One of the country's most recognizable and beloved architectural flourishes has many sordid stories to tell. Today is also its 50th birthday.
From the underreported history of the St. Louis Gateway Arch: a rigged vote for bond funding, an embarrassing failure to recognize the difference between Eero Saarinen (the son) and Eliel Saarinen (father), and a high-profile civil rights protest. An article by Greg Bailey brings light to these quizzical and critical moments in the Arch's history.
Bailey provides details about each of these episodes, dating back to the voter-approved bond that kick-started the Arch back in 1933. The historic tales are mean to shed renewed light on the Arch as the National Park Service celebrates the 50th anniversary of the structure today, with 1,000 free cupcakes and rides to the top of the Arch priced at the price of $1—the same price charged on the first day of the Arch's life as a civic monument.
In a separate article, Tim O'Neil reports that the Gateway Arch will be bathed in gold (via floodlight) for the anniversary event.
FULL STORY: Missouri's Gateway Arch monument built on rigged votes, protests
Newly Minted St. Louis Gateway Arch National Park Reviewed
The recently revitalized and designated as a National Park St. Louis Gateway Arch National Park is described by park planner Clement Lau.
Design Review: Revamped Gateway Arch an Urban Success
Pulitzer Prize-winning critic Blair Kamin assesses the remodeled Gateway Arch in St. Louis, prior to its big public opening on July 3.
Reconnecting St. Louis to its River
According a recent article in the Riverfront Times, perceptions of the Mississippi River among St. Louis residents are poor, but a collection of "river evangelists" and patient business owners are working to change that reality.
Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?
Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing
A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.
Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire
Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.
LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles
LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.
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.
Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions