Traditional Neighborhood Development Introduction

In today's development context, Traditional Neighborhood Development (TND) is somewhat of a misnomer. TNDs are "traditional" only as they revert to the designs more common in pre-automobile cities and neighborhoods. In fact, the compactness and versatility of TNDs often make them distinctly innovative when compared to many postwar suburbs. Though the criteria and specifications of a good TND can vary, they tend to line up under four headings: compact development, a mix of land uses, clear and convenient transportation alternatives, and a demonstrated appreciation of community character and context (Ohm et. al. 2000).

Modern TNDs are often located in greenfields or occur as large infill projects. The Glen in Glenview was previously a naval air base. The Park Ridge Town Center used to be a large shopping mall. Prairie Crossing sprouted from a vast stretch of undeveloped land in Grayslake. Such projects require large sites to allow for the walkable street grid and multiple, mixed structures that define them. Greyfield sites (discussed below) are often ideal canvasses for these projects because of their size and potential for economic revitalization – all while discouraging greenfield development. On the other hand, greenfield TNDs skirt the costs and constraints of demolition and redevelopment, while bringing a compact, efficient development paradigm to the urban fringe where it is least represented.