Urban Development

A Street For Detroiters

In an effort to build community, Jerry Belanger has quietly redeveloped two bars along Detroit's burgeoning Park Street bar district.

February 22, 2007 - Model D

Small Town New Jersey Looks At Big Redevelopment Project

The small New Jersey city of Harrison is considering a massive redevelopment project that could drastically change the character of the city. Some residents worry that the $1 billion redevelopment plan is too ambitious for the small town.

February 22, 2007 - The New York Times

The Battle Over 'Billyburg'

The Willamsburg neighborhood in Brooklyn, New York, is the setting for the latest iteration in the modern day gentrification saga.

February 22, 2007 - The Washington Post

Is Sustainability Here To Stay?

Thinking and acting green is all the rage these days, but commentator Neal Peirce ponders if it can ultimately be more than just a passing fad?

February 22, 2007 - AlterNet

Ontario's Long-Term Vision

The future of Ontario is looking a lot greener and much more dense, as local officials tout recent legislative changes that they expect to drastically reshape the city in the next 25 years.

February 21, 2007 - The Toronto Star

Planning on Walking?

With positive effects on public health, safety, and environmental quality -- walkability has become the new buzz word in planning.

February 20, 2007 - Wayne Senville

Philadelphia Zoning Concerns Highlight Need For Revision

Many citizens have voiced concerns over approved developments in Philadelphia. As zoning issues take center stage in public hearings and disputes, the city readies itself for a May vote to create a zoning commission that will revise the process.

February 18, 2007 - Philadelphia City Paper

Mall Plans Incite Protesters In Austin

As plans to develop a Wal-Mart and a shopping mall draw thousands of protesters in Austin, Texas, the public seems to be demanding a new kind of development.

February 18, 2007 - The Austin Chronicle

The True Building Culture Of New Orleans

In this article from Metropolis Magazine, architect and planner Andrés Duany looks at New Orleans through a new lens to find the city's true character -- and to redefine how the city can restore itself.

February 18, 2007 - Metropolis Magazine

Residents Wary Of High Rises? Buy 'Em A Balloon

In order to help residents understand the possible implications of a new multi-story transit oriented development, a developer plans to illustrate building heights by raising large balloons into the air where the buildings would stand.

February 16, 2007 - The Gazette

Harlem Refi Hits New High

A staggering $360 million refinance of a gritty 1,800-unit complex from the 1950's is another indicator that high profits can be found in long-overlooked inner-city neighborhoods.

February 16, 2007 - The Slatin Report

Cyclist Develops Village For Athletes In South Carolina

George Hincapie, former teammate of Lance Armstrong, plans to build houses and condos in Greenville County. The 300-acre development includes amenities designed for athletes.

February 16, 2007 - The Greenville News

Building Boom In Colombia's 'Secret' City

A construction boom is transforming Cartagena. Some are concerned that tourism and rapid development will degrade the city's charm.

February 15, 2007 - The Los Angeles Times

Anti-Sprawl Development Guidelines Approved In Alabama

Sweeping guidelines have been approved in Shelby County, Alabama, that will strictly govern the development of housing subdivisions. The new regulations require a mixture of uses and an increase in walkability and green space.

February 15, 2007 - The Birmingham News

L.A.'s Grand Avenue Project Approved

Plans for a broad mixed-use, transit-oriented development have received approval from the Los Angeles City Council and County Board of Supervisors, moving closer to the creation of a what civic leaders hope is a cultural center in downtown L.A.

February 15, 2007 - The Los Angeles Times

Condo Development Angers Miami Museum Lovers

As another highrise condo development towers in Miami, local historic preservation advocates complain that the historic Vizcaya Museum's garden views will be permanently damaged.

February 14, 2007 - The Miami Herald

New Orleans Unified Plan Leaves Neighborhoods Stranded

The Unified New Orleans Plan was supposed to unite seven separate, and often competing, official Hurricane Katrina rebuilding plans. But it has not been able to sidestep the controversial need to align the physical city to its shrunken population.

February 14, 2007 - Bloomberg News

Big TOD Project Breaks Ground In L.A.

Ground has been broken on an expansive transit-oriented development in the heart of Hollywood. A new hotel, apartment complex, and shopping center are part of the project, which is situated above one of L.A.'s subway stations.

February 13, 2007 - KNBC

Dublin May Be On The Road To L.A.-Style Sprawl

Urban researchers have released a report warning that Dublin, Ireland, may soon have a sprawling footprint comparable to Los Angeles, but with less than one quarter the population. The report also suggests more investment in public transportation.

February 13, 2007 - The Irish Times

Miami Suburb Looking To Densify

Through the creation of 5 new mixed-use business districts, the low density and auto-oriented Miami suburb of Hialeah is looking to create new growth and economic vibrancy.

February 13, 2007 - The Miami Herald

FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?

After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.

Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold

The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.

Top Books

An annual review of books related to planning.

Top Schools

The definitive ranking of graduate planning programs.

100 Most Influential Urbanists

The who's who of urbanism, according to Planetizen readers.

Urban Planning Creators You Should Know

A short list of voices on social, video, and podcasting platforms.