Building Together: Small-Scale Development Engagement Workshop
Over 40 Third Ward residents, local leaders, and project teams gathered recently for an interactive Open House engagement workshop to shape the future of their neighborhood. The event featured an exhibition of strategic development across a linear mile anchored by historic transit corridors and green spaces representing the first step toward a unified vision for the area designed directly in collaboration with the community.
Participants explored three key project concepts using interactive presentation boards:
Columbia Tap Trails Quarters: A missing middle residential housing concept.
The Park at Emancipation: A food and social connection hub.
The Market at Emancipation: A micro-retail concept featuring flexible workspaces, community courtyards, and local street food.
Feedback centered on four core themes: Form, Function, Design, and Programming. These insights will directly shape the active projects and contribute to an open-source development toolkit for future area growth.
Throughout the event, neighbors led passionate discussions about the area's rich history, shifting demographics, past revitalization efforts, and the critical need for equitable resource access. Alongside these vital discussions was a sense of cautious excitement for a shared vision along the historic Emancipation Avenue corridor.
Key Community Takeaways
Diverse Business & Design: Strong interest in multi-story buildings featuring a variety of local business types and integrated living spaces.
Third Spaces: A need for gathering spots that support diverse activities and generate steady foot traffic.
Transparency: A call for greater collaboration and open communication from existing agencies.
Economic Empowerment: A primary focus on wealth-building and local ownership opportunities.
"Create a timeline showcasing all of the improvements that have positively impacted Third Ward."
— Event Participant
Next Steps
We are hosting three additional engagement sessions with Third Ward Super Neighborhood and civic association organizations to complete this phase.
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