Transit-Oriented Development

Houston METRO Wheeler Station

Introduction Background Goals & Objectives Project Description &

Criteria Existing Conditions Alternatives Performance

Measures Summary

The Purpose of a TOD Enhanced Support for Transit

Enhanced Pedestrian/Environment

Improved Environmental Sustainability

Greater Housing Choices

Increased Shopping/ Employment Opportunities

Background The study area is the Wheeler Station, which is soon to be

part of the University Corridor line. This Corridor begins at the Hillcroft Transit Center and extending east, to intersect, Main St. and connect to the

planned Southeast Corridor.

Goals & Objectives

Lessen Personal Vehicular Traffic

Increase walk-ability of Wheeler Station

Comparison of commercial and residential land use areas

Maximize Comfort and Convenience

Maximize Pedestrian/Bicycle Travel

Maximize Transit Use

Project Description

To create a Transit Oriented Development to maximize the goals and objectives of this study.

To be proactive in designing an area that will address the future needs of the immediate Mid Town vicinity.

Project Criteria

Pedestrian Realm Walking less than 5 minutes to/from

rail station Frequency of Transit Service Use Land Use Revitalization

Existing Conditions

Existing Conditions

Land Use Industrial

7%Public and Institutional

10%Single Family

3%Multifamily

1.5%Commercial

15%Roads and Right of Way

41%Vacant16%Parks4%

Other 2.5%

Existing Conditions StudyVehicles Pedestrians Bicycles

52 East/West on Wheeler

41 South on Fannin

78 7

Survey was conducted on the corner of Wheeler St. and

Fannin St. South.

30 minute survey from 4:30pm to 5:00pm

Existing Conditions

University Corridor Line

Mixed Use and T.O.D Providing families and commercial properties

with location options

Various transportation options and an increase in commuters

Why MIXED-USE Developments?

Inner city is often now referred to as ‘downtown’

Efforts are now being made to revitalize or construct mixed-use developments that include downtown and town centers

Mixed-use developments accommodate population growth with higher densities and provide self-sustaining uses

Why MIXED-USE Developments?

According to Adams et al. (2007), mixed-use developments employ plans that make the best use of available space. Their designs are utilized to enhance the quality of urban, family life. The idea is to provide people all the goods and services within walking distance, to deter vehicular commutes and increase transit options.

MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENTSPrimary Characteristic

A primary characteristic is that it adopts creative planning strategies that bring residents together while making the most of local resources Self-sustaining entity Creation of a

community focal point (center) to provide a core of gravity for the community

The center allows for easy transit services to be easily connected to the rest of the area

MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENTSThe Wheeler Terminal is the area to design around

to create this T.O.D. using these -use characteristics. The Wheeler Terminal could become the Wheeler Station a mixed use residential and commercial area with various transit options.

MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENTSCreative Planning

Wheeler Transit Station Includes a beautiful,

family-oriented town-square complete with shops, eateries, and business operations.

The redesign of the area will give it a community-feel that will makes it a highly desired residential district.

Benefits of Mixed-Use Developments

Creates new opportunities for developers

Provides residents with the opportunity to revitalize their community while addressing challenges associated with transportation, housing, and population growth

Offers choices to developers and residents

Benefits of Mixed-Use Developments

Residents are offered benefits of enjoying access to neighborhood parks jogging and biking trails, recreation centers, restaurants, and local business developments, all with little dependency on vehicular transportation

This is the kind of high density development needed to maximize transit usage. Maximizing the areas space to increase the population and convince will bring new users and increased trips for the area to become a T.O.D.

Alternative: Commercial Use Land

Area strictly defined for commercial use.

No residential living. Pedestrian Realm Defined Parking Premiums

Pentagon City Mall

Washington, DC

Alternative: Commercial Use Land

Alternative: Commercial Land Use

Reduced vehicular gas consumption Centralized location for shopping,

entertainment, and business. Continuous flow of traffic until close of

business day

Alternative: Do Nothing!

As the population grows, so does the traffic!

Leaving the area, as is, will result in increased congestion from the pedestrian and vehicular perspective.

Future Projections

Establishment of Bike Routes Sidewalks to accommodate large

mass of people Mobility outside of TOD

THE END

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