Taylor Plus

 The Taylor Plus concept is a comprehensive strategy aimed at integrating tradition and togetherness to enhance the quality of life for residents by providing various lifestyle opportunities. This vision emphasizes the importance of investing in the public realm and livelihood to create vibrant community spaces.

Inspired by Ankitha Gattupalli's article "The City as an Organism" (Gattupalli, 2024), the concept of Taylor Plus draws parallels between the city and a living organism, emphasizing interdependent systems that support urban development and activeness. The project, "The Heart," embodies this philosophy by incorporating leisure spaces, housing, retail developments, and the Social Square project, which includes an expanded community center and a children’s park. These interdependent proposals aim to enhance the culture, quality of life, and mobility within the district.

The Taylor Plus concept introduces three key interventions to transform surface parking lots into valuable development sites, enriching the area. The framework plan highlights crucial areas along Taylor Street, including:

• Bump and Connect Park: This intervention at the intersection of Taylor Street and Paulina Street aims to create a dynamic recreational area that enhances connectivity and encourages community interaction.

• Gateway Development: Also located at the intersection of Taylor Street and Paulina Street, the Gateway Development focuses on improving the entry point to the district, making the space more welcoming and vibrant.

• Social Square: Situated at the intersection of West Taylor Street and South Damen Avenue, this project will serve as a community hub featuring a community center and a children’s park. It will be the nucleus of social, recreational, and cultural activities, providing a venue for events, family activities, and socializing.

The strategic interventions form a "plus" shape, symbolizing the integration and strengthening of the community fabric. By converting underutilized parking lots into vibrant, multipurpose spaces, the Taylor Plus concept fosters community building and enhances the overall quality of life in the district. These development opportunities aim to create a more integrated, active, and inviting urban environment.