Jane Jacobs Group 5
Abby Schmeling
LIB 310C
Civic Studio: Group 5A
Ideas for a Better Community
Our group explored area five and came up with some simple, yet effective, ideas for the land. First, we found ourselves at what appeared to be an abandoned gas station called Pacific Pride. As we looked around the grounds, we noticed there were fresh tire tracks and then an ambulance came to fill up their tank. Shocked, we went to ask the EMS worker what this place actually was. He then explained that it is a nationwide company that individuals can get a credit card to and simply pay for the gas they have bought at the end of the month. Upon hearing this, we decided that the gas station was useful and should be kept on the grounds. The only thing that needs to be done, however, is to update the facility and make it look a little less abandoned. Also, if possible, it may be a good idea to better advertise what Pacific Pride offers. I doubt that most of the people living in this area have the slightest idea as to the on-
goings of this place, even though they are spread throughout the country.
Once we were done exploring the mysterious gas station, we walked up a hill to find a field of grass with a few cars parked in it. There was a police officer in his car sitting, watching the passing traffic, so we went to ask if the field was used for anything specific. The officer explained that whoever wants can use the area for parking without paying a fee. Upon hearing this and noticing the abandoned building behind the field, our minds began turning. Since both locations are not being used and bums are a problem in the area, we came up with the "perfect" solution. The building could be turned into a shelter where the homeless are fed and taught useful skills for surviving in the city. They will be exposed to ways in which they may go about leading a better lifestyle. Upon visiting the facility, they will gain the skills to get job interviews and be loaned the tools required to get a position. The children would have a play area where the empty field was and everyone will be able to grow flowers, plants or even fresh vegetables in the garden there. The children will also be taught about the importance of an education and they will be encouraged to do well in school. Perhaps there could even be a tutoring section for those children who attend school. This place will be more than a homeless shelter, it will also be a place for the needy to be given the opportunity at a better life.
Chloe Skidmore
LIB 310C
Civic Studio Group 5A
Area 5 is a relatively large piece of land near the Civic Studio that is in desperate need of updating and new development. The first thing our group noticed was an old gas station that took up a good portion of the land. There was no doubt in our minds that this site was abandoned, given the 70's-looking gas pumps, and the lack of any other evidence of use...so imagine our surprise when an ambulance pulled in and started filling up! We went over and asked the EMT what this station - Pacific Pride - was about, and he explained that it's a program that allows companies to pay for gas once a month, instead of at each fill up. Considering its proximity to the highway, it seems as though the station should be redeveloped so trucks and other large vehicles that might be associated with the program would be aware that it was so close by and open for use. Our group was also fairly intrigued with the natural gas pump near the back of the lot, and were curious as to why such a unique element was not advertised more openly! In order to make the best possible use of this area, we thought the station itself should be revamped and perhaps an attendant hired so that it's clear that it's in use.
Behind the gas station, there was what appeared to be an old factory of some sort, as well as a large, open, unused lot. We spoke to a police officer who was parked in the lot, and he confirmed that none of this space (aside from the gas station) was being used. As far as the old factory goes, we talked about the possibility of restoring it and turning it into a "shelter" of sorts for the neighbors from the Heartside area. We decided that instead of a traditional shelter though - one in which people could simply come and go as needed - that it would be good to implement different programs that could potentially assist in developing skills and training needed to "make it." Similar to Jane Addams' Hull House in some ways, there could be programs designed to teach art and music, as well as other types of job-training skills and tutoring/educational services. The empty lot at the top of the hill could be turned into a playground for the children, and could also be used as a community garden. Instead of simply planting flowers, the garden could also be used to grow fruits and vegetables, and the visitors could be taught to cook and eat in healthier ways. Not only would this be beneficial in regard to experience and personal care, but so many of the people in the Heartside district have led such difficult lives, being responsible for the growing and preparing of their own meals might be helpful in terms of psychological coping, as it would provide a sense of control in their lives.
Group 5B
We spent most of our time on scene exploring the old trucking company on the east side of lot 5. It's an amazing old building with a lot of possibilities. We wanted to renovate the building and use it as sort of an all purpose venue. It has plenty of parking, which makes it ideal for public use, and with all the garage doors and raised platform it would be capable of both indoor and outdoor events. We could run a farmer's market there in the mornings. With the large hispanic community just south of there it would be a great place to trade and sell fresh produce and ethnic foods. Currently there isn't really anywhere to get something to eat in this area, so it would be good to turn the main floor of the office space to a small coffee/sandwich shop. Depending on if we could get the zoning there could even be a small bar. The south side of the building would also make a great stage so we could run shows or concerts in the evenings and on weekends.
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