On January 29, 2025, the International District Choice Neighborhood Planning team hosted Community Meeting #3 at Wainwright Manor. Approximately 35 participants attended, and many were residents of the target housing sites: Wainwright Manor, Grove Apartments, and Pennsylvania Apartments with some community members who live or work in the International District.
The goals of this meeting focused on:
Engaging meeting participants in a hands-on exercise about the future housing design for the target housing sites.
Reviewing proposed improvements to target housing sites as part of the Early Action Activities.
The meeting format included open engagement activities through stations that displayed materials and prompts for resident input; it also included breakouts for small-group conversations and collaborative activities.
Early Action Activities: Residents were asked to provide specific feedback on the Early Action Activities ideas for Wainwright, Grove Apartments, and Pennsylvania Apartments. Residents were asked what improvements would benefit them the most and what types of activities they would like to see in these spaces. The Early Action Activities have been developed based on feedback from previous meetings and surveys and will be implemented this year.
Community Voices: Residents were encouraged to share their memories, aspects that they currently value or consider assets about their community, and their ideas for the future of the International District.
Housing Design: Residents engaged in a design exercise to reimagine Wainwright Manor–although these ideas could also be applicable for other housing sites in the International District. They explored various possibilities for organizing open space, connections, amenities and buildings, including types of housing, with interactive blocks.
Some of the main insights from the meeting included:
Need for improved infrastructure to enhance security and cleanliness, including better street lighting and trash cans.
Desire to integrate residential spaces with commercial functions, such as health services, grocery stores, restaurants and banking services for added convenience.
Desire to foster a sense of community through open environments like playgrounds, pavilions, gardens and seating areas that support gatherings and shared activities.
Desire for community areas and amenities to have restricted access for residents and prevent access to non-residents.
Need for increased access to healthy food options and medical services within walking distance.
Desire for access to services such as job training centers and local shops.
Community Meeting 3 was a great success, bringing residents together to help shape a shared vision of housing design and Early Action Activities. Attendees actively participated in the activities, offering valuable insights and feedback.
Community Meeting 4 will be held in April and will focus on the Draft Transformation Plan.