Neal Peirce: Detroit's Massive Urban Renewal

Neal Peirce compares 20th-century renewal plans with Detroit's New Urbanism-based formula for a massive urban renewal.

1 minute read

June 4, 2004, 9:00 AM PDT

By Abhijeet Chavan @http://twitter.com/legalaidtech


"A stupendously large urban renewal area -- at 1,200 acres possibly the largest in U.S. history -- is being planned in this long-troubled city, the epitome of American urban abandonment. But Detroit's "Far Eastside Plan," as it's called, is the mirror opposite of 20th-century government-ordered slum clearance in which bulldozers swept in to destroy decrepit buildings.

In the 20th century, renewal plans typically gave one mega-developer, or a handful, rights to recreate city sections. But in this 21st-century approach, many small builders and developers -- even 'mom and pop' operations -- are being asked to bring small projects to the table."

Thanks to Abhijeet Chavan

Sunday, May 30, 2004 in The Washington Post Writers Group

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Use Code 25for25 at checkout for 25% off an annual plan!

Redlining map of Oakland and Berkeley.

Rethinking Redlining

For decades we have blamed 100-year-old maps for the patterns of spatial racial inequity that persist in American cities today. An esteemed researcher says: we’ve got it all wrong.

May 15, 2025 - Alan Mallach

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

May 14, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Front of Walmart store with sign.

Walmart Announces Nationwide EV Charging Network

The company plans to install electric car chargers at most of its stores by 2030.

May 7, 2025 - Inc.

Aerial view of Albuquerque, New Mexico at sunset.

New State Study Suggests Homelessness Far Undercounted in New Mexico

An analysis of hospital visit records provided a more accurate count than the annual point-in-time count used by most agencies.

May 16 - Source NM

Close-up on white bike helmet lying on pavement with blurred red bike on its side in background abd black car visible behind it.

Michigan Bills Would Stiffen Penalties for Deadly Crashes

Proposed state legislation would close a ‘legal gap’ that lets drivers who kill get away with few repercussions.

May 16 - Wood TV 8

Muni bus on red painted bus-only lane in downtown San Francisco, California.

Report: Bus Ridership Back to 86 Percent of Pre-Covid Levels

Transit ridership around the country was up by 85 percent in all modes in 2024.

May 16 - Mass Transit