from residents, business owners, and other stakeholders in and around the Chamberbrook Business & Arts District. The project team has created the guidebook allowing you to "choose your own adventure" based on your knowledge of the project and interest in participating to envision the future of Chamberbrook Business & Arts District. The guidebook includes three sections: Context and Analysis, Community Process, and Guide for Change

LEVELS OF ENGAGEMENT:

Small-scale: "I'm keeping it simple. I am only interested to learn about the project and history." What to read: Refer to sections 01 & 02.

Medium-scale: "I'm wavering on the idea of getting more involved. I'm interested to learn about the context of the Chamberbrook Business & Arts District and understand the process undertaken to create this guidebook." What to read: Refer to sections 01–03.

Large-scale: "I'm all in! I'm interested to learn about the context of the Chamberbrook Business & Arts District, understand the process undertaken to create this guidebook, get inspired by design visions, and discover ways to get involved in envisioning the future of the Chamberlayne Ave. corridor." What to read: Start from the beginning and don't stop until you've reached the end!

PROJECT TEAM

Chamberbrook Business & Arts Business Association

• Aisha Bullard, Esq. Founding Director

Storefront for Community Design

• Shawn Balon, Executive Director

Hanbury

• Nick Cooper, Design Director

• Marcos Borjas, Designer

Tactile Studio

• Philip Miller, Founding Director

Form Coalition

• Jodi Dubyoski, Founding Director

LIFT

• Michele Banks, Executive Director

NEIGHBORING RESIDENT AND CIVIC ASSOCIATIONS

Northside RVA Promotes community in Richmond's Northside neighborhoods: Barton Heights, Battery Park, Ginter Park Terrace, etc.

Lewis Ginter is usually associated with the creation of North Side, but he died in 1897 and wasn’t around for the construction of the neighborhoods. Ginter donated land for Union Theological Seminary on Brook Road, and the seminary remains the architectural center of the area with its unique red-brick facade. Construction of the neighborhoods began in the first decade of the 20th century with the mansions on the 3500 block of Seminary Avenue. The work on Bellevue and Laburnum Park began around 1894, when John Pope, who had purchased the farmland that now comprises the two neighborhoods, had the Bellevue Arch constructed as an imposing and welcoming entrance.

Founded in 1909, the Ginter Park Residents Association (GPRA) works to support the neighborhood by defining, representing and advancing the interests of the community with respect to public safety, education, social activities and historic preservation, and to maintain the area’s charm and beauty as Lewis Ginter envisioned more than 100 years ago.

The GPRA is a volunteer civic association organized to serve all individuals residing within the Ginter Park Residents Association boundaries, including Laburnum Park and Ginter Park. GPRA is an inclusive organization designed to promote and foster a healthy, open, and welcoming community by (a) connecting neighbors, (b) preserving the neighborhood’s historic character, and (c) promoting social activities and civic involvement.

VISION AND VALUES

• Promotes open conversations about neighborhood issues, and seeks to understand residents concerns and desires.

• Pursues solutions and actions supported by residents.

• Monitors and informs residents of private initiatives and public policies significant to Laburnum Park and Ginter Park.

• Promotes public safety within our neighborhood.

• Manages development while ensuring livable density and maintaining architectural integrity and the character of our historic neighborhood.

• Supports a sense of community and pride of place by encouraging responsibility and involvement among all residents.

• Develops and maintains positive relationships with civic organizations and government agencies to support our neighborhood.

A Return to Glory.

THE GATEWAY TO DOWNTOWN RICHMOND Chamberbrook is a movement dedicated to re-establishing the Chamberlayne Avenue and Brookland Park Corridor as the premier community of Northside RVA by providing residents essential resources, generating sustainable growth, and reinforcing an overall sense of community.

01INTRO

Introduction 02 Location 04 Project Background 06 Project History 08

2020 Chamberbrook Event 10

Goals & Objectives 15

02CONTEXT & ANALYSIS

Neighborhood History 15 Why the Project is Important 16

Zoning Analysis - Residential 20 Zoning Analysis - Office & Commercial 21 Historic Properties 22

Lots and Parcels: Existing Conditions 24 Valuation 28

Infrastructure 29 Chamberlayne Avenue 30 Hope Alley 31 W Brookland Park Boulevard 32 Surrounding Neighborhoods and Civic Associations 33 Ginter Park 34 Brookland Park 35

03COMMUNITY PROCESS

The Spectrum of Public Engagement 37 Community Engagement 38 Meeting #1 39 Meeting #2 40

Direct Outreach to Business Owners 42 Community Survey 44 Demographics 45

Look & Feel 46

Chamberbrook 48

The Elephant in the Room: Cars 49 Programming 50

Community Engagement - What's Next? 52 Community Engagement Resources 53

04GUIDE FOR CHANGE

01 The Gateway 63 Site of Intervention 64

Creating the Gateway 66 Intersection Paint Information 68 Alternatives in Long-term Transit 70

02 Hope Alley 73 The Alleyway 74 A Vibrant Hope Alley 76 Mural Information 78 Gateways and Tents 80

03 Hope Alley Market 83 The Backyard 84 Hope Alley Market 86 Market Items Information 88 Custom Pavilion 90

04 Hope Alley Vision 93 Re-imagining for the Future 94 The Market as a Catalyst 96 Paving Information 98 Market Planning Information 100 05 Pollard Park 103 Pollard Park 104 Creating the Park 106 Pollard Park 108 Park Activation 110

06 Residential Improvements 115

The Future of Residential #1 116 Live/Work Units 118 Live/Work Unit Information 120 The Future of Residential #2 122 Townhomes 124 Townhouse Information 126 The Future of Residential #3 128 Accessory Dwelling Units 130 ADU Information 132 Planting Information 134

07 Commercial Improvements 139 The Future of Commercial #1 140 Arts and Business Incubator 142 The Future of Commercial #2 146 An Urban Farm? 144

08 The Vision 153 Larger Vision 154 The Vision 55

Neighborhood Problems 56 Sites of Intervention 58 Themes of Impact 60

INTRODUCTION

In September 2015, the City of Richmond commissioned a Neighborhood Plan for the 520-acre area including VUU and the Chamberlayne Industrial Center. An Urban Design Associates team was selected to conduct this study and led the planning through a process-based engagement approach. During the making of this vision, the future of the neighborhood surrounding Chamberlayne Avenue and Brookland Park came into question. This Guidebook expands on the planning of the Chamberlayne corridor and engages the residents to understand the possibilities of the neighborhood.

LOCATION OF CHAMBERBROOK IN RICHMOND

PROJECT LOCATION

Chamberbrook is located at the intersection of Chamberlayne Avenue and Brookland Park Boulevard. The specific area has been identified because it is not part of any of the adjacent neighborhood associations, nor is it included in the VUU Chamberlayne plan immediately to the south. From a planning standpoint, it is overlooked, and yet it is full of commercial properties with development potential as the neighborhood and city continue to change.

NORTHSIDE

SOUTHSIDE

EAST END

SCOTT'S ADDITION

WEST END

DOWNTOWN RICHMOND

PROJECT BACKGROUND

The intersection of Chamberlayne Ave. and W. Brookland Park Blvd is Richmond’s gateway from the North. Historically, the Northside used to be one of the main stops for tourists and a neighborhood that was connected to Richmond via streetcar system.

As a community based effort, partners, neighbors and designers have been collaborating to inform business and arts growth in the corridor.

The Chamberbrook & Arts District seeks to bridge the gap between the award winning Richmond300 Plan and the ongoing efforts of the VUU Business District and adjacent opportunity zones such as the Care Zone Program.

DOWNTOWN RICHMOND

BROOKLAND PARK BLVD.

CHAMBERLAYNEAVE.

DIAMOND DISTRICT VIRGINIA UNION UNIVERSITY

PROJECT HISTORY

2015

• Aisha & James Bullard, owners of RUMI purchase 3000 Chamberlayne Ave and begin to form a vision of a safe and thriving Chamberlayne Ave corridor

2019

• Aisha Bullard engages FORM Coalition to create a vision for Chamberbrook as a thriving business & arts district. FORM Coalition conducts individual site studies and conducts outreach to neighboring businesses and resident associations

• HKS Architects, as part of their annual Month of Service, develops a conceptual plan for the district and a phasing strategy for moving forward. This work acts as the basis for initial decision-making and subsequent initiatives

2020

• Chamberbrook Business & Arts District and Friends of Pollard Park are incorporated as non-stock corporations

• The COVID-19 pandemic slows—but does not stop— progress. Mural is revealed on the side of the RUMI building in September

2021

• Chamberbrook Business & Arts District applies for and receives a Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) Community Resurgence grant

2022

• Project team kicks off DHCD grant to develop and deliver the Chamberbrook Business & Arts District Design Guidebook.

PHASE 1 January 2022

• Project team kicks off DHCD grant to develop and deliver the Chamberbrook Business & Arts District Design Guidebook.

PHASE 3 March - April 2022

• Community Engagement.

PHASE 5 May 2022+

• Business Grants, Monthly Markets, and continued engagement by the community.

PHASE 2 February 2022

• Site Analysis & Design Assessment.

PHASE 4 May 2022+

• Development of Design Guide.

MURAL OPENING

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

Create a unique sense of place rooted in community and culture

Create a neighborhood guidebook with design standards for public amenities along Chamberlayne Avenue; a resource and reference tool to understand process, goals, & opportunities to collaborate in any of the three long-term goal areas

Strengthen community relationships through community engagement and ongoing events such as the Chamberbrook Market and Hope Alley Night Market

Understand existing businesses’ vision and opportunities to fill gaps in community needs

LONG TERM GOALS

GOAL 1 - Strengthen Community Relationships

Objective: Create a connected place rooted in community and culture

Strategies:

• Pollard Park - Seasonal Weekly Market

• Hope Alley - Monthly Night Market

• Where We Help - Interfaith Community Support Events

• Hospitality Training and Ambassador Fellowship Programs

GOAL 2 - Transformative Placemaking

Objective: Collective asset activation of Resident Associations, Business Districts, Services/Programs

Strategies:

• Business Development and Marketing Support

• Co-op branding and market development

• Business supports, redevelopment strategies - Hotel/Gas Station/Car Wash, etc.

GOAL 3 - Economic Development

Objective:

Local Business Investment and Small Area Plan Adoption by the City

Strategies:

• Public/Private Market Partnership

• Environmental Public Art Projects

• Connecting to co-occurring projects in Richmond 300/VUU-IC/Diamond District

• Design and management strategies for Pollard Park Market and Hope Alley

Context & Analysis.

Chamberbrook has a great deal of potential within the larger region of Richmond, being situated at the gateway from Downtown and the Diamond District.

The neighborhood currently lacks public infrastructure and many other essential services. It is important to hear the community’s voice, because it knows better than anyone, the needs and in essence becomes a guide to help us create solutions.

NEIGHBORHOOD HISTORY

Chamberlayne Avenue

• Chamberlayne Avenue was historically a traveler’s highway, before the interstate highway system was constructed.

• Many of the historic buildings on the Chamberbrook corridor served as travelers’ lodging, including the old homes on the 2900 block.

• When the highway moved, commerce moved away from roads like Chamberlayne Avenue.

Streetcar Suburbs and Deed Restrictions

• The neighborhoods surrounding Chamberbrook were some of the original streetcar suburbs, a neighborhood type characterized by single-family homes, tree-lined streets, and neighborhood commercial centers.

• Many of these neighborhoods supported deed restrictions limiting home ownership to white families.

• Streetcar suburbs are at the center of many challenges across the country, as neighborhoods that were abandoned by white residents in the wake of segregation become popular again due to their architectural charm and walkability.

• Deed restrictions prohibiting the sale of properties to Black owners remain, even though they are no longer enforced.

Highlighted Text: "Thus no part of said land shall be sold, or leased to any person not of the caucasian race" ⊲

Chamberlayne

Chamberlayne

3000 Chamberlayne, RUMI Building (Former Eastern Star Home) Photo by Sandra Sellers, Richmond Free Press

WHY THE PROJECT IS IMPORTANT

Timing is everything. When an area is perceived as having potential, change happens quickly, often displacing residents and businesses along the way. With the adoption of Richmond 300 and the VUU Chamberlayne Plan, change is on the horizon. Now that the master plan is adopted, rezoning is the next step, and based on the intended land use designations, upzoning will be incentivized.

If Chamberlayne is to rise with the tide without displacing current residents and business owners who would like to stay, proactive action is needed. It is not enough to wait for development to come to the area; local business and property owners are poised to take the reins and be the change they wish to see.

CHAMBERBROOK

VUU CHAMBERLAYNE Neighborhood Plan

BROOKLAND PARK Retail Corridor

Ave Chamberlayne Ave.

Brookland Park

Chamberlayne

Brookland Park Blvd.

DIAMOND DISTRICT GATEWAY

Diamond District Gateway

ZONING ANALYSIS - RESIDENTIAL

Chamberbrook and the surrounding neighborhood are primarily residential.

Typical building & business types

• The north portion of Chamberbrook falls under R-48 (Multi-family Residential District) which allows for single, two, and multi-family.

• 70 percent of residents own their home. A recent market study shows a good portion of them are young professionals

• Most common property type are two story houses while multi-family projects are on the rise.

ZONING ANALYSIS - OFFICE & COMMERCIAL

The subsequent most popular property uses in Chamberbrook are office and commercial.

• Chamberbrook marks the beginning of the business corridor that runs through the Virginia Union University.

• The south portion falls under RO-2 (Residential Office District) which allows professional offices and UB-2 (Urban Business District) which allows retail and restaurants.

• Several properties along the intersection have also obtained special use permits for non-residential purposes.

HISTORIC PROPERTIES

TARRY-Ho - 3403 Chamberlayne Avenue

Mrs. Cleland B. Welton, Hostess

The Mulberry - 2918 Chamberlayne Avenue

The Richmond Motel - 2600 Chamberlayne Avenue

An establishment that most likely put the tourist homes out of business. The description on the back reads "Richmond Motel In the Heart of Town, 2600 Chamberlayne Avenue - ELgin 3-9647, On U.S> Route 1 and 301, Richmond 22, Virginia, 70 Modern Rooms, Tiled Baths, TV and Air Conditioning Optional. Restaurants Nearby. Easy Access to Business and Shopping Districts. Mr. and Mrs. D.D. Burton, Owners-Managers."

The Haven - 2916 Chamberlayne Avenue

"THE HAVEN, Guests, Mrs. George Deierhoi, Hostess, 2916 Chamberlayne Ave., U.S. No. 1 and 2, Phone 5-8546, Richmond, VA."

2912 Chamberlayne Avenue

The back of the postcard reads: "'The Sign of a Good Night's Rest', 2912 Chamberlayne Ave. Richmond, VA (Just 4 minutes from Business section). Rooms bright, well ventilated with outside exposure. Beds equipped with luxurious innerspring mattresses. Hot and cold bathstubs and showers. Ample parking space. Rates reasonable. Telephone, wire or write for reservations. Mrs. M.D. Pleasants, Telephone 4-3297, On U.S. Route 1."

in total:

CURRENT VALUATION

For existing property types in Chamberbrook (Out of 41):

Single Family, 15 total:

• Low $96K

• High $892K

• Avg $487K

Multi-Family, 9 total:

• Low $238K

• High $4,015K

• Avg $1,060K

Office, 5 total:

• Low $209K

• High $299K

• Avg $249K

Brookland Park

INFRASTRUCTURE

Chamberbrook currently lacks the proper public infrastructure for pedestrian, bicycle, and vehicular safety. The current infrastructure of Chamberlayne Avenue:

• is mostly car dependable and has a low walking score of 48 out of 100.

• does not currently have dedicated bike infrastructure.

• includes many unsheltered bus stops with direct access to Downtown.

CHAMBERLAYNE AVENUE

Chamberlayne benefits from a very wide corridor, however, vehicular traffic at higher speeds and narrow sidewalks make it unfriendly for pedestrians and bicyclists.

35–50 MPH Traffic

RUMI

Narrow 4FT Sidewalk

Unsafe Bus Stop

HOPE ALLEY

Hope alley is located between Chamberlayne Avenue and Seminary Avenue. It has great potential for pedestrian thoroughfare. The alley condition could also serve as secondary access to ADU’s and other uses.

Noise Buffer

Wide Alley

Natural Landscape

W BROOKLAND PARK BOULEVARD

W Brookland Park Boulevard is narrow compared to Chamberlayne Avenue, but has larger sidewalks that make it more friendly overall. The traffic speed is also lower in comparison.

01 GINTER PARK

RICHMOND'S IDEAL SUBURB

Ginter Park is named for its founder, Major Lewis Ginter, a Richmond businessman who began to develop the suburban neighborhood north of downtown in the late 19th century.

By the 1920’s his heirs had realized his dream of a gridded neighborhood with large residential lots and a streetcar line. The neighborhood is rich with a variety of architectural styles, including American Foursquare, Bungalow, Colonial, Colonial Revival, Shingle Style, Spanish Colonial, Tudor Revival, and Queen Anne.

Today the Ginter Park Residents’ Association, founded in 1909, actively promotes the neighborhood with the common mission of defining, articulating, representing, and advancing the interests of the community with respect to public safety, education, social activities, and historic preservation.

02 BROOKLAND PARK

RETAIL CORRIDOR

Brookland Park Boulevard first developed as a commercial high street as a result of the development of Richmond’s electric streetcar system in the late 19th century. By the 1920’s, it was a thriving commercial corridor, home to grocery stores, restaurants, tailors and clothiers, general stores, offices, apartments, churches, and a grand schoolhouse, now Richmond Community High School. Desegregation and the resultant white flight led to a period of disinvestment in the latter half of the 20th century, but in recent years the area has experienced a revitalization of sorts.

Today, Brookland Park Boulevard is a primary east/west commercial corridor, and a symbol of resurgence in Richmond’s North Side.

03 VIRGINIA UNION UNIVERSITY

AN OPPORTUNITY FOR EDUCATION

Virginia Union University was founded in 1865 to give the newly emancipated freedmen an opportunity for education of the mind in an ethical, religious environment. A historically black university, Virginia Union University embraces the uniqueness and contributions of the African Diaspora, celebrating the value of cultural and intellectual diversity. However, enrollment is open to all students without regard to racial background.

Community Process.

"The right to the city is far more than the individual liberty to access urban resources: it is a right to change ourselves by changing the city...The freedom to make and remake our cities and ourselves is, I want to argue, one of the most precious yet most neglected of our human rights." - David Harvey

THE SPECTRUM OF PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT

International Association for Public Participation's (IAP2) Spectrum of Public Participation was designed to assist with the selection of the level of participation that defines the public’s role in any public participation process. The Spectrum is used internationally, and it is found in public participation plans around the world.

For the Chamberbrook Business and Arts District Community Engagement, the team focused on informing, consulting, and involving the community in preliminary discussion to assist in creating the guidebook and next steps.

As the project continues, we encourage residents and business owners review the Guide for Change section and be inspired to take ownership of the engagement process moving forward to successfully achieve a community-led plan.

COLLABORATE INVOLVE

CONSULT INFORM EMPOWER

INFORM

To provide balanced and objective information in a timeline manner INFORM

What we did:

CONSULT

To obtain feedback on analysis, issues, alternatives, and decisions

INVOLVE

To work with the public to make sure that concerns and aspirations are considered and understood

CONSULT

What we did:

COLLABORATE

To partner with the public in each aspect of the decision-making

EMPOWER

To place final decision-making in the hands of the public

INVOLVE

What we did:

• Virtual Community Meeting

• In-Person Community Event

• Social Media Outreach

• Email Outreach

• Civic Association Outreach

• In-person Outreach (Residents & Businesses)

• Delivered informational flyers to local companies

• Displayed flyers on the Chamberlayne Ave. corridor and Brookland Park Blvd. commercial corridor.

• Virtual Community Meeting

• In-Person Community Event

• Community Survey

• Virtual Community Meeting

• In-Person Community Event

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

To recap, the project goals are:

• Create a Neighborhood Guidebook with design standards for public amenities along Chamberlayne Ave.

• Understanding existing businesses vision and opportunities to fill gaps in community needs.

• Strengthen Community Relationships.

• Create a unique sense of place rooted in community, history, and culture.

The goals for the team's phase of community engagement were:

• To educate residents and business owners about the project, work completed to date, and project goals.

• To receive input on design elements along Chamberlayne Avenue.

• To receive input on uses along Chamberlayne Avenue.

• To understand how residents and businesses envision this place to feel like.

• To learn about historical stories of the neighborhood and corridor.

Community Engagement Timeline

• Project Kickoff and Team Site Visit & Analysis - January/February, 2022

• Direct Outreach to Business Owners - February, 2022

• Meeting #1: Virtual Kickoff Meeting - March 5, 2022

• Community Survey - March/April, 2022

• Meeting #2: RUMI Spring Fling - April 16, 2022

• Development of Guidebook - May-August, 2022

• Launch of Guidebook - September, 2022

MEETING #1:

Virtual Kickoff Meeting, March

5, 2022

The project team hosted a virtual meeting in early March to introduce the Chamberbrook Business & Arts District to neighbors and stakeholders, kicking off the community engagement portion of the process.

• 22 people attended

• Representatives from Real Chances and the design team presented history the Chamberbrook project, and an overview of the planned engagement work and process.

Key Takeaways: What is important?

• Environmental/community health + wealth-building.

• High frequency transit, residential density, walkable streets.

• Better connections to the exciting surroundings and improving quality of life through placemaking strategies.

• More affordable housing options.

• A place for community gathering and respite; not just a place to pass through.

• Connecting residents to businesses and social enterprises addressing health, nutrition, and technology.

• Fostering a pedestrian-friendly area through placemaking that the community is excited about.

• Helping the community to be more connected and offering more resources.

• Being inspired by a vibrant street with a lot of activity. The energy is contagious.

• Making the corridor safe for people should be made a priority, not cars.

• Making drivers know they are guests in the area through proper infrastructure design.

MEETING #2:

RUMI

Spring Fling, April 16, 2022

RUMI's annual Spring Fling was an opportunity to engage with community members in a casual, conversational setting. At the event, the project team introduced preliminary concept images to the public and held casual conversations with neighbors who stopped by.

Key Takeaways:

• Neighbors would like improved safety in the corridor, both in terms of crime and pedestrian safety.

• Neighbors would like to see slower traffic on Chamberlayne Ave & Brookland Park Blvd.

• Neighbors would like to be able to walk to a commercial center.

• Neighbors are concerned about trash and noise.

• Individual conversations remain one of the best ways to both solicit feedback and get community buy-in.

DIRECT OUTREACH TO BUSINESS OWNERS

SUMMARY

Storefront for Community Design went door-to-door to businesses in Chamberbrook to connect with business owners and invite them to engage with the Community Survey. This effort was not very successful, underscoring the difficulty that Real Chances has experienced in bringing the corridor business owners together. This may be due in part to the nature of the businesses, where the business owners are not necessarily on site during the business day.

It will be critical to engage other business owners, but efforts also cannot wait for them. Continued engagement should be part of the long-term strategy, and an ongoing plan should be operationalized, ideally with the District Director leading.

COMMUNITY SURVEY

SUMMARY

• 91 responses

• An online survey was conducted during the months of March and April. Participants were asked to share their opinions and experiences related to the development of Chamberbrook as a pedestrian-centric commercial corridor. The online survey included the following overview. The pages that follow are the results from the 91 responses.

Who We Are:

The Chamberbrook Business & Arts District of North Side RVA is a grassroots effort by longtime Richmond residents, community organizations, and designers. Since 2018, we've engaged international entrepreneurs, artists, business owners, and any and all neighbors in conversations about how to build our community!

An area of focus includes the intersection of Chamberlayne Ave. and W. Brookland Park Blvd, Richmond’s gateway from the North. Historically, the North Side used to be one of the main stops for tourists and a neighborhood that was connected to Richmond via streetcar system. Chamberbrook seeks to bridge the gap between the award winning Richmond300 Plan and the ongoing efforts of the Virginia Union University (VUU) Business District and adjacent opportunity zones such as the Care Zone Program.

What We’re Doing:

As a recent Virginia Statewide Business District Resurgence Grant Recipient, Real Chances, Inc. is collaborating with Storefront for Community Design, Hanbury, Form Coalition, Tactile Studio, and LIFT to engage North Side residents and business owners to achieve the following short term goals:

1. Create a unique sense of place rooted in community and culture.

2. Strengthen community relationships through community engagement and ongoing events such as the Chamberbrook Market and Hope Alley Night Market.

3. Understand existing businesses' vision and opportunities to fill gaps in community needs.

4. Create a neighborhood toolkit with design standards and action items for public amenities along Chamberlayne Avenue.

Please take 5 minutes to complete the following survey by Friday, April 22. Your feedback and ideas will be extremely helpful in building a future vision for the Chamberbrook Business and Arts District. Learn more at www.chamberbrook.com

Watch the virtual kickoff meeting: www.storefrontrichmond.org/events/#past-meetings

DEMOGRAPHICS

What is your age?

91 Responses ● 13–17 ● 18–30 ● 31–45 ● 46–60 ● 61+ Gender? 89 Responses ● Female ● Male ● Transgender Female ● Transgender Male ● Non-Binary

How would you best describe yourself? 89 Responses

American Indian or Alaska Native

Asian

Black or African American

Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander

Count of in which neighborhood do you currently reside?

Battery Park

Brookland Park

Edgehill/Virginia Union

Edgewood

Ginter Park

Ginter Park Terrace

Other

Northern Barton Heights

Southern Barton Heights

LOOK & FEEL

In order to gauge how respondents engage with different types of commercial and cultural destinations, we asked them to consider the following images when answering questions about their shopping and entertainment habits.

Neighborhood Center Commercial (i.e. Brookland Park Boulevard, Carytown)

Suburban Town Center (i.e. Short Pump Town Center, Stony Point Fashion Park)

Downtown/Central Business District (i.e. Broad Street Downtown Corridor, Downtown Richmond)

Urban/Warehouse District (i.e. Scott's Addition, Manchester)

Where do you primarily shop for necessities (groceries, medicine, etc.)?

● A mix of two or more of these

● Downtown/Central Business District

● Neighborhood Commercial Center

● Online

● Other

● Suburban Town Center

● Urban Warehouse District

Where do you most often like to go for casual entertainment (eating out, grabbing a drink, etc.)?

● A mix of two or more of these

● Downtown/Central Business District

● Neighborhood Commercial Center

● Other

● Suburban Town Center

● Urban Warehouse District

Where do you most often like to go for a special occasion?

● A mix of two or more of these

● Downtown/Central Business District

● Neighborhood Commercial Center

● Other

● Suburban Town Center

● Urban Warehouse District

Where do you most often like to go for a retail shopping experience?

● A mix of two or more of these

● Downtown/Central Business District

● Neighborhood Commercial Center

● Online

● Other

● Suburban Town Center

● Urban Warehouse District

Where do you most often like to go to experience Arts & Culture?

● A mix of two or more of these

● Downtown/Central Business District

● Neighborhood Commercial Center

● Suburban Town Center

●Urban Warehouse District

● VMFA

Where do you most often like to go to hang out with friends?

● A mix of two or more of these

● A public park or other green space

● Downtown/Central Business District

● Home

● Neighborhood Commercial Center

● Other

● Suburban Town Center

● Urban Warehouse District

Where do take visitors when showing them the Richmond area?

Select your top two.?

● A tour of historic locations like Jackson Ward, Church Hill, Shockoe Bottom, Monument Ave

● Museums & Cultural Events

● Neighborhood Commercial Center

● Other

● Public parks (including the James River Park System)

● Urban neighborhoods like Scotts Addition and Manchester

CHAMBERBROOK

We asked respondents about their specific experiences in the Chamberbrook district: Do you feel safe in the Chamberbrook Corridor? 91 Responses ● Yes ● No ● Sometimes

THE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM: CARS

While many of the people surveyed indicated that they prefer to walk, bike, or walk safely along Chamberlayne Ave., the current reality is that most people get around primarily by car.

This is consistent with national trends: In 2017, fifty-three percent of Americans reported they would prefer to live in a walkable neighborhood than one with larger properties, up from 48 percent in 2015. (Source: National Association of Realtors)

What does this mean for future development? The Richmond300 plan designates this corridor as Corridor Mixed-Use, prioritizing transit-oriented development. Our survey results substantiate this future vision for the area.

In the immediate future, new development should keep in mind this future vision. Best practices for walkable urban design include prioritizing pedestrians, buildings built to the sidewalk with large storefronts, on-street parking that helps to act as a traffic-calming instrument. Large surface parking lots should be avoided, and parking structures considered as a supplementary measure only if the demand cannot be met by improved public transit and safe routes for walking and biking. Refer to the Guide for Change section for additional ideas to create a vibrant mixed-use corridor.

What is your primary form of transportation?

PROGRAMMING

Our community partners included survey questions around the specifics of programming Pollard Park and of creating a neighborhood market, with the intention of starting a market to serve as an incubator for neighborhood businesses. Our community partners were looking for feedback on the types of market vendors and events that neighbors would like to see.

It should be noted that a small number of respondents (4%) disapproved of the idea entirely.

On a scale of 1 to 5 (1 being least important and 5 being most important), please rank the types of vendors you would like to see if this neighborhood had a weekly or monthly market.

● Strong positive responses

● Strong negative responses

Food & Beverage 91 Responses

Fruits & Vegetables 91 Responses

Home Goods 91 Responses

Finance & Housing Options 91 Responses

Clothing & Accessories 91 Responses

Health & Safety 91 Responses

On a scale of 1 to 5 (1 being least important and 5 being most important), please rank the types of activities you would like to see in Pollard Park located at the intersection of Chamberlayne Ave. and W. Brookland Park Blvd.

Fitness Class Options 91 Responses

Arts & Crafts 91 Responses

Movie Nights 91 Responses

Faith Based Gatherings 91 Responses

Pet Play Area 91 Responses

Music/Concerts/DJs 91 Responses

Guided

Cooking Demos & Sampling 91 Responses

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT - WHAT'S NEXT?

The community engagement completed by the project team helped to develop the guidebook, but additional efforts are needed from the community-at-large to move the project into the next phase. As Chamberbrook continues to be envisioned, it is critical to begin focusing on smaller areas to guide change in the business and arts district. The next section provides a guide for change with initial ideas for Chamberbrook. We hope that the guide for change section will inspire you to take action, get involved, and help create a community-led process to continue envisioning and revitalizing the corridor.

Hope Alley Chamberlayne Avenue Streetscape & Urban Design

Pollard Park

COMMUNITY DESIGN & ENGAGEMENT RESOURCES

BOOKS

• Design as Democracy, Techniques for Collective Creativity; Edited by David de la Pena, Diane Jones Allen, Randolph T. Hester, Jeffrey Hou, Laura J. Lawson, and Marcia J. McNally

• Design Justice: Community-Led Practices to Build the Worlds We Need; Sasha Costanza-Chock

• The Art of Gathering: How We Meet and Why it Matters; Priya Parker

• Walkable City: How Downtown Can Save America, One Step at a Time; Jeff Speck

• The Death and Life of Great American Cities; Jane Jacobs

• Tactical Urbanism: Short-term Action for Long-term Change; Mike Lydon, Anthony Garcia, Andres Duany

DIGITAL RESOURCES

• Richmond's Guide to Being a Good Neighbor; City of Richmond (https://www.rva.gov/sites/default/files/2021-06/Richmond%27s%20Guide%20to%20Being%20a%20Good%20Neighbor%20-%20Web%20 Copy.pdf?fbclid=IwAR1n48OOyfBg6Q0XLil-njJvmdmCKAMU5e7m6QYArVwizI4b2R7AMKZsdnc)

• Tactical Urbanism Toolkit; Storefront for Community Design + mOb studio (https://tohumankind.com/tactical-urbanism)

• Sidewalk Cafe Guidelines; City of Richmond and Storefront for Community Design (https://nacto.org/docs/usdg/Sidewalk_Cafe_Guidelines_richmond.pdf)

• iap2 Resources; International Association for Public Participation (https://www.iap2.org/page/resources)

• Community Tree Resources: Reforest Richmond (https://www.reforestrichmond.org/community-tree-resources)

• Field Guide to Creative Placemaking; Trust for Public Land and City Parks Alliance (https://cityparksalliance.org/resource/creative-placemaking-guide/)

• Blackwell Community Design Handbook: Local Design Strategies; AIA Virginia Emerging Leaders in Architecture (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VqHTVAoVT-f51dhop_d-KteV5aMI8GcJ/view)

• Streetmix; Streetscape Design Tool (https://streetmix.net/-/1958631)

• Property Owner Toolkit: Restoration, Tax Questions, and Home History; Historic Richmond (https://historicrichmond.com/property-owner-toolkit/)

• Parkology.org: Becoming an Advocate for Public Land; Trust for Public Land

• Community-centered economic inclusion: A strategic action playbook; Hanna Love, Jennifer S. Vey, William Taft, and Elizabeth Demetriou (https://www.brookings.edu/essay/community-centered-economic-inclusion-a-strategic-action-playbook/)

CITY OF RICHMOND RESOURCES

• Richmond 300 Master Plan (https://www.rva.gov/planning-development-review/master-plan)

• Urban Design Committee (https://www.rva.gov/planning-development-review/urban-design-committee)

• Commission of Architectural Review (https://www.rva.gov/planning-development-review/commission-architectural-review)

• Urban Design Guidelines (https://www.rva.gov/sites/default/files/Planning/PDFDocuments/PlanningPreservation/UDC/UDC_ Guidelines.pdf)

Guide for Change.

How does one find the potential in a neighborhood? The guide for change offers many possibilities from a live, work, and play perspectives. Thanks to the community engagement and the Chamberbrook International Market, we are able to respond at the many voices of the residents and business owners, to help create a vision for the neighborhood at all scales.

THE

VISION

How can Chamberbrook become a place that people come TO and not just THROUGH?

The Guide for Change explores the rich cultural history of the neighborhood and offers multiple ways in which the residents, associations, groups, and the city can make a collective impact. One of the most essential goals of the Chamberbrook masterplan is to empower the people of the neighborhood. This means providing the knowledge and design tools necessary to make impact. This is why this section is called a Guide. Because it not only shows the potential of the neighborhood from a live, work, and engagement perspective. But also provides instructions, resources, and costs to facilitate small scale projects for those interested in making change.

INFORM

To provide balanced and objective information in a timeline manner

CONSULT

To obtain feedback on analysis, issues, alternatives, and decisions

INVOLVE

To work with the public to make sure that concerns and aspirations are considered and understood

COLLABORATE

To partner with the public in each aspect of the decision-making

EMPOWER

To place final decision-making in the hands of the public

HOW TO READ THE GUIDE FOR CHANGE

The Guide for Change is organized through sites of intervention. The team identified the immediate areas of need in the neighborhood based on the feedback from the community engagement sessions. The ideas shown in the guide are not site specific, so they can apply in any other properties or streets in the neighborhood and outside of it. To clearly demonstrate the potential of Chamberbrook, we took real photos of the existing conditions and visualized ideas in them to have a clear before and after. Finally, the images point out where to locate supporting documents and instructions in the book for the strategies utilized, this to empower individuals groups interested in making change.

COLLABORATE INVOLVE CONSULT INFORM EMPOWER

POLLARD PARK

SITES OF INTERVENTION

05 POLLARD PARK

THEMES OF IMPACT

A GATEWAY TO RICHMOND

Historically, Chamberlayne Avenue in Northside was a vital spot for tourism; a main stop for tourists on their way to the City of Richmond. It used to be connected to the city by the electric streetcar, which carried many daily commuters into the city and back. Today, as it was then, the area continues to be home to many families and contains a large number of single-family homes. Chamberlayne Avenue also continues to carry a large volume of commuters into Downtown, but the prevalence of the automobile has choked out public transport and walkability. With focused attention on celebrating and improving its many urban elements - commercial spaces, a park, a key traffic intersection, and institutional buildings - Chamberbrook can restore this former vitality to make Northside a gateway to Richmond once again.

Placemaking

The same opportunities to revitalize Chamberbrook as a gateway can make it a better place to be in general: due to heavy car traffic and the almost complete lack of pedestrian accessibility, Chamberbrook is nearly always a place to pass through rather than one to stop in and enjoy. The area contains many potential public spaces and underdeveloped community resources.

Pollard Park is one such place: a large park that's hard to access, hence it hardly sees visitors on a daily basis outside of public events, despite its location nested within a thriving community of single family homes along Brookland Park Boulevard. note: confirm; what's the makeup of the dwellings around Pollard? anything other than single fam? townhomes? dweller demographics?

Small Business Opportunities

There are already multiple local vendors that have carved out opportunities for themselves within the Chamberbrook area and display their products in parks, parklets, and sidewalks. However, an examination of the placemaking potential of Chamberbrook immediately reveals many opportunities for dedicated spaces for the community's small business owners. There are opportunities for both permanent and temporary, eventbased commerce, in tandem with placemaking and tactical urbanism opportunities to design flexible, lightweight furniture to allow them to vendor elsewhere. The proposal also offers up live/work spaces for these stakeholders, especially for international stakeholders.

International Tourism

Chamberbrook hosts an international-themed event, International Markets, every first Sunday of the month at Pollard Park.* The event is full of international cultural activities, vendors, and ways to learn from other cultures, but is mainly geared to international makers and small business owners. Chamberbrook continues to add vitality to the district by supporting international stakeholders through providing sales opportunities and spaces in addition to international-themed dwelling units. *from July to October 2022 at the time of writing

Local Art

Street art is one of the most essential characteristics of Richmond. The city has an abundance of wall murals, ground murals, and street sculptures produced by local artists. Richmond is also home to the VCUarts, one of the most highly regarded collegiate institutions for the Arts in the world, which is located near the Arts District in Jackson Ward and Monroe Ward. The impact of street art is already felt at Chamberbrook, in the presence of a large wall mural on the southern facade of the RUMI building. Chamberbrook's status as a gateway to Richmond can provide inspiration to a new wave of street art: a large canvas for street art and sculpture that local artists take over to create a much-needed sense of place and vibrancy, presenting itself as a welcoming entry to the artistic scene of Richmond.

Children and Play

Children's access to art, nature, and a variety of people is essential for their growth and character building. Current conditions in the Chamberbrook area make this type of access difficult. A major part of the reason for rendering the streets and public spaces of Chamberbrook more pedestrian and bike friendly is that they need to be accessible to people of all age groups, including children. In addition, there are many other opportunities for introducing play and child-friendly design into the area. Pollard Park, specifically, is an ideal location for a shaded playground.

Public Events

Pollard Park is becoming a venue for community events, despite not containing the most basic public park infrastructure - benches, walking baths, lighting - and despite it being inadequately accessible due to heavy traffic. These events have nonetheless gained significant traction and displayed the potential of further developing the sense of community, culture, and place throughout the Chamberbrook Area.

Safety

The lack of a sense of safety at Chamberbrook isn't confined to accessibility issues. The gunshot that killed Amiya Moses at the age of 12 was the moment that sparked this effort for radical change, yet Chamberbrook continues to be subject to multiple safety issues. For all its potentials and successes already, and for all the hope for its future, it remains an area riddled with drug dealership, prostitution, and other activities that threaten the safety and security of individuals and communities. This initiative purposefully and directly addresses communal safety through spatial design and revitalization.

01

The Gateway

Placemaking

Local Art Safety

SITE OF INTERVENTION

Chamberbrook is home to one of the busiest intersections in Richmond. Unfortunately, what defines the neighborhood is a gas station despite a daily traffic of 18,000 vehicles. The neighborhood's location along Chamberlayne Avenue, makes it the Gateway from northside into downtown Richmond. Our challenge was to rethink and transform the perception of this busy street into a destination, a place that tells people Chamberbrook is here.

BROOKLAND PARK BLVD.

BIKE LANE = CAR LANE 25–40MPH

UNCOMFORTABLE PARK ENTRY

CREATING THE GATEWAY

Murals represent a calm placemaking strategy across the arts scene of Richmond. For this intervention we thought of the intersection as a piece of art where people would drive and recognize Chamberbrook. The mural helps pedestrians by making the street more safe. Repaving the intersection with brick would make traffic slow down while the bright colors would alert drivers. This street mural would be produced by local muralists. The sample shown here comes from one of many murals that already exist in northside.

A

INTERSECTION PAINT INFORMATION

TOTAL PLANTING AREA: 3,000FT

TOTAL PAINTING AREA: 10,833FT

• 5 Gallon Paint Containers Needed: 38

• Paint Cost $13,300

• Other Supplies + Labor $25,000

• Approximate Mural Cost $38,300

THE COST OF CREATING A MURAL:

What is the cost of creating a mural at the intersection? We have compiled several different examples from across Richmond and other cities to get an idea of the project cost for a street mural in Chamberbrook. The diagram above also provides the square footage takeoff in terms of paving and planting which a contractor can utilize to determine the specific cost of the project.

SUGGESTED STREET PAINT: 7310 White Alkyd Low VOC Traffic Marking Paint This is an acetone based, heavy duty marking paint formulated for excellent film build and better resistance to traffic wear and weather. RAE’s line of Low VOC Alkyd Marking Paints are designed for commercial use by professional contractors, municipalities and military use.

APPLICATION METHOD: Brush, roller or spray machine (except Fast-Dry)

SURFACES: Asphalt, concrete, and brick

USES: For parking lots, fire lanes, centerlines, crosswalks, warehouse aisles, bike lanes, curbs and medians, roads and highways, handicap parking, airport runways, running tracks, and arrows and markings Low VOC marking paints are made with Acetone (an exempt solvent) to comply with EPA and state regulations and the Federal Clean Air Act for VOC compliant coatings.

Cost: 350$ Per 5 Gallons

Available Colors: White/Yellow/Blue/Red

Yield: 90 Sf/Gal Or 450 Sf Per Container

JACKSON WARD MURAL, PAVING, AND PARKLET

Project Size: 6,250 SF Cost: $40,000

EAST CHATTANOOGA MURAL AND PARKLET Project Size: 10,750 SF Cost: $60,000

HILLSIDE BASKETBALL MURAL

PROJECT SIZE: 10,351 SF COST: $12,000

ALTERNATIVES IN LONG-TERM TRANSIT

The speed at which traffic moves down Chamberlayne Ave is uncomfortable for pedestrian travel. This condition forms a barrier that discourages movement from one side of Chamberlayne to the other, and at the district scale, between Pollard Park and Hope Alley. In order for Chamberbrook to work as a pedestrian center, slowing down traffic and providing safer pedestrian travel is paramount.

Expanding even further, the design of the Chamberbrook Corridor is an opportunity to think about reconnecting the Northside with the Greater Richmond area, as part of an expanded network of transportation options.

The following diagrams describe the existing streetscape and its dimensions, and put forth some possibilities that could reshape how people move through the District.

⊳ Existing Conditions

Traffic is fast and uncomfortable for pedestrians; sidewalk infrastructure and plant life needs better maintenance.

⊳ 2 Traffic Lanes with a Bike Lane

Slow the double lane traffic and allow space for a bike/ scooter lane

⊳ 2 Traffic Lanes with a shared Pulse Lane

Reconnect Northside to the rest of Richmond with an added shared bus lane and reduced overall speed limit.

⊳ 1 Traffic Lane, 1 Parking Lane

A single parking lane can add relief for those who wish to park close and walk to various events in the area. The parking lane (permanent or temporary) could serve as a buff between pedestrian and traffic.

⊳

1 Traffic Lane, Dedicated Pulse Lane, & Bike Lane

This option makes room for a wide range of transportation modes, making movement through the area easer and safer. The pace of traffic is slowed, and the District is allowed to become more of a destination for live, work, and play, rather than a place to drive through

Hope Alley

Small Business Opportunities International Tourism Public Events

HOPE ALLEY

Parallel to the busy Chamberlayne Avenue is a residential alley used for back of house access and waste disposal. The locals are concerned on the current state of the alley as an attraction of violence, drug use, and prostitution. Because the alley was designed for utilitarian uses, there is very little incentive to improve the existing conditions. The alley's driveway is deteriorated along with fencing that needs improvement.

THE ALLEYWAY

HOPE ALLEY

Despite all the challenges, the alley holds a great deal of potential as a public amenity. Unlike Chamberlayne Avenue, which is car oriented, the alley is very quiet with lots of greenery and few cars passing by. If we begin to think of this as an opportunity for arts, culture, activities, food, and music the alley could become a place for hope and the future of Chamberbrook as a successful and vibrant community.

A VIBRANT HOPE ALLEY

PG.

80 GATEWAY

HOPE ALLEY DIMENSIONS:

• Length 1,130 Feet

• Typical Fence Height: 6 Feet

• Hope Alley Total Fence Area: 13,560 Squared Feet

PAINT SAMPLE 01: Valspar  Duramax Tintable Latex Exterior Paint + Primer (1-Gallon) Cost: 53.98$ 1 Gallon Coverage: 400 Squared Feet 100% Acrylic, Premium Paint

PAINT SAMPLE 02: Valspar Pro Storm Coat Satin White Exterior Paint (1-Gallon) Cost: 33.98$ 1 Gallon Coverage: 400 Squared Feet 100% Acrylic, Weather Resistant Paint

HOPE

Approximate Total Project Costs= $8,000 - $15,000

HOPE ALLEY DIMENSIONS:

• Depth:240 Feet

• Width: 50 Feet

• Typical Fence Height: 6 Feet

• Alley-Side Fence Area: 300 Squared Feet

DIY SINGLE PROPERTY PAINT COST:

• 300 Squared Feet * 3 Coats / 400 Squared Feet = 2.25 = 3 Gallons

• 53.98$ * 3 Gallons = $161.94 Using Paint 01

• 33.98$ * 3 Gallons = $101.94 Using Paint 02

NEW FENCING UPGRADE COSTS (OPTIONAL):

Chain Link 6' High: $17 Per Linear Foot

• For Single Property $850

Wood 6' High: $23 Per Linear Foot

• For Single Property $1,150

Concrete 6' High: $63 Per Linear Foot

• For Single Property $3,150

Hope Alley Market

Placemaking International Tourism Public Events

Parallel to the busy Chamberlayne Avenue is a residential alley used for back of house access and waste disposal. The locals are concerned on the current state of the alley as an attraction of violence, drug use, and prostitution. Because the alley was designed for utilitarian uses, there is very little incentive to improve the existing conditions. The alley's driveway is deteriorated along with fencing that needs improvement.

THE BACKYARD

MUSIC AREA

What if the backyard of the properties was re-surfaced and thought as an opportunity for the Chamberbrook market or urban farm? This image shows that vision, where food trucks can park and a large cost effective pavilion made from PVC pipes offers vendors some shade and infrastructure for gathering. This offers a very unique experience where arts and business can take place in the neighborhood but rooted in its tight communal history.

THE MARKET

MARKET ITEMS INFORMATION

WHERE TO HAVE SIGNS MADE LOCALLY:

Custom Ink 804 419 5651

Converge Signs Plus 804 373 3123

Custom Sign Shop 804 353 2768

Metropolitan Sign Co. 804 233 3383

Acorn Sign Graphics 804 726 6999

Image360 Richmond Central 804 270 4003

Carousel Signs & Design Inc. 804 620 3200

Dominion Sign Company 804 346 8922

CUSTOM WOODWORKING IS BETTER SUITED FOR:

• Outdoor Art Gallery/Installation (Perm/Temp)

• Custom Shelving

• Sign Structure/Wayfinding

CUSTOM TABLE COVER Price Range: 110-150$

Shape Options:

• Rectangle

• Square

• Round

Cover Styles:

• Table Throw

• Fitted

• Spandex

• Open Corner

• Crossover

• Skirt

• Runner

Sizes:

• 4'L X 24"W X 30"H

• 6'L X 29" W X 30"H

• 8'L X 29"W X 30"H

Back Side Options:

• Open Back

• Closed Back

• Closed Back With Zipper

Material Options:

• Standard Polyester

• Waterproof Polyester

• Spandex

• Premium Spandex

Sure Hand Signs 804 316 6526

Sprint Signs & Vehicle Wraps 804 741 7446

Sir Speedy Print 804 358 8500

RVA Graphics & Wraps 804 355 1568

RVA Banners 804 266 7691

Uptown Neon 804 358 6243

Signscapes Inc. 804 980 7111

Korman Signs 804 262 6050

• Place Making In Tandem With Gateway/Aframe

• Custom Vendor Tables

CUSTOM FLAGS

Shape Options:

• Feather

• Teardrop

• Concave

• Rectangular Sizes:

• 1.6' x 6.5'

• 2' x 7.9'

• 2.3' x 11'

• 2.6' x 13.5'

Price Range: 30-50$

Base Options:

• Cross Base & Pole

• Cross Base w/ Water Bag

• Ground Stakes & Pole

Material Properties:

• Lightweight

• Portable

• Water Resistant

CUSTOM BANNERS

Sizes:

• 2' x 5'

• 2.5' x 6'

• 3' x 6'

• 4' x 8'

Price Range: 80-100$

Stand: 50-60$ Banner: 40-50$

CUSTOM UMBRELLAS

Sizes:

• 8.5 Feet Diameter

Price Range: 90-180$

Banners

Umbrellas

Hope Alley Vision

Placemaking International Tourism Public Events

HOPE ALLEY VISION

RE-IMAGINING FOR THE FUTURE

Part of the aim of the Chamberbrook Business and Arts District is to create new or improved public spaces for people to go to, enjoy, interact with, endure within, and advocate for. Programming these spaces with cultural and communal experiences will encourage people to enjoy the area by walking, biking, shopping, meeting their neighbors, and enjoying the green space that Northside has to offer. The use of tactical urbanism allows for creative ideas that can inspire a stronger sense of place. Change begins from a vision, this guidebook provides a holistic view of how the backyards and alley could come together.

If the alley becomes a gateway for the Chamberbrook Market and the backyard of the residences turn into a destination. This would help transform Chamberbrook into a walkable neighborhood that brings people from all over the city every month. Currently, the market takes place in Pollard Park, and it's been successful in bringing international vendors into Northside. As it continues to expand, this guidebook provides a vision for its growth as a means of creating a very unique experience.

COST OF RE-SURFACING

Type: Asphalt Roads Concrete Roads Gravel Areas Synthetic Surfaces Pavers

Cost: $3.5 Per Square Foot $4.75 Per Square Foot $0.90 Per Square Foot $12 Per Square Foot $15 Per Square Foot

COST EFFECTIVE MIX OF MATERIALS

SAMPLE LAYOUT: ALL AT ONCE

Food trucks, seating, and vendors are all open and visible at once in this option. Public is able to enter from the a-frame gateway or the residential driveway along Chamberlayne.

SAMPLE LAYOUT: THREE ROWS

Each row consists of a different activity, seating, food trucks, and vendor tents. The vendor tents sit back to back so people are able to move freely.

Adjacent Property

Pollard Park 05

POLLARD PARK

As the most prominent green space in Chamberbrook, Pollard Park is largely underutilized. The park’s size, topography, and various tree species make it an excellent space for gathering, but the lack of furniture and infrastructure cannot support any specific function. At night, Pollard Park becomes a dangerous place for the residents due to the lack of pathways and lightning.

POLLARD PARK

HIGH SPEED ENTRY

NO SIDEWALKS

NO SEATING AREAS

LACK OF THRASH CANS

LOW LIGHTING

POLLARD PARK

CREATING THE PARK

The revitalization of Pollard Park starts with the essential components of a park; benches, picnic tables, and paved walkways are at the baseline of design provisions for the park. A long term strategy would be adding proper sidewalks and lightning along the entries of the park. All of these design conditions make a beautiful, and perhaps necessary, urban public space for the neighborhood and the wider Richmond community at all times of the day and year.

OUTDOOR FOOD BBQ MUSIC

CHILDREN GAMES

POTENTIAL MARKET?

HANGING LIGHTS MURAL PROJECTION

PARK ACTIVATION

PARK AREA: 4.11 ACRES OR 180,000 SF

Track Length: 1,598 FT

5' Wide Track Area: 7,990 Squared Feet Park Perimeter: 1,760 FT

COST OF SURFACING

Type: Finish Grading Asphalt Track Concrete Track Clay Track Gravel Track Synthetic Track

Cost: $0.3 per Square Foot $3.5 per Square Foot $4.75 per Square Foot $7 per Square Foot $0.90 per Square Foot $12 per Square Foot

COST FOR LIGHTING

Type: Heavy Gauge Rope

Industrial Cable Sleeve

Light Suspension Kit

String Lights Installation TOTAL:

Green Section: 40% 1,753 FT

Yellow Section: 26% 1,150 FT

Red Section: 34% 1,375 FT

Estimate for 7,990 SF Track $2,397 $27,965 $37,953 $55,930 $7,191 $95,880

Cost: $3 per Linear Feet $1.9 per Linear Feet $0.4 per Linear Feet $1.5 per Linear Feet 50 Percent Of Total Cost

Estimate for 4,278 FT Total $12,874 $8,128 $1,711 $6,417 $14,565 $83,024

ASPHALT AND CONCRETE TRACK:

Pros:

• Low cost

• Roads provide a firm, responsive surface to run on all year round, making them great for faster running.

Cons:

• Impact forces transmitted tend to be greater when running on the road. Calves and shins can start to become sore.

CLAY AND CINDER TRACK:

Pros:

• These natural running tracks use a combination of fine ash, carbon, and rock. The composition results in a softer surface, making them comfortable to run on.

• Clay and cinder also have a minimal force impact on body joints

Cons:

• Bad weather often renders these natural tracks useless.

• Clay and cinder tracks require constant maintenance to continue serving their purpose.

GRAVEL TRACK:

Pros:

• Gravel has one of the lowest surfacing costs, it is also easy to compact and it drains very well.

• It is easier to walk on this product with a variety of footwear.

Cons:

• Gravel can wash away, so it requires yearly maintenance

• Weeds can grow in gravel, therefore it needs a good boundary between grass.

• Not a premium material like synthetic surfaces.

SYNTHETIC TRACK:

Pros:

• Synthetic tracks provide a reasonably forgiving surface, that does not require as much.

Cons:

• In long curves on every lap, ankles, knees and hips are put under more stress than usual. Longer runs also become very tedious.

PARK ACTIVATION

POLLARD PARK - 4.1 ACRES

BROWN'S ISLAND - 6.6 ACRES

CONTEXT

POINTS OF INTEREST

POINTS OF INTEREST

POINTS OF INTEREST

4.1 acres

acres

6.6 acres

6.6 acres

Former helipad

Former helipad

Entry terrace, stairs Concert venue

Entry terrace, stairs Concert venue

CONTEXT

MONROE PARK - 9.9 ACRES

LIBBY HILL PARK - 10.1 ACRES

POINTS OF INTEREST

9.9 acres 10.1 acres

9.9 acres 10.1 acres

Pergola Coffee shop

Pergola Coffee shop

Former statue; place of activism Luther Libby House

Former statue; place of activism Luther Libby House

GREEN AREAS & PATHS

Residential Improvements 06

RESIDENTIAL IMPROVEMENTS

THE FUTURE OF RESIDENTIAL #1

As Chamberbrook grows and develops, there will be a need to accommodate and upgrade the existing housing market. This is largely due to the residential shortage in the City of Richmond as people continue to migrate south from Washington DC. Because Northside provides more affordable housing options, we have explored multiple residential opportunities along different properties in the neighborhood. This so the existing residents can rethink their own properties and benefit from the ongoing migration.

RESIDENTIAL IMPROVEMENTS

LIVE/WORK UNITS

The live/work unit provides a fantastic opportunity for a much needed residence that is not commonly found in Richmond. This housing type combines a small office space on the ground floor and a mezzanine used for living on the second floor. In this property we studied a simple three story live/ work unit that provides a rooftop terrace overlooking toward the city. The panels are meant to be customizable for the residents and can accommodate business branding in a very creative and flexible approach.

ROOFTOP

PG. 134 URBAN GARDEN

LIVE/WORK UNIT INFORMATION

What is a live/work unit?

A live/work unit is defined as a single unit (e.g., studio, loft, or one bedroom) consisting of both a commercial/office and a residential component that is occupied by the same resident. The live/work unit is the primary dwelling of the occupant.

What are the design criteria for a live/work unit?

1. The live/work unit is permitted to be not greater than 3,000 square feet in area.

2. The nonresidential area is permitted to be not more than 50 percent of the area of each live/work unit.

3. The nonresidential area function shall be limited to the first or main floor only of the live/work unit.

4. Not more than five nonresidential workers or employees are allowed to occupy the nonresidential area at any one time.

5. Storage can be provided, but not the total squared footage cannot exceed 10 percent of the total area.

How must egress be provided within and from a live/work unit?

The means of egress components for a live/work unit shall be designed in accordance with the Virginia Construction Code. Spiral stairways are permitted in live/work units.

Can a live/work unit be detached?

A detached dwelling unit would simply be considered a separate dwelling. Live/Work Units are classified as Group R-2 occupancy.

What fire protection systems are requirements for a live/ work unit?

The live/work unit shall be provided with a monitored fire alarm system and an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with the Virginia Construction Code. Floor openings between floor levels are permitted without enclosure.

Interior Samples

TYPICAL SPECIFICATIONS:

Typical Lot Size

Width: 18–25 Feet

Depth: 85–120 Feet

Area: 1,520–3,000 Squared Feet Or 0.04–0.07 Acres

Unit

Typical Unit Size: 1,000–3,000 Squared Feet

Building Dimensions

Width: 18–25 Feet Depth: 35–55 Feet Height: 25–40 Feet Floors: 2–3 Stories

Density

Net Density: 14–29 Units Per Acre

Gross Density: 11–20 Units Per Acre

Parking Parking Ratio: 1 Per Unit

Ideal Setbacks:

Front: 10–25 Feet

Side: 0–12 Feet

Rear: 30–60 Feet

Accessory: 10–20 Feet

TYPICAL FLOOR PLAN

RESIDENTIAL IMPROVEMENTS

Running parallel to Chamberlayne Avenue is a suburban neighborhood with single family detached homes. Most of these residences are not affordable with prices averaging from $500,000 to $1,500,000. In this scenario we asked, what if we could provide a much denser residential product that goes along with the existing feel of the suburban neighborhood but also taking a hint from the Chamberbrook market?

THE FUTURE OF RESIDENTIAL #2

RESIDENTIAL IMPROVEMENTS

TOWNHOMES

Townhomes provide an excellent market opportunity that is both economical and family oriented. In this vision, we are showing adjacent three story townhomes with a custom porch and a balcony. The residences would be designed with materials that are weather resistant, while keeping the design of the home simple for construction. On the other hand, the outdoor spaces would be vibrant and become an opportunity for neighborhood branding.

CUSTOM PORCH

HISTORIC PORCH

PG. 126 TOWNHOMES

TOWNHOUSE INFORMATION

What is a townhouse?

Townhouses are a style of multi-floor home that share one to two walls with adjacent properties but have their own entrances.

What are the design criteria for a townhouse?

1. Buildings should be separated at least 8 feet from driveways and parking spaces where facing windowed walls.

2. A maximum of two vehicle access points.

3. Townhouse units shall have an individual entrance, with entrance vestibules, canopies or porches to give identity to each unit and provide weather protection.

4. Every lot containing a townhouse should provide a private yard of at least three hundred twenty square feet.

What are the advantages of townhomes?

• Townhouses provide great value for money. In the same neighborhood, townhomes have been shown to be more affordable than single-family homes.

• Townhome residents pay lower property taxes than those in conventional homes.

• Typically, townhouses are managed by property management companies. Therefore, the exterior upkeep of your house is also taken care of by the homeowners association.

Interior Samples

TYPICAL SPECIFICATIONS:

Typical Lot Size

Width: 25 Feet Depth: 110 Feet Area: 2,750 Squared Feet Or 0.063 Acres

Unit

Number Of Units: 1

Typical Unit Size: 1,750 Squared Feet

Building Dimensions

Width: 25 Feet Depth: 35 Feet Height: 28 Feet Floors: 2–3 Stories

Density Net Density: 16 Units Per Acre Gross Density: 12 Units Per Acre

Parking Parking Ratio: 1 Per Unit

Ideal Setbacks: Front: 10 Feet Side: 0 Feet

TYPICAL FLOOR PLAN

RESIDENTIAL IMPROVEMENTS

The guidebook provides alternatives for future housing but what about construction next to historical properties in Chamberbrook? In the following vision we introduced ADU's as a possible solution for existing property owners. Where a small house can be placed in the backyard and rented to another individual to generate an additional monthly income. This would also help activate the alley while adding space for tenants, guests, or future family members.

THE FUTURE OF RESIDENTIAL #3

RESIDENTIAL IMPROVEMENTS

In this vision we are showing a two story accessory dwelling unit providing enough space for a single family or two tenants. The ADU could be lightly customized on the exterior with a PVC structure on the porch used for shading and a simple color palette on the window trims and doors reminiscent of the Chamberbrook Market. Solar panels can also help the home's energy consumption off grid while reducing the electric bill in the long-term.

ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS

PG. 132 ADU'S

ADU INFORMATION

What is an Accessory Dwelling Unit?

An “Accessory Dwelling Unit” is defined in the 2018 Virginia Residential Code as, “A dwelling unit in a two-family dwelling that is accessory to the primary dwelling unit. An accessory dwelling unit provides for separate living, sleeping, eating, cooking and sanitation facilities for one or more occupants, but may share living space, means of egress, utilities, or other components. An accessory dwelling unit fully complies with the requirements of this code for a dwelling unit except where specified otherwise.”

What are the design criteria for an ADU?

ADUs are required to comply with all of the applicable design criteria in the Virginia Residential Code. Light, ventilation, heating, room areas, ceiling heights, sanitation, toilet, bath, and shower spaces, EEROs, etc., are all required within an ADU. As the definition states, “An accessory dwelling unit fully complies with the requirements of this code for a dwelling unit.”

How must egress be provided within and from an ADU?

Egress within an ADU must comply with Section R311 Means of Egress in the Virginia Residential Code. The definition of an ADU provides the opportunity for a shared means of egress between the ADU and the primary dwelling. August 18, 2021

Can an ADU be detached?

Although detached living structures are commonly referred to as ADUs, the new USBC definition only includes ADUs that exist within a two-family dwelling. That can be an attached ADU with a shared wall, an interior conversion of an attic, basement, or other room to an ADU, an above-garage converted space, or a garage that has been converted to an ADU. For USBC purposes, a detached dwelling unit would simply be considered a separate dwelling.

Are ADUs required to be fire-separated from the primary dwelling?

Townhouses are a style of multi-floor home that share one to two walls with adjacent properties but have their own entrances.

Interior Samples

What fire protection systems are required in a non-separated Two-Family Dwelling with an ADU?

What fire protection systems are required in a non-separated Two-Family Dwelling with an ADU?

TYPICAL SPECIFICATIONS:

Typical Lot Size

Width: 40 Feet Depth: 80 Feet Area: 3,200 Squared Feet Or 0.07 Acres Unit

Typical Unit Size: 750–1,200 Squared Feet

Building Dimensions

Width: 20 Feet Depth: 35 Feet Height: 24 Feet Floors: 1–2 Stories

Parking Parking Ratio: 1 Per Unit

Ideal Setbacks

Front: 1–10 Feet Side: 1–12 Feet Rear: 20 Feet

TYPICAL FLOOR PLAN

PLANTING INFORMATION

Dependent on your space size, your ability level, or even just the amount of time you’re willing to invest, the following example capture the various ways/scales that you can use to start your own garden.

WHERE TO BUY SEEDS

Dependent on your space size, your ability level, or even just the amount of time you’re willing to invest, the following local businesses near Chamberbrook can help you start your own garden.

HomeGrown VA 1704 Arlington Rd Richmond, VA 23230

Happy Trees Agricultural Supply 1020 N Arthur Ashe Blvd Richmond, VA 23230

Azalea Garden Center 1320 Westbrook Ave Richmond, VA 23227

6 MIN

USE LOCAL RESOURCES

24 MIN

5 MIN 3 MIN

17 MIN 12 MIN

Community Roots Garden 150 E Hooper St Richmond, VA 23222

Stranges Florist & Garden Center 3313 Mechanicsville Turnpike Richmond, VA 23223

8 MIN

53 MIN

There are already several well-established, successful community gardens near Chamberbrook, below are a few to use as a reference

7 MIN 3 MIN

15 MIN 12 MIN

Boaz and Ruth Community Garden 1203 Giles Ave Richmond, VA 23222

PLANTING SEEDS

Container gardens are a great option for those who are renting and need a portable garden, or for those who have little to no green space to grow food outdoors. They are also a low-cost way to garden since they require less fertilizer and water to maintain due to size alone. Practically anything can be used as a “container;” Items such as terracotta pots, burlap bags, or five-gallon buckets can be easily purchased at a store. Ideally, a good container will have a small number of holes (about a quarter inch in diameter, every two to three inches around the bottom) to allow for proper water drainage. Containers made with solid walls (such as plastic) will typically hold more moister longer than containers made of natural materials (such as coconut coir or burlap), meaning they will not need to be watered as often.

PLANTING BUDS

Raised beds are a great option for growing more or larger vegetables. They’re also more accessible for those in a wheelchair or for anyone who may have disabilities that prevent them from getting down low or bending over.

Ready-made raised beds are available for purchase at most big-box stores and garden centers, but they can be a costly investment. For the more budget-conscious or eco-friendly gardener, many items can, again, be repurposed into a DIY raised bed. For example, a bookshelf can be turned on its side and filled with soil or an old tire can be simply placed on the ground and filled with soil. Even hay bales or cinder blocks arranged into a square work well! This website provides some great insights on inexpensive materials and safety measures to consider when constructing your own raised garden bed: https://www. flowerpotman.com/gardening-for-the-elderly-and-disabled/makingraisedgarden-beds/

PLANTING BLOSSOMS

Lastly, for anyone who is looking to dive head-first into growing their own food, below are just a few key tips in establishing your garden:

• Wood chips and cardboard are natural weed suppressants, making great, chemical-free alternatives for clearing land for your garden.

• Mulch is often over-looked in gardening, but it is crucial for success! “Mulch” is any organic material that you lay directly on the soil to feed it with nutrients, protect it from erosion, stop weeds from sprouting, and lock in moisture.

• Collect your own rainwater to keep water bills down! Simply direct your gutters/drainpipes into covered containers to catch any rain fall and use it to water your garden. This is better for plants since it has a high nitrate content.

PLANTING INFORMATION

The last crucial factor to consider is the time of year to begin planting. Some plants are considered more “tender,” and can’t withstand low temperatures, while others are more “hardy” and can better tolerate colder temperatures. In either case, frost dates help determine the earliest and latest dates that you can plant in the spring and fall, respectively. For zone 7B, the first frost is in mid-November and the last frost is in mid-April, though keep in mind that frost dates are only guides for what is “typical” in a given area and can vary slightly from year to year.

Many seeds can be started inside to get a jump start on their growing season, ahead of the last frost, in order to maximize the harvesting period. The following chart shows examples of plants that thrive in zone 7B and the approximate times to start/sow/transplant the seeds outdoors (indicated in orange) and about when they are ready to harvest (indicated in green). For a more extensive guide about frost dates or what to plant when, visit: https://www.almanac.com/gardening/planting-calendar

Commercial Improvements

COMMERCIAL IMPROVEMENTS

Chamberbrook is known for its retail corridor plans along Chamberlayne Avenue because it marks the intersection between residential and commercial use. As the market develops and grows, an opportunity exists to develop small business incubators focused on arts that are not being offered anywhere else. The City of Richmond is known for the VCU School of the Arts, one of the best arts programs in the country. As the art industry continues to grow, what if Chamberbrook offered small affordable spaces for upcoming artists and minorities continuing the Brookland Park corridor?

THE FUTURE OF COMMERCIAL #1

COMMERCIAL IMPROVEMENTS

Custom panels, urban farming, and a pavilion installation all define the arts business incubator scene in Chamberbrook. This vision shows a building that can be transformed and rearranged to occupy up to six different tenants. The custom panels can be painted over by artists or owners to reflect their branding in a continuous mural, while the rest of the building is kept as a canvas.

ARTS AND BUSINESS INCUBATOR

ARTS & BUSINESS INCUBATOR INFORMATION

What is a business incubator?

A business incubator is an organization designed to help nascent businesses develop their products and services as they’re just starting out. They may be funded through local municipalities or economic development organizations.

What are the design criteria for a business incubator?

1. The average size of a co-working space in North America is 9,799 SF with an average capacity of 100 people.

2. Private workspaces require on average 150 SF.

3. Open workspaces demand on average 125 SF.

4. Conference rooms need 50 SF, plus an additional 25 SF per seat.

What are the existing types of business incubators?

• Academic institutions: Many business incubators are run by universities or have academic affiliations. Some programs work with university students, while others accept cohorts of young companies.

• Non-profit development corporations: Both non-profit and government agencies use incubators to stimulate economic development. These programs may specifically accept companies geared toward public welfare.

• For-profit property development ventures: Larger corporations develop many incubators for various purposes. These programs may be an investment opportunity or a way to fund subsidiaries, develop technology or find partnerships.

• Venture capital firms: Some venture capital firms establish incubators as an investment opportunity. These incubators may invest in startups in exchange for equity or offer funding further along in the program.

What is the process of building a business incubator?

A business incubator is considered an office space in accordance with the Virginia Construction Code. Therefore it is designed under the constraints of an office, but tailored towards collaboration.

Interior Samples

PROGRAM SPECIFICATIONS:

Optimal Lot Size

Width: 110 Feet Depth: 100–120 Feet Area: 3,250 Squared Feet or 0.07 Acres

Tenants

Building Size: 3000SF

Number of Office Spaces: 3-6 Spaces Occupancy: 30 Max

Building Dimensions

Width: 35–55 Feet Depth: 80–100 Feet Height: 20–24 Feet Floors: 1–2 Stories

Parking Parking Ratio: 1 Per 300SF

Ideal Setbacks

Front: 0–10 Feet Side: 0–12 Feet Rear: 30–60 Feet

TYPICAL FLOOR PLAN

COMMERCIAL IMPROVEMENTS

The intersection between Chamberlayne Avenue and Brookland Park is defined by a BP Gas Station. The station has not been renovated for quite some time and throughout the day it causes a lot of traffic and contributes to the car oriented design of the neighborhood. As part of this guidebook, we offered multiple visions where the gas station is transformed into other alternatives that would benefit the neighborhood such as an urban farm, supply story, public mural, restaurant, or even a farmer's market.

THE FUTURE OF COMMERCIAL #2

AN URBAN FARM?

AN URBAN FARM?

Producing fruits and vegetables locally in Chamberbrook. Repurposing gas station facilities to serve the purposes of the farm and a farmers’ market.

Producing fruits and vegetables locally in Chamberbrook. Repurposing gas station facilities to serve the purposes of the farm and a farmers' market.

Given the community need for local fruit and vegetable provision, urban farming would be a valuable new design intervention in Chamberbrook. Urban farming, or urban agriculture, is the act of cultivating and distributing food in or around urban areas. It is a very effective and increasingly implemented strategy across the globe that has transformed public spaces in urban areas over the years.

Given the community need for local fruit and vegetable provision, urban farming would be a valuable new design intervention in Chamberbrook. Urban farming, or urban agriculture, is the act of cultivating and distributing food in or around urban areas. It is a very effective and increasingly implemented strategy across the globe that has transformed public spaces in urban areas over the years.

The gas station is a terrific site to establish an urban farm. Existing structures and infrastructures could support its needs, host a permanent farmers' market site, and even contain a small restaurant or bar to perhaps help fund the farm.

The gas station is a terrific site to establish an urban farm. Existing structures and infrastructures could support its needs, host a permanent farmers’ market site, and even contain a small restaurant or bar to perhaps help fund the farm.

canopy over work stations / farmers’ market gas station shop >> storage / admin

car wash >> restaurant/bar

HASSELL Melbourne, Australia

Urban Coffee Farm and Brew

The orientation of the site means that most of the unoccupied ground is conveniently located to the south of the station's canopy, so that part of the site receives direct sunlight year-round. The northern side is usually shaded by the canopy, especially during the evening or during colder months when the azimuth (direction of the sun) is lower.

The northern part is therefore freed and dedicated as a public plaza while the planters would be concentrated to the south. Fruit trees line up the site on existing green areas where appropriate.

The orientation of the site means that most of the unoccupied ground is conveniently located to the south of the station’s canopy, so that part of the site receives direct sunlight year-round. The northern side is usually shaded by the canopy, especially diring the evening or during colder months when the azimuth (direction of the sun) is lower. The northern part is therefore freed and dedicated as a public plaza while the planters would be concentrated to the south. fruit trees line up the site on existing green areas where appropriate.

canopy

bar/cafe

plantations

plantations plaza storage

admin picnic tables

tree orchard on existing green

N pallets

A COMMUNITY SPACE?

A SUPPLY STORE?

Building an enclosure enclosing the canopy. Connecting the two existing buildings. r

LOCAL RESTAURANTS?

Preserving and reprogramming all structures. Using the canopy as a shading device for seating.

Tandem Bakery, Portland,

Mini Mart City Park, Georgetown, WA Courtesy of goCstudio and SuttonBeresCuller

Breadbox

A PUBLIC MURAL CANVAS?

Allowing people to paint the ground and walls.

A NEW BUILDING?

Thoughtfully developing the site into a new building that addresses market demands. Creating a public plaza by integrating the existing canopy.

Canal Mural Walk Richmond, VA

Rancho Market Mural Project Richmond, CA

The Vision 08

THE VISION

Changing a whole neighborhood requires stakeholders at all levels of involvement from residents to businesses to investors and the overall support from the City of Richmond. This guidebook provides the essential tools in understanding the potential in the neighborhood of Chamberbrook from the community engagement sessions and re-imagining the areas of need based on the residents' feedback. What follows is continuing with the engagement session and understanding the opinions of the public based on the strategies shown.

LARGER VISION

05 POLLARD PARK REVITALIZATION