NEW URBANISM ROAD TRIP -- PART 5

NEW URBANISM ROAD TRIP -- PART 5

Farther south in Palm Beach County, we roll into Delray Beach, where excellent examples of infill New Urbanism are taking place.

Delray’s New Urban Communities turned an acre of ground that used to house a drive-through bank into the Courtyards of Delray, a complex of 32 three-story townhouses that have sold for up to $400,000 each.

The high density project is in the center of the action, surrounded by restaurants and shops on nearby Atlantic Avenue and along the Federal Highway.

Tim Hernandez, a principal of New Urban Communities, said New Urbanism is distinguished by:

 A mix of uses

 Development that fits within the fabric of the neighborhood

 Good auto, transit and pedestrian connectivity to surrounding uses

 Orientation toward people who want to walk

 Open spaces that are prominently placed and well-designed

 Garages that are hidden, not prominent architectural features

“People wonder why the streetscapes look better in New Urbanism. It’s because the parking is hidden,” he said. “The design emphasis is on the public realm, as opposed to the private realm.”

Tomorrow: Broward County