Block Planning and Maitreya Eco Village

Maitreya Eco Village in Eugene is not a Block Plan but does shows what many green features might be possible with Block Planning.  Maitreya  occupies about 6 lots in a residential neighborhood west of downtown Eugene.  The village dates back 16 years and the property is owned by several people.  Within the past year, a neighboring property was purchased by a Village ally and the fences between the properties were taken down, in effect, enlarging the Eco Village.  The Village has a large central garden area shared by those who like to garden.  There is a tri plex for greater density.  One driveway area has been taken out and turned into garden.  Another one story building has become a two story building.  There is a shared secure bicycle corral. A shared environmental ethic means there is an elevated level of social cohesion and cooperative projects.

This is a Google Image showing Maitreya Eco Village from above.  Features of interest - large garden area middle left.  Plastic hoop house and to the left of that is a reclaimed driveway.  Tri plex upper left had corner has many "natural" building features such as earthen floors.  Several structures go up rather than out.  There is a small methane digester on site along with a meandering swale and nice water feature.  Eugene's first code approved straw bale structure is in the lower left corner. The inset rectangle is an adjoining property bought by allies to the Eco Village where fences have been taken down, enlarging the village.  All the fotos below are contained within the