Project Method
The projects are conducted in an iterative work process so that the scope of work can change as new issues arise. Working with public and private partners, the Center is helping to identify industrial redevelopment areas and independent critical urban sites within redevelopment areas for regeneration. These sites are often publicly owned but can be privately owned as well.
General Work Phases
Phase 1: Research
• Conduct community context studies and research on economic, social, and environmental conditions. This includes referencing federal, state, local, and private data sources.
• Upon request, we will also provide research and guidance on non-traditional, non-profit organizations that can support industrial and commercial community development.
Phase 2: Documentation & Analysis
• Conduct outreach to the businesses and community-based entrepreneurs interested in industrial spaces. Conduct additional community outreach related to existing industrial employers' jobs, salaries, and training needs.
• Engage with non-profit developers and organizations and collaborate with accelerators and incubators serving production-oriented industries.
• Access critical sites identified by the client (public) to document existing buildings and their histories, including research on historic and existing building plans and photographs.
• Engage with industry groups and businesses suited to urban industrial sites to guide the formation of conceptual redevelopment plans and proformas.
Phase 3: Development & Proposals
• Develop multiple building and land use concepts based on community context studies and critical site analysis.
• Promote sites to industry and entrepreneurial groups and create opportunities to engage industry representatives on-site and in process. Information is obtained through this process in public presentations and as part of packages that can be used towards RFPs for entrepreneurs and city agencies.
J.H. Balmer Co. at 101 Mulberry Street, 1930s
Photograph courtesy of the Trentonian Room, Trenton Free Public Library
Map of some of the sites included on the tour
Rendering to show the potential of 101 Mulberry Street.
