Ongoing projects relating to “new urbanism” in Austin have resulted in that city being selected as the host for the 16th annual Congress for the New Urbanism scheduled next month. The assembly will focus on methods for enabling communities to expand living and business opportunities in a responsible manner.
Austin, with a variety of endeavors ranging from a new rail system to downtown high-rise residences, is typical of cities across the country that are facing population growth, employment expansion, and the resulting transportation and congestion issues.
New urbanism, which began a few years ago, is a movement that focuses on developing more compact communities, somewhat similar to small European neighborhoods. In these areas, pedestrian traffic is often preferred to automobile travel.
New urbanism also includes endeavors to provide diverse, vibrant, and pedestrian-friendly living and work environments. In almost all cases, along with the construction of specialized residences, generous space is allocated for multi-use purposes, including retail operations.
Currently, there are more than 4,000 new urbanist projects planned or under construction across the US. Nearly 50% of these endeavors are in historic urban centers. The ultimate goal is to enhance the quality of life and improve the standard of living for those who participate.
Until fairly recently, new urbanism had not attracted a lot of attention in the Lone Star State, even though it has been popular in other states for quite some time. However, last year, the demand for luxury living led to construction of high-rise apartments and condominiums in many of Texas’ major metros. Nearly $400 million was authorized for these kinds of facilities in just Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio. Commercial, public, and residential facilities recently completed or planned in Houston will likely far eclipse that amount.
These and other cities are also considering further needs and opportunities for the future. Included are those designed to rebuild neighborhoods to stave off decay, diminish crime, and provide economically-attractive living quarters. While most new urbanism developments tend to focus on public transit and pedestrian movement, not all do so. Automobile transportation is still a required convenience in some areas.
Recent housing problems in Florida, California, and elsewhere have tended to slow urbanism activities in those areas. As a result, greater interest and investment is being directed to the Third Coast, the name by which the Texas Gulf Coast area is sometimes called, because beachfront property is still available at more reasonable costs compared to the other coasts.
This wave of new urbanism spans ocean front sites from Galveston to South Padre Island. The total amount of expenditures projected is upwards of $3 billion over the short term. Many of these communities, which will virtually transform the Texas coasts, are expected to attract those from out-of-state as well as individuals and families currently residing in Texas.
Some of the Texas Gulf Coast projects feature complete new communities or villages while others are directed more toward improving historic areas and expanding multi-use opportunities. The majority of housing being provided in the coastal environment is single-family dwellings, but high-rise and mid-rise condominiums are also included. In these areas, caution is being taken to make certain that developments are controlled and that they include retail and restaurants, which will significantly enlarge the tax base for these areas.
As baby boomers begin to search for investments and select retirement homes, the Texas Gulf Coast is receiving closer examination. Foreign investors are also considering the coastal regions of the state because of current affordability.
Although the housing crisis and credit crunch have gripped much of the US, developments in various Texas metros, plus those in open spaces that define the state’s coast, are defying the trend and bringing a wave of optimism for new economic opportunities in the future.