Another innovation borrowed from the French is the use of second floor retail. This practice has a long history and is still prevalent today, allowing for a greater density and a greater diversity of shops. It is instructive to note that Paris created the first modern shopping districts, a development that provided a diversion for women of leisure, but eventually led to the formation of literary salons, women’s ownership of businesses, and ultimately to the empowerment of women.

The French architecture, combined with the proposed bakery and wine loft, knit together by the ambiance of the garden courtyard, will provide residents and shoppers a taste of European sidewalk-café culture.