Self-Guided and Virtual Walking Tour
When you think of downtown Lafayette, what comes to mind? Is it public spaces like Plaza Park or maybe your most beloved restaurants and shops? It may not be top of mind for all, but for some it may be the variety of housing types within the downtown and nearby neighborhoods. The self-guided and virtual walking tour covers a wide range of existing and forthcoming housing developments in and around downtown. The tour also provides some insight into the approvals process for new housing developments, how state laws are affecting local development, why the buildings look the way they do, the kinds of public benefits development can bring, and more.
Sometimes talking about housing can feel very abstract - who knows what 35 dwelling units per acre even looks like? This tour is intended to start putting these numbers and concepts into the real world. The route includes 11 housing developments that have been approved, are under construction, or completed and highlight many different ways development can look and feel. On the tour, you will experience policy in action as all of these projects were in some way influenced by state or local rules, like the Housing Element. The goals, policies, and programs within the Housing Element were part of the review for each of these projects, demonstrating how thoughtful planning during the current Housing Element update will shape the built environment for years to come.
Experience the walking tour in a way that works for you!
Walk this way - The walking tour covers about 1.6 miles and should take less than an hour with stops included. You can print out a brochure to take with you or you stop by the City Offices at 3675 Mt. Diablo Blvd Suite 210 to pick up a hard copy. Click here to access the printable brochure (updated June 2021).
Take the virtual walking tour - While it is ideal to experience these projects in the context of their neighborhoods, we understand that not everyone is able to do so for a variety of reasons. That’s why we’ve made a “virtual walking tour”. The video below includes all the same information as the walking tour itself, but allows you to learn from the comfort of your own home.
Do both! Some may prefer to watch the video and also see the projects in person and in context.
There are a number of questions to keep in mind as you take the tour: how does this development fit in with the surrounding neighborhood? What do you like about the building or site design? What surprised you about these sites? Did you come up with any ideas for new housing as a result of the tour?
Now - It’s time to get a map, grab a friend, and get out there!