Millvale, previously a vibrant community with its own steel mill, has been hit hard by the decline of steel production and the industrial period. Its vision set towards revitalization, Millvale has adopted the Ecodistrict plans with the help of organizations such as The New Sun Rising, Millvale Community Library and MCDC to name a few.

Study of the existing urban fabric of Millvale guided us to recognize and reinforce the sense of the built environment in the project.

Extending the existing systems to establish a gateway to Millvale, the plan incorporates introducing an improved and a new connection to the riverfront, a park for the community and affordable housing for the new community.

In order to revive and further improve the community, a new economic model for the borough is important. Practicing policies and approaches towards self-reliance and community governance would provide suitable environment to grow as a community and businesses to flourish. This led us to proposing a Local Ownership/ Import Substitution model that would empower the people of Millvale and instill a sense of community.

With this model adopted, it would also enable the community to take ownership of Millvale and work towards achieving a better environment.

With the LOIS model and the Land Trust in place, we would be able to take charge/ control over issues such as affordability and offer it to a diverse community with less economic burden.

Retail spaces along the street and the extension of the built form would further reinforce and improve the streetscape which we hope will provide a great pedestrian experience and identity. The retail allows businesses in Millvale to grow and establish itself.

The new park and the improved connection to the riverfront, we propose, will encourage more interaction within the community and increase the social cohesion.

With the idea of promoting local businesses and extending the streetscape along the road, retail spaces have been proposed along Grant Avenue, Lincoln Avenue, and our new proposed street

The new development takes into consideration the existing form of Millvale. The proposed facade strives to continue and reinforce the streetscape of the neighborhood.

Integration of Grant’s Bar into the streetscape

Shopfronts along Grant and Lincoln as well as the new street

Proposed opening systems onthe first floor allows water to pass through incase of a flooding

Windows and openings proposed to visually connect the dwelling, retail and street

Sidewalks with water retention

The proposition of Townhouses is influenced by the existing urban form in Millvale. It presents an opportunity for people of different financial abilities to own a house

• Child Care Center’s facade proposed to blend into the residential development.
• Proposed Restplace at E. Ohio St and Lincoln Avenue : A place for pedestrians to sit and rest for awhile, presence of water fountain
• Planning proposes dwelling units accessible from street

The new boulevard strengthens the connection between Millvale’s new gateway and the Millvale Riverfront. It connectsthe proposed hotel development, our proposed parks, and the riverfront in one continuous path. The Millvale Trolley Park will introduce housing, retail, and a commemorative park to the corner of Grant Street and EOhio Street. This will help to draw people closer to the river, and transform the bad image of “the curve”.

Using the existing infrastructure of I-28, we are proposing a new pedestrian ramp to the river that would create a more direct connection between the Millvale and the Riverfront Park