Transit-oriented developments — high-density, mixed-use communities close to public transportation — are becoming increasingly popular. Meant to combine the best elements of urban and suburban living, they are lauded for benefits such as reducing residents’ dependence on driving, shrinking a region’s carbon footprint and stimulating the local economy.
TODs range from single buildings to complex, multi-use developments with live-work-play amenities such as the new Metro Centre in Owings Mills, Maryland.
Communities have long sprung up wherever there is easy access to a commuter rail line or interstate highway exit close to a big city. But the idea of creating a purpose-built, mixed-use and nearly self-sustaining community — with easy access to other locations and which doesn’t require driving — might have seemed odd to an earlier generation of builders.
“Years ago, we would build apartment developments in suburbia and office buildings in suburbia or in the city, but not both together,” said Howard Brown, president, CEO and owner of David S. Brown Enterprises Ltd.
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