Culdesac

U.S. cities have been held back by car-centric planning for too long. But as cities recognize the need for zoning reform, there are opportunities to build neighborhoods that prioritize community connections over empty parking lots.

U.S. cities desperately need more third spaces like plazas, local cafés, & parks. At Culdesac, we’re building a model for new neighborhoods that integrate vital third spaces and offer a better alternative for new development.

U.S. cities should be designed in a way where you could walk, bike, or take transit to your favorite places. At Culdesac, we’re building neighborhoods that put people first with local shops, green spaces, and courtyards that make connection easy.

As Jane Jacobs said, “Lowly, unpurposeful, and random as they may appear, sidewalk contacts are the small change from which a city’s wealth of public life may grow.” At Culdesac, we prioritize people in our neighborhoods with plenty of plazas, courtyards, and local businesses that foster a strong sense of community.

Creating spaces that truly benefit residents involves thoughtful material choices. That's why we use decomposed granite and pavers instead of asphalt, ensuring cooler temperatures and a better neighborhood experience.

Public transit and walkable streets create vibrant communities. Culdesac Tempe is proof that new walkable neighborhoods can thrive in the U.S.

A big reason so many Americans love traveling to Europe is because of how walkable it is. We can have some of that walkability in the U.S. too. At Culdesac, we're showing that building walkable neighborhoods is possible in the U.S. again

Why are U.S. cities so unwalkable? Restrictive zoning laws have made it nearly impossible to build walkable neighborhoods. Fortunately, cities across the country are reforming zoning and at Culdesac, we're building a new model for walkable development.

Much of the charm of northeastern U.S. cities like NYC comes from being built before cars dominated urban design. U.S. cities were once walkable—they can be walkable again if we start prioritizing people in our designs.

Parking requirements raise costs and limit design flexibility, leading to lifeless buildings with long hallways. At Culdesac Tempe, we’re building a vibrant, walkable neighborhood with local businesses and green spaces. We aim to inspire walkable developments everywhere!