In advance of what may be a wider program, Philadelphia's alleys have been ranked for their aesthetic quality. Those in the "average" range are most suitable for retrofits.
Like their counterparts elsewhere, most of Philadelphia's alleyways aren't very beloved spaces. "In a Center City Residents' Association (CCRA) newsletter, [blogger William] West described the alleyways as an 'inartful jumble of architectural afterthoughts.'"
West proceeded to rank the city's alleys according to their quality. Middle scorers have the most to gain from an easy face-lift. "Subsequently, Moravian Street was selected as the best middle-ground contender. Moravian was also appropriate due to its location—it is situated between two of the most popular retail blocks in the city."
Moravian Street will be transformed, it is hoped, into an attractive urban space. "Simple green plantings with shrubbery and bushes create a sense of place, while murals integrated with green walls, hanging lights and bird boxes round out the design. Now, one can easily imagine this as a place that has grown over time, not just an alleyway with some plants hastily chucked in."
FULL STORY: Phill'd In
Where Have All the Third Spaces Gone?
As businesses shortened their hours during the pandemic, Philadelphia residents found themselves with fewer options for places to spend their evenings.
Placemaking: Building on the ‘Soul’ of a Place
Placemaking is often mistaken for a form of manufacturing. Every place already has a story to tell—placemaking just brings that story forward.
New Philly Bike Racks Blend Form, Function, Fire Hydrant Access
The clever designs serve multiple purposes—providing more bike parking while getting cars out of illegal parking spaces.
The Slow Death of Ride Sharing
From the beginning, TNCs like Lyft and Uber touted shared rides as their key product. Now, Lyft is ending the practice.
Amtrak Calls for Expansion, Citing Close to 100 Requests for New Lines
The agency told a House committee it has received more than 90 applications for new intercity rail lines from cities around the country.
Cool Walkability Planning
Shadeways (covered sidewalks) and pedways (enclosed, climate controlled walkways) can provide comfortable walkability in hot climates. The Cool Walkshed Index can help plan these facilities.
Federal Infrastructure Dollars Funding Road Expansions
Far from kickstarting a transformative change in transportation policy, the 2021 bipartisan infrastructure law continues to fund traditional road-building projects.
Downtown Omaha Planning for its Post-One-Way-Streets Era
The Omaha City Council has decided to reverse the transportation model adopted in the city in the 1950s, for the benefit of traffic safety and local retail activity.
Planning for Proximity, for the Climate’s Sake
A new global platform will help the world identify and encourage opportunities for more proximity in the built environment—development patterns that can help reduce sources of greenhouse gas emissions and other forms of pollution if built well.
Bossier City - Parish MPC
Wichita-Sedgwick County Metropolitan Area Planning Department
City of Bangor
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Montrose County
Wichita-Sedgwick County Metropolitan Area Planning Department
City of Lomita
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.
