Transit-oriented development is one of the strongest forces powering today’s mixed-use engine. City governments looking to get a handle on traffic congestion are giving an appreciative nod to projects constructed within easy walking distance of public transportation. If your project can provide indoor parking and get some cars off the street, so much the better.
TOD is a common thread running through these mixed-use projects:
• In Seattle, buses that connect to several light-rail lines stop right in front of the Broadway Building, and a new light-rail station is under construction three blocks away. The contractor, W.G. Clark, built a two-floor underground garage with 168 spaces for tenants; neighborhood residents are also welcome, but they must pay for the convenience.
• 2000 N. Milwaukee is served by a Chicago Transit Authority elevated line, which carries passengers to and from downtown Chicago—and O’Hare International Airport—seven days a week. Residents and retail tenants can use an indoor parking garage, reducing the strain on street parking.
• At L.A.LIVE, two conveniently located light-rail lines encourage visitors to leave their cars at home. If they choose not to do so—hey, this is L.A.—800 parking spaces await them in the underground garage.
• The Meridian at Grosvenor Station is across the street from a stop on Washington, D.C.’s comfortable Metro line. There is below-grade parking in the building.
