Block

RESTORATION AT THE BLOCK LEVEL

Understanding how systems work at the block level and how they tie into individual buildings and the larger community acts as a bridge for true sustainable community development.  At the block level, neighborhoods each present a unique function and personality.  Blocks and collections of blocks form identifiable areas the encourage citizens to take responsibility for their maintenance and evolution.

A broad range of housing types and price levels can bring people of diverse ages, races, and incomes into daily interaction, strengthening the personal and civic bonds essential to an authentic community.  Transit corridors, when properly planned and coordinated, can help organize metropolitan structure and revitalize urban centers.  A variety of parks and public spaces spread evenly gives definition and character connecting our blocks to buildings and the larger city.

Restoring a block must look at:

• Walkability
• A sense of place
• Social Stability
• A variety of uses
• Community involvement
• Connectivity

Sample of Block Level CityCraft Projects

OAK TERRACE PRESERVE

Pioneering Sustainable Residential Redevelopment

CityCraft team members participated as development managers from 2004-2009

In just a few years, Oak Terrace Preserve has emerged as one of the leading green residential projects in the United States, and continues to be attractive within the Greater Charleston Area housing market.  Oak Terrace Preserve is a 55-acre sustainable redevelopment project located within the 3,000 acre Noisette Master Plan of North Charleston, SC.  At completion the project will consist of approximately 300 single-family detached homes and 74 single-family townhomes.  The project is sustainable in design and implementation through a unique storm water management system including pervious surfaces and bio-retention, an extensive tree preservation program, green home building standards by Earthcraft House and its proximate location to existing services.

Oak Terrace Preserve continues to receive regional and national media coverage, bringing unprecedented recognition to North Charleston.  In 2010, the National League of Cities bestowed North Charleston with their Silver Award for Municipal Excellence in the 50,001-150,000 population category for its Sustainable Urban Revitalization Project, of which the center piece is Oak Terrace Preserve.  North Charleston was one of eight cities to be recognized for this nationally competitive award.

Oak Terrace Preserve Highlights:

• Home Depot Foundation’s Award of Excellence for Sustainable Community Development, 2009
• Best New Development, Charleston City Paper 2010
• Best New Development, Charleston City Paper 2009
• One of Nation’s Leading Green Neighborhoods, Green Builder Magazine, 2008

View more pics of Oak Terrace Preserve here

NAVY YARD AT NOISETTE

The Urban Heart of the New American City

Occupying 340 acres of the Noisette community is the Navy Yard at Noisette Development. Created with the intention of becoming the new urban core for the Charleston region. With sustainability as its core principle, the Navy Yard is combining the latest in sustainable infrastructure practices. Unlike a greenfield development, The Navy Yard has an existing, functioning infrastructure in place that is being upgraded and expanded. The redevelopment of existing historic navy structures paired with new modern buildings, will create a dramatic visual backdrop for the inhabitants. Strong meanings can be derived from the history of the Old Naval Base, an important economic and social engine for the place and region. Its prominence has demonstrated a replicable model for sustainable urban strategies where nature, commerce and habitation establish equity, effectively playing out the Triple Bottom Line concept.  Our involvement with the Navy Yard has provided us with a playbook for urban revitalization.

Navy Yard at Noisette Highlights:

• ¬†Unique 340-acre development of mixed-use property comprising the northern portion of the former Charleston Navy Base
• The Navy Yard at Noisette is located in the center of the regions core employment zone and situated in close proximity to 15 regional employers employing 35,000+
• Easy access to I-26 and I-526, airport, Boeing, Clemson Wind Turbine Facility
• The Navy Yard boasts a proven and successful commercial market with 85+ businesses and 2,500+ employees. The entire former Naval Base is now home to more then 8,000 daytime employees
• Industry base found includes high-tech, aerospace, maritime, defense, communications, manufacturing, design and professional services
• Sustainable design and construction governed by Community Association
• 3 distinct Nationally registered Historic Districts located inside Navy Yard
• Named one of nation‚Äôs ‚ÄúTop 10 – America‚Äôs Best Green-Built Neighborhoods‚Äù by Natural Home Magazine‚Äù (Jan 2008)
• LEED Neighborhood Development certification (Feb 2010)