The Yard: A Neighborhood Gathering Space

At the heart of the landscape is a new pocket plaza known as The Yard—a more than 5,000-square-foot open space located along West 2nd Street. Positioned on the south side of the building, the Yard benefits from excellent solar access and, by facing the residential side of the site rather than First Street, offers a quieter, more intimate setting that comfortably serves nearby residents.

Designed for resilience and accessibility, the community room opens directly onto the Yard, with entrances elevated to support flood protection while remaining seamlessly connected to surrounding sidewalks. A combination of gently sloped walkways, a short set of steps, and a slightly raised lawn creates multiple, intuitive points of entry, ensuring the space feels open and welcoming from the street.

The central lawn and adjoining terrace are designed to function as a single, flexible space—supporting everyday use as well as larger gatherings that can spill out from the building façade. The lawn edge remains open to the sidewalk, inviting passersby in, while framing plantings of trees and shrubs provide definition, comfort, and seasonal interest.

Permeable pavers throughout the hardscape support groundwater recharge and long-term environmental performance. A diverse mix of seating—backed benches along the sidewalk, game tables in the frontage zone, a corner lounge seat, and movable furnishings within the lawn and patio areas—encourages people to linger, socialize, and make the space their own.

Together, these landscape improvements balance function and character, supporting daily use by residents while contributing to a cohesive, vibrant streetscape. The design transforms the site from an auto-oriented condition into a people-focused residential environment, strengthening neighborhood connections and supporting long-term livability.