Location: Hamilton, Ohio
Original Completion Date: February 2010
Part 1
&
Part 2
This post is the review and wrap up of Hamilton Crossings Retrofit. It is a look at key elements of the model, notable items and a generalized evaluation of the work. There is also discussion on influences on other models and ideas gathered from this exercise where possible.
Buildings:
Since the buildings and designs are based on the Hamilton Plaza model, its primarily a like for like evaluation. The designs are more simple and rudimentary, though that works out better for a conceptual design. Later models show more detail being put into the buildings and layout, though currently speaking this is a double-edged sword that will be described as the blog moves forward.
There is slightly more variation on the building facades, textures and materials compared to Hamilton Plaza. However, the changes are somewhat minimal and typically found at significant corners of the buildings. Still, it provides some variation and contrast to the site overall. The shapes of the buildings have their variations, but like Hamilton Plaza, its consistently rectangular buildings oriented perpendicular to primary and existing shopping center. Of course, this is to keep some visibility for the existing but there could have been more variation from the "rectangle".
Aside from that, the buildings reasonably fit with the shopping center and could work in terms of Route 4's existing conditions. Heights are kept to three stories maximum and minor variations in roof layouts and accents are found. Color and material use is primarily neutral and "acceptable" with the use of brick, mute reds, beige, white and moderate use of dark gray.
Businesses/Uses:
The uses of Hamilton Crossings Proposed are to compliment the existing business, surrounding area and offer new uses to the Hamilton proper. Business names are virtually fictional and indeed, there are more
Otherwise, various names and uses can be ignored or imagined as something completely different. As stated before in the blog the models, buildings, business names, everything is to generate thought, and inspire (and amuse and entertain to certain extents).
Business Names and Uses:
"Main Street" North Building 1
Canal "Catina" - Bar and Grill (Supposed to be "Cantina")
Samarkand - Cultural/Heritage Venue
Cake & Carnivals - Cake & Bakery
ActiV LiVe - Fitness Store
"Main Street" North Building 2
Nu Librarian - Bookstore
Hobbies & Jobbies - Office Supplies and Hobby Vendor
Borrowed Time - Antique Store
"Main Street" South Building 1
Midnight Oil Cafe
We Olde Tavern - Pub
Pizza Your Mind - Pizza Vendor
Resto Health Shop
The Snack Pack - Snack Vendor
"Main Street" South Building 2
Wholesale Foods Farmer's Market
World Wide Wines - Wine Shop
Lux Lumina - Jewelry Shop
Crossings South BuildingFrom a Different Cloth - Cloth Shop
Fisherman's Horizon - Fishing and Outdoor Gear Vendor
Big Bang Urban Brain - ? (Homage shop to the planning profession)
Botanical Bay - Flower and Gardening Shop
11 Alarm Chilihouse - Chili Restaurant
Crossings North Building
Grilling and Filling Sandwich Shop
Speedway
While there is quite a variety of businesses and uses, there might be some that think certain uses aren't complimentary to the shopping center. The cultural resource and the clothing shops might be questionable. Incidentally the former represents an institutional land use, a rarity amongst the 3D models I've created. Additionally, Hamilton Crossings at present has institutional uses within it, though far less esoteric and vague than "cultural/heritage venue".
Another issue pertaining to the uses is the clustering of restaurants. Unlike Hamilton Plaza, Hamilton Crossings has some restaurants and food vendors in and immediately adjacent to the shopping center, so this is a valid concern in some respects. On the other hand, the restaurants shown vary in size and product and serve to enhance the shopping center and the miniature "main street crossings". Aside from this, most of the uses serve their purpose, complimenting the shopping center, giving choice to customers and creating a diverse commercial venue.
There is also the issue of how certain uses turned out, specifically the gas station. The typical questions concern having the building host the gas station pumps and the expense and likelihood of creating it. Admittedly, expenses and feasibility do come to mind with each 3D model project, but part of the purpose of the models is to just pose "what if" or "how it could have been done". Having a gas station in a building was something observed in other projects and I wanted to bring it to this model. What primarily inspired this was the Kroger gas station at the Shoppes of Hamilton next door (perhaps a 3D model of that is in order...). In terms of the gas station in the proposal, it may have worked better to have a standard building in front and closer to standard gas pump structures behind it. Appropriate signage would be provided so drivers know of the facility.
Amenities:
Amenities vary but compliment the proposal overall. Ample benches and seating, pocketed sitting areas, plaza spaces and a healthy amount of landscaping are all present.
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| "Typhoon Eye" Fountain and Plaza |
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| Circular benches for large number seating |
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| Pocket areas with seating and moderate landscaping |
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| Book-fountain Plaza |
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| Small Rooftop Park |
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| Wood Deck Plaza |
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| Seating in front of pizza restaurant |
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| Bulletin Board Kiosk and Sculpture Bike Racks |
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| "Urban Street Sign" furniture in a recessed area |
While there are several and creative amenities, some might be out of place, unnecessary or could have been more. In front of the Downtown On Route 4, the kiosk might be more of a hindrance being in the way of both the path to the main entrance of the building and the walking space in general. The eye mosaic fountain might be seen as limiting space in front of that respective building. It serves as a reminder that just because it could be place or built doesn't always mean it should be. Sometimes things like this might be too much or they just have be arranged carefully to serve the development and the customers better.
In regards to the roof park its small and compact though some may think its too small and could have been larger. Others pointed out that having a water feature, even a small one would be too expensive or too excessive and I'm willing to consider both points. Still, in my opinion, providing the park for residents isn't that bad of an idea. It serves as a peaceful retreat and semi-private area with a view. As an aside, some later models the roof park and green roofs are experimented with more so (for better or worse depending on opinion).
Other Items/Miscellaneous:
Facade items. This wasn't completely addressed in the Hamilton Plaza review but it'll have some coverage here. Some of the businesses in the crossings model have facade items and other amenities that match the business and compliment the development overall. Big Bang Urban Brain has street sign furniture for character; Samarkand has matching color pennants draped on the upper windows and a patterned design on the side wall; We Olde Tavern has a flag pennant and striped awnings on the upper floors; Resto has a similar setup only this one using window planters with flowers matching the store colors.
Admittedly, some of these items are incredibly rare even in real urbanist or urbanist-like developments but I thought they were complimentary and attractive. Plus the tavern's pennant serves as signage in a capacity that's not typically considered be it due to zoning prohibitions, costs, or other perceived problems.
About the Crossings at Route 4 lettering.
Looking back on this, the lettering is only minimally effective and can only be salvaged as decoration. Thanks to how set back from Route 4 Hamilton Crossings (and this proposed building) is, lettering even of that size and height would be hard to see from the road for most. A slight setback but I thought it was a nice touch regardless. Its also a reminder that in several models, even later ones, signage for the development is considered but only left in placeholder form or otherwise incomplete. Something to consider for future models.
Last post in the Hamilton Crossings Retrofit series - the follow up
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