Case Studies 

Please note that these Hall of Shame nominations were written in a moment in time (most over a decade ago) and likely have since changed or even been transformed. If the above entry is now great, or still not so great, go ahead and comment below on how it has evolved or nominate it as a great place.

*Nominee 

Historic West End Neighborhood

Santa Rosa

Ca

USA

Contributed by 
Allen Thomas
Project for Public Spaces
 on 
January 27, 2010
May 1, 2024

This is place is a historic neighborhood. \nURLS:\n www.srwestend.com

What makes it Great?

Why it doesn't work?

The Historic West End Neighborhood is located in the heart of Santa Rosa Ca. It's a vital small community that developed in the early 1900's near a rail corridor. The area has three small parks, narrow streets and local business easily accessiable without a car.

Access & Linkages

The West End is pedestrian and bike friendly. The neighborhood can be accessed by car, bus and Sonoma Marin Area Rail Transit commuter rail service in 2012. Most visitors and residents walk the area as they visit the dog park at De Turk Round Barn , the bocce courts at De Meo Park or the local bakery, coffee shops and restaurants are within a short walking distance. The neighborhood is located along a bike and pedestrian path system that connects to other communities and downtown Santa Rosa.

Comfort & Image

The Historic West End Neighborhood is a comfortably place to visit or live. The feeling one has walking the streets is a connection to the homes and gardens that line the streets. Many of the homes have front porches and cars are parked on the streets or in rear of the lots. The area is not over run with vehicle and is quite for its location.

Uses & Activities

The neighborhood has become home to young families and creative minded people that value homes located near parks, open spaces,mass transit, shops and dining. The streets are filled with people enjoying the neighborhood, the dog park is a one of the centers of activity for the area, the art galleries and theaters draw people into the neighborhood with different shows, the bocce courts on Friday evening are filled by locals and visitors that all creates a great place.

Sociability

The West End Neighborhood has become a community through social events and the well designed public places located in the area. The neighborhood is host to large community events and home to neighborhood picnics. The area is known for being a great area to walk dogs or ride bikes. The parks are clean and safe and used by locals and visitors. Tourist and visitors can see the pride and care that home owners take in their small bungalows and cottages. This a place that neighbors know one another and interact daily.

How Light?

How Quick?

How Cheap?

History & Background

The West End Neighborhood is a living example of how older neighborhood offer some of best design solutions. Small homes placed on small lots located near shops and dining within a 15 minute walk of mass transit make this place great. The ideas are basic and simple but hard to recreate.

Related Links & Sources

Historic West End Neighborhood
Historic West End Neighborhood
Historic West End Neighborhood
Historic West End Neighborhood
Historic West End Neighborhood
Historic West End Neighborhood
Historic West End Neighborhood
Historic West End Neighborhood

*Please note that these Hall of Shame nominations were written in a moment in time (most over a decade ago) and likely have since changed or even been transformed. If the above entry is now great, or still not so great, go ahead and comment below on how it has evolved or nominate it as a great place.

NOMINATE A PLACE

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