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Sustainable Suburbs: From Drivable Suburbanism to Walkable Urbanism

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OHM Advisors
OHM Advisors

The document discusses the history and trends of suburban development in the United States. It begins with how suburbs originated from concepts like the Garden City and Radiant City models in the early 1900s. After World War 2, the rise of automobiles and highways enabled large-scale suburbanization in a drivable, car-centric form. More recently, demographic and market trends show a shift away from drivable suburbanism toward more walkable, mixed-use communities. The document advocates for creating sustainable suburbs through redevelopment, mixed uses, connectivity, public spaces, and green initiatives.

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Sustainable Suburbs From Drivable Suburbanism to Walkable Urbanism Jim Houk, ASLA, AICP February 3, 2010
Agenda • How did we get here: Town Planning 101 • Trends: Where do we go from here? • “Back to the Future” • Best Practices • What Can We Do? • Questions Sustainable Suburbs: 02.03.2010 2
HOW DID WE GET INTO THIS MESS? Sustainable Suburbs: 02.03.2010 3
Town Planning 101 Farm City, c. 1800 The American Dream: “40 acres and a mule.” Historical City mid 1800’s Radiant City; Le Corbusier, 1922 Garden City; Ebenezer Howard, 1902 Sustainable Suburbs: 02.03.2010 4
How We Got Here • 1939 World’s Fair “Futurama” The wondrous world of 1960 The “new American Dream” Sustainable Suburbs: 02.03.2010 5
Levittown, 1948 The First Mall: Southdale, Minnesota, 1956 Sustainable Suburbs: 02.03.2010 6
Industrial Economy • 1970: 30-40% off all jobs in the U.S. were associated with building the car or things associated with the car Sustainable Suburbs: 02.03.2010 7
Suburban Sprawl? Sustainable Suburbs: 02.03.2010 8
• 30% of all developed land in the U.S. was developed between 1982 and 2001 Population vs. Urban land Growth 60 50 40 Urbanized % Increase 30 Land Increase Population 20 Increase 10 0 West South NE MW Region Sustainable Suburbs: 02.03.2010 9
• Since 1950, U.S. cities consume gasoline at a rate per capita of 2-1/2 times European and Asian cities Gigajoules of gasoline used per capita, 1990 60 55.8 50 40 33.6 U.S Cities 30.9 Australian Cities 30 Canadian Cities European Cities 20 14.2 Asian Cities 10 6.3 0 Sustainable Suburbs: 02.03.2010 10
Sustainable Suburbs: 02.03.2010 11
Sustainable Suburbs: 02.03.2010 12
Sustainable Suburbs: 02.03.2010 13
• 40% – 60% of Obesity is caused by a lack of walkability in communities Sustainable Suburbs: 02.03.2010 14
U.S. and Ohio Population Trends • The U.S. Population will increase by 50% between the years 2000 and 2050 • Between now and 2030, over 570,000 new residents will join the Columbus metro area • Over 110,000 current housing units will need to be replaced • We will also be creating a new phenomena: suburban S.F. slums with homes <5 years old, Sustainable Suburbs: 02.03.2010 15
Where Do We Go From Here? 35 -40 % of all suburban s.f. mort Is it time for a new way of thinking?
Overcoming The Fear Of Change The problems we have created cannot be solved with the same thinking that created them… Sustainable Suburbs: 02.03.2010 17
Thinking Differently Sustainable Suburbs: 02.03.2010 18
Thinking Differently “…the possible benefits of required seatbelts would not justify the costs to the manufacturers and the public.” National Highway Traffic Safety Administration 1970 Sustainable Suburbs: 02.03.2010 19
Changes in People • The most significant trend in the US is the growing amount of the national population that is 65 years or older. • 2000 Census Data: 12% of population is 65 or older • By 2030: To be more than 20% (71.4 million Americans) • This affects everything! • Uses of space • Distribution of wealth • Transportation (drive fewer miles, public transportation…) • Public services • Dependency on public programs Sustainable Suburbs: 02.03.2010 20
Baby Boomers • Born 1946-1964, 28% of the population • Mostly in the suburbs • Highest Median Incomes • Excessive spending on themselves rather than future generations • Becoming empty nesters • Age Denial • Looking for changes in housing needs • 1 to 2 person households Sustainable Suburbs: 02.03.2010 21
Generation X’ers • Born 1965-1976, “baby bust”, 48 million • Reject status and social climbing • Consumer and media savvy • Credited with revitalizing downtown areas • This is the first generation to abandon suburban living and return to the cities. Sustainable Suburbs: 02.03.2010 22
Generation Y – The Millennials • Born 1977-1990 to 2000; 70 million • Simpler Living • Looking for rental in urban environment • Not tied to jobs - Flexible • Want good design • Higher Percentage of 1 to 2 people households • More focused on health and environment Sustainable Suburbs: 02.03.2010 23
CONCLUSIONS? • 50% of Households in 1950s w/ children • 30% of Households w/ children today,67% without • ONLY 14% of new households over next 20 years will have children; 86% without • What product are we building? • Will it be what the market wants? The market wants more options. Sustainable Suburbs: 02.03.2010 24
Survey Says… • Common Ground • trend away from “drivable sub- urbanism” to “walkable urbanism” • More densely developed areas are ‘desirable’… • Consists of shops, offices, services, housing units all mixed together (Mixed-Use) • Walkability is strongly associated with higher housing values in nearly all (US) metropolitan areas • Focus on Entertainment • Parks, public space are very important • Focus recreation and exercise… • Cool places to live and work Sustainable Suburbs: 02.03.2010 25
Change in Business • The good news… • Ohio Growth Sectors over the last 10 years are: • Entertainment • Dining and lodging • Health care and social assistance • Services – professional, technical, other… • The bad news… Central Ohio has lost 17% of all retail jobs since 2001… Sustainable Suburbs: 02.03.2010 26
Change in Business • Other trend tidbits affecting the ‘biz- world’… • 80% of all companies are smaller than 20 people • Office condominiums gaining popularity • Efficient and integrated uses of buildings and land • Walkable environment • Flexible space • Technology based • Cool space Sustainable Suburbs: 02.03.2010 27
Changes in Education • Our Third Wave: ‘The Knowledge Economy’ • Over one billion users of the internet with a growth rate of 15% per MONTH… • 60% of the school age kids will be working in future jobs yet to be created • Focusing on creative workers and leaders • Successful communities will be those that place a premium on cultural, ethnic, and artistic creativity Sustainable Suburbs: 02.03.2010 28
Changes in Shopping • Retail sales have grown only four percent in the past 10 years (down over 50% over the last year) • Internet sales have grown by 20 percent • Consolidation among department stores (downsizing and advertising to a larger regional radius) • Many “big box” developments have closed • The pool of retail tenants who might anchor new malls has reduced by 50% • Targeted selling on narrowly defined segmented of the population Ethnic Age Social goals (‘made from recycled materials’) Sustainable Suburbs: 02.03.2010 29
Changes in Shopping The Town Center Experience The Mall • Lifestyle retailing or “Lifestyle Centers” Shopping/Entertainment Enhanced pedestrian amenities Landscaping Outdoor dining Quality Architecture/Scale Sustainable Suburbs: 02.03.2010 30
Market Opportunities • Trending toward job and housing cluster in Town Center districts to take advantage of infrastructure (…utility, roads, etc.) • To create ‘urban’ walkable places (parks and public space as the spine that connects everything to everything else) • Opportunity for entertainment, cultural and recreational activity, people crave social interaction… • Retail/Office focuses on “Town Center” atmosphere (begins to feed itself) • Attract small merchants that focus on providing ‘personal-touch’ service and atmosphere that is unique • THE MARKET WANTS MORE OPTIONS! Sustainable Suburbs: 02.03.2010 31
Where do we go from here? RETAIL + OFFICE + RESIDENTIAL + PUBLIC SPACE = MIXED-USE Sustainable Suburbs: 02.03.2010 32
Future Office Development Trends • The best and the brightest thrive in lively, mixed-use settings (attracts the best and brightest talent) • Latest technology trumps biggest office in brave new corporate world • Savvy employers offer flexibility to boost work productivity • Medical office segments shines as boomers age • Communities strategically deploy resources to attract targeted industry clusters (incentives) • Cities chase economic development ever more vigorously (direct competition with other surrounding communities) Sustainable Suburbs: 02.03.2010 33
Future Retail Development Trends • Retail vacancies in Ohio remain above national average • The Fall of the Mall • Developers look past demographics to tap into “lifestyles” • “Mixed-Use” is now first choice instead of fallback option • Retail economy shifts toward service industry • Communities throughout state revitalize downtowns to preserve their history, culture, sense of place… through retail… (incomplete answer) Sustainable Suburbs: 02.03.2010 34
Future Housing Trends • Problems in suburban single family sector impact overall housing industry in Ohio • 40% of suburban Single-Family mortgages will be upside-down in the next year • Suburban sprawl threatens Ohio’s way of life • Homes within walkable distance to mixed-use urban areas will maintain the highest value • Multifamily / Rental craze sweeps urban areas, including downtowns • Boomers become (gasp!) seniors • What women really want… • Today’s renters are tomorrow’s owners • “Gray” Power • Diversity is community’s middle name • Public policy leverages private investments in housing stock Sustainable Suburbs: 02.03.2010 35
Best Practices In Suburbia
Best Practices In Suburbia • “Redevelopment of Core Town Centers • Suburban Mall / Big Box Redevelopment • Greenfield Development Sustainable Suburbs: 02.03.2010 37
Suburban Core Redevelopment Gahanna Creekside, Gahanna, OH Sustainable Suburbs: 02.03.2010 38
Suburban Core Redevelopment Gahanna Creekside, Gahanna, OH Sustainable Suburbs: 02.03.2010 39
Suburban Core Development Gahanna Vision Plan, Gahanna, OH Sustainable Suburbs: 02.03.2010 40
Suburban Core Redevelopment Bridge and High Streets, Dublin, OH Sustainable Suburbs: 02.03.2010 41
Suburban Mall Redevelopment Mizner Park, Boca Raton, FL Sustainable Suburbs: 02.03.2010 42
Suburban Redevelopment Mizner Park, Boca Raton, FL Sustainable Suburbs: 02.03.2010 43
Suburban Mall Redevelopment Northland Mall, Columbus, OH Sustainable Suburbs: 02.03.2010 44
Suburban Mall Redevelopment Salem Mall, Trotwood, OH Sustainable Suburbs: 02.03.2010 45
Greenfield Development Easton Town Center, Columbus, OH Sustainable Suburbs: 02.03.2010 46
Greenfield Development Saxony, Fishers, IN Sustainable Suburbs: 02.03.2010 47
Greenfield Development Jerome Village, Union County, OH Sustainable Suburbs: 02.03.2010 48
So how do we create “sustainable suburbs” ? Sustainable Suburbs: 02.03.2010 49
Sustainable Suburbs… …Accommodate all Users and Citizens  and Attract the Best Talent. Sustainable Suburbs: 02.03.2010 50
Sustainable Suburbs Have… … A Mix of  Uses : Live, Work,  and Play. Sustainable Suburbs: 02.03.2010 51
Sustainable Suburbs Have… …A Mix of Residential  Densities & Economic Price  Points. Sustainable Suburbs: 02.03.2010 52
Sustainable Suburbs… …Promote Higher density in Special Districts. Sustainable Suburbs: 02.03.2010 53
Sustainable Suburbs… …Create great public spaces and  event to connect their citizens. Sustainable Suburbs: 02.03.2010 54
Sustainable Suburbs Have… ��Multi‐Modal Networks and well designed  transportation systems. Sustainable Suburbs: 02.03.2010 55
Sustainable Suburbs Contain… …Active,  Healthy  Connective  Systems. Sustainable Suburbs: 02.03.2010 56
Sustainable Suburbs Promote… …Green Initiatives in  our Public Spaces  and in our Industries. Sustainable Suburbs: 02.03.2010 57
Sustainable Suburbs… …Plan and Vision their future. Sustainable Suburbs: 02.03.2010 58
People /  Planet Lifestyle Suburban  Sustainability Economy /  Prosperity Sustainable Suburbs: 02.03.2010 59

More Related Content

Sustainable Suburbs: From Drivable Suburbanism to Walkable Urbanism

  • 1. Sustainable Suburbs From Drivable Suburbanism to Walkable Urbanism Jim Houk, ASLA, AICP February 3, 2010
  • 2. Agenda • How did we get here: Town Planning 101 • Trends: Where do we go from here? • “Back to the Future” • Best Practices • What Can We Do? • Questions Sustainable Suburbs: 02.03.2010 2
  • 3. HOW DID WE GET INTO THIS MESS? Sustainable Suburbs: 02.03.2010 3
  • 4. Town Planning 101 Farm City, c. 1800 The American Dream: “40 acres and a mule.” Historical City mid 1800’s Radiant City; Le Corbusier, 1922 Garden City; Ebenezer Howard, 1902 Sustainable Suburbs: 02.03.2010 4
  • 5. How We Got Here • 1939 World’s Fair “Futurama” The wondrous world of 1960 The “new American Dream” Sustainable Suburbs: 02.03.2010 5
  • 6. Levittown, 1948 The First Mall: Southdale, Minnesota, 1956 Sustainable Suburbs: 02.03.2010 6
  • 7. Industrial Economy • 1970: 30-40% off all jobs in the U.S. were associated with building the car or things associated with the car Sustainable Suburbs: 02.03.2010 7
  • 8. Suburban Sprawl? Sustainable Suburbs: 02.03.2010 8
  • 9. • 30% of all developed land in the U.S. was developed between 1982 and 2001 Population vs. Urban land Growth 60 50 40 Urbanized % Increase 30 Land Increase Population 20 Increase 10 0 West South NE MW Region Sustainable Suburbs: 02.03.2010 9
  • 10. • Since 1950, U.S. cities consume gasoline at a rate per capita of 2-1/2 times European and Asian cities Gigajoules of gasoline used per capita, 1990 60 55.8 50 40 33.6 U.S Cities 30.9 Australian Cities 30 Canadian Cities European Cities 20 14.2 Asian Cities 10 6.3 0 Sustainable Suburbs: 02.03.2010 10
  • 14. • 40% – 60% of Obesity is caused by a lack of walkability in communities Sustainable Suburbs: 02.03.2010 14
  • 15. U.S. and Ohio Population Trends • The U.S. Population will increase by 50% between the years 2000 and 2050 • Between now and 2030, over 570,000 new residents will join the Columbus metro area • Over 110,000 current housing units will need to be replaced • We will also be creating a new phenomena: suburban S.F. slums with homes <5 years old, Sustainable Suburbs: 02.03.2010 15
  • 16. Where Do We Go From Here? 35 -40 % of all suburban s.f. mort Is it time for a new way of thinking?
  • 17. Overcoming The Fear Of Change The problems we have created cannot be solved with the same thinking that created them… Sustainable Suburbs: 02.03.2010 17
  • 18. Thinking Differently Sustainable Suburbs: 02.03.2010 18
  • 19. Thinking Differently “…the possible benefits of required seatbelts would not justify the costs to the manufacturers and the public.” National Highway Traffic Safety Administration 1970 Sustainable Suburbs: 02.03.2010 19
  • 20. Changes in People • The most significant trend in the US is the growing amount of the national population that is 65 years or older. • 2000 Census Data: 12% of population is 65 or older • By 2030: To be more than 20% (71.4 million Americans) • This affects everything! • Uses of space • Distribution of wealth • Transportation (drive fewer miles, public transportation…) • Public services • Dependency on public programs Sustainable Suburbs: 02.03.2010 20
  • 21. Baby Boomers • Born 1946-1964, 28% of the population • Mostly in the suburbs • Highest Median Incomes • Excessive spending on themselves rather than future generations • Becoming empty nesters • Age Denial • Looking for changes in housing needs • 1 to 2 person households Sustainable Suburbs: 02.03.2010 21
  • 22. Generation X’ers • Born 1965-1976, “baby bust”, 48 million • Reject status and social climbing • Consumer and media savvy • Credited with revitalizing downtown areas • This is the first generation to abandon suburban living and return to the cities. Sustainable Suburbs: 02.03.2010 22
  • 23. Generation Y – The Millennials • Born 1977-1990 to 2000; 70 million • Simpler Living • Looking for rental in urban environment • Not tied to jobs - Flexible • Want good design • Higher Percentage of 1 to 2 people households • More focused on health and environment Sustainable Suburbs: 02.03.2010 23
  • 24. CONCLUSIONS? • 50% of Households in 1950s w/ children • 30% of Households w/ children today,67% without • ONLY 14% of new households over next 20 years will have children; 86% without • What product are we building? • Will it be what the market wants? The market wants more options. Sustainable Suburbs: 02.03.2010 24
  • 25. Survey Says… • Common Ground • trend away from “drivable sub- urbanism” to “walkable urbanism” • More densely developed areas are ‘desirable’… • Consists of shops, offices, services, housing units all mixed together (Mixed-Use) • Walkability is strongly associated with higher housing values in nearly all (US) metropolitan areas • Focus on Entertainment • Parks, public space are very important • Focus recreation and exercise… • Cool places to live and work Sustainable Suburbs: 02.03.2010 25
  • 26. Change in Business • The good news… • Ohio Growth Sectors over the last 10 years are: • Entertainment • Dining and lodging • Health care and social assistance • Services – professional, technical, other… • The bad news… Central Ohio has lost 17% of all retail jobs since 2001… Sustainable Suburbs: 02.03.2010 26
  • 27. Change in Business • Other trend tidbits affecting the ‘biz- world’… • 80% of all companies are smaller than 20 people • Office condominiums gaining popularity • Efficient and integrated uses of buildings and land • Walkable environment • Flexible space • Technology based • Cool space Sustainable Suburbs: 02.03.2010 27
  • 28. Changes in Education • Our Third Wave: ‘The Knowledge Economy’ • Over one billion users of the internet with a growth rate of 15% per MONTH… • 60% of the school age kids will be working in future jobs yet to be created • Focusing on creative workers and leaders • Successful communities will be those that place a premium on cultural, ethnic, and artistic creativity Sustainable Suburbs: 02.03.2010 28
  • 29. Changes in Shopping • Retail sales have grown only four percent in the past 10 years (down over 50% over the last year) • Internet sales have grown by 20 percent • Consolidation among department stores (downsizing and advertising to a larger regional radius) • Many “big box” developments have closed • The pool of retail tenants who might anchor new malls has reduced by 50% • Targeted selling on narrowly defined segmented of the population Ethnic Age Social goals (‘made from recycled materials’) Sustainable Suburbs: 02.03.2010 29
  • 30. Changes in Shopping The Town Center Experience The Mall • Lifestyle retailing or “Lifestyle Centers” Shopping/Entertainment Enhanced pedestrian amenities Landscaping Outdoor dining Quality Architecture/Scale Sustainable Suburbs: 02.03.2010 30
  • 31. Market Opportunities • Trending toward job and housing cluster in Town Center districts to take advantage of infrastructure (…utility, roads, etc.) • To create ‘urban’ walkable places (parks and public space as the spine that connects everything to everything else) • Opportunity for entertainment, cultural and recreational activity, people crave social interaction… • Retail/Office focuses on “Town Center” atmosphere (begins to feed itself) • Attract small merchants that focus on providing ‘personal-touch’ service and atmosphere that is unique • THE MARKET WANTS MORE OPTIONS! Sustainable Suburbs: 02.03.2010 31
  • 32. Where do we go from here? RETAIL + OFFICE + RESIDENTIAL + PUBLIC SPACE = MIXED-USE Sustainable Suburbs: 02.03.2010 32
  • 33. Future Office Development Trends • The best and the brightest thrive in lively, mixed-use settings (attracts the best and brightest talent) • Latest technology trumps biggest office in brave new corporate world • Savvy employers offer flexibility to boost work productivity • Medical office segments shines as boomers age • Communities strategically deploy resources to attract targeted industry clusters (incentives) • Cities chase economic development ever more vigorously (direct competition with other surrounding communities) Sustainable Suburbs: 02.03.2010 33
  • 34. Future Retail Development Trends • Retail vacancies in Ohio remain above national average • The Fall of the Mall • Developers look past demographics to tap into “lifestyles” • “Mixed-Use” is now first choice instead of fallback option • Retail economy shifts toward service industry • Communities throughout state revitalize downtowns to preserve their history, culture, sense of place… through retail… (incomplete answer) Sustainable Suburbs: 02.03.2010 34
  • 35. Future Housing Trends • Problems in suburban single family sector impact overall housing industry in Ohio • 40% of suburban Single-Family mortgages will be upside-down in the next year • Suburban sprawl threatens Ohio’s way of life • Homes within walkable distance to mixed-use urban areas will maintain the highest value • Multifamily / Rental craze sweeps urban areas, including downtowns • Boomers become (gasp!) seniors • What women really want… • Today’s renters are tomorrow’s owners • “Gray” Power • Diversity is community’s middle name • Public policy leverages private investments in housing stock Sustainable Suburbs: 02.03.2010 35
  • 37. Best Practices In Suburbia • “Redevelopment of Core Town Centers • Suburban Mall / Big Box Redevelopment • Greenfield Development Sustainable Suburbs: 02.03.2010 37
  • 38. Suburban Core Redevelopment Gahanna Creekside, Gahanna, OH Sustainable Suburbs: 02.03.2010 38
  • 39. Suburban Core Redevelopment Gahanna Creekside, Gahanna, OH Sustainable Suburbs: 02.03.2010 39
  • 40. Suburban Core Development Gahanna Vision Plan, Gahanna, OH Sustainable Suburbs: 02.03.2010 40
  • 41. Suburban Core Redevelopment Bridge and High Streets, Dublin, OH Sustainable Suburbs: 02.03.2010 41
  • 42. Suburban Mall Redevelopment Mizner Park, Boca Raton, FL Sustainable Suburbs: 02.03.2010 42
  • 43. Suburban Redevelopment Mizner Park, Boca Raton, FL Sustainable Suburbs: 02.03.2010 43
  • 44. Suburban Mall Redevelopment Northland Mall, Columbus, OH Sustainable Suburbs: 02.03.2010 44
  • 45. Suburban Mall Redevelopment Salem Mall, Trotwood, OH Sustainable Suburbs: 02.03.2010 45
  • 46. Greenfield Development Easton Town Center, Columbus, OH Sustainable Suburbs: 02.03.2010 46
  • 47. Greenfield Development Saxony, Fishers, IN Sustainable Suburbs: 02.03.2010 47
  • 48. Greenfield Development Jerome Village, Union County, OH Sustainable Suburbs: 02.03.2010 48
  • 49. So how do we create “sustainable suburbs” ? Sustainable Suburbs: 02.03.2010 49
  • 50. Sustainable Suburbs… …Accommodate all Users and Citizens  and Attract the Best Talent. Sustainable Suburbs: 02.03.2010 50
  • 51. Sustainable Suburbs Have… … A Mix of  Uses : Live, Work,  and Play. Sustainable Suburbs: 02.03.2010 51
  • 52. Sustainable Suburbs Have… …A Mix of Residential  Densities & Economic Price  Points. Sustainable Suburbs: 02.03.2010 52
  • 54. Sustainable Suburbs… …Create great public spaces and  event to connect their citizens. Sustainable Suburbs: 02.03.2010 54
  • 55. Sustainable Suburbs Have… …Multi‐Modal Networks and well designed  transportation systems. Sustainable Suburbs: 02.03.2010 55
  • 56. Sustainable Suburbs Contain… …Active,  Healthy  Connective  Systems. Sustainable Suburbs: 02.03.2010 56
  • 57. Sustainable Suburbs Promote… …Green Initiatives in  our Public Spaces  and in our Industries. Sustainable Suburbs: 02.03.2010 57
  • 58. Sustainable Suburbs… …Plan and Vision their future. Sustainable Suburbs: 02.03.2010 58
  • 59. People /  Planet Lifestyle Suburban  Sustainability Economy /  Prosperity Sustainable Suburbs: 02.03.2010 59