Traditional Neighborhood Design Principles

Quality Architecture and Urban Design

• Emphasis on design, aesthetics, quality materials, human comfort, and creating a sense of place

• Designation, location, and design of different types of public and civic space

• Human scale architecture

• Preserve natural areas and open space, and create parks

Open Space

• Distributed throughout by way of parks, squares and greenways

• Conveniently accessible to all residents

• Provide physical linkages throughout the neighborhood

Pedestrian Friendly Design

• Daily activities within walking distance of home and work

• Buildings that frame the street

• Porches, windows and doors along the street

• Narrow, well-lit, tree-lined streets

• On-street parking

• Parking lots behind buildings

• Garages accessed by alleys

• Bulb-outs and smaller curb radii creating shortened pedestrian crossings

• Transparent ground floor (windows) in retail buildings

• Short blocks

Connectivity

• Interconnected street network that disperses traffic, eases walking and provides easy access within and between neighborhoods

• A hierarchy of boulevards, narrow streets, and alleys

• High quality pedestrian network that includes sidewalks on both sides of streets

Mixed Use

• Horizontal and/or vertical mixed uses of commercial, office, multi-family, and single-family residences

• Vertical mixed-use within neighborhoods and blocks

• Horizontal layering of uses in single buildings

Variety of Dwellings

• A range of types, sizes, and prices in close proximity to serve a variety of ages and incomes

Increased Density

• Residences, shops, and services closer together

• Enable more efficient use of services

Transportation

• A range of transportation options that accommodate the automobile, public transportation, non-motorized vehicles, and pedestrians

• Pedestrian friendly design that encourages a greater use of bicycles, rollerblades, scooters, and walking as daily transportation

• Transit facilities should be ADA accessible which includes sidewalks and wheelchair landing pads.