It’s amazing to see something you’d see at some level in most Mediterranean countries where the narrow thoroughfares control temperature through mutual shading. Agree, that the ideal is to see this emerge organically with a mix of ownership and tenure, which makes it more resilient as it ages. The thing you see in the European context (and in Japan) is there are cars, but they are much smaller and don’t dominate the streetscape.
I’m not surprised it is popular, but I did find myself thinking, when I first heard of the location, “But doesn’t it get to 120F in the LONG summer?”.
Do people use the open spaces much at all during the day? How do people fare when awaiting transit? When going across town for an afternoon meeting?
I spent 6 months car-free in Germany, and even pushing 100F on the hoteest days it was HOT on the streets and in the stations. Better design might help some, I suppose.
I don’t think it’s talked about enough that not including parking in a design like this cuts so much of the cost- most developers are building parking lots with apartments on top. Car free (and affordable) housing seems like the most no brainer policy you could push for, especially in cities that struggle to build new housing
Apache Blvd is the Tempe stretch of one of the old higway alignments heading towards Globe. In Mesa it is Main st or Apache Trail hwy, then the name changes again once you get into Apache Junction, and towards the end of town it Y-s off, and the road going north will take you to the reservoirs, all the way to I think Teddy Roosevelt lake, while to the SE it merges with the modern highway.
I used to live a bit beyond that, Gold Canyon. I dont think Id live there again, as ive heard the suburban sprawl got really bad, displacing the beautiful desert... Now Rio Tinto wants to open a massive mine in Suprise.
Figured id share my story, thanks for making me think of ol Arizona
What an inspiring story, and thank you, as your article continued, for admitting that cars, once outside of this neighborhood complex, are part of the transportation mix.
The quote “Residents use the light rail. They ride the e-bikes“
would be strengthened by also saying “they have individual motorized four wheeled transport as options as well”
There are a myriad of ways people can live in cities without having to own an individual automobile. I like car-light as a phrase much better than car-free, because it’s a more honest phrase. Even for the most transit/bike/etc focused individuals, lives depend on motorized transport to bring groceries to the store, workers and tools to the jobsite, etc. And in Phoenix, provide a climate controlled space when it is just too damn hot.
May there be more laughter at the delight in discovering and living in ways some thought absurd.
Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul, and Pluribus are all set in Albuquerque. No need to update your article - let's just petition to bring this type of living environment to New Mexico.
You would have to ask culdesac. But I know many firms avoid showing minors in product pictures for liability reasons—due to legal complexity (getting parental consent, child labor laws, etc). Hope that helps!
I visited Culdesac several weeks ago (went to Cocina Chiwas, in fact). It's definitely cool. I'm already a homeowner but I hope it does get replicated elsewhere and could even imagine living in such a place at a different stage in my life.
It’s amazing to see something you’d see at some level in most Mediterranean countries where the narrow thoroughfares control temperature through mutual shading. Agree, that the ideal is to see this emerge organically with a mix of ownership and tenure, which makes it more resilient as it ages. The thing you see in the European context (and in Japan) is there are cars, but they are much smaller and don’t dominate the streetscape.
A minor correction that does not detract from your excellent piece: Breaking Bad, BCS and Pluribus take place in Albuquerque, not Phoenix
yes! you are right ... I think I said the same "region" (meaning Arizona) but I could have been more clear about it
I’m not surprised it is popular, but I did find myself thinking, when I first heard of the location, “But doesn’t it get to 120F in the LONG summer?”.
Do people use the open spaces much at all during the day? How do people fare when awaiting transit? When going across town for an afternoon meeting?
I spent 6 months car-free in Germany, and even pushing 100F on the hoteest days it was HOT on the streets and in the stations. Better design might help some, I suppose.
I don’t think it’s talked about enough that not including parking in a design like this cuts so much of the cost- most developers are building parking lots with apartments on top. Car free (and affordable) housing seems like the most no brainer policy you could push for, especially in cities that struggle to build new housing
Apache Blvd is the Tempe stretch of one of the old higway alignments heading towards Globe. In Mesa it is Main st or Apache Trail hwy, then the name changes again once you get into Apache Junction, and towards the end of town it Y-s off, and the road going north will take you to the reservoirs, all the way to I think Teddy Roosevelt lake, while to the SE it merges with the modern highway.
I used to live a bit beyond that, Gold Canyon. I dont think Id live there again, as ive heard the suburban sprawl got really bad, displacing the beautiful desert... Now Rio Tinto wants to open a massive mine in Suprise.
Figured id share my story, thanks for making me think of ol Arizona
Yes yes yes glad to see a W for walkable alternatives in the US that are actually designed for people
This is such a good counter to all the "well what about the cars" comments I see from people who lack imagination.
Can’t wait to go check it out one day!
What an inspiring story, and thank you, as your article continued, for admitting that cars, once outside of this neighborhood complex, are part of the transportation mix.
The quote “Residents use the light rail. They ride the e-bikes“
would be strengthened by also saying “they have individual motorized four wheeled transport as options as well”
There are a myriad of ways people can live in cities without having to own an individual automobile. I like car-light as a phrase much better than car-free, because it’s a more honest phrase. Even for the most transit/bike/etc focused individuals, lives depend on motorized transport to bring groceries to the store, workers and tools to the jobsite, etc. And in Phoenix, provide a climate controlled space when it is just too damn hot.
May there be more laughter at the delight in discovering and living in ways some thought absurd.
Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul, and Pluribus are all set in Albuquerque. No need to update your article - let's just petition to bring this type of living environment to New Mexico.
I didn't see a single kid in any of the pictures, even at the pool!
Do you actually support families?
I support my three kids and advocate for reforms that would increase the supply of large homes with yard access that work better for families!
That is great to hear! Why then are there no kids in the pictures?
You would have to ask culdesac. But I know many firms avoid showing minors in product pictures for liability reasons—due to legal complexity (getting parental consent, child labor laws, etc). Hope that helps!
I visited Culdesac several weeks ago (went to Cocina Chiwas, in fact). It's definitely cool. I'm already a homeowner but I hope it does get replicated elsewhere and could even imagine living in such a place at a different stage in my life.