Stefanos Polyzoides addressed a group of civic leaders and design and development professionals in Fresno at the Making Transit-Oriented Development a Reality in the San Joaquin Valley conference sponsored by the City of Fresno and held at Fresno’s Convention Center, not far from the anticipated site of one of California’s key high-speed rail stations.

Stefanos spoke from the viewpoint of an architect and planner who has built TODs, focusing upon Mission Meridian Village, the award-winning Metro Gold Line Station in South Pasadena, California, designed by Moule & Polyzoides. Joining him to offer the developer’s perspective was Michael Dieden of Creative Housing Associates. The talk discussed the design’s evolution from initial concept through design and construction, noting opportunities and challenges. Among the key lessons of such projects is that TODs can enliven and even be the center of attractive, walkable communities. Furthermore, successful TOD strategies can be applicable to a wide range of rail types, such as light, heavy and high-speed rail stations. A thoughtfully planned TOD is often the core of a mixed-use community; it enables people to live, work and shop without driving; it dramatically reduces reliance on automobiles; and it promotes a healthy, walkable lifestyle and Sustainable Development model.