Adaptive Reuse to Enhance Transit Oriented Development

Adaptive reuse is a historical & cultural preservation strategy that can benefit the economy of the city. Through the Adaptive Reuse Ordinance (ARO), Los Angeles shows how encouraging adaptive reuse within the city’s transit hubs has helped the economic revitalisation of Downtown Los Angeles. Through their study, Riggs and Chamberlain (2018) explained that development activity significantly increased after ARO was implemented. 

The policy overcomes some of the constraints of development in the city centre such as flexible codes, deregulation of parking space and incentive programs. Adaptive reuse of underutilised buildings is a crucial tool that supports smart growth. ARO further supports the growth of transit-oriented development especially in the Transit Priority Area (TPA), areas within half-mile of major existing or planned transit stations in LA. Moreover, the ARO policy encourages the spurts of innovative design solutions of visual quality, urban design and building technology.

Reference:

Riggs, W., & Chamberlain, F. (2018). The TOD and smart growth implications of the LA adaptive reuse ordinance. Sustainable cities and society, 38, 594-606.

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