The Centerville Downtown Development Authority (DDA), was formed in 2004 to study the creation of a downtown for Centerville. Working with city staff, the DDA developed proposed downtown district boundaries.

The Charrette report provides illustrations to support the vision described in the DDA’s document entitled “Desirable Elements for a New Downtown Centerville.” (See supplemental materials).

The charrette team developed their design solutions based on the area designated as the downtown district, however many of the principles could and should be applied throughout the city.

In order to be a truly vital downtown, Centerville must counteract the dominant characteristic of sprawl which is that each land use is strictly segregated from others.

The concepts illustrated in this report propose a variety of residential units, including both rental and owner occupied, following a progression of decreasing density from the highest-density center to the lowest-density edge.

As Centerville grows and redevelops, the city should pursue a continuous street network with a hierarchy, from high-capacity boulevards to narrow rear lanes or alleys. Neighborhood streets should have relatively narrow roadways, small curb radii, and sidewalks, to accommodate pedestrians and bicyclists as well as motor vehicles. Lots narrower than 50 feet should have parking accessed from the rear by a lane or alley. Parking lots and garage doors should not face the street.

The word “charrette” describes a rapid, intense, and creative work session in which a design team focuses on a particular design problem and arrives at a collaborate solution.

Charrettes are product oriented, and are fast becoming a preferred method to solve planning challenges confronting American cities.

The charrette process is a way of evaluating resources through new eyes. Fresh ideas are what help communities maintain and build their vitality.