The Boston Globe

A small pedestrian alleyway in Cambridge, Massachusetts, that developed slowly over more than 30 years reminds that architecture's placemaking abilities are not only seen in huge projects and iconic buildings.

Federal law requires cities to have evacuation plans that include pets. Many cities never knew about this law and don't have the resources to follow it, which could disqualify them from receiving federal disaster relief funds.

Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick is pushing a plan to allow struggling communities to bring in more taxes from local businesses and to lower the amount of property taxes owners have to pay.

With the debut of a new region plan -- emphasizing town centers, more density, increased transit usage, and reduced water and energy consumption -- Boston area planners have their work cut out for them.

New rules have come into effect in Massachusetts that will require developers of large-scale projects to estimate and reduce their greenhouse gas production.

Market research shows that though buyers still have an advantage, the Massachusetts housing market will shows signs of stability over the next six to twelve months.

After years in the dust of the Big Dig, Boston's North End is looking to bring in the tourists that have avoided the former construction zone for so long.

Transit officials in Boston are hoping that a new program to install detailed bus maps at subway stations will increase ridership on the city's bus system by helping more people understand it.

How the housing crisis -- from unaffordable housing and the subprime scandal -- is affecting Boston.

A growing number of scholars argue that traditional ideas about the causes of gentrification, as well as the winners and losers, may be unfit to describe the complex processes happening in modern day cities.

In Boston's Jamaica Plain neighborhood, modern condos are replacing Boston's oldest brewery buildings.

The city's efforts at urban renewal has sparked a wave of new downtown residents along sophisticated restaurants to feed them.

Though criticized for their flawed vision, Modernist architects tried to engage and improve the broader city -- something some say their contemporary counterparts have completely neglected to address.

Corporations and cities across the globe are signing on to a new wave in environmental stewardship: zero waste. Cities such as Oakland and Seattle have pledged to improve their policies to encourage recycling and a reduction of waste.

The prospect of X-rated businesses opening up near homes has residents of the Southern Massachusetts town of Berkley up in arms. With no zoning laws, the location of any new businesses depends on approval by a local governing board.

Plans have been proposed to expand downtown Boston's pedestrian-only shopping district with the hopes of improving the area's economic viability. Despite high pedestrian traffic, the shopping center has not been as successful as others in the city.

A new report highlights the struggles of historic mill cities in Massachusetts as they lose thousands of jobs and strain to attract high-tech industries.

Approving high density, smart growth developments has brought urbanity and monetary benefits to the town of Easton, Massachusetts.

According to a recent National Research Council report, maps of flood danger in the United States are based on data that are decades old. Many are calling for an update.

A new building in Boston's historic rowhouse laden south end neighborhood looks ahead without disrespecting its traditional context.