The Hydrostone achieves a gross density of 50 persons per acre, equal to that of a high-rise development. Despite this, its form is low rise, and includes a large percentage of owner-occupied houses in an open, spacious plan. From Fort Needham Park's hillside, we see a green and pleasant residential neighbourhood, with no buildings rising above the trees.
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| Low-rise and treed: the Hydrostone skyline |
The Hydrostone is a true mixed-use development. Residential, retail commercial, office and public park uses are integrated in a way that they reinforce and complement each other. The resultant cohesion and liveability have contributed to a remarkable longevity.
Now eighty years old, the Hydrostone continues to be a highly attractive and desirable community. Renovations by property owners are becoming increasingly common.
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| Renovation in a Hydrostone back yard |
The Hydrostone is a living example of what the advocates of the New Urbanism are trying to achieve. It shows in no small measure how a livable urban environment can result from proper architectural design and urban planning.
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| Another attractive renovation, supplied by a reader |
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This document was last modified on September 20, 2001.