Bridget Moriarity profiles a public-private partnership that is working to bring increased density and walkability deep in the heart of Texas.
Financed in part by the Downtown Tax Increment Financing District (TIF), Sundance Square is "a roughly 35-block collection of shops, restaurants
and entertainment venues layered with office space and residences" that has dramatically changed downtown Fort Worth from "a sea of surface parking lots and abandoned buildings in the 1970s, to today's vibrant, walkable streetscape."
Just this month, oil industry billionaire Edward Bass broke ground on several new projects that promise to continue the evolution of the area, which has been guided by 1988's 150-block master plan, and helped along by stragetic public subsidies.
"Creative financing isn't the only thing that sets Sundance Square
apart. Unlike most development in car-centric Fort Worth, Bass isn't
kowtowing to that motorized god of the Texas landscape - the new
pedestrian plaza will replace two surface parking lots."
"Despite the grumbles from car-loving neighbors, Hoss
is proud of the vote in support of a more pedestrian-friendly
environment. 'I think the trend is moving in this direction,' he said. 'Fort Worth is probably ahead of the curve.'"
Read the full story: Sundance’s Stomping Grounds Get TIF’d
Former power plant in Alexandria to become walkable waterfront neighborhood with 800 homes
The Potomac River Generating Station was once the biggest source of air pollution in northern Virginia.
Cleveland announces new Midline industrial investment district
The plan calls for at least 1.5 million square feet of new industrial and commercial space alongside housing.
Omaha Mayor’s Proposal Would Build 1,900 New Housing Units Along Streetcar Line
Mayor Ewing introduced a new plan that would allow the city to begin distributing affordable housing financing as early as next year.
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.
New bill requires California data center developers to create water scarcity plans
Gov. Gavin Newsom recently signed 7 bills intended to give California communities more information about the impact of proposed data centers.
San Diego may kill one-third of its bus routes as budget crisis looms
Under the city's proposed plan, 21% of Metropolitan Transit System riders would lose access to transit services.
Philadelphia to invest $2 billion into upgrading city airports as PHL places last in customer satisfaction
Modernizations to Philadelphia's airports will include baggage system upgrades and a new automated parking garage guidance system.
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.
City of Wisconsin Rapids
Harvard University Graduate School of Design
KFH Group Inc.
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
The Pocatello Development Authority
The Urban Renewal Agency of the City of Pocatello