Revised Research Proposal

North Kamloops community revitalization, urban infill and Brownfield redevelopment project

“The Tranquille Shelter”

Research Proposal

Darren Fransen

ARET 2220

Summary statement of proposed project:

This research proposal is intended to address the idea of urban infill, Brownfield redevelopment, and community revitalization in the north Kamloops community. The project is located at 742 Tranquille Road and will require first and secondhand research to produce a feasible mixed-use building, which is capable of making a lasting and positive community impression.

Purpose:

The purpose of this project and associated research is to apply the idea of  “Urban Infill” to a abandoned service station, also know as a “Brownfield property”. According to Rob Gregory (2008) “ Urban infill is simply building within the city instead of expanding out to minimize travel and infrastructure expansion while encouraging a more efficient quality of life”(Gregory, 2008, p. 8). The Idea of urban infill is to centralize people, necessities and amenities, which will in turn reduce the amount of vehicle traffic and promote an environmentally conscious life style. One of the main benefits of developing in this way is that it takes an uninviting or abandoned property such as a Brownfield site, and restores it to an inviting and productive place. British Columbia Brownfield Development have defined Brownfield’s as “abandoned, vacant, derelict or underutilized commercial or industrial properties where past actions have resulted in actual or perceived contamination and where there is an active potential for redevelopment” (B.C. Brownfield Development, 2013). By developing these damaged urban sites community can begin to rejuvenate and reinvent public perception, which will in turn attract business, entertainment and additional government funding.

The research will benefit a wide range of people and organizations including the student, university and people in the community. The researched information will be directly applied to the infill project, giving the student the knowledge and understanding of what is required to successfully create a functional and vibrant community building. The student will be acquainted with an in depth look at urban infill, Brownfield redevelopment and, community redevelopment. Not only does the student benefit from this research but the school and community do as well. The school benefits from this research because it shows that Thompson Rivers University is interested in moving local communities forward, while show casing the type of creativity and talent the school is producing. The community benefits from the research because it uncovers how urban infill can positively affect their community. The proposed building will complement the already changing landscape, which includes the library square development that has already brought a sense of vibrancy and pride back to the community with business opportunities, hotels and restaurants. The research will also reveal what the north shore wants, needs and enjoys about their part of town. The blog information will be open to all individuals, which could benefit local business, developers and residents.

Goals and objectives of the project:

The Goal of this project is to create a feasible building that benefits and supports the community, while reclaiming a Brownfield building lot. One of the main objectives of this research is to help create a positive space, while at the same time eliminating an eyesore in the community. This will help revitalize the Kamloops north shore community by bringing reputable business, fresh culture and affordable housing to a once lively area in Kamloops. Another main objective, is to make the surrounding streets more welcoming, while providing a more compact and environmentally conscious lifestyle. After the project is complete I plan to present the entire project to city council and Donovan Cavers who I have already been in contact with.

Methodology and analytical approach:

The information used in this project will be first and second hand research that will be directly applied to the proposed building lot and building. The first hand research will be gathered using casual survey distributed to local residents and business throughout the north Kamloops community. The survey will give the public a chance to voice there opinions concerning the positive and negative qualities of the north shore, as well as what the community needs. These surveys will be distributed through different medias such as the local newspaper, project blog and social media. The second hand information will be derived from government agencies, published books and industry professionals specializing in development and reclamation process of Brownfields. At the end of this project I plan to display my findings and present the project to the UREAP council and public to help understand what the funding produced.

Previous Studies:

Preliminary research shows that urban infill, community revitalization and Brownfield redevelopment have already been researched and reported on. This allows for a good reference for the project, however there is no local research done that relates to this project and location. 

Plans for dissemination:

The research and work will be displayed for all to see on a public blog that will be open to share information, ideas and public opinion. The blog will act as the main communication method for the project as industry professionals and participants will be able to interact with community members. This will be possible by attaching the blog spot link to every survey and relevant project email requesting information or support.

Budget:

The budget for this research project is primarily based on making contacts and collecting information to apply to the proposed building. The information will be collected from attending seminars, public surveys and meeting with industry professionals. The budget takes into account travel, events and business materials. I plan on attending a land remediation conference on March 7^th and 8^th, as well as the Vancouver Buildex show on Feb 13^th and 14^th. Both of these events are being held at the Vancouver convention center and will allow me to gain innovative project knowledge and make valuable industry contacts. The projected costs for the research will be approximately $1000, this covers entrance admissions to the seminars and trade shows as well as travel expenses and accommodations. The research will also require in town travel expenses and office supplies.

Career Goals:

This project along with the and applied research is going to provide for me a good understanding of what it takes to work within site parameters and restrictions to achieve an enthusiastic goal. This project applies directly to my long-term career goals of becoming a registered architect. My past construction history as a certified carpenter will allow me to apply my construction knowledge towards a design that is feasible and functional that I can use in my design portfolio.

Heres the rough copy of my project abstract

The North Kamloops Revitalization and Brownfield Redevelopment Project

Assignment 3 – Abstract Outline and Sources

Darren Fransen

April 12/13

The purpose of this abstract is to analyze and investigate the findings of the research, while at the same justifying the projects ability to be applied to the proposed research question. "Is it feasible to reclaim a North Kamloops Brownfield property, that in turn requires a more substantial amount of effort than a conventional building site?” This abstract will evaluate three major development hurdles, Brownfield remediation, Public opinion and, Community Revitalization in an effort to produce a written report as well as a set of working drawings.

Brownfield sites have been defined by the National Round Table on the Environment and the Economy as “abandoned, vacant, derelict or underutilized commercial or industrial properties where past actions have resulted in actual or perceived contamination and where there is an active potential for redevelopment.” Vancouver’s Pacifica Place and Victoria’s Dockside Green are prime examples of how Brownfield remediation can positively affect an area. The number of Brownfield sites have not been documented but the Provincial Government estimates there are anywhere from four to six thousand, including both urban and rural locations around the province. The document Brownfield site at 742 Tranquille Road is a former service station property that carries the common environmental of leaky underground fuel tanks. Leaky underground tanks are responsible for the contamination of the site soil as well as the possible contamination of adjacent properties. leaving the property or business owner with the daunting task of remediation. Soil remediation can be a complex and expensive process that requires Government involvement and environmental professionals before the site is declared suitable to build. The government monitored remediation relies on two different methods that both incorporate the use of site-specific numerical soil standards (SSSs), this is a pre calculated set of minimal ratings and processes for common remediation situations. SSSs have been pre calculated for a variety of situations that would include contaminated soil and ground water; this could have an impact on not only plant and animal life but as well humans and their everyday surroundings. The “Contaminated Sites Soil Task-group (CSST)”(Ministry of Environment) is responsible for calculating preset SSSs values. The First method is based solely on SSSs values and remediation methods designed by the (CSST). The second method is when SSSs values and guidelines are not applicable or acceptable due to site needs or conditions. Environmental professionals are then called in to asses the land and create there own SSSs values based on data, prior use, models and calculated data. Once the remediation method has been chosen and agreed upon by the government, remediation can commence. The first step is the removal of the existing building and underground storage tanks. Once the site has been cleared testing can begin with surface and sub surface tests that will be looking to gather a baseline that will then be compared to the (SSSs) put forth by the environmental engineer. To achieve the desired (SSSs) the course of action may be as simple as having the site remain vacant for a predetermined period of time which is usually around ten years, or as advanced as excavating the entire site and replacing the material with a suitable substitute. From a financial standpoint a complete excavation and backfill doesn’t seem to be the most feasible option but as it will explain in the next paragraph it may even give that property a social advantage over other lots.

Over the last five years, the publics opinion of the north shore has began to shift and change for the better, with new buildings being erected and existing buildings been painted and maintained the community has shown a new level of pride and a willingness to adapt for a more positive community in an effort to attract new business and people a like. Some of public concerns surrounding the development could prove to be major hurdles, but if the public can be well educated and informed. The building has the potential to radiate positivity throughout the community as well as generate solutions to existing problems and concerns through well thought out site and building design. The hurdles assosciated with the development from the publics point of view is the increase in vehicle traffic and parking, effect on local businesses and visual effect of another large building in the north Kamloops community. The increase in vehicle traffic will be minimized by incouraging pedestrian traffic. Pedestrian traffic is a huge positive for the community as it promotes a healthy lifestyle and encourages people to window shop in the commercial area that Library Square and the shelter will help to bolster. Adding another tall building in this area is not idea since a four storey building is considered to be at a human scale(KARRI QUOTE). With the extra two stories of real estate the building will add a variety of sixteen more suites. The increase in public density allows the community to embrace the idea of urban infill, help grow local businesses and, increase public safety with a neighbourhood atmosphere. Urban infill has many benefits and is the idea of building within a city rather than expanding outwards, “You can't rely on bringing people downtown, you have to put them there.” said (Jane Jacobs, The Death and Life of Great American Cities). Local businesses will undoubtedly benefit the most from this project since the new atmosphere will not only attract new customers but also house them. With an increase in pedestrian traffic the neighbourhood atmosphere will begin to come back to Tranquille Road, giving the area a safer feel which is a crucial part of the community revitalization aspect.

Community revitalization has been defined by the Ministry of Community, Aboriginal and Woman’s services as the “economic, social, political and physical elements that are constantly interacting and adapting to change. To thrive, communities need to address the issues of change, fix what doesn’t work and draw on what does work”(M.C.A.W). The proposed site for The Tranquille Shelter development is located in an old area of town that is in need of positive change. Like any potential building location, this site has positive and negative attributes. The positive attributes need to be identified and highlighted, while the negatives can be overcome and enhance with well thought out design. The area needs to upgrade the level of Public safety, community culture and, address the surplus of vacant lots along Tranquille Road. By simply removing the old vacant lot it would give the community a safer feel, but by adding a public building consisting of commercial and residential space it would solve all of the issue in question. The building will be equipted with public commercial and green space, that will enhance business opportunities and invite people back to the north shore community. Jane Jacobs helps us understand the importance of not only revitalizing the look of a building but the true meaning behind community growth and togetherness with her quote “eyes on the street.” The added public space provides an opportunity for culture and entertainment in a coffee shop type venue or community garden. On the other hand the close proximity to the new Library Square development, public density and heritage are among the most desirable attributes. The Library square development was the first major contributor to the revitalization project and has shown the city and the community what good things can come from a well thought out project. This development has shown that well ran business can thrive in this area and that public density is definitely not a problem.

The purpose of this abstract was to analyze and investigate the findings of the research, while at the same justifying "Is it feasible to reclaim a North Kamloops Brownfield property, that in turn requires a more substantial amount of effort than a conventional building site?” The abstract evaluates the three major development hurdles and concerns being, Brownfield remediation, Community Revitalization and Public opinion. 

 

References cited:

1. Rob Gregory. (2008). Urban ... infill. The Architectural Review, 223(1333), 60.   

 
2. Randall Denley. (1994, ). We must support urban infill: Final edition. The Ottawa Citizen, pp. B.1.   

 
3. Angela C Allen. (2005). Urban-infill IPO. Multi - Housing News, 40(9), 35.

4. Anonymous. (2000). U.S. EPA guidance document details land use options. Civil Engineering, 70(9), 33.

5. Horsch, R. A., Milmed, P. K., & Plante, K. M. (1996). Brownfield redevelopment. Natural Resources & Environment, 11(1), 55.   

6. BenDor, T. K., Metcalf, S. S., & Paich, M. (2011). The dynamics of brownfield redevelopment. Sustainability, 3(6), 914-936.

7. Jon Steeler, & Christine Hayes. (2009, ). Funding brownfield redevelopment. Buildings, pp. 26.   

 
8. Linda Moore. (1998, ). Brownfield redevelopment economic opportunity: Final edition. The Spectator, pp. D.1.FRO.   

 9. Kim Mullin. (2011). Urban renewal and community revitalization. Municipal World, 121(1), 24.   

10. Katy Gorman. (2012). Awards of excellence-community revitalization. Journal of Housing and Community Development, 69(1), 31.   

 
11. Chambers, R. E., Clemons, R. S., & Foster, R. H. (1990). Leadership and community revitalization. Economic Development Review, 8(3), 29.

12. Government of British Columbia (2013). Brown field renewal. Retrieved from
http://www.brownfieldrenewal.gov.bc.ca/qa.html#1

Original Graphic will be a before and after with an original site photo.

Concept Design

 

So this is kind of what I was thinking for the site....

 

-Green Roof on top w/ gardening space

-Lower floor commercial space (resteraunts and shops)

-Second floor office space

-Third to sixth floor residential

 



 

 

 

Ideas please!

Options Options Options!

Hello!

I have been talking to Karry, and she suggested taking a look at another lot. She was intrigued by an abandoned service station lot right across the street from Norkam Secondary school. She explained that this lot would start a whole new revitalization project, unlike the one I have currently selected. Basically I'm asking for your opinion.....

Option 1
My current lot is in close proximity to Library square, where a revitalization project is currently in motion with new buildings, and business opportunities. Contributing to this project would be amazing, but I would just be adding to landscape.

Option 2
The second lot option, is to start a new revitalization project in an area between Brock and the North Kamloops city center. The propose building lot is located right across from Norkam secondary and also beside a newer dental office.

 

 

Comments? Ideas??

Thesis Idea

Alright people!

I'm starting to put together my final thesis question, which will revolve around the ideas of brownfield and community revitalization. Ive been thinking a lot about this research question, because I realized its really going to funnel my focus and research efforts to where they need to be. So here it goes, this is what I was thinking.....

"Is it feasible to reclaim a brownfield property, that in turn requires a more substantial amount of    effort than a conventional building in the design and site preparation stages?"

Comments?, Ideas!!!

Bilbao Renewal

Here is a really amazing visual of what brownfield developement can bring to a community.

The city of Bilbao before and after its urban renewal:

http://www.worldcitiessummit.com.sg/mayorsforum/blog/transformation-bilbao
Thanks Bryden!

Hey friends

I just posted a really interesting Brownfield case study project link, to a project called  Brandt's Creek Crossing in Kelowna, British Columbia. This Former C.N. rail yard was transformed into a similar style housing complex to which I am proposing. Have a look and let me know your opinions, suggestions and ideas.

http://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/inpr/su/sucopl/sucopl_004.cfm

Thanks!

Site information

 

 

 

Event

Tuesday Feb.. 26, 7-10pm

Interior savings center parkside lounge.

New links !!

Hey fellow bloggers!

I put up a few new links about Brownfield reclamation and redevelopment that will help explain what a brown field site is, and why brownfield development needs to be considered as a tool to help revitalize the North Kamloops community. I also posted a couple links pertaining to the O.C.P.  "Official community plan", as well as a study done about the North Kamloops community. The study, investigates local flood plains, existing infrastructure and community hurdles, that will all need to be addressed during this project.

Site photos

Proposed site with Library Square in the background

Research Proposal

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North Kamloops community revitalization, urban infill and Brownfield redevelopment project

“The Tranquille Shelter”

Research Proposal

Darren Fransen

ARET 2220

Summary statement of proposed project:

This research proposal is intended to address the idea of urban infill, Brownfield redevelopment, and community revitalization in the north Kamloops community. The project is located at 742 Tranquille Road and will require first and secondhand research to produce a feasible mixed-use building, which is capable of making a lasting and positive community impression.

Purpose:

The purpose of this project and associated research is to apply the idea of  “Urban Infill” to a abandoned service station, also know as a “Brownfield property”. According to Rob Gregory (2008) “ Urban infill is simply building within the city instead of expanding out to minimize travel and infrastructure expansion while encouraging a more efficient quality of life”(Gregory, 2008, p. 8). The Idea of urban infill is to centralize people, necessities and amenities, which will in turn reduce the amount of vehicle traffic and promote an environmentally conscious life style. One of the main benefits of developing in this way is that it takes an uninviting or abandoned property such as a Brownfield site, and restores it to an inviting and productive place. British Columbia Brownfield Development have defined Brownfield’s as “abandoned, vacant, derelict or underutilized commercial or industrial properties where past actions have resulted in actual or perceived contamination and where there is an active potential for redevelopment” (B.C. Brownfield Development, 2013). By developing these damaged urban sites community can begin to rejuvenate and reinvent public perception, which will in turn attract business, entertainment and additional government funding.

The research will benefit a wide range of people and organizations including the student, university and people in the community. The researched information will be directly applied to the infill project, giving the student the knowledge and understanding of what is required to successfully create a functional and vibrant community building. The student will be acquainted with an in depth look at urban infill, Brownfield redevelopment and, community redevelopment. Not only does the student benefit from this research but the school and community do as well. The school benefits from this research because it shows that Thompson Rivers University is interested in moving local communities forward, while show casing the type of creativity and talent the school is producing. The community benefits from the research because it uncovers how urban infill can positively affect their community. The proposed building will complement the already changing landscape, which includes the library square development that has already brought a sense of vibrancy and pride back to the community with business opportunities, hotels and restaurants. The research will also reveal what the north shore wants, needs and enjoys about their part of town.

Goals and objectives of the project:

The Goal of this project is to create a feasible building design that benefits and supports the community, while reclaiming a Brownfield building lot. One of the main objectives of this research is to help create a positive space, while at the same time eliminating an eyesore in the community. The positive space will provide the community with more social settings, such as community gardens and recreational areas. All of this and more, will help revitalize the Kamloops north shore community by bringing reputable business, fresh culture and affordable housing to a once lively area in Kamloops. Another main objective, is to make the surrounding streets more welcoming, while providing a more compact and environmentally conscious lifestyle.

Methodology and analytical approach:

The information used in this project will be first and second hand research that will be directly applied to the proposed building lot and building. The first hand research will be gathered using casual survey distributed to local residents and business throughout the north Kamloops community. The survey will address what the participants think the positive and negative qualities of the north shore are, as well as what the community needs. These surveys will be distributed through different medias such as the local newspaper, project blog and social media. The second hand information will be derived from government agencies, published books and industry professionals specializing in development and reclamation process of Brownfields.

Previous Studies:

Preliminary research shows that urban infill, community revitalization and Brownfield redevelopment have already been researched and reported on in a broad scale, which makes for a good starting reference. The Official Community Plan (OCP) and North shore development guidelines are two main existing studies that will be utilized. The majority of the research will be based on previous case studies and their success rates, along with the thoughts and ideas of industry professionals.

Plans for dissemination:

The research and work will be displayed for all to see on a public blog that will be open to share information, ideas and public opinion. The blog will act as the main communication method for the project as industry professionals and participants will be able to interact with community members. This will be possible by attaching the blog spot link to every survey and relevant project email requesting information or support.

Budget:

The budget for this research project is primarily based on making contacts and collecting information to apply to the proposed building. The information will be collected from attending seminars, public surveys and meeting with industry professionals. The budget takes into account travel, events and business materials. I plan on attending a land remediation conference on March 7^th and 8^th, as well as the Vancouver Buildex show on Feb 13^th and 14^th. Both of these events are being held at the Vancouver convention center and will allow me to gain innovative project knowledge and make valuable industry contacts. The projected costs for the research will be approximately $1000, this covers entrance admissions to the seminars and trade shows as well as travel expenses and accommodations. The research will also require in town travel expenses and office supplies.

Career Goals:

This project along with the and applied research is going to provide for me a good understanding of what it takes to work within site parameters and restrictions to achieve an enthusiastic goal. This project applies directly to my long-term career goals of becoming a registered architect. My past construction history as a certified carpenter will allow me to apply my construction knowledge towards a design that is feasible and functional that I can use in my design portfolio.

Welcome!

Hello friends!
Welcome to my blog!
This blog is about my North Kamloops revitalization plan and proposal. The plan is to gather information using my own research as well as industry professionals, mentors and members of the community to help me produce a project that will enhance the community. My proposal is to reuse a Brownfield site, which is currently an eyesore property located near the new library square development on tranquille road. After I have completed researching and gathering information I plan on designing and proposing a building that offers low cost urban living, business opportunities, as well as functional community oriented areas.