In San Francisco, you can find respite from city life in some unexpected places—if you know where to look.
Most people who know San Francisco are familiar with the sprawling Golden Gate Park, an oasis in the densely packed city.
But, as John King highlights in The San Francisco Chronicle, sprinkled throughout the city you’ll also find small, park-like spaces nestled within private developments. These parks, known as privately owned public spaces (POPOS), were originally part of San Francisco’s 1985 downtown plan, later bolstered by updated regulations in 2012.
During the pandemic, many shut down. “But more and more are reopening, which is as it should be — these are public spaces that developers are required to add to their projects. The best are relaxing and invigorating at once, surprises that help make an area like the Financial District worth exploring even if you aren't heading to your job.”
King highlights 11 POPOS he finds worth exploring, including a space inside a 1908 post office, a 7th floor rooftop park with a climate-controlled lounge, and a tropical oasis with a “treehouse-like mezzanine.”
FULL STORY: There are unexpected public spaces hidden in downtown San Francisco.
The Mall Is Dead — Long Live the Mall
The American shopping mall may be closer to its original vision than ever.
The Paradox of American Housing
How the tension between housing as an asset and as an essential good keeps the supply inadequate and costs high.
Report: Las Vegas, Houston Top List of Least Affordable Cities
The report assesses the availability of affordable rental units for low-income households.
Understanding Affordable Housing Lingo
20 key terms in the affordable housing discussion.
Undoing Biden's EV Rule
The partisan divide over how government should reduce greenhouse gas emissions was on full display after the Biden administration finalized its emissions standards rule for light and medium duty vehicles on March 20.
Boston Moves Zoning Reform Forward
The ‘Squares + Streets’ plan creates form-based zoning templates for neighborhoods that promote mixed use and denser housing near transit.
City of Belgrade
City of Yakima
City of Auburn
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Mpact Transit + Community
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
City of Birmingham, Alabama
City of Laramie, Wyoming
Town of Zionsville
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.