Austin TODs arrive before train service

TOD ordinance passed in 2005

Vilas Bhuchar, Apr 12, 10.

Even as Austin waited for its long-delayed Red Line rail service to start, TODs, or transit-oriented developments, popped up around several planned train stations, according to Community Impact Newspaper.

TODs, which place living, office, and retail space in close proximity to major modes of alternate transportation so that residents can be within walking distance of work, shopping, dining, and transportation to other parts of town, was encouraged by the City of Austin and Capital Metro, the city’s transit agency, working together to craft guidelines that would accommodate future growth around proposed stations during 2004 Red Line planning, notes the story.

In effect, the city’s first TOD ordinance passed in 2005 and included guidelines for building close to the rail, such as limited auto use, wide pedestrian and bicycle-friendly sidewalks, public spaces, and buildings oriented to the street, adds the story.

“Transit is most successful when it is paired with the appropriate land use,” said Molly Scarbrough, the city’s Neighborhood Planning and Development Review department’s urban design senior planner, according to the story, which adds that three major developments have popped up around town:

1. Midtown Commons - a mixed-use development that rests at the northwest intersection of North Lamar and Airport boulevards, it is one-third complete today.
2. M Station - a 150 multi-family affordable housing complex and childcare center on nearly 9 acres of land, is set to open in July 2011.
3. Saltillo Lofts - Mixed-use, 1-acre development completed in 2006 and 100% owner-occupied.