Urban Development
Why Transit Is Only Marginally Important to Transit-Oriented Development
In addition to some interesting findings regarding the relative benefits of investment in bus rapid transit, a new report from ITDP reached some fascinating conclusions concerning the factors most important to maximizing transit investment.
Copenhagenizing Moscow
A new report by Danish firm Gehl Architects presents recommendations for transforming car-cluttered Moscow. A compact city center along with a strong desire for change are potential building blocks for a human-friendly and sustainable city.
Along New York's Waterfront, An Opportunity Without Peer
New York's lengthy waterfront was once dotted with an extensive array of piers, reaching like tentacles from the city's shores into the surrounding harbor and rivers. As the city again embraces its waterfront, those that remain are getting new life.
Battle Over Controversial S.F. Condos Goes to the Voters
Competing ballot measures in San Francisco's upcoming election will help decide whether a developer will be allowed to build a mid-rise luxury condo project along the city's waterfront. The Board of Supervisors approved the project last year.
Planner Turned Mayor Hopes to Turn Around Struggling SoCal City
Many planners might dream of how they'd change their communities if they were able to run things. In Compton, just south of Los Angeles, new mayor Aja Brown is hoping utilize her planning experience to help turn around the struggling city.
Can a Land Bank Help Dispose of Philadelphia's 40,000 Vacant Properties?
Seeking to stabilize healthy neighborhoods and revitalize others, Philadelphia is planning to establish a land bank to "consolidate its inventory of distressed real estate," reports Jon Hurdle. The plan could become a national model.
San Francisco Fights to Keep Chains Out as It Invites the Wealthy In
The battle over whether to allow a proposed Jack Spade store to open in San Francisco's Mission District points to the incongruities of a city desperate to maintain its retail diversity while it loses its residential diversity.
Can a "Rare Slice of California" Stave Off Sprawl?
San Luis Obispo County, along California's Central Coast, is at a crossroads. Will it go the way of Orange County and succumb to development pressures or will it follow Napa and Ventura Counties and protect its rural lands from exurban sprawl.
After 20 Years in Office, Boston Mayor's Legacy Writ in Concrete and Steel
After five terms in office, Boston Mayor Thomas Menino's most enduring impact may bee seen in the city's changing skyline. Rather than go out with a whimper, the Menino era is ending with a bang as the pace of development accelerates.
Can Paris's Ugliest Building Win Fans With a New Look?
As the Tour Montparnasse turns 40, the much-despised office tower is getting a makeover. With a new lighting display and plans to replace its windows, the tower is trying to alter its image. But are the renovations likely to change perceptions?
Mega-Projects Are Targets for Mega-Skepticism, But Are Concerns Warranted?
To substantiate their big budgets, big projects promise big results. But the inherent time, complexity, and deal-making required to complete such projects is fertile ground for incompetence and corruption; or isn't it? A new study investigates.
State Ruling Puts Sacramento's K Street Revitalization Project on Hold
State officials ruled that the City of Sacramento did not meet deadlines for financing the K Street revitalization project, including improperly allocating redevelopment funds. The city disagreed and will sue to overturn the decision.
Four Decades After Site Was Cleared, Plan for Lower East Side Renewal Takes Shape
With a legacy of controversy dating back to the urban renewal schemes of the 1950s and 60s, arriving at a plan to develop a six-acre parcel on Manhattan's Lower East Side was no easy task. But after a collaborative process a vision has emerged.
The Corner Store: Mark of a "Dynamic Neighbourhood"
In Vancouver, the presence of corner stores indicates diverse, dynamic, and affordable neighborhoods. But is the disappearance of such stores from neighborhoods across the city a sign that residential areas are becoming unbalanced?
Streamlined CEQA Reform Passes Under a New Bill
Senator Steinberg's CEQA reform bill, SB 731, which we have been following all year, died - but many of the most important aspects - LOS, aesthetic and parking impacts, have been transferred to SB 743 (Kings Arena bill), though applied more narrowly.
In San Francisco, a Frat Invasion Transforms a National Park
In a city known for its Beat history and hippie culture, the evolution of Fort Mason - a 237-year-old military post turned national park - into a haven for frat guys and "Google Girls" is an anomaly worthy of anthropological study.
CA Legislators Approve Bill to Ease Review Process for Sacramento Arena
CA Senate President Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg’s bill to ease the judicial process for Sacramento’s proposed arena sails through legislature--needs final approval from governor.
Re-Adapting the Tower in the Park(ing Lot)
As part of Toronto’s tower renewal effort, new zoning allows for the integration of commercial and community uses into post-war tower neighbourhoods while a loan program offers up capital for energy-efficient upgrades.
Downtown Denver Has a Case of Development Fever
With construction cranes dotting downtown Denver's skyline, the area's growth is apparent to anyone gazing skyward. A new report released this week on the "State of Downtown Denver" quantifies the area's "unprecedented growth".
Unusual Approach to Public Engagement Produces Exciting Results in Philadelphia
Rather than bringing a powerpoint presentation and ritzy renderings to a meeting with neighborhood residents, developer Omar Blaik brought blank sheets of paper. The result? A process devoid of the usual rancor and a denser design than zoning allows.
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.
Caltrans
City of Fort Worth
New Jersey Institute of Technology
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Portland
City of Laramie
