Welcome to Welcome Alley

Ashley Sampson URSP688J Principles of Urban Design July 29, 2014

Welcome Alley is a small residential

street in the Otterbein neighborhood of

Baltimore City, MD.The neighborhood has an eclectic mix of housing styles , offers ample public space where neighbors and visitors interact, and favors the pedestrian over the automobile.

Welcome Alley is a very narrow street—the road is only twelve feet wide—with homes and apartments set very close to the curb. Much of the western half of the alley is enclosed by buildings whose height is accentuated by the narrowness of the street. As you move east along the alley, the street opens up to a park, giving the sense that you have entered another room off of the main hallway. Further still, the road widens to accomodate two small parking lots and connecting green space.

The stair steps, container gardens, and planting strips along the alley intrude into the sidewalk and public right of way, and in some places overtake it completely. Because of this and restricted vehicle access, the cobblestone road is a defacto shared use space.

Street Section

Site PlanThe figure ground diagram of the area surrounding Welcome Alley shows that this block has a higher density of structures than the surrounding area, although nearby blocks have structures with a similar diversity of sizes and shapes. Beyond the five residential blocks evident in the diagram, wide roads and the open space surrounding the large Federal Reserve building on the left dominate the landscape.

Looking at the aerial site section, we see that much of the unbuilt space seen in the figure ground diagram is filled with green space. A minimal amount of unbuilt space in the alley is dedicated to parking, and the alleyway itself occupies a very small proportion of the site.

Site Plan

Block encompassing Welcome Alley

The figure ground diagram of the area surrounding Welcome Alley shows that this block has a higher density of structures than the surrounding area, although nearby blocks have structures with a similar diversity of sizes and shapes. Beyond the five residential blocks evident in the diagram, wide roads and the open space surrounding the large Federal Reserve building on the left dominate the landscape.

Looking at the aerial site section, we see that much of the unbuilt space seen in the figure ground diagram is filled with green space. A minimal amount of unbuilt space in the alley is dedicated to parking, and the alleyway itself occupies a very small proportion of the site.

Welcome Alley contains a wide variety of building materials and textures, ranging from handmade brick and cobblestone characteristic of the early 19th century to contemporary wood paneling and factory-made brick of the late 20th century. A modern iron sculpture mimics the natural shapes that surround it, providing an intriguing contrast. Overall, the eclectic blend of materials creates a unique tactile experience that contributes to the alley’s charm.

Texture

Vehicles in this alley are highly regulated. Street parking is forbidden along the narrow roadway; however, some pull-in parking is provided in two small lots with strict residential permitting requirements. Further, vehicular traffic cannot enter the alley from the west.

By limiting the number of cars in the alleyway, pedestrians are comfortable circulating through the space and walking in the road—as is often necessary. Although the lack of abundant parking is often considered a “downside” to living in Otterbein, the absence of cars greatly contributes to the character and walkability of the neighborhood.

Accomodating Vehicles

ArchitectureThe architectural style of the street is a mix of primarily Federal style brick rowhouses and modern interpretations of that style. The modern structures were added during a period of urban renewal in the late 1970’s and early 1980’s. Looking down the alley to the east, a modern highrise condominium—the tallest residential structure in Maryland—is clearly visible in the skyline.

Departures from the dominant Federal and modern styles include a squat Greek Revival structure, and an historic rowhouse retrofitted with a contemporary façade.

The alleyway and broader Otterbein neighborhood contain a dense network of parks and a variety of open space types connected by pedestrian paths. Open spaces along Welcome Alley include grassy parks with benches ideal for dogwalking; the shady, hardscaped Homesteader Park that inspires reflection; and “Conservation Landscapes” that contribute to the health of the Chesapeake Bay.

Green Space