The Jones Falls: Cultivating Connection
THE FALLSWAY
Size: 32.5 Acres
Location: Baltimore City
Status: Theoretical - Master Plan
BRIEF: The Fallsway at North Avenue imagines the future of the Jones Falls Corridor. This plan developed from a study of current and future development potential of a 7-mile stretch of the Jones Falls Valley.
This master plan spans an area roughly one quarter mile in each direction from the center point, located at North Howard Street and North Avenue. The plan makes recommendations for transit, bicycle ways, pedestrian paths and density. It envisions an adaptively reused structure at the corner of North Avenue and North Howard Street. The historically protected building would house new retail space, a gym, and medical offices. A new building to the west houses a community center for after school programs, a lifetime learning center and a place for neighborhood residents to socialize. The plan also calls for new access points to connect residents to the nearby Jones Falls Trail and Stream Valley.
Program elements were developed from a careful inventory of the surrounding area, surveys, interviews with neighborhood residents, and oneon-one meetings with Baltimore City Planning staff. Feedback was carefully analyzed and applied to the master plan. To increase density along the market corridor, mixed use buildings are proposed along North Avenue.
To address the steep grade of the Jones Falls Valley, and its unique position as an industrial urban waterway in the largest estuary in the United States, careful consideration was given to storm water mitigation techniques. A stepped rain garden acts as green infrastructure useful to neighborhood residents and useful for managing runoff
MY ROLES: Research, design development and alternate schemes, thesis document, met with community stakeholders, develop digital models and renders, diagrams and technical drawings,
N o r th A v e n u e B r id ge
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North Howard Street
Challenges: Topography and Traffic
Strategies: Improve Pedestrian Access
Process: Highlight Important Program, Increase Access, Improve Environmental Sustainability
Building As Connection: Process Sketches
Challenges: Existing Topography and Surface Parking
Strategies: Permeable Surfaces to Slow and Clean Runoff
Site Section: Terraced Rain Garden, Permeable Surfaces, Natural Vegetation and Wetland Edge
ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS:
A main element of this design proposal hinges on the Jones Falls Valley in relation to the Chesapeake Bay. The Chesapeake Bay is the largest estuary in the United States, effecting several states along the Mid-Atlantic coast. The Jones Falls drains directly into the Bay, through Baltimore’s harbor area, along with more than 150 other streams and rivers.
Because the Jones Falls runs through the inner city, and was adapted for industrial use in the late 19th century, reclamation of the water’s edge is especially important to the preservation and improvement of the Chesapeake Bay. The Jones Falls has unique potential to impact a much larger environmental system, and should aim to improve the health of the Bay. 4
Neighborhoods - The site is located at the intersection of three extremely distinct neighborhoods: Bolton Hill, Reservoir Hill and Station North.
Transportation - A number of different transportation access points are near the site; however, many are not visible, or are difficult to reach.
SITE GOALS:
Unite communities on both sides of the Jones Falls Valley, give access to neighborhood amenities, increase density,
1. New Paths + Bridges to Connect the Jones Falls Valley
2. Additional Bicycle Lanes (running east to west)
3. New Museum + Jones Falls Valley Welcome Center
4. Terraced Rain Garden + Pedestrian Stair
5. Additional Multi-Family + Student Housing
and promote beneficial activities through increased pedestrian and bicycle traffic.
6. Renovated Building (Retail / Medical) + New Building (Community Center)
7. Parking Garden / Multi-use Green Space
8. Additional Retail + Updated Pedestrian / Bicycle Path
Proposed Density Existing Density
5. 4.
2.
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1. 3. 6. 7. 8.
PROGRAM + PLAN:
The first step in developing program was an assessment of the amenities in the community. After completing the assessment, the site was evaluated for access to those amenities. Initial research led to data collection campaigns - these included interviews and surveys of residents to understand better their needs and desires for the neighborhood. Surveys were distributed with help from neighborhood organizations.
Because this location serves a very diverse population including a large population of senior citizens, college students, arts groups, and families with small children, a large and diverse set of needs was identified. Needs were mapped diagrammatically to better understand which groups used specific services, and to identify gaps in program.
Program elements were established and organized to fit into either the existing building or the new structure based on needs of light and air, privacy or public space, accessibility and complimentary uses.
Community Building
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Terraced Rain Garden Plaza