The Return Of The Civic Square

"Despite the misty-eyed memory of the town commons or village green, the plain truth is that most cities no longer have a good central square... Fortunately, there are ample signs that civic squares are on the verge of a remarkable resurgence. Many projects are coming about now because public officials, planners and citizens are starting to understand that public life—meaning active, vital street life—is essential to rebuilding downtowns."