The Rebranding of Urban Transit: A "TOD Summit" Lets Architects Rethink Rail

By Jack Skelley

Architects and urban planners agree: TODs—or Transit Oriented Developments—are the future of our cities. As land on the urban fringes is consumed by sprawl, creating hideous commutes and sour economies, a crucial solution is to bring transportation close to jobs and housing. What is also dawning on these experts, however, is that the TOD solution is not the most people-friendly concept. Fairly or not, it tends to connote noisy trains and cramped living.

James C. Auld, AIA, a partner with Altoon Partners LLP, is an architect leading the rethinking of TODs. He co-chairs the annual TOD Summit produced by ULI Los Angeles. (This year’s TOD summit is Thursday, June 6, at Metro Headquarters in downtown Los Angeles. Register here.) He describes how the TOD solution is evolving into “great places to live and play.”

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Events: ULI-LA Urban Marketplace Tomorrow

Interested in planning and development in Los Angeles and surrounding communities? If so, there’s still time to register to attend tomorrow’s ULI Los Angeles Urban Marketplace at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion (you can even do it morning of at the door). The event offers attendees the chance to learn about infill property acquisition opportunities. Representatives from Los Angeles and other Southern California cities will also be on hand to speak about infill opportunities. And roundtable discussions with industry leaders will give participants an unmatched opportunity to talk projects and real estate trends.

Unlike traditional real estate conferences, the Urban Marketplace gives attendees a very interactive event,” says co-chair Ryan Aubrey. “They can pick and choose topics and do things on their own schedule.” Roundtable options include sessions on new market tax credits, designing for the new office client, multifamily construction, LADWP energy upgrades, and the LA River. With the economy picking up, expect to see excitement and enthusiasm tomorrow. 

2011 ULI Urban Marketplace Conference Will Discuss the Role of Real Estate in Economic Development

The ULI Los Angeles Urban Marketplace is a unique conference on investment opportunities and development strategies for Southern California's emerging lower-income and distressed neighborhoods. Attracting nearly 5000 real estate and related professionals as well as community and government leaders to its case studies, roundtable discussions, and exhibits, Urban Marketplace attendees learn best practices and solidify relationships with key professionals and leaders at the forefront of revitalizing the inner city.

This year's focus is Successful Real Estate Strategies- Real Estate’s Role in Economic Development. The program will include an Economic Development Panel of Regional Leaders and a keynote address by Wayne Ratkovich, President/CEO, The Ratkovich Company.

The Urban Marketplace 2011 Conference will be held on March 16 from 7:00 AM - 1:00 PM at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. For more information or to register for this event, visit the ULI website here. 

Be Sure to Register For FutureBuildLA Green Conference and Expo, October 19th!

FutureBuildLA 2010 is ULI Los Angeles's annual green conference and exposition bringing together developers, financiers, builders, law professionals, policy makers, planners, politicians, product innovators, building owners and operators, utilities, and other land use and real estate professionals, to explore sustainability from concept to execution. Through a series of panel discussions, workshops, case studies, seminars and roundtables, FutureBuildLA promises to create a dynamic forum and foster dialogue allowing participants to explore pertinent issues in green development.

To register for the Tuesday October 19th event (Complimentary for all attendees!), click here.

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The WAV - Working Artists Ventura - Sept 10 Event - ULI-LA

Working Artists Ventura, or WAV, is a unique housing community in downtown Ventura. It was designed by PLACE (Projects Linking Art, Community and Environment), a non-profit developer, to serve as an affordable option for artists. The revolutionary space combines green building techniques, community planning, affordable housing practices, progressive architecture, and development of small businesses. The affordable housing is subsidized by penthouse condominiums at the top of the developments, and the arts-friendly local businesses will help provide jobs and add to the community's tax base. 

The Urban Land Institute (ULI) of Los Angeles will lead a tour and speak to WAV as a case study for modern urban planning on September 10. The day will include an opportunity to meet the creative team, walk the site, and learn more about WAV as a model for urban development and planning.