Pension Funds Gamble On Urban Renewal

3 June 2004 - 8:00am

Even though retirement money is pouring into the inner-city for retail development, the risk may still outweigh the gain.

Led by the charismatic presence of ex-basketball star 'Magic' Johnson, some of the largest pension and endowment portfolios are taking a longer look at blighted urban areas as possible investments. Despite efforts at revitalizing abandoned warehouses and factories, the failure of Hollywood & Highland, a $640 million complex in the heart of Los Angeles, offers a sobering prospect for would-be investors.

Source: Business Week, June 2, 2004
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These practices are also inequitable since they force non-drivers to subsidize parking costs, reduce travel options for non-drivers, and reduce housing affordability.