Reinventing A Rust Belt City

In the 1980s, Bilbao, Spain, had a lot in common with some U.S. 'Rust Belt' cities - declining population, dying industries, and a depressed downtown. This is the story of Bilbao's remarkable turnaround.

1 minute read

May 9, 2001, 5:00 AM PDT

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

"Today, thanks to a massive investment in path-breaking architecture and visionary planning, this urban invalid in northern Spain has come back to life with a bang. Tourists who flock here from around the globe to see Frank Gehry's shimmering, titanium-clad Guggenheim Museum also find a reborn city, its waterfront in the throes of renewal, its bustling downtown streets lined with swank shops, its ancient center being restored. Industries are cleaner, jobs are plentiful and the population is no longer hemorrhaging.The spectacular turnaround of Bilbao, the capital of Bizkaia (Biscay) in Spain's Basque region, is a story of moxie, muscle and money."

Thanks to Abhijeet Chavan

FULL STORY: Spanish lessons for Milwaukee

Saturday, May 5, 2001 in Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Architecture Wisconsin

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

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Learn More

Advertise with us

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.