Ryan Johnson: Builder of the First Car-Free Neighborhood Made From Scratch in the U.S.
Nov 22, 2023
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Ryan Johnson, builder of the first car-free neighborhood in the U.S., discusses the features of Culdesac Tempe including alternative transportation options and demand for walkable neighborhoods. They explore the development process, target residents, and the success of the project. Residents' perspective, electric bikes, and walkable communities are also discussed.
Culdesac Tempe is the first car-free neighborhood in the U.S., offering residents access to electric cars, bikes, and light rail instead of parking spaces.
The success of Culdesac Tempe has highlighted the demand for walkable communities and serves as a reference project for building vibrant and inclusive neighborhoods.
Deep dives
The First Car-Free Neighborhood in the US
Coldasack, located in Tempe, Arizona, is the first car-free residential project outside of Phoenix. Through a unique agreement with the city, no cars or carways are allowed within the community. The buildings are strategically arranged around pedestrian-oriented spaces with shade, artwork, and landscaping. Instead of relying on parking spaces, residents have access to electric cars, bikes, and light rail, all included in the cost of rent. This innovative approach to mobility options has received positive feedback from residents, with electric bikes being a popular mode of transportation.
Creating a Thriving Community
With over 70 residents and plans to accommodate a total of 1,000, Coldasack has quickly become a vibrant and growing community. The project offers not only residential units but also various amenities like a restaurant, grocery store, gym, coworking space, and micro retailers. These amenities have attracted residents and visitors alike, contributing to the success of the project. The neighborhood also hosts events like a weekly market, bringing people together and fostering a sense of community.
Expanding the Concept of Walkable Neighborhoods
Coldasack's success has caught the attention of developers and cities across the country. It has become a reference project for building successful walkable neighborhoods in the US. The demand for walkable communities has been proven, with studies showing that every generation is willing to pay more to live in a walkable neighborhood. The project challenges cities to evaluate how walkable they are and encourages them to consider car-free communities. This innovative model has the potential to change city landscapes and make them more accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
Upzoned has been on a bit of a hiatus for the past couple of months, but we wanted to have at least one final episode of 2023 (and rest assured that the podcast will be returning with weekly episodes in 2024). This episode is an exciting one, as host Abby Kinney is joined by a guest whose work she’s been following for several years: Ryan Johnson, the builder and resident of the first car-free neighborhood built from scratch in the U.S., called Culdesac Tempe. We hope you enjoy this special end-of-the-year interview and look forward to more content coming soon!