Richard Petersheim

September 28, 2016 by Alex Chapin
section: Interviews

Mr. Richard Petersheim is one of two managing partners for the Charlotte office of LandDesign. LandDesign is an architectural firm that specializes in urban design. In the year 2001 LandDesign became the firm selected by Request for Proposal from the City of Charlotte to design a new urban community that would encompass lands from Second Ward formerly known as Brooklyn. The plan involves several city departments, historical groups and former residents of the Brooklyn community. The current plan is to rebuild a diverse community with both working level, rent assisted housing as well as up-scale residences. The current focus is to have 2500 residents by 2025.

Part I

 

Part II

Tape Log

Tape Log: Oral History Interview with Richard Petersheim

Interviewed by Leo Yakutis

Abbreviations:

Richard Petersheim RP

Leo Yakutis LY

Time Description of Interview Contents
0.0 Introductions Files 2 (31:21 minutes)
0.0 How Richard Petersheim, Principle for the architecture firm of LandDesign became in the urban renewal of what was the Brooklyn neighborhood.
1.05 Description of what a Request for Proposal (RFP) is.
1.40 The goals of the current RFP on the urban renewal of what was the Brooklyn neighborhood.
1.52 Description of the long term plan for urban renewal in Charlotte, also called the 2010 Plan.
2.45 What the historical research done by LandDesign revealed about the former neighborhood of Brooklyn.
3.58 The vision for the planned community.
4.52 How the historical research done by LandDesign influenced their proposal.
6.20 Description of the open house events held by LandDesign to get community feedback on the RFP.
7.50 (heavy background noise from building air conditioner)
9.57 The importance of the gym that was part of Second Ward High School and how it may be used in the RFP.
12.06 The response from the community and the surprise lack of racial issues that LandDesign encountered. LandDesign had expected greater opposition but found former residents very supportive. supportive.
15.13 Comments on proposed architecture.
16.49 Roadblocks and challenges in working with the three city departments that own 80% of the land covered by the RFP.
19.22 Diversity goals of the RFP.
20.56 The leaders who put the 2010 Plan in motion.
24.15 RP expresses his hopes for the project. Interstate 277 seen as the single largest issue to address in the formation of a new community.
26.12 LY asks what questions should have been asked. RP responds with the unanswered question of how diversity will be achieved in the new community.
29.45 The project may take 25 years.
31.15 Thank you and conclusion.

Transcript

Richard Petersheim