by Jamie Kelliher, AIA
Across the country, we are witnessing a widespread return to mixed-use development, specifically in the form of residential and commercial uses combined into a single building. Many local planning authorities find this to be a successful way to inspire growth and bring both day and nightlife to areas in need of revitalization. While the mixed-use model can often be easily integrated into urban areas that already provide a flexible infrastructure and a pedestrian environment, a universal approach to integration of mixed-use development in predominantly suburban communities has been less clear.
In recent years, many suburban towns in the Boston area have introduced the terms “transit-oriented development” or “smart growth” into planning strategies. The idea is that the separation of uses, at least in appropriate commercial zones, has become a dated approach even in suburban planning. When planned effectively, mixed-use development can be quite successful and has incredible potential for reforming the way we consider our existing commercial districts in suburban New England.
The South Shore region of Boston provides us with several mixed-use examples worth considering, each successful for its own set of unique characteristics and approach to planning:
Hingham Shipyard, constructed in 2010, represents an example of an autonomous mixed-use development, in that it exists virtually unconnected to any surrounding development. The development centers around a “main street” concept, creating the feel of a town center and relies on proximity to transit, which allows residents an easy commute to Boston. Its success has been made evident through subsequent expansions, including a condominium complex currently under construction.
Scituate Harbor represents a differing but equally successful approach to suburban mixed-use development. Around 2005 Scituate opened its harbor “village business overlay district” to mixed-use zoning, encouraging buildings up to three stories with residential upper levels to integrate into the already existing walkable town center. The result has been overwhelmingly positive, with noticeable growth and restoration of many previously marginal buildings.
Old Colony Square in Cohasset follows a transit-oriented model of future development. The project, completed in 2010, represents another autonomous project, unconnected to surrounding commercial and residential centers. However, unlike Hingham Shipyard, Old Colony exists in what could be described as a reconsidered strip mall style of planning. Its proximity to the MBTA commuter rail and its ability to retain quality retail tenants has made the project a success.
Of the three, the Cohasset model perhaps presents the most universal potential for development across the South Shore and other suburban communities, by introducing a new approach to the traditional strip mall typology. Most suburban communities are home to an abundance of 1970s-era strip mall corridors, many in need of repair and a rethinking of how they can be used in our communities.
In the wake of the success of the Old Colony project, another mixed-use building is planned just one mile down the street. Recently approved by local building authorities and now in its final design stages, Cohasset Place represents a similar example of mixed-use integrated into an existing strip mall building environment and will provide access to several adjacent retail centers and direct access to Whitney Woods Reservation. The hope is that more affordable residences, coupled with pedestrian access to amenities, will provide an appealing living environment for area residents looking for an alternative to single-family home ownership.
Perhaps it is time to reconsider our outdated suburban commercial strip districts. A new potential exists in the reinvention of mixed-use living not only in urban centers but also in the sea of pavement and automobiles that make up these aging suburban commercial zones. With good design and development decisions, we can create a mixed-use suburban landscape that has the potential to beautify and more effectively utilize our existing space and infrastructure.
Jamie Kelliher, AIA is a Project Manager at Axiom Architects (www.axiomarchitects.com), based in Hanover, Massachusetts. Jamie can be reached at [email protected].
