A mixed-use village on a prime parcel of land in downtown Spartanburg, South Carolina, known as Renaissance Park may be the first major project to result from the city's recently adopted master plan.
"City leaders contend they have a prime opportunity to recapture the center of the downtown as the perfect place to work, live and shop as they develop the area behind the Marriott Hotel, known as Renaissance Park.
The parcel is between 15 and 18 acres and should be developed, according to the city's new master plan, as a mixed-use village to include about 750,000 square feet of space as a two-story development or 1.1 million square feet if it is built as three stories. The village center of Renaissance Park would include high-end specialty retail, office buildings and about 40 apartments or condominiums. A neighborhood grocery store, nestled on a lower level beneath other stores, could also locate there, according to the master plan.
If the project is developed correctly, which is the city's intent, the site will link Wofford and Converse colleges with downtown and create an urban, pedestrian-friendly environment for those living in the area and for patrons of the cultural center and Marriott, City Economic Development Director Julie Franklin said."
Thanks to A. Lamar Calloway
FULL STORY: City master plan calls for village concept

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

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

Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?

Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing
A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.

Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire
Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.

LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles
LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.
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.
Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions