These are older communities that developed on the edges of major cities, largely between 1920 and 1970, with by far the greatest growth in the years following World War II. Their character is early suburban with moderate density.
Characteristics
These communities display the classic mid-century form: small single-family homes of one or two stories located on a grid with single-stall garages, narrow driveways to the street and a short car trip required to the shopping center
This attractive formula broke away from the mixed-use urban form and produced an enduring (and endearing) prototype that segregated residential and commercial districts
With moderately sized yards and gardens (and no alleys), this arrangement provides the illusion of country living with city conveniences fairly close by
Sidewalks are common
Setbacks are 20 feet or more
Streets are relatively wide—wider near commercial zones
Parking is in surface lots
Transit service is available but infrequent
Watch this video from TED Talks Retrofitting Suburbia by Ellen Dunham-Jones
“The average urban dweller in the US has a third of the carbon footprint of a suburb dweller.” –from the video
Examples
Richfield
St. Louis Park
Edina
Hopkins
Robbinsdale
Brooklyn Center
Fridley
Roseville
St. Anthony
Maplewood
West St. Paul
East Bloomington
Sections of Duluth, Rochester, St. Cloud, Mankato and other Minnesota cities contain neighborhoods with these characteristics
Challenges Facing Developed Suburbs
Retrofitting postwar homes to modern uses (double garages, family rooms, extra bed and bathrooms)
Reviving sagging shopping centers and failing regional malls
Finding affordable housing options for aging residents who want to remain near children and grandchildren
Find Case Studies, Experts and Sample Plans for Developed Suburbs
