After several years of soul searching during the Great Recession, "conspicuous consumption has made a resounding return to Madison Avenue." But, as Eric Wilson discovered, a new Avenue has emerged.
With a former reputation as the "world's most insular shopping mall," the arrival of younger "downtown" brands and their customer to what "at its core, is a local shopping district" for one of the wealthiest neighborhoods in the world has been a shock, albeit a mostly welcome one, for the famous fashion street.
According to Wilson, "Nearly 50 stores have opened in the last 18 months, including a diverse
mix of European luxury labels (Céline and Bottega Veneta), contemporary
brands (Vince, Zadig & Voltaire, Rebecca Taylor, Alice + Olivia,
Theory and Rag & Bone) and hipper American designers (Proenza
Schouler and, coming soon, Monique Lhuillier)."
When the recession struck, rents on the avenue dropped to between $600-$800 a square foot and dozens of vacancies opened. After only three years, "landlords once again are asking (asking, mind you) for rents of $1,500 a square foot, higher than before the recession," notes Wilson.
FULL STORY: Downtown Comes Uptown
The Boxyard Igniting Retail Push In Downtown Tulsa
Innovative retail center constructed from repurposed shipping containers activates an empty lot, looks to spark a retail revival in downtown Tulsa.
Big Box Store Target Focusing Growth in Urban Areas
Target announced recently that almost all of the stores it expects to open in 2016 and 2017 will be located in urban areas.
Walkable Streets: Considering Common Issues
Generalist Geoff Dyer delivers his walkability design tactics magnum opus on PlaceShakers. His years of practical experience are conveniently condensed for your consumption.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”
The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).
DARTSpace Platform Streamlines Dallas TOD Application Process
The Dallas transit agency hopes a shorter permitting timeline will boost transit-oriented development around rail stations.
Renters Now Outnumber Homeowners in Over 200 US Suburbs
High housing costs in city centers and the new-found flexibility offered by remote work are pushing more renters to suburban areas.
The Tiny, Adorable $7,000 Car Turning Japan Onto EVs
The single seat Mibot charges from a regular plug as quickly as an iPad, and is about half the price of an average EV.
Supreme Court Ruling in Pipeline Case Guts Federal Environmental Law
The decision limits the scope of a federal law that mandates extensive environmental impact reviews of energy, infrastructure, and transportation projects.
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.
Municipality of Princeton
Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission
City of Mt Shasta
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)