Possibly the most beneficial aspect of the first weekend in East St. Louis was discussing Emerson Park and our role as the student designers in helping to create a new vision for Emerson Park.  Meeting with residents of Emerson Park and officials from neighborhood agencies afforded the student designers a great deal of information pertaining to the history of Emerson Park, user needs in housing in the area, and the vision for Emerson Park in the near and distant future. Sitting at my interview table was ESLARP official Vicky Forbey, Environmentalist Kathy _______, and students Jeff Zahorak, Scott Klimek, Amy MacDonald, Christopher Collins, Keith Johnson, and Eric Gould.

 Vicky Forbey provided a lot of good information on the improvement of Emerson Park over the past 10 years.  The light rail station currently under construction is expected to make Emerson Park more accessible to the St. Louis area and vice-versa, increase traffic throughout the area dramatically.  This is projected to “put Emerson Park on the map” and make the community a more diverse one.  She also echoed the sentiments of most if not all of the residents in describing their excitement over the establishment of the metrolink rail station, the development of Parson’s Place, and the possibilities of the 10 student-designed houses for a new Emerson Park project.

 Specifically, both Kathy and Vicky provided us with recommendations for our designs in order to design more efficiently.

HOUSE IN GENERAL

-Openness of plan is key to making a smaller house feel more spacious and comfortable. Heightening common ceilings to 9’-0”, using minimal walls, creating double height spaces can accomplish this feeling.

-The flexibility of the spaces will give families more options in using each space.

-Be careful of wasted space in order to use the budget in defining other areas of the home.

-Efficient use of storage and built in cabinetry will save useable floor space and allow for flexibility.

-Layering the exterior façade of the house will create more interest and develop some character in the 
 house.

-SEPTED design and privacy issues must be addressed in this project.

-Porches are used often and should be incorporated into the design. Completely covered porches are 
 the most desirable however partially enclosed porches are acceptable.

-Square footages for each type of dwelling are as follows: 2000-2300 sq. ft for intergenerational house, 1800-2100 sq. ft. for 4 bedroom house, 1500-1800 sq. ft. for 3 bedroom house.

-Use of different materials will make for a more attractive home.

-A fireplace is a nice feature for a home in Emerson Park.

-For construction purposes, a 4/12 to 7/12 roof pitch will be required.

BEDROOM

-Minimum 12x12 space required for efficient mobility in bedroom.

-Design with furniture in mind when considering window placement and other wall elements.

-A loft in a child’s bedroom can create two spaces within one to create a flexible, efficient space.

BATHROOM

-A minimum of 2 bathrooms are required for a three bedroom house. 

-A first floor half bath or full bath is desirable for a two story house.

-Shared bathrooms may be efficient and will require less space than 2 separate bathrooms.

KITCHEN

-Maximum cupboard space, countertop area, and storage area is needed in order to meet the changing needs of the family for the kitchen.

-Either an eat-in kitchen or a dining area directly linked to the kitchen is recommended.

*Written by University of Illinois student designer Christian Lauffer