Our concept design for the Rock Run Crossings sought to provide a uniquely affecting retail and lifestyle experience, recognizable and welcoming, yet pleasantly surprising. For this proposal we strategically
chose to focus on Block 7, which is located at the heart of the overall development plan, and which provided
the best opportunity to set the tone for the structures, amenities, and experiences that we hoped to provide throughout. The Block 7 ‘Lifestyle Center’ zone provided a variety of retail, dining, and gathering options, presented at a human-centric scale and density, and functioned as an initial destination for customers arriving
to the development for the first time.
At the center of the center, we placed a functionally-scaled public gathering space (suitable for farmers’ markets and the like), with a focal-point fountain or similar amenity. The fountain amenity would provide one of several intended branding opportunities for the overall development. Landscaped boulevards radiated from this center, providing access to urbanized street parking, which in turn provided access to a pedestrian-friendly network of activated public walkways. Parking would always be directly adjacent to individual retail frontages,
and interaction with many other establishments would be facilitated on the shoppers path from car to intended destination.
Walkways are designed to be generous enough to allow a variety of street life moments to occur- outdoor dining,
sidewalk sales etc. Several larger nodes have been designated for additional public amenities- patio restaurant seating, playgrounds for visiting children, landscaped areas, and a potential al fresco roller/ice skating rink. The
center will be welcoming and entertaining for patrons of all ages, interests and incomes, throughout all four
seasons, and will encourage repeat visits, not just for immediate shopping needs. The intent is for Rock Run to
function as a destination ‘city center’ for the larger surrounding area, a place to spend time with friends and family, be entertained and delighted