What is New Urbanism?
In a nutshell, New Urbanism is an approach to land planning that reduces traffic and eliminates sprawl. A New Urbanist neighborhood resembles an old European village or prewar U.S. small town with homes and businesses clustered together. Instead of driving on highways, residents of New Urbanist neighborhoods can walk to shops, businesses, theaters, schools, parks and other important services. Buildings and recreational areas are arranged to foster a sense of community closeness. New Urbanist designers also place importance on earth-friendly architecture, energy conservation, historic preservation, and accessibility.
What makes Mueller a New Urbanist community? Click the links in the left column and find out!
Adaptive Reuse of a Former Airport Site:
The award-winning Mueller land plan takes a well-located, underused piece of land and adapts it for an exciting reuse: an "urban village" in the heart of Austin.
Neighborhoods with a Diversity of Housing Opportunities:
In the spirit of traditional Austin neighborhoods, Mueller's neighborhoods will be home to 10,000 residents and will include a wide range of housing types, contributing to a diversity of lifestyles.
A Vibrant Town Center:
Within walking distance of the surrounding neighborhoods, Mueller's town center will be a place where residents, workers and visitors can shop, live, work and play.
A Major Employment Center:
Mueller will also be home to 10,000 jobs, anchored by the 30-acre Dell Children's Medical Center and The University of Texas Academic Health Research Campus, the administrative headquarters of the Seton Family of Hospitals, and the Austin Studios film production complex.
Regional-Serving Retail:
Along I-35 a new complex of shops and restaurants welcomes visitors to Mueller, with sales taxes being reinvested to support Mueller's ambitious community goals, including open space, design standards and green building.
An Interconnected System of Parks and Open Spaces:
Mueller will be connected to the surrounding community through a system of hike and bike trails and bike lanes that extend over 13 miles of the develoment.
Pedestrian friendly sidewalks and dedicated bike lanes will help connect residents and visitors to the over 140 acres of parks and open spaces.
A Pattern of Pedestrian-Friendly Streets:
Mueller's streets are designed as an extension of the open space, pedestrian and bicycle network, with buildings creating friendly and active edges.
Transit as a Viable Alternative to the Automobile:
Mueller is planned as one of Austin's major transit-oriented developments with Capital Metro bus service and a proposed extension of the Capital Metro Rail system upon voter approval.
Green Building Practices and Sustainability:
Mueller demonstrates sustainable development combining principles of new urbanism with green building design.
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