Issue link: http://townofcary.uberflip.com/i/791958
CHAPTER 6:SHAPE Commercial Center Definition These areas are defined by a shopping center of about 5-10 acres or more, and anchored by a supermarket or equivalent. Commercial Centers may also have residential, office, or institutional uses incorporated into the center, although that is optional. Residential, office, or institutional uses may be mixed either vertically within multi-story buildings, or horizontally on adjacent sites. Location Typically located at major street intersections, Commercial Centers are designed to maximize convenience by providing daily retail and services needs within a convenient distance of about ½ to 1 mile of homes. Character • Commercial Centers typically accommodate parking in close proximity to stores, typically along the front or side of the shopping center. • Ample landscaping, including both natural green spaces and formal public gathering areas, and considerable attention paid to building and site design and appearance. • Commercial buildings about 1-2 stories • Office and residential buildings about 1-3 stories • Well-connected to adjacent neighborhoods by local streets and collector roads Predominant Use Types • Commercial, small format • Commercial, medium format Incidental and Other Use Types • Office, low-rise • Multi-family, small (duplex, triplex, etc.) • Multi-family large (apartment, condominium, nursing/assisted living, or care facilities) • Plazas • Parks and open space Redevelopment Opportunities on Existing Commercial Sites Improve pedestrian and bicycle crossings of major roads; widen sidewalks; add bike parking, street trees, outdoor plazas and pocket parks; enhance building frontages; develop new structures on parking lots; connect to adjacent developments Minimize surface parking; create cohesive building frontages; connect to adjacent developments; incorporate housing as feasible on opportunity sites New Development Opportunities Incorporate street trees and street furniture; incorporate housing within walking distance of center; orient development around civic space or open space; design for walkability Appropriate zoning For Predominant Use Types: • General Commercial District • Mixed Use Overlay and Mixed Use District For Incidental and Other Use Types: • Transitional Residential District • Residential Multifamily District • Office and Institutional District Example Character 104