URSI 100--Introduction to the City

Build a Block

1. A nonprofit housing organization has approached your ward with an opportunity to create a demonstration project for affordable housing in your part of town. Form into groups of 4 and, using the following standards, develop a plan for 1 city block on which your group would be willing to live. Draw the plan to scale using grid paper. You will need to include allowances for street right-of-way, and alley allowances if you use them:

Minimum Population	100 persons/block
1 block	5 Acres (215,000 sf)
1 lot	8,000 sf minimum
front setback	35 ft.
side setback	5 ft.
rear setback	10 ft.
street right-of-way	60 ft.
Alley right-of-way	14 ft.

Housing specifications are as follows:

Housing Type	# persons/ unit	Sq. ft./structure	Sq. ft./parking
bungalow	4-5	1200	150
duplex	3-4	1200	300
4-plex	2-3	1600	600
8-plex	1-2	2400	1200

Evaluate each others' blocks on the criteria of attractiveness, convenience, and cost effectiveness, and bring “the best” solution forward to the Miniapple Planning Commission for approval.

2. Working with 2 other wards, combine your ideas into a district that would have at least 12 blocks. The district must have an average density of 120 persons per block (some of your blocks may have to be reconfigured), and must provide employment for at least 100 people (in addition to the required number of residences). Places of employment must include adequate parking for employees and customers.

3. Working with the other group, combine your ideas into a single neighborhood. Include whatever other "amenities" and "services" you think are necessary for a successful neighborhood (hint: schools? parks? what else?)

MSU