South Main's got a coffee shop, a cidery, a slew of retail shops on tap — and, soon, green space.
Two neighborhood parks are currently under construction: The Skinny (a multifunctional, linear park) and Calhound Park (a fenced dog park). Near Southside, Inc., anticipates a fall opening for both parks.
Near Southside, Inc., originally brokered a partnership with Stonehawk Capital Partners for the creation of the parks, which were to be integrated into plans for its large, multifamily project known as The Bowery.
The Skinny will run along the new extension of Crawford Street up to Broadway Avenue, right across from The Bowery at Southside — the new apartment and townhome community nearing completion and in pre-leasing mode. The Skinny will feature an elevated walkway that runs parallel to an alley that runs behind Hop Fusion Ale Works. It will include a steel pavilion structure, along with several smaller trellises for shade. There will also be larger, open green space, along with other seating areas complete with custom outdoor furnishings.
South of The Skinny, closer to the Brik Venue, will be Calhound Park. Architecture and design firm TBG Partners, which has an office in the Near Southside, drew up the plans.
While both parks will naturally become an amenity for residents of The Bowery, Stonehawk Capital Partners ultimately decided to donate the land to the city.
"We are excited about these parks and foresee The Skinny being programmed quite a bit for community events, as well as being enjoyed by local residents," says Allison Docker, director of urban design and place making with Near Southside Inc.
