Downtown Redevelopment Plan, Borger, Texas

2001 Fall: ARCH Studio 5605/Service Learning ($5,500)

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Project Description:

Concern for the economic future and sustaining the cultural significance of the historic Main Street district initiated the collaboration of the Borger Economic Development Corporation, community organizations, and the Community Design Laboratory. The community consensus expressed the need for a vision of the downtown area that encouraged new investment promoting architectural and cultural themes consistent with core historic values and the original built context established between the years 1925-45.

First, a graphic profile of the existing conditions and current uses of the area was compiled providing both quantitative and qualitative documentation regarding use, architectural character, and spatial typologies. The second step was a series of graphic studies informed by community based input assessing current needs and conditions, identifying key issues, and projecting viable responses toward a strategic plan based on a mutual vision for new growth.

The final result of this study was the development of an architectural design vision demonstrating the positive benefits of returning existing facades to their original conditions, and how adaptive reuse schemes can be practically achieved being compatible with heritage character and historic architectural form and detail.