Oakridge Shopping Center

classic Classic list List threaded Threaded
6 messages Options
Gib
Reply | Threaded
Open this post in threaded view
|

Oakridge Shopping Center

Gib
Nice to see a site plan for the future Oakridge shopping center off of 15-501

https://www.newsobserver.com/news/business/article231683203.html
Reply | Threaded
Open this post in threaded view
|

Re: Oakridge Shopping Center

Mitch
Administrator
This post was updated on .
...the plans it submitted detail a shopping center that would have eight separate buildings built around a surface parking lot. The project would include 25,000 square feet for office space; 57,000 square feet for retail space; and 17,000 square feet of restaurant space.
The picture is a bit blurry, but from what I can make out it looks like 6 single-story buildings and 2 two-story buildings, and 1 metric butt-ton of parking. I had hopes that we'd be seeing more density around the main artery between Durham and Chapel Hill going forward, but I guess it's still business as usual for now, especially since the light rail plans were killed.

Those stricter buffers were included as part of the city’s compact neighborhoods plan, which was meant to increase high-density developments near light rail stations. The Oakridge property is part of a proposed compact neighborhood around Patterson Place.

However, since that plan was put forward, the Durham-Orange light rail project fell apart.

“Now the compact neighborhood plan is sort of in limbo,” Healy said
I'm not sure if this should be interpreted as "this development was designed despite the compact neighborhoods plan, because there is no longer an impetus for the plan's adoption since the LR was killed" or "this plan was designed when the compact neighborhoods plan was still in play, and actually adheres to the plans requirements". I think the second one would be sadder, but either way now I guess this is the best we are getting.

Healy said, noting that he believes this project will be “more sprawl” than a dense and walkable development.
I'm right there with you buddy.

Reply | Threaded
Open this post in threaded view
|

Re: Oakridge Shopping Center

Dave @ Building Bull City
Administrator
Very interesting to see this plan. This absolutely looks like a new sparkly version of New Hope Commons. Very sprawly. However, not sure there is much else that can go there (at best it would be a more walkable, self-contained community).

The developer also talks about making an "urban-like environment", but from the plans, I definitely don't see it.

Basically, I am with you on this one Mitch. But, of course, even if the light rail had survived, the car isn't going away any time soon, so I imagine this won't be the last development of its kind as Durham grows.
Reply | Threaded
Open this post in threaded view
|

Re: Oakridge Shopping Center

ChapelHillSean
That design looks depressing to me.... not innovative at all and an eye sore
Gib
Reply | Threaded
Open this post in threaded view
|

Re: Oakridge Shopping Center

Gib
In reply to this post by Gib
Looks like the story has since been updated to mention 346 apartments.  The rendering included shows 4 story structures (I'm guessing are the apartment buildings). The apartments have not been submitted yet, but will be with in the next 30 days.
Reply | Threaded
Open this post in threaded view
|

Re: Oakridge Shopping Center

Mitch
Administrator
That's certainly better than nothing. At least some few hundred people can walk to these businesses. And we definitely still need more housing.