Charrette Reflections

What we learned from the Design Charrette held this past week has significantly altered our vision of what’s possible for the building and for the site. Perhaps the most dramatic change is the idea of relocating the restaurant to what is now the roof, and locating the greenhouses above that. Equally important, however, is a better understanding of the phasing of different elements, and of the overall development process. If we apply the principles of sustainability to our own process and structure, we need to design them so as to maximize success at all levels, including the financial.

In the end it seems to me that leadership in this era is recognizing what’s necessary, and facilitating what’s possible. What’s necessary is to attract the right tenants, who want to be a part of the EcoCenter, and actually benefit from the synergy of being together. They need to share our commitment to the outcomes and objectives of the project and effectively partner with us to achieve these results.

As we look through the community’s wishes and concerns, and take into account the existing realities of the building, the site, and the neighborhood, it’s clear that what’s possible is a remarkable demonstration of the principles of sustainable economic and community development, but it is an application of the principles to this specific site, neighborhood, and community.

We benefit from some of the unique advantages of Morristown, as the small urban center of one of the wealthiest counties in New Jersey and indeed in the entire U.S., a progressive municipality surrounded by many of the ideal drivers of sustainable development—established local farms, many transitioning to more organic practices; highly-educated consumers; and businesses looking to grow without destroying the quality of life that makes this part of New Jersey so attractive and appealing to successful entrepreneurs and young professionals.

Our challenge now is to demonstrate that the project can be viable while demonstrating these principles and helping to foster them in other businesses and surrounding neighborhoods and communities. We won’t be able to do everything, and we certainly won’t be able to do it all at once; but the process itself should be informative, educational, and inspiring to others.