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| San Diego's first urban park(let) debuts next month on 30th Street in front of Caffe Calabria. NPMS image. |
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| NP Main Street images viaTim Hardy/Flashpoint photography |
GUEST BLOG—By North Park Main Street--Parklets are coming to San Diego’s historic
North Park neighborhood in early June, but what is a Parklet?
Parklets
are the temporary use of space that are dedicated for the public’s use in the
form of benches, tables, greenery and otherwise transforming public spaces such
as parking spaces, unused bus stops, and other types of vehicular zones.
San
Diego’s first Parklet will take up two parking spaces in front of Caffé Calabria,
and will provide a place for the public to take a break from the bleak asphalt
of the city. Ribbon cutting is expected
early June, says NPMS, exact date will be announced soon.
It’s
being designed by local architect, Christopher Bittner, who has invested his
time and eye for detail for San Diego’s first Parklet. Bittner, who was recently named 2012 Alumnus
of the Year at New School of Architecture and Design (NSAD), has been involved
in many local projects.
According
to the NSAD, Bittner has served as a volunteer board member with North Park
Main Street since October 2010. His firm, obrARCHITECTURE, was an active
participant in the development of the Sustainable North Park Main Street master
plan, and Bittner owns and operates an art gallery in North Park that supports
local artists. About 70 percent of his architecture and design projects are for
local nonprofit organizations.
In
larger cities, such as San Francisco, New York City, and Los Angeles, Parklets
are already commonplace and add more space for pedestrians, café patrons, and
boutique shoppers alike to bask in and enjoy more of the outdoor space.
This
new demonstration program, which was spearheaded by North Park Main Street
staff Angela Landsberg and Kevin Clark and supported unanimously by the North
Park Planning Committee, will give the City of San Diego the opportunity to
assess firsthand the social and economic benefits that are accrued from
sidewalk extension infrastructure. There will be pre-installation surveys and
post-installation surveys conducted at the Parklet locations.
End
of Guest Blog.
Resume
regular blogging:
What is North Park Main Street?
North
Park Main Street is a Business Improvement District (BID) in San Diego,
California and is a joint program of the City of San Diego, the San Diego BID
Council, and the National Trust for Historic Preservation. It is primarily a
volunteer based organization. The North Park BID is a non-profit corporation
dedicated to the revitalization of the North Park neighborhood in San Diego. To
do such, it follows the Main Street Four Point Approach TM, Design, Economic
Restructuring, Organization and Promotion. North Park Main Street embarks on
many ambitious and worthy endeavors, all aimed at bringing new life and a
lasting vitality to North Park.
Who is Christopher Bittner?
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| Ray Street's C. Bittner |
Bittner,
who earned his Bachelor of Architecture from NSAD in 1997, has 18 years of
experience in all phases of architecture and planning. He is a principal of the
firm obrARCHITECTURE, which Bittner started in 2008 with two partners, Garrick
Oliver and Anney Rosenthal-Hall. His work includes residential and school
building projects, civic and government facilities, historic rehabilitation and
commercial and planning projects.
Known
for his community service, Bittner has served as a volunteer board member with
North Park Main Street since October 2010. His firm, obrARCHITECTURE, was an
active participant in the development of the Sustainable North Park Main Street
master plan, and Bittner owns and operates an art gallery in North Park that
supports local artists. About 70 percent of his architecture and design
projects are for local nonprofit organizations.
Bittner
is a member of the American Institute of Architects and the National Council of
Architectural Registration Boards. At NSAD, Bittner has served as an adjunct
faculty member and regularly serves as a juror providing critiques of student
projects.
Ace Website Photos.
North
Parkers familiar with NP Main Street’s website know we’re preaching to the
choir when we state NPMS’s website showcases the excellent photography of Tim
Hardy. His is some of the best night
urban photography this blog has seen in quite a while. Image of Pekin Café is amazing!!! Check out the website and see what we mean. North Park Main Street website: http://northparkmainstreet.com/
For a fun short, short film by North Park Main Street visit:
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