Chosen from 15 applicants representing more than 90 companies, the new team will be responsible for developing urban design plans for the WTC site.
"Lower Manhattan Development Corp. President Louis Tomson and Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Executive Director Joseph Seymour chose Beyer Blinder Belle Architects & Planners LLP and engineering firm Parsons Brinckerhoff for a $3-million contract for an urban design study and transportation analysis of the World Trade Center site and its surroundings." The team of architects and planners at Beyer Blinder Belle have already been successful with several projects in the city, including the restoration of Grand Central Station and Ellis Island. Parsons Brinckerhoff, one of the top engineering firms in the country, was responsible for New York City's first subway line over a century ago. The two firms will work together to develop up to six urban design options by July 1st, with a final choice to be selected by December 1st.
Thanks to Christian Peralta
FULL STORY: 2 Firms Picked for WTC Redesign

Florida Considers Legalizing ADUs
Current state law allows — but doesn’t require — cities to permit accessory dwelling units in single-family residential neighborhoods.

HUD Announces Plan to Build Housing on Public Lands
The agency will identify federally owned parcels appropriate for housing development and streamline the regulatory process to lease or transfer land to housing authorities and nonprofit developers.

Conservatives’ Decongestion Pricing Flip-Flop
When it comes to solving traffic problems, the current federal administration is on track for failure, waste, and hypocrisy.

Research Shows More Roads = More Driving
A national study shows, once again, that increasing road supply induces additional vehicle travel, particularly over the long run.

Can Progressive Planners Appeal to Conservative Principles?
Trump’s approach to policies like NYC’s congestion pricing isn’t just irrational and wasteful — it defies the tenets of conservatism. But there are ways to reframe the issues.

Oak Park Plans Earth Month Events
Join Oak Park, Illinois, for a series of Earth Month events highlighting the importance of community engagement and education, integrating sustainability into local plans, and planning for the most vulnerable, such as birds, bees and butterflies.
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.
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