Repairing Superblocks through Redevelopment

Arlington, Virginia is using housing and redevelopment to repair the superblock-dominated street grid of Crystal City.

1 minute read

January 20, 2011, 5:00 AM PST

By Anonymous (not verified)


Arlington has embarked on a redevelopment plan that will accommodate significant new growth in housing units and office space that will transform Crystal City's 60s era superblocks into a more coherent, vibrant pedestrian network.

The recently adopted Crystal City Sector Plan generally proposes to guide future redevelopment in Crystal City to break down the superblocks into a more traditional neighborhood development pattern by converting one-way streets to two-way streets and creating new streets through redevelopment to create a more refined urban street grid.

From the Under One Roof blog: "In addition to street improvements, key land use and urban design changes in vertical building form can also play a role. For instance, instead of the towers in the park typology that characterizes much of Crystal City today, more mid- and high-rise buildings can be placed at the back of sidewalk and oriented to have their building facades (on at least two sides) help to frame and create the urban spaces that comprise the neighborhood's streets, parks, and plazas."

Thanks to Andrew D'huyvetter

Wednesday, January 19, 2011 in Under One Roof

View form second story inside Southdale Mall in Edina, Minnesota with escalators and model cars parked on downstairs floor.

The Mall Is Dead — Long Live the Mall

The American shopping mall may be closer to its original vision than ever.

March 21, 2024 - Governing

Houston, Texas skyline.

Report: Las Vegas, Houston Top List of Least Affordable Cities

The report assesses the availability of affordable rental units for low-income households.

March 22, 2024 - Urban Edge

Historic buildings in downtown Los Angeles with large "Pan American Lofts" sign on side of building.

Adaptive Reuse Bills Introduced in California Assembly

The legislation would expand eligibility for economic incentives and let cities loosen regulations to allow for more building conversions.

March 18, 2024 - Beverly Press

Street Traffic in Manhattan

New York Congestion Pricing Approved by MTA Board

The program took another step forward as the board approved a proposed pricing scheme, but lawsuits still stand in the way of full implementation.

34 minutes ago - Smart Cities Dive

White and yellow Metro Transit streetcar in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Video: Making Transit Better

How trackless trams and other innovations can make U.S. transit more efficient.

1 hour ago - CNBC Marathon

Amtrak train passing over tall trestle bridge on California coast at Gaviota Beach.

LA-to-San Francisco Night Train Closer to Reality

A train operator has entered into formal negotiations with Union Pacific to move the project forward with a projected launch date of 2025.

March 27 - SFGate

News from HUD User

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

Call for Speakers

Mpact Transit + Community

New Updates on PD&R Edge

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.