Update! 2019 AIA Blueprint for Better Housing

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Rendering of the proposed mixed-use site
In September, we introduced Sparkflight Studios' involvement in the 2019 AIA Blueprint for Better Housing, a mission to solve housing needs in our community. Anne was invited to be the Team Coordinator of the Multi-Family Mixed-Use group. She worked diligently with her team and alongside the charrette participants and members of the local community to create a design that was presented to AIA Las Vegas in October.

The team proposed a 381,000-SF mixed-use, mixed-income development on the west side of Martin Luther King Boulevard, south of Lake Mead Boulevard, in the 89106 zip code. The team chose this site due to the economic disparity between this zip code and the rest of our city, with a diaspora of community members seeking opportunity elsewhere. This community has an intense desire to preserve its heritage and build a vibrant future for its children; Anne and the rest of the dedicated charrette team worked hard to come up with unique and beneficial solutions to do just that.

Aerial view of the proposed mixed-use site
The team saw the potential for a self-sustaining, "business-residential-services" destination hub not totally reliant on cars or parking for its clientele. They designed a transit-center and mixed-income, multi-family residential center that would create its own foot traffic to sustain local, neighborhood-based businesses in an enterprise-focused, incubator environment.

The design concept was titled "Something to Come Home To," with four conceptual cornerstones: Economic Viability, Community Vitality, Sustainability, and Enjoyment. The mixed-use space would incorporate elements such as ample green space and plazas, solar panels, vibrant shops and restaurants, commercial offices, daycare facilities, event space, roof gardens, affordable housing, and an RTC transit hub. The center would be a multi-generational space for everyone to enjoy. 

A dynamic retail environment with common areas
This proposed model supports economic success by bringing customers and businesses together while meeting the local housing need. As community members, architects, and dreamers, the team envisioned a new path for an energetic, sustainable community. Something to come home to.

A walkable and bikeable development to enjoy
Location: N M.L.K. Blvd & W Lake Mead Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89106, USA

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