Rediscovering the river : infill and adaptive reuse in Brattleboro, Vermont

Abstract

This thesis develops several ideas voiced by the citizens of Brattleboro. The first, the River Walk, is a pedestrian path at the rear of the downtown commercial area of town. Projections are made about the possible route and form of this path, which would overlook the Connecticut River. A connection between the Main Street of town and the River Walk is suggested, as are pedestrian bridges between the River Walk and the shore of the river. A mixed use building on Main Street is proposed. The design is intended to repair an existing break in the fabric of Main Street, and to herald the connection between the River Walk and the river shore beyond. In the final part of the thesis, an unused warehouse is adapted to serve as a community Performing Arts Center.