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Definitions and Criteria for Mixed Use Centers
North Texas 2050 views mixed use centers as an important part of the region’s successful and sustainable future. The vision and action package describes mixed use centers in general and gives further information about four scales of mixed use centers (Regional, Metropolitan, Community and Neighborhood) that each contribute to our region’s future. These descriptions from North Texas 2050 are:
Definitions of Mixed Use Centers
The mixed use centers are: Regional, Metropolitan, Community and Neighborhood. The four centers reflect areas with a variety of uses (including both employment and housing), at least a moderate intensity of development and, for some, their roles as distinct or traditional centers of communities. The mixed use centers differ in terms of size, scale, and specific function. For the most part, Regional and Metropolitan centers are similar in that they provide a strong employment base for the North Texas region, have a mix of land uses, and are highly developed. In turn, Community and Neighborhood centers are also similar. They are mixed use but do not provide as many job opportunities as the larger Mixed Use Centers. Also these two centers may have a single family residential component compared to the Regional and Metropolitan centers, where most residential uses are at higher densities. All of the centers are envisioned to be mixed use and pedestrian friendly, with more intense development than their surroundings. Characteristics common to all four are the presence of transportation connections and rapid transit lines. Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) is expected around transit stations in all four types of Mixed Use Centers.
Specific criteria have been established to distinguish the four centers and to identify where they are located in the region. The table in Exhibit 4.3 (of North Texas 2050) summarizes key criteria defining Mixed Use Centers. A more detailed description of each mixed use center follows.
Regional Centers
Regional Centers are the densest of the four mixed use centers, with a wide variety of uses. A Regional Center has a balance of office, retail, entertainment, light industrial and multi-family residential uses. Regional Centers are envisioned as pedestrian-oriented, urban areas, in a central location. All modes of transportation serve the Regional Centers. The North Texas region has two Regional Centers, Downtown Dallas and Downtown Fort Worth.
Metropolitan Centers
Metropolitan Centers offer the same variety of uses, just on a somewhat smaller scale. Their development is less intense than Regional Centers. They tend to be populated urban areas that are primarily mixed-use, accommodating business and multi-family residential land uses. They meet a wide variety of business and employment needs and are large enough to serve several surrounding cities. Metropolitan Centers also include the larger historic downtowns of cities in the North Texas area. Metropolitan centers are served by one or more corridor/regional transit lines and local bus services. Twenty Metropolitan Centers have been identified so far and examples of these centers are below:
- Addison (includes Addison Circle and Vitruvian Park)
- Downtown Denton
- Las Colinas
- La Villita
- Legacy Town Center
Community Centers
Community Centers have a mix of uses and are distinguished by their smaller size and scale. Community Centers offer development that provides retail and residential within the same building or in close, walkable proximity to one another. They attract visitors and people from across the region because of their uniqueness, historic nature and design character. They provide access to shops, restaurants and community-oriented services. Community Centers are traditionally located on a major arterial network and served by a transit route providing direct transit to at least one Metropolitan Center. Thirty-nine Community Centers have been identified so far and a few examples of these centers are as follows:
- Berry/University
- Bishop Arts District
- Brick Row
- Downtown Arlington
- Downtown Garland
- Park Lane Place
Neighborhood Centers
This is the smallest of the fur Mixed Use center types. Neighborhood Centers serve the shopping, service or entertainment needs of one or more existing or planned residential neighborhoods. They contain a diverse mix of land uses, at a neighborhood scale, including those schools, shopping, personal services and restaurants. These centers may offer quality amenities, like parks, that attract people from the adjacent neighborhoods.
Good pedestrian, bicycle and bus transportation links are found in Neighborhood Centers; some may also include transit stations and adjacent Transit-Oriented Development. Neighborhood Centers are served by local roads and local transit to the nearest larger mixed use center. Over 25 Neighborhood Centers have already been identified to date. Examples of Neighborhood Centers include:
- Rockwall Commons in Rockwall
- Desoto Town Center
- Downtown Mansfield
- Bluebonnet Circle
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