Conversation

Mike says that removing parking minimums is key to unlocking traditional design.

Mike talks retail and what zoning laws require. He explains that where demand is—like old homes on Wallingford that converted—retail appears

Family Cyclery is back open further north on Greenwood.

A mid-block through connection has recreated granular traditional design (used to be parking and strip commercial).

Mike asks what commercial places like Northgate and UVillage are missing compared to Greenwood. Crowd says "villagers."

Mike explains that multi-story mixed-use is very hard to fund due to finance backing, partially because of bank policies and federal laws.

More of the newish through-block.

Greenwood is built on a large bog and it's a problem for new and old development.

Mike takes us to low-income housing next to a car sewer. Explains that ground retail was required, not well used.

Mike asks why it was requires here given context.

Mike points to "the original microhousing units" in Seattle. Says there's nothing new about this.

Taproot Theatre is a great example of how the neighborhood has turned around. The extension filled in a big gap.

Mike asks us to think about the limitations that planning has in a very complex urban environment.

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