Mainstreet Architects + Planners, Inc.

THINGS WE LIKE: Get Outside! The City of Ventura was honored this year as a top bicycle-friendly city by PeopleForBikes for its commitment to develop and improve bicycling while encouraging healthier and more sustainable transportation choices. The PlacesForBikes program ranks cities by scoring metrics such as bicycle ridership, safety, and how well the bicycle network serves all communities. The pandemic has had an undeniable impact on bicycling. Data from bicycle counters across Ventura recorded a 56% increase in bicycle trips over the same period just last year and local bicycle shops report skyrocketing sales. https://cityratings.peopleforbikes.org/city/ventura/

A write up and a reminder about the Housing Conference event tomorrow. The panel Nick is joint presenter of is at 11:15; A new housing toolbox for Ventura County’s future - a discussion on new strategies in housing design, process, and policy and the effect of covid19 on future development. Alex Russell of Many Mansions will join Nick presenting.

GET INVOLVED: Next week, our own Nick Deitch will serve on a discussion panel at this important community dialogue promoting diversity in housing opportunities for Ventura County. In a virtual platform Scaling Up: From Blueprint to Home, Wednesday, October 21, 2020 from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. https://fb.me/e/3IWrRY6zF

Related to our last post, read former Ventura Mayor Bill Fulton's words on the success of our walkable downtown: https://medium.com//my-favorite-street-is-closed-to-cars-b

THINGS WE LIKE: Pedestrian-centric downtown! Last month the City Council approved the extension of the 'Main Street Moves' program through February 15, 2021. We have so enjoyed seeing the historic Downtown Ventura businesses expand onto the streets and sidewalks. It is a great way to support local commerce during the COVID-19 pandemic. More info here: https://downtownventura.org/moves/

IN THE NEWS: Good to see the important work of our consultant partner, Pacific Coast Land Design, recognized for the Westview Village Affordable Housing project. This post features the Phase 1 scope. The next phase of work, for additional family apartments and a continuation of the beautifully integrated and thoughtful landscape design, is set to start construction within the next month. We will share more on the project soon! https://www.linkedin.com//illumine-industries_sustainablea

GET INVOLVED: Attend the virtual State of the City address this week. Hear thoughts on Ventura's recovery. https://fb.me/e/1zstMETok

In light of school starting again, here is a valuable list for architecture students (and other disciplines can use in a modified way). Even in the unique remote setting this year, some of these tips still apply.

IN THE NEWS: The Port Hueneme City Council approved a planned development permit, tentative tract map and affordable housing agreement for our first townhouse project with Habitat for Humanity of Ventura County last week. https://www.vcstar.com//habitat-humanity-port-/5745849002/

THINGS WE LIKE: Big development done thoughtfully like this project with a focus on outdoor life dispersed between the building blocks.

FROM THE FIELD: Thomas Fire Rebuild Harbor View Villas Apartments projected completion by mid-October! See progress photos through the link: https://www.mainstreetarchitects.com/post/from-the-field-10

Congrats to our valued energy consultant, Lance Collins, a director with Partner Energy, on his thoughtful conversation with KCRW, with a fun shout out to our joint project, Westview Village Affordable Housing: https://lnkd.in/dEqniW8

Another sad after-effect of COVID-19, especially when communities may be needing it more.