Downtown Dallas provides another example of the redemptive power of adaptive reuse. With the number of empty buildings declining every year and more ambitious projects on the way, is it safe to say Downtown Dallas is all the way back?
A Dallas Morning News editorial describes the ongoing revival of the southeastern corner of Downtown Dallas: "Just think of the change that has occurred in the southeastern corner of downtown. The Lone Star Gas Lofts, the Continental Building, the opening of Main Street Garden, the redesign of the University of North Texas’ downtown campus, the plan to convert the old Dallas Municipal Courts building into UNT Law School." The editorial credits a "commitment from city leadership to invest in bold public-private partnerships to restore aging buildings" for the turnaround.
The story follows an earlier article by Steve Brown with a headline that reads: "Downtown Dallas is running out of empty buildings." Brown was writing specifically of the recently announced redevelopment of two of Dallas' largest empty buildings: the 52-story former First National Bank tower at 1401 Elm Street and Statler-Hilton Hotel on Commerce Street.
Dallas Morning News Architecture Critic Mark Lamster tweeted his response to the Downtown Dallas comeback narrative, citing the area's momentum but also mentioning the remaining empty buildings and providing a negative review for a proposed parking garage at Pacific Plaza.
FULL STORY: Editorial: Southeastern edge of downtown is alive again
Adaptive Reuse Will Create Housing in a Suburban Texas Strip Mall
A developer is reimagining a strip mall property as a mixed-use complex with housing and retail.
Office Conversions Have Increased Every Year This Decade
Since the pandemic, office vacancy rates remain high, leading many cities to adjust zoning codes to accommodate adaptive reuse.
Minnesota Seeks State Support for Office Conversions
The 30% “CUB credit” would support the conversion of buildings 15 years or older into any use that “will return that vacant area to an income-producing, habitable condition.”
Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?
Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing
Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.
Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive
Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.
Car Designs Make it Harder to See Pedestrians
Blind spots created by thicker pillars built to withstand rollover crashes are creating dangerous conditions for people outside vehicles.
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.
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie