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TAKOMA PARK MARYLAND
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In anticipation of its centennial celebration, the Town recognized the need and opportunity for a streetscape revitalization plan that could reaffirm its historic significance. This plan would also support the redevelopment interests of citizen groups interested in protecting unique properties such as an Art Moderne office building, a Gothic church, and post-WWII shops and garages. The challenge facing the design team was to develop a streetscape design approach that looked old and "always been there", complimented the wide range of existing architectural styles, supported struggling on-going small shops and diners, and looked predominantly Victorian in order to satisfy local historical society objectives. The resulting streetscape program and architectural facade improvements, while modest in scale and budget, succeeded enormously and have been instrumental in establishing the current well-known "funky" nature of Takoma Old Town. Key to the success of the place-making efforts were a variety of small details which preserved existing old stone, brick and concrete walls, mature trees, and individual front yards and storefronts. Additionally, the terminus of the old trolley line was reestablished as a key community meeting space by the introduction of a new town clock. Its unique design responded to the variety of architectural styles it faces, and provided a friendly meeting place "under the clock" which has become the focus for weekly farmer’s markets and other annual town events. The five-block project area was funded by a collection of Community Development Block Grants and NEA grants, which also supported the design and rehabilitation of adjacent old buildings. An offshoot of the project was the development of a similar but smaller urban revitalization plan for the adjacent neighborhood commercial district of Takoma Junction. Both sites have provided opportunities for local ad-hoc and publicly funded art installations.
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