Brooklyn's Progress
June/July 2005

Main Streets are a main focus for the Brooklyn-based firm of Susan Doban Architect, where the goal is to design creative improvements – from façade alterations to master plans to new buildings – that promote local businesses and institutions.

The Sunset Park BID recently selected Susan Doban Architect to design the master plan for their “main street,” Fifth Ave.  On Main St. in downtown New Rochelle, the firm designed a glass tower for one of Monroe College’s dormitories, creating a focal point for the college and the community. The firm has also designed a façade-improvement Model Block and is developing design guidelines for additional improvements for other Main Street blocks, as well as a second building for the campus.

The firm was involved with the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce pilot project on Emmons Ave. in Sheepshead Bay.  Susan Doban, the firms President, designed a streetscape for the Sheepshead Bay Esplanade at Emmons Avenue Project, a unique waterfront main street.  The project is scheduled for implementation this fall.   
 
“The idealized main street lives in our collective memory, but in reality each main street has unique characteristics and needs to be reborn as the best possible place of business for our clients today. In one case it might be a waterfront esplanade, and in another a virtual college campus, ” says Susan G. Doban, the firm’s president. “Our involvement with the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce has led us to clients who are passionate about their main streets, which includes business improvement districts, local community groups, and individual business owners, all of whom contribute to the direction that main street takes.”