Place Versailles will be transformed into a mixed-use complex over the next 25 years.
A former mall in Montreal will soon gain new life as a mixed-use development with a “strong green vision,” reports Isaac Olson for CBC.
The site of Place Versailles, a 62-year-old shopping complex, will include roughly 6,000 housing units (including 1,000 social housing units), a school, and a hotel. The massive, $2.2 billion project will likely take as many as 25 years to complete.
Local residents worry about impacts on local infrastructure including the nearby Radisson Metro station, as well as the height of the proposed buildings (25 stories in a neighborhood where 2 stories is currently the norm). “In response, the city has indicated that the building heights along the residential streets of Pierre Corneille and du Trianon will be adjusted to eight and six floors, respectively.” Julien Hénault-Ratelle, a city councillor in Mercier–Hochelaga-Maisonneuve, pointed out that the proposal does not include “adapted or adaptable” units that would enhance accessibility.
Read the full story: Montreal readies to turn east-end mall into densified neighbourhood with green space
New Jersey affordable housing requirements spur infill development across the state
A 50-year-old law continues to reshape development around housing goals.
You Can Live Inside America’s Oldest Indoor Shopping Mall
The Arcade in Providence, Rhode Island, first built in 1828, was redeveloped into 48 micro-housing units.
LA Mall Garage Converted to 200 Housing Units
As indoor malls continue to struggle, more of them are being converted to housing and other uses.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
California plans to bury El Niño’s downpour
If the state plays its cards right, it may be able to store a billion acre-feet of El Niño’s water in aquifers.
Desperate measures: Advocates weigh draining Lake Powell to fill Colorado River
Draining the reservoir could reduce evaporation losses by a couple hundred thousand acre-feet.
Chicago Avenue bridge construction delays enrages city leaders
The bridge has been closed since 2025. The city originally aimed to re-open it in December, and now expects to finish construction in 2027.
NYC bus network redesign speeds up Queens buses
Rush routes have seen a 4.6% speed increase after the redesign.
California High-Speed Rail Authority picks trainset manufacturer
The California High-Speed Rail Authority aims to start servicing passengers by 2033.
FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?
After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.
Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold
The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.
City of Rosemead
Rutgers University, Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy
One Hundred Miles
Hunter College, City University of New York (CUNY)
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
City of Cambridge
Montrose County
The Pocatello Development Authority