Built during the height of the boom, GardenWalk in Anaheim was a can't-fail mixed-use shopping center with condos. The retail opened just as the recession hit, and this week the developer has put the condo construction rights up for sale.
GardenWalk is zoned for up to 400 condos on top of the retail. The rights for condo development were originally valued at $37 million, but current bids are in the low $20s.
Roger Vincent writes, "The owner spent $19 million, mostly on structural upgrades to the garage, [auctioneer Philip] Powers said. "All the buyer has to do is pull permits to get started," Powers said.
Meanwhile, the existing mall is in the foreclosure process with its lender, Citigroup Global Markets Realty Corp., said Bill Stone of Excel Realty, developer and manager of GardenWalk. The mall, valued at $325 million when it was new, is only 65% occupied, he said, but talks are underway with prospective tenants."
FULL STORY: Developer gives up on condo project near Disneyland

Norman, Oklahoma Eliminates Parking Mandates
The city made a subtle, one-word change that frees up developers to build parking based on actual need and eliminates costly unnecessary parking.

Boston Transit Riders Report Safety Concerns
Almost three-quarters of current and former riders report feeling unsafe while using MBTA services.

Boston to Begin Zoning Code Update, Mayor Announces
It’s been nearly 60 years, but the city of Boston is finally ready to do a comprehensive rewrite of its zoning code.

Proposal Could Mandate Sidewalks as Part of Seattle Complete Streets
Almost a third of the city’s neighborhood streets lack sidewalks.

San Francisco Supervisors Punt Housing Ordinance
After hours of public comment, the zoning reform package aimed at increasing housing production and limiting red tape was delayed for further discussion.

Pittsburgh Launches Adaptive Bike Share Fleet
The new bikes include a recumbent bicycle and a front-loading cargo bike.
City of Stonecrest
City of Grand Junction Police Department
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Washington University
Mpact: Mobility, Community, Possibility
National Capital Planning Commission
City of Culver City
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.