BOHO Centers

[BOHOSource]

I am a developer in the Milwaukee area who has put together a team to develop a truly unique style of urban village. I call the concept: BOHO Centers.

The idea is to create authentic and sustainable urban and sub-urban villages that incorporate elements to make a truly "livable" urban community. BOHO comes from both the inspiration of the developmental style of SOHO in NYC and the Bohemian spirit of creating a new destination in the urban frontier.

Taking cues from the most successful "Lifestyle Centers" in the nation and pealing off the fake exterior to expose the possibilities that lie beneath... is our goal. Each BOHO center has a strong retail, restaurant, service and office element as well as loft style living. Many will include a civic element and all have dedicated green space.

Preferred locations are near transit hubs in emerging neighborhoods. LEED certification is the goal for all projects and a deep community involvement from the conceptual phase to completion.

Mid you this is no hippie-idealist notion. The pro-forma is solid and the market is ready. Several New Urbanist ideas are incorporated along with a financially sound development plan.

I am seeking feedback and comments from this community...

[Michael Bulatovich]

It sounds AMAZING!!!! I might even be interested in ditching my cramped urban location, surrounded by gays, ethnics, and public transit, to seek the new urban frontier with the other hipsters-who've-had-enough and need another parking spot. Do you have a brochure?

Maybe you need some ideas? I could work with you on spec. I'd be thrilled just to be a part of such a cutting edge venture. If it takes off, then maybe you could toss me some coin some day. I've worked in developing both conventional and new urbanist communities.

[Edgar]

How bout a market rather than the standard retail stuff. There was this Co-housing development I visited in Oakland that had a Market right at its entrance. You could buy all the freshest things you could imagine right at your doorstep. What about live-work areas?

[BOHOSource]

Sorry... Gays, Ethnics and Public transit...are all in the mix. Cramped is the one thing that you will be able to get out of... as this is geared for Secondary and Tertiary markets. Parking is in the mix too...only as a place to park your 1967 BMW cafe racer. That said....I welcome you to join the adventure!!! The small minds will not be welcome at the gate.

[Chuck]

This is not a new idea urban villages located within a large city. In fact, some years ago this was brought up in Seattle when rezoning of areas with the county were being considered. In fact, there are several areas right now being developed with the 'Urban Village' concept. These are not specific to the rich it is aimed at low to medium families as well as the aged. Where, the 'village' has everything that is needed within such as commercial, restaurants, grocery stores etc. If you do a 'google search for "High Point in Seattle Washington is a beginning of a urban village in Seattle WA.

CID...

[Michael Bulatovich]

There's an authentic urbanist statement if I ever heard one. What about con men? Can they get in, or have you already reached your quota for that?

[I'm From Milwaukee]

...it's draft-brewed Blatz beer wherever you go. Richer, smoother, less-filling, it's clear. Blatz is Milwaukee's finest beer.

[And I oughta know]

...it's draft-brewed Blatz beer wherever you go. Richer, smoother, less-filling, it's clear. Blatz is Milwaukee's finest beer.

[Kris Krieger]

"Edgar" wrote in news:4609aa4b$0$16262$ [e-mail]:

THat's one thing I'd like - to be able to walk to the grocery. (Being 50 and arthritic, that means pref. about a half mile at most, especially when it's over 90 degrees and drippingly humid...

There is a Kroger's grocery about a mile and a quarter from the house here; it's more than I can handle to walk there and back - I'd consider a bicycle or even a small scooter/"mini-motorcycle" type of thing BUT, to get to the store, I'd have to cross a completely absurd and psychotic intersection which is barely even safe to traverse in a car... So, I drive.

Yup, a market would be nice. I can walk to the Walgreen's, but they don't sell vegetables or meats. Or beer...!