In January 1994, Andres Duany came to Longmont to conduct
community workshops aimed at adapting principles of the New Urbanism to
local needs and conditions. The result is Propect, a place that will blend
the best elements of traditional towns and villages for contemporary living.
A recent poll identified urban sprawl as the number one
concern among Front Range residents. All projections indicate that economic
expansion will continue to fuel population growth. Given the need to house
more people, is there an alternative to sprawl?
A Prospect residential neighborhood
under construction.
Photo courtesy of National Town Builders Association
A planning movement called the New Urbanism says "Yes."
Founded in the middle 1980's by architects and planners in California
and Florida, the New Urbanism attempts to revive the features that make
pre-World War II towns such a treasure today.
These features include:
- Tree lined streets hospitable to non-drivers such as children, seniors
and bicyclists.
- Downtown's that are the civic, economic and spiritual centers of
their communities.
- Homes that put people-places out front and car and garages out back.
- Compact layouts so each home is a five minute walk from school,
parks and shops.
- Smaller parking lots, streets and house lots that take up less space
in the region and complement existing towns.
Colorado's first New Urban development is rapidly rising
on 80 acres in Longmont. The site of Prospect New Town is a former tree
farm whose leftover trees are being used to create a shady, mature landscape.
Prospect was laid out during a multi-day public workshop held at the
Longmont Opera House in January, 1994. This process was led by town
planner Andres Duany, a founder of the New Urbanism.
When laying out a New Urban town, Duany not only places
the streets and parks, but he creates "codes," that are like
a design road map requiring homebuilders to create a cohesive place.
Does this really add up to a different way of building and of living?
Again, the answer is yes. Let's compare point by point.
Streets
New Urban Town: Narrower, straighter, tree-lined, shaded,
connect neighborhoods to services.
Typical suburb: Wider, curvy, no trees or sidewalks, cul-de-sacs.
Shops, Offices, and Services
New Urban Town: Located within a short walk , bike or
drive from homes on a pedestrian-friendly shady street.
Typical suburb: Can only be reached by car; located behind
large, sun-beaten parking lots.
Parks
New Urban Town: Small, dispersed, close to every front
door
Typical suburb: Large, centralized, accessible mainly
by car
Houses
New Urban Town: Different sizes and styles on one street;
facade dominated by entry or porch; rental units above garage in back;
shade trees and gardens complement lawn
Typical suburb: Only one size and style on a street; facade
dominated by garage; small ornamental but no shade trees
Logistics
New Urban Town: Kids walk to school and parks; convenience
shopping, public buildings located within a short walk of every home.
Typical suburb: The expense of one car per adult is a
must; 10-12 cars trips a day; no shopping, services or jobs close by;
poor connections to these areas.
What kind of lifestyle awaits prospective buyers at Prospect?
For starters, expect to know your neighbors. The design of both houses
and public spaces will encourage interactions, not isolation. Expect
a good investment. Demand has driven housing prices higher than the
local market in several New Urban developments.
Finally, expect to wear out shoes more frequently and
your car less often
Kiki Wallace is the co-developer of Prospect New Town.
Prospect
New Town / 303-684-9999
