The Rise of Mid-Sized Cities

The Boston Globe discovers that midsize towns across Massachusetts are ditching the mall and revitalizing their downtowns.

1 minute read

January 25, 2011, 11:00 AM PST

By Tim Halbur


Quincy, Mass., for one, is on the cusp of a $1.3 billion restoration plan, while Worcester, Springfield, New Bedford and Lowell are also investing in their downtowns.

"Supporters of downtown redevelopment say the mixed-use projects will attract residents and businesses to decaying city cores that have sapped their communities of vibrancy and tax revenues. But beyond the money, officials say, the projects will help to restore a deeper sense of civic pride."

Reporter Casey Ross talks to developers who are involved in downtown revitalization, who say that it "is not for the faint of heart."

Sunday, January 16, 2011 in The Boston Globe

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