This story map was created to accompany a hypothetical case study showing the use of suitability analysis to select potential sites for several mixed residential/retail developments. Click the link on the header bar to view the case study.
A multi-part spatial analysis was undertaken to find suitable lots for several proposed mixed residential/retail developments. The developments will consist of three or four floors of apartments or condos above street-level shops, cafes, or restaurants. Thirty-three potential sites were identified (shown in yellow on the map).
Minimum Requirements The initial analysis identified lots that meet the mimimum requirements for a development site:
- Between 1/4 acre and 1/2 acre in size
- Currently vacant or occupied by a gas station
- Less than 3/4 of a mile from a light rail stop (stops are shown as black diamonds on the map; the light green indicate areas within 3/4 mile of a stop)
Zoning The analysis identified the current zoning for the selected lots. Lots that are in a residential/retail mixed use zone do not require a zoning change and were assigned Priority 1. Lots that are in a non-retail mixed use zone or are in a commercial zone adjacent to a mixed use zone were assigned Priority 2. These lots would required a zoning change or variance. Lots meeting the minimum requirements but not in a Priority 1 or 2 zone were excluded as potential sites. Display the priority 1 and priority 2 zones
Target Market This part of the analysis mapped block groups containing households in Two Tapestry segments--Bright Young Professionals and Metro Fusion. The results shows the target market in relation to the potential sites. Display the block groups containing the target market segments
Parking The analysis identified lots that could be use for parking and are within a 1-minute walk of the potential development sites. This was in response to feedback from local residents concerned about the impact of the developments on already limited public parking. Choosing development sites with potential parking nearby would help mitigate this concern. The suitable lots for parking are displayed on the pages below.
The potential sites cluster in two areas--the city center and the northwest section of the city. The pages below provide a closer look at these two project areas.