Anderson Twp.’s government center took the best aspects they saw and implemented them, said Suzanne Parker, Anderson Twp. assistant township administrator for human resources. The “feel” of the building is what Anderson Twp. borrowed.
“One of the things that made a strong impression — and we carried this element into our own building — was the light and airiness,” Parker said.
Village Green features public amenities, such as a park and amphitheater, arts center and Fairfield Lane Library, but it also mixes residential and businesses — anchored by Symmes Tavern on the Green and Kroger.
Derek Howard of DH Architects and a team of city officials worked on the vision of Village Green, Pizzano said.
Village Green is really one piece of a greater downtown district. But Village Green is where residents and visitors congregate for concerts, shopping, dining, banking and other activities.
“By virtue of the complexity of this process, the extent of the public involvement — and the private involvement — is fairly unique and that’s why we’ve gotten some of the notoriety of what we’ve done,” said Pizzano.
Anderson Twp.’s facility brings in a lot of natural light, just like the FCAC.
“That was really important,” Parker said. “We visited some other municipal and township centers and we immediately noticed the strong contrast.”
And Anderson Twp.’s government building uncovered unplanned uses, such as weddings and other celebrations.
“That speaks for the lack of the government institutional look. Who wants to have a wedding with those government gray walls and worn-out carpet?” Parker said. “It’s a community building that happens to have government offices here.”
West Chester Twp. leaders also looked at Village Green. Although township administrator Judy Boyko didn’t attribute any specific idea implemented into their complex known as The Square @ Union Centre. But she liked the identity created.
Boyko said suburban areas are “challenged in creating a community identity.” She said the Village Green campus is sustainable with its mixed use of business, public and residential.
“Fairfield has done an outstanding job in reflecting their community identity,” she said.
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