A Placemaking Journal

Okay, I’ve seen enough vacant storefronts and closed stores. Is it time for city leaders and planners to adjust our expectations and planning precepts about traditional retail? What’s happening to retail?For example, my wife Sharon and I visited San Francisco last month. We stayed near Union Square, once that city’s... Continue Reading

Back in 2006, when the Congress for the New Urbanism held its 14th annual gathering in Providence, RI, I was one of those wandering the city’s streets, marveling at its potential. The historic architecture? Gorgeous. The streets? Walkable, if a little quiet. The potential? Practically shouting from every cornice. ... Continue Reading

I was struck by a recent essay in Time about the growing epidemic of loneliness in America. It drew a clear correlation between isolation and the decline of real-life social connections, particularly in third places—those informal gathering spaces like coffee shops, libraries, and parks. As someone passionate about building... Continue Reading

Santa’s Village has always been a symbol of festive magic and joy but, with thoughtful urban design principles, it can also serve as a model for timeless community building. This is surely appropriate given Santa's stature and the fact that the typical idea of Santa's Village has some sustainability and equity challenges... Continue Reading

Across the United States, cities are grappling with housing shortages and the challenge of revitalizing underutilized spaces. Vacant malls, abandoned factories, shuttered schools, and empty churches often sit idle, wasting valuable potential. But these structures don’t have to remain relics of the past. Through adaptive... Continue Reading

I’ve become obsessed with the size of personal vehicles, and I’m pretty sure it’s driving my wife crazy.  Every time we take a walk, run an errand, or find ourselves in a parking facility, I can’t help myself from commenting constantly about the enormous size of many newer cars, trucks, and especially SUVs... Continue Reading

Despite the changing needs and priorities of an aging population, many US municipalities have restricted housing types that could help address the challenges of a generational shift. In this week's post, PlaceMaker Susan Henderson explores housing approaches outside the norm of the single family home. Abergavenny, a charming... Continue Reading

Green infrastructure encompasses a range of innovative, nature-based solutions, such as green roofs, rain gardens, permeable pavements, and bioswales. These approaches work in harmony with the environment to manage stormwater, reduce urban heat island effects, and promote biodiversity. By integrating green infrastructure... Continue Reading

This is the second part of a two-part conversation with Arthur C. (Christian “Chris”) Nelson, professor emeritus of urban planning and real estate development at the University of Arizona, as well as presidential professor emeritus of city and metropolitan planning at the University of Utah. Part One is available here. Continue Reading

This is the first part of a two-part conversation with Arthur C. (Christian “Chris”) Nelson, professor emeritus of urban planning and real estate development at the University of Arizona, as well as presidential professor emeritus of city and metropolitan planning at the University of Utah. Part Two is available here. Continue Reading