TALKING TO TENANTS: initial conversations DEVELOPING A SHARED VISION
In working to create change within a system made up of individuals with different needs, ideas, and objectives, it is crucial to foster engaging conversations that build mutual understanding and ability to work together. These are the first of the stakeholders with whom we had conversations and developed relationships. The insight we gained from these tenants of Whitemarsh Plaza shaped our understanding of the system, helped us develop focus, and opened the doors on unseen opportunities.
SCOTT Owner, Siciliano’s Pizza
JANET Co-owner, Wiley’s BBQ
• Takes pride in what he does • Knows his customers • Cares about his impact on his customers • Supports his employees
• Former public school teacher & competitive BBQ competitor • Widely known destination for BBQ • New restaurateur • Fast turnover but needs more seating • Environmental ambitions but costconscious • Electric bill = monthly rent
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C.J. and TERRY Owners, Whitemarsh Beverage Center
ALAN Little Saigon
• 27-year tenant • Started feeling the recession in January • Overhead sensitive • See the potential impact of recycling program
• One of the tenants who has been at Whitemarsh Plaza the longest • Has a military and construction background • Concerned about the potential for new projects to cause a rent increase
SCAD SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES IN DESIGN | SUMMER 2010 PROFESSOR SCOTT BOYLSTON