 |
One of the most challenging aspects of integrating new development into existing communities is understanding the unique needs and requirements of the particular community in which the development is to be located. The process of leading and building the consensus of the community to support a necessary, viable and important addition to the neighborhood requires a depth of experience found only in developers such as Applied which have worked with many communities on varied projects over the years. Karlen Management is a master at integrating the elements that achieve a balance that strengthens a community, including:
- Examining the size and density of the existing community and proposing a project which compliments these attributes.
- Studying the relationship of the new development to the existing fabric of the community: e.g. integrating into the existing neighborhood fabric rather than creating an isolated enclave.
- Respecting the dominant aesthetics of the community: e.g. historic elements, scale, predominant architectural vocabulary (stone, frame, brick).
- Recognizing a concern for the varied voices of the community, including not only elected officials, planning boards, and the professional part of government, but also neighborhood groups, advocacy groups, and special interests.
- Analyzing transportation, schools and recreational infrastructure. Applied determines, what is needed to complement the development. Applied has built ferry stops and terminals, restored piers for public use, contributed to charter schools and built waterfront parks, museums, neighborhood playgrounds and acres of publicly dedicated space.
Commitment to the communities in which it develops over the very long term is Karlen’s signature. Applied provides support to local cultural and educational groups including historical societies, theater groups, hospitals, education groups, etc. In addition, Karlen’s planning strategy does not involve only the discreet development at issue, but envisions a future for the city which projects necessary renewal and redevelopment in a manner consistent with the above elements over decades. Every community must constantly renew itself. Karlen’s very long term view reflects itself in the quality and Aesthetics of its developments, and the concern for how the community in which it operates will look and function in 10, 20 or 50 years. This is one of the greatest strength that Applied brings to bear and distinguishes Applied from all other developers. |