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City of l�os�vi(le t�� <br />'� �I <br />3_ �•.�lr xi 1 � � � � � . : } �_ 7 = r, �' �} � � ; . . . . . . � T � 3 "•_ f, I I� �• � JC <br />ESTABLISHING A STRONG PIJBL6C REALM: A list cf U�an Design Principles to ensure <br />Livabiiity, Walkabilityand Sustainability. Revised: December 19,2002 <br />WHAT IS THE SMALL BLOCK PATTERN? <br />Another urban fonn that is found throughout many of Itos�ville's older residential <br />neighborhoods is the srnall block. <br />�. � <br />� ��- <br />,� <br />�� � <br />�� <br />�� � { <br />�� � �� � -= f <br />,� ��' � � ,� <br />�� <br />��� <br />� � '�� <br />�� -� '� <br />� ����{ �� <br />�. <br />� <br />.� <br />� <br />� <br />�v � <br />�� <br />� <br />/ � �- <br />�� �,� ' -� � <br />rl <br />. �, <br />\` <br />�• <br />.I r �� - <br />�1 <br />Twin Lakes will require a <br />pa#ten� ofinterconnected <br />s�reets formingcomplete <br />blocks of a size no greater <br />than 500 feet in anv <br />direction. Buildings will <br />face outward, fronting <br />public streets, while <br />private spaces are created <br />i►1 t�7e interior of tE7e block <br />� �--- — -- <br />The small block pattern enhances vwall�abilitv: small blocks allow for a network of <br />interconnected streets. This network is vital for pedestrians. Large blocks force <br />pedestrians to walk around them – often creating walking distances that are too long. It is <br />widely known that pedestrians will only consider walking if the trip can be made within <br />three to five minutes. In Minnesota's winters, cutting down walking distances are even <br />more important especially in a life style, open air shopping development. Small blocks <br />reduce average walking distances. <br />The sxnal'� block pattern enhances sustainabilitv: Designing blocks creates fi�exibl� <br />increments of development over time. Small blocks lead to more efficientparceling and <br />subdividing, reducing the average increment and scale of each development. Developing <br />Twin Lakes one small block at a time creates a reusable infrastructure by ensuring that <br />second phases or second generations of development can be inserted or redeveloped <br />'right across the street' without creating awkward transitions between uses. A smaller <br />block pattern also inereases the lineal frontage per square foot of land, creating better <br />access and more opportunities for different uses within the same block. <br />. . .. . . . .. �t� ;- . . ' • � , ' � �� � <br />