Full speed ahead: transit-oriented developments build business and community.

• Author: Francom, Sarah Ryther

Throughout history, civilizations have naturally developed around transportation hubs. Whether along rivers, coastlines, rail lines or freeways, it has long made economic and cultural sense for people to live and businesses to grow in one centralized area. Today, transit-oriented developments, or TODs. represent the new centralized hub. attracting thousands of people to one highly dense area with several amenities.

Simply defined, a TOD is a mix of commercial and residential buildings that are constructed within walking distance of a mass transit line. But TODs are really much more than that--they bolster businesses, strengthen local economies and enhance communities.

Utah is home to several successful TOD districts that are changing the way Utahns live and work. "Some of the best developments in the country have opened in recent years in the state of Utah," says Cameron Simonsen, retail and land division specialist at CBC Advisors. "The huge success of City Creek Center in downtown Salt Lake City and Station Park in Farmington come to mind. These projects have put Utah on the map, and companies that previously saw Utah as an afterthought are realizing the potential of this market."

THE RIGHT DIRECTION

During the past decade, several transit-oriented developments have arisen along the Wasatch Front, allowing employees, residents and entertainment-seekers the ability to easily travel to and from one amenity-packed location. These strategically planned TOD sites often include state-of-the-art office space, restaurants, retailers, and at times, movie theaters, hotels and parks.

While these destinations are attractive due to their diverse amenities, the real driving force behind TOD success is that they are built around an effective mass transit solution. In the Beehive State, the Utah Transit Authority (UTA) has been leading the way, working with municipalities, developers and regional planners to develop sustainable TOD districts.

Jennifer Rigby, who serves as UTA's senior counsel and director of TOD, describes transit-oriented developments as a "critical component" to managing population growth along the Wasatch Front, where the population is expected to double by 2040. "The regional plan contemplates placing 30 percent of Utah's population growth on 3 percent of the property, which means denser development," she says, adding that smart mass transit solutions are a must to make this plan work.

Along the Wasatch Front, two primary mass transit systems support TOD districts-TRAX and FrontRunner. TRAX, the state's light rail system, operates throughout the Salt Lake area and has nearly 50 stops, reaching central business locations, retailers, entertainment venues and the Salt Lake International Airport. FrontRunner, Utah's commuter rail line, travels north-south along a nearly 80-mile corridor, connecting Weber, Davis, Salt Lake and Utah counties. And in the Sugar House area, UTA's Streetcar connects residents, visitors and employees.

These strategically planned mass transit methods, coupled with numerous bus...