The project converted a nine-acre parking lot into an ambitious urbanist community, which revitalized a nearby natural water channel, added high density housing, retail, and integrated a walkable design.
Grist contributor Kaid Benfield describes how the redevelopment plan has benefited Seattle's Thorton Creek, Thorton Place, Alijoya communities:
"The redevelopment not only added 530 units of housing (net density: 96 units per acre) and 50,000 square feet of retail space; it simultaneously accomplished the following, according to the (Landscape Architecture Foundation):
"-Increased open space within the Northgate Urban Center by about 50 percent.
"-Provided pedestrian links from adjacent commercial and residential neighborhoods, shortening walking distances by 50 percent.
"-Reduced impervious surfaces by 78 percent."
...and much more, according to Benfield.
Thanks to Kristopher Fortin
FULL STORY: A Seattle development that is greener than green
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