Logan Street
Mixed-Use Study
Type
Site Study
Location
Tecumseh, Michigan
Year
2024
Team
Motif Architects
Canfield Conners
Features
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Mixed Use Planning
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Mulit-Family
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Retail and Restaurant Space
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Presale Marketing
Overview
The proposed mixed-use development on Logan Street is poised to become a defining feature of Downtown Tecumseh. With its strategic location, the project promises to enhance the urban fabric by providing a pedestrian-friendly link to the community. Through thoughtfully designed breezeways, the project is connected to the market on Evans Street, shares access to the Tecumseh Library and other local businesses. The inclusion of retail spaces and a restaurant at street level is for the local economy, promising to boost commerce and breathe new life into the downtown area. Additionally, the provision of surface parking addresses the practical needs of both residents and visitors, ensuring convenience while supporting the economic vitality of the community.
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On the residential front, the project offers a diverse range of living spaces, with apartments on levels 2, and 3. These include one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and studio apartments, catering to a variety of lifestyles and preferences.
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The architectural design is a nod to the local heritage, as the building’s exterior is crafted to blend seamlessly with the urban context. This is achieved by creating a facade that mimics the appearance of multiple buildings, a vision that enriches the streetscape. The use of local masonry brick and fiber cement board siding not only pays homage to the regional architectural vernacular but also ensures durability and aesthetic appeal, setting the stage for this development to become a cherished landmark in the heart of Tecumseh.
Process
Motif Architects embarked on a collaborative venture with a local developer to ascertain the most beneficial mix of retail, restaurant, and residential spaces for Tecumseh, Michigan.
The initiative commenced with a thorough analysis of the existing site conditions, which provided a foundational understanding of the area’s current state. This was complemented by a review of the recently published Evans Street Corridor Plan, which offered insights into the city’s vision for development. The team also assessed the project’s feasibility, ensuring that the proposed plan would be viable and sustainable in the long term.
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The simulations provided valuable data on how different components of the plan would interact and function as a cohesive whole.
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In addition to the spatial design, the study also delved into the dynamics of vehicular movement and parking schemes, which are critical to the success of any urban development. The architects analyzed traffic patterns to ensure smooth flow and accessibility, while also considering pedestrian access to create a walkable and inviting community space. The result was a comprehensive plan that not only meets the needs of Tecumseh’s residents but also enhances the city’s overall livability and appeal.
Design Concept
Site planning involves strategically arranging buildings, infrastructure, landscapes, and other elements within a specific area to achieve functional, aesthetic, and environmental goals. In the context of a mixed-use development, the design concept aims to revitalize a vacant plot of land and create an inviting destination for both shoppers and travelers.
The site planning takes into account the adjacent retail project, adheres to the city’s architectural guidelines, and features landscaped areas with benches, planters, and various greenery. Notably, one of the design concepts includes a distinctive restaurant that serves as a landmark, complete with outdoor seating to welcome visitors to the downtown area.
Architectural Site Studies
Architectural site studies are important for the development of land use, specifically for impervious coverage limits, topography, building set backs, utility easements and storm water drainage, because they help to evaluate the impact of the design on the environment and the regulations that apply to the site.
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Site studies analyze the site and its context for land use development. Such exercises help guide the design of projects - like this project, by considering its physical, environmental, legal, and social aspects. They reveal the site's opportunities, constraints, potential, and community needs.
