Sustainable Land Development Today - February 2008 - (Page 24) TRANSPORTATION Aerial view of transit plaza support an upcoming (2009) multi-modal transit station — a combination train, bus and “kiss-and-ride” hub. As in Cityville SWMD, JH+P planned the first phases of the Crestview development with higher density residential/retail near the transit hub, transitioning to lower density town homes. A future phase to the north of the hub will develop single-family home lots. A “Main Street” entry boulevard and a central plaza establish a gateway to Crestview. In the interior area of the development, the planners and architects placed building fronts adjacent to the edge of the street to create a streetscape with a distinct urban character. Street-level store fronts with multifamily housing above and “live-work flex” units are integral to this concept. In contrast, multi-family housing fronting Lamar Boulevard, a busy eightlane road running to downtown Austin, is set back from the road behind a row of Innovative stormwater management products Sediment Control That Makes a Difference TESTED – PROVEN Rice Straw Fiber Rolls 89% sediment* reduction mature ash trees serves as a buffer with additional new trees adding even more screening. The development is being planned primarily to attract young urban professionals who require affordable leases yet desire a distinctive “place” and sense of community. This diversity and uniqueness is a quality found throughout Austin and is part of the city’s character. Thus the planners and architects were charged with designing the housing to be efficient and economical but still exuding character and detail. For example, residential building height is largely limited to three stories to avoid costly elevators. The designs rely on simple and efficient building forms. Open garages eliminate the need for ventilation and fire sprinkler systems. Parking ratios which are based on realistic/real-world urban dwelling ratios, TOD influences and shared parking reductions are also methods being used to reduce construction cost. The Right Combination As these two projects in Texas illustrate, success requires a combination of factors: first, the right location, visibility, population demographics, and critical mass to support such a venture; second, a productive interaction between private initiative and public involvement; and, finally, a design vision that creates a place where people want to live, work and play. Creating a new “people-oriented place” on rail and transit lines for residents, customers and commuters has enormous potential as a catalyst for urban revitalization. Little wonder that this approach is receiving increased attention from communities across the United States. SLDT Photos and captions courtesy of James, Harwick+Partners, Inc. About the author: W. Brian Keith, AICP, AIA the Director of Urban Design and Planning at James, Harwick + Partners, Inc., Dallas Texas. He can be reached at 214-363-5687 or BKeith@jhparch.com. SlopeGard 2 ® 94% sediment* reduction Reusable Erosion and Sediment Control U.S. PATENT # 6,527,477 and 6,641,335 SlopeGard 3 WEIGHTED FIBER ROLL U.S. PATENT # 6,527,477 ® 80% sediment* reduction Contact us today for more information on these and other products and services. Call 1-800-579-8819 Visit our web site at: www.kristar.com *SDSU – SERL report 12/28/05 Circle 136 • or www.SLDTonline.com/webcard 24 February 2008 Sustainable Land Development Today http://www.kristar.com http://www.kristar.com http://www.SLDTonline.com/webcard
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