At the January 17th Castroville Dreamin' workshop, one day was devoted to Downtown Planning, and one table covered this topic. Three groups discussed this topic throughout the day. The questions below seek to continue this community dialogue. Add your thoughts, through the lens of Houston Square, by Sunday March 17th.
Heart & Soul of the Community
It's indisputable that St. Louis Catholic Church is everyone's favorite photo op. And so many community events center around the Square, it really IS the heart and soul of the community.
Ideas for Improvement
Exploring Activation Ideas
Below are four layouts exploring various ideas for Houston Square, to help think outside the box.
As the existing buildings downtown are reactivated with more new businesses, how could Houston Square be most impactful for Downtown? These ideas are inspired by similarly-sized downtowns and urban planning best practices for plaza activation. If an idea doesn't resonate for you, consider what about it would need to change to make it work better for Castroville's Houston Square... Share your ideas and brainstorm with the community in the question box to the right.
Defined Edges
Defined Edges
Defined edges around Houston Square with space for new businesses and events.
Activation: Open-air shed buildings along the square on Madrid and Angelo create a more active pedestrian environment between the buildings. Shed-like buildings allow easy setup for vendor markets by not requiring individual tents to be set up.
Parking: Of the estimated existing parking spaces at Houston Square, 75% would remain in this configuration. Defined edges of the Square provide additional parallel parking along surrounding streets.
Business Space, Pavers
Business Space, Pavers
Defined edges around Houston Square with space for new businesses and events. The central plaza has more paved public space.
Activation: Small buildings along the square on Madrid and Angelo create space for new business and a more active pedestrian environment between the buildings. Businesses can face the plaza incorporating outdoor seating, and can also face the parking. Paving makes public space more flexible for movable patio seating, push-cart vendors, small stage setup, or other uses. Open public space is interesting and comfortable with places to eat, drink, and socialize nearby.
Parking: Of the estimated existing parking spaces at Houston Square, 75% would remain in this configuration. Defined edges of the Square provide additional parallel parking along surrounding streets.
Adjoining Street
Adjoining Street
Defined edges around Houston Square with space for new businesses and events. The central plaza has more paved public space. One side of the plaza adjoins a side street to abut business and buildings there.
Activation: The plaza could even adjoin with one of the surrounding streets, shrinking the street width and connecting pedestrians on the plaza and the lawn, to the nearby businesses. Paris Street may not be the right street but the drawing is an example of this idea.
Small buildings along the square on Madrid and Angelo could create space for new business and a more active pedestrian environment between the buildings. Businesses can face the plaza incorporating outdoor seating, and can also face the parking. Paving makes public space more flexible for movable patio seating, push-cart vendors, small stage setup, or other uses. Open public space is interesting and comfortable with places to eat, drink, and socialize nearby.
Parking: Of the estimated existing parking spaces at Houston Square, 75% would remain in this configuration. Defined edges of the Square provide additional parallel parking along surrounding streets.
More Businesses
More Businesses
Defined edges around Houston Square with even more space for new businesses and events. The central plaza has more paved public space.
Activation: Buildings along the square on Madrid and Angelo could create space for new business and a more active pedestrian environment between the buildings. This idea explores even more density. (On the top left is a rendering of a context-sensitive design of a 4-5 story building.) Businesses on the first floor can face the plaza incorporating outdoor seating, and can also face the parking. Paving makes public space more flexible for movable patio seating, push-cart vendors, small stage setup, or other uses. Open public space is interesting and comfortable with places to eat, drink, and socialize nearby.
Parking: Of the estimated existing parking spaces at Houston Square, 75% would remain in this configuration. Defined edges of the Square provide additional parallel parking along surrounding streets.
Other Downtown Topics
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Courtyards & Connections
Taming Hwy90
Main Streets
Contact Us
Have questions or want to learn more about this project, contact the team at
| amanda@popkenpopups.com |
