ScholarWorks@UMass Amherst

Title

Creating Livable Neighborhoods in Old Hill and Six Corners, Springfield, Massachusetts

Authors

Ryan Ball, University of Massachusetts - Amherst
Tai-Hsiang Cheng, University of Massachusetts - Amherst
Rebekah Decourcey, University of Massachusetts - Amherst
Somaye Garmroudi, University of Massachusetts - Amherst
Youjin Kwon, University of Massachusetts - Amherst
Jennifer Masters, University of Massachusetts - Amherst
Pat McGeough, University of Massachusetts - Amherst
Kathryn Ostermier, University of Massachusetts - Amherst
Maureen Pollock, University of Massachusetts - Amherst
Laura Selmani, University of Massachusetts - Amherst
Feiqiang Tong, University of Massachusetts - Amherst
Carol Waag, University of Massachusetts - Amherst
Fangfang Wang, University of Massachusetts - Amherst
Andrew Weir, University of Massachusetts - Amherst
Lawson Wulsin, University of Massachusetts - Amherst

Publication Date

Spring 2011

Comments

Creating Livable Neighborhoods in Old Hill and Six Corners

Graduate Urban Design Studio Spring 2011,

Department of Landscape Architecture and Regional Planning and UMass Amherst Design Center

Frank Sleegers, Assistant Professor, Dipl. – Ing., MLA

Edited by: Frank Sleegers, Nathaniel Bernard, Kyle Jackson and Garrett Stone

Abstract

This report documents the work of the Graduate Urban Design Studio in Springfield’s Old Hill and Six Corners neighborhoods with 12,000 inhabitants. Both neighborhoods are challenged by a very low average household income, housing foreclosures, lot vacancies, lack of substantial home ownership, high traffic volumes and poor quality of open space. The primary goal of the project was to develop a vision to renew Old Hill and Six Corners to improve livability for their residents and create new opportunities for housing, recreation, working and commercial activities. Crucial keys to attaining this goal will be creating a stronger sense of place throughout the neighborhood and improved connectivity to the existing public open spaces like the Watershops Pond and the proposed recreational trail “Arc of Recreation”. Four physical design objectives were explored:

1. Creating a vision for livable streets - a more livable streetscape improves walkability, urban ecology, commercial activities and provides an enriching sensual experience.
2. Creating a better physical environment for commercial and business activities – attractive streets create a new identity and support existing businesses.

1. Creating and improving a pedestrian and bicycle oriented circulation and coherent public open space system.

1. Exploring new housing opportunities - new sites for housing integrate the student population in the neighborhoods.

We are proud that our proposals were recognized after a tornado hit Springfield in June 2011. REBUILDSPRINGFIELD targeted the tornado-impacted neighborhoods in a collaborative effort with engaged citizens and community groups. Our plans created a valuable planning and design framework to rebuild the City.