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htewam
Joined: 23 Feb 2009
Posts: 3
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 Posted: Thu Mar 05, 2009 1:04 pm Post subject: Looking for help -- small town infill site |
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Good day…
I am trying to find individuals/firms to assist me with a pre-design feasibility analysis for a small infill site located near Seattle, WA. I'm not in the real-estate or development business and my attempts to utilize resources like the AIA Seattle website have yielded zero results so far -- as one firm I contacted so bluntly put it: "Your project doesn't have a high enough profile to interest us". How do I go about finding someone locally that has the skills/interest? I'm not even sure that this pre-design activity is even the territory for most architects... yet when I talked to one or two real-estate developers, they showed little innovation in their thinking: "Just flatten the existing structures and put up some apartments".
My basic goal: Synthesize & evaluate alternate possibilities for a small (3/4 acre) site currently zoned for medium-density multi-family while attempting to preserve/integrate an existing 1920's single-family residence that has some value to the community in regards to character and history. The site is well-placed in a desirable neighborhood location. I'm trying to stimulate ideas for developing a more "intense" use while not overwhelming the feel of the existing, older neighborhood -- and if it can be used to showcase some innovative approaches in the process then that would be icing on the cake.
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phansford
Joined: 18 Apr 2004
Posts: 832
Location: SW Ohio
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| Posted: Thu Mar 05, 2009 1:20 pm Post subject: |
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Yeah... unfortunately the AIA is the worst place to start. Probably why I am not a member anymore.
You might look for firms that do residential - historic preservation type of work. Talk to the city planning department. See if they will recommend a few people to interview. Drive around... find some projects that have a similar feel - find out the architect.
You're looking for a small firm.
As you describe it.... it sounds like a great project. Sounds like some projects I have read about in Portland, OR.
What you probably need to do is
1. Get the original property surveyed and the building documented (floor plans and elevations)
2. Develop a program - size of units, type of units, and so on. Determine code requirements (zoning and building - parking will probably need to be addressed)
3. Have a couple of quick designs (floor plan only) developed.
4. Develop cost estimates for each concept.
There could/should be money and public support for this type of project. Again - talk to the city planning office and the economic development office (they can provide low interest lows and tax abatements)
Good luck
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hungryarchitect
Joined: 07 Feb 2009
Posts: 22
Location: Edmonds, WA
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