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Pace Development Guidelines |
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Pace Development Guidelines |
D. MIXED-USE CENTERS
A mixed-use development can encourage the use of public transportation and shared vehicles as well as promote pedestrian and bicycle travel. Office and industrial buildings can be clustered with other uses such as high density residential, retail, recreational and service-related land uses. These clusters become major employment and service centers in suburban areas and focal points for employees and shoppers. They can offer a diverse mix of activities such as employment, shopping and dining that are accessible to the pedestrian/bicyclist and reduce the need for vehicular trips.
Mixed-use centers are easily serviced by public transportation. They concentrate transit users by providing a common origin/destination point which is conducive to public transportation. To provide a high level of transit service, transportation centers can be incorporated into mixed-use centers. Transportation centers offer convenient access to a variety of routes and transportation alternatives such as rail, express bus, fixed route and dial-a-ride service.
Mixed-use centers spread out vehicle and transit trips throughout the day to reduce traffic congestion at peak periods. Since the hours of use vary for different land uses, parking can be shared among the establishments. Shared parking can decrease parking requirements for individual businesses, thereby decreasing initial construction costs and maintenance expenses.
Revised: November, 1999.