urban-development0.855 min read
Can Unconventional Lot Shapes Alleviate Housing Shortages?
5 months ago•Source: The New York Times
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6.595 min•6 months ago
Reviving Downtowns: The Return of Factories to Urban Areas
Recent zoning reforms in various U.S. cities are enabling small-scale manufacturers like food producers, artisans, and craftspeople to return to urban neighborhoods, aiming to revitalize downtown areas, diversify local economies, and meet consumer demand for local, personalized products. These changes are part of a broader trend to recreate vibrant, mixed-use neighborhoods reminiscent of earlier eras, though challenges such as rising rents and development pressures remain.
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Revamping Malls: From Retail Giants to Community Spaces
Planetizen•1 year ago
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Cyclist's Death Highlights Paris' Car-Free Controversy
The New York Times•1 year ago
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"Ford Revives Detroit's Michigan Central Station with $950M Restoration"
Originally Published 1 year ago — by The Associated Press
Ford Motor Co. has completed a massive six-year, multimillion-dollar renovation of Detroit's Michigan Central train station, transforming the once-blighted structure into a hub for mobility projects and innovation. The restored building, now part of a 30-acre mobility innovation district, will house tech-related jobs and programs like Google's Code Next Detroit. This project symbolizes Detroit's broader resurgence from decline and bankruptcy, aiming to attract talent and boost the local economy.
"Oakland Agrees to Sell Coliseum to Black-Led Group for Redevelopment"
Originally Published 1 year ago — by KGO-TV
The City of Oakland is set to sell its half of the Coliseum complex to the African American Sports and Entertainment Group, paving the way for a massive entertainment, retail, and residential development project that could revitalize the area. The sale, valued at least $105 million, comes as the Athletics prepare to leave Oakland, leaving the Coliseum without a major tenant. The move is seen as an opportunity for East Oakland's development and will help cover the city's budget deficit, although officials emphasize that the decision is not solely financially motivated.
"Detroit's Packard Plant Set for Complete Demolition as City Pursues New Auto Plant"
Originally Published 1 year ago — by Detroit News
Detroit's Mayor Mike Duggan announced the full demolition of the Packard Plant by the end of the year, with plans to build a new automotive-related plant on the site. The city aims to eradicate blight and revitalize the area, using American Rescue Plan Act funds for the $26 million demolition project. The Packard Plant, last active in 1956, will be rehabbed for a new automotive factory within the next two years, and the city is seeking proposals for a new auto supplier for the site. The project is seen as a symbol of Detroit's resilience and commitment to revitalization, with hopes for a vibrant employment center and community spaces in the future.
"Graffiti and Trespassing: Inside L.A.'s Urban Skyscraper Scene"
Originally Published 1 year ago — by The New York Times
Oceanwide Plaza, a billion-dollar luxury skyscraper project in downtown Los Angeles, failed to materialize as intended due to financial and legal issues, leaving the towers unfinished and empty for five years. Recently, the abandoned towers have gained attention as a symbol of street art, with graffiti artists covering the windows with their work, turning the once aspirational project into a canvas for underground creativity.
Los Angeles Takes Action to Secure and Clean Up Billion-Dollar Graffiti Towers
Originally Published 1 year ago — by Fortune
City crews in Los Angeles have begun taking steps to secure an unfinished complex of downtown high-rise towers, known as the "graffiti towers," that have been vandalized and used for dangerous stunts by trespassers. The project, originally intended to house a hotel and luxury condominiums, stalled in 2019 when the Beijing-based developer ran out of money. City leaders fear for public safety and are seeking a developer to complete the project, estimating it would take $1.5 billion to do so.
"Downtown L.A.'s Graffiti Tower: Controversy, Chaos, and BASE Jumping"
Originally Published 1 year ago — by Hollywood Reporter
The Oceanwide Plaza luxury development in Los Angeles has become a canvas for graffiti artists after being left vacant and half-finished since 2019. The city is debating what to do with the towers, with some suggesting demolition and others proposing completion for public housing. The L.A. City Council has voted to have the buildings cleaned and secured, with the bill potentially reaching $4 million, but the bankrupt developer may not comply. Billionaire developer Rick Caruso criticizes the city's handling of the situation and blames it on dependency on Chinese money and weak policies. Mayor Karen Bass has not responded to requests for comment.
"Graffiti-Covered Skyscraper BASE Jumping Video Strains LAPD Resources"
Originally Published 1 year ago — by Los Angeles Times
BASE jumpers were caught on video parachuting from the top of the Oceanwide Plaza skyscraper in downtown Los Angeles, prompting concerns about safety and property security. The unfinished development has been plagued by graffiti and trespassing, leading to calls for the owners to clean up the site. The city council has ordered the owners to secure the property and clear debris from public areas, with a deadline set for compliance. If the owners fail to act, the city will initiate the cleanup process.
Daring BASE Jumpers Leap from Graffiti-Covered Downtown LA Skyscraper
Originally Published 1 year ago — by NBC Southern California
Los Angeles officials are concerned about people parachuting off an unfinished skyscraper in downtown LA that has become a hotspot for graffiti artists. The LAPD is aware of the situation but lacks additional information. City leaders are urging the building developers to secure the property, warning of potential tragedy if safety measures are not implemented. The property owners have until February 17 to respond to the city's request to secure the vacant building, with potential consequences if they fail to do so.
"Paris Mayor's Controversial Plan for Green Overhaul Sparks Resistance"
Originally Published 1 year ago — by FRANCE 24 English
Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo faces resistance from residents and the police force over her plan to create a car-free zone around the Eiffel Tower, aiming to turn the area into a green pathway. The proposal, part of Hidalgo's efforts to reduce car usage in Paris, has divided opinions, with supporters praising the move for reducing pollution and increasing green spaces, while critics, including the Paris police chief and right-wing politicians, express concerns about traffic disruptions and impact on emergency services. Hidalgo hopes to implement the project after the 2024 Summer Olympics, but faces pushback from various quarters.
"Mayor Bowser and DC Council Push for Downtown Revitalization, Capital One Arena Modernization, and Potential Team Relocation"
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Executive Office of the Mayor
Mayor Muriel Bowser and DC Council Chairman Phil Mendelson have introduced legislation to support the complete renovation and modernization of the Capital One Arena in downtown Washington, DC. The legislation outlines the District's contribution of $500 million towards the $800 million project, solidifying the arena as an economic anchor of the Gallery Place-Chinatown entertainment district. The proposal aims to create a state-of-the-art urban arena and maintain the Washington Wizards and the Washington Capitals in Washington, DC. The legislation also emphasizes the importance of job creation, supporting local businesses, and positioning the area as a top-tier destination for residents and visitors.