DOWNTOWN OFFICE GROWTH AND THE ROLE OF PUBLIC TRANSIT

This study attempts to obtain a clearer picture of office growth and distribution to determine which factors seem to be important in anticipating the extent and rate of downtown office growth. Three cities were examined in detail to define the role transit systems have played in shaping the location of offices between downtown and suburban sites. While definitive answers are not produced, the study suggests that the clustering of office activity within broad regions and in larger downtown complexes did remain a major force in the 1970s. It also suggests that downtowns in metropolitan areas with good air transportation, a high level of transit services, lower wage levels, lower minority populations, and good hotel facilities will fare better than other communities with low scores in these areas. The role of transit is particularly important because among the factors that proved to be of major significance, transit is the only one over which local government has direct control. Empirical evidence suggest strongly that transit has played and will continue to play a strong role in downtown office growth.

• Corporate Authors:

  Urban Land Institute

  1090 Vermont Avenue, NW
  Washington, DC  United States  20005
• Authors:
  • Black, J T
  • O'Connell, D P
  • Morina, M J
• Publication Date: 1982

Media Info

• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 122 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Benefits; Central business districts; Land use; Local government; Metropolitan areas; Public transit; Travel demand; Urban development
• Subject Areas: Planning and Forecasting; Public Transportation; Society;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00373678
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Jun 30 1983 12:00AM