Purpose of Raised/Elevated Retail? (Dallas, park, area, sidewalk)
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I apologize in advance for not knowing the proper term for this but in my neighborhood in Dallas I see a lot of retail that has been raised from the ground level. I'm including a photo of what I'm talking about for better visualization. Basically it is retail that requires you to climb up a small set of steps to reach the retail. So you have the sidewalk, the steps, a walkway and then the entrance to retail shops. I'm wondering what is the purpose, if any to this design? It seems like a disadvantage to anyone in a wheelchair, with a stroller, etc. and it competes with the sidewalk for pedestrian space. https://ibb.co/iXtA5a
Last edited by photostoresheila; 03-30-2017 at 05:01 PM..
Reason: fixing photo link
Yeah, I'm starting to think it is just a bad design element and that there is no real purpose for it. Flooding is definitely not an issue in drought-prone Dallas!
You're correct. I meant to say that this area is not a flood-prone area. James Kunztler describes this type of elevated retail in this Youtube video at the 10:30 mark but he doesn't really explain the reason for it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q1ZeXnmDZMQ&t=373s
It provides a visual separation from the sidewalk while at the same time being easily accessible from it. I would guess that the intent is to have something that is part of the urban fabric, yet vaguely suggestive of a little bit of exclusivity. But that's just a guess.
It does seem merely aesthetic. And somewhat annoying if you have to carry or deliver large, awkward, or heavy goods or purchases through the front doors.
I assume that the federally mandated access ramps for the disabled are simply not in view in the picture.
I see a lot of retail that has been raised from the ground level.
what is the purpose, if any to this design?
What is the ground level space being used for?
A grocery store here was built that way in order to have parking underneath.
The front has stairs... the garage has an elevator.
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