Building North Lubbock Through Quality Architecture Design

In November 2005, AIA Lubbock presented to City Council four different proposals to develop conceptual designs for specific areas of Lubbock. Each proposal involved urban streetscapes, design guidelines for redevelopment, economic development corridors, community identity, and connection to the larger urban context. Each proposal would involve local citizens in the design process.

Lubbock City Council agreed with AIA Lubbock’s recommendation to undertake the North University Avenue Mercado project, realizing this development could spur future growth in North Lubbock. The proposed site abuts University Avenue, where Texas Tech is expanding, and the new freeway. The Mercado will serve as a gateway to the neighborhoods of North Lubbock while connecting them to the booming neighborhoods to the east. A vibrant center of community activity, retail and mixed-use development is critical to the future grown and revitalization of the largely Hispanic neighborhoods of North Lubbock.

North University Avenue Mercado

Lubbock is a hub of activity in the south plains of West Texas , and is facing some classic urban growth challenges. Issues facing the community include:

•  Rapid population growth. The population in the Lubbock area has reached almost 250,000 and is still growing.

•  Extensive redevelopment. The largest private redevelopment project in the country is underway in North Overton, in addition to downtown redevelopment initiatives.

•  University expansion. Texas Tech University is growing in student enrollment and the campus is expanding.

•  Mobility improvements. The proposed Marsha Sharp Freeway will stretch from the southwest neighborhoods into downtown.

This is all activity worth celebrating. However, with economic growth, the community faces new challenges. For example, a new freeway expansion has had the effect of dividing and isolating neighborhoods in Central and East Lubbock . The economic activity and redevelopment in Central Lubbock , stimulated by growth of the university campus, dwindles north of the new freeway.

In November 2005, AIA Lubbock presented to City Council four different proposals to develop conceptual designs for specific areas of Lubbock . Each proposal involved urban streetscapes, design guidelines for redevelopment, economic development corridors, community identity, and connection to the larger urban context. Each proposal would involve local citizens in the design process.

Lubbock City Council agreed with AIA Lubbock's recommendation to undertake the North University Avenue Mercado project, realizing this development could spur future growth in North Lubbock . The proposed site abuts University Avenue , where Texas Tech is expanding, and the new freeway. The Mercado will serve as a gateway to the neighborhoods of North Lubbock while connecting them to the booming neighborhoods to the east. A vibrant center of community activity, retail and mixed-use development is critical to the future grown and revitalization of the largely Hispanic neighborhoods of North Lubbock .

A steering committee of design professionals, neighborhood leaders, public officials, university faculty, and business leaders has directed the project. A design team from the Texas Tech College of Architecture worked with the steering committee and AIA Lubbock volunteers to hold two community design workshops in the neighborhoods. The information gathered from the workshops will be used in the next phase of the project: finalizing a design.

The team finalized a conceptual design for the Mercado that addresses the community's needs and desires; is respectful of traditional Hispanic architecture, art and cultural history; facilitates a connection between neighborhoods; and is sensitive to the need for sustainable development.

The design was presented to the City Council of Lubbock. The council has already appropriated $750,000 for infrastructure improvements, and dialogue has begun with the Lubbock Citizens Advisory Committee and Bond Commission to seek additional funds in the next City Bond Election. The concepts and designs are now awaiting a public/private partnership to make the North University Mercado a reality.

View market site on Google Earth – North University Mercado Area (requires Google Earth download to view)

Additional Files

AIA Lubbock Hits a Home Run

May Presentation