Mockingbird Station- a new Urban Texas city

[Brittany Boucher]

Mockingbird Station is one of the first transit-oriented developments in Texas. http://casestudies.uli.org/Profile.aspx?j=8262&p=2&c=4
This is a wonderful picture of urban planning. By using two existing buildings and a DART station, they created a little hub of all kinds of things to bring people together. On just 10 acres, the city planners managed to create somewhat of a unique culture similar to that of the Bishop Arts district in Oak Cliff. But the greatest thing about Mockingbird Station is its accessibility. Most of things people need, groceries, restaurants, entertainment, offices, living spaces and transportation, are all in one location. http://dallas.about.com/od/neighborhoods/p/MockingbirdSta.htm
All of these aspects suggest that Jane Jacobs would approve of this city. It brings people together and definitely creates a sense of belonging. The Angelika theater and places like the retail store Urban Outfitters, have very unique styles consistent with Mockingbird Station.

[Alyx Davidson]

Mockingbird Station definitely represents the modern attitude toward urban development: bringing people back to the cities in dense, multiple-use (zoning) areas with a focus on walkability and public transportation (also known as smart growth-infill). The new trend also seems to be geared toward municipal events and engagement, as a great deal of money is spent on website design for local developments and communities like Mockingbird Station. Most even have their own blog, facebook page, twitter feed, etc. along with a method for keeping the inhabitants updated on local events and deals on services like dining and retail. I think Jacobs would approve of the compactness and community feel of the development, however it was still completely planned and constructed by an external developer rather than local residents so I’m not sure that characteristic would appeal to her.

One interesting aspect of Mockingbird Station has to do with the methods of project implementation. The site’s developer, Hughes Development Corporation, LP had to swallow the costs of all road improvements and expenses for connecting the project to the public rail. However, federal funding was provided for “off-site pedestrian access improvements.” So even though the developer had a difficult time garnering support and obtaining approvals for construction, the city serves to gain through many avenues: additional tax revenue, improved roads at no cost to the taxpayers, and an increase in rail use. I wonder, though, why federal funds were allotted; why a national interest was expressed through government aid when even local support seemed lacking. 

[Reagan Rothenberger]

Mockingbird Station is an excellent example of modern development that integrates walkability with fast transportation. As we begin to move back towards the "all-inclusive" type of society, I could see this type of living becoming very prevalent in Dallas and other major cities.

After researching the development, of which I had never heard of, It seems to be a rather successful venture as it has many great stores in one place. It also has several great living options that rival many places in Dallas. 

I was able to find an interesting fact that the area surrounding the actual DART station is the most populous area near a train station in the entire state of Texas. I do believe that this shows the success of this development, and how it may soon continue to become more important in a city of extreme urban sprawl.