downtown revitalization

small shops in the downtown core are struggling to keep their doors open, an issue that has only worsened since before the pandemic. A resurgence of local goods are critical to maintaining social cohesion and minimizing our fossil fuel use.

big box stores are stiff competition because it realizes economies of scale and is so easy to drive. Quality and selection can suffer under this model however and some of the cultural and social benefits of a main street are no longer provided.

Surfaces like the parking lot and black bituminous roof heat up in the sun increase the temperature of the site and surrounding area. The impervious nature of these surfaces prevent rainwater from reenter the earth where it can be filtered and create life.

We’ve designed a small intervention in response to these issues. A single development on the main street of penticton where little construction has occurred in Penticton despite nearby neighborhood densification.

we know from the experience of renovating our studio and office space, that if we can make the pro-forma work for one collective action, that the market will follow.

the design is four stories, with two commercial units, two 3-bedroom apartments, and two one-bed loft spaces. it’s important that our design demonstrates that not-only is it possible to live comfortably directly above main street, it is preferable. The integration of residential space brings energy to the main street that would not otherwise exist. People will be moving through the space as they conduct their daily lives. Small businesses gain exposure through the traffic that would not have otherwise been, and security is increase by having residents present at all hours of the day.

This model benefits those occupying downtown apartments by providing access to goods and services within walking distance, eliminating the need to drive or park at all.

the streetscape brings people, independent business, and local culture, as well as integrating plant life and permeability into our walkways, as the city has already done so nicely.

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our vision for penticton's main street

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main street: small business in aging, single-storey buildings trying to stay alive

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the big box: the death of main street and pedestrian oriented inner cities

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impervious city scapes… water cant go in, plants cant come up, heat islands, biodiversity is eliminated

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a typical main street section with a vacant lot

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the vacant lot now filled with a mixed use building. The main floor is commercial and residences above

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the project among existing aging commercial buildings

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the vision: mixed use buildings encouraging economic, social, and environmental development

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main floor: lane parking, a small central garden between two commercial spaces

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second floor: two light filled 2-bedroom apartments

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third floor: two penthouse suites with lofts and rooftop patios

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the lofts and tall airspace to the living rooms below

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the completed project

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the street presence with activity on the street and above

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a view through a penthouse suite and across the rooftop patio

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close up of loft and patio

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the little central garden is not "wasted space" but the thing that contributes most to the quality of the development by offering lots of daylight and a place of retreat from the bustle of the street

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inside one of the upper living rooms. a large open space with a great wall to hang great art

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the lane face: parking is covered and moved to the rear of the structure, no longer prioritized and placed at the front of the building.

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let's make the downtown areas of small canadian cities fit for people and businesses. Support local communities and economies while allowing residents to walk and cycle.