Hamilton Plaza Wrap-Up/Review

First off, my apologies for the delay, there were a few other projects I had to complete.  Work is also proceeding on some newer Sketchup 3D models.

Without further delay, the wrap up for Hamilton Plaza 3D model.

Model: Hamilton Plaza Retrofit
Location: Hamilton, Ohio
Original Completion Date: February 2010

The first thing that comes to mind each time I see this model is the fact that I was incorrect, as this wasn't my very first urban planning retrofit/architecture retrofit 3D model (a post on that is coming).  This still doesn't take away from the other main point I gather when looking back on this model - how far I've come and how far I have to go in terms of 3D modeling in Sketchup.




Buildings:

Generally speaking the design of the buildings is rudimentary, very simple and very uniform.  Colors, design, layout, spacing, overall facade - everything is mostly simple (though I've seen plenty of real developments with far simpler and sadly very dismal designs).  As the sharing of newer 3D models continues, hopefully evolutionary patterns, so to speak, can be seen within the designs.

Most people familiar with the area that have seen the model commented that it fits fairly well with the existing and serves as a good compliment to the shopping center and Route 4 as a whole. The heights are reasonable, the building facade shows moderate variation in terms of color, extrusion and scaling.  Something that might take away from the model is the fact that the buildings almost all use some of the same color variation (save for roofing in some cases).  Though this could indicate consistency, it might be harder to discern buildings, especially without a business name tied to them.

Businesses/Uses:

In terms of businesses and uses in the project, they were selected to compliment the existing shopping center and add to the diversity for the general area.  I also used feedback and suggestions from colleagues and people willing to contribute ideas to the model on the subject.

Also, some business names are there as terrible, terrific puns.  They were included to see if anyone was paying attention (though incidentally I think these business names are light compared to what's coming).  Naturally viewers and readers will have different opinions on what was placed but that is part of the reason I started sharing the models in this format.  There is the hope that the 3D models would serve as a platform for discussion, thought, ideas and possibilities.

One thing I noted looking back on the model is that the uses are virtually all commercial/business based.  There are no offices or institutions and I found that striking given how some of the more recent 3D models turned out.  Something else, I left some of the building entrances untagged or vacant.  This happens far less in more recent models and I found it interesting as projects of this nature don't always fill out with tenants.  Its a needed reminder and something people typically don't consider when discussing or writing about suburban retrofitting, new urbanism and the like.


Business Names and Uses:

Item Shop - Grocer
Hi Score Arcade - Arcade
Velvet Room - Mini Bar
School Kids Club - School Supply Store
E*cellent Arts - Arts Store

Azuremist Flower Shop - Flower Shop
Hop Step Jump - Youth/Active Youth Clothing
W & W - Clothing & Accessories
X-Stop - Skates, Equipment, Active Life Store
Power Drive - ATV/MX

Warp Zone - Beverage/Rare Beverage Shop
Bovine University - Deli
Hearth Breads - Bakery
Beauty in Motion - Salon
First Financial - Bank (Existing Business)
Surf & Turf - Restaurant
Simm Hardware - Computer Equipment Vendor
Endzone - Sports Bar

Plus One - Infant & Young Children Shop
Cookery Time - Cooking Supply Vendor

Mahoney's Antiques - Antique Shop
BG World - ? (I forgot.  This is a good reminder to keep notes on things like this...)
Cr Corner - Snack Shop

Threads of Fate - Tailor
Fix Up Hardware - Hardware Shop
Petsmart - Pet Store (Someone else suggested it)
Blockbuster Video - Video Rental (And remember, I know what happened to them, no need to mention)
Papa John's - Pizza (Existing Business)
Blackjack - Gaming Store
Sweet Dreams - Ice Cream Shop Cafe

Walt's - Barbeque
Richard's Pizza - Pizza
Chipolte - Burrito Restaurant
Panera Bread - Bakery & Cafe
UDF(United Dairy Farmers) - Small Grocer/Ice Cream Shop

Border's - Bookstore (*See Blockbuster)

Cerele de la Bicyclette - Bicycle Shop
Jam Pad - Guitar and Music Store
Party City - Party Supplies/Vendor

Jersey Mike's - Sub shop (Ironically Subway moved in to the current/real-world shopping center)

FedEx Kinko's - Copy Shop
Wire to Wire Communications - Phone/Digital Communications Vendor

Rite Aid - Pharmacy/Small Shop
Planner-terium - Specialized Urban Planning Store (Yes I know...)



Amenities:

For the models I try to aim for exemplary amenities for customers, visitors and tenants.  Looking back on it, the Hamilton Plaza model has very good provisions even for an earlier model.  Bike racks are numerous.  There are plenty of benches for casual seating and tables for outdoor dining.  Crosswalks are very detailed so they are visible to pedestrians and drivers.  Signage exists for both drivers and for customers on foot, though admittedly they are in a placeholder type situation, no real design or text.  There is landscaping, some in a "suburban" format and others naturally in an urban format.  There is ample parking left over for cars as well.  And of course, there are the parks in the parking lots highlighted in previous posts.

Central/Entrance Blvd Park - w seating, crosswalks, sign

Showing seating, tables with umbrellas, posting kiosk

Hidden Park between Blackjack and Sweet Dreams

Showing flowers, some matching nearby businesses in color

Showing bicycle racks and looking down towards the "Water" park with its amenities

On the Parking Lots:

This is arguably the symbolic feature of the model as a whole, ironic since this is a suburban retrofit focusing on creating new buildings.  One concern about having the parking lots with parks in the middle is fairly obvious - less parking.  Granted, if the parks were removed it would equal at least a couple more rows of parking for each lot and with more parking space comes more potential customers.  However as I look at the model, I have some recent writing in mind, about how parking lot design is rarely if ever considered.  At the very least, having these thematic (though arguably ostentatious)  parks shows consideration of the parking lot as more than "just a parking lot".  People can go to the parks and relax before, during or after shopping.  The parks could serve as event spaces, either impromptu or planned.  The parks also add some character to a space that is typically no more than the clockwork sea of asphalt to hold the cars, and a void so unremarkable you can take a picture of it, assign it [insert city here], USA and virtually no one would know the difference (or really care).

This...

Versus

This...

Another concern is the other obvious fact that the parks might be considered over the top.  More "normal" green space parks might have worked better as opposed to thematic parks that are at their base incredibly large works of art.  From my view, the "Water" and "Grass" parks are the most contributing and while the "Lightning" one is a personal favorite, I can see how it and the other parks might be seen as detracting or out of place.  

Admittedly, the model may have done well with less of these parks, given the numerous pedestrian amenities and gathering places already there.  Were I to do modest revisions to the model, the parks closer to Route 4 would remain while the others would be reduced dramatically, enough to allow for more parking but still with simple items for aesthetics and greenery: trees, lighting, grass, landscaping.



Other Items/Misc:

A few hidden items in the model.  Some do contribute to the the model conceptually, but a few are there for the same reason the pun business names are there.

A little artwork outside of the Arts Store

Incidentally, I try to aim for the exterior amenities of the buildings to be reflective of the business in question.

Store windows of the Arcade made to resemble classic arcade cabinets

This could have had more detail to it but sometimes simpler is better.

Crane Game in front of the Arcade

Dressing/Clothing Mannequins viewable in the window

Outdoor dining for Surf & Turf

"Plus ONE" as seating (and 'subtle'? advertising)

Next Post - the Follow-Up for this model.