TENTH STREET REVITALIZATION

Project Overview

As part of the 10th Street Historic District restoration project, we conducted a detailed study of the neighborhood’s residential typologies to understand how architecture reflected the lived experiences of the community over time. The district features a rich tapestry of housing forms, including classic shotgun houses, double-shotgun units, pyramidal cottages, and transitional bungalows—each shaped by periods of migration, economic shifts, and evolving construction practices.

Our analysis involved archival research, on-site documentation, and interviews with long-term residents to uncover not only the physical characteristics of these homes but also their cultural and social significance. For example, the shotgun house, a typology historically linked to African American communities in the South, was celebrated for its efficiency, affordability, and adaptability. We studied how residents had modified these homes over generations—adding porches, side extensions, or cladding—revealing patterns of resilience and resourcefulness.

Ultimately, the study of these housing typologies became a foundation for culturally responsive design, bridging historical preservation with contemporary housing needs and helping to shape a future for 10th Street that is rooted in its past.

Specifications