Vision and Development Principles

The vision for the Cherokee Redevelopment makes the transformation of this site, from a dilapidated factory to a vibrant transit oriented development.  The development program and the approved and adopted Urban Design Guidelines embrace fundamental principles of successful transit-oriented development, including:

Appropriately-scaled Density – integrating mixed-uses vertically and varying building height and mass

Diversity of Uses – including significant employment, housing, supportive transit retail and destination uses

Proximity & Connectedness – creating a walkable environment, connecting neighborhoods and linking to parks

Tie to Transit Asset – a direct and seamless connection to a multi-modal transit system

Focus on Street Orientation – buildings and streets depend upon one another for vitality and energy. Vibrant urban spaces result from the inspired management of cars, pedestrians and public transit.

Integrated Public Realm – Creating public spaces associated with the diverse facilities in the area represent the greatest opportunity to link, animate, and centrally organize the district.

The planning for this redevelopment has fostered a collaborative process that has resulted in a vision that celebrates public spaces, improves the environment and integrates a mix of uses.  Special attention has been directed to the design of public spaces, including streets, plazas and the pedestrian/bicycle bridges that link the two sides of the project across the railroad corridor.

The Cherokee Redevelopment project merges artistic vision, community values, affordable housing and sound economics to create a place that will stand the test of time. The result will be a spirited district that is economically and socially dynamic – a place that induces civic investment, encourages joint ventures and measurably increases land values.