Ersatz New Urbanism In Las Vegas

Henderson's desire for a neighborhood-based development exposes the boomtown's lack of city context.

1 minute read

July 13, 2004, 9:00 AM PDT

By Jeffrey Goodman


One of the fastest growing cities in the nation, Henderson is considering a 2,000 acre new urbanist development plan brought by Focus Property Group. While this would be an improvement over the sprawling tracts of suburban Las Vegas, the locals' reaction speaks of a general misunderstanding and misapplication of the planning philosophy. For residents, 'new urbanism' means a reversion to a mythical small-town Henderson, a return to a city center that itself is post-World War II. For the residents of such a recently expansive town, the proposed new urbanist development may become as forced and unnatural as the rows of McMansions surrounding it.

Thanks to Jeffrey Goodman

Monday, July 12, 2004 in Las Vegas Sun

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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

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