The list of real estate projects is being compiled for Metro's planning office by the consulting firm Jones Lang LaSalle. The shift toward transit-oriented development (dense, mixed-use real estate built in close proximity to transit stations) is being driven by several factors, according to Metro planners, including the influx of urban dwellers who do not own cars and the desires of large employers, like Marriott, seeking to relocate near rail transit.

One nationally regarded real estate expert says this trend definitely will increase demand on Metro's already strained rail capacity. "It's crucial to understand that with our economy, that with any economy for the 6,000 years we've been building cities, transportation drives development. It is the most important infrastructure category.  

Today the number one transportation category, particularly in metro Washington, is rail transit," said Chris Leinberger, a metropolitan land use specialist at The George Washington University and president of LOCUS, a research group affiliated with the D.C.-based advocacy organization Smart Growth America.

"That 100 million square feet is not net growth. It is not just dealing with increased population and jobs we expect; it is also replacing obsolete office space. About 40 percent of our office space is approaching obsolescence because they are business parks," Leinberger said.

Recent research indicates reasonable walking distance in the real estate market is a half-mile, Leinberger said. This development could quadruple the amount of land affected by a rail station.

"Within that half-mile we need rail stations to be high-density, mixed use. Outside that half-mile, it goes back to single-family homes."

Washington DC is home to the most extensive and best transit oriented development in the nation, and has millions of square feet under construction throughout the district.  More | Story  

The Transit Oriented Development Institute is a national planning initiative to promote and accelerate the roll-out of walkable, mixed-use communities around rail stations. Working to increase the supply of new TODs and rail systems, the TOD Institute brings together business and political leaders with experts to advance knowlege sharing and project dealmaking.

The Transit Oriented Development Institute is a project of the US High Speed Rail Association, America's leading advocate for the development of a 21st century, national rail system. The Transit Oriented Development Institute promotes increased TOD as well as high quality design standards that deliver the best results to the users, the community, the developers, and the rail systems.  

The Transit Oriented Development Institute is run by a team of experts and leaders in rail, urban design, and real estate development.