A new public plaza is being built in Washington D.C., and this rundown from The Dirt highlights its people-focused design.
CityCenterDC is a 10-acre project in the core of the city, the largest redevelopment project underway in an American downtown.
"According to Gustafson Guthrie Nichol, the design of the new public spaces were guided by a few core ideas, namely restore the original D.C. street grid, limit car access, and create green public spaces set within mixed-use development. The team recognized the need to restore L'Enfant's original plan and "reinstate I Street and 10th Street, thereby extending the urban fabric of the city;" integrate the development into the neighborhood by "incorporating small pedestrian alleyways with limited vehicular access"; and create an "inviting and exceptional destination featuring signature retail and dining establishments, engaging public spaces with seasonal programming, and a mix of housing opportunities."
Using L'Enfant's original street grid as a "framework" for a pedestrian-oriented neighborhood, the development will include a new Northwest Park and central plaza."
Read the full story: New CityCenter Brings Green Public Space to Downtown D.C.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Amtrak, CN end decades-long dispute with eight-year agreement
The new operating agreement establishes an updated framework for the companies to work together, including processes to resolve disputes.
Judges permit Denver to divert 77,000 acre feet from the Colorado River for reservoir expansion
Overuse and climate change have caused the Colorado River’s water levels to plummet.
'Something we’ve never seen before:' rising utility rates could strain city finances nationwide
Data centers, climate change and other factors have caused utility rates in the United States to increase by 38% since 2020.
Trump to overrule local leaders, lease millions of acres of America’s Pacific Island territories’ seafloors to mining companies
International law says that the Indigenous people of America’s territories have a right to prior and informed consent regarding projects that impact their countries.
A ‘shady’ deal: Chicagoans rally against planned Amtrak maintenance facility
The $900 million facility would allow Amtrak to maintain entire trains in one building, which the company says will reduce delays.
FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?
After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.
Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold
The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.
KFH Group Inc.
Greater Baltimore Committee
Eagle County Government
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
The Pocatello Development Authority
The Urban Renewal Agency of the City of Pocatello