Culdesac Tempe is changing the way we think about cities. As the first car-free neighborhood built from the ground up in the United States, this innovative project is setting a new standard for sustainable, walkable urban design, and WOODPATEL is proud to be part of the team that helped make it possible.
Located on a 17-acre site in Tempe, Arizona, Culdesac Tempe reimagines the relationship between people and the built environment by removing cars from the equation entirely. The result is a vibrant, transit-connected community where streets are for people, not parking.
Laying the Groundwork for Innovation
WOODPATEL’s contribution began with a comprehensive ALTA survey, forming the foundation for precise planning, entitlement, and design coordination across the site. Our civil engineering team then delivered tailored infrastructure solutions to align with Culdesac’s unconventional, pedestrian-first layout.
Key services included:
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Creative site and drainage design that supported both sustainability and user comfort
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Utility infrastructure planning that accommodated future-forward living without compromising function
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Seamless coordination with design and construction partners to uphold the project’s vision
This project required engineering solutions that broke from the norm, designed not around vehicular traffic, but around human experience and environmental responsibility.
National Recognition for a Bold Idea
Culdesac Tempe has drawn national media attention, with features in Dwell and The New York Times highlighting its pioneering model for car-free urban life. The community offers a glimpse into a future where dense, livable neighborhoods prioritize walking, biking, and public transit, creating stronger social ties and lower carbon footprints.
Project Partners
We are grateful to collaborate with an incredible team of visionaries and professionals who made this project a reality:
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Developer: Culdesac
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Commercial General Contractor: Wespac Construction
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Residential General Contractor: Porchlight Construction LLC
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Architecture & Master Planning: Opticos Design, Inc.
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Commercial Architect: Davis Architects
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Residential Architect: D33 Design & Planning
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Landscape Architecture: Floor Associates
Building for a Better Tomorrow
At WOODPATEL, we believe in the power of engineering to create, connect, and protect. Culdesac Tempe exemplifies that mission—combining purposeful infrastructure with a bold vision for sustainable urban living. We’re proud to have helped bring this transformative neighborhood to life, and excited to see its impact continue to grow.
📖 Learn more about Culdesac Tempe:
Dwell Magazine Feature | New York Times Feature
Image credit: Culdesac
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