The majority of U.S. citizens live in sprawling suburban communities that spread for miles in all directions and lack a discernable center or edge. In suburbia the vehicle reigns supreme, as the distance between homes and businesses makes walking impractical, and in many cases, impossible. The landscape is dotted with strip malls, and the remaining commercial buildings are constructed with highway convenience in mind instead of eye-appeal. Sound all-too familiar?

Now imagine the classic neighborhood where you can stroll to the town center and meet up with a friend at the local coffee shop. An eclectic array of homes and businesses decorate the streets, creating a sense of place and character. There's no need to drive, as everything is within walking distance, and you'd rather take your time to socialize and enjoy the scenery anyway.

This may seem like a snapshot from the past, but thanks to the New Urbanism movement, more people are experiencing the ease and functionality that were once hallmarks of the traditional American lifestyle. New Urbanism examines where we live and the way we live. It is based on the belief that, to restore the traditional neighborhood patterns of our cities and towns, we must first identify and rebuild the elements that made these patterns possible.

Currently, there are more than 500 new towns, villages and neighborhoods planned or under construction in the United States alone that are modeled on the elements of New Urbanism. Half of the projects are in historic urban centers.

Additionally, there are more than 100 small-scale infill developments in the works, all of which use the personality of the existing neighborhood as their fundamental building block.

One such infill development by UP Inc. (a newly formed urban development entity of La Jolla Pacific Development Group) is under way at 3744 Park Blvd. in Hillcrest. The project incorporates a number of New Urbanism elements, most notably through its balance of historic aesthetics and modern functionality. By maintaining the historical integrity of the building and preserving the original look of the site, UP and its architects are creating a sense of place while still offering the appeal of popular amenities.

Many of the older office, retail, hotels and apartments along Park Boulevard were fashioned in the Streamline Moderne and Art Deco styles from the 1920s, 1930s and 1940s. An existing historic complex on the site incorporates a façade in the same style, which became the inspiration for the project's proposed schematic design. The new building mass is set back from the preserved façade to reduce bulk and create private terraces. Its horizontal curved forms, strong vertical elements and detailing add the final touches to match the project's character to the community.

In contrast, the building offers modern amenities for each of its 37 housing units including a fifth floor recreation/meeting room flanked by roof terraces with easterly mountain views and an outdoor kitchen with barbeque facilities. Other conveniences include in-suite laundry and storage facilities.

New Urbanism projects should also serve to promote diversity within the community. This can be achieved by offering sites for mixed-use. A single building can house offices, apartments and retail space. In addition, homes can be offered in a range of sizes, types and prices to encourage diversity among occupants.

The project at 3744 Park Blvd. has a total area of approximately 100,000 square feet consisting of ground floor commercial and retail areas along Park Boulevard capped by five levels of residential units. It also features six, two-story row homes along Robinson Avenue. A generous open public plaza in front of the building at the corner of Park Boulevard and Robinson Avenue provides for an outdoor café and will serve as a neighborhood meeting place.

UP's development also incorporates the pedestrian element of New Urbanism. The building at 3744 Park Blvd. is located along the northern and eastern boundaries of the site, wrapping around the corner and forming a large protected interior courtyard opening toward the southwest. It also includes two levels of underground parking that will serve the residential units and commercial/retail spaces.

The New Urbanism movement can't replicate the classic neighborhood, nor does it seek to. Times change, and so do our needs and the way that we live.

Instead, New Urbanism seeks to establish a unique sense of identity by blending the old with the new -- capturing the best elements of a location and giving them a modern flair. The result is a healthy, livable community with a trendy feel, and an inherent quality.

McPhee is principal of La Jolla Pacific Development Group.