COMMUNITY DESIGN > pLACE-cRAFT Residences
Good blocks are made from a good mix of building types to support people and community. Below are three residential prototypes that may be mixed to create many rich, diverse, active block combinations, as shown in Place-Craft Blocks. When coupled with Place-Craft Streets, these residential building types create complete communities that foster comfortable active transport, vibrant public street life to sustain a diverse population of people from all walks and stages of life.
Townhouses
Townhouses are the lowest density residential building type. Sited on 30' wide parcels between 60'-75' deep, and 2 stories tall, townhouses can accommodate generous 2,400-3,000 square foot layouts with 3-4 bedrooms and 2.5-3 bathrooms. Each townhouse is coupled with a dedicated two car garage that may be accessed from rear alleys. The rear alley car access allows for a continuous "bikewalk" or protected walkway and bikeway, along the front. While outdoor space is limited, each townhouse has a private roof garden above the garage, which overlooks a shared mid-block park.
Corner Flats/store
Corners are natural gathering spots and corners buildings offer a special opportunity to create community. This corner flat is a modern take on a traditional "corner store" building model, with retail at the ground floor, and compact residential flats above. Corner flats are best constructed on mid size parcels, a minimum of 75' deep by 75' wide, and about 3 stories tall. Residential units may be a mix of studio, 1 bedroom and 2 bedrooms. Residential parking is accessible on site from a rear alley. The ground level retail space is modest, about 1000-1400 sf, best suited for locally serving uses targeted to foot and bicycle traffic. Retail car parking is not accommodated on site best
Apartments
Apartments are the highest density residential building type and may be constructed on parcels 75'-90' deep and at least 100' wide, up to 5 stories tall. They can be a mix of studios, 1-bedrooms, 2-bedrooms and 3-bedroom units. Residential parking is accommodated on site, below grade in a dedicated garage. The ground floor offers active uses, such as cafes, restaurants, retail or community and neighborhood services, and are architecturally defined by arcades, seating and public amenities. The apartment directly connects to a "bikewalk", which offers direct, protected, low-stress pedestrian and bicycle ways to increase mobility options and create a comfortable and inviting public outdoor living room.